tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68250968318240619192024-03-18T09:34:50.388-05:00House of DreadHouse of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.comBlogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-87884051982231571932023-09-10T06:24:01.203-05:002024-02-10T09:44:04.379-06:00Gold Touch<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVuHSLHm5jnlPilRGMkJT02dxYDBjItR1I20aP7ARJdyLe_Yyniu25eixSMefudij3W5PkUI8Vbf2dhfyS5frm11l5JZs9kGTj4w9WQHpPQAM1Cw7to7NVBuZuO9XTNHohg10hMJeAi81cbFvVQ8LPGp0AznH52hcXLPiK-kHc_1dI9JMvDaMHmck8RE/s2048/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P3%20%20LAC-SF.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVuHSLHm5jnlPilRGMkJT02dxYDBjItR1I20aP7ARJdyLe_Yyniu25eixSMefudij3W5PkUI8Vbf2dhfyS5frm11l5JZs9kGTj4w9WQHpPQAM1Cw7to7NVBuZuO9XTNHohg10hMJeAi81cbFvVQ8LPGp0AznH52hcXLPiK-kHc_1dI9JMvDaMHmck8RE/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P3%20%20LAC-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ah, yes. The beginning of September, one of my favorite times of the year. Not only does it mean it's the start of another football season, it also means I get to dust off the old crystal ball and see what kind of nonsense it is spewing out in its annual NFL forecast. Well, most of the time it has been nonsense. But just like that blind squirrel, my crystal balls - CB and CB2, for short - actually attain that moment of success every now and then. Not once or twice but <i>three</i> times in the last 15 NFL seasons they actually have correctly picked the winner of the Super Bowl. CB got the Saints right in 2009 and the Ravens in 2012. And after I retired CB at the end of the 2015 season, CB2 has gotten the winner right one time in its 7 forecasts, that being the Chiefs in 2019.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In those 15 forecasts the Ravens and Steelers were picked twice to win it all. 11 other teams once - the Cowboys, Giants, Saints, Seahawks, Cardinals, Jets (yikes!), Bills, Broncos, Jaguars (double yikes!!), Browns (triple yikes!!!), and Chiefs. And in those 15 seasons 12 different teams have won the Super Bowl, with only the Chiefs (two) and Patriots (three) winning more than one. CB2 is hoping that we'll be adding one team to both of those groups of teams at the end of 2023, because it is picking a team that it has never picked before .... and one that hasn't won the Super Bowl in the last 15 years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last week the House of Dread observed its 15th anniversary - the first 4 years on the Yardbarker website (back when they allowed anyone to have a personal blog) before moving to Blogger in October 2012. You'll notice that I didn't use the word celebrate. And that's because there's not much to celebrate when it comes to the way I've taken care of the house. Specifically, I hardly post anything anymore. Not that I don't want to. But there just are not enough hours in a day to cover everything I want to. I'm sure you've noticed - and I'm not complaining about it - but dreads have become so popular (and not only in sports) over the last 5 years or so that they now actually have become <i>too</i> popular. There are so many dreads in college sports now that it's pretty much impossible to keep up with everyone. Even covering only the NFL has become so overwhelming that it requires much more time than I am willing and/or able to spend. But even if I can't keep up the house as well as it needs to be, that doesn't mean I don't want to. Even after all these years it's still exciting to see a player with his dreads hanging way outside of his helmet for the first time and finding out all about him. Anyway I going to keep on going, even if what I'm covering is nowhere near adequate enough.</div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">To lead off year 16 of the House of Dread CB2 is picking LB <b>Fred Warner</b> (photo at top of page) and the San Francisco 49ers to have the golden touch in 2023 and win Super Bowl 58, to be played for the first time at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders in Paradise, NV. The 49ers, of course, are no stranger to the Super Bowl, having won it 5 times in the past. But all 5 were in the distant past - between 1981 and 1994 - the first 4 of which with Joe Montana at quarterback. In the 28 seasons since they have made the playoffs 12 times and are 0-2 in the Super Bowl. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After a 5-year span (2014-18) of not having a winning season, the Niners have advanced to the NFL's Final Four 3 times in the last 4 years but have yet to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The 2019 season ended with a bitterly disappointing (for them, not me) loss to the Chiefs in Super Bow 54. And the last two seasons have ended with equally disappointing road defeats in the NFC championship game. In 2021 they failed to hold a 17-7 4th quarter lead against the hated L.A. Rams, losing 20-17. And then came last season .......</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's not often you get better when you are forced to play your 3rd string quarterback. But that's exactly what the 49ers did in 2022. After losing starting QB Trey Lance in Week 2 and then backup (and former starter) Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 13, both due to season-ending injuries, the 49ers had no choice but to turn to unknown rookie Brock Purdy, the very last player picked in the 2022 Draft. And - of course - the 49ers' offense suddenly caught fire. With Purdy throwing at least 2 TD passes in each game, the 49ers averaged 33 points per game during the last 6 games of the regular season and stormed into the playoffs on a 10-game winning streak. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But the damage was already done. With Purdy hardly seeing any action at all, the 49ers started the season 3-4, including road losses to the Bears, Broncos, and Falcons - all of whom ended up in last place in their divisions - in which they scored 34 points <i>combined</i>. So it turned out their 13-4 finishing record was only good for 2nd place in the conference. And in the NFC title game against the #1 seed, the fierce pass rush of the Philadelphia Eagles knocked Purdy out of the game on the 49ers' opening drive of the day. The Eagles went on to roll to a 31-7 victory; but let me ask you a question. Suppose the Niners had won just one of those 3 games against last place teams and had been the top seed and had gotten to play the Eagles at home. Do you think the Eagles' pass rush would have been that good so early in the game on the road? I, for one, doubt it. There's no way Purdy gets injured like that if the game's played at Levi's Stadium. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5uQtOVNe3wGFy7VyP1Vsnzf4znCZdSVZC9JNTdXudpcaHLUULDQxVo5mBeJLYzbDdmHRJK10d9FCx2PAjVLezKgWLVLy5H1EWgBjUuFXHucLZJFjm153abGflRNKHKwNDZ32INCEQrVcPZWYS-LqNe5VLWPd7Nq0PkLv5XIfvxmnTBySY8kGiKuHtjQ/s683/NFL23--JULY%2031--P3%20%20SF%20TC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5uQtOVNe3wGFy7VyP1Vsnzf4znCZdSVZC9JNTdXudpcaHLUULDQxVo5mBeJLYzbDdmHRJK10d9FCx2PAjVLezKgWLVLy5H1EWgBjUuFXHucLZJFjm153abGflRNKHKwNDZ32INCEQrVcPZWYS-LqNe5VLWPd7Nq0PkLv5XIfvxmnTBySY8kGiKuHtjQ/s320/NFL23--JULY%2031--P3%20%20SF%20TC.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxSLtvq33XihLCgmv_KEn-1FAWkv7t381U4NyyGMTFvoV_MW-ChpwUrx9eZl_OXxuCgNE9BiFAVZADgRuvFZfe6LGZ-dciArVXukVmujEh-BORvPVfaQNb6UK6nc6d0ak-TyjldH-wJV-jXVMuwN_RFVNRfWOzj8hWy0l-kOtWd8VH4LtHF52mJaolJI/s1789/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P4%20%20LAC-SF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1789" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxSLtvq33XihLCgmv_KEn-1FAWkv7t381U4NyyGMTFvoV_MW-ChpwUrx9eZl_OXxuCgNE9BiFAVZADgRuvFZfe6LGZ-dciArVXukVmujEh-BORvPVfaQNb6UK6nc6d0ak-TyjldH-wJV-jXVMuwN_RFVNRfWOzj8hWy0l-kOtWd8VH4LtHF52mJaolJI/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P4%20%20LAC-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Well, there's no use crying over spilled milk. It's on to the next season, and in 2023 - if CB2 is correct - the 49ers will be at home in the conference championship game and not very far from home in the Super Bowl as they win their 6th overall NFL title. With Purdy (seated next to Warner in left photo before preseason game #3 on Aug. 26) fully healthy after recovering from elbow surgery, and with Warner - a 1st team All-Pro last season - back to once again lead a strong defense, including his sidekick, <b>Dre Greenlaw</b> (next to Warner in right photo at practice on July 31), it's going to be really hard to beat the 49ers. And impossible to beat them - so says CB2 - on their home field in the playoffs. Warner led the team with 130 tackles last season and Greenlaw was right behind with a career high 127. WR <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> (photo below) scored 8 of the team's 53 touchdowns in 2022 and led the team with 1,015 receiving yards and should be a major contributor once again. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0ooYCFFJa5Ptn9IMxLYOJSPGu7anUW4jV1PShtb128Du11CRMpCZH1SH5_PRS_AFOvtQPac-loDwcpjTDi_wO0atMmBdzVoACnG7SwdKwlTv0PpoHdNnLyCUIPFsOBbiKvuDzTYUJeocZhSZQznBJN1moLnzxiVnIHqOruoMsDd5kPqSxeawW8rvueU/s2048/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P5A%20%20LAC-SF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="2048" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0ooYCFFJa5Ptn9IMxLYOJSPGu7anUW4jV1PShtb128Du11CRMpCZH1SH5_PRS_AFOvtQPac-loDwcpjTDi_wO0atMmBdzVoACnG7SwdKwlTv0PpoHdNnLyCUIPFsOBbiKvuDzTYUJeocZhSZQznBJN1moLnzxiVnIHqOruoMsDd5kPqSxeawW8rvueU/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P5A%20%20LAC-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>It is widely believed that the Eagles are still the NFC's best team. And they may prove to be. They're certainly the best on paper. But the 2023 edition of the Eagles begins the season with not one but two giant gorillas on their back that are going to be hard to shake. For one, the Eagles lost the Super Bowl last season; and if you follow the NFL at all you know that Super Bowl losers almost always struggle the following season. Recently: of the last 9 Super Bowl losers, only one has improved their regular season record the next year. That was the Cincinnati Bengals, who went 12-4 last year after going 10-7 in 2021. The other 'problem' for the Eagles is that they finished in 1st place in the NFC East last year. And as any fan of the Eagles, Cowboys, Commanders, and Giants knows well, that means the Eagles won't be division champs again this year. Last season was the 18th in a row that the NFC East did not have a repeat champion. So what looks like an easy path for the Eagles to return to the Super Bowl probably will not be. History always proves to be a formidable opponent. That's probably why CB2 is picking them not only to not win the division, but to miss the playoffs entirely.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xZbOeiydfG9cfKihLxmA_ecapuHhiapZtzlB1wIhpXQkdVnmdM0x-_UBppav8G_rAlGjPjBRl9D892fg5XxUaUMS7dht0BX4XRda0CxEwMJQcRFttpi4N_awYqcAsyS7IztO3A6xrCscKfeVa1fvOd7FDCua7SyQ_qXuRZd5nWOYDmpJem9qd951t5A/s3388/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P1%20%20NYJ-NYG.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2259" data-original-width="3388" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xZbOeiydfG9cfKihLxmA_ecapuHhiapZtzlB1wIhpXQkdVnmdM0x-_UBppav8G_rAlGjPjBRl9D892fg5XxUaUMS7dht0BX4XRda0CxEwMJQcRFttpi4N_awYqcAsyS7IztO3A6xrCscKfeVa1fvOd7FDCua7SyQ_qXuRZd5nWOYDmpJem9qd951t5A/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P1%20%20NYJ-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Over in the AFC, CB2 thinks that the New York Jets - the team that has missed the playoffs the last 12 seasons in a row and finished with a winning record just once in those 12 years - will <i>finally</i> give their fans plenty to cheer about as they dethrone the Buffalo Bills as AFC East champs and then go on the road in the playoffs to take the AFC crown and make their first Super Bowl appearance in 55 years. The reason for Jets optimism can be summed up in two words: Aaron Rodgers. After 15 mostly sensational seasons quarterbacking the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers (photo on right from Aug. 25), now 39 years old, will attempt to resuscitate the Jets' offense. It was an offense that in 2022 scored 17 or fewer points in their last 5 games of the season and was the most responsible for the team crashing and ending the season on a 6-game losing streak. The defense was already solid last year - and is going to be even better this year. Just ask them. Ultimately the Jets will fall to the 49ers in the Super Bowl. Which would be fitting, as several of Rodgers seasons with the Packers ended with playoff defeats to the Niners.</div><div><br /></div><div>Change isn't inevitable in the NFL, it's a given. And CB2 sees plenty of things changing in the NFL in 2023. For instance, CB2 is predicting a whopping 6 new division champs, 3 of whom finished in last place in 2022. 6 of the 8 division champs will be crowned in dramatic fashion in the closing seconds of their games in Week 18. CB2 also sees major change in this season's playoff field, with 8 teams that weren't in the playoffs last season participating this year. Making the playoffs in the AFC is going to be extremely difficult, as not one but two teams are forecast to miss the playoffs despite winning 10 or more games. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the bottom of the league, the Arizona Cardinals seemingly have gone out of their way to position themselves to lose big in 2023. And accordingly, CB2 has picked them to win exactly one game. They won't have dead last to themselves though. CB2 also - and for the 2nd straight year - is picking the Houston Texans to win only once. No other team is forecast to finish with fewer than 4 wins.</div><div><br /></div><div>In its 2022 forecast CB2 - in predictions made entirely before the start of the season, went 159-112 during the regular season, a .587 win percentage and almost identical to its 160-112 record from 2021 (remember that there was one less game last year due to that Bills-Bengals cancellation in Week 17). What about 2023. Well, in the two scans below you can see who CB2 is picking to win all 272 games. Then after that, as usual, we'll take a division-by-division look at what all those W's and L's add up to - with CB2's exact words in <i>italics</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLsJBZ5dzhX1Gt9lchNatOTprGHzCweEU8oz1U0B2lPZeLwA8hIpzPF1miziDfTuaXQK2z4IrnyaXB02GmoWcIOfSd3VhAYa_Tp2iq3_LdP1yM8XN_IySXunw_QUfnsSvjWkM9R3wuofOR7sfvNXnTUJgiyRMIhxG5QRvBPDjCA1HNTXD5ue6N2cP-QU/s2503/NFL23--PRED1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2503" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLsJBZ5dzhX1Gt9lchNatOTprGHzCweEU8oz1U0B2lPZeLwA8hIpzPF1miziDfTuaXQK2z4IrnyaXB02GmoWcIOfSd3VhAYa_Tp2iq3_LdP1yM8XN_IySXunw_QUfnsSvjWkM9R3wuofOR7sfvNXnTUJgiyRMIhxG5QRvBPDjCA1HNTXD5ue6N2cP-QU/s320/NFL23--PRED1.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPJE2mK9RHMoZ5XLOsZ-DPoU-gc65V7ump9P5c6GPMeavN6UWCW4V5bFSiSS-ddynTPj2wLYWxaSVehVs1xSq2aNxaG1mvVz0dNZTK9BlGfPGpEwKf9jT7So8gyWLZGkPFqwOWDpyMaKDV5-imMWUehewyH2lkJ3zk6CDgxMIHMnl700FvyX24X8cD48/s2488/NFL23--PRED2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2488" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyPJE2mK9RHMoZ5XLOsZ-DPoU-gc65V7ump9P5c6GPMeavN6UWCW4V5bFSiSS-ddynTPj2wLYWxaSVehVs1xSq2aNxaG1mvVz0dNZTK9BlGfPGpEwKf9jT7So8gyWLZGkPFqwOWDpyMaKDV5-imMWUehewyH2lkJ3zk6CDgxMIHMnl700FvyX24X8cD48/s320/NFL23--PRED2.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>AFC EAST</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li> NYJ 10-7 </li><li> BUF 10-7</li><li>MIA 9-8</li><li>NE 5-12 </li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Jets clinch 1st place due to head-to-head sweep of Bills (Weeks 1 and 11)</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: <i>Bills seem on their way to division-clinching victory at Miami in Week 18 after <b>James Cook</b>'s 2nd TD of the day gives them 33-16 lead with 7 minutes to play. But Dolphins pull within 33-28 and then get ball back after recovering onside kick with :37 on clock. 3 plays later <b>Tyreek Hill</b> scores on amazing 33-yard catch and run on screen pass with :10 left to complete comeback and give Dolphins improbable 34-33 victory. Then almost immediately after game ends in Miami, <b>Dalvin Cook</b> scores his 2nd TD in less than a minute at New England on a 16-yard catch and run with 7 seconds to play to give Jets improbable 27-23 victory over Patriots for division crown. </i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKMR4qHVVJkuWC-2ur0bVbr7XqqViFtahWDC-9EvoTYo2XrfgwPbzVzZ62eJHTX_I6M3U_v4-Zl2a1X8ut0TgDJVzliSyHW0D8ftI65-DYFEe4X_KMTTSyg9w29glm7G7JJZLtBJKyx6RLb9a9sKt8RtUk7sY8GvnHr037C_lv4lg_bSRNWVbK74zvig/s1365/NFL23--AUG.%203--P2%20%20NYJ-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="878" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKMR4qHVVJkuWC-2ur0bVbr7XqqViFtahWDC-9EvoTYo2XrfgwPbzVzZ62eJHTX_I6M3U_v4-Zl2a1X8ut0TgDJVzliSyHW0D8ftI65-DYFEe4X_KMTTSyg9w29glm7G7JJZLtBJKyx6RLb9a9sKt8RtUk7sY8GvnHr037C_lv4lg_bSRNWVbK74zvig/s320/NFL23--AUG.%203--P2%20%20NYJ-CLEVE.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oToX2u8hDnJEWlgSnDOmmWMwnLIS127uZkmjFqS06IzEE6FlvlT6r1q8tWaA1SvOyoXeIfvMIz9zRb39bziZLHxKX2DxmehOdYNg4KRwRI7xzhuH522GT4i7XM49AFcRPbS4KdxqlLagasnlswzhsoALgXAGIIoaERSUSE-H3THHsTXzTkwa3Lxbt_w/s2048/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P2%20%20BUFF-CHI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oToX2u8hDnJEWlgSnDOmmWMwnLIS127uZkmjFqS06IzEE6FlvlT6r1q8tWaA1SvOyoXeIfvMIz9zRb39bziZLHxKX2DxmehOdYNg4KRwRI7xzhuH522GT4i7XM49AFcRPbS4KdxqlLagasnlswzhsoALgXAGIIoaERSUSE-H3THHsTXzTkwa3Lxbt_w/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P2%20%20BUFF-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Undaunted by last year's failed prediction that <b>James Cook</b> (left photo) would become the Bills' first player with dreads to reach double figures in touchdowns scored, CB2 is making the same pick again, expecting James to be the AFC East's top-scoring player with dreads with 13 TD. That would be 3 more than the 10 TD CB2 expects <b>Tyreek Hill</b> to score for the Dolphins and 6 more than the 7 TD <b>Dalvin Cook</b> - James' older brother - is forecast to score for the Jets. CB2 also thinks rookie <b>Will McDonald</b> (right photo) will lead all NFL rookies with dreads with 6.5 sacks.<br />.<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>AFC NORTH </b> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>PIT 13-4</li><li>CLEV 13-4</li><li>CIN 12-5</li><li>BAL 9-8</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Steelers clinch 1st place due to better record than Browns in games vs. division opponents (PIT 4-2, CLEV 3-3)</div><div><br /></div><div>Mercy. 13 wins for the Browns!?</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: <i>The real Deshaun Watson is back, and Myles Garrett and <b>Za'Darius Smith</b> will have a party rushing the QB.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>We'll see about that.</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: <i>With Browns clinging to 3-point lead in closing seconds in Week 18 thriller at Cincy, <b>Za'Darius Smith</b> hits Joe Burrow as he throws on 4th and goal, causing pass into end zone to veer off target and directly at <b>Martin Emerson</b>. But he muffs the easy INT and deflects ball right into the hands of Tee Higgins for 7-yard TD with 23 seconds to play, giving Bengals 27-24 victory. Moments later in Baltimore, Steelers thwart Ravens' upset bid, as <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b>'s sack of Kenny Pickett on 4th and 1 on first possession of overtime is nullified by controversial roughing the passer penalty and on next play Pickett hits <b>Diontae Johnson</b> for 18-yard TD to give Steelers 22-16 win for division crown and #1 seed in AFC.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZhrDQFLxn_9E9c-VQ_1OqoQnG-jbzwLIeZXin5NYy9JZ92pAOyApG5R0IYVGaQ927h48fqS34ualzBIEwwYNZ7ZKJ5hKcgSRUw0OERqyoDrH1wl7Gpt2GsncMhxtU1Zld0MzvPevrhljD3ehZoVgRlhrhNI0K3L-AxseQhQDsbN93z3qAZ0mLGEtonc/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2011--P5%20%20WASH-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZhrDQFLxn_9E9c-VQ_1OqoQnG-jbzwLIeZXin5NYy9JZ92pAOyApG5R0IYVGaQ927h48fqS34ualzBIEwwYNZ7ZKJ5hKcgSRUw0OERqyoDrH1wl7Gpt2GsncMhxtU1Zld0MzvPevrhljD3ehZoVgRlhrhNI0K3L-AxseQhQDsbN93z3qAZ0mLGEtonc/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2011--P5%20%20WASH-CLEVE.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80RfWzWFJqRMqkOWWEcfvTncBluGja7pN2Yq8h0q8NSVxjimzQXvMNjUySEG-sHFXcffYub8eN4CApTLS7opPuwSJPJa99gx-p_MVViqMbR6Kdk6i8JJDfoCj4DFX9EoZOtgpF1-LRAcIJ2EQWh4Q5DUEOllfBUwwvz7LinEygWyy1HGsxC-WE7RC3lI/s1177/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P2%20%20BUFF-PITT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1177" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh80RfWzWFJqRMqkOWWEcfvTncBluGja7pN2Yq8h0q8NSVxjimzQXvMNjUySEG-sHFXcffYub8eN4CApTLS7opPuwSJPJa99gx-p_MVViqMbR6Kdk6i8JJDfoCj4DFX9EoZOtgpF1-LRAcIJ2EQWh4Q5DUEOllfBUwwvz7LinEygWyy1HGsxC-WE7RC3lI/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P2%20%20BUFF-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 says<b> Za'Darius Smith</b> (left photo), benefitting from playing on the same D-line as All-Pro Myles Garrett, will have a big first season for him in a Browns uniform, racking up a career high 15 sacks to lead all NFL players with dreads. CB2 has <b>David Njoku</b> of the Browns - who has never had more than 4 TD in any season - to lead all NFL tight ends with dreads with 8 TD. CB2 also expects big things for some of the Steelers' players with dreads. It has <b>Diontae</b> <b>Johnson</b> (right photo) bouncing back from last season's shutout (86 receptions but 0 TD) to score 7 TD this season. It has <b>Najee Harris</b> to once again lead the Steelers in TD, scoring 10 for the 3rd straight year. And it has 2nd round draft pick <b>Joey Porter Jr.</b> to lead all rookies with dreads with 4 interceptions.<div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>AFC SOUTH</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>TENN 11-6</li><li>JAC 11-6</li><li>IND 5-12</li><li>HOU 1-16</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Titans clinch 1st place due to better strength of victory in all games (the 5th tiebreaker) than Jaguars (TENN 75 opponent wins, JAC 74 opponent wins)</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: <i>In critical struggle to the death on Saturday night at Nashville in Week 18, Titans score 2 TD less than 30 seconds apart to take lead over Jaguars in 4th quarter. <b>Chigoziem</b> <b>Okonkwo</b> scores on 11-yard catch and 3 plays later <b>Denico Autry</b> sacks and strips Trevor Lawrence and <b>Trevis Gipson</b> scoops up ball and scores on 17-yard fumble return to give Titans 21-20 lead. On Jaguars' next possession <b>Calvin Ridley</b>'s 37-yard reception to the 15-yard line on 4th and 22 puts Jags in range for game-winning FG. But on final play of game the 33-yard chip shot attempt hits the right upright, giving Titans the win and leaving division title hanging in the balance. Then late afternoon on Sunday win by Bengals over Browns clinches strength of victory tiebreaker in Titans' favor by 1 game, knocking Jaguars out of playoff picture despite 11 wins. </i></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSIgH1lkrSeyXxkEOm9AKKrmxn9ddFHJzFUhXYHCCukAWH-tHOd3fyl3alreZlroRBiYMD6oRpNsXd0uIRmRvo1LSv1z7G6gpWXBVDAnbvpj7eLkMYD7Gf585HCFYS1WhfN4pdZgiVoRphiqLl2qk1qHZqDsaKIVFB1-nU4XTbt4bekoVlfEsKpzw-G0/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2024--P2%20%20IND-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="653" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSIgH1lkrSeyXxkEOm9AKKrmxn9ddFHJzFUhXYHCCukAWH-tHOd3fyl3alreZlroRBiYMD6oRpNsXd0uIRmRvo1LSv1z7G6gpWXBVDAnbvpj7eLkMYD7Gf585HCFYS1WhfN4pdZgiVoRphiqLl2qk1qHZqDsaKIVFB1-nU4XTbt4bekoVlfEsKpzw-G0/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2024--P2%20%20IND-PHIL.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW3f1v-cCVW51J99FacNHbDPhF7XdupAjK276eEldZ8U-NTb8RrvXEu1JmuaSXmxVN27jm2P8GaNXJCEqCtKyyCMYfNWAS7A1VVexigkhboSgbiY0B61AWm_ycGWxeFfokKEKZ6lVsbQ8_9mQoM8wuPjVemC8-aLjRvACtex34e5CsE8JVzXuJsxhVOk/s1280/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P6%20%20NE-TENN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW3f1v-cCVW51J99FacNHbDPhF7XdupAjK276eEldZ8U-NTb8RrvXEu1JmuaSXmxVN27jm2P8GaNXJCEqCtKyyCMYfNWAS7A1VVexigkhboSgbiY0B61AWm_ycGWxeFfokKEKZ6lVsbQ8_9mQoM8wuPjVemC8-aLjRvACtex34e5CsE8JVzXuJsxhVOk/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P6%20%20NE-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 is confident that <b>Derrick Henry</b> (left photo), who has missed being the league's top-scoring player with dreads by 1 TD for the last two seasons, will leave the competition in the dust this year, scoring 17 TD to lead all players with dreads and to help the Titans claim the team crown for the most TD by players with dreads with 28. CB2 is also pretty sure that it will be a rough rookie season for <b>Anthony</b> <b>Richardson</b> (right photo), the 4th overall pick in this year's Draft, predicting him to score 10 TD but pass for only 13 TD for the Colts.</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>AFC WEST</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>KC 13-4</li><li>LAC 12-5</li><li>DEN 7-10</li><li>LV 7-10</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Broncos clinch 3rd place due to better record than Raiders in games vs. division opponents (DEN 2-4, LV 1-5)</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: <i>With division crown at stake at SoFi on Sunday night in Week 18 Chiefs-Chargers game goes into overtime after <b>Quentin Johnston</b> makes catch on jump ball for game-tying 2-point conversion following 17-yard TD catch by Mike Williams with :00 remaining. <b>Asante Samuel Jr.</b> then intercepts Patrick Mahomes on 3rd play of OT and returns it 26 yards to the house for apparent game-winning TD. But replay review shows Samuel stepping out of bounds at the 20-yard line and TD does not count. Chargers attempt FG two plays later but kick is blocked by <b>Derrick Nnadi</b> and scooped up by <b>L'Jarius</b> <b>Sneed</b> and returned 66 yards for TD, giving Chiefs 40-34 victory and division crown for 7th straight season.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg3uG6r7jpjGmNM-1dEEJioo_SotuY525_9V6JdBLrA6ZzKE9EfHSSq0oLN_gMnVpRrjCDauPmzLLxArt03nPNlnuzJiHm_H38zxl_P0sdGTV1bIXPbGAlFa3CidBF536wcxT7jlBQsOsAVHQvPR-VdkKra6sxIEdFU0fvV_PMq6EWCP0YxbGfyL-1nY/s2048/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P3%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg3uG6r7jpjGmNM-1dEEJioo_SotuY525_9V6JdBLrA6ZzKE9EfHSSq0oLN_gMnVpRrjCDauPmzLLxArt03nPNlnuzJiHm_H38zxl_P0sdGTV1bIXPbGAlFa3CidBF536wcxT7jlBQsOsAVHQvPR-VdkKra6sxIEdFU0fvV_PMq6EWCP0YxbGfyL-1nY/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P3%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV1Hh-lenciMve3XDo8DU3cUqEFqW85_yEVV2akuymtsEsoS1eTheAM7WmJjb_f7IrLdiInDURUcMcLeA9QNQ3jfimKGq-pTLIA3aPSaOVY_id8LoG9Ul2ciBxEDqKhHKC_EDWI3JLmsPTEQKxHBFKMDW-b7vIFpro0XVpCUev_qZIEa-yeBTlkzNo68/s1024/NFL23--JULY%2031--P2%20%20LAC%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV1Hh-lenciMve3XDo8DU3cUqEFqW85_yEVV2akuymtsEsoS1eTheAM7WmJjb_f7IrLdiInDURUcMcLeA9QNQ3jfimKGq-pTLIA3aPSaOVY_id8LoG9Ul2ciBxEDqKhHKC_EDWI3JLmsPTEQKxHBFKMDW-b7vIFpro0XVpCUev_qZIEa-yeBTlkzNo68/s320/NFL23--JULY%2031--P2%20%20LAC%20TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sadly Clyde Edwards-Helaire (#25) in top photo above has cut off his dreads, but <b>Isiah Pacheco</b> (#10) most definitely has not, and CB2 thinks Pacheco will score more than twice as many touchdowns as he did last going, improving from 5 TD to 12 TD to replace Raiders WR <b>Davante Adams</b> as the division's top-scoring player with dreads. CB2 is adamant that rookie <b>Quentin Johnston</b> (#1 in bottom photo above) - in addition to his clutch 2-point conversion in Week 18 - will end the Chargers' 2-year drought of having no offensive TD scored by players with dreads, finishing the season with 3 TD catches. CB2 is a little less adamant - but still confident - that Chargers CB <b>Asante Samuel Jr.</b> will duplicate the feat his dad accomplished long ago by leading the league's players with dreads with 7 INT.<br />. <div> <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>NFC EAST</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>DAL 11-6</li><li>PHIL 9-8</li><li>WASH 7-10 </li><li>NYG 6-11</li></ol>Still not sold on the Giants, huh? And no playoffs for the Eagles?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2: <i>Giants make it 15 straight seasons without back-to-back playoff appearances. Eagles' killer schedule Weeks 11-15 too much to overcome.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2: <i>Immediately after shocking loss by Seahawks to Cardinals in Week 18 puts Eagles in control of their playoff fate, Eagles fumble game away in closing minutes at MetLife. On 3rd and 5 on first play after 2-minute warning, Jalen Hurts scrambles for apparent game-clinching 1st down on 3rd and 5 but is tackled and stripped of ball by <b>Boogie Basham</b>, and <b>Bobby McCain</b> recovers it and returns it 21 yards to the house to give Giants 17-16 lead. And on ensuing drive, on 29-yard catch and run that would move Eagles into FG range <b>Xavier McKinney</b> strips ball from <b>Quez Watkins</b> and recovers himself at the 15-yard line to clinch improbable victory for Giants that eliminates Eagles from playoff contention.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujzqlVwKhMQmxcCAtILuGx2_Bucqyn-q1APTCXOXcDUGelmqRpDr8a8Z4XxyIEayBa6molpWYzi0e9tXXCLDhWFgCQNf9YGadQMZ74dg3YrWsqL2X59VY0WeRKGrxeOXqZK8ephTsfVfJx2IALhDK_vZa_-xaBdcbHag8omMLwUr-EtSjmu88NZdkwVg/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P5%20%20LV-DALL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgujzqlVwKhMQmxcCAtILuGx2_Bucqyn-q1APTCXOXcDUGelmqRpDr8a8Z4XxyIEayBa6molpWYzi0e9tXXCLDhWFgCQNf9YGadQMZ74dg3YrWsqL2X59VY0WeRKGrxeOXqZK8ephTsfVfJx2IALhDK_vZa_-xaBdcbHag8omMLwUr-EtSjmu88NZdkwVg/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P5%20%20LV-DALL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakDVtfFtJ017QKI_bHBQUeyPngLPwdN24Ezdr0W3jSQU4I3Hfl8EOVt0S1UZpVeQuJbJv_MsIuAUEsg23QZ1NoIEL4VOLh_bXwrgsYrMb-Jm65tjY_oY5A7L9I_4pYKLuy-BUOrSynlzE3uDf9m_BY3MY_9vsFv1EFHYzZ0CimHq6NN_uPE9L8c2UWA8/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P4%20%20LV-DALL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakDVtfFtJ017QKI_bHBQUeyPngLPwdN24Ezdr0W3jSQU4I3Hfl8EOVt0S1UZpVeQuJbJv_MsIuAUEsg23QZ1NoIEL4VOLh_bXwrgsYrMb-Jm65tjY_oY5A7L9I_4pYKLuy-BUOrSynlzE3uDf9m_BY3MY_9vsFv1EFHYzZ0CimHq6NN_uPE9L8c2UWA8/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P4%20%20LV-DALL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With the Eagles struggling, CB2 thinks the Cowboys will have the division all to themselves in 2023, aided as usual by huge contributions from <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> (#88) and <b>Trevon Diggs</b>. Last season the Cowboys finished in a 3-way tie for the team with the most interceptions by players with dreads with 7. Well, CB2 thinks that Diggs will have 7 INT by himself this season to tie <b>Asante Samuel Jr.</b> for the most INT by a player with dreads and lead the Cowboys to another team crown, this time with 12 INT by players with dreads. And CB2 is positive that Lamb will hit double figures in TD for the first time, finishing with 12 TD and leading NFC East players with dreads for the 4th year in a row. I'm sorry for the photos with the reduced dreads. I don't freak out because players often keep their dreads reduced during the preseason. But I certainly hope Diggs and Lamb aren't planning on looking like this when the real season begins.</div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>NFC NORTH </b></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>CHI 10-7</li><li>DET 10-7</li><li>GB 8-9</li><li>MINN 5-12</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Bears clinch 1st place due to better record than Lions in games vs. division opponents (CHI 4-2, DET 2-4)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, come on. The Bears with twice as many wins as the Vikings?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2: <i>You really think the Vikings gonna win all those close games again? Not!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you're right.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2: <i>Needing to win in Week 18 to wrap-up division title, Bears lay egg at Frigid Lambeau Field, turning ball over 4 times, including 2 fumbles by <b>D'Onta Foreman</b>, in dismal 23-6 loss to Packers. But at Detroit, with Lions leading Vikings 27-13 late and their fans already celebrating, Vikings pull out stunning 28-27 comeback victory on 2 TD catches by <b>K.J. Osborn</b> in last 52 seconds of game, including 17-yarder on final play followed by run by <b>Alexander Mattison</b> for game-winning 2-point conversion, allowing Bears to back in to division crown.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4417H5A6iHMqMCrBSQVAnzaVUmwaWNXErX0o18o-L9fE3OkUcpRcKx6OfwMO1yjLn-i7MEh1gtN8HPf4RrjdAOZdKYJGH5HZsnvtJMX4wtZFVZPdmO3sbpO24d0mQrGg3JYhNlUA6m807sQ4KAHgEUymRrEmnoXOm5RC_6H0S9byrne3Qf59q41FbOqs/s683/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P10%20%20BUFF-CHI.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4417H5A6iHMqMCrBSQVAnzaVUmwaWNXErX0o18o-L9fE3OkUcpRcKx6OfwMO1yjLn-i7MEh1gtN8HPf4RrjdAOZdKYJGH5HZsnvtJMX4wtZFVZPdmO3sbpO24d0mQrGg3JYhNlUA6m807sQ4KAHgEUymRrEmnoXOm5RC_6H0S9byrne3Qf59q41FbOqs/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P10%20%20BUFF-CHI.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oeWWtiChaDOchxnaTb4362RuBBrGgM39WCwtwUYTu3ScT2g8AQMdrngoh7AWhGCcUT2LWiCK7HfxDupqqtAOs-GEKTgKCfSNxN0nN7IYPbX0tsbr24KUfZjoEVtouJOgQYHakU0JZQmri9a-2wowUDgPpAeXGe_6c26UCdLt3ICfvQlt8DkFZxaiOGA/s1440/NFL23--AUG.%2011--P2%20%20NYG-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4oeWWtiChaDOchxnaTb4362RuBBrGgM39WCwtwUYTu3ScT2g8AQMdrngoh7AWhGCcUT2LWiCK7HfxDupqqtAOs-GEKTgKCfSNxN0nN7IYPbX0tsbr24KUfZjoEVtouJOgQYHakU0JZQmri9a-2wowUDgPpAeXGe_6c26UCdLt3ICfvQlt8DkFZxaiOGA/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2011--P2%20%20NYG-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 is expecting the two players with really long dreads that signed as free agents with the Bears to play a key role in their rise from worst to first in the NFC North. CB2 has former Bill <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> (left photo) finishing with a career high 130 tackles and earning his 3rd Pro Bowl selection (after missing it the last two years). And CB2 has <b>D'Onta Foreman</b>, who scored a career high 5 TD for the Panthers in 2022, to increase his total to 8 TD in his first season with the Bears. But Foreman will not be the division's top-scoring player with dreads. That nod goes to Lions rookie RB<b> Jahmyr Gibbs</b> (right photo), who is forecast to score 12 TD - not quite enough to lead all rookies with dreads.<div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NFC SOUTH </b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>ATL 11-6</li><li>NO 10-7</li><li>TB 4-13</li><li>CAR 4-13</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Buccaneers clinch 3rd place due to head-to-head sweep of Panthers (Weeks 13 and 18)</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: <i>In winner-take-all battle for division crown in Week 18 Falcons edge Saints in frantic finish at the Superdome. After 22-yard TD catch by <b>Rashid Shaheed</b> (plus a 2-point conversion) ties game at 28 with 48 seconds to play, <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> puts Falcons back in front with 108-yard kickoff return for TD. But Saints tie game again as <b>Alvin Kamara</b> makes 41-yard catch in end zone on hail Mary play on 4th and 10 with :05 on clock. Falcons win toss and Patterson takes opening kickoff of OT 106 yards to the house for apparent game-winning score. But TD is nullified by holding penalty, and 3 plays later <b>Jaylon Smith</b> sacks Desmond Ridder in end zone for apparent game-ending safety, sending Superdome crowd into a frenzy. But again play is wiped out, by illegal contact penalty on <b>Tyrann Mathieu</b>; and on very next play <b>Bijan Robinson</b> races 90 yards for TD to silence crowd and give Falcons 41-35 win for division crown.</i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIfiAcn6xMR9SP8Gw0Vhr0q1YMkenEIY1pQC1ENEw8OKvv0oH0V_gSzvUX0rzv528kXU0nHrQXid-Amur5J2U1Lv9BjRQ2wqUH0mH-w_fhzUrF39P3W21eRBQ4m1-TwZx7cJTjipPKsfO9Prm0UU2nZFGGkwPdd53dAmUCeyRxQV7ir1P-wGoJKeDqjs/s931/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P4%20%20NYJ-CAR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="773" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIfiAcn6xMR9SP8Gw0Vhr0q1YMkenEIY1pQC1ENEw8OKvv0oH0V_gSzvUX0rzv528kXU0nHrQXid-Amur5J2U1Lv9BjRQ2wqUH0mH-w_fhzUrF39P3W21eRBQ4m1-TwZx7cJTjipPKsfO9Prm0UU2nZFGGkwPdd53dAmUCeyRxQV7ir1P-wGoJKeDqjs/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P4%20%20NYJ-CAR.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0RbZP-S5HzT4OhFlJZ1a4TcmUAo7HxOe3GO7wgU5KqyzwxdhFe2rheZtr4GhUPVjgm_QZa4dbqaTsZCxat8-UkouRa0KVheC2jJC9BLeijq4BSjxwSXVRbT6ZsR96DEce61bfaP1nOjd2MMBaEHBZgbcJYpdF5tydCLiNP-i-KqMXfFsZur8JfgwAho/s1200/NFL23--AUG.%204--P1%20%20ATL%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0RbZP-S5HzT4OhFlJZ1a4TcmUAo7HxOe3GO7wgU5KqyzwxdhFe2rheZtr4GhUPVjgm_QZa4dbqaTsZCxat8-UkouRa0KVheC2jJC9BLeijq4BSjxwSXVRbT6ZsR96DEce61bfaP1nOjd2MMBaEHBZgbcJYpdF5tydCLiNP-i-KqMXfFsZur8JfgwAho/s320/NFL23--AUG.%204--P1%20%20ATL%20TC.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><div><br /></div>CB2 is predicting rookie <b>Bijan Robinson</b> will live up to the hype, finishing the season with 14 TD to lead all rookies with dreads and help the Falcons go from worst to first in the division. CB2 also predicts - as mentioned above - <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> to hit double figures in career kickoff return touchdowns, scoring the 10th of his career in the wild win over the Saints. And CB2 expects <b>Donte Jackson</b> to be back at full strength after his 2022 season ended early with an Achilles injury, making it 6 straight years with at least 2 INT, tying his career high with 4 INT - and also challenging for the player with the longest dreads in the league.<div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NFC WEST</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>SF 13-4</li><li>SEA 9-8</li><li>LAR 6-11</li><li>ARIZ 1-16</li></ol>Hmm. You do know that under Coach McVay the Rams have never missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons?</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: <i>No Cooper Kupp. Rams are a mess.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: In biggest upset of the season Cardinals topple Seahawks for 1st win of season in Week 18, 27-24, as <b>Marquise Brown</b> beats <b>Riq Woolen</b> for 16-yard TD catch with 2 seconds remaining, apparently knocking Seahawks out of playoff contention. Moments later, however, Eagles stumble against Giants, allowing Seahawks to back in to final NFC playoff spot.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_PlhvG8IQYhGhETCYi2U4c3wosS0o2HYt_Q96OMlaYrb8KQHUDn4lWYM6Vwxv3zFLX_0d_mQf1fpmbUEe5iGLBcQxwjx7wULkFowC8CSxkuYGaUOhfr4yoesvWnN5_TDQJ01xNxk4wYLenQS3kStA_sN4bMGM0bsdwbR5qPFUUFfh0J2SQJRSyhlxQI/s683/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P3%20%20DALL-SEA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="491" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_PlhvG8IQYhGhETCYi2U4c3wosS0o2HYt_Q96OMlaYrb8KQHUDn4lWYM6Vwxv3zFLX_0d_mQf1fpmbUEe5iGLBcQxwjx7wULkFowC8CSxkuYGaUOhfr4yoesvWnN5_TDQJ01xNxk4wYLenQS3kStA_sN4bMGM0bsdwbR5qPFUUFfh0J2SQJRSyhlxQI/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P3%20%20DALL-SEA.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY5wgc7JVT00FGEDmaNKBTGj_xA7xoPiw3T4q55h5L5YEasf9TWiw-EgxDST0Mb-sjqOTRiONATpCkaEqfifxpov25wVGTD7P9KXuVNzcevquFnz0iVpV2HsvuWbREfmbraAtCDmyRZ-hc2yP3qg1D5ZU1WXlfx6BgT-xzQirv6E6LbYSdyT1tFvn7Rs/s1440/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P1%20%20LAC-SF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY5wgc7JVT00FGEDmaNKBTGj_xA7xoPiw3T4q55h5L5YEasf9TWiw-EgxDST0Mb-sjqOTRiONATpCkaEqfifxpov25wVGTD7P9KXuVNzcevquFnz0iVpV2HsvuWbREfmbraAtCDmyRZ-hc2yP3qg1D5ZU1WXlfx6BgT-xzQirv6E6LbYSdyT1tFvn7Rs/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P1%20%20LAC-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>In helping lead the 49ers to the best record in the NFC <b>Fred</b> <b>Warner</b> - according to CB2 - will be named All-Pro at linebacker for the 2nd straight year, and also will score his 2nd career TD. CB2 also has <b>Kenneth Walker</b>, whose dreads are now long enough to be visible (barely) outside of his helmet, repeating as the top-scoring player with dreads in the division, improving from 9 TD last season to 12 TD this season as the Seahawks earn the #7 seed in the conference again. And with the status of Cooper Kupp in question, CB2 predicts <b>Tutu Atwell</b> will break out in 2023, leading the Rams in TD catches with 7.</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div>Here again are all the teams' predicted records, all together so that you can see them all at once.<div><br /></div><div><u>AFC</u></div><div>NYJ 10-7 PIT 13-4 TENN 11-6 KC 13-4</div><div>BUF 10-7 CLEV 13-4 JACK 11-6 LAC 12-5</div><div>MIA 9-8 CIN 12-5 IND 5-12 DEN 7-10</div><div>NE 5-12 BAL 9-8 HOU 1-16 LV 7-10</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">AFC TIEBREAKERS</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Steelers clinch #1 seed due to better record than Chiefs in games vs. conference opponents (PIT 10-2, KC 9-3)</li><li>Chargers clinch #6 seed due to better record than Bengals in games vs. common opponents (LAC 4-2, CIN 3-3)</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><u>NFC</u></div><div>DAL 11-6 CHI 10-7 ATL 11-6 SF 13-4</div><div>PHIL 9-8 DET 10-7 NO 10-7 SEA 9-8</div><div>WASH 7-10 GB 8-9 TB 4-13 LAR 6-11</div><div>NYG 6-11 MINN 5-12 CAR 4-13 ARIZ 1-16</div><div><br /></div><div>NFC TIEBREAKERS</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Falcons clinch #2 seed due to better record than Cowboys in games vs. conference opponents (ATL 9-3, DAL 8-4)</li><li>Saints clinch #5 seed due to head-to-head win over Lions (Week 13)</li><li>Seahawks clinch #7 seed due to head-to-head win over Eagles (Week 15)</li></ul>.</div><div><br /></div><div>PLAYOFFS</div><div><br /></div><div>ROUND 1</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>CIN over KC</li><li>TENN over LAC</li><li>NYJ over CLEV</li><li>ATL over SEA</li><li>DAL over DET</li><li>CHI over NO</li></ul>ROUND 2</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>CIN over PIT</li><li>NYJ over TENN</li><li>SF over CHI</li><li>DAL over ATL</li></ul><div>CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>NYJ over CIN</li><li>SF over DAL</li></ul><div>SUPER BOWL 58</div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>SF 34 NYJ 24 (MVP: <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b>)</li></ul>.</div><div><br /></div><div>CHANGES FOR 2023</div></div><div> </div><div>Who's in? Who's out? Who's somewhere else? Glad you asked. Here are all of the changes that I know of that have taken place in the NFL's population of players with dreads ever since my last preview at the start of the 2022 season. The changes listed only mention players who are on active rosters (not practice squads) as of the beginning of this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>EX-DREAD</div><div><br /></div><div>These players had dreads at the start of last season but have cut them off and gone back to normal hair.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jalyn Armour-Davis (BAL)</li><li>Brian Branch (DET) (rookie)</li><li>Coby Bryant (SEA)</li><li>Jeremy Chinn (CAR) (left photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXr_BvhgMdqPjN200EicZetp-1Zhva07htiQDH-b9t_CBr6F4t6KjjBM57haIi-NQDRsxhF6SOK9dj4fPlG32isc4gxbDKvR-pvk3HFlgbw1yLg5wGFCY6FXXg0WcCytdcRDOhHZXCLFl1o9VGPz_HhCqSlhMEh7cAaBjFfVea63OtsfZfrcr2NJ-ewg/s864/NFL23--JULY%2026--P2%20%20CAR%20TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="780" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXr_BvhgMdqPjN200EicZetp-1Zhva07htiQDH-b9t_CBr6F4t6KjjBM57haIi-NQDRsxhF6SOK9dj4fPlG32isc4gxbDKvR-pvk3HFlgbw1yLg5wGFCY6FXXg0WcCytdcRDOhHZXCLFl1o9VGPz_HhCqSlhMEh7cAaBjFfVea63OtsfZfrcr2NJ-ewg/s320/NFL23--JULY%2026--P2%20%20CAR%20TC.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYSDkpm9I0Wmlfh0sXd8qUMFDCvDwBQoCx0BZ5GSopMuzCzGtYxLtUSlSpU0u0dcWd8IB7EdLg3HVWFprcMcx5RrXm-7gXmQGaxiUrAjxyjSQrgTUsEAQ50fMbhoUCHl1hyc8g7yS_1gULM5yP4qccCbL5t1hu9ph955J5T6R-Fz8hApx-eVn8QNXpNY/s864/NFL23--JULY%2028--P3%20%20WASH%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="596" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYSDkpm9I0Wmlfh0sXd8qUMFDCvDwBQoCx0BZ5GSopMuzCzGtYxLtUSlSpU0u0dcWd8IB7EdLg3HVWFprcMcx5RrXm-7gXmQGaxiUrAjxyjSQrgTUsEAQ50fMbhoUCHl1hyc8g7yS_1gULM5yP4qccCbL5t1hu9ph955J5T6R-Fz8hApx-eVn8QNXpNY/s320/NFL23--JULY%2028--P3%20%20WASH%20TC.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Kamren Curl (WASH) (right photo above, interacting with fans at training camp on July 28)</li><li>Cody Ford (CIN) (left photo below)</li><li>C.J. Gardner-Johnson (DET) (on IR list)</li><li>Zonovan Knight (DET)</li><li>Kendall Lamm (MIA) (right photo below)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqwZ8KlsqMmFG1sdF_UlqSUS25eIRmZqrasLmcXPAjupHpMeADVJ9PtsPoqL4faWl0rCDcEaQaq88ZYniqRtrZZeZOhj3aKUlqAzOcldTkEBkpv0h-rihwgScSgGyAk0i1wWDKbjk7ud6W1JP2KSzM9jlEFDNnRb_ugiky0gLeNeiTQ6Ow2TRUyBZjLs/s1024/NFL23--JUNE%206--P1%20%20CIN%20OTA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqwZ8KlsqMmFG1sdF_UlqSUS25eIRmZqrasLmcXPAjupHpMeADVJ9PtsPoqL4faWl0rCDcEaQaq88ZYniqRtrZZeZOhj3aKUlqAzOcldTkEBkpv0h-rihwgScSgGyAk0i1wWDKbjk7ud6W1JP2KSzM9jlEFDNnRb_ugiky0gLeNeiTQ6Ow2TRUyBZjLs/s320/NFL23--JUNE%206--P1%20%20CIN%20OTA.jpg" width="186" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4BIeAfhidkAQlrd8-M93uUzuNv-Q6Wq3x6Jw7hMtzlx-Jlc2kjZxD58Dif8nI1XNmV8v82IdTB81DbAQ73PzfhS86HYfNFmLCodDg5A3WpHTWznuwSLnLcmDZ1XwwWoGxq-fPZyJqKx_9hOLEdc9TIAE2p6wJELOWJHIURAqei2fmHqIZcLbP5Djs3Y/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P11%20%20MIA-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4BIeAfhidkAQlrd8-M93uUzuNv-Q6Wq3x6Jw7hMtzlx-Jlc2kjZxD58Dif8nI1XNmV8v82IdTB81DbAQ73PzfhS86HYfNFmLCodDg5A3WpHTWznuwSLnLcmDZ1XwwWoGxq-fPZyJqKx_9hOLEdc9TIAE2p6wJELOWJHIURAqei2fmHqIZcLbP5Djs3Y/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P11%20%20MIA-HOU.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Marcus McKethan (NYG)</li><li>Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (CLEV)</li><li>Michael Pierce (BAL)</li><li>Malcolm Roach (NO)</li><li>John Simpson (BAL)</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>And here are the players on the ex-dread list because they had dreads last season but have changed over to braids now and the ones I mistakenly thought had dreads last season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ty Chandler (MINN)</li><li>Erik Ezukanma (MIA)</li><li>Rakeem Nunez-Roches (NYG) (left photo below)</li><li>Ihmir Smith-Marsette (CAR)</li><li>Javonte Williams (DEN) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySF41ApFFMG4AvYEIFhfIO8qo3cvXzJa5TTnalkCUahTgOJFmNX3M4GIAepZsx4g43ADeX-m9tK4lkPRtAwMkfJ39pDsMtSyq7pXfVALzOjvaoFpqLs6oZwM5HtbLgydmcaeHwFqtxIgayur1J0C5bS7ekRSBm2tIfWy7NZqoNFKiiA8M2p5fjI31QSk/s2048/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P7%20%20DEN-SF.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySF41ApFFMG4AvYEIFhfIO8qo3cvXzJa5TTnalkCUahTgOJFmNX3M4GIAepZsx4g43ADeX-m9tK4lkPRtAwMkfJ39pDsMtSyq7pXfVALzOjvaoFpqLs6oZwM5HtbLgydmcaeHwFqtxIgayur1J0C5bS7ekRSBm2tIfWy7NZqoNFKiiA8M2p5fjI31QSk/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P7%20%20DEN-SF.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Pb6HgmigpqprVqSqXfMMRdzE6BDbq5TfIf1d_CWDFrI1Bt0HU1p4_1Wk0NuO4ZFJUMSYMtkAJrQkRjqc8H-A9tE0OFA7_I2SlQCCdOGAWV_It921UIZMrVCnVOEC19kxE7Jbr8vQi4mXFQ2vpY6qLl7HO1T5HuoBRhf-V3JG0wvEhjixa3BYQidUn38/s683/NFL23--AUG.%2018--P4%20%20CAR-NYG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="459" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Pb6HgmigpqprVqSqXfMMRdzE6BDbq5TfIf1d_CWDFrI1Bt0HU1p4_1Wk0NuO4ZFJUMSYMtkAJrQkRjqc8H-A9tE0OFA7_I2SlQCCdOGAWV_It921UIZMrVCnVOEC19kxE7Jbr8vQi4mXFQ2vpY6qLl7HO1T5HuoBRhf-V3JG0wvEhjixa3BYQidUn38/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2018--P4%20%20CAR-NYG.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>NEW DREADS</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm welcoming 32 players to the house who have dreads now after not having them at the start of last season. They fit into three categories.</div><div><br /></div><div>First we have the players getting their dreads started "from scratch" after starting with normal hair and letting it grow out.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Anthony Bradford</b> (SEA)</li><li><b>Devin Bush</b> (SEA)</li><li><b>Michael Carter</b> (NYJ) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Jordan Elliott</b> (CLEV)</li><li><b>Nick Harris</b> (CLEV) (he had new dreads last season but I neglected to put him on the list)</li><li><b>Eric Johnson</b> (IND)</li><li><b>Boye Mafe</b> (SEA) (right photo below)</li><li><b>Jake Martin</b> (IND)</li><li><b>Keisean Nixon</b> (GB)</li><li><b>Matt Pryor</b> (SF)</li><li><b>Prince Tega Wanogho</b> (KC)</li><li><b>Chandler Wooten</b> (CAR)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1KngRKOHxBOTAjIL4CBqfIZ2ceRGoVaOVrJliPK-KInZDHH0zU6tO52UAETkFPPH2608NCYUl-9E3nChj4SpLEIQ_BZgWLDzkwDxz9NHJEgmrFKFLUX0h9ru8Hi_796_Pn_TRZ885fjKOPgTfcCVLzZcmK8oPqxrSaJ1Onk4duuIpgH3Iaa1mGPHi4s/s683/NFL23--MAY%2022--P2%20%20SEA%20OTA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="549" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1KngRKOHxBOTAjIL4CBqfIZ2ceRGoVaOVrJliPK-KInZDHH0zU6tO52UAETkFPPH2608NCYUl-9E3nChj4SpLEIQ_BZgWLDzkwDxz9NHJEgmrFKFLUX0h9ru8Hi_796_Pn_TRZ885fjKOPgTfcCVLzZcmK8oPqxrSaJ1Onk4duuIpgH3Iaa1mGPHi4s/s320/NFL23--MAY%2022--P2%20%20SEA%20OTA.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W0VXn0gCNbM3qDkUGJ74Wx9rok0kiC9va8_ADhxHI7G2GL9uDms71IiZfLbrFEVL41b6rSkVUBvA8mKn5B__J2cNyMmeSLdZscA4yIGq1fZxD9zZhq1iZukgfBAWZskKZRFX4c7qxXtefzDrJWr-4f0_Wd-XPLiOZtTe4PEFcAIN3bu5Y8JVHpEE0q0/s5346/NFL23--JULY%2020--P1%20%20NYJ%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5346" data-original-width="3789" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W0VXn0gCNbM3qDkUGJ74Wx9rok0kiC9va8_ADhxHI7G2GL9uDms71IiZfLbrFEVL41b6rSkVUBvA8mKn5B__J2cNyMmeSLdZscA4yIGq1fZxD9zZhq1iZukgfBAWZskKZRFX4c7qxXtefzDrJWr-4f0_Wd-XPLiOZtTe4PEFcAIN3bu5Y8JVHpEE0q0/s320/NFL23--JULY%2020--P1%20%20NYJ%20TC.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Next up are the players with dreads now after having converted their hair from braids last season.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Eli Apple </b>(MIA)</li><li><b>Ikem Ekwonu</b> (CAR) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Gerald Everett</b> (LAC)</li><li><b>Kristian Fulton</b> (TENN)</li><li><b>Antonio Hamilton</b> (ARIZ)</li><li><b>Xavien Howard</b> (MIA) (right photo below)</li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwb-Zpz-21eBr6aTKONeDfSVQf_-bZNsjROnM5QFbkPZUCmSlMaOSRprvjYwXkIi_lSiiidbNGVnEluMzhCQGG5n3a2CxdpKB6MlFsCI5wAm-Ezki_Q1bHkIGKI4SDvl2efVCPUgoNQmhVdnZyldvh_nIUACpVm8Pkcxsh3L7EI-ZJVpakj0qB-BMfKc/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2018--P1%20%20CAR-NYG.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwb-Zpz-21eBr6aTKONeDfSVQf_-bZNsjROnM5QFbkPZUCmSlMaOSRprvjYwXkIi_lSiiidbNGVnEluMzhCQGG5n3a2CxdpKB6MlFsCI5wAm-Ezki_Q1bHkIGKI4SDvl2efVCPUgoNQmhVdnZyldvh_nIUACpVm8Pkcxsh3L7EI-ZJVpakj0qB-BMfKc/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2018--P1%20%20CAR-NYG.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_5apFbU9yYllBp0U5tEAM5Jh7F2VRy-o_IXgp4dXOVbqxcmSem_0lNGFMDlWf_rdxUSIs21-CUZWELYSEKzWU7CNhVTxcjBNg0gA-9uwbqDvbMyd280JtSYjtYndMEBspGjJh7hsOqIhGX7z-XYo4nCKag_IwTlVd82Uwucfmzkg2NBT1JGn56OSM1s/s683/NFL23--AUG.%2029--P1%20%20MIA-JACK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_5apFbU9yYllBp0U5tEAM5Jh7F2VRy-o_IXgp4dXOVbqxcmSem_0lNGFMDlWf_rdxUSIs21-CUZWELYSEKzWU7CNhVTxcjBNg0gA-9uwbqDvbMyd280JtSYjtYndMEBspGjJh7hsOqIhGX7z-XYo4nCKag_IwTlVd82Uwucfmzkg2NBT1JGn56OSM1s/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2029--P1%20%20MIA-JACK.jpg" width="252" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Alex Leatherwood </b>(CLEV) (on practice squad)</span></li><li><b>P.J. Locke</b> (DEN)</li><li><b>Joe Mixon</b> (CIN)</li><li><b>Steven Nelson</b> (HOU) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Ogbo Okoronkwo</b> (CLEV)</li><li><b>George Pickens</b> (PIT) (right photo below)</li><li><b>Nick Scott</b> (CIN)</li><li><b>Kingsley Jonathan </b>(BUF)</li><li><b>Sam Williams</b> (DAL)</li></ul><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMOdwPtgy3Vt-sxvHE-Ddwb_tvEgSYoamNlrMSEaoVrNBzadayTa9q_EaKKBeDMAv42scfzzi4xys4Az1sxbuS4E3_BjNQ0b9QucuXUoNqBfZr4fegm_U3hHkWWvXffSOv2eUQzD4mzsS9kTr8TXctNHZcqUR18829edVWXP-gpUtXvoIAqea-SaauXw/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2018--P2%20%20MIA-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMOdwPtgy3Vt-sxvHE-Ddwb_tvEgSYoamNlrMSEaoVrNBzadayTa9q_EaKKBeDMAv42scfzzi4xys4Az1sxbuS4E3_BjNQ0b9QucuXUoNqBfZr4fegm_U3hHkWWvXffSOv2eUQzD4mzsS9kTr8TXctNHZcqUR18829edVWXP-gpUtXvoIAqea-SaauXw/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2018--P2%20%20MIA-HOU.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTikjBPsRIkDr4vLgN2wHFhMtPLCe4XXKl6mFS-KWz4e19C7Up-A0OdOg2IVB-RMcHZRT2BUAdT3_l2r3C7-GCk0d5qlixYH6gzsWJN6YnFXA2I_jgrELmhycQVU-IuMWxSh2UeNuQDFqxWHbTgtEoj9MT_XxfM8FSyMhOE9tidmt8b2euJJPAsHIK-c/s2048/NFL23--AUG.%2024--P3%20%20PITT-ATL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTikjBPsRIkDr4vLgN2wHFhMtPLCe4XXKl6mFS-KWz4e19C7Up-A0OdOg2IVB-RMcHZRT2BUAdT3_l2r3C7-GCk0d5qlixYH6gzsWJN6YnFXA2I_jgrELmhycQVU-IuMWxSh2UeNuQDFqxWHbTgtEoj9MT_XxfM8FSyMhOE9tidmt8b2euJJPAsHIK-c/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2024--P3%20%20PITT-ATL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>And finally, these players had dreads at some point in the past prior to last season and have decided to re-attach them and bring them back this season. Welcome back!<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Boogie Basham</b> (NYG)</li><li><b>Mike Boone</b> (HOU) (left photo below)</li><li><b>A.J. Brown</b> (PHIL)</li><li><b>Jordan Phillips</b> (BUF)</li><li><b>Demarcus Robinson</b> (LAR) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePDx9HOEg1_jMwpVr5ic4g19fCnUjogGyAjRVRaedzHS3KkOYgwlmPgoyMFfam1sAmiulXNiStcbBI1EOsn_ELSoffjNDAJxqRIBtBlgPDUaB9ksDIu6qUrfdUt83esaiNk0B02SGcs8_MyZI6_w9ttH2NpFllku7PQdVcn_Rt4_5_tgIFX0249qR3Ts/s720/NFL23--AUG.%2027--P2%20%20HOU-NO.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="544" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePDx9HOEg1_jMwpVr5ic4g19fCnUjogGyAjRVRaedzHS3KkOYgwlmPgoyMFfam1sAmiulXNiStcbBI1EOsn_ELSoffjNDAJxqRIBtBlgPDUaB9ksDIu6qUrfdUt83esaiNk0B02SGcs8_MyZI6_w9ttH2NpFllku7PQdVcn_Rt4_5_tgIFX0249qR3Ts/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2027--P2%20%20HOU-NO.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDncyv8Adg1Mo9ItXQ2Laq-WmzN48SUt8VWC-c1JHer9NuWaE3ys2YKDAjsSmyhS3xNRzUG-hBzCD9ikFg4xokYzH3G0fa4-SG-8Q9LNavX9CW0WqnpbNR0sZK9yOaKgpZ3ASfvCotPegJYcZsi8kwmVoIloP9kKqIgJtVCZu7AMiz85YcqWs74mnDpY/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P10%20%20LAC-LAR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="649" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDncyv8Adg1Mo9ItXQ2Laq-WmzN48SUt8VWC-c1JHer9NuWaE3ys2YKDAjsSmyhS3xNRzUG-hBzCD9ikFg4xokYzH3G0fa4-SG-8Q9LNavX9CW0WqnpbNR0sZK9yOaKgpZ3ASfvCotPegJYcZsi8kwmVoIloP9kKqIgJtVCZu7AMiz85YcqWs74mnDpY/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P10%20%20LAC-LAR.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>SAME DREADS, NEW THREADS</div><div><br /></div><div>As usual, the list is long of players with dreads who have changed teams since last season. The first team listed is the team played for last season, followed by this season's team, which is <u>underlined</u>. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Jordan Akins</b> (HOU, <u>CLEV</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Teddy Bridgewater</b> (MIA, <u>DET</u>)</li><li><b>Noah Brown</b> (DAL, <u>HOU</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAwv4c2Oo5I5up0wO09-RxLHVZVrcDTCFw97o5Z37r5ogyKH92BtKQjfysOX0wPFJiqjTJQr0vng5-oEyd8hOkTzGb8Vriu52n6lvqfLwiKPg3J9tMsk2DYouMoEZz338Q9Rkebh4JY6O5Y1zGDNsb3Q4-8uBZ7Hyn7gYof1W0-6BD6oMe7IeNpkC6S0/s1286/NFL23--AUG.%2011--P8A%20%20WASH-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="752" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAwv4c2Oo5I5up0wO09-RxLHVZVrcDTCFw97o5Z37r5ogyKH92BtKQjfysOX0wPFJiqjTJQr0vng5-oEyd8hOkTzGb8Vriu52n6lvqfLwiKPg3J9tMsk2DYouMoEZz338Q9Rkebh4JY6O5Y1zGDNsb3Q4-8uBZ7Hyn7gYof1W0-6BD6oMe7IeNpkC6S0/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2011--P8A%20%20WASH-CLEVE.jpg" width="187" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTnJJBOqDOcGB5IkFm6lh4xyKlMObDDEJugUHh5pBvHy9Ktj5eEdVqXr-xHZm_LV4LtezlkUCf6Ih40T9pNYgu3ZBGwz20zvB6UIaZkq_oQx0gmI001LOJIy90xng4WXYc8sEHZXpG9SWp7SVWZI8cANTAmIhm-U2vmWL-8M48r0muZWVFXG5DeEaLAc/s683/NFL23--JULY%2026--P1%20%20HOU%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="571" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTnJJBOqDOcGB5IkFm6lh4xyKlMObDDEJugUHh5pBvHy9Ktj5eEdVqXr-xHZm_LV4LtezlkUCf6Ih40T9pNYgu3ZBGwz20zvB6UIaZkq_oQx0gmI001LOJIy90xng4WXYc8sEHZXpG9SWp7SVWZI8cANTAmIhm-U2vmWL-8M48r0muZWVFXG5DeEaLAc/s320/NFL23--JULY%2026--P1%20%20HOU%20TC.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Robbie Chosen</b> (the player formerly known as <b>Robbie Anderson</b>) (ARIZ, <u>MIA</u>)</li><li><b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> (CLEV, <u>BAL</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Dalvin Cook</b> (MINN, <u>NYJ</u>)</li><li><b>Dennis Daley</b> (TENN, <u>ARIZ</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOccgs50Xcn8TFkL0tMMdauqnlKV-UCquQlcI-3XTjag0PcYc5yxnhizxtJIbR9T2rQt6waQMhlggUXmQSqQBCl887bMJKOQmICWfI_UqKp6hk3dJNC3VoYGaLbjUtf37k_2gLGs662xxbEs3k5JGJP2LsEhLqlJds7XVbOztyKEu0B869fR3y73HODk/s1575/NFL23--AUG.%2021--P2-1%20%20BALT-WASH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1575" data-original-width="949" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOccgs50Xcn8TFkL0tMMdauqnlKV-UCquQlcI-3XTjag0PcYc5yxnhizxtJIbR9T2rQt6waQMhlggUXmQSqQBCl887bMJKOQmICWfI_UqKp6hk3dJNC3VoYGaLbjUtf37k_2gLGs662xxbEs3k5JGJP2LsEhLqlJds7XVbOztyKEu0B869fR3y73HODk/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2021--P2-1%20%20BALT-WASH.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdkh_EDojwOBS1pG_ueGTOq8gAbR0flwvPcvUXhw2RJvRkC2e7ErEGVl0SxHuazk-s7CtF7r1DkngxB_z6afpZ7X6brzI2FU7fRb-sQfbkbYvONw432enA2vKnetzHf9l8Pxpp-sGStWZ74TifVZi_cIIdSExNfIJol3B7vscKeYMb_VtDNYyigZzrGs/s683/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P14%20%20KC-ARIZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdkh_EDojwOBS1pG_ueGTOq8gAbR0flwvPcvUXhw2RJvRkC2e7ErEGVl0SxHuazk-s7CtF7r1DkngxB_z6afpZ7X6brzI2FU7fRb-sQfbkbYvONw432enA2vKnetzHf9l8Pxpp-sGStWZ74TifVZi_cIIdSExNfIJol3B7vscKeYMb_VtDNYyigZzrGs/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P14%20%20KC-ARIZ.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Terrell Edmunds</b> (PIT, <u>PHIL</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> (BUF, <u>CHI</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2J8lbm742kQcD_2zByKzj53q5q39xE_gzvo5cXvKwnVWkaqO7QFpSsEkCXQJfapPf3pyXC2tQzsN4Cs-TuuXnxg2i7J2BKJhZIG3LfqpMjxesNbRC-qGhOSyhQR83z-Nn_f9pfmi6FUOaXRjRIaqPKJlCq60cO8_fW6DSpsJvnuNgunstjTdBZmFhdQ/s864/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P5%20%20PHIL-BALT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="489" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2J8lbm742kQcD_2zByKzj53q5q39xE_gzvo5cXvKwnVWkaqO7QFpSsEkCXQJfapPf3pyXC2tQzsN4Cs-TuuXnxg2i7J2BKJhZIG3LfqpMjxesNbRC-qGhOSyhQR83z-Nn_f9pfmi6FUOaXRjRIaqPKJlCq60cO8_fW6DSpsJvnuNgunstjTdBZmFhdQ/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P5%20%20PHIL-BALT.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f4mrAMlnTfcFKcl3GPbUhNAQ00WzBOyeogl2P-QNBkzIWuAFCrWHUk29U9z6WW9JivSKCeqxtJ2SbwAJ651zndihAk6HhoYv2lT-afOP42XGwftlDqDgWkEPkBLpLm5gmUJZNB42171usL4b3ncfba5ArGVI5zKO0QVAO1tFMzktAL-l1DQIQK-hv00/s772/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P8%20%20BUFF-CHI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="772" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1f4mrAMlnTfcFKcl3GPbUhNAQ00WzBOyeogl2P-QNBkzIWuAFCrWHUk29U9z6WW9JivSKCeqxtJ2SbwAJ651zndihAk6HhoYv2lT-afOP42XGwftlDqDgWkEPkBLpLm5gmUJZNB42171usL4b3ncfba5ArGVI5zKO0QVAO1tFMzktAL-l1DQIQK-hv00/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P8%20%20BUFF-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Mario Edwards </b>(TENN<u>, SEA)</u></li><li><b>Mike Ford</b> (ATL<u>,</u> <u>CLEV</u>)</li><li><b>D'Onta Foreman</b> (CAR, <u>CHI</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Stephon Gilmore</b> (IND, <u>DAL</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaembpG2W1bZoYGSdXusvkc1j1_qJTK_KfcDLfHN_fpeBLhxkGqXTGVoRJAhcwwTyQJhPl1ztv1CJyA3MB9a3e_3dpld_mNK6hCn_m-_00wH3iD0kzvdYHk8VLPfWx6KOhJd8V2iQrfw6GJfL45szOUipUwq90Mij7E-1TmXV_utOSxkdNyLrdKKy1_U4/s720/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P9%20%20BUFF-CHI.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="657" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaembpG2W1bZoYGSdXusvkc1j1_qJTK_KfcDLfHN_fpeBLhxkGqXTGVoRJAhcwwTyQJhPl1ztv1CJyA3MB9a3e_3dpld_mNK6hCn_m-_00wH3iD0kzvdYHk8VLPfWx6KOhJd8V2iQrfw6GJfL45szOUipUwq90Mij7E-1TmXV_utOSxkdNyLrdKKy1_U4/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P9%20%20BUFF-CHI.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9WJrvReh4YiGTJqnIlYnQCGNY5CkivJ7UdBijJUQ-oUrxlt0Y-G2ugYSuYxYGIUlpak5Mwb0EQcD1LT0qxoNXmnCN6CXXxMu0NEpoQfKubeBuYUKWvRaZiF9lHw21cF9o63FVbqhJDbIsfLynlYZZIepanthsDuU0S5bhp-yQ2O1H30Urqnr4NlVtgY/s1400/NFL23--AUG.%2015--P1A%20%20DALL%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="910" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9WJrvReh4YiGTJqnIlYnQCGNY5CkivJ7UdBijJUQ-oUrxlt0Y-G2ugYSuYxYGIUlpak5Mwb0EQcD1LT0qxoNXmnCN6CXXxMu0NEpoQfKubeBuYUKWvRaZiF9lHw21cF9o63FVbqhJDbIsfLynlYZZIepanthsDuU0S5bhp-yQ2O1H30Urqnr4NlVtgY/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2015--P1A%20%20DALL%20TC.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Trevis Gipson</b> (CHI, <u>TENN</u>)</li><li><b>Markus Golden </b>(ARIZ, <u>PIT</u>)</li><li><b>Marquise Goodwin</b> (SEA, <u>CLEV</u>)</li><li><b>Shaquill Griffin</b> (JAC, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> (ARIZ, <u>TENN</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Richie James</b> (NYG, <u>KC</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakHHt-Wlf0Aj9Lc8QCDw0Fnp77K01U37j3AA0sWUUqOYYb5qe5GI7Ay6jszpzrnu5CyVVaTVUdZXTDjhd4MPYg-DKE7zUD8o6wJAv-UEaX2TGNiR_4ZRFfyZyRnubGk4rTJ-fcskPkFh1FPsseswryyeJrU1u1ZMa36yk3QOvk54Iqgp0C4yLcm8azuc/s2048/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P7%20%20NE-TENN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakHHt-Wlf0Aj9Lc8QCDw0Fnp77K01U37j3AA0sWUUqOYYb5qe5GI7Ay6jszpzrnu5CyVVaTVUdZXTDjhd4MPYg-DKE7zUD8o6wJAv-UEaX2TGNiR_4ZRFfyZyRnubGk4rTJ-fcskPkFh1FPsseswryyeJrU1u1ZMa36yk3QOvk54Iqgp0C4yLcm8azuc/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P7%20%20NE-TENN.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZa20I2mGJv5sVKUL2k_tTKqbxSgN9Sz97OO5tKL2bpTIhOyPQfx4w6IFFk1GUmIuQf3SxxnhNs0CGNJ9fSqLm9Dpt4O6i6Gq1ipuikk9IL1xTfHSdlVN3TkdK-VWlwySCCklt60EsEyR1H4EyLroobbrJXrWN1nlPgXKdEbGK0GJ1f7aCa8KdMkFr0w/s930/NFL23--JULY%2028--P1%20%20KC%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="692" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZa20I2mGJv5sVKUL2k_tTKqbxSgN9Sz97OO5tKL2bpTIhOyPQfx4w6IFFk1GUmIuQf3SxxnhNs0CGNJ9fSqLm9Dpt4O6i6Gq1ipuikk9IL1xTfHSdlVN3TkdK-VWlwySCCklt60EsEyR1H4EyLroobbrJXrWN1nlPgXKdEbGK0GJ1f7aCa8KdMkFr0w/s320/NFL23--JULY%2028--P1%20%20KC%20TC.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>John Jenkins</b> (MIA, <u>LV</u>)</li><li><b>D'Ernest Johnson</b> (CLEV, <u>JAC</u>)</li><li><b>John Johnson</b> (CLEV, <u>LAR</u>)</li><li><b>Lonnie Johnson</b> (TENN, <u>NO</u>)</li><li><b>Kelvin Joseph</b> (DAL, <u>MIA</u>)</li><li><b>Cory Littleton</b> (CAR, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>Bobby McCain</b> (WASH, <u>NYG</u>)</li><li><b>Jakobi Meyers</b> (NE, <u>LV</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Ryan Neal</b> (SEA, <u>TB</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZacWDlcZvR6ARJCR8puKye9llhdpyV2OuHSPjqjDH0LJ03NHdz-9KN9vtF-N0HJDoLCCYcoqYFxRsrtUNh3ZmowHfmHS_QEOZxAVON6lhbU7Lh2WmZHhSjp0rpjM2WRwyOTn4y4EKPK2lSWhzpEdJ6_eXaGWqu8dC45jZ-K6lPezwpCOW9NHaFMsOMeo/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P18%20%20LV-DALL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZacWDlcZvR6ARJCR8puKye9llhdpyV2OuHSPjqjDH0LJ03NHdz-9KN9vtF-N0HJDoLCCYcoqYFxRsrtUNh3ZmowHfmHS_QEOZxAVON6lhbU7Lh2WmZHhSjp0rpjM2WRwyOTn4y4EKPK2lSWhzpEdJ6_eXaGWqu8dC45jZ-K6lPezwpCOW9NHaFMsOMeo/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P18%20%20LV-DALL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fJJO0h2zSFZ8_FN6EEh7gDn016ozYD40cWu2fUZcJc8JLEw8eB3OB9WWhu3_0InnfsBVPGsoQ0wpkd5FjziMvb-VZCeH5CleiPiYuMH31WoA5GH7W_gKvaLVFf3SmDb1CJNbVFQDISGI3ZgRiTIP92ebggie9qCpLf-f75hyphenhyphenreBpD12f2jLcMCRZY_g/s1365/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P17%20%20BALT-TB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="769" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_fJJO0h2zSFZ8_FN6EEh7gDn016ozYD40cWu2fUZcJc8JLEw8eB3OB9WWhu3_0InnfsBVPGsoQ0wpkd5FjziMvb-VZCeH5CleiPiYuMH31WoA5GH7W_gKvaLVFf3SmDb1CJNbVFQDISGI3ZgRiTIP92ebggie9qCpLf-f75hyphenhyphenreBpD12f2jLcMCRZY_g/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P17%20%20BALT-TB.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Zach Pascal</b> (PHIL, <u>ARIZ</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Jalen Ramsey</b> (LAR, <u>MIA</u>)</li><li><b>Tremon Smith </b>(HOU, <u>DEN</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5NcDERG1fyJEE4kOD0OvkvyC16AT8PZXPdk46z6FZMvt_AYh6YdVYCPm1c3LanBIsZKOgaZnxY8o4sc3BVjukx32DhPZ9zMt8lyCx3U4T90q2FUeytbwi2J9-q4KYQfmBfu_TRrVAxzB25kQAFKNbdKJotD4FE-pX7oM58KKCNNa86t9d1vXsGfRkCg/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2011--P7%20%20DEN-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="624" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5NcDERG1fyJEE4kOD0OvkvyC16AT8PZXPdk46z6FZMvt_AYh6YdVYCPm1c3LanBIsZKOgaZnxY8o4sc3BVjukx32DhPZ9zMt8lyCx3U4T90q2FUeytbwi2J9-q4KYQfmBfu_TRrVAxzB25kQAFKNbdKJotD4FE-pX7oM58KKCNNa86t9d1vXsGfRkCg/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2011--P7%20%20DEN-ARIZ.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok5ACsyt-SNvR4NGyCeYJ6OOwaBwRFt8i7ydT4lUSOuVBylWpdX0oBPQ1bm9B8DdhuIxT-j1sa01I6mdc9hUjff6Zd62an2K6RhKkY-bbaRQdEzTwuAGRAoMiuxOhs6EzYMHXs9wTAs-Hhu-aZ96MygAOFWOEts2I4Oy6pk2cu-oBiHR-lubca9BLn7o/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2011--P5%20%20DEN-ARIZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiok5ACsyt-SNvR4NGyCeYJ6OOwaBwRFt8i7ydT4lUSOuVBylWpdX0oBPQ1bm9B8DdhuIxT-j1sa01I6mdc9hUjff6Zd62an2K6RhKkY-bbaRQdEzTwuAGRAoMiuxOhs6EzYMHXs9wTAs-Hhu-aZ96MygAOFWOEts2I4Oy6pk2cu-oBiHR-lubca9BLn7o/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2011--P5%20%20DEN-ARIZ.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Za'Darius Smith</b> (MINN, <u>CLEV</u>)</li><li><b>Cameron Sutton</b> (PIT, <u>DET</u>)</li><li><b>Billy Turner</b> (DEN, <u>NYJ</u>) (photo below)</li></ul><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGnZDuPGwiyu9FqDsaXd0aSoe1UDpUbVN64ha74SbC0OCsPrtmK-cB7P40wO5lM0WgyMb8xYcsLT7H-6QrAp5wiwvkwNq3um-OqsFMCyoeLTmcXl2gaux_0rpYAkVTDiZFg9rkQACZqeeCyqylGziYQyDBF9_8g3hsTJDKgcjTTE-LFKcLAl36yDhMPw/s1941/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P12%20%20TB-NYJ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1941" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGnZDuPGwiyu9FqDsaXd0aSoe1UDpUbVN64ha74SbC0OCsPrtmK-cB7P40wO5lM0WgyMb8xYcsLT7H-6QrAp5wiwvkwNq3um-OqsFMCyoeLTmcXl2gaux_0rpYAkVTDiZFg9rkQACZqeeCyqylGziYQyDBF9_8g3hsTJDKgcjTTE-LFKcLAl36yDhMPw/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P12%20%20TB-NYJ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>K'Von Wallace</b> (PHIL, <u>ARIZ</u>)</li><li><b>Carlos Watkins</b> (DAL, <u>ARIZ</u>)</li><li><b>Armon Watts</b> (CHI, <u>PIT</u>) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXVhZ-4TRZxBJFDYnDYn822WD7bmReq754dUUYvTMhCfrqrO-UhEy4Z0w3SinasnGEZgx5l9oNgi7Pi-MYGGChVTWlhaqF09jlqDmG05nheGKYhk7cY-b39UyHFnUSWtwZT4nBv6kJQPWh7FFOMTL4fI6bGbDVgV-tISYbj3tCyXqI3ssERwlQJTwEcA/s1045/NFL23--AUG.%2024--P2B%20%20PITT-ATL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1045" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXVhZ-4TRZxBJFDYnDYn822WD7bmReq754dUUYvTMhCfrqrO-UhEy4Z0w3SinasnGEZgx5l9oNgi7Pi-MYGGChVTWlhaqF09jlqDmG05nheGKYhk7cY-b39UyHFnUSWtwZT4nBv6kJQPWh7FFOMTL4fI6bGbDVgV-tISYbj3tCyXqI3ssERwlQJTwEcA/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2024--P2B%20%20PITT-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.<div><br /></div><div>AND QUARTERBACKS TOO!</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe it didn't happen exactly like this, but I suspect that maybe it did. Only <b>Cam Newton</b> knows. Remember back before the start of the 2012 season when Newton, quarterback of the Carolina Panthers, started growing his hair longer. I was kind of excited because I thought for sure we would soon see him with dreads, thus making him the NFL's first quarterback with dreads. But instead, the next thing was that he went back to his former, short, clean-cut look. My guess - and it's a guess made only after seeing, much later, some things that came to light about Jerry Richardson, the owner of the Panthers at that time (and it's <i>only</i> a guess - I could be dead wrong) - is that Newton was intending to get his dread journey underway that season but decided not to in order to appease Richardson, who'd rather not have someone with dreadlocks be the face of his franchise. A few years later though - and immediately upon Richardson's sale of the team - Cam started growing out his hair again and did finally become the league's first QB with dreads in 2019, with those funny-looking freeform dreads.</div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNXehmrEB4RjyQFVV9JyKTsY16mQdcMYjc9eef5AgEMF-qYssxaZpIxDWE9s9kz4AzgxnZteYnjOwT6wIjCEofOxtO_MRr1311lhDS5iFASlpP1WVzsa7kcRJca7iU_vS6qhDtzmxun2KiQEHckA2tXeYHvW48bp-sWlrVbCfOSt8kaKhnLhK-LIjuaE/s2048/NFL06--AUG.%2019--P1%20%20MINN-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1211" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNXehmrEB4RjyQFVV9JyKTsY16mQdcMYjc9eef5AgEMF-qYssxaZpIxDWE9s9kz4AzgxnZteYnjOwT6wIjCEofOxtO_MRr1311lhDS5iFASlpP1WVzsa7kcRJca7iU_vS6qhDtzmxun2KiQEHckA2tXeYHvW48bp-sWlrVbCfOSt8kaKhnLhK-LIjuaE/s320/NFL06--AUG.%2019--P1%20%20MINN-PITT.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudD7cdF9VYw1khZlSWqYAczicSXdor-tvuyAjug2BxXeiYzsJgnt4B9LduEDLP4P5F4loRlnnlRqdXrHvT3K30uzkb8-uVh3nWvsa9UXs6QFMh1HHqQjzwkKFGSNHhzGImBzvOuozomjxjz6h3al9ljF0mqnUSMaMf6TWuqUAcqlBrqdEyf7Mu1UtjaA/s1920/NFL23--MAR.%204--P1%20%20COMB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudD7cdF9VYw1khZlSWqYAczicSXdor-tvuyAjug2BxXeiYzsJgnt4B9LduEDLP4P5F4loRlnnlRqdXrHvT3K30uzkb8-uVh3nWvsa9UXs6QFMh1HHqQjzwkKFGSNHhzGImBzvOuozomjxjz6h3al9ljF0mqnUSMaMf6TWuqUAcqlBrqdEyf7Mu1UtjaA/s320/NFL23--MAR.%204--P1%20%20COMB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Teddy Bridgewater</b>, who after Newton was the second NFL QB with dreads, also did not have them back when he was drafted in 2014. But the times have been a-changin'. And finally here now in 2023, with dreadlocks more accepted as a normal style, we <i>at last</i> get to see quarterbacks, not one but two, with dreads picked in the Draft - and in the 1st round of the Draft at that - and at the beginning of the 1st round at that. <b>C.J. Stroud</b> and <b>Anthony Richardson</b> (shown together at the NFL Combine on Mar. 4 in photo above on left) both were picked in the first hour of the Draft on April 27 and both by teams in the AFC South - Stroud 2nd overall by the Houston Texans and Richardson 4th by the Indianapolis Colts. Technically they are not the first quarterbacks with dreads ever drafted, but for all practical purposes they are. You probably don't remember - or know at all - who was the first. You have to go way back to even before I started this blog to find him. All the way to 2006, when in the 5th round of the Draft that year, the Steelers picked <b>Omar Jacobs</b>. But he never took a snap in a regular season game, appearing only during the preseason in his rookie year (right photo above), and was out of the league altogether by 2007. The Jaguars drafted <b>Denard Robinson</b> in round 5 in 2013 - but with absolutely no intention of letting him play quarterback (after he had starred as a QB in college for Michigan). Hopefully the drafting of Stroud and Richardson will not be the exception but instead the rule, and we'll see QBs with dreads drafted much more frequently from now on.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhpDKLi12SLT7coJFauYuGEWIS3eI8YAnzgMk9gz8xxkVsZ3fZxONNXlJwTXaujzx0spphlMnaTp26jiZLW4Jn_LpXVfF7fC3zHIY0iwsg4_Fj0y8_yEy4X1N-fAMnNeMbsasFMKDGamZ7dAukh9n-6Ri4bWTlgClrXHCcJVE0NuK_XIdKP8klbBZ0qc/s600/NFL23--APR.%2027--P3%20%20DRAFT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhpDKLi12SLT7coJFauYuGEWIS3eI8YAnzgMk9gz8xxkVsZ3fZxONNXlJwTXaujzx0spphlMnaTp26jiZLW4Jn_LpXVfF7fC3zHIY0iwsg4_Fj0y8_yEy4X1N-fAMnNeMbsasFMKDGamZ7dAukh9n-6Ri4bWTlgClrXHCcJVE0NuK_XIdKP8klbBZ0qc/s320/NFL23--APR.%2027--P3%20%20DRAFT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>2023 NFL DRAFT</b></div><div><br /></div><div>As far as dreads go, the 2023 Draft was the most prolific one yet, with a new record high 57 players with dreads selected. And the party was at its liveliest on the first night. Stroud and Richardson were the first two of an unprecedented - and unbelievable - 12 players with dreads picked in the 1st round. Now I was too lazy to go back through all of the drafts of previous years, but I'm 100% sure that the 12 are the most ever players with dreads picked in round 1 of any draft; and I'm close to 100% sure they're the most in <i>any</i> round of any draft. Things slowed down a bit the next two days, but there still were at least 5 players with dreads picked in every round, Here is the full list. Players made their teams' opening day rosters unless otherwise indicated. Be advised that all of the photos included are from the offseason or the preseason and that some of the players switched jersey numbers at the start of the regular season.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>ROUND 1</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6nRjsLcw2oPQRZ6QFHFDhHO50UnwAGTHaOoAD2Rv0xC4pGLBOboHV7oroGLpEggbwyPla5s_i3AV-Z-9B6XTihBcAealM6EIK2g91hDxy8aF2wlSFY2yKc9ib7QclscAx1yC6s1aiv7IyIH1mFBoVMFgAJjMYzJoJGAe_YaIc4_kuAC9WemvH2g46zM/s2048/NFL23--AUG.%2017--P2%20%20CLEVE-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6nRjsLcw2oPQRZ6QFHFDhHO50UnwAGTHaOoAD2Rv0xC4pGLBOboHV7oroGLpEggbwyPla5s_i3AV-Z-9B6XTihBcAealM6EIK2g91hDxy8aF2wlSFY2yKc9ib7QclscAx1yC6s1aiv7IyIH1mFBoVMFgAJjMYzJoJGAe_YaIc4_kuAC9WemvH2g46zM/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2017--P2%20%20CLEVE-PHIL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ICVsCzs1p_q-3w_4er8DW7YtyYkBC1QWdCjbE2Kiaj7Yda0Ydc5VO29-yt-XyEvDiVQVV3HBx1P9fr1gxMJeWa6PCmVQ8sLA4Ki22t1b0MTUTkIAiG5PaDd0XSpjy_7vg-Av6fHx-xRHrumM0Hu0e-brAVW9wgE_W4KT-YdggpU8IJgpAFFOzVc7Nxc/s860/NFL23--AUG.%209--P2%20%20SEA%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="626" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ICVsCzs1p_q-3w_4er8DW7YtyYkBC1QWdCjbE2Kiaj7Yda0Ydc5VO29-yt-XyEvDiVQVV3HBx1P9fr1gxMJeWa6PCmVQ8sLA4Ki22t1b0MTUTkIAiG5PaDd0XSpjy_7vg-Av6fHx-xRHrumM0Hu0e-brAVW9wgE_W4KT-YdggpU8IJgpAFFOzVc7Nxc/s320/NFL23--AUG.%209--P2%20%20SEA%20TC.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxs92XRLApME9p_VHEEh8tY16GC7XKosuZui4VqTbEq0m5NKvpuQwTJeXwWWeRWfvqhxQ2J8jyPhy7NCg1Tt25QUEEokAPbKtIdkArV8wB_xbLXat-wKiwpkJsz5qPeGFUwxmsxTc2YfvRVXdcZgPO1umbrbe8u1rYSuKYJfe-HE3WCoqBksxudZEmudM/s600/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P12--AUG.%2018--P4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxs92XRLApME9p_VHEEh8tY16GC7XKosuZui4VqTbEq0m5NKvpuQwTJeXwWWeRWfvqhxQ2J8jyPhy7NCg1Tt25QUEEokAPbKtIdkArV8wB_xbLXat-wKiwpkJsz5qPeGFUwxmsxTc2YfvRVXdcZgPO1umbrbe8u1rYSuKYJfe-HE3WCoqBksxudZEmudM/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P12--AUG.%2018--P4.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>2. QB<b> C.J. Stroud</b> (HOU)</div><div>4. QB <b>Anthony Richardson</b> (IND)</div><div>8. RB <b>Bijan Robinson</b> (ATL)</div><div>9. DT <b>Jalen Carter</b> (PHIL) (photo on left above)</div><div>12. RB <b>Jahmyr Gibbs</b> (DET)</div><div>15. LB <b>Will McDonald</b> (NYJ)</div><div>20. WR <b>Jaxon Smith-Njigba</b> (photo on right above)</div><div>21. WR <b>Quentin Johnston</b> (LAC)</div><div>22. WR <b>Zay Flowers</b> (BAL) (top photo on right)</div><div>24. CB <b>Deonte Banks</b> (NYG) (bottom photo on right)</div><div>26. DT <b>Mazi Smith</b> (DAL) (photo on left below)</div><div>27. OT <b>Anton Harrison</b> (JAC) (photo on right below)<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5poA8QwWU-VID23zRDNqrkSzaR1WKUEo0vIhH0VIb7xh4N0MDZYl99gj-X29FfZeQvDoPtds6DQAwcar5X3quEVFZWsnlXwPl-FiFWxl4ufyqlYiXWUOtnSos4N67EAYYYF4EoUulA-c6jU4oXMEr6BVX74EBOOWj2BtcVVqER1DZjmDLjn_TH6JvKgM/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P1A%20%20DALL-SEA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5poA8QwWU-VID23zRDNqrkSzaR1WKUEo0vIhH0VIb7xh4N0MDZYl99gj-X29FfZeQvDoPtds6DQAwcar5X3quEVFZWsnlXwPl-FiFWxl4ufyqlYiXWUOtnSos4N67EAYYYF4EoUulA-c6jU4oXMEr6BVX74EBOOWj2BtcVVqER1DZjmDLjn_TH6JvKgM/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P1A%20%20DALL-SEA.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZYDsgGmAggjAYIWSbLBPyNiaYpakeEY_VCgrnKYL2HyQkeHXOTZDBxhJvzkWVPUXQnXyoDYdHWuMXaLGZY8U9NuvGUtll53Kg7_PTASGCshot-owityj7BTz458obTFYA-ybo1Hx6Crm0CXXPZbPjvvMqGb7FjhFh1SxX8UG4lwRB3XFHxeJ2ikypSg/s1024/NFL23--MAY%2022--P1%20%20JACK%20OTA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZYDsgGmAggjAYIWSbLBPyNiaYpakeEY_VCgrnKYL2HyQkeHXOTZDBxhJvzkWVPUXQnXyoDYdHWuMXaLGZY8U9NuvGUtll53Kg7_PTASGCshot-owityj7BTz458obTFYA-ybo1Hx6Crm0CXXPZbPjvvMqGb7FjhFh1SxX8UG4lwRB3XFHxeJ2ikypSg/s320/NFL23--MAY%2022--P1%20%20JACK%20OTA.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><u>ROUND 2</u></div><div>32. CB <b>Joey Porter Jr.</b> (PIT)</div><div>49. DT <b>Keeanu Benton</b> (PIT) (left photo below)</div><div>51. CB <b>Cam Smith</b> (MIA)</div><div>53. DT <b>Gervon Dexter</b> (CHI)</div><div>55. WR <b>Rashee Rice</b> (KC)<br />59. G <b>O'Cyrus Torrence</b> (BUF) (right photo below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYS8p6m1AM4fGvEpigI8HpIa0DbQCgbnnE6SqKxVID_j9PVLA7Zn41BfeWJoCNhH0BmIfHcOdRNhYFKsf945vhKIliZ5eGWwSzwi0cvC4DK_PcEehyxxBlAuGra5NjqWLMHO1lF5X_963dChOuTHAxSVN_XtYTnvGuqVeHQSo7fC_krKiFXJDEX2IVnM/s720/NFL23--MAY%2012--P1%20%20PITT%20ROOK%20MC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYS8p6m1AM4fGvEpigI8HpIa0DbQCgbnnE6SqKxVID_j9PVLA7Zn41BfeWJoCNhH0BmIfHcOdRNhYFKsf945vhKIliZ5eGWwSzwi0cvC4DK_PcEehyxxBlAuGra5NjqWLMHO1lF5X_963dChOuTHAxSVN_XtYTnvGuqVeHQSo7fC_krKiFXJDEX2IVnM/s320/NFL23--MAY%2012--P1%20%20PITT%20ROOK%20MC.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMsQkkhyxZSFwoqhh8ktfTPz4VwKCvcWYDjZPG3_jrt8rdipqSlUHo_8iUVSFvuPH_drBemS20FBhOxRxwtnb7t7fYaEXmZURpwNnqa1H11LreKrWCHWBiF_QUwhmqJWObqspVw8vKEcf7LseTZH9Bx8ieRJ3hPl0JiietqF8_n9Fl-g17osScHYDYjk/s720/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P8%20%20IND-BUFF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMsQkkhyxZSFwoqhh8ktfTPz4VwKCvcWYDjZPG3_jrt8rdipqSlUHo_8iUVSFvuPH_drBemS20FBhOxRxwtnb7t7fYaEXmZURpwNnqa1H11LreKrWCHWBiF_QUwhmqJWObqspVw8vKEcf7LseTZH9Bx8ieRJ3hPl0JiietqF8_n9Fl-g17osScHYDYjk/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P8%20%20IND-BUFF.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><u>ROUND 3</u></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNl8lMBggdlTPXqhktrdG_fVvfxGwDfM2fzOJenphEk1JF4LJp59ZdYHITkUfKThKjryjiM25i0aOtXNuVtPZCjg47px1xlVXs4hj6ILzCYtEEJTz0jCPBoeQzLo2TLK4Nc7TuWiIJ3vZjjzaTIft7p9GF5PF7y3osNNtNf4nCVfhD_G25vT-a87PfR38/s2048/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P10%20%20CHI-IND.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNl8lMBggdlTPXqhktrdG_fVvfxGwDfM2fzOJenphEk1JF4LJp59ZdYHITkUfKThKjryjiM25i0aOtXNuVtPZCjg47px1xlVXs4hj6ILzCYtEEJTz0jCPBoeQzLo2TLK4Nc7TuWiIJ3vZjjzaTIft7p9GF5PF7y3osNNtNf4nCVfhD_G25vT-a87PfR38/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P10%20%20CHI-IND.jpg" width="164" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYXRDvud3HUVba_FnUICNTYpFzK049UO_vwa7ErT4kVWiIBkhnGhyphenhyphenvtsLtMwTn-jhEKSobEe3o7hsphkBR3EhmLETSHzbJCTYrRtj9iiOLOUpVZVkDHKlR2gxoKUODOHjfhlsEDfLLvSG_p3wCaCJja9qzMMduJLhqBTHFsk4sdai9ZUQhmDNcHNAJ_g/s1440/NFL23--MAY%20XX--P1%20%20HOU%20ROOK%20MC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1099" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYXRDvud3HUVba_FnUICNTYpFzK049UO_vwa7ErT4kVWiIBkhnGhyphenhyphenvtsLtMwTn-jhEKSobEe3o7hsphkBR3EhmLETSHzbJCTYrRtj9iiOLOUpVZVkDHKlR2gxoKUODOHjfhlsEDfLLvSG_p3wCaCJja9qzMMduJLhqBTHFsk4sdai9ZUQhmDNcHNAJ_g/s320/NFL23--MAY%20XX--P1%20%20HOU%20ROOK%20MC.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiw14h6NzoMe8_9j8LPq0-UMLPsJOcve3v1dYr0W1JuBak3AWH7s-yrqpX0mQz8dBQdGvV6n5PxzXQTlzwJ2XgWbv5ncllpkR5kukseXXl82xJyrz5YMT-UhWhe9pDXbIGB8caQgNCa4XQH0IHj233jiSgizrRuDN_0_Zg8dUYbTY_ARwMKVO7NzTfmQ/s600/NFL23--AUG.%2013--P2--AUG.%2019--P9.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheiw14h6NzoMe8_9j8LPq0-UMLPsJOcve3v1dYr0W1JuBak3AWH7s-yrqpX0mQz8dBQdGvV6n5PxzXQTlzwJ2XgWbv5ncllpkR5kukseXXl82xJyrz5YMT-UhWhe9pDXbIGB8caQgNCa4XQH0IHj233jiSgizrRuDN_0_Zg8dUYbTY_ARwMKVO7NzTfmQ/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2013--P2--AUG.%2019--P9.jpg" width="160" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>64. DT <b>Zacch Pickens</b> (CHI) (photo on left above)</div><div>69. WR<b> Tank Dell</b> (HOU) (photo on right above)</div><div>71. RB <b>Kendre Miller</b> (NO) (top photo on right)</div><div>75. DE <b>Zach Harrison</b> (ATL)</div><div>79. WR<b> Josh Downs </b>(IND)</div><div>81. RB <b>Tyjae Spears</b> (TENN) (photo on left below)</div><div>87. S <b>Ji'Ayir Brown</b> (SF)<br />90. LB <b>DeMarvion Overshown</b> (DAL) (on IR list)</div><div>91. LB <b>Dorian Williams</b> (BUF) (photo on right below)</div><div>92. OT <b>Wanya Morris</b> (KC) (bottom photo on right)</div><div>96. DT <b>Brodric Martin</b> (DET)</div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUh3wDvAtdvPdL7mC4vE5eNCoXAObux0LMgJoqskfy0rQhVS6dU-qbN82bXTj25DQHv6rxHkLyXL0A9pf1khWyHFvW9SwNj0OAmcpQeSQYPRqdWAy1up2UkH3HWEI4ftVhnCYcXEVnAApKrLE3yoycSOwumMKWvccbMlH6vVfB1HO5jUaQIbaf0jaJHk/s1800/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P8%20%20TENN-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUh3wDvAtdvPdL7mC4vE5eNCoXAObux0LMgJoqskfy0rQhVS6dU-qbN82bXTj25DQHv6rxHkLyXL0A9pf1khWyHFvW9SwNj0OAmcpQeSQYPRqdWAy1up2UkH3HWEI4ftVhnCYcXEVnAApKrLE3yoycSOwumMKWvccbMlH6vVfB1HO5jUaQIbaf0jaJHk/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2019--P8%20%20TENN-MINN.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnAsmNVida6Ota8F5kYn8FntehtBjSr6iqCcONnTLLghf4w6k-UaZi4wuo3dnWIO0-_dkGjPMlm-R7x_57lAbhs03Y4OEw0yySqhTDjH6SQCRZQhSwnRzbIHRww26bn5tHqhdBpfSwlU68BSnRuPFebc6EyY71Sizt_FqgdqZdK8hAMUn_pNeKiRM4YA/s720/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P9%20%20IND-BUFF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="486" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnAsmNVida6Ota8F5kYn8FntehtBjSr6iqCcONnTLLghf4w6k-UaZi4wuo3dnWIO0-_dkGjPMlm-R7x_57lAbhs03Y4OEw0yySqhTDjH6SQCRZQhSwnRzbIHRww26bn5tHqhdBpfSwlU68BSnRuPFebc6EyY71Sizt_FqgdqZdK8hAMUn_pNeKiRM4YA/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P9%20%20IND-BUFF.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br /><div><u>ROUND 4</u></div><div>105. CB <b>Kelee Ringo</b> (PHIL) (left photo below)</div><div>118. G <b>Braeden Daniels</b> (WASH) (on IR list)</div><div>120. OT <b>Carter Warren</b> (NYJ)</div><div>126. DE <b>Isaiah McGuire</b> (CLEV)</div><div>130. DE <b>Tyler Lacy</b> (JAC) (right photo below)</div><div>134. S <b>Jay Ward</b> (MINN)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBAdiFQMbCNR3jN3g9hQp2b49IsXNkcbyPKEmDMk16DklMTrqV025fB9tyCAYuj8bPNLDr06Ma9e_vAnzisNUtfx7vJ1yy6vz-bGghBkN3GUByLKilUusqTYxMVrcmIBBAQDsEXIv3bO6gTZhCnPmoV5hxQ2NouHUvwl1IkXvw8d6DDcfTdWeOAXs8Z8/s2048/NFL23--AUG.%2017--P3%20%20CLEVE-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1217" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBAdiFQMbCNR3jN3g9hQp2b49IsXNkcbyPKEmDMk16DklMTrqV025fB9tyCAYuj8bPNLDr06Ma9e_vAnzisNUtfx7vJ1yy6vz-bGghBkN3GUByLKilUusqTYxMVrcmIBBAQDsEXIv3bO6gTZhCnPmoV5hxQ2NouHUvwl1IkXvw8d6DDcfTdWeOAXs8Z8/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2017--P3%20%20CLEVE-PHIL.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJqeEECBciL4eMf-7oqVuVAkl7TGyfgqlQPJguw5jz9A3YutoXpjZsKEP3WN25dVYUlXmm6WWShplEJ3BwQBsF3SCglEHoWAU-aXg9vKlPDbc2pw-ph-SsEnkcpWIesGQesI10QoHTLvvYfYh4r13Hd8K0LVit9SwRrG60g0vjslofnyzfm0kkYF7V_U/s858/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P7%20%20JACK-DALL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="578" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJqeEECBciL4eMf-7oqVuVAkl7TGyfgqlQPJguw5jz9A3YutoXpjZsKEP3WN25dVYUlXmm6WWShplEJ3BwQBsF3SCglEHoWAU-aXg9vKlPDbc2pw-ph-SsEnkcpWIesGQesI10QoHTLvvYfYh4r13Hd8K0LVit9SwRrG60g0vjslofnyzfm0kkYF7V_U/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P7%20%20JACK-DALL.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br /><div><u>ROUND 5</u></div><div>138. CB <b>Darius Rush</b> (IND) (cut at end of preseason then signed by KC)</div><div>143. RB <b>Israel Abanikanda</b> (NYJ)</div><div>146. S <b>Jordan Howden</b> (NO)</div><div>151. DE <b>Mike Morris </b>(SEA)</div><div>156. G <b>Jordan McFadden</b> (LAC)</div><div>160. S <b>Antonio Johnson</b> (JAC) (left photo below)</div><div>165. CB <b>Terell Smith</b> (CHI) (right photo below)</div><div>168. LB <b>Owen Pappoe</b> (ARIZ)</div><div>170. S <b>Chris Smith</b> (LV)</div><div>172. RB<b> Eric Gray</b> (NYG)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPc0WbwierTtjX5bWRPHMQQJPkgc1_CQxPL4b8b_Un8l8aiDEf0XXAqbJL2w_0TN0EXTKIr02QWTALrHqW68QNU1tCv4YcAq1RdgkEOSQUr-ZWw2wfuHa8_zRDuNaM2asK-Mv7M7xkXH1__Kpz5xDXC6RHGy6MwJt3LwXAyIt35Ub3KUtTsLssw78ekw/s720/NFL23--AUG.%2031--P1%20%20JACK%20PRAC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="596" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPc0WbwierTtjX5bWRPHMQQJPkgc1_CQxPL4b8b_Un8l8aiDEf0XXAqbJL2w_0TN0EXTKIr02QWTALrHqW68QNU1tCv4YcAq1RdgkEOSQUr-ZWw2wfuHa8_zRDuNaM2asK-Mv7M7xkXH1__Kpz5xDXC6RHGy6MwJt3LwXAyIt35Ub3KUtTsLssw78ekw/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2031--P1%20%20JACK%20PRAC.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5qNR-6oBO23Ik4VXqmTmqI_MAimvp18UtaS_nowlmouPFlU9AFz4qdTCDykdKCHpqQxK_EGk5whFIDvBt4ZJ6aeIsz264etLK24zmwB68Hw6PS-RqKdnFj36s9qsjshu3ekVVi0oIMcTS_PgyPiyOXn8S1HH4j9i63v6rLBTjAfJ57B4RF05GcEjUZg/s683/NFL23--MAY%2023--P1%20%20CHI%20OTA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5qNR-6oBO23Ik4VXqmTmqI_MAimvp18UtaS_nowlmouPFlU9AFz4qdTCDykdKCHpqQxK_EGk5whFIDvBt4ZJ6aeIsz264etLK24zmwB68Hw6PS-RqKdnFj36s9qsjshu3ekVVi0oIMcTS_PgyPiyOXn8S1HH4j9i63v6rLBTjAfJ57B4RF05GcEjUZg/s320/NFL23--MAY%2023--P1%20%20CHI%20OTA.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>ROUND 6</u></div><div>180. CB<b> Kei'Trel Clark</b> (ARIZ)</div><div>183. S <b>JL Skinner</b> (DEN)</div><div>186. OT <b>Jaelyn Duncan</b> (TENN) (left photo below)</div><div>213. DT <b>Dante Stills</b> (ARIZ) (right photo below)</div><div>215. RB<b> Zach Evans</b> (LAR)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF9BQ5oYW0uK-VVIfytpM64FzY0lp6yOWY1FFfFn8nHAQBWwd8lJbVUXVEnmwzs1XNk4nPt8lrNYuf17SmcUTiqxjk2qR-bfTf3xxtFG1g_eU2ZLSftSSzpWiWbxiIogxjoDKLf-EKvK2IdAnruTe4jTJ2RfSsRdn6RurLlOmAvlZ6BG3HEbUX9SfOpQ/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P6%20%20TENN-CHI.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPF9BQ5oYW0uK-VVIfytpM64FzY0lp6yOWY1FFfFn8nHAQBWwd8lJbVUXVEnmwzs1XNk4nPt8lrNYuf17SmcUTiqxjk2qR-bfTf3xxtFG1g_eU2ZLSftSSzpWiWbxiIogxjoDKLf-EKvK2IdAnruTe4jTJ2RfSsRdn6RurLlOmAvlZ6BG3HEbUX9SfOpQ/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2012--P6%20%20TENN-CHI.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZe788EGgUBNvpBNlR5BkphbHBXnXMJdj0OUBVBrLeRkQJIlHHmJG2BETDeOEyCWdtRNzmTswM4NmR3y3Te7Xcbkyg3pPNdMqUk2l_aml8FGzE7LHdzmUdXFahDcGmBwaoup1DtWtDALKsvPQ5_WtSsom3ufkpt04km8O-k22Y9lZMdezXUVCMIuU3FM/s1294/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P13%20%20ARIZ-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="790" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZe788EGgUBNvpBNlR5BkphbHBXnXMJdj0OUBVBrLeRkQJIlHHmJG2BETDeOEyCWdtRNzmTswM4NmR3y3Te7Xcbkyg3pPNdMqUk2l_aml8FGzE7LHdzmUdXFahDcGmBwaoup1DtWtDALKsvPQ5_WtSsom3ufkpt04km8O-k22Y9lZMdezXUVCMIuU3FM/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P13%20%20ARIZ-MINN.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><br /><div><u>ROUND 7</u></div><div>222. RB <b>DeWayne McBride</b> (MINN) (on practice squad)</div><div>232. CB <b>Carrington Valentine</b> (GB) (left photo below)</div><div>233. LB <b>Andre Jones</b> (WASH) (right photo below)</div><div>235. RB <b>Lew Nichols</b> (GB) (cut at end of preseason)</div><div>241. CB <b>Cory Trice</b> (PIT) (on IR list)</div><div>248. S <b>Brandon Hill</b> (HOU) (signed to practice squad after being cut then put on pract. squad IR list)</div><div>252. CB <b>Alex Austin</b> (BUF) (cut at end of preseason then signed by HOU)</div><div>258. CB<b> Kendall Williamson</b> (CHI) (on practice squad)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXo0rnlupXCHFSHCcVSsJc4Ng-cfH8CABlmG27WBlWy3jXnol5SBOW3S6mGSWkeNR65aefPlim1jVBeNLZYyBZg9F6aYqkz6nBo90KUKYFcW30FDwR33VQkSOzRSKb8_hkcIeiob0qRhGPVn-oPY8Zuz3gRkAcRvMa85_JGdSkOEabQIdrCwBA7oyOD4/s1873/NFL23--MAY%2023--P4%20%20GB%20OTA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1873" data-original-width="1595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXo0rnlupXCHFSHCcVSsJc4Ng-cfH8CABlmG27WBlWy3jXnol5SBOW3S6mGSWkeNR65aefPlim1jVBeNLZYyBZg9F6aYqkz6nBo90KUKYFcW30FDwR33VQkSOzRSKb8_hkcIeiob0qRhGPVn-oPY8Zuz3gRkAcRvMa85_JGdSkOEabQIdrCwBA7oyOD4/s320/NFL23--MAY%2023--P4%20%20GB%20OTA.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh6E8yIwXyyLqonmMQhAXzxub9U42xy4ObLDsgjrvAT-_TQaZPLwzK9ZXFcdYFhEoJ-tp70w4XJ0Jg4bHeQuB0fx6POm18yd1pB5XfPU53SqrbaktoR1EbVA8LUqWd_iY1OtCXxuWpda9qbuZhb6Huaio4XYLCgViaN6m-WQAfPwppLRridHlpAACq3w/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2021--P1%20%20BALT-WASH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="582" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNh6E8yIwXyyLqonmMQhAXzxub9U42xy4ObLDsgjrvAT-_TQaZPLwzK9ZXFcdYFhEoJ-tp70w4XJ0Jg4bHeQuB0fx6POm18yd1pB5XfPU53SqrbaktoR1EbVA8LUqWd_iY1OtCXxuWpda9qbuZhb6Huaio4XYLCgViaN6m-WQAfPwppLRridHlpAACq3w/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2021--P1%20%20BALT-WASH.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div>The class of 2023 rookies with dreads also includes a whopping 11 undrafted players who made their teams' opening day rosters, one of whom has an older brother who has been a big star in the league and who was once a 1st round draft choice. Congratulations to all of you .....</div><div><br /></div><div>LB <b>Brenton Cox</b> (GB)</div><div>CB <b>Steven Gilmore</b> (DET) (left photo below)</div><div>CB <b>Kahlef Hailassie</b> (CLEV)</div><div>WR <b>Malik Heath</b> (GB)</div><div>S <b>Ronnie Hickman</b> (CLEV) (right photo below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_0OFFfRA7yAjLph5UJKpbjpDYlmy1TpsrZS5cjva96BqVqFDqCfVekRjWQ7vCD0D6udEaCGpx-uu0s4xBsW4Kn-QA8kfgHuf3fOyTKZlBODyVwoUXZOS0VZcGvNTwkt3N9AWv3Judt-WiNYelqntBFELt2E_7JOXtBlVFkEfEKsTfhXDwoPZxmVjQLI/s720/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P6A%20%20DET-CAR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_0OFFfRA7yAjLph5UJKpbjpDYlmy1TpsrZS5cjva96BqVqFDqCfVekRjWQ7vCD0D6udEaCGpx-uu0s4xBsW4Kn-QA8kfgHuf3fOyTKZlBODyVwoUXZOS0VZcGvNTwkt3N9AWv3Judt-WiNYelqntBFELt2E_7JOXtBlVFkEfEKsTfhXDwoPZxmVjQLI/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2025--P6A%20%20DET-CAR.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzITOc42hYo08VWa-RkbTSA1Qo3I2DDN1kRMoujZEar2q2YqThTJffIOVE7G7-jnINOME-rbaiRcPR7CISbZiGE_yNKDen3Nr36JcQLM7xCbCVLUjG19_kmrHRXMOEpFwkpseyNtURSCgzdyO64W9eTLurYEmwiyHNQ-Vg6kbIbTTGCS60aHn_XiPMtk/s1024/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P14%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="678" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzITOc42hYo08VWa-RkbTSA1Qo3I2DDN1kRMoujZEar2q2YqThTJffIOVE7G7-jnINOME-rbaiRcPR7CISbZiGE_yNKDen3Nr36JcQLM7xCbCVLUjG19_kmrHRXMOEpFwkpseyNtURSCgzdyO64W9eTLurYEmwiyHNQ-Vg6kbIbTTGCS60aHn_XiPMtk/s320/NFL23--AUG.%2026--P14%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>LB <b>Cam Jones</b> (KC)</div><div>DE <b>Isaiah Land</b> (IND)</div><div>RB <b>Jaleel McLaughlin</b> (DEN)</div><div>S <b>Kaevon Merriweather</b> (TB)<br />CB<b> Eli Ricks</b> (PHIL)</div><div>CB <b>Starling Thomas</b> (ARIZ)</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-61567733191022381912023-09-01T08:28:00.000-05:002023-09-01T08:28:45.826-05:00Our Cup Runneth Over<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWapNcrfJhO9rmvCU_pfT5G55cPYZ1dFHhPeR18b-7Y38YpvPb2dZZLPJL3KBbnhjt35sYE4qvshUfIRcWfVZVUG4Elyw5-xSiSFoNItzqR5nfFsToBN7QWYOtbnFJ4CybLxj2xvlNRs9qUTF-4SFOppZuApmdhsRDSQA8MCti8oCCCz0uJ7mhoagJd1k/s1980/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P14%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1980" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWapNcrfJhO9rmvCU_pfT5G55cPYZ1dFHhPeR18b-7Y38YpvPb2dZZLPJL3KBbnhjt35sYE4qvshUfIRcWfVZVUG4Elyw5-xSiSFoNItzqR5nfFsToBN7QWYOtbnFJ4CybLxj2xvlNRs9qUTF-4SFOppZuApmdhsRDSQA8MCti8oCCCz0uJ7mhoagJd1k/s320/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P14%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Has there ever been a better time than now to be a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs? Well, any longtime follower of the team (and having been a follower/fan since the mid-1980's I think I qualify as longtime) will tell you the answer to question is very simple: NO! Of course not. The Chiefs have enjoyed their share of regular season success over the past 30 years - several seasons during the Coach Schottenheimer era, one season in particular during the Coach Vermeil era, and several more during the first part of the Coach Reid era. But postseason success? That was elusive, to say the least. Between 1990 and 2017 the Chiefs went a not-very-stellar and often head-scratching 4-14 in playoff games, concluding with that horrible game in the 2017 wild card round, when they blew a 21-3 halftime lead and lost at home to the Tennessee Titans 22-21.<p></p><div style="text-align: left;">But ever since then Chiefs fans have had smiles on their faces almost continuously for the past 5 years. After going 50 years without a championship, the Chiefs have won 2 of the last 4 Super Bowls, the latest coming 6 months ago with their thrilling 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 to finish the 2022 season.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not coincidentally the Chiefs' recent run of postseason success started when some guy named Patrick Mahomes became their starting quarterback in 2018. The Chiefs made the playoffs 4 times in the first 5 years (2013-17) of the Coach Reid era; but they didn't start winning big until Mahomes took over. In his 5 seasons as the starter - during which time he has played in all but 3 games - the Chiefs have gone (including the playoffs) 13-5, 15-4, 16-3, 14-6, and 17-3. That's 5 straight years of 13+ wins after only 4 such seasons in the 40 years before him. With Mahomes at QB the Chiefs have yet to play a true road game in the playoffs, having hosted the AFC conference championship game 5 years in a row. And if not for only a couple of plays they would have won all 5 ...... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the 2018 title game the Chiefs - after scoring 3 touchdowns in the 4th quarter to take a 28-24 lead over the New England Patriots - seemingly had the victory clinched after intercepting Tom Brady with 54 seconds remaining. But, as you may recall, the INT was nullified because LB Dee Ford <i>lined up</i> offside on the play. The Patriots kept the ball and eventually won in overtime.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then 3 years later in the 2021 AFC championship game the Chiefs had a 21-10 lead and the ball at the 1-yard line and were poised to score another touchdown, one that likely would have finished off the Cincinnati Bengals just before halftime. But, as you may recall, on 1st down with 9 seconds to play they threw the ball sideways to Tyreek Hill, and he was tackled both short of the goal line and inbounds. So instead of it being 28-10 and game (probably) over, time ran out and the Bengals ended the half with momentum on their side. The Bengals went on to dominate in the 2nd half, which I don't think they would have done had the Chiefs scored that touchdown. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, we're talking about a couple of inches in one game, and one yard in another game - that's how close the Chiefs are to having played in 5 straight Super Bowls. Indeed, Chiefs fans, to say that our cup runneth over is an understatement. And the thing is Mahomes is about to turn 28 years old, so this just might keep on going. This is the same feeling that Patriots fans had for all of the years Brady was their QB - knowing that at the start of <i>every</i> season you have a realistic chance at the championship. But let's just hope the members of the Chiefs Kingdom don't ever become as obnoxious as so many members of Patriots Nation did during their dynasty.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy with Mahomes after Super Bowl 57 (photo at top of page) is Travis Kelce, of course. Arguably Kelce deserves just as many accolades as Mahomes for the Chiefs being so formidable. There's no way they would be as successful as they've been without him. On the field a tight end is often the quarterback's best friend. And Kelce has been exactly that - and more - for nearly a decade. So many big plays. So many clutch plays. Consistent greatness, as in 7 straight seasons with over 1,000 yards receiving. That's unheard of for a tight end. When you have a great tight end in addition to a great quarterback .... well, just look what it did for Tom Brady.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_-GBt6SpHbHilNxGTUhc2ec8TU-1iYrxBDEPIaYJJC81OdtDWQQ0wto3UUCLc5qW7RSOWEH3BNOYtgm7cYb1eY4u1u_F4GBIvBXb2Wl4AGi4Iv7ELsfp7exyISq6KsnAvlEbbXsKRGWvJgCZPsIxK_yiHQkLB4tHOXd2BI0WccP-CTsnPvquTuuz6Mo/s853/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P15%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="633" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_-GBt6SpHbHilNxGTUhc2ec8TU-1iYrxBDEPIaYJJC81OdtDWQQ0wto3UUCLc5qW7RSOWEH3BNOYtgm7cYb1eY4u1u_F4GBIvBXb2Wl4AGi4Iv7ELsfp7exyISq6KsnAvlEbbXsKRGWvJgCZPsIxK_yiHQkLB4tHOXd2BI0WccP-CTsnPvquTuuz6Mo/s320/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P15%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUulfK1tfBrYA7l29fxVW_iVFtKtwjEU7T78AbhPP90O7BEDUuAOs3E2Pv3VFvUKxIpfqv3TAcbOH3FOy5rA1NgHrVTgbhgykfNpfIrUeYPgRC6VjuoVNPRIakbUoPknorgGGFFPu2O9FB7i5mw8cLPsfIV14tIoO9PwGfc8lryjlBP0p1_6CXd91iI68/s1015/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P5%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1015" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUulfK1tfBrYA7l29fxVW_iVFtKtwjEU7T78AbhPP90O7BEDUuAOs3E2Pv3VFvUKxIpfqv3TAcbOH3FOy5rA1NgHrVTgbhgykfNpfIrUeYPgRC6VjuoVNPRIakbUoPknorgGGFFPu2O9FB7i5mw8cLPsfIV14tIoO9PwGfc8lryjlBP0p1_6CXd91iI68/s320/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P5%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Taking in the confetti shower together just after the win over the Eagles are DBs<b> Justin Reid</b> (#20), <b>L'Jarius Sneed</b> (#38) and Nazeeh Johnson (left photo above); and DE <b>Mike Danna</b> (right photo above) in a moment by himself. And smoking the victory cigars a little later are rookie RB <b>Isiah Pacheco</b> (right photo below) and LB <b>Darius Harris</b> (left photo below). It's the 2nd Super Bowl ring for Harris - although he didn't really do much to earn the first one, as he was on the NFI list for his entire rookie season in 2019 when the Chiefs won Super Bowl 54. But he contributed much more to this one, playing in all 20 games. Reid and Sneed both started all 20 games, finishing 4th and 2nd respectively on the team in tackles. Sneed also tied for the team lead in interceptions with 3. Danna tied for 3rd on the team with his 5 sacks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPye1ll2H49KJB3pdqgjbfxalZmFAbEw2I5ThZRgK1VTceIGSazdMfS_zDhgOliC6SNGY7C1fbH3zSggO8QPto6rvOyXihPJpaJ45-19AmGl7HQSd91-qFsJECf4v2KT2FtnICJrYi4909Q-t1LTIUiOJ8CGhm0r6XfWlwitbAhrPCcpUjEqI5l2Lrv8/s683/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P3%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="470" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPye1ll2H49KJB3pdqgjbfxalZmFAbEw2I5ThZRgK1VTceIGSazdMfS_zDhgOliC6SNGY7C1fbH3zSggO8QPto6rvOyXihPJpaJ45-19AmGl7HQSd91-qFsJECf4v2KT2FtnICJrYi4909Q-t1LTIUiOJ8CGhm0r6XfWlwitbAhrPCcpUjEqI5l2Lrv8/s320/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P3%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw4ayc8OVGorpv0suIfxHyGndm81SUtdT_ySDc9brHGUO4AASnvH_G5Sjzzkrrr2zedqkmAfwif6fXaXRGAafvUrCiP4BRXcPAy_NSkkaIHGDJrjqZ8F11slazG2v_yJkBH3I2Q_9AGF82RbbxYiQxzIwh-_PCKppfpZwk_zJ1r9aIlhGhkKSFVtZilE/s1280/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P12%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw4ayc8OVGorpv0suIfxHyGndm81SUtdT_ySDc9brHGUO4AASnvH_G5Sjzzkrrr2zedqkmAfwif6fXaXRGAafvUrCiP4BRXcPAy_NSkkaIHGDJrjqZ8F11slazG2v_yJkBH3I2Q_9AGF82RbbxYiQxzIwh-_PCKppfpZwk_zJ1r9aIlhGhkKSFVtZilE/s320/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P12%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>No doubt that cigar was extra tasty for Pacheco. In his first NFL season he won more games than he did during his entire 4-year career in college at Rutgers, as the Scarlet Knights went 11-35 between 2018 and 2021. The Chiefs' 7th round draft choice, Pacheco ranked 5th on the team with 5 regular season touchdowns. And he added one more in the postseason ..... which just happened to come in the Super Bowl. His 1-yard run to cap the Chiefs' 2nd half opening drive (photo below) and cut the Eagles' lead to 24-21 was one of three touchdowns scored for the Chiefs by players with dreads. LB <b>Nick Bolton</b> had a 36-yard fumble return for a TD in the 2nd quarter, and WR <b>Kadarius</b> <b>Toney</b> scored on a 5-yard reception in the 4th quarter, making it the first Super Bowl ever with as many as 3 TD by players with dreads. And Toney nearly made it 4. Just 90 seconds after his TD catch gave the Chiefs their first lead of the game at 28-27 early in the 4th, he nearly took a punt return to the house. But his 65-yard return - the longest punt return in Super Bowl history - came up just short, as he was knocked out of bounds at the 5-yard line. Bolton's TD was the first by a player with dreads in a Super Bowl in 5 years - since <b>LeGarrette Blount</b> scored for the Eagles against the Patriots in Super Bowl 52 - and was the first defensive TD ever scored in a Super Bowl by a player with dreads.<br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAwwFrshKR0hqRwPZGN22SgMvZ_rxPCuK-_sX2jmDx-AByWTA_3XVBwZN-tiI26Ais-_e3o4eBJ238NwmFha0jdGLE-dYZqK_R2jE_DGRKkOKXnQeqe3VXGOp-R-XAR9BlpWQDsZyvoiB70E9jGUf-Yrq7oFbPMAeUsrnqDsq7eIi3kg3tDgjG_z4WEc/s2048/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P16%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAwwFrshKR0hqRwPZGN22SgMvZ_rxPCuK-_sX2jmDx-AByWTA_3XVBwZN-tiI26Ais-_e3o4eBJ238NwmFha0jdGLE-dYZqK_R2jE_DGRKkOKXnQeqe3VXGOp-R-XAR9BlpWQDsZyvoiB70E9jGUf-Yrq7oFbPMAeUsrnqDsq7eIi3kg3tDgjG_z4WEc/s320/NFL22--FEB.%2012--P16%20%20KC-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Prior to the touchdowns by Bolton, Pacheco, and Toney there were a total of only 9 Super Bowl TD by players with dreads, with <b>Devin Hester</b> scoring the first of those for the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl 41. Previously the most TD by players with dreads in one Super Bowl came in Super Bowl 43, when <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> had 2 TD catches for the Arizona Cardinals in their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Chiefs' championship in 2019 was correctly predicted by my crystal ball. But not this one. CB2 tried to sell you that the Chiefs' season would end in heartbreak after a loss in Week 18 left them out of the playoffs. I hope you didn't buy it. What a bunch of nonsense that was. The team CB2 picked to win Super Bowl 57 actually was looking good for most of the season, as the Buffalo Bills were near or at the top of the AFC standings all season. But despite defeating the Chiefs in Kansas City for the second regular season in a row, the Bills once again had to stomach the Chiefs hosting the conference title game. And how it happened in 2022 was particularly galling for Bills fans. The Bills moved into the #1 seed in the conference in Week 13 and maintained it in Weeks 14, 15, and 16. But then came Week 17 and the fateful Monday night in Cincinnati.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw3UJAhi-vLXX_icH9uEZeOekg9ynUoEmmk7ik-_ba0XQssmuygmciqdK7vLaj2i2r_5fvdmnS04H_A8-UD2O6-Ah1QUxn6g_vssJ23jGSFlUOyQGMqUeUPvPcgK3Ba1GJAsYJtxRUQQ6lDdRgpgK4wi_6-KXk4RHT4IpgFdvkUBwTyUXi4RDTWKQ14Q/s2048/NFL22--JAN.%202--P2%20%20BUFF-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggw3UJAhi-vLXX_icH9uEZeOekg9ynUoEmmk7ik-_ba0XQssmuygmciqdK7vLaj2i2r_5fvdmnS04H_A8-UD2O6-Ah1QUxn6g_vssJ23jGSFlUOyQGMqUeUPvPcgK3Ba1GJAsYJtxRUQQ6lDdRgpgK4wi_6-KXk4RHT4IpgFdvkUBwTyUXi4RDTWKQ14Q/s320/NFL22--JAN.%202--P2%20%20BUFF-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It looked like a regular, routine play when Bills S <b>Damar Hamlin</b> tackled Bengals WR Tee Higgins just past the midway point of the 1st quarter. Maybe a little more violent than normal, as Higgins surged forward and slammed into Hamlin's chest (photo on left) and knocked him down. And it wasn't all that unusual when Hamlin got up after the play but then went right back down. Injuries happen all the time. I already had the sound turned down, so I then turned my full attention to something else (probably a basketball game - that was the night Donovan Mitchell was scoring 71 points on the Bulls). But when I looked back and saw the ambulance on the field and some of the Bills' players were crying, the first thing I thought was I hope that Hamlin wasn't dead. Well, it turned out he <i>was</i> dead, having suffered a cardiac arrest, before thankfully being brought back to life by CPR. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRztZSgJY8GO2CVB0EzSj_i62gFxZWNEfa-8pC3JciTnvULuf28Vhp8pGwvGxA3QAmMWPaouIs9avbWz8Go77r6AK6ZhnnbYuri39FPyzP_kqEwL55WIgZqx5bwOvtjvjVAoMHmlBcLI_IQysKiTT7BG2rJhv754qsL02uW7FdZIZN5S_r-ipxNneTCk/s2048/NFL22--JAN.%202--P3A%20%20BUFF-CIN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRztZSgJY8GO2CVB0EzSj_i62gFxZWNEfa-8pC3JciTnvULuf28Vhp8pGwvGxA3QAmMWPaouIs9avbWz8Go77r6AK6ZhnnbYuri39FPyzP_kqEwL55WIgZqx5bwOvtjvjVAoMHmlBcLI_IQysKiTT7BG2rJhv754qsL02uW7FdZIZN5S_r-ipxNneTCk/s320/NFL22--JAN.%202--P3A%20%20BUFF-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">As the players stood on the field in various states of disbelief, shock, horror, and sadness (CB Tre'Davious White, photo on right, seemed to be the most grief-stricken) and as it became increasingly more apparent they were too emotionally spent to be able to continue to play, the more selfish and insensitive of us (and you can include me) were concerned because this was a game that really, <i>really</i> needed to be played, and that the finish to the season was going to be messed up if they didn't. Unfortunately but not surprisingly, the NFL cancelled the game altogether instead of just suspended it until the next day, leaving the league with the thankless job of figuring out what to do. And what they did was come up with a solution that was unsatisfactory and unfair to the teams it affected:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />----- The Chiefs. The decision not to finish the Bills-Bengals game robbed the Chiefs of their chance to clinch the top AFC seed undisputed, which they would had gotten had the Bills lost and finished with a 13-4 record. The NFL's solution was to name the Chiefs (who ended up 14-3) the #1 seed but not allow them home advantage if the Bills (13-3 without the loss to the Bengals) advanced to meet them in the conference title game. Rather than playing in KC they would have met at a neutral site (are you kidding me?).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">----- The Baltimore Ravens. Had the Bengals and Bills played and the Bengals lost, the Ravens would have been in position to clinch the AFC North division crown with a victory over the Bengals in Week 18. The decision not to play left them with no chance of finishing in 1st place.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">----- The Bengals. Had the Bengals beaten the Bills, not only would they have clinched 1st place in the AFC North, they also would have moved ahead of the Bills (both teams 12-4 through Week 17 with the Bengals ahead on the tiebreaker) up to the #2 seed. So the decision not to play cost them a chance to gain home advantage in the 2nd round of the playoffs.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">----- And last but certainly not least, the Bills. Obviously, had the Bills beaten the Bengals, they would have maintained the top seed in the AFC. So the decision not to play cost them their chance to get a 1st round bye for the playoffs and also made their 2nd round game more difficult, as an assignment against the #3 seeded Bengals would have been less desirable than facing the #4 seeded Jacksonville Jaguars.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mercy, Damar, see all the commotion you caused? Next time tell your heart not to ever do that again! ...... All kidding aside, Hamlin's cardiac arrest was a fluke accident. It wasn't a heart attack - there wasn't anything previously wrong with his heart. It was a longshot blow to his heart at the exact wrong time that caused it to stop. He was in critical condition for a long time but I am so very happy that not only was his life saved, his <i>quality</i> of life was also preserved. Meaning that after recovering things seemingly have gone back to normal. He participated in the Bills' offseason summer practices and was in uniform and on the field for all 3 of their 2023 preseason games (making 10 total tackles). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's no telling what would have happened had that game been played. Personally I thought the Bengals were going to win. But what if the Bills had won? Things could have been a whole lot different. We probably would be talking about them, not the Chiefs, defeating the Jaguars and then playing at home in the AFC championship game. Nothing can be done now, but the Bills just lost a great chance to win a Super Bowl.</div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In my post from last September titled "Bills Due" my crystal ball incorrectly predicted the Bills would win their first NFL championship; so they're still due. It wasn't the only thing CB2 got wrong. But hey, what's new? Since beginning their NFL forecasts back in 2008, neither one of my crystal balls have been able to achieve a grade of higher than a B-. That was in 2009 and everything since than has been a C or worse. So CB2's 2022 forecast was the same old same old. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2 was at its best picking the last place teams, getting 6 of those 8 correct. It was also a not-too-bad 9 for 14 in the correctly predicting the playoff teams. It correctly picked the exact records of three teams: Steelers, Cowboys, 49ers. But on the negative side it got an F (for missing the mark by 4 or more games) for a whopping 10 of the league's 32 teams. WTF? Its worst misses were the Jaguars (9-8) and Las Vegas Raiders (6-11) being 6 games off their predicted records of 3-14 and 12-5 respectively.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here now is a look at the entire report card ...... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>AFC EAST</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> predicted actual</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> 1. BUF 14-3 1. BUF 13-3</div><div style="text-align: left;"> 2. MIA 12-5 2. MIA 9-8</div><div style="text-align: left;"> 3. NE 7-10 3. NE 8-9</div><div style="text-align: left;"> 4. NYJ 3-14 4. NYJ 7-10</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The only division that CB2 got the order of finish exactly right. Grade should have been higher, but Jets far better than expected. </div><div style="text-align: left;">GRADE: <b>C+</b> ..... Best grade: <b>B-</b> in 2009 ..... Worst grade: <b>D</b> in 2020, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2008 ..... L5Y (grades for the last 5 years, starting with 2021 and going back to 2017): <b>C, D, C, D+, C-</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzwHsPWkJeljgyz5gCqG-pv9rGNFXP071c8CjRcvexBqSCJ3tLLTKFNzTINnkj8q1HOwE3rmcEYL2ZI8RLEpXSERYEaBa9JFJc5p9k1Tgsj_Ewhv6Kw0jwaQ1TkNozo37syGWXVxac_jcUUhjRgdSaqT9H1Z_Zom-MwR4cFZTtOXY4yWmBYOvebzwaEA/s1024/NFL22--JAN.%201--P3%20%20MIA-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="652" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzwHsPWkJeljgyz5gCqG-pv9rGNFXP071c8CjRcvexBqSCJ3tLLTKFNzTINnkj8q1HOwE3rmcEYL2ZI8RLEpXSERYEaBa9JFJc5p9k1Tgsj_Ewhv6Kw0jwaQ1TkNozo37syGWXVxac_jcUUhjRgdSaqT9H1Z_Zom-MwR4cFZTtOXY4yWmBYOvebzwaEA/s320/NFL22--JAN.%201--P3%20%20MIA-NE.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmGTd23o8jwCktpL6Du-8W2BnA67QwPEqn4kZrQUFT_FlgnsCOOzVTfH5QdqB1G4_S6Un-XvbQ4KLr-7MJ5gX6ugon7cs8Q1sPQTR-5rMG1dxGc2xZOT0QYfP9NP_osOLyyDLovufUIQbpnNsrq4L4Goc9C8bRHlyJas7WJ3zHeHyDrfn7qn1_92OUjg/s1400/NFL22--NOV.%2020--P6%20%20CLEVE-BUFF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmGTd23o8jwCktpL6Du-8W2BnA67QwPEqn4kZrQUFT_FlgnsCOOzVTfH5QdqB1G4_S6Un-XvbQ4KLr-7MJ5gX6ugon7cs8Q1sPQTR-5rMG1dxGc2xZOT0QYfP9NP_osOLyyDLovufUIQbpnNsrq4L4Goc9C8bRHlyJas7WJ3zHeHyDrfn7qn1_92OUjg/s320/NFL22--NOV.%2020--P6%20%20CLEVE-BUFF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 whiffed on its pick that RB <b>James Cook</b> would become the first players with dreads for the Bills to score in double figures in TD and that he would score more TD than any rookie with dreads. Cook had a very respectable 1st season but scored only 3 TD, way fewer than the 10 that CB2 predicted. RB <b>Kenneth Walker</b> of the Seahawks led all rookies with dreads with 9 TD. </div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2 was correct forecasting that <b>Tyreek Hill</b>, with his hair in dreads for the first time since the opening game of the 2019 season, would have a big 1st season in a Dolphins uniform. Hill was the top scoring AFC East player with dreads - as expected - although he finished with only 9 TD, 4 fewer than the 13 predicted.</div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>AFC NORTH</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> predicted actual</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> 1. BAL 12-5 1. CIN 12-4</div><div style="text-align: left;"> 2. CIN 10-7 2. BAL 10-7</div><div style="text-align: left;"> 3. PIT 9-8 3. PIT 9-8</div><div style="text-align: left;"> 4. CLEV 8-9 4. CLEV 7-10</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not quite the correct order, but this is CB2's highest graded division for 2022 and its highest grade ever for this division. No hangover for Super Bowl loser Bengals. Steelers rallied from 5-8 record to make it 19 straight seasons without a losing record.</div><div style="text-align: left;">GRADE: <b>B-</b> (tied for best ever)..... Previous best: <b>B-</b> in 2022 and 2011 ..... Worst: <b>F</b> in 2008 ..... L5Y: <b>D+, C+, D, C. C</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLo6CQhT20pVTFKTzHX-dJJPYp8ba3Rk414OhRMN-_P6L0UCzngPxAyJOTKjxBkUcvpsfUT-LTz0n6nclCfc9NIvaGMURZncJJESvosL29rmN69FYqtILrL6I16ES0RTEFvOw03dNokBOyxmeq9BzvrhlzuZwZfWJKjCbNT9Qe6M-YBdgijLLECPzVdY/s900/NFL22--NOV.%2027--P5%20%20TB-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="578" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLo6CQhT20pVTFKTzHX-dJJPYp8ba3Rk414OhRMN-_P6L0UCzngPxAyJOTKjxBkUcvpsfUT-LTz0n6nclCfc9NIvaGMURZncJJESvosL29rmN69FYqtILrL6I16ES0RTEFvOw03dNokBOyxmeq9BzvrhlzuZwZfWJKjCbNT9Qe6M-YBdgijLLECPzVdY/s320/NFL22--NOV.%2027--P5%20%20TB-CLEVE.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR0Fi8ZIIVwGyymmBC3DiD4955EJETlmoAm4I3FdG9ame6vAhP_2ZtyIQrU1hy9cBk2EwcWBPi7PCuwevG7yjObIfJIAauRGTWwUB3rjiXCtUdlHF-aNaAGcKM6WSFyVAWbUxqIxf7B_2KNirSKXdgQoV46kRzs4nB1ZTotR70VtJlQGxr34fJWeyR38/s2304/NFL22--NOV.%2028--P2%20%20PITT-IND.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2304" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR0Fi8ZIIVwGyymmBC3DiD4955EJETlmoAm4I3FdG9ame6vAhP_2ZtyIQrU1hy9cBk2EwcWBPi7PCuwevG7yjObIfJIAauRGTWwUB3rjiXCtUdlHF-aNaAGcKM6WSFyVAWbUxqIxf7B_2KNirSKXdgQoV46kRzs4nB1ZTotR70VtJlQGxr34fJWeyR38/s320/NFL22--NOV.%2028--P2%20%20PITT-IND.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2's pick that the Steelers would take the team crown for the most TD by players with dreads turned into a disaster. It supposedly was a safe pick, but they really struggled to score, finishing with only 29 TD, only 12 of which were by players with dreads, which was 14 fewer than the 26 predicted. The total of 12 was good for 9th place. <b>Najee Harris</b> (scoring his 6th TD of the season vs. the Colts in Week 12 in left photo above) did lead the team with 10 TD as expected, 2 fewer than CB2 predicted. <div>CB2's pick that rookie <b>Martin Emerson</b> would lead all NFL players with dreads in interceptions with 7 was also <i>just </i>a bit outside. Drafted in the 3rd round, Emerson was on the field for 72% of the snaps for the Browns defense and made the most of them, finishing with 15 PBU, third most in the league. But he didn't get any interceptions. If he could have turned his PBU late in the 4th quarter in Week 12 (right photo above) into an INT, it would have been one of the plays of the year, as he very likely would have returned it 55 yards to the house for the game winning TD on the last play of the game.</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>AFC SOUTH</b> </div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><br /></div><div>1. IND 9-8 1. JAC 9-8</div><div>2. TENN 9-8 2. TENN 7-10</div><div>3. JAC 3-14 3. IND 4-12-1</div><div>4. HOU 1-16 4. HOU 3-13-1</div><div><br /></div><div>Only thing CB2 got right here was the division champ finishing with a mediocre record - but it was the Jaguars, not the Colts. Not close on anything else. </div><div>GRADE:<b> D</b> ..... Best: <b>B-</b> in 2019 ..... Worst: <b>D-</b> in 2018, 2012, 2010, and 2009 ..... L5Y: <b>C-, C, B-, D-,</b> <b>D+</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgnDqa5DIYOcN4-NtqH1h0HEJyQ8KkUjeGJSlgAoCuvCD0kZlXJv3EKUebu4d643gAJ3JTkOPB8_CL4Ldld1PRYm-S2PSmfoSscac9oL_2KsPx_vGCg4qncc9nV8e80pLTe0T0-lLWY1LIKuuAvRUy0et-4AWsYWAFdpAhXexfH7JPk4hZdGk1121KV0/s4547/NFL22--NOV.%206--P9%20%20TENN-KC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3031" data-original-width="4547" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgnDqa5DIYOcN4-NtqH1h0HEJyQ8KkUjeGJSlgAoCuvCD0kZlXJv3EKUebu4d643gAJ3JTkOPB8_CL4Ldld1PRYm-S2PSmfoSscac9oL_2KsPx_vGCg4qncc9nV8e80pLTe0T0-lLWY1LIKuuAvRUy0et-4AWsYWAFdpAhXexfH7JPk4hZdGk1121KV0/s320/NFL22--NOV.%206--P9%20%20TENN-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 said you could count on Titans RB <b>Derrick Henry</b> to lead all NFL players with dreads with 17 TD. Wrong again, although he did come close. His 13 TD, including this 1-yard run vs. the Chiefs (photo above) in Week 9, were the 2nd most among players with dreads, just 1 behind the leader. But at least - thankfully and finally - Derrick let his dreads loose and let us see how long they really are.<div>CB2 had <b>Mo Alie-Cox</b> of the Colts increasing his TD scored from 4 in 2021 to a career high 7 in 2022 and repeating as the highest scoring tight end with dreads in the league. But instead he dropped to 3 TD, including a 7-yard reception vs. the Titans in Week 4 (photo below), which tied for 4th place among tight ends with dreads. <b>Jordan Akins</b> of the Texans was in 1st place with 5 TD.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNLKvMOUAKGkkzO7qO8R3oVSHvJXVrUSVbP9bAQJIZAHWmTWCizQQRYkdESKErAZHsW23UNapzEqjSAMww4umO2jEAMS4Vbx12U8NBAzJO0bPVq5qwtqFlD9AVrfbArjtVuARmh0DJff4qMDyvIEZJaSuv1goWG82gjIYa7Y-cvE3FG1UmYPmkTP1BJ8/s1440/NFL22--OCT.%202--P5A%20%20TENN-IND.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNLKvMOUAKGkkzO7qO8R3oVSHvJXVrUSVbP9bAQJIZAHWmTWCizQQRYkdESKErAZHsW23UNapzEqjSAMww4umO2jEAMS4Vbx12U8NBAzJO0bPVq5qwtqFlD9AVrfbArjtVuARmh0DJff4qMDyvIEZJaSuv1goWG82gjIYa7Y-cvE3FG1UmYPmkTP1BJ8/s320/NFL22--OCT.%202--P5A%20%20TENN-IND.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.<div><br /></div><div><b>AFC WEST </b></div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><br /></div><div>1. LV 12-5 1. KC 14-3</div><div>2. LAC 11-6 2. LAC 10-7</div><div>3. KC 10-7 3. LV 6-11</div><div>4. DEN 6-11 4. DEN 5-12</div><div><br /></div><div>In mystifying season Raiders blew a 10-point lead and lost an unbelievable <i>five</i> times - and three of those were 17-point leads. At least CB2 was right about the Broncos being lousy.</div><div>GRADE: <b>C-</b> ..... Best: <b>A-</b> in 2010 ..... Worst: <b>D-</b> in 2018 ..... L5Y: <b>D, C-, D+, D-, C</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKMoPSDJI-rdoKQJq8STDFxMKht7QZBbYPjKetNhWyNbjYgRPt8hGNNFki4TVl4t2yuwjo3ds0zo6CrRvl39nFvhZw4U6kzTeYyk5lPddXVEEe8v5S7406Y5ft3ZduZbUxxVA6oKhv8aWMPSl0qfQ29Jqk15tSqpyGWErQ4Oa5U1DBRlEb7T_HbB2xUk/s768/NFL22--OCT.%2010--P1A%20%20DEN-LV.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKMoPSDJI-rdoKQJq8STDFxMKht7QZBbYPjKetNhWyNbjYgRPt8hGNNFki4TVl4t2yuwjo3ds0zo6CrRvl39nFvhZw4U6kzTeYyk5lPddXVEEe8v5S7406Y5ft3ZduZbUxxVA6oKhv8aWMPSl0qfQ29Jqk15tSqpyGWErQ4Oa5U1DBRlEb7T_HbB2xUk/s320/NFL22--OCT.%2010--P1A%20%20DEN-LV.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUF3oYn0TR46OOEMDGX-4HPabsHx5neiE5_MALxKYRWWllZUUL_6hM1m1XJIb9ddv5UBGu3CeS9hA8WlhD-_9IvYidp1O2PpPAiYgGrcy-0C7AnPiNSLeB7P8-ogIpH5DdvGzo77-UZLehUILvTaDxuJRIQ3rpjGc0wfSgcEOgknbb9LLjTNeYHCMahA/s1258/NFL22--NOV.%206--P10%20%20LV-JACK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1258" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUF3oYn0TR46OOEMDGX-4HPabsHx5neiE5_MALxKYRWWllZUUL_6hM1m1XJIb9ddv5UBGu3CeS9hA8WlhD-_9IvYidp1O2PpPAiYgGrcy-0C7AnPiNSLeB7P8-ogIpH5DdvGzo77-UZLehUILvTaDxuJRIQ3rpjGc0wfSgcEOgknbb9LLjTNeYHCMahA/s320/NFL22--NOV.%206--P10%20%20LV-JACK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 was certain that the Raiders would end their 3-year drought of having no TD scored by players with dreads; and they did. But their team total of 16 TD by players with dreads was 4 short of the 20 predicted by CB2. However, CB2 absolutely nailed its pick of <b>Davante Adams</b> leading all players with dreads with 14 TD catches. Adams' 14 TD catches (his 7th of the season in left photo above coming in Week 9 and giving the Raiders a 17-0 lead over the Jaguars - a lead which they blew, of course) were the most by anyone in the league - dreads or not. And his total of 14 TD were the most by anyone with dreads in the league, one more than <b>Derrick Henry</b>'s 13. <div>Just like with the Steelers, CB2 was way too ambitious in predicting the Broncos would lead the AFC West with 24 TD scored by players with dreads. They scored only 29 total TD all season, and only 9 of those were by players with dreads. Helping ruin the pick was <b>Javonte Williams</b> (right photo above), who scored 0 TD in the first 3 games before tearing an ACL in Week 4 and finishing with 0, which was 9 fewer than predicted.</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>AFC actual records</u></div><div>BUF 13-3 CIN 12-4 JAC 9-8 KC 14-3 </div><div>MIA 9-8 BAL 10-7 TENN 7-10 LAC 10-7</div><div>NE 8-9 PIT 9-8 IND 4-12-1 LV 6-11 </div><div>NYJ 7-10 CLEV 7-10 HOU 3-13-1 DEN 5-12</div><div><br /></div><div>AFC TIEBREAKERS</div><div><br /></div><div>Chargers clinched #5 seed due to better record than Ravens in games vs. conference opponents (LAC 7-5, BAL 6-6)</div><div><br /></div><div>Dolphins clinched #7 seed due to head-to-head victory over Steelers (Week 7)</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NFC EAST </b></div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><br /></div><div>1. PHIL 12-5 1. PHIL 14-3</div><div>2. DAL 12-5 2. DAL 12-5</div><div>3. WASH 6-11 3. NYG 9-7-1</div><div>4. NYG 4-13 4. WASH 8-8-1</div><div><br /></div><div>A testament to how quickly things can change in the NFL. In 2020 Washington went 7-9 and won the division; two years later they go 8-8-1 and finish last.</div><div>CB2 nailed Cowboys pick, but other three teams much better than expected.</div><div>GRADE: <b>C </b>..... Best: <b>B-</b> in 2011 ..... Worst: <b>D-</b> in 2020 ..... L5Y: <b>D+, D-, C, C+, C</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2o_AgjuQ3YILCM7HGD_DVBuCjrrvgs1fGMa5Kk9E9UUGaZZQhJCyqwL0BPCG1BAsF48kDf7dG64DgceEgyInfavq6V_2WXVuZn_ryd4bccljPRt6guuam7MRp3nIGLLFT9D0m6Z_4ow1Q6NXTUitTb2K2SqXqmoMgM2T2N3R2amJmNfvwSUkxCGYL_E/s2048/NFL22--NOV.%2020--P8C%20%20PHIL-IND.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1356" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2o_AgjuQ3YILCM7HGD_DVBuCjrrvgs1fGMa5Kk9E9UUGaZZQhJCyqwL0BPCG1BAsF48kDf7dG64DgceEgyInfavq6V_2WXVuZn_ryd4bccljPRt6guuam7MRp3nIGLLFT9D0m6Z_4ow1Q6NXTUitTb2K2SqXqmoMgM2T2N3R2amJmNfvwSUkxCGYL_E/s320/NFL22--NOV.%2020--P8C%20%20PHIL-IND.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF4Tj-i5VhknhQTMjduv2XabTqxMeVGy8qbN_mpo1CNrIG38N8-BKP5V5sSp4mkQ42HzZM8eeuxEPuPOtwn3-_Ml4tJ_IMlTy_ap63xKngdya6IKxrlybiPkeugRkpE0ud-o4FgVY3fWXstkGI8dgGOtvvVQPdBAJJ3DP7POjiIxfWaMhVRv7awz70wo/s3454/NFL22--OCT.%202--P8A%20%20WASH-DALL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3454" data-original-width="3277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF4Tj-i5VhknhQTMjduv2XabTqxMeVGy8qbN_mpo1CNrIG38N8-BKP5V5sSp4mkQ42HzZM8eeuxEPuPOtwn3-_Ml4tJ_IMlTy_ap63xKngdya6IKxrlybiPkeugRkpE0ud-o4FgVY3fWXstkGI8dgGOtvvVQPdBAJJ3DP7POjiIxfWaMhVRv7awz70wo/s320/NFL22--OCT.%202--P8A%20%20WASH-DALL.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div><br /></div>CB2 believed <b>Quez Watkins</b> (left photo, celebrating his TD vs. the Colts in Week 11) would challenge incumbent <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> (right photo, scoring his 2nd TD of the season on a 30-yard reception vs. Commanders in Week 4) for the lead as the NFC East's top scoring player with dreads. Didn't happen. Watkins had a career high in touchdowns, as CB2 predicted. But he scored only 3 TD, 4 fewer than the 7 predicted. Nobody challenged Lamb for the crown, which he has now held for all 3 of his seasons with the Cowboys. He scored 9 TD in 2022, 4 fewer than the 13 predicted. Closest to him were Cowboys teammate <b>Michael Gallup</b> and Giants WR <b>Richie James</b>, both of whom had 4. CB2 also predicted that 12 of Lamb's 13 TD would be TD <i>catches</i> and that the total of 12 would lead the entire NFC. Close but no cigar. CeeDee's 9 TD catches were tied for third most in the NFC, 2 behind the 11 made by both A.J. Brown of the Eagles and George Kittle of the 49ers. <div>CB2 also had Giants S <b>Xavier McKinney</b> finishing with 6 INT for the second straight season and dethroning CB <b>Trevon Diggs</b> as the NFC player with dreads with the most interceptions. Uh, no. McKinney missed 7 games due to injury during the second half of the season and had no interceptions in the 8 games before that. He finished with 0. Diggs dropped (no surprise) from 11 INT in 2021 to 3 in 2022 and was dethroned by S <b>C.J. Gardner-Johnson</b> of the Eagles and rookie CB <b>Tariq Woolen</b> of the Seahawks, both of whom had 6 INT - good for not only the most among NFC players with dreads but also good for a 4-way tie with Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick and Broncos S Justin Simmons for the most by anyone in the entire league, dreads or not.</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NFC NORTH</b></div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><br /></div><div> 1. GB 12-5 1. MINN 13-4</div><div> 2. MINN 9-8 2. DET 9-8</div><div> 3. CHI 5-12 3. GB 8-9</div><div> 4. DET 5-12 4. CHI 3-14</div><div> </div><div>One question: For the whole season the Vikings were outscored by their opponents by 3 points, 427-424; does that sound like a 13-4 team to you?</div><div>First to worst - This was CB2's highest-graded division in 2021 .... and lowest in 2022. Way off on 3 of the 4 teams, and not one of them finished in their predicted position.</div><div>GRADE: <b>F</b> (worst ever) ..... Best: <b>B</b> in 2021 and 2009 ..... Previous worst ..... <b>D-</b> in 2018 ..... L5Y: <b>B,</b> <b>C+, D+, D-, D</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCO7NlqZjRThfKGKyCKiiVacspalkWRacUkOV8oUfvC-fMwmye4TttpN8pn5SirDo9U5Y2KNdjvsExdDaxj8yp6_Bg9j7ywr7yEbdfDVom-3rx51PVafbeMIlppjJOEChGx3QA2b8lEx9Jd9RruwYuL1Ib3ykPrFdYoq_kWq2CV3HpBN1bkssChFHiqk/s960/NFL22--OCT.%209--P3%20%20CHI-MINN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="722" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCO7NlqZjRThfKGKyCKiiVacspalkWRacUkOV8oUfvC-fMwmye4TttpN8pn5SirDo9U5Y2KNdjvsExdDaxj8yp6_Bg9j7ywr7yEbdfDVom-3rx51PVafbeMIlppjJOEChGx3QA2b8lEx9Jd9RruwYuL1Ib3ykPrFdYoq_kWq2CV3HpBN1bkssChFHiqk/s320/NFL22--OCT.%209--P3%20%20CHI-MINN.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJljqUz-oTJywAlJWfiiX4vcoF-blDo9ez_f6zuDVAPflaEwE44iEO6MNFp00sKHXwWhVr3hEfyd_8oufSxG8TuRJXHVBDOhhlSs_BE4RerDQQx3Nrrw8CkH5Z3SJS_lPR6vEgCRqo-V9VA2I2GXzwCu9u6BNqGxNmuySMRujnyjGk8yVNCcESaCedmo/s1095/NFL22--OCT.%202--P9A%20%20NE-GB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1078" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJljqUz-oTJywAlJWfiiX4vcoF-blDo9ez_f6zuDVAPflaEwE44iEO6MNFp00sKHXwWhVr3hEfyd_8oufSxG8TuRJXHVBDOhhlSs_BE4RerDQQx3Nrrw8CkH5Z3SJS_lPR6vEgCRqo-V9VA2I2GXzwCu9u6BNqGxNmuySMRujnyjGk8yVNCcESaCedmo/s320/NFL22--OCT.%202--P9A%20%20NE-GB.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><div><br /></div>CB2 thought <b>Rashan Gary</b> would continue his rise to stardom and finish with 14 sacks to lead all players with dreads. Well, he was on his way, getting 6 sacks in the first 9 games (including a strip sack of Patriots QB Bailey Zappe in Week 4, left photo) before a torn ACL in Week 9 ended his season. He finished tied for 7th among players with dreads. Finishing 1st among players with dreads for the 2nd straight season - and tied for 4th in the entire league - was <b>Matthew Judon</b> of the Patriots with 15.5.<div>CB2 also thought that <b>Dalvin Cook</b>, after scoring only 6 TD in 2021, would bounce back and hit double figures in 2022 and finish with one more TD than little brother <b>James Cook</b> of the Bills, 11-10. As mentioned earlier, James finished with 3 TD. Dalvin, on the other hand, almost hit CB2's forecast on the head, finishing with 10 TD (including a 5-yard run vs. the Bears in Week 5, right photo).</div><div>CB2 also forecast the Vikings would lose the team crown for the most TD by players with dreads to the Steelers. But that did not happen. Not only were they not dethroned by the Steelers, no other team did it either, as the Vikings repeated as the team with the most TD scored by players with dreads with 21, one more than the 20 by the Titans.</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NFC SOUTH </b></div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><br /></div><div> 1. TB 10-7 1. TB 8-9</div><div> 2. NO 10-7 2. CAR 7-10</div><div> 3. CAR 8-9 3. NO 7-10</div><div> 4. ATL 8-9 4. ATL 7-10</div><div><br /></div><div><u>TIEBREAKERS</u></div><div>--- Panthers clinched 2nd place due to best head-to-head record in games vs. other two tied teams (CAR 3-1, NO 2-2, ATL 1-3)</div><div>--- Saints clinched 3rd place due to head-to-head sweep of Falcons (Weeks 1 and 15) </div><div><br /></div><div>CB2 picked the teams to be a whisker away from finishing in a 4-way tie (at 9-8). And wouldn't you know it? They very nearly did end up tied! But all the teams were worse than expected.</div><div>GRADE: <b>C</b> ..... Best: <b>A</b> in 2009 ..... Worst: <b>D</b> in 2020, 2019, 2013, 2011, and 2008 ..... L5Y: <b>B, D, D, B,</b> <b>C+</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsMEAFUjVyEwhdDR87mbVENAG0hfOF07qiCfcPEtWFtLw0hDgG1EwFPUChsIgKT4ZpJXghvIErQM1AicAsJ5-UVI_YVIWrSg15LHeKc9favrc8_7L38WrGPT23ukLKRMYWKeDLMJMwBNDAjLBm3xc47S0mRUQciOxLE7TKuMGkAh2Delzh1SECQ8nCgk/s1365/NFL22--NOV.%2010--P4%20%20ATL-CAR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="915" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsMEAFUjVyEwhdDR87mbVENAG0hfOF07qiCfcPEtWFtLw0hDgG1EwFPUChsIgKT4ZpJXghvIErQM1AicAsJ5-UVI_YVIWrSg15LHeKc9favrc8_7L38WrGPT23ukLKRMYWKeDLMJMwBNDAjLBm3xc47S0mRUQciOxLE7TKuMGkAh2Delzh1SECQ8nCgk/s320/NFL22--NOV.%2010--P4%20%20ATL-CAR.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHFZhh1DcGRE-7QXHefTjZLzkyuEMmep5bxI47K4FEDmZqqEMJoZzWYV4Z7AceIAU-uuKv2EU_FhIY8OhCq622JMFZB6UjX-eetGChGVu562o-zpIF9oJjcCbMjT4QmcXy0unsjXsRD4aMCxBp4X8x8NmM2lZpUA6kH8dvk5HmumVmq1IZEhaX5sZC_8/s2040/NFL22--NOV.%2027--P14%20%20NO-SF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2040" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHFZhh1DcGRE-7QXHefTjZLzkyuEMmep5bxI47K4FEDmZqqEMJoZzWYV4Z7AceIAU-uuKv2EU_FhIY8OhCq622JMFZB6UjX-eetGChGVu562o-zpIF9oJjcCbMjT4QmcXy0unsjXsRD4aMCxBp4X8x8NmM2lZpUA6kH8dvk5HmumVmq1IZEhaX5sZC_8/s320/NFL22--NOV.%2027--P14%20%20NO-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 figured it would be another outstanding season for <b>Alvin</b> <b>Kamara</b>, predicting he would score 14 TD to lead all NFC players with dreads. But it most definitely was not. He scored a career <i>worst</i> 4 TD. In fact, he had just as many fumbles as he did touchdowns, including this big one (left photo) at the 1-yard line in the 4th quarter vs. the 49ers in Week 12. After making the Pro Bowl in each of his first 5 NFL seasons, he missed for the first time. Alvin's 4 TD put him tied for 10th among NFC players with dreads. <b>Dalvin Cook</b> finished 1st with 10. 2021's 1st place finisher, <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> of the Falcons, nearly repeated, finishing with 9 TD.<div>CB2 picked the Panthers to be the NFC team with the most TD by players with dreads with 22; but they finished tied for 5th with 10. Panthers RB <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> was predicted to finish with a career high 10 TD. He scored a career high 5, including a 12-yard run vs. the Falcons in Week 10 (right photo). And CB2 also had WR <b>Andre Roberts</b> taking at least one (kickoff or punt) return to the house for the Panthers. But he missed 14 games with a knee injury suffered in Week 1 and ended up with only 6 returns all season, finishing with 0 TD.</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NFC WEST</b><br /><br /><div> predicted actual</div><div> 1. SF 13-4 1. SF 13-4</div><div> 2. LAR 10-7 2. SEA 9-8</div><div> 3. SEA 6-11 3. LAR 5-12</div><div> 4. ARIZ 6-11 4. ARIZ 4-13</div><div><br /></div></div><div>Losses to 3 last place teams (Bears, Falcons, Broncos) cost 49ers #1 seed in NFC and probable conference title.</div><div>Second time under Coach McVay that Rams go from playing in the Super Bowl one year to missing the playoffs the next.</div><div>GRADE: <b>C</b> ..... Best: <b>B+</b> in 2014 and 2012 ..... Worst: <b>F</b> in 2018 ..... L5Y: <b>D+, D, C, F, D+</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlthihmoT0xjW6K5n9sgEgWSG9g5n7LZwiV8HULDjxbn7jRiGdeWQQlbO8G4rrpU0KPBYb8oB96bHjQYAycqH9TnI60F-6FiC7DvcYxnd_dN3xb7w3bE2puQmOJ3_vcWxUdwCA-NSg9aF4POjN6deBt36w8UeFYpizrK3axy-2Ep2cHSma3kMwqRfXQyQ/s1365/NFL22--OCT.%209--P4%20%20PHIL-ARIZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="875" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlthihmoT0xjW6K5n9sgEgWSG9g5n7LZwiV8HULDjxbn7jRiGdeWQQlbO8G4rrpU0KPBYb8oB96bHjQYAycqH9TnI60F-6FiC7DvcYxnd_dN3xb7w3bE2puQmOJ3_vcWxUdwCA-NSg9aF4POjN6deBt36w8UeFYpizrK3axy-2Ep2cHSma3kMwqRfXQyQ/s320/NFL22--OCT.%209--P4%20%20PHIL-ARIZ.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyPdof3G2jjf11NnvBdFyeyhnsk7yUGiW4bdBgKl1cR7Yjhexdd15WFDMXZ96wfHGhBE0_DoTs53Q52HdZM81pjAt2Kyshf4rg0StCMb4KlruVofKb50EuQzz81Aqr2cE5stmq_RCjMk74eBGRTXHXxGpe0RDzIEaierhV9YTQsOXTkEfKgvgJs8qMk0/s2048/NFL22--OCT.%2030--P8B%20%20SF-LAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="2048" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyPdof3G2jjf11NnvBdFyeyhnsk7yUGiW4bdBgKl1cR7Yjhexdd15WFDMXZ96wfHGhBE0_DoTs53Q52HdZM81pjAt2Kyshf4rg0StCMb4KlruVofKb50EuQzz81Aqr2cE5stmq_RCjMk74eBGRTXHXxGpe0RDzIEaierhV9YTQsOXTkEfKgvgJs8qMk0/s320/NFL22--OCT.%2030--P8B%20%20SF-LAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 had <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> and <b>Marquise Brown</b> finishing in a tie for the top scoring player with dreads in the NFC West with a career high 10 TD each. And the winner was ...... neither of them. <b>Kenneth</b> <b>Walker</b>'s 9 TD scored for the Seahawks were the most by anyone with dreads in the division. Aiyuk did have his best season so far, finishing with career highs of 1,015 yards receiving and 8 TD, including a 34-yard reception vs. the Rams in Week 8 (left photo) on a pass from RB Christian McCaffrey on a trick play that completely fooled the defense. Brown finished with a career low 3 TD, going scoreless after his 25-yard catch and run vs. the Eagles (right photo) in Week 5.<div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>NFC actual records</u></div><div>PHIL 14-3 MINN 13-4 TB 8-9 SF 13-4</div><div>DAL 12-5 DET 9-8 CAR 7-10 SEA 9-8</div><div>NYG 9-7-1 GB 8-9 NO 7-10 LAR 5-12</div><div>WASH 8-8-1 CHI 3-14 ATL 7-10 ARIZ 5-12 <br /><br />NFC TIEBREAKERS</div><div><br /></div><div>49ers clinched #2 seed due to better record than Vikings in games vs. conference opponents (SF 10-2, MINN 8-4)</div><div><br /></div><div>Seahawks clinched #7 seed due to head-to-head victory over Lions (48-45 in Week 4)</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>DIVISION WINNERS</b></div><div><br /></div><div>After getting a best ever 5 of 8 correct in its 2021 forecast, CB2 dropped to 4 out of 8 right in this one.</div><div>GRADE: <b>C</b> ..... Best: <b>B-</b> in 2021 ..... Worst: <b>F</b> in 2008 ..... L5Y: <b>B-, C-, C-, D, D</b></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>PLAYOFF TEAMS</b></div><div><br /></div><div>AFC</div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div> <br /><div> 1. BUF 1. KC</div></div><div> 2. LV 2. <u>BUF</u></div><div> 3. BAL 3. <u>CIN</u></div><div> 4. IND 4. JAC</div><div> 5. MIA 5. <u>LAC</u></div><div> 6. LAC 6. <u>BAL</u></div><div> 7. CIN 7. <u>MIA</u></div><div><br /></div><div>NFC</div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><br /></div><div> 1. SF 1. <u>PHIL</u></div><div> 2. PHIL 2. <u>SF</u></div><div> 3. GB 3. MINN</div><div> 4. TB 4. <u>TB</u></div><div> 5. DAL 5. <u>DAL</u></div><div> 6. LAR 6. NYG</div><div> 7. NO 7. SEA</div><div><br /></div><div>A decent showing for CB2, getting 9 of the 14 teams correct.</div><div>GRADE: <b>B-</b> ..... Best: <b>B</b> in 2011 ..... Worst: <b>D+</b> in 2018 ..... L5Y: <b>C, B-, C-, D+, C-</b></div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>SUPER BOWL</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>predicted: BUF over SF</li><li>actual: KC over PHIL</li></ul>GRADE: <b>F</b> ..... Best: <b>A</b> in 2012 ..... Worst:<b> F</b> in 2022, 2021, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2011, 2010, and 2008</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>OVERALL GRADE</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Taking the average of the 11 grades and using my secret formula (lol) the overall grade comes out to a 1.67 - slightly worse than 2021's 1.72, but still the same grade as for 2021.</div><div>GRADE: <b>C-</b> ..... Best: <b>B-</b> in 2009 ..... Worst: <b>D</b> in 2018 and 2008 ..... L5Y: <b>C-, D+, C, D, C-</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, at least you can say that my crystal balls have been consistent over the years - consistently below average, that is. Nevertheless, CB2 will take another crack at it for the soon-to-begin 2023 season.</div>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-43888642184166281652023-07-25T00:01:00.023-05:002023-07-25T16:49:38.246-05:00MLB '23 with Dreads - Part 1<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY3tcliaICUasoRXJfh29Djdd6org_TxW0gFyeAtEcoVU9aLmjDilDPBjYpaE-xTf6EnxwNz7aTZtXXz-RmAV-UgGz2_CWp1cL5ks7Z9pOlPJFEBGEmd8ID8bs9mrSewrHltCh7aG4wHXNGzV6jULkjkkluUHSh4VUpuVmfsPxSJ6rxdNdUKXf9XDPqY/s1280/NL23--JUNE%207--P9A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY3tcliaICUasoRXJfh29Djdd6org_TxW0gFyeAtEcoVU9aLmjDilDPBjYpaE-xTf6EnxwNz7aTZtXXz-RmAV-UgGz2_CWp1cL5ks7Z9pOlPJFEBGEmd8ID8bs9mrSewrHltCh7aG4wHXNGzV6jULkjkkluUHSh4VUpuVmfsPxSJ6rxdNdUKXf9XDPqY/s320/NL23--JUNE%207--P9A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, what's up in the MLB in 2023? I mean dreads-wise, of course. Well, if you've been paying attention, surely you already know that things are a far cry now from where they were when I started this blog nearly 15 years ago. Long gone are the days when you only needed the fingers on your hands to count the number of players with dreads on MLB rosters. Long gone is the time where the only dreads worth seeing were wherever the Pittsburgh Pirates were playing - until Andrew McCutchen cut his dreads off, that is - or on the one day out of every five that Johnny Cueto was pitching for the Cincinnati Reds. Today, on every given night, in more games than not, you'll be able to see at least one player with dreads in action. No, there hasn't been (and won't likely ever be) an explosion in the number of baseball players with dreads like there has been in football; but there are enough that I here now (finally) can introduce a full, 26-man team consisting entirely of players with dreads. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although there currently are not dreads on all 30 teams, every team has now at some point, present or past, had at least one player with dreads in their uniform. And that includes the no long hair/face hair-allowed New York Yankees. Technically, it was none other than McCutchen who became the first Yankee with dreads when he had baby dreads growing during his brief time with the team in the closing weeks of the 2018 season. Hardly anybody noticed because you couldn't see them whenever he had his hat on. Another team that has frowned on having dreads on their team over the years is the St. Louis Cardinals; but - and you probably don't remember (I didn't until I checked it) - they actually were one of the first teams with a player with dreads way back in 2008 when <b>Brian Barton</b> played his only MLB season for them. But as far as I can tell, the Cardinals have had nobody with dreads ever since.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The 2023 all-dreads MLB team isn't just a team with a bunch of pretty dreads. No, these guys can play too. Really good. I mean several of them are All-Star caliber players; and a few have had - or will have - careers worthy of inclusion in the Hall of Fame. Put these 26 on the same team and watch the scoreboard light up. And, uh, watch the scoreboard light up for the other team too, maybe. Scoring runs doesn't figure to be a problem. But preventing runs? Problem. The depth of the starting pitching is questionable, to put it kindly. But even with that issue, I think the bullpen would be able to clean up enough messes to make this team a pennant contender.</div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE85WzB-LVRgEB6eMvhtzcwMSSP9dlvVbRSXjngt90lu2vi-iTcoTDwVCg66CFv-3PY_9fW4_e6KSB1aPIVRl5yrmEhKeKrV9LS3PT6C97OTJlIQf36A1xZQuTZ7qIgvZtdv7_i2mGVw5BVwbb-XzztjaRhlZJpujlnjvKM10wYP5wf9J_Kl-_XyVTYI/s2048/NL23--MAY%203--P1A%20%20ATL-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifE85WzB-LVRgEB6eMvhtzcwMSSP9dlvVbRSXjngt90lu2vi-iTcoTDwVCg66CFv-3PY_9fW4_e6KSB1aPIVRl5yrmEhKeKrV9LS3PT6C97OTJlIQf36A1xZQuTZ7qIgvZtdv7_i2mGVw5BVwbb-XzztjaRhlZJpujlnjvKM10wYP5wf9J_Kl-_XyVTYI/s320/NL23--MAY%203--P1A%20%20ATL-MIA.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zYjKfpGemmvRIIpt9_0bEpIrxizghLWGJG1MJwJwuvJvKNQOEBx4ykPfb5qG2qMKn8GHh4QFLTwMrh8Yo3soAvd7m1XM-BO3JsvuGcmQHzZAbMdmVx9HcxEqZvnzleD_MIGm7NkPKPL8NS710u8wcSiPHG2-DlrSKAam508EeZog7XPHVwaUXBqSZVQ/s2048/NL23--MAY%202--P3%20%20ATL-MIA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zYjKfpGemmvRIIpt9_0bEpIrxizghLWGJG1MJwJwuvJvKNQOEBx4ykPfb5qG2qMKn8GHh4QFLTwMrh8Yo3soAvd7m1XM-BO3JsvuGcmQHzZAbMdmVx9HcxEqZvnzleD_MIGm7NkPKPL8NS710u8wcSiPHG2-DlrSKAam508EeZog7XPHVwaUXBqSZVQ/s320/NL23--MAY%202--P3%20%20ATL-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Starting in left field we Have <b>Ronald Acuna</b> of the Atlanta Braves, who just happens to be one of the best and most exciting players in baseball. Yes, I know he has played exclusively in right field so far in 2023; but he has played in left (and center too) in previous seasons. The freeform dreads that Ronald has now are the 3rd edition of his dreads. The first wasn't long and it didn't last for long. He cut those off shortly after first being called up to the Braves for his rookie season in 2018. The second, of course, were those glorious long extensions he had during the COVID short season in 2020, which made for a lot of great photos. But unfortunately those were gone after that one season, and he started over again. Who knows how long he's going to keep his dreads this time, but at least for now I can include him on the team.</div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7WczWFFBf3NsEb8Pra5gV2fa8icw7z_2K8xTcmkkPLAP4OyvPaXnpuCHfPs2CLdpEJgN40K1PMImFdzsViuRFegOhuBf_Siw7Jk9rGZrlJ7UvRJiC2kh-_LpQ4szLP3j-Ukd9dP1YclXFsnt-mW1Gbe1WSV2a-rNf2hfAAa7XrbfMR-jvPWNLgqJ6cc/s1176/AL23--MAY%2012--P6B%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="767" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7WczWFFBf3NsEb8Pra5gV2fa8icw7z_2K8xTcmkkPLAP4OyvPaXnpuCHfPs2CLdpEJgN40K1PMImFdzsViuRFegOhuBf_Siw7Jk9rGZrlJ7UvRJiC2kh-_LpQ4szLP3j-Ukd9dP1YclXFsnt-mW1Gbe1WSV2a-rNf2hfAAa7XrbfMR-jvPWNLgqJ6cc/s320/AL23--MAY%2012--P6B%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qvHhg5PsDbMUY_XfH50xxMoC4Q6qATc4YK2Hdd9hfd0XNa2CfHPqQFC6TdmnQs-gsTkBkbNkalGj2nD6ZyE97hyGM55rgSVvMcC7NU6lbydGpNc1j3gLHXgGGCCVPywJqmochmhwIfiWyz66lYJa5dpenTieDfMH4Lii-tjLFwLn797b_Lxt1z_eBAI/s3422/AL23--MAY%2021--P7%20%20BALT-TOR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2381" data-original-width="3422" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qvHhg5PsDbMUY_XfH50xxMoC4Q6qATc4YK2Hdd9hfd0XNa2CfHPqQFC6TdmnQs-gsTkBkbNkalGj2nD6ZyE97hyGM55rgSVvMcC7NU6lbydGpNc1j3gLHXgGGCCVPywJqmochmhwIfiWyz66lYJa5dpenTieDfMH4Lii-tjLFwLn797b_Lxt1z_eBAI/s320/AL23--MAY%2021--P7%20%20BALT-TOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>With dreads he got started in 2020 that have steadily gotten longer each year and are now easily visible, <b>Cedric Mullins</b> of the Baltimore Orioles is the starting centerfielder. The first time I saw Mullins (his rookie season was in 2018) I didn't think he was anything special. I had no idea he was going to become such a good player. An All-Star in 2021 when he hit 30 HR, Cedric was on his way to another appearance this season before recently missed 4 weeks due to a groin injury.<div>. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FBxZ_c0Y6JXfAqfR9UcnPSx5nxh_gt530sD4g1LdUYzgRW-Y5XOEYWLI607Zy1HfDYzPx7BrJ1B8PSc7OuGXWuC_I0R0trhi85Hi1xwZiZqFZOAgQKst0pIpLjDrhd2S8Cr3cF1kJcZCIDaLWxLI5CpvRCkZ6ay1xxRZkiL7d4NtVXQDHOj17f6M_Aw/s1365/NL23--APR.%2030--P1A%20%20SF-SD.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1018" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FBxZ_c0Y6JXfAqfR9UcnPSx5nxh_gt530sD4g1LdUYzgRW-Y5XOEYWLI607Zy1HfDYzPx7BrJ1B8PSc7OuGXWuC_I0R0trhi85Hi1xwZiZqFZOAgQKst0pIpLjDrhd2S8Cr3cF1kJcZCIDaLWxLI5CpvRCkZ6ay1xxRZkiL7d4NtVXQDHOj17f6M_Aw/s320/NL23--APR.%2030--P1A%20%20SF-SD.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldjLCpPH84AqfYwdWmQYcplFdRYlkQU39ateuPk3eP6_dL1VfiGrYRo94K3vfFk0CnY3oyLn9wC8l0pcr5GsEXJquEI_CVcW30MMklwHF7ja7OOYBTCVfzz12j2BCnai9dVovXUv8lHB9CrfVJq1MYk2v9PHpBtcNQ6HoHIQtUR06reri-ISnr7EgxLg/s2048/NL23--JUNE%203--P5%20%20CHI-SD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldjLCpPH84AqfYwdWmQYcplFdRYlkQU39ateuPk3eP6_dL1VfiGrYRo94K3vfFk0CnY3oyLn9wC8l0pcr5GsEXJquEI_CVcW30MMklwHF7ja7OOYBTCVfzz12j2BCnai9dVovXUv8lHB9CrfVJq1MYk2v9PHpBtcNQ6HoHIQtUR06reri-ISnr7EgxLg/s320/NL23--JUNE%203--P5%20%20CHI-SD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Over in right field we have <b>Fernando Tatis Jr.</b>, a former shortstop whom the San Diego Padres moved to the outfield this year hoping to give him a better chance at staying healthy. Tatis was sensational during his first 3 MLB seasons (2019-21) before hitting some bumps in the road last year. He didn't play at all in 2022 due first to surgery on a wrist that he injured during an offseason motorcycle accident and then to an 80-game PED suspension that carried over to the first month of this season. During his 11 seasons with the Cardinals (between 1997 and 2010) Fernando's dad - that would be Fernando Tatis Sr., of course - was mostly just mediocre except for a tremendous career year in 1999; but Junior is way better than that. After finishing 3rd in the voting for NL rookie of the year in 2019, he finished in the top 5 in the MVP voting the next two years. Presuming he doesn't torpedo his career any further, he - like Acuna - likely will end up in the Hall of Fame after he's done playing.</div><div>. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7ksnkGjNhcLlsm-bbAogvpPfBb4G3qUl454VFHviSB_6UTHBG_JJ4209Ax37WTqGIZ_8WCpz4gaVs8MOuxKhScG5_Q5t25eqA6NO9Sja793C-HmfGUrOZ5Ci8WnWfYffy0WGbst_i7ay65POXJH2Pj4Usd8KvG43cJDSty4b9OmBDyflvai8KTE_rqQ/s2048/NL23--JUNE%2017--P1%20%20PITT-MILW.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7ksnkGjNhcLlsm-bbAogvpPfBb4G3qUl454VFHviSB_6UTHBG_JJ4209Ax37WTqGIZ_8WCpz4gaVs8MOuxKhScG5_Q5t25eqA6NO9Sja793C-HmfGUrOZ5Ci8WnWfYffy0WGbst_i7ay65POXJH2Pj4Usd8KvG43cJDSty4b9OmBDyflvai8KTE_rqQ/s320/NL23--JUNE%2017--P1%20%20PITT-MILW.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqXpcawgwF6UkQE2r_7bvybVhUl1PaAT2EVfXx12xs7qNF1KK7RFBDZ0NgBZgOCLJ8DMdxWxVgDdxqtTGjAmxF55GdeRlDp5O_R4a5cCJukK23QrFLIBevotRQAdvbc6wKdz_SxoHZjyn3DYQ_GuwF2d7RDGxbnWniRHdFl-VFbTKcoxu-RmjONYq0Gs/s2048/NL23--JUNE%2017--P2%20%20PITT-MILW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqXpcawgwF6UkQE2r_7bvybVhUl1PaAT2EVfXx12xs7qNF1KK7RFBDZ0NgBZgOCLJ8DMdxWxVgDdxqtTGjAmxF55GdeRlDp5O_R4a5cCJukK23QrFLIBevotRQAdvbc6wKdz_SxoHZjyn3DYQ_GuwF2d7RDGxbnWniRHdFl-VFbTKcoxu-RmjONYq0Gs/s320/NL23--JUNE%2017--P2%20%20PITT-MILW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of two reserve outfielders on the team, <b>Raimel Tapia</b> can play all three OF positions. After playing the first two months of this season for the Boston Red Sox and then being released, Tapia is now wearing a Milwaukee Brewers uniform. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound speedster has a .274 career batting average and has been a decent player since his MLB career began in 2016. Raimel's dreads began in 2017, and ever since they magically got much longer in one offseason between 2018 and 2019 they have been more fun to watch than just about anyone else's in MLB. This year he's got them blond for the 3rd year in a row, but they're a bit shorter than last year.<div>.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX7XistqKyagwxufABfXCVXVJC9_aOz5SHlivGi0Q20FIKoSZlMSGYJp9G437uWdQFTKiWYVHrGjTZgP-m4tMPh_TLH4pPhZ5YFUvJ8OTAe52D1mhLKiTec3P_AwCsE_zWT4Vt6ASqpZBEtJtSPYyUy9UlxL2h9hmzpcCUW16GNB0fmTaRrCB-o0uBIA/s1365/AL23--MAY%2030--P1%20%20ATL-OAK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1186" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX7XistqKyagwxufABfXCVXVJC9_aOz5SHlivGi0Q20FIKoSZlMSGYJp9G437uWdQFTKiWYVHrGjTZgP-m4tMPh_TLH4pPhZ5YFUvJ8OTAe52D1mhLKiTec3P_AwCsE_zWT4Vt6ASqpZBEtJtSPYyUy9UlxL2h9hmzpcCUW16GNB0fmTaRrCB-o0uBIA/s320/AL23--MAY%2030--P1%20%20ATL-OAK.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICfhFZ2aiR9zje4OXPMls1Xw3n9b027Fwuo-g202Pkp4Ov2EgYrbs6Xptru8GHsLgRfXJC7OoA8GaZ7Q4HweXIWIGpGZtMHvZKcF8nVWahYhoRnhn9h47edb58cfhmixo2pL_gTBnoiHekoB-bQl3K5bjO-xgToHVOPmV9WmT0bvTDamekwLX2XPq5BQ/s1365/AL23--APR.%2012--P8%20%20OAK-BALT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1094" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICfhFZ2aiR9zje4OXPMls1Xw3n9b027Fwuo-g202Pkp4Ov2EgYrbs6Xptru8GHsLgRfXJC7OoA8GaZ7Q4HweXIWIGpGZtMHvZKcF8nVWahYhoRnhn9h47edb58cfhmixo2pL_gTBnoiHekoB-bQl3K5bjO-xgToHVOPmV9WmT0bvTDamekwLX2XPq5BQ/s320/AL23--APR.%2012--P8%20%20OAK-BALT.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The final OF spot goes to <b>Esteury Ruiz</b> of the Oakland Athletics, having a breakout season this year in his rookie season. Currently leading MLB in stolen bases with 39 (as of June 25), Ruiz is on pace to finish with the most SB in a season by anyone in MLB since the great Rickey Henderson stole 93 in a A's uniform in 1988. Not that it much matters - because this year's edition of the A's might finish with the worst record in MLB history. Esteury got his dreads started near the end of last season, and as you can see - skull cap or not - they're already long enough that he's having trouble keeping his helmet on.</div><div>.</div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPFsI-WuQHDqNrw8ZMPbyrrEuG3ysyP69ovOZhDalhSNzkXj1O8wuhDsXIIJBH_KMVkAbdTJbDvQEVDvHW141sotY6YRKg_Rx8Owm9s-UqOpcWrSkkucMncnnuZIkf6SmYEGpsTDjf6dmXbNtxBfQtEznjomkey_THxdoHSJIFrFWXhBzRolp0XjyHFw/s845/AL23--APR.%208--P3%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="605" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPFsI-WuQHDqNrw8ZMPbyrrEuG3ysyP69ovOZhDalhSNzkXj1O8wuhDsXIIJBH_KMVkAbdTJbDvQEVDvHW141sotY6YRKg_Rx8Owm9s-UqOpcWrSkkucMncnnuZIkf6SmYEGpsTDjf6dmXbNtxBfQtEznjomkey_THxdoHSJIFrFWXhBzRolp0XjyHFw/s320/AL23--APR.%208--P3%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGAtxYs_iqSDc4zyJbHq7LO-tF5bK7ntkQAI55U6zV1_A3gvGXunE2L-IOnwvxpOJGgVfnFer4SIYfgCZnIHBvNPcnaDLE0w0raLlpXLBWlRxAWT0IvJAeSieFyZa4WVS7bWYVaRW2T-pAXe5O0hEj6Y06FiXfJYqjoW9g4T_945RiUujQkcEOplx2Ro/s2048/AL23--APR.%2030--P5%20%20CLEVE-BOST.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGAtxYs_iqSDc4zyJbHq7LO-tF5bK7ntkQAI55U6zV1_A3gvGXunE2L-IOnwvxpOJGgVfnFer4SIYfgCZnIHBvNPcnaDLE0w0raLlpXLBWlRxAWT0IvJAeSieFyZa4WVS7bWYVaRW2T-pAXe5O0hEj6Y06FiXfJYqjoW9g4T_945RiUujQkcEOplx2Ro/s320/AL23--APR.%2030--P5%20%20CLEVE-BOST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Around the infield we start at 3rd base, where <b>Jose Ramirez</b> of the Cleveland Guardians is the no-brainer choice as the starter. Now in his 10th season - all in Cleveland - Ramirez has been/still is one of the best clutch hitters in baseball, consistently earning All-Star selections and MVP votes. Jose's dreads, which he got started in 2018, have grown slowly, and the fact that he permanently reduced them (in 2020?) has also kept them looking shorter than you would expect after 5 years.<br />.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyB2Z06NtjXDG8eL6Qof6R6ox3L5SwfkDp7RW6h-S3eg7fn4wNTAt0yeCcAgcYgGrw28TwBH774fKBkvmKP3PNuHLpP3A-GG75xPb2oYkQ_L1YC_VlBnelmODjWiLm2JkJTFWBFol2giQ5z3sQqQO6vy58WFfDp-5D9Yl-CZOnleTvyUwGMIf8BcfUBKg/s1365/NL23--APR.%2014--P12%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="969" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyB2Z06NtjXDG8eL6Qof6R6ox3L5SwfkDp7RW6h-S3eg7fn4wNTAt0yeCcAgcYgGrw28TwBH774fKBkvmKP3PNuHLpP3A-GG75xPb2oYkQ_L1YC_VlBnelmODjWiLm2JkJTFWBFol2giQ5z3sQqQO6vy58WFfDp-5D9Yl-CZOnleTvyUwGMIf8BcfUBKg/s320/NL23--APR.%2014--P12%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixM0QrDMMPF_BLwG6g4faQbmFzUNKCUI3UVTOlfw7Z_pyWBOlpNl46ytdBhDWVA29kSFqQu1LlsyX6awzdsLoBEjJdhz79piVQb0TlXz5DcdmpjirgagK_oVdnWTJPwESCTdT7inUETgySXzEQsPJGxVt-3JAakd45z1CBus2pMcat8AsM9SZ-hLHBq2o/s913/NL23--MAY%2022--P5%20%20MIA-COLO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="913" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixM0QrDMMPF_BLwG6g4faQbmFzUNKCUI3UVTOlfw7Z_pyWBOlpNl46ytdBhDWVA29kSFqQu1LlsyX6awzdsLoBEjJdhz79piVQb0TlXz5DcdmpjirgagK_oVdnWTJPwESCTdT7inUETgySXzEQsPJGxVt-3JAakd45z1CBus2pMcat8AsM9SZ-hLHBq2o/s320/NL23--MAY%2022--P5%20%20MIA-COLO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another veteran, <b>Jean Segura</b> of the Miami Marlins, backs up Ramirez; but he's certainly no slouch himself. Now 33 years old and working on the 2nd edition of his dreads, Segura is in his 1st season with the Marlins after playing 3 seasons with the Brewers, one with the Arizona Diamondbacks, two with the Seattle Mariners and then the last 4 with the Philadelphia Phillies. A 2-time All-Star and a career .282 hitter, he has never hit less than .246 in a season (before this one) and is versatile defensively, with the ability to play at second base and shortstop as well.</div><div>.</div><div>Of course, we won't be needing Segura to play SS, because we already have a glut of shortstops with dreads in MLB. Even after switching Tatis from SS to the outfield, dreads are still plentiful at the position.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHGoeIYrPhQ-u4xzL-hH7DxdPCHKUezfB2p0OlCli-ym-buxjiwcYACZita2YJaqWvCE3Da7ouI2HuwGl1kFumB11o5HWhStUrOyH1Yn69Cmyd9ukdG2OS39ZQXy9Gwq5nfLgrESwRlue_aElRXqFmu4DP-qoJEvNERWZI3_7ie3AThnwx79buZDDCGw/s3406/AL23--JUNE%2013--P1.1%20%20CIN-KC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3406" data-original-width="2284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHGoeIYrPhQ-u4xzL-hH7DxdPCHKUezfB2p0OlCli-ym-buxjiwcYACZita2YJaqWvCE3Da7ouI2HuwGl1kFumB11o5HWhStUrOyH1Yn69Cmyd9ukdG2OS39ZQXy9Gwq5nfLgrESwRlue_aElRXqFmu4DP-qoJEvNERWZI3_7ie3AThnwx79buZDDCGw/s320/AL23--JUNE%2013--P1.1%20%20CIN-KC.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57pS9JJJ7p5JPDJRvk1q4bQvLqbK9AYLhutlKSeIhQDRh2cZ46Pwrdlus6hA8qnsFA2hggdmoELgI5Zeawx6LJ2DupqgkNFDt0tQ6gIA5kPA31EAjip4SDAFzy4_tORR4Vel7oAeujXoMwc2rUpRcx8wsIBM421pE69bERv1QAbWyY9NfBkjpOge-ui4/s3798/NL23--JUNE%207--P3%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2532" data-original-width="3798" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57pS9JJJ7p5JPDJRvk1q4bQvLqbK9AYLhutlKSeIhQDRh2cZ46Pwrdlus6hA8qnsFA2hggdmoELgI5Zeawx6LJ2DupqgkNFDt0tQ6gIA5kPA31EAjip4SDAFzy4_tORR4Vel7oAeujXoMwc2rUpRcx8wsIBM421pE69bERv1QAbWyY9NfBkjpOge-ui4/s320/NL23--JUNE%207--P3%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When this season began I had my lineup set at shortstop. But things sure changed in a hurry about a month ago when the Reds could no longer keep their top prospect in the minors. Just 21 years old, 6-foot-5, 200-pound <b>Elly De La Cruz</b> (he's the one in the photo at the beginning of this post as well as in the two just above) made his debut on June 6 and <i>immediately</i> started showing the talent that had Reds fans' mouths watering all season before his arrival. He also immediately became the starting SS on my all-dreads team. Back in the old days they would have said of De La Cruz that the ball <i>jumps</i> off his bat; but that really doesn't do him justice. It's more like the ball <i>rockets</i> off his bat; and here in the now days the speed at which the ball leaves his bat can be measured, thanks to Statcast. His 1st hit in a Reds uniform, a double in the 3rd inning on June 6, came in at 112 MPH, instantly moving him into the lead for the hardest ball hit by anybody on the team all season. 24 hours or so later Elly surpassed that with a 114.8 MPH, 458-foot drive all the way to the back row of the RF seats for his 1st MLB home run. He had some balls hit even harder than that playing for Louisville in Class AAA before being called up by the Reds. <div>If you've got a few minutes to spare, click on the two links below. The first is to a Cincinnati Enquirer article describing De La Cruz's quick rise from a nobody to a superstar in the making. And below that is a 5-minute video of his debut on June 6.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/reds/2023/06/06/the-elly-de-la-cruz-story-from-nearly-giving-up-to-making-it-to-mlb/70293969007/" target="_blank">cincinnati.com/story/sports/mlb/reds/2023/06/06/the-elly-de-la-cruz-story-from-nearly-giving-up-to-making-it-to-mlb/70293969007/</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/06/e057e196-1c4bf6c0-439c2bea-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/06/e057e196-1c4bf6c0-439c2bea-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>No doubt Elly has already set the bar high for himself. And to say the least he brings the excitement. It's going to be fun watching his pursuit of greatness in the years ahead.</div><div>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2zOI4IoJgDzWq4pGFGppcZYt70GXyNdSoJW0t5068temSk3JUYLOmwY4ubmOh60MbfbIFjn8VcUBvt664U2NvPkRXS6i8dasiVe1PWeb90a2Hxr0CF-ohMORHC5jy9EzyXt6FuIelNEkxLwwDW5hAtE_6htt-PaM_ks2i7V8o9QW2_26y42a3VG8-zM/s3388/NL23--MAR.%2030--P10%20%20PITT-CIN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9C25ySJlixOf_O7Ww8Ok39moyfwJ5jFOR5R6iWEnoKjabe6Sp8dnP7pf_ssn-ilx5LNZYVMeRd1vPWm1-ulykXNsOE10BcXH3yvXyt74ogSC94pzyHI3yfmBNxUHvPpC8LsCKyRMsR8decd8E7jPvKFthJ6a8foNnNqe8UHQoE4Pk3eKcqwuoNy8Uf0/s798/NL23--APR.%207--P1A.1%20%20CHI%20WS-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="589" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9C25ySJlixOf_O7Ww8Ok39moyfwJ5jFOR5R6iWEnoKjabe6Sp8dnP7pf_ssn-ilx5LNZYVMeRd1vPWm1-ulykXNsOE10BcXH3yvXyt74ogSC94pzyHI3yfmBNxUHvPpC8LsCKyRMsR8decd8E7jPvKFthJ6a8foNnNqe8UHQoE4Pk3eKcqwuoNy8Uf0/s320/NL23--APR.%207--P1A.1%20%20CHI%20WS-PITT.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGgSpHMFIEjiif2POTyj_dA53VMzrnzr2Cr9Oc7l5tikU_-63Z6DmEdiyyX1B1bhDGTC-K0W-In4vKhZqMPQlnPg92j9p6lmUN3rXkRSF29nYFiL1bGhVeVtmc3c-BSU13z73TXstHFR6P2xm_Yaa3t_GZenVhQll59UpfIrpy1jXygIkoglLSZWzJ-o/s3388/NL23--MAR.%2030--P10%20%20PITT-CIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2259" data-original-width="3388" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGgSpHMFIEjiif2POTyj_dA53VMzrnzr2Cr9Oc7l5tikU_-63Z6DmEdiyyX1B1bhDGTC-K0W-In4vKhZqMPQlnPg92j9p6lmUN3rXkRSF29nYFiL1bGhVeVtmc3c-BSU13z73TXstHFR6P2xm_Yaa3t_GZenVhQll59UpfIrpy1jXygIkoglLSZWzJ-o/s320/NL23--MAR.%2030--P10%20%20PITT-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The arrival of De La Cruz moves everyone else down a notch on the depth chart at SS; and moving from the starting lineup to the bench is another exciting youngster playing for a team in the NL Central division. And he's nearly a carbon copy of De La Cruz - starting with his name, which is Cruz, without the De La. I'm talking about <b>Oneil Cruz</b> of the Pirates, of course, whose 2023 season has unfortunately been interrupted by serious injury: a broken leg suffered on the second weekend of the season back on April 9. At 6-foot-7, 220 pounds, Cruz not only is bigger than De La Cruz, he's tied for the tallest SS ever in MLB. And just like Elly, had Oneil been born in the USA instead of the Dominican Republic, he'd be playing in the NBA or NFL. But their loss is MLB's gain. Oneil has the athletic ability that most athletes dream of. Great speed, great power, a cannon for an arm; and if he can maximize his potential - and live up to his hype - he'll have a great chance to make it to the Hall of Fame. Cruz whetted the appetites of Pirates fans with his 17 HR and 54 RBI in only 87 games during his 2022 rookie season. And since he arrived in Pittsburgh, I find myself tuning in to Pirates games more frequently again. It's going to be fun watching him - and his dreads - grow. <div>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiTsk0F9cvDFYwcHwXaXRKiWXqVpHow6Mrm8NZ_wlPrL3ZAkaKMoGE8Zj9c4JarOTLt7WVDVKWIOnImy63-_pjb40Yhaccb5Y-xOnn-WWi9mcdCXNfOyfa4nYuu9IR12olf1OfMnJYffLkJxvHd-saDZDIEd5jjETElEaOw1DQwwRwmRTD_ga1DFI7fk/s1024/NL23--MAY%2020--P3%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiTsk0F9cvDFYwcHwXaXRKiWXqVpHow6Mrm8NZ_wlPrL3ZAkaKMoGE8Zj9c4JarOTLt7WVDVKWIOnImy63-_pjb40Yhaccb5Y-xOnn-WWi9mcdCXNfOyfa4nYuu9IR12olf1OfMnJYffLkJxvHd-saDZDIEd5jjETElEaOw1DQwwRwmRTD_ga1DFI7fk/s320/NL23--MAY%2020--P3%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCU7bIVCw1-ytkaioV8uNRVX2e-5sStDz0iz_MXsfWZMfSM0yiyxw8USwyPMFWGa6LWedN5QjQGM9xWffTkv_nguGz_qNeu05mJ0qUrOWCjwfk6pkSZldQPHsUN6LNG2tzHVtOu74WwOW4EVsItVA6WzpDQEKJ5HZ_fSYjF4kkHLXBoZqYnLD50AgKXg/s2048/NL23--MAY%2022--P4%20%20ARIZ-PHIL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCU7bIVCw1-ytkaioV8uNRVX2e-5sStDz0iz_MXsfWZMfSM0yiyxw8USwyPMFWGa6LWedN5QjQGM9xWffTkv_nguGz_qNeu05mJ0qUrOWCjwfk6pkSZldQPHsUN6LNG2tzHVtOu74WwOW4EVsItVA6WzpDQEKJ5HZ_fSYjF4kkHLXBoZqYnLD50AgKXg/s320/NL23--MAY%2022--P4%20%20ARIZ-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The starting second baseman is another really good player, <b>Ketel</b> <b>Marte</b>, now in his 7th season with the Diamondbacks after playing his first 2 years in Seattle. After beginning his dreads in 2018 and then having a tremendous season the next year (32 HR, 92 RBI), Marte showed up for the 2020 season without dreads. And maybe he shouldn't have because although he's been good, he hasn't been great since then. Finally bringing the dreads back this year, Ketel has been outstanding so far in 2023, making major contributions to a team that looks like is going to be a playoff contender. Unfortunately during the past few weeks - and after these two photos were taken - Marte has been keeping his dreads reduced all the time, which is totally not necessary.<div>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rM8o8G39nny8yH0palBAQJnikRGMXescI-oJjbfqlIh0F4esAhONmECJtn3t_dPXc9eH-j9gcQQXAGm8oyhPJaV1U5c_zOrbTtGHh4b4D03lSHaqtwbJyS4RjYF_JHhY-q9Z_wbUfBRLGIvJID2ea2yAr9YKLUBCGA18QxQdgxwrqlHWAWjHBEifkeo/s2048/AL23--APR.%2026--P4%20%20NY-MINN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rM8o8G39nny8yH0palBAQJnikRGMXescI-oJjbfqlIh0F4esAhONmECJtn3t_dPXc9eH-j9gcQQXAGm8oyhPJaV1U5c_zOrbTtGHh4b4D03lSHaqtwbJyS4RjYF_JHhY-q9Z_wbUfBRLGIvJID2ea2yAr9YKLUBCGA18QxQdgxwrqlHWAWjHBEifkeo/s320/AL23--APR.%2026--P4%20%20NY-MINN.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqyszlDAjtHkKHPS7nm3_MXzeX_bMysQQEEagpeE6EzSxuUauIlv2dMiibVNfPlu9A8ONUxAfcI03LlLzHJ8ws_HHzIZS3n0Mp-ul2DYi2mgMYmWWRolTOQzHN01a5nkU60TTY_TwaSioqV8CuBELjKZ6sP5ICsKIo3WTWI5aK9ziB2IllLbdjlx8yb4/s1035/AL23--APR.%2030--P9%20%20KC-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1035" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqyszlDAjtHkKHPS7nm3_MXzeX_bMysQQEEagpeE6EzSxuUauIlv2dMiibVNfPlu9A8ONUxAfcI03LlLzHJ8ws_HHzIZS3n0Mp-ul2DYi2mgMYmWWRolTOQzHN01a5nkU60TTY_TwaSioqV8CuBELjKZ6sP5ICsKIo3WTWI5aK9ziB2IllLbdjlx8yb4/s320/AL23--APR.%2030--P9%20%20KC-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>2nd string at 2nd base is <b>Nick Gordon</b> of the Minnesota Twins, who can also fill in at SS or 3B or LF or RF or CF. Gordon, 27 years old and in his 3rd MLB season, may be the definition of versatile; but if he plans to secure family bragging rights, he has a lot of catching up to do. His father, Tom Gordon, won 138 games and saved 158 as a pitcher over 21 MLB seasons, earning All-Star honors 3 times. And more recently half-brother Dee Strange-Gordon batted .286 and had 336 SB with 2 ASG appearances during his 11 major league seasons. Gordon started this season ice cold, batting .104 for the first 3 weeks, before heating up a bit until things came to a screeching halt on May 17, when he hit a foul ball off his leg that resulted in a broken tibia. Recovery time for this injury ranges from 3 to 6 months, so he may or may not be back this season. As you can see, Nick, similar to <b>Raimel</b> <b>Tapia</b>, prefers his dreads in blond.<div>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibu7HSM2SWc0DOhHCmkRi3s-iqKyskvFTurz0WfhzBl1REcXCkJQ5y9p_QiMvysBv6YUEVdwFdN8hnwzF8E4_xbpAfrsZSUdag-1io3RjF97URkEgNrM5tyFgudSkH7nzVYfhJ2iEQxgDw7UyOC7oOGiiR9SiDArdDg9vC2VKHNjo6-l1jHympM-OtBVg/s2048/AL23--APR.%209--P6%20%20TOR-LA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibu7HSM2SWc0DOhHCmkRi3s-iqKyskvFTurz0WfhzBl1REcXCkJQ5y9p_QiMvysBv6YUEVdwFdN8hnwzF8E4_xbpAfrsZSUdag-1io3RjF97URkEgNrM5tyFgudSkH7nzVYfhJ2iEQxgDw7UyOC7oOGiiR9SiDArdDg9vC2VKHNjo6-l1jHympM-OtBVg/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P6%20%20TOR-LA.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoPn0AECkPxl3yZknI6gqJOlajbBnryI3ajfIA_uojqWNjaQq1GdvVnX_WROEAsxK9xDqN_1WW-Jngg48rUHjaZlBGbuqWSsaG-6UuE4Yv3VxdOI0XLAdhdvbDKQlyBGBWKik0fe0uFNpga_CuUxjdRXdIMIrtg51vkvKBqq2GMYCj1pOgDLJECtibaw/s2048/AL23--MAY%201--P4%20%20TOR-BOST.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoPn0AECkPxl3yZknI6gqJOlajbBnryI3ajfIA_uojqWNjaQq1GdvVnX_WROEAsxK9xDqN_1WW-Jngg48rUHjaZlBGbuqWSsaG-6UuE4Yv3VxdOI0XLAdhdvbDKQlyBGBWKik0fe0uFNpga_CuUxjdRXdIMIrtg51vkvKBqq2GMYCj1pOgDLJECtibaw/s320/AL23--MAY%201--P4%20%20TOR-BOST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At first base we have two of the heaviest guys on the team (not surprisingly) - the same two are featured in the last post I did on baseball back in 2019. <b>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</b> of the Toronto Blue Jays gets the starting nod. His father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., had dreads for about three and a half seasons (2006-2009) near the end of his career, but Vladdy Jr. has already surpassed that, playing every game of his 5-year career (so far) with dreads. But will he surpass his dad as a player? Senior, as you know, is already in the Hall of Fame after batting .318 with 449 HR during his career. For a while it looked like Junior was on the path to joining him, especially after blasting 48 homers in in first full season in 2021. But then he had 'only' 32 last year and just a measly 11 so far this year. Listed at 245 pounds, Vladdy is capable of doing a lot better; so it's a bit disappointing to not see him play up to his potential.<div>. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRD6P_B3a9fkiRCGGeAefVH6otoEfmhLpJfLxkdAfmWGnWpH1VRLAwGsWmum7n4DaqzOZJIT85LkKzvaS9pcPZKQtKxxHsXvclkoLJ_jZsozfJxtzfktKbdSuPrJmYdP9YBWIneVR_9-KM5TOWxXx57SOzy3gizWc_qvzAg9OmKAKVyqUkuKIFu9ihnY/s1408/AL23--APR.%203--P6%20%20CLEVE-OAK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="1054" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRD6P_B3a9fkiRCGGeAefVH6otoEfmhLpJfLxkdAfmWGnWpH1VRLAwGsWmum7n4DaqzOZJIT85LkKzvaS9pcPZKQtKxxHsXvclkoLJ_jZsozfJxtzfktKbdSuPrJmYdP9YBWIneVR_9-KM5TOWxXx57SOzy3gizWc_qvzAg9OmKAKVyqUkuKIFu9ihnY/s320/AL23--APR.%203--P6%20%20CLEVE-OAK.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BKoAxyaYVROuOWRpfd_3HRj2axAVl4QbV51rPVrz9u_--GKQmkEouAghAOLkRAAH_pTdB9YdPy2DQutW4JYc3t7l82azSEzgEf3wk5_HZKuUcWlgS5IWIYh-_bYkCyOHR2W9xsdfcBOoEdKkaSdQZDNXkWf7UbEcGlRWqFiwahslyZ0SCxRZ48Ibdso/s2048/AL23--APR.%2018--P3%20%20CLEVE-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BKoAxyaYVROuOWRpfd_3HRj2axAVl4QbV51rPVrz9u_--GKQmkEouAghAOLkRAAH_pTdB9YdPy2DQutW4JYc3t7l82azSEzgEf3wk5_HZKuUcWlgS5IWIYh-_bYkCyOHR2W9xsdfcBOoEdKkaSdQZDNXkWf7UbEcGlRWqFiwahslyZ0SCxRZ48Ibdso/s320/AL23--APR.%2018--P3%20%20CLEVE-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ditto for <b>Josh Bell</b>, who backs up Guerrero at 1st base. The Guardians signed the 261-pound switch hitter during the offseason to give them some power ..... and he has a total of 7 home runs in their first 77 games of the season - all of them with nobody on base. A far cry from the 37 HR he had for the Pirates in 2019, the 27 he had for the Washington Nationals in 2021, and even the 17 he had for the Nats and Padres last year. And oh, btw, here's another thing that's disappointing: his dreads. I hated it - but understood it - when Josh cut his dreads a little shorter a couple of years ago. But now I really hate it that he keeps them reduced all the time.<br /><div>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93YPUiyMUBEX7hgejIyTs_Fwat22jcpDpib3dI_vy1lb8j3II1ZQQjAEPttshlhPhn5H86kVIW9nvHLIONIYxU1qPrvWprD2UXH2Tqju0OWocnSPbSmUztJHnP-RG2o8fqNsJhZ1K58jEwhqW0pnAk5RlnLBpVsQlNe-7l_zY_4lwVN2tZmlcZrzDKMs/s2048/AL23--APR.%2016--P1%20%20TEX-HOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93YPUiyMUBEX7hgejIyTs_Fwat22jcpDpib3dI_vy1lb8j3II1ZQQjAEPttshlhPhn5H86kVIW9nvHLIONIYxU1qPrvWprD2UXH2Tqju0OWocnSPbSmUztJHnP-RG2o8fqNsJhZ1K58jEwhqW0pnAk5RlnLBpVsQlNe-7l_zY_4lwVN2tZmlcZrzDKMs/s320/AL23--APR.%2016--P1%20%20TEX-HOU.jpg" width="220" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmYTN812QargrV7CVC4zHCfZ9wgCOgJ_5QNH-_G3T6fUmxzyljUdpN_txOw5r6N5qnS0FOFCMkNDXmm1Gg8fxL00cE7-6awEpSIcniOndjLUhChD2cux-RtdywvtTjw_mSQ8av4fBclVxrz_k3qbmzMSr_-pc5NZRXXx3_oHsizKmcHdH3ff3ushD-XA/s2048/AL23--MAR.%2030--P1%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmYTN812QargrV7CVC4zHCfZ9wgCOgJ_5QNH-_G3T6fUmxzyljUdpN_txOw5r6N5qnS0FOFCMkNDXmm1Gg8fxL00cE7-6awEpSIcniOndjLUhChD2cux-RtdywvtTjw_mSQ8av4fBclVxrz_k3qbmzMSr_-pc5NZRXXx3_oHsizKmcHdH3ff3ushD-XA/s320/AL23--MAR.%2030--P1%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>The thing that has prevented me from presenting an all-dreads MLB team until now has been the lack of any catchers with dreads. But now this season there suddenly are two. Taking his cue from what teammate <b>Framber Valdez</b> did last year, Martin Maldonado of the Houston Astros went from no dreads to nearly footlong dreads instantly - obviously with hair not of his own. But we won't hold that against him. Maldonado, the only player from Puerto Rico on the team, must be a very good defensive catcher, because he's been around now 11 years with 5 different teams even though he has never been much of a threat on offense. After batting just .172 and .186 the last 2 seasons, his career BA is inching ever closer to that .200 mark. <div><span style="color: red;">************ SEE UPDATE AT END OF POST ************</span><br /><div>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkqu1I_NUVf1977k3K1cdL7jl_fg7AzEutR6KcW8WK8GBy7BaTtOkhmWbIDa3nbUgRcf5vquTshs0LRgQu9ylibvOQQtO5gz0jLuD4msjCTc3TeJnZVZx5A77IVt3lUK0wcatWfIdj9qcCN-RT5FBefmSA1vzKqmEUbrBWxcKZFdOF-rwaWEOa7As9wM/s1365/NL23--FEB.%2024--P1%20%20SEA-SD.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="977" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkqu1I_NUVf1977k3K1cdL7jl_fg7AzEutR6KcW8WK8GBy7BaTtOkhmWbIDa3nbUgRcf5vquTshs0LRgQu9ylibvOQQtO5gz0jLuD4msjCTc3TeJnZVZx5A77IVt3lUK0wcatWfIdj9qcCN-RT5FBefmSA1vzKqmEUbrBWxcKZFdOF-rwaWEOa7As9wM/s320/NL23--FEB.%2024--P1%20%20SEA-SD.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP7O7HV4T-qHuJgxoO9omSsJb9P3iMX5LWkrsM7bogvL5drbPQiT4_7a1raYLt6NFQdOew-s8cxFnHc4aKMwZQQ91E_GouVr79QPUUtcTqKToaSiPvjEM_b3ct4l0IQjWwJaJJ85UrWk7n91mTVZByuicb6TeYNpVu4B_R2YprEwLQL9ko3AaSLgS5sM/s1714/NL23--APR.%2011--P6%20%20SD-NY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1714" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJP7O7HV4T-qHuJgxoO9omSsJb9P3iMX5LWkrsM7bogvL5drbPQiT4_7a1raYLt6NFQdOew-s8cxFnHc4aKMwZQQ91E_GouVr79QPUUtcTqKToaSiPvjEM_b3ct4l0IQjWwJaJJ85UrWk7n91mTVZByuicb6TeYNpVu4B_R2YprEwLQL9ko3AaSLgS5sM/s320/NL23--APR.%2011--P6%20%20SD-NY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Even had Maldonado not debuted his dreads this season, we still would have had a catcher on the team. After appearing briefly the last 3 seasons, 24-year old <b>Luis Campusano</b> made the Padres' opening day roster for the first time this year. But just when it looked like he was becoming their <i>starting</i> catcher in mid-April, Campusano suffered a thumb injury and hasn't played since. He should be back in action very soon. Unlike most of the Dominicans on the team Luis is Dominican <i>and</i> American, having been born in Augusta, Georgia. His father played 5 pro seasons - all in the minors - and the best of the 5 was with Augusta in 1991.<br /><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the pitching staff .......</div><div><br /></div><div>The starting rotation might have been OK if not for the unfortunate change of mind by Marcus Stroman of the Chicago Cubs. After he debuted his dreads at the start of the season, I was hoping to have him on the team. But knowing his propensity to keep changing his hair, I was reluctant to welcome him to the house. And sure enough, after making his first 10 starts of the season with dreads, he untwisted them and went back to normal hair as of May 24. And that's too bad because he's really having a good season. The absence of Stroman leaves us with an all-Caribbean - and nearly all-Dominican staff. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5a57EzdGkR163S0YTAnI5kKUqfKJDBhLwa-L_hfUoGP4MVl6bpjHXQTw2VNk1vUQuYl_nphhwoX9cXT4kpu4HKw1hUHOCQvavvPxMHNs8VWhXrKsblE7PuYexvOq6FJ63JiDdthOX_oZnRXHjAM27BTtCjtYzdrWUi6y1PiqIQyMIXSlhIg2mp7f6Eo/s1365/AL23--MAY%2021--P8%20%20OAK-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="910" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5a57EzdGkR163S0YTAnI5kKUqfKJDBhLwa-L_hfUoGP4MVl6bpjHXQTw2VNk1vUQuYl_nphhwoX9cXT4kpu4HKw1hUHOCQvavvPxMHNs8VWhXrKsblE7PuYexvOq6FJ63JiDdthOX_oZnRXHjAM27BTtCjtYzdrWUi6y1PiqIQyMIXSlhIg2mp7f6Eo/s320/AL23--MAY%2021--P8%20%20OAK-HOU.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbM6WMppK2bPz1_Gold0H-mhbKip1Z95wgPGSCZjColff1jOPFTLWpwzKZbKxiaPKvtiTse3C_2_uaC9cdrVIsRhNV1J11BjQKQPX-W2br6t_OyIhnIA_Em77Luj4K0dB2RvWq5WveBwJFSQD7qmZW5WVCvY9lCFkRfwt3tD5jRFsoqmFjNtNSRGOS75M/s1086/NL23--APR.%2022--P3%20%20HOU-ATL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1086" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbM6WMppK2bPz1_Gold0H-mhbKip1Z95wgPGSCZjColff1jOPFTLWpwzKZbKxiaPKvtiTse3C_2_uaC9cdrVIsRhNV1J11BjQKQPX-W2br6t_OyIhnIA_Em77Luj4K0dB2RvWq5WveBwJFSQD7qmZW5WVCvY9lCFkRfwt3tD5jRFsoqmFjNtNSRGOS75M/s320/NL23--APR.%2022--P3%20%20HOU-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The first 2 spots in the starting rotation are very strong, leading off with the previously mentioned <b>Framber Valdez</b> of the Astros. I didn't even know he had started growing baby dreads last season until suddenly, in his last start before the All-Star break on July 14, he showed up on the mound with dreads nearly a foot long. And I was like "Whoa, where did <i>that</i> come from?!" Well, even if it's not all his own hair, we're certainly glad to have him. After a rough rookie season in 2019, he moved into the Astros' starting rotation in 2020 and has done nothing but get better and better ever since. Going 17-6 with a 2.82 ERA last year, Framber finished 5th in the AL Cy Young Award voting and helped lead the Astros to the championship.<br /><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicDEo5BFkQ2ocx_JsGZDApHk-knOn7l9Jee6O3a8oGSIjygGQxQQvwzgnnjnCB29AQdSOQdeM1_MRceFQQhphrABTCHXXi4VO9GjqHWaK-AdTObhhYPlAKCetKy-6TvXKsz67EJvOByHY0_ERwLfuf6oqqPLHo7CaCIpf9mYC7bwhNr6ygo1BQXihELM/s1100/AL23--MAY%2016--P5%20%20SEA-BOST.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1100" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicDEo5BFkQ2ocx_JsGZDApHk-knOn7l9Jee6O3a8oGSIjygGQxQQvwzgnnjnCB29AQdSOQdeM1_MRceFQQhphrABTCHXXi4VO9GjqHWaK-AdTObhhYPlAKCetKy-6TvXKsz67EJvOByHY0_ERwLfuf6oqqPLHo7CaCIpf9mYC7bwhNr6ygo1BQXihELM/s320/AL23--MAY%2016--P5%20%20SEA-BOST.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNXvt0SHwonM9rLLS8SrhumjJ91Z_BB3feh63Pz7WP5iliTnpEUwZofZpTXJqRQKubXgiYO3EKyMPVFx_aLlk8kHnlGj2BXu929i38CrUDVma26Ce8nSVmYoL1vIQfmF2yn9KtFtnfUsCsdFAVbVddBLZHL0f21qAncQEVQtdXMU9ZQgvFRHsuJjw-iY/s2048/AL23--MAY%2010--P2%20%20TEX-SEA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNXvt0SHwonM9rLLS8SrhumjJ91Z_BB3feh63Pz7WP5iliTnpEUwZofZpTXJqRQKubXgiYO3EKyMPVFx_aLlk8kHnlGj2BXu929i38CrUDVma26Ce8nSVmYoL1vIQfmF2yn9KtFtnfUsCsdFAVbVddBLZHL0f21qAncQEVQtdXMU9ZQgvFRHsuJjw-iY/s320/AL23--MAY%2010--P2%20%20TEX-SEA.jpg" width="213" /></a></div></div>Like Valdez, <b>Luis Castillo</b> of the Mariners pitched in last year's All-Star Game. It was the 2nd ASG appearance for Castillo, who is now 30 years old. A rookie in 2017, Castillo got his dreads started the next year and was mostly solid and unnoticed during his first 5 MLB seasons with the Reds. But after getting traded to the Mariners at the end of July 2022 and immediately making two strong starts against the Yankees, everyone knows about him now. Castillo finished with a career best 2.99 ERA last season and showed out in his two playoff starts. So far this year Luis is pitching even better than last year; but thanks to his team's crummy offense he was the winning pitcher in only 4 of his first 15 starts.<div>.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1Lk_WCq0293HtW7DUZhkeMpzDUMva-ioaVWvGDszg5dXCFwI84Fk4JoXD5h8RXbCdazoi2fcjkZdu9yPB_4TTNvLg-wFrPi9LFYIF5OdqdOEJH_JDlDC7MFZSTQDvhAXEEJe4ziKIn-9xn-0e2mpuHFyYRUdMUu4vZ363_rreP_OGNEoeNOt4MH-hBE/s2048/AL23--MAY%2016--P10%20%20PITT-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1Lk_WCq0293HtW7DUZhkeMpzDUMva-ioaVWvGDszg5dXCFwI84Fk4JoXD5h8RXbCdazoi2fcjkZdu9yPB_4TTNvLg-wFrPi9LFYIF5OdqdOEJH_JDlDC7MFZSTQDvhAXEEJe4ziKIn-9xn-0e2mpuHFyYRUdMUu4vZ363_rreP_OGNEoeNOt4MH-hBE/s320/AL23--MAY%2016--P10%20%20PITT-DET.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMV8bwXWeMgGaNOqqHXqNQgcHGAvuSP2uuoaZOOGrsEOn2VENvFVKoeiSL--u9fJGHg3AsBhDfFcu6JWCF_KKgPlHhEU99mV04J06vxG1v-JfzpKovHtoIYFPpzNHL9wW5GyjO_L1FhYdJM7gthpxp47Hl1kpyiRoKlsbDF87IqDf3TU0c1eWcNvA3pU/s1280/NL23--MAY%2022--P1%20%20TEX-PITT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMV8bwXWeMgGaNOqqHXqNQgcHGAvuSP2uuoaZOOGrsEOn2VENvFVKoeiSL--u9fJGHg3AsBhDfFcu6JWCF_KKgPlHhEU99mV04J06vxG1v-JfzpKovHtoIYFPpzNHL9wW5GyjO_L1FhYdJM7gthpxp47Hl1kpyiRoKlsbDF87IqDf3TU0c1eWcNvA3pU/s320/NL23--MAY%2022--P1%20%20TEX-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There's a big drop in the rotation from the top 2 to <b>Luis Ortiz</b> of the Pirates at #3. That's <b>Luis L. Ortiz</b> - not to be confused with the Luis F. Ortiz who pitches for the Phillies and does not have dreads. When he becomes successful and famous, I'm sure we'll all be calling him LL Ortiz. The 240-pound righthander has shown promise during his rookie season but has a long way to go to reach successful and famous. His lack of control - i.e. he walks too many - is something he'll have to get under control as his career moves along. But, like him or not, he the 3rd best starting pitcher with dreads.</div><div><span style="color: red;">*********** SEE UPDATE AT END OF POST *********</span><br /><div>. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNEAnY3Ql7jDqyavKbk2mKBArLJnIwD3Qdm8aPHCRwaRbtCsAiNw70oxt-3brVFlJOEZRyFCDI9xDQQ_pyJIW4kxsuf82Y4XcCoHoylW29WazxVKsMagcVtCWeOK_TcKbUhJ47UQzdogTNoGTb4a9UViOy7iJPdG8mMZtO1-hm6PotMYM1GKqgraxE0A/s1200/NL23--APR.%203--P2%20%20MINN-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNEAnY3Ql7jDqyavKbk2mKBArLJnIwD3Qdm8aPHCRwaRbtCsAiNw70oxt-3brVFlJOEZRyFCDI9xDQQ_pyJIW4kxsuf82Y4XcCoHoylW29WazxVKsMagcVtCWeOK_TcKbUhJ47UQzdogTNoGTb4a9UViOy7iJPdG8mMZtO1-hm6PotMYM1GKqgraxE0A/s320/NL23--APR.%203--P2%20%20MINN-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I was going to have Johnny Cueto be the #4 starter, but it just wasn't meant to be. Cueto's 16th MLB season was supposed to feature the triumphant return of his magnificent dreads, after he had kept them reduced for every single game he pitched last season. But instead I feel like I'm writing a eulogy. Cueto, of course, over the years had come to be known just as much for his long dreads as for his excellent pitching. No doubt he inspired many pitchers in the DR, who wanted to emulate him - and his hair. We appreciate Johnny for the career he has had, for showing everyone that you can still be an outstanding player even with long dreads. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Cueto's 2023 season never got off the launch pad. After appearing for the DR in the World Baseball Classic in March, he made his debut in a Marlins uniform on April 2 (photo above). After allowing 4 runs in the 2nd inning, he left due to injury and has been trying to get fully healthy ever since. And that's not even the worst of it. Even when he does return, I wouldn't be able to give him a spot on the team - because the unthinkable has happened, and as of June 2, 2023 (a date that will live in horror) Johnny is on the ex-dread list and no longer eligible for inclusion in the house of dread. WTF.</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cBnHNMxVP3BTnabFAvuJZU60Bx2U7l8klgMIMmvpM8ND1v4BDhL3aM6tev8SED-vKgpvaI6WNIJtPbaX2ltTbaQuv_OHGsVqUcrZBY4O3lpWZfod5XQHBId784AKtHdjiRYDxilzFUbZ8Io7FCg9Bp_ds4KqQHd30G2QdkwAaXtu9eiqxvHLbBCV0RQ/s1502/NL23--JUNE%2019--P1.1%20%20CHI-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1502" data-original-width="1015" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cBnHNMxVP3BTnabFAvuJZU60Bx2U7l8klgMIMmvpM8ND1v4BDhL3aM6tev8SED-vKgpvaI6WNIJtPbaX2ltTbaQuv_OHGsVqUcrZBY4O3lpWZfod5XQHBId784AKtHdjiRYDxilzFUbZ8Io7FCg9Bp_ds4KqQHd30G2QdkwAaXtu9eiqxvHLbBCV0RQ/s320/NL23--JUNE%2019--P1.1%20%20CHI-PITT.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAA0y_uaZd6DiJ1e6zjDRIWsHJs0uBGVXNZcLxvearXqvGs72TLZuiRFCkjPmOnYyTtfu0GQ16yKse9dNuSpPvCXtNvgeq-_kWkckXwA7GkFUP5CTl-bJv_RH8mr0ivTktt75n3Rj8y1Z4Q-tkdckUlonBU3eSZeLn6IYqJGvyWrhJo8V86WKgOVPni28/s2171/NL23--JUNE%2014--P1A%20%20PITT-CHI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1674" data-original-width="2171" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAA0y_uaZd6DiJ1e6zjDRIWsHJs0uBGVXNZcLxvearXqvGs72TLZuiRFCkjPmOnYyTtfu0GQ16yKse9dNuSpPvCXtNvgeq-_kWkckXwA7GkFUP5CTl-bJv_RH8mr0ivTktt75n3Rj8y1Z4Q-tkdckUlonBU3eSZeLn6IYqJGvyWrhJo8V86WKgOVPni28/s320/NL23--JUNE%2014--P1A%20%20PITT-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>That means that another Pirates rookie, will have to take the #4 spot in the rotation. After spending the first 2 months of this season in the minors, Osvaldo Bido made his MLB debut at age 27 on June 14 and at the same time became the 4th player with dreads to pitch for the Pirates in 2023. He also got off on the wrong foot as far as I'm concerned by having his long dreads reduced. I'm thinking of how great they would look if he would turn them loose, but who knows if we'll ever see it. Bido has looked good so far for the Pirates, but it's early. Surely there's a reason he has been in the minor leagues for so long. <div><br /><div>We give the ball to Osvaldo and hope for the best because there isn't anybody else to turn to. Literally. Unless I'm missing/forgetting somebody there are currently only 4 starting pitchers with dreads in the big leagues. So .......</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DTSDKMkRihveGJ7XXqIAeVkYmAyIkFcvYmTQ8HPEeiTptHbDckxj3Em05pDXfAli8Y0C9Zl-Nba1KO512yWu6WS7Wd1X_QlZsgF1UvWPN_ytYO4WOuDktgPetoYq7UmEpDeWq_jRZ1EltGr0Q5vJIGtTscPSIRIPP5l1LrBv3ppvpWoQYVEG7Rp5FDY/s2881/NL23--APR.%2023--P2%20%20COLO-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2881" data-original-width="1852" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DTSDKMkRihveGJ7XXqIAeVkYmAyIkFcvYmTQ8HPEeiTptHbDckxj3Em05pDXfAli8Y0C9Zl-Nba1KO512yWu6WS7Wd1X_QlZsgF1UvWPN_ytYO4WOuDktgPetoYq7UmEpDeWq_jRZ1EltGr0Q5vJIGtTscPSIRIPP5l1LrBv3ppvpWoQYVEG7Rp5FDY/s320/NL23--APR.%2023--P2%20%20COLO-PHIL.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1Aj2tFLatH36eUlSZmakn0CQGtCZKf4TkUC1NGDtvosuoe8wkfkEmQsePv2_n4s54VONv-19mqFluJJ2Y1kDGPZgUJD-v9e-_hCY31P4jQ9B-UkMi0oaKYRm18wDs-q9LZVieZs-TKKCebNnUdZ4vbNV7XmH8NjbCOYjl7srJN4WQnTSiWPMBFhE7Z0/s2560/NL23--JUNE%2016--P5%20%20SWB-ROCH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="2560" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1Aj2tFLatH36eUlSZmakn0CQGtCZKf4TkUC1NGDtvosuoe8wkfkEmQsePv2_n4s54VONv-19mqFluJJ2Y1kDGPZgUJD-v9e-_hCY31P4jQ9B-UkMi0oaKYRm18wDs-q9LZVieZs-TKKCebNnUdZ4vbNV7XmH8NjbCOYjl7srJN4WQnTSiWPMBFhE7Z0/s320/NL23--JUNE%2016--P5%20%20SWB-ROCH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We're going to have to call on someone not currently in the majors to be the #5 starter, although he was at the beginning of this season. A longtime favorite of ours, none other than <b>Jose Urena</b>. 6 years before Urena debuted with the Marlins in 2015, the Marlins famously let it be known they weren't going to let anyone with dreads wear their uniform, making one Hanley Ramirez a very unhappy camper. So when Jose started growing his dreads midway through his rookie season I was more than a bit surprised. Apparently there was a (welcome) change in team policy.</div><div><br /><div>You're supposed to get better as you go along; and while Jose's dreads certainly did, his pitching most definitely has not. After very respectable seasons in 2017-18, Urena has pretty much been awful ever since. This year he was so awful that the pitching-needy Colorado Rockies had to let him go after his first 5 starts of the season. Now pitching for the Nationals' Class AAA team in Rochester, NY (right photo above) - and with his dreads noticeably shorter than they were earlier this season - Jose, now 31 years old, is trying to regain the form that will allow him to return to - and stay on - a MLB team. Hopefully he'll be able to get his act together and join the Nats later in the season. But the all-dreads team needs him is the rotation now. </div><div><br /></div><div>I suppose it might not be the greatest of ideas to tell Urena and <b>Ronald Acuna</b> they have to be teammates - considering their history - but I'm sorry, they'll just have to deal with it. <br />.<br /><div><br /></div></div></div><div>There is no such dearth of relief pitchers with dreads, and that's a good thing. Because with these starters there's going to be no shortage of innings needed to be pitched by the relievers. The 7 relievers I picked for the team all have had their share of success during their careers, so maybe the call to the bullpen won't be a source of panic for our fan base.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdahTyohbEDJbtqmYBlOIm7c5B985NPfonkxzp8IqLJcIwMM34Co7pf89z0VYF53zNAxQEfrQ2Xv96Q0VxJXoiEmkGGhnECuxqL83z7AOj5zEhF9L5gX3aDgWBTnxnO_o1t-AHGvQHnm_TPdxq43xCRj3kazJZIKoR1Hq7Kpl8YGCOftrY4F7PKQLKd5w/s3453/NL23--MAY%2010--P5%20%20BOST-ATL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3453" data-original-width="2302" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdahTyohbEDJbtqmYBlOIm7c5B985NPfonkxzp8IqLJcIwMM34Co7pf89z0VYF53zNAxQEfrQ2Xv96Q0VxJXoiEmkGGhnECuxqL83z7AOj5zEhF9L5gX3aDgWBTnxnO_o1t-AHGvQHnm_TPdxq43xCRj3kazJZIKoR1Hq7Kpl8YGCOftrY4F7PKQLKd5w/s320/NL23--MAY%2010--P5%20%20BOST-ATL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YV2egs_xVrJ61JVuWY7OU-Vb7a2D-v6ecJsnriAHaWqSzAtlEJfaKn7H_q2m4T--k5vWkFspLB0gDX0RX4F5e5jqIbkdMkCIVmVWCYJ6_83is9E84baj6nylpuCfhrtKXE4-n95MRV_FGZMoS-v0ifVVZPjhT4sK-nj0rYPSzgtV7Al1M_9-2ZBlklU/s2048/NL23--APR.%2021--P3%20%20BOST-MILW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YV2egs_xVrJ61JVuWY7OU-Vb7a2D-v6ecJsnriAHaWqSzAtlEJfaKn7H_q2m4T--k5vWkFspLB0gDX0RX4F5e5jqIbkdMkCIVmVWCYJ6_83is9E84baj6nylpuCfhrtKXE4-n95MRV_FGZMoS-v0ifVVZPjhT4sK-nj0rYPSzgtV7Al1M_9-2ZBlklU/s320/NL23--APR.%2021--P3%20%20BOST-MILW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As mentioned earlier only one of the pitchers on the team is from an island <i>not</i> named the Dominican Republic. Way far south of the DR just north of Venezuela and representing the baseball hotbed of Curacao we having Kenley Jansen, who at 265 pounds weighs in as the biggest guy on the team. With 7 seasons in which he has recorded at least 30 saves, Jansen - now 35 years old - is possibly headed for the Hall of Fame. But this version of Kenley's dreads sure ain't going into the dreads hall of fame.</div><div>The first edition of his dreads got to be more than a foot long and were looking great before they disappeared following the 2019 season. And after starting again and cutting them off again after the 2021 season, he's now on his third edition this year in his 1st season with the Red Sox. </div><div>.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzREjzmTjP0qnywOEWUPYqmUm0gp1aYtXFNoWAk2BiO1pVggqNHCqTQYxvd5SCpFms9DvuSHyzgJodFpgGeVg-7PmBC-Qh2KGUR_aS9Y4rzQguL6Iraci91Zq_UW2_RPCXgmybwUtAHqJOSKq9QOyPIiC0BwYeP5X18jviAkD3ZEQ0LHIFRBreClSbB3k/s2048/AL23--JUNE%2011--P3%20%20HOU-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzREjzmTjP0qnywOEWUPYqmUm0gp1aYtXFNoWAk2BiO1pVggqNHCqTQYxvd5SCpFms9DvuSHyzgJodFpgGeVg-7PmBC-Qh2KGUR_aS9Y4rzQguL6Iraci91Zq_UW2_RPCXgmybwUtAHqJOSKq9QOyPIiC0BwYeP5X18jviAkD3ZEQ0LHIFRBreClSbB3k/s320/AL23--JUNE%2011--P3%20%20HOU-CLEVE.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oviY46P4PCq-uEBTndZq_bHCaYCnY685XW_Tr-3RkRmdOHaKDXR9ovbq7GP8ojpIUOsf9uQ8tVGMe8u2_Vp1rkgk4Cu2CuzpKaeulQZBhRh2P2O6dcMl9tydDyHy6wc455xIJw0tJhEaJ3BdvAqdOyh5CKtsyIBlR5pvYbzeUUuuJV-wwkvR5Biljl8/s1200/AL23--APR.%201--P3A%20%20CLEVE-SEA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oviY46P4PCq-uEBTndZq_bHCaYCnY685XW_Tr-3RkRmdOHaKDXR9ovbq7GP8ojpIUOsf9uQ8tVGMe8u2_Vp1rkgk4Cu2CuzpKaeulQZBhRh2P2O6dcMl9tydDyHy6wc455xIJw0tJhEaJ3BdvAqdOyh5CKtsyIBlR5pvYbzeUUuuJV-wwkvR5Biljl8/s320/AL23--APR.%201--P3A%20%20CLEVE-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sharing the closing duties with Jansen is <b>Emmanuel Clase</b> of the Guardians. After back-to-back tremendous seasons in 2021-22, Clase has been a <i>little</i> less dominant this year; but he's still really good and still among the leaders in saves. After taking the freeform route, Clase's dreads are much easier to identify as dreads now than when they first started last year. And he has changed colors, with the blue/green tips replacing the brown tips he had last year. </div><div>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuuh4FXmPwp1gogY1-ZDEanbginrt7evSxY-X7fXNofjbuKiJzOVOhWixgZ4DhiYP2yFykkBAnQi8NZtNoIHokrjNqMS5pWEhiPTa-37j8b-0t9s7-9vOmtraHP3ZmSwcQzWFrITxKkKZgu7RMfUMj6VT-1ox0jkAsI_RWGlvsgophdh87HhA-czrZfw/s2048/NL23--APR.%2027--P6A%20%20SEA-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuuh4FXmPwp1gogY1-ZDEanbginrt7evSxY-X7fXNofjbuKiJzOVOhWixgZ4DhiYP2yFykkBAnQi8NZtNoIHokrjNqMS5pWEhiPTa-37j8b-0t9s7-9vOmtraHP3ZmSwcQzWFrITxKkKZgu7RMfUMj6VT-1ox0jkAsI_RWGlvsgophdh87HhA-czrZfw/s320/NL23--APR.%2027--P6A%20%20SEA-PHIL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4bjLqMPedf-D-a5LulX7yotozRp0NHbh5FtDGkLOOWvxC2mBBNHYnmWO5jJG5ghR2DSdb-59VcVkWlBmJH7GuBZYhAd18Kd5PhBYfubnVdgF5U5FC5dhtLuInuRfk3Gxq2YjzD0RkMtkCUW3Deiu-nC5YVsewlL2Af9N0-P17ceyPUL8SSvsKCmettM/s2048/NL23--MAY%2025--P2%20%20PHIL-ATL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4bjLqMPedf-D-a5LulX7yotozRp0NHbh5FtDGkLOOWvxC2mBBNHYnmWO5jJG5ghR2DSdb-59VcVkWlBmJH7GuBZYhAd18Kd5PhBYfubnVdgF5U5FC5dhtLuInuRfk3Gxq2YjzD0RkMtkCUW3Deiu-nC5YVsewlL2Af9N0-P17ceyPUL8SSvsKCmettM/s320/NL23--MAY%2025--P2%20%20PHIL-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>An All-Star closer with the Detroit Tigers the last two seasons, <b>Gregory Soto</b> has mostly been pitching 7th and 8th innings in his first seasons with the Phillies. He can fill that role too on the all-dreads team. A handful of really bad outings that have made a wreck of his stats obscures how well Soto has pitched this year. He has been almost unhittable against lefthanded batters this season and (as of June 25) has allowed only 2 of 17 inherited runners to score. I'll take that. But I got to complain about his dreads a <i>little</i>, which are shorter than they were last year.<br /><div>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy57EDqzmCS1rFI0VzVBzWjIvvVqfQwA7rE6W8OqhSidoRVmsTF3Hvd-H4UOk9IR8kusM6a1qLA7bxGv0yEW2rPyi7_rlPk_G9bV5qu_zApHdxYjqIzu3vNR3GgX2tH0nar_VURJVlDV4EH2cazz4FKNnqeqmxFZsKUNwRdJPFmWeZ7W80QpUxK9L9Jk/s1365/AL22--MAY%2031--P1%20%20LA-NY.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1009" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy57EDqzmCS1rFI0VzVBzWjIvvVqfQwA7rE6W8OqhSidoRVmsTF3Hvd-H4UOk9IR8kusM6a1qLA7bxGv0yEW2rPyi7_rlPk_G9bV5qu_zApHdxYjqIzu3vNR3GgX2tH0nar_VURJVlDV4EH2cazz4FKNnqeqmxFZsKUNwRdJPFmWeZ7W80QpUxK9L9Jk/s320/AL22--MAY%2031--P1%20%20LA-NY.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpU2yOk-qY5JBMs8zrGtbi-6EwQ8gOb64iw1Q0AQLUuthpl_t2aTIEAAwsK5kFDad-M6byjF2znU1IHbn35zLa_LPMtad9ApqAkGMtxjcfHG0Ufs0AimaLSc5nocQxPLPUA19zLT9N06g2wNuubHWcsQ7XqAXFVCVH3GvffnPOCLDCavvlgRhyeyWz1Os/s2048/AL23--MAY%2015--P3A%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="2048" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpU2yOk-qY5JBMs8zrGtbi-6EwQ8gOb64iw1Q0AQLUuthpl_t2aTIEAAwsK5kFDad-M6byjF2znU1IHbn35zLa_LPMtad9ApqAkGMtxjcfHG0Ufs0AimaLSc5nocQxPLPUA19zLT9N06g2wNuubHWcsQ7XqAXFVCVH3GvffnPOCLDCavvlgRhyeyWz1Os/s320/AL23--MAY%2015--P3A%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Miguel Castro</b> has been a bit of a revelation in his first season with the Diamondbacks. After 8 seasons of mediocrity (or worse), the 6-foot-7, 200-pounder is having the best season of his career so far in the first 3 months of the 2023 season, pitching important innings on a good team and - for the most part - getting the job done. His 7 saves this year have equaled the entire career total he had prior to this year. And his 4 wins are just 1 shy of the career high 5 he had with the Yankees last year. Speaking of which, Miguel was literally unrecognizable last year after being traded to the Yankees and forced to shave off his beards and his dreads (photo on left). But freed from those restrictions after signing as a free agent with Arizona, he grew his beard back and put the dreads back on. <div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>We'll let Jansen, Clase, Castro, and Soto handle the high-stress bullpen duty; and for some of the less-important innings here are the other two guys I'm picking to round out the staff .....</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8KbqgsyCz6cn-SLIKA26h61VW9kreANMTfknNtpa9DVx1sRWKsJo1Ht6hsUq0SwthVqhllBaTLmCR9UVNme3l_nf4TK95eSkGU-U3Gb1rfpS0F2M9zD-R4hGUnZcaQYIUVNeUWSQOZq58uaqcJyCyLMm9pod-WGAe-uCrrwgvk4UM3NLrsKDg6tVgSA/s1260/AL23--APR.%2018--P2%20%20TOR-HOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="866" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8KbqgsyCz6cn-SLIKA26h61VW9kreANMTfknNtpa9DVx1sRWKsJo1Ht6hsUq0SwthVqhllBaTLmCR9UVNme3l_nf4TK95eSkGU-U3Gb1rfpS0F2M9zD-R4hGUnZcaQYIUVNeUWSQOZq58uaqcJyCyLMm9pod-WGAe-uCrrwgvk4UM3NLrsKDg6tVgSA/s320/AL23--APR.%2018--P2%20%20TOR-HOU.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWcHsFIAtmjdfTZ7uxuH7-3ZBIf3j82ATD_7c2c8MDyTTRttSYdU5n4U_c4qnnzVJfIZ72dFJNmu9uL3TQmDuQ7cdL9Eaj488vM0DvBVbPKX04P_jVc0dBbm6EHRu9QqBGyNafguMbgrRqcTUJx655QZFT7wbEvyirrapycbovgvipPvCvFqzJckhCak/s2048/AL23--APR.%203--P4%20%20DET-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWcHsFIAtmjdfTZ7uxuH7-3ZBIf3j82ATD_7c2c8MDyTTRttSYdU5n4U_c4qnnzVJfIZ72dFJNmu9uL3TQmDuQ7cdL9Eaj488vM0DvBVbPKX04P_jVc0dBbm6EHRu9QqBGyNafguMbgrRqcTUJx655QZFT7wbEvyirrapycbovgvipPvCvFqzJckhCak/s320/AL23--APR.%203--P4%20%20DET-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After going without dreads during his first 4 MLB seasons with the Mets and then missing 2018 due to injury, <b>Rafael Montero</b> showed up with dreads when he joined the Texas Rangers midway through the 2019 season, and they have continued to get longer and longer. Now in his 2nd season with the Astros Rafael was a huge contributor - having the best year of his career - to their championship last season. But other than last season he has been no better than mediocre. And <i>this</i> year, sadly, has been an absolute nightmare. He was doing fine the first month, but ever since the calendar turned to May it has been a disaster, with at least one run allowed in half of his appearances (10 of 20) and 2 or more allowed in 7 of those 10. But I'll still take him on the team and hope he gets better.<div>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50zdi_tu808RltaG3frMAOS_SJvc5Z5GGJwaWWHvF5aFMHBCvqhd9cX2Udut-LPs8Hr4LGgEU8P3lEOOylTRj-ojrWOBEwFdY3cAbv6f9G2EveJhSUBA5dNLAOU4YScAVea_IpU4CI76FBShyv21kSSvRH4-NOle343Hzfzqk3NCtuxcnNk6JGzEHtqY/s3292/NL23--MAY%2020--P1%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3292" data-original-width="2046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50zdi_tu808RltaG3frMAOS_SJvc5Z5GGJwaWWHvF5aFMHBCvqhd9cX2Udut-LPs8Hr4LGgEU8P3lEOOylTRj-ojrWOBEwFdY3cAbv6f9G2EveJhSUBA5dNLAOU4YScAVea_IpU4CI76FBShyv21kSSvRH4-NOle343Hzfzqk3NCtuxcnNk6JGzEHtqY/s320/NL23--MAY%2020--P1%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9btWmCrWUVzWxq4bhNFKnTjayYo8AGCVQvcGfR-8EAsNnJZXVG1akL_zSJAq7wrC-2njPl66puxwjWHH8gGg84GFEmM0ovXmI4x5YiVakiD2qwHgRPXctcSY7DINJ7YHH4xdsOsamxJCIKmtxM1tcKc5sPK983gP9FIQKq4PiuHWuV5S2AHoL8vTFqo/s2048/NL23--APR.%2030--P3%20%20PITT-WASH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9btWmCrWUVzWxq4bhNFKnTjayYo8AGCVQvcGfR-8EAsNnJZXVG1akL_zSJAq7wrC-2njPl66puxwjWHH8gGg84GFEmM0ovXmI4x5YiVakiD2qwHgRPXctcSY7DINJ7YHH4xdsOsamxJCIKmtxM1tcKc5sPK983gP9FIQKq4PiuHWuV5S2AHoL8vTFqo/s320/NL23--APR.%2030--P3%20%20PITT-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Holding down the final spot in the bullpen, here is rookie lefthander <b>Jose Hernandez</b>, a player the Pirates took in the Rule 5 draft last December after the Los Angeles Dodgers did not include him on their 40-man roster. By rule the Pirates have to keep him on their team all season. But if they want to send him down to the minors, they would have to offer him back to the Dodgers first. But by his performance so far Hernandez is showing there's no need to send him down. Despite having never played above the Class AA level prior to 2023, Jose is doing just fine for the Pirates - although mostly in games that aren't close. <br /><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that we've seen who is going to play for the 2023 all-dreads team it's time to find out the man who will manage it. Well, it wouldn't be right if we had someone without dreads running the show, so ..... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61u6ticOx1lyoq0KXezCxFQvacWQtwdkBeC65j74SEYmv9KGksBWjEc6a7OJIX9hFuxcBbRtYxg99kXxVGZ_jKuFo5keCOjWdIJpxKuNcFDtjw52CDRJANe2-RxSZBTqN2Pjsv3SOllvMAZDeCpYPkJ-N-7HAMTZOT4sEIOI4qkQyc7DtN46cuN8wq5U/s1366/AL23--APR.%202--P3%20%20MINN-KC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="997" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61u6ticOx1lyoq0KXezCxFQvacWQtwdkBeC65j74SEYmv9KGksBWjEc6a7OJIX9hFuxcBbRtYxg99kXxVGZ_jKuFo5keCOjWdIJpxKuNcFDtjw52CDRJANe2-RxSZBTqN2Pjsv3SOllvMAZDeCpYPkJ-N-7HAMTZOT4sEIOI4qkQyc7DtN46cuN8wq5U/s320/AL23--APR.%202--P3%20%20MINN-KC.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqqXSLzOoOJbxIiZigTfqdSG5J-Jmxb-I-hsK2euCtwz504IrkXiId7bI9SBVJBrQ3TcpD29sSbWq7KM7ldOwp9R1V_2_ZZta_sCzSCbSJJ7xXzgNciVqcQF8wtNP4GfLSx5eY6Cg2wnIxgwOIrxH4tgJ2YaBvnOwMrWIunD_DaA2V1TVqWLMrjtlfL0/s768/AL22--AUG.%2030--P1%20%20BOST-MINN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="768" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqqXSLzOoOJbxIiZigTfqdSG5J-Jmxb-I-hsK2euCtwz504IrkXiId7bI9SBVJBrQ3TcpD29sSbWq7KM7ldOwp9R1V_2_ZZta_sCzSCbSJJ7xXzgNciVqcQF8wtNP4GfLSx5eY6Cg2wnIxgwOIrxH4tgJ2YaBvnOwMrWIunD_DaA2V1TVqWLMrjtlfL0/s320/AL22--AUG.%2030--P1%20%20BOST-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>..... let's turn over the keys to <b>Tommy Watkins</b>, the 3rd base coach for the Twins. He can manage right from his familiar spot in the 3rd base coaching box and celebrate with the guys hitting all the home runs - like he did after <b>Nick Gordon</b> hit a grand slam (right photo above) on August 30 last year. Watkins, a cousin of NFL receiver <b>Sammy Watkins</b>, managed for one season in the minors 5 years ago before he joined the Twins' staff the next year, so he's no stranger to the job. Upon his arrival in Minneapolis he began growing his dreads - at age 41, no less.<div><br /></div><div>I don't know how Watkins would do it, but here's my suggestion. <i>Pretending</i> that everyone was healthy, this would be my batting order for the all-dreads team. (btw the player stats are not pretend; they're the real thing, but they're not current, reflecting games only through June 26. Since this date is close to the halfway point of the season, you can double the totals to get an idea of how they might finish the season.)</div><div><br /></div><div>STARTING BATTING ORDER</div><div><br /></div><div>1. LF <b>Ronald Acuna</b> (age 25) 78 games, .328 BA, .403 OBP, 68 R, 17 HR, 49 RBI, 35 SB</div><div>2. CF <b>Cedric Mullins</b> (28) 56 G, .263 BA, .356 OBP, 27 R, 8 HR, 40 RBI, 13 SB</div><div>3. 3B <b>Jose Ramirez</b> (30), 73 G, .293 BA, .358 OBP, 46 R, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 6 SB</div><div>4. 1B <b>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</b> (24) 76 G, .284 BA, .354 OBP, 35 R, 11 HR, 49 RBI, 3 SB</div><div>5. RF <b>Fernando Tatis Jr.</b> (24) 58 G, .286 BA, .354 OBP, 42 R, 15 HR, 36 RBI, 14 SB</div><div>6. SS <b>Elly De La Cruz</b> (21) 18 G, .315 BA, .375 OBP, 19 R, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 8 SB</div><div>7. DH <b>Oneil Cruz</b> (24) 9 G, .250 BA, .375 OBP, 7 R, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 SB</div><div>8. 2B <b>Ketel Marte</b> (29) 73 G, .294 BA, .373 OBP, 58 R, 14 HR, 42 RBI, 6 SB</div><div>9. C <b>Martin Maldonado</b> (36) 57 G, .178 BA, .267 OBP, 13 R, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 0 SB</div><div><br /></div><div>RESERVES</div><div><br /></div><div>OF <b>Raimel Tapia</b> (29) 47 G, .226 BA, .291 OBP, 15 R, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 6 SB</div><div>OF <b>Esteury Ruiz</b> (24) 77 G, .259 BA, .315 OBP, 31 R, 1 HR, 31 RBI, 39 SB</div><div>3B <b>Jean Segura</b> (33) 60 G, .190 BA, .259 OBP, 16 R, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 5 SB</div><div>2B <b>Nick Gordon</b> (27) 34 G, .176 BA, .185 OBP, 13 R, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 0 SB</div><div>1B <b>Josh Bell</b> (30) 69 G, .230 BA, .325 OBP, 15 R, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 0 SB</div><div>C <b>Luis Campusano</b> (24) 7 G, .238 BA, .227 OBP, 3 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0 SB</div><div><br /></div><div>STARTING PITCHERS</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Framber Valdez</b> (29) 15 G, 7-5 (W-L), 2.27 ERA, 99 IP, 78 H, 30 R, 21 BB, 104 SO, .217 opp. BA</div><div><b>Luis Castillo</b> (30) 16 G, 5-6, 2.86 ERA, 94 IP, 72 H, 35 R, 28 BB, 108 SO, .207 opp. BA</div><div><b>Luis Ortiz</b> (24) 9 G, 2-3, 3.74 ERA, 45 IP, 52 H, 23 R, 22 BB, 31 SO, .289 opp. BA <br /><b>Osvaldo Bido</b> (27) 3 G, 0-1, 3.45 ERA, 15 IP, 18 H, 6 R, 5 BB, 18 SO, .277 opp. BA</div><div><b>Jose Urena</b> (31) 5 G, 0-4, 9.82 ERA, 18 IP, 27 H, 22 R, 14 BB, 9 SO, .346 opp. BA</div><div><br /></div><div>RELIEF PITCHERS</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Kenley Jansen</b> (35) 28 G, 2-4, 16 SV, 3.08 ERA, 26 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 12 BB, 31 SO, .225 opp. BA</div><div><b>Emmanuel Clase</b> (25) 38 G, 1-4, 23 SV, 2.41 ERA, 37 IP, 31 H, 15 R, 10 BB, 35 SO, .221 opp. BA</div><div><b>Gregory Soto</b> (28) 34 G, 2-4, 1 SV, 4.55 ERA, 29 IP, 20 H, 17 R, 14 BB, 33 SO, .187 opp. BA</div><div><b>Miguel Castro</b> (28) 34 G, 4-2, 7 SV, 3.56 ERA, 30 IP, 23 H, 12 R, 12 BB, 25 SO, .205 opp. BA</div><div><b>Rafael Montero </b>(32) 33 G, 1-3, 1 SV, 7.76 ERA, 31 IP, 44 H, 28 R, 13 BB, 36 SO, .336 opp. BA</div><div><b>Jose Hernandez</b> (25) 26 G, 0-1, 0 SV, 2.63 ERA, 27 IP, 22 H, 9 R, 6 BB, 28 SO, .220 opp. BA <br /><div>.<br /><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>NEXT MEN UP</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, during the course of a 6-month season not everyone is going to be healthy all the time. You always need depth. And we have some pretty decent options as replacements .....</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmSLIPNLrq_VNRSlpsXQhVytw8M8GwAcxIaHhOfiy0Ozmz9E8TSjbA6M3SGgyPddkIZgI7BSdfR_tPRjVUj9CLh-apD8ki_Sxy4MjBHCek1jIyKvNZqY9k3LbfJnFoA1vEX-UUacS-6Wo1UXCsd9lGvupOBbkJBgENvQDb94Np38cNUsinARk8RqQs1E/s1365/NL23--MAR.%2011--P1%20%20CHI%20WS-SD.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="957" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmSLIPNLrq_VNRSlpsXQhVytw8M8GwAcxIaHhOfiy0Ozmz9E8TSjbA6M3SGgyPddkIZgI7BSdfR_tPRjVUj9CLh-apD8ki_Sxy4MjBHCek1jIyKvNZqY9k3LbfJnFoA1vEX-UUacS-6Wo1UXCsd9lGvupOBbkJBgENvQDb94Np38cNUsinARk8RqQs1E/s320/NL23--MAR.%2011--P1%20%20CHI%20WS-SD.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLKWF58np634CDYOuByWfgu-nqSjU9bIx6v4nyGrppZgcbIh3fzseYN508k6wsGaqzyO0pFzW6hzaZeDLhgmC-FSN0gSRbrfrkI-p-fTZiY5y7-GNi03I7YGKCFkCw-gjB5dgrOWu3TSg6EM62gvDbDeHFv0kXKJMbX2DbWAOCjF7K3THy11MxR16yf0/s2048/AL23--MAY%203--P3%20%20MINN-CHI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLKWF58np634CDYOuByWfgu-nqSjU9bIx6v4nyGrppZgcbIh3fzseYN508k6wsGaqzyO0pFzW6hzaZeDLhgmC-FSN0gSRbrfrkI-p-fTZiY5y7-GNi03I7YGKCFkCw-gjB5dgrOWu3TSg6EM62gvDbDeHFv0kXKJMbX2DbWAOCjF7K3THy11MxR16yf0/s320/AL23--MAY%203--P3%20%20MINN-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Although he has never been much of a threat with a bat in his hands, OF <b>Billy Hamilton</b>, now 32 years old, remains a big threat running the bases thanks to his elite speed. And with baseball's new rules in effect this season making it more difficult to prevent stolen bases, Hamilton can be a valuable to a team. Ever so briefly this season that team was the White Sox; but after missing more than a month with a hamstring injury, he's now with their Class AAA team in Charlotte. The freeform dreads he first started in 2018 are very long now. But unfortunately after keeping them flowing at full blast during spring training (left photo) he had them massively reduced into a bun (photo on right) during his appearances in May before he got injured.</div><div><div>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9DNBpbSpUbnPTsFgVOF3ax6TJX-1JzybcLXFiy2ZU9jIbyHCCgHHKIJkU7KT9Hk5RpR64axnV3NwXOtRR8Dda3Lxa6Tlq9ymsyBqXAqeg6Vdcy1ysalREEMyBilQJTq6Tjzf8X9b1wHXTwgBh8LvGscxO-9HRHgGXGTG7Im3D0NFZutmI1Qr_vDzDWU/s2112/AL23--MAY%2013--P5%20%20SEA-DET.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2112" data-original-width="1489" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9DNBpbSpUbnPTsFgVOF3ax6TJX-1JzybcLXFiy2ZU9jIbyHCCgHHKIJkU7KT9Hk5RpR64axnV3NwXOtRR8Dda3Lxa6Tlq9ymsyBqXAqeg6Vdcy1ysalREEMyBilQJTq6Tjzf8X9b1wHXTwgBh8LvGscxO-9HRHgGXGTG7Im3D0NFZutmI1Qr_vDzDWU/s320/AL23--MAY%2013--P5%20%20SEA-DET.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZriB8d7KetjR1wuQuBR4ddWrZhmywISdiAGvWhp5oAMSJkRwjvLDvE3QQYE0-cY5hbBeww0Of4fNMC6RguHmcwxmbH__yTnL7lVJvalf4WAW4k940c1opi_P7doJWSWlSi5UxTzZipPNlPP4bUfI39ei_v5FO0oWB1kC89f8eIuucntqpM-ZWadBJfUQ/s1200/AL23--MAY%202--P1%20%20SEA-OAK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZriB8d7KetjR1wuQuBR4ddWrZhmywISdiAGvWhp5oAMSJkRwjvLDvE3QQYE0-cY5hbBeww0Of4fNMC6RguHmcwxmbH__yTnL7lVJvalf4WAW4k940c1opi_P7doJWSWlSi5UxTzZipPNlPP4bUfI39ei_v5FO0oWB1kC89f8eIuucntqpM-ZWadBJfUQ/s320/AL23--MAY%202--P1%20%20SEA-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After <b>Elly De La Cruz</b> arrived in Cincinnati, I had to move<b> J.P.</b> <b>Crawford</b> and <b>CJ Abrams</b> down a notch on the depth chart and all the way off the team. And I hated to do it because both are solid major league players - not to mention Crawford's dreads are longer than just about anyone's. But you don't need 4 shortstops on the team. J.P. (short for John Paul) was a 1st round draft pick of the Phillies (16th overall) in 2013 and played 2 seasons for them before being traded to the Mariners in 2019, which is when he began growing his dreads.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1geibO3h6vIvojTe6PNNTHoZCfyU4k0CwrX5mo19_xRygWReaVbF0m0itoQbUTSlv-B_5-0Ech-u941dyU_sAkj3bmMF0wAJDJ9MNa-92zR5RCn3dkjsNssfLhhdz5C28AzZAwpmxh84vEJ23LK7givo9K7Fj2_tcVhsxn32hw-IGj9--zAi7P1dLlk/s1356/NL23--APR.%2018--P2%20%20BALT-WASH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="969" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1geibO3h6vIvojTe6PNNTHoZCfyU4k0CwrX5mo19_xRygWReaVbF0m0itoQbUTSlv-B_5-0Ech-u941dyU_sAkj3bmMF0wAJDJ9MNa-92zR5RCn3dkjsNssfLhhdz5C28AzZAwpmxh84vEJ23LK7givo9K7Fj2_tcVhsxn32hw-IGj9--zAi7P1dLlk/s320/NL23--APR.%2018--P2%20%20BALT-WASH.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1AZS01aKdE4W8HHd5LeoBcmLvKPP9UH23s3pta2kq2gsEwTcxk6PPuZI0G2Ag7LdHJEdTr9jjHc8z8CKuhteSkf3xm6Y2J8Jcr2jyaJ3UnLXca_tDrsv27E12emuXK36sLBE9OY479Zfnl8H0fVrEQ26jsxFwt4z1yVhjWYBAEh6gYX-Qt1Uoh9EGOs/s2048/NL23--MAY%205--P9B%20%20WASH-ARIZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1AZS01aKdE4W8HHd5LeoBcmLvKPP9UH23s3pta2kq2gsEwTcxk6PPuZI0G2Ag7LdHJEdTr9jjHc8z8CKuhteSkf3xm6Y2J8Jcr2jyaJ3UnLXca_tDrsv27E12emuXK36sLBE9OY479Zfnl8H0fVrEQ26jsxFwt4z1yVhjWYBAEh6gYX-Qt1Uoh9EGOs/s320/NL23--MAY%205--P9B%20%20WASH-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Abrams also is a former 1st round pick no longer playing for the team that drafted him. Picked by the Padres 6th overall in 2019, CJ (short for Christopher, his middle name, Jr.) made it to the majors at 21 years old last season. But when the Padres had a chance to get star OF Juan Soto, they traded Abrams to the Washington Nationals last August midway through his rookie season. Being a Nats fan, I've been an interested observer since then; and despite his low batting average, I love that he's a lefthanded hitter unafraid to hit lefthanded pitching nor is he afraid to get clutch hits late in games. Hopefully he'll be in the Nationals' lineup for many years to come.</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kxsIAabzp1zROGUSvmkCSQuphxME8LDCEOQkRqc7w046rg4ITAZGy5Wt1qoenDb7aVC4kEad5jEc5oogvHWy60Ak5cEQvlZMyOl144yeN7R7zKqsI_Jd9tjNOrOJP3sytH1lO5jOyry9VBqiulxKIgn3xtdhvUealDTgn82fPHyL3dnGi0c1pa_nRHo/s1365/AL22--APR.%209--P2%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="987" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kxsIAabzp1zROGUSvmkCSQuphxME8LDCEOQkRqc7w046rg4ITAZGy5Wt1qoenDb7aVC4kEad5jEc5oogvHWy60Ak5cEQvlZMyOl144yeN7R7zKqsI_Jd9tjNOrOJP3sytH1lO5jOyry9VBqiulxKIgn3xtdhvUealDTgn82fPHyL3dnGi0c1pa_nRHo/s320/AL22--APR.%209--P2%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXKsSumUqCOnF6cuJ0t8Jx9ekhZGxSnhu8uSEfKBp8PK9xatb7FASr-eDRlZAgLUf_tI2hABbEZsqdI4ucg-tE9-3iqbaLQg_M7_MjrjWe5hYgdKSPsYv3vRTO84sY9W1QY0ncGsXpmNoAHm18vGn602i_JA03Xws2-2_cn4geTXUCU4oHuzNARUurd4/s1009/AL22--APR.%209--P1%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1009" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXKsSumUqCOnF6cuJ0t8Jx9ekhZGxSnhu8uSEfKBp8PK9xatb7FASr-eDRlZAgLUf_tI2hABbEZsqdI4ucg-tE9-3iqbaLQg_M7_MjrjWe5hYgdKSPsYv3vRTO84sY9W1QY0ncGsXpmNoAHm18vGn602i_JA03Xws2-2_cn4geTXUCU4oHuzNARUurd4/s320/AL22--APR.%209--P1%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another shortstop (and he can play at 3B and 2B too) not on the team, <b>Adalberto Mondesi</b> is pictured here from April 9 of last year - getting and celebrating his 10th inning RBI single that gave the Royals a 1-0 win over the Guardians. After growing his hair out during the 2018 season, Mondesi debuted his dreads in 2019. After playing 7 seasons in Kansas City, Adalberto signed with the Red Sox but has yet to make his debut in a Red Sox uniform as he continues to (slowly) recover from the ACL knee injury he suffered in late April of last year.<div>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerzlqc2X38kNqBePDvpIGsuQQ9vRv7ahZDneM-HDUAJSYY3CdQ6uVl_BMHonI_PchBokH2NVrW2dB4Zb4Mne1AV947V66_sXG0eVNoUIpVFXplHceawPutAnUMeXUIxxL6Al9k7BctuhsJexkhUszTl9gA5J9SJQFUWNLz1CEqXJ0sz1i9XpkKnn61W8/s2048/AL23--MAR.%205--P1%20%20BALT-TB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerzlqc2X38kNqBePDvpIGsuQQ9vRv7ahZDneM-HDUAJSYY3CdQ6uVl_BMHonI_PchBokH2NVrW2dB4Zb4Mne1AV947V66_sXG0eVNoUIpVFXplHceawPutAnUMeXUIxxL6Al9k7BctuhsJexkhUszTl9gA5J9SJQFUWNLz1CEqXJ0sz1i9XpkKnn61W8/s320/AL23--MAR.%205--P1%20%20BALT-TB.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5APCuAmSzzdykzHZxgbp-NJisUAyR7N92AP0DWl29EGV1E87YT3wEa46tCC6Nj1lT84I-XMMS1IDgHVpvNLwbOkD80-dZUx4gC5KQH-rcGSIQX5PHwMMur8SZOVhowYmtfx_eeeuPgMnMKKWMaYfadB1aJnyDxLr5jkFmhOjJkjDutKIouFUwetIhAnU/s2677/NL23--MAY%2023--P4%20%20MIA-COLO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1793" data-original-width="2677" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5APCuAmSzzdykzHZxgbp-NJisUAyR7N92AP0DWl29EGV1E87YT3wEa46tCC6Nj1lT84I-XMMS1IDgHVpvNLwbOkD80-dZUx4gC5KQH-rcGSIQX5PHwMMur8SZOVhowYmtfx_eeeuPgMnMKKWMaYfadB1aJnyDxLr5jkFmhOjJkjDutKIouFUwetIhAnU/s320/NL23--MAY%2023--P4%20%20MIA-COLO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>As mentioned earlier there aren't enough starting pitchers with dreads. But if there was an emergency and we needed someone to start I suppose we would call on <b>Elvin Rodriguez</b> (left photo, pitching in the Rays' spring training game on Mar. 5). Rodriguez went 0-4 with a 10.62 ERA in 7 games for the Tigers last year but is doing much better in 2023 for the Rays' Class AAA team in Durham. If we decided to go to a 7-man bullpen instead of 6, <b>Huascar Brazoban</b> of the Marlins would be the choice. After beginning his career in 2012, Brazoban didn't make it to the majors until last season - when he was 32 years old. Considering that the recent upswing in his career has coincided with the birth of his dreads, you wonder what took him so long to start growing them.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5AlZC0FQrVw7U0YnhskWw4nu-RAgeRsdTjHPZApFeSp9JdWkS1BRjiDjwI7O1CewQUdtZ4nclry7-SaJSJULtGY3RkXrkN1LI2IxEKg6s4S388rvFsmATkoHXg8pxwk8bUWPi7LkVr-nekKfxCzYc_9V9IwbRx92h7qdT6vEjwzF_6_B6VxuAndwlks/s2048/NL23--APR.%208--P1%20%20LA-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5AlZC0FQrVw7U0YnhskWw4nu-RAgeRsdTjHPZApFeSp9JdWkS1BRjiDjwI7O1CewQUdtZ4nclry7-SaJSJULtGY3RkXrkN1LI2IxEKg6s4S388rvFsmATkoHXg8pxwk8bUWPi7LkVr-nekKfxCzYc_9V9IwbRx92h7qdT6vEjwzF_6_B6VxuAndwlks/s320/NL23--APR.%208--P1%20%20LA-ARIZ.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTamknqIhVHg52QKwsaO3HcrNjEjFgIf4jmCjy6QPv0bkRwl5obhY0iQjyR5ixQ1P-3oXeZw8H_VgDWxOG2AOzghF0e_jlB4wSLx4IFh_YY1PD3avyfIpT9FojQtomkTyBuj9mtNirXzWwDFQqh_05dPDKaztO7i-tv1AoDEEOwof79QYWSi2tveRHlw/s2048/AL23--JUNE%2011--P2%20%20SEA-LA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTamknqIhVHg52QKwsaO3HcrNjEjFgIf4jmCjy6QPv0bkRwl5obhY0iQjyR5ixQ1P-3oXeZw8H_VgDWxOG2AOzghF0e_jlB4wSLx4IFh_YY1PD3avyfIpT9FojQtomkTyBuj9mtNirXzWwDFQqh_05dPDKaztO7i-tv1AoDEEOwof79QYWSi2tveRHlw/s320/AL23--JUNE%2011--P2%20%20SEA-LA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ready if needed in the bullpen are .... who else? Four more Dominicans. <b>Luis Frias</b> of the Diamondbacks (upper right photo), <b>Angel Perdomo</b> of the Pirates (lower left), rookie <b>Jose Soriano</b> of the Angels (upper left), and rookie <b>George Soriano</b> of the Marlins (lower right) - not related to Jose that I know of - all have spent more time in the minors than the majors so far this season. Perdomo measures in at a monstrous 6-foot-8 and 265 pounds.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGj_XJgt7Im7-mse0VQF96nMx6auFLiPxTu48y8G877AFIvnaFZmNe_VNQNqSjPvFn6ZugqP20cMsILNEvMpDKvvrNRXXmry8wKyhVxTv0R7xmx1e3B9S646ztXq5-pVpw0tU4R9Yf10OIyzpMlLTCqTKERXVMfbmsMfJqPj5JT92VgNmrZBTwDfMbNQY/s1874/NL23--JUNE%203--P4%20%20ST.LOU-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1874" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGj_XJgt7Im7-mse0VQF96nMx6auFLiPxTu48y8G877AFIvnaFZmNe_VNQNqSjPvFn6ZugqP20cMsILNEvMpDKvvrNRXXmry8wKyhVxTv0R7xmx1e3B9S646ztXq5-pVpw0tU4R9Yf10OIyzpMlLTCqTKERXVMfbmsMfJqPj5JT92VgNmrZBTwDfMbNQY/s320/NL23--JUNE%203--P4%20%20ST.LOU-PITT.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JWqPMPxbDs6JUTbDv1JGhKWZsgkm5-qMIx3P9Aj0libjMXiAC38mTbloz0gaqyWkpeCqhog-PzHpixdu-_ZTI4E0T_D9fAc7Ov92nRdz5gCepzu4X75C3sIFctEXp0C632LUQ2RsHRIODlwnBjxEm_97S_FdrUBFUtkZMPe8CDUooyghUFGQbueoek0/s1365/AL23--APR.%2023--P2A.1%20%20MIA-CLEVE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1225" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JWqPMPxbDs6JUTbDv1JGhKWZsgkm5-qMIx3P9Aj0libjMXiAC38mTbloz0gaqyWkpeCqhog-PzHpixdu-_ZTI4E0T_D9fAc7Ov92nRdz5gCepzu4X75C3sIFctEXp0C632LUQ2RsHRIODlwnBjxEm_97S_FdrUBFUtkZMPe8CDUooyghUFGQbueoek0/s320/AL23--APR.%2023--P2A.1%20%20MIA-CLEVE.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div>COMING ATTRACTIONS? <br /><div><br /></div><div>The following players are not on the team <i>this</i> year. But who knows? Maybe sometime in the not too distant future they will be.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrrivzqUrEOZtyNu9oRkICLM6Ox_pHfzFHw-ELG5g4kRjswrVf6E1Pm2m3MhzCe2Twl_ofBOmt1vbhC9lkqV5nW_UL4u0d4a2GU7ycbRQrpYmceWYU0qI0eHoYcwT-5OWYj7n9I-KkgFT6QBkW5uqzxlfQziDbaStcOk4gcDYMmT99xmWzpJiw8nnmZM/s2048/NL23--APR.%2010--P1%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1341" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrrivzqUrEOZtyNu9oRkICLM6Ox_pHfzFHw-ELG5g4kRjswrVf6E1Pm2m3MhzCe2Twl_ofBOmt1vbhC9lkqV5nW_UL4u0d4a2GU7ycbRQrpYmceWYU0qI0eHoYcwT-5OWYj7n9I-KkgFT6QBkW5uqzxlfQziDbaStcOk4gcDYMmT99xmWzpJiw8nnmZM/s320/NL23--APR.%2010--P1%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfT3gDjkUoRqnOmV13eY2eh9FUD5TFbrbwpYth8csDUbkKIMIGljbdCxjandA-Ql1VimaYEIbgMRMGHBwrbluokVeAw78sGLbLs47BHB01bfENd8PPnHGOQp1ox7h0Wf80Q7lQNYo5R7YNG2gbPOAn4Yrcyw4Z6uC-1riLywtCkmSku0SXqPhAP5gUFs/s2048/NL23--APR.%2015--P1%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfT3gDjkUoRqnOmV13eY2eh9FUD5TFbrbwpYth8csDUbkKIMIGljbdCxjandA-Ql1VimaYEIbgMRMGHBwrbluokVeAw78sGLbLs47BHB01bfENd8PPnHGOQp1ox7h0Wf80Q7lQNYo5R7YNG2gbPOAn4Yrcyw4Z6uC-1riLywtCkmSku0SXqPhAP5gUFs/s320/NL23--APR.%2015--P1%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What do you know, Jazz Chisholm finally started growing dreads. Or did he? In these shots from the first month of the season it sure looks like it. But I'm pumping the brakes before welcoming the Marlins' speedy, flashy outfielder from the Bahamas to the house. And not only because in photos from the next two months of the season it looks like he has his hair in braids instead of dreads. Even had he stayed with dreads all year I would be reluctant to welcome him. If you've followed Chisholm at all during his first 3 MLB seasons, you know that his hair changes often. So he's going to have to do much better than this to convince me to let him in .....</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdivr_JNGB0lLShp1mnotYrJcq6tesTuI_UgUaJqf96BEDu0tf2iXa_Ul_5qTx1kKJrr6BwDdCOltp9BVPEXaQtvurXFB8AEEib-KDYUOPxD3R868PWwwEDnN6HOhdoUNIX0eJoycUSuCa0GSeXoM7SRPVd_lqANXPMUJRQ9zRUI30T529Ujl12soZI-Y/s2048/NL23--MAY%2031--P1%20%20TB-CHI.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1368" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdivr_JNGB0lLShp1mnotYrJcq6tesTuI_UgUaJqf96BEDu0tf2iXa_Ul_5qTx1kKJrr6BwDdCOltp9BVPEXaQtvurXFB8AEEib-KDYUOPxD3R868PWwwEDnN6HOhdoUNIX0eJoycUSuCa0GSeXoM7SRPVd_lqANXPMUJRQ9zRUI30T529Ujl12soZI-Y/s320/NL23--MAY%2031--P1%20%20TB-CHI.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIUA-6sIrYapWtYK20iEIDEodk0TY1NWSN8cFDoNAMNzHNjHcVjQ3IKIlSU3ArAt_p28q93XqKF_XnBQG7c1xm7kRcgjV2QsJUV1rjMhUusxszGzdQMoE041_r3NcA3nvu98mjE-6Gc6CVGpYt27-sQ7x_0auf1h1iP_ruxeWkHCeMzFm8ZG_1TdKX5A/s1500/NL23--MAY%2017--P3%20%20TB-NY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIUA-6sIrYapWtYK20iEIDEodk0TY1NWSN8cFDoNAMNzHNjHcVjQ3IKIlSU3ArAt_p28q93XqKF_XnBQG7c1xm7kRcgjV2QsJUV1rjMhUusxszGzdQMoE041_r3NcA3nvu98mjE-6Gc6CVGpYt27-sQ7x_0auf1h1iP_ruxeWkHCeMzFm8ZG_1TdKX5A/s320/NL23--MAY%2017--P3%20%20TB-NY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>...... Ditto for Rays OF Randy Arozarena. Back in 2019 it looked like he was starting to grow his hair out when he first came to the majors with the Cardinals. But that was a false alarm; and since being traded to the Rays following that year, he kept his hair short and uneventful the next 3 years. Then this season came, and look at him now, with hair longer than ever before. And is this the beginning of freeform dreads that I see? We'll see. </div><div>.<br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMONB_ZsGNnt8OCTOpivXf8svPt-CgkjStgeLVNSqnoxgLvhySRjR4V_LHYS4kjU3tJQzchMHVYTdOquJ2WU32JlFTLQKciffkty10X1FgyDcJ60w6nUD0mNoTqBVlZTjxS_0WISvNajB2-0f8cPyYn-3fM6S0S2V3dZjWV4D-1AT8qEUmAx6z4gSfjD8/s1035/NL23--JUNE%2028--P1%20%20TB-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1035" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMONB_ZsGNnt8OCTOpivXf8svPt-CgkjStgeLVNSqnoxgLvhySRjR4V_LHYS4kjU3tJQzchMHVYTdOquJ2WU32JlFTLQKciffkty10X1FgyDcJ60w6nUD0mNoTqBVlZTjxS_0WISvNajB2-0f8cPyYn-3fM6S0S2V3dZjWV4D-1AT8qEUmAx6z4gSfjD8/s320/NL23--JUNE%2028--P1%20%20TB-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Late to the party - but in this case late is better than never - here's Arozarena's teammate with Tampa Bay, outfielder <b>Jose Siri</b>. You never would have expected it after having seen him since he debuted in MLB in September 2021, but a couple of weeks ago (June 26 to be exactly) Siri suddenly looked like this - skipping the years-long journey of patiently allowing your dreads to grow long and going straight to the finished product. Obviously Siri likes the look and wants it for himself. But let's just wait a few minutes before welcoming him to the house. People have been known to change their mind, and in a couple of weeks these dreads might be gone. Let's wait and see. <br />.<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lYGxp36Ghd26S-veLC-C6UVHCQ5j-swntm0JvOCcioqGeo3DIAugyKIRZ4-qTyjQIUNLV3g9eaeltdQjOC2UHa07HkKl-s_52wDxDyMZ-EK7XaK9TvVGcaXgrwkS6tV1kN59M3SFwVymqXt4arS84HSdaTPe0bSD7XggSTLAgMCEoN6VkbwMhWs3zrQ/s2048/NL23--MAR.%201--P1%20%20OAK-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2lYGxp36Ghd26S-veLC-C6UVHCQ5j-swntm0JvOCcioqGeo3DIAugyKIRZ4-qTyjQIUNLV3g9eaeltdQjOC2UHa07HkKl-s_52wDxDyMZ-EK7XaK9TvVGcaXgrwkS6tV1kN59M3SFwVymqXt4arS84HSdaTPe0bSD7XggSTLAgMCEoN6VkbwMhWs3zrQ/s320/NL23--MAR.%201--P1%20%20OAK-CIN.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98_yPSOdPpPhBrCQAzNMYMb6Ww6dAbj2mNZUwcCWex1mzPAmGY1FifXWdrP5fZqCWA2qgivBl2N1n3a9RCGCjJ9FtsZRQvxcHBP9Q1WhDSPzHkSMhuCnDNifsMZ2LHBhd-Q3_9s6Nx0nBISRCRXkfu0j91WIFz4QIOXiPPuCTjqQVac5RYa2i25Smgik/s2048/AL23--MAR.%203--P2%20%20KC-OAK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1368" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98_yPSOdPpPhBrCQAzNMYMb6Ww6dAbj2mNZUwcCWex1mzPAmGY1FifXWdrP5fZqCWA2qgivBl2N1n3a9RCGCjJ9FtsZRQvxcHBP9Q1WhDSPzHkSMhuCnDNifsMZ2LHBhd-Q3_9s6Nx0nBISRCRXkfu0j91WIFz4QIOXiPPuCTjqQVac5RYa2i25Smgik/s320/AL23--MAR.%203--P2%20%20KC-OAK.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /></div><div>With now mature dreads that he started and grew with his own hair, 23-year old OF <b>Lawrence Butler</b> (in both shots above from spring training games in early March) is advancing through the Athletics' minor league system. This season he's playing at the Class AA level for the first time - at Midland, TX - and is excelling. Hopefully by next season - or maybe even this one - we'll see his dreads in a major league ball park near you. </div><div>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDuoQwd0xmlqY1qkbYYg5A6oGQz3QHDzdH_32x1t-o_oD2bZ5BxrLVlMRXnAWzeKazP9b2XkDpBbPAUQinta6Drpot8njM7rxiD2B3zqh5409QZo3Q7bZZafpOdOGALbqfmp471WN3u9pO8hhbV6-ujdMGo3BgBHXqs6Qu5vfTpNeqM4yVyYs5gsZTzw/s1024/AL23--FEB.%2026--P1A%20%20ATL-NY.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDuoQwd0xmlqY1qkbYYg5A6oGQz3QHDzdH_32x1t-o_oD2bZ5BxrLVlMRXnAWzeKazP9b2XkDpBbPAUQinta6Drpot8njM7rxiD2B3zqh5409QZo3Q7bZZafpOdOGALbqfmp471WN3u9pO8hhbV6-ujdMGo3BgBHXqs6Qu5vfTpNeqM4yVyYs5gsZTzw/s320/AL23--FEB.%2026--P1A%20%20ATL-NY.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYd3KtPBWPzCYuQN4BJBQZd7USbc7MleOw-erQv0MQfdNyMtHeL-8vK7bnishMfdKJGJIor5BXKq8GmrOo1FQI1Uycfig6yCsrmiqZpRGUqRdmrAs35VL4oau584VdEMmp_7z4gRcwTq5EtAmYqlDEpYDWvoJx_jzNjm5eR87UAQTJOr7tRwITBEILqQE/s2048/NL23--FEB.%2024--P3B%20%20SEA-SD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYd3KtPBWPzCYuQN4BJBQZd7USbc7MleOw-erQv0MQfdNyMtHeL-8vK7bnishMfdKJGJIor5BXKq8GmrOo1FQI1Uycfig6yCsrmiqZpRGUqRdmrAs35VL4oau584VdEMmp_7z4gRcwTq5EtAmYqlDEpYDWvoJx_jzNjm5eR87UAQTJOr7tRwITBEILqQE/s320/NL23--FEB.%2024--P3B%20%20SEA-SD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>They're not ready for the majors yet, but <b>Prelander Berroa</b> and <b>Roddery Munoz</b> - both 23 years old - got a brief taste of the majors during spring training (both photos from late February). The Mariners and Braves respectively have high enough hopes for Berroa and Munoz that they were included on their teams' 40-man rosters this past offseason, preventing any other teams from stealing them. Their 2023 numbers in the minors haven't been anything to write home about. They both remain works in progress, but my money's on them to both pitch in the majors at some point in the future. </div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's all, folks, for part 1. In part 2 we'll have a large dread gallery featuring MLB '23.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: red;">**********************************************************************</span></div><div><span style="color: red;">UPDATE ON 7/24/2023</span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;">I wanted to publish parts 1 and 2 at the same time ..... at the expense of Part 1 possibly becoming antiquated before it even got published. No doubt a lot of things have changed in the last month since I finished writing part 1. But instead of re-doing the whole thing, I'll just do a couple of items here to update things:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: red;">The most important and most disappointing item is that Martin Maldonado no longer has dreads. And it's hardly surprising. He's a guy who's kept his hair very short his entire career. For him to suddenly decide to have dreads when he's 36 years old didn't make sense. Anyway, and I don't know if this had anything to do with it, but after he went 0-for-13 in the last 4 games of a 10-game road trip that ended on July 3, the dreads were gone by the next game he played on July 6 .....</span></li><li><span style="color: red;">I guess that means <b>Luis Campusano</b> will have to catch every game. And I'm happy to report that he is now able to catch every day. He was activated from the injured list a week ago (July 18).</span></li><li><span style="color: red;"><b>Luis Ortiz</b> is no longer with the Pirates as of July 5. Things were looking up when he pitched 8 innings and allowed 1 run vs. the Marlins on June 23. But after his next 2 starts were disastrous, the Pirates sent him to the minors. I guess that means we'll have 2 minor league starting pitchers on the team, because I can't take him off it.</span></li><li><span style="color: red;"><b>Esteury Ruiz</b> is no longer on pace to steal 80 bases this season. He's been out with a shoulder injury since July 7 but should be back soon.</span></li><li><span style="color: red;">Off and on the for last couple of months Andrew McCutchen has had his hair twisted into baby dreads. But he's not welcome back in the house until he proves he is serious about starting up his dreads again.</span></li><li><span style="color: red;"><b>CJ Abrams</b> no longer has a low batting average. A red hot month of July has raised it from .230 to its current .256. Keep it going, CJ.</span></li><li><span style="color: red;">And <b>Prelander Berroa</b>, ahead of schedule, has been called up to the majors. He made his debut for the Mariners last Friday: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-07/21/2f02ee41-eb8e5066-c9b24032-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-07/21/2f02ee41-eb8e5066-c9b24032-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> </span></li></ul></div>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-7414829893547877462023-07-24T23:58:00.066-05:002023-07-25T17:44:51.271-05:00MLB '23 with Dreads - Part 2<div class="separator"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNWmiD706yUvZoK-hwhMf6pU4lp3KIbfwLk50JNsLhg1yis27DLu6YfROe4JLaxLp9KVtYEcyEBNvWuPM7P9uq8G5wy4LzDGZl1yE28YbVt6cKVg92NGwDB38Id3m7yhLjsYGLKIIpAoC6QtIfKVwlnwWNq2CYD8Oy_e_vK6OUDbq1cGIV1hV1JIxqvM/s1200/NL23--JUNE%206--P4%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNWmiD706yUvZoK-hwhMf6pU4lp3KIbfwLk50JNsLhg1yis27DLu6YfROe4JLaxLp9KVtYEcyEBNvWuPM7P9uq8G5wy4LzDGZl1yE28YbVt6cKVg92NGwDB38Id3m7yhLjsYGLKIIpAoC6QtIfKVwlnwWNq2CYD8Oy_e_vK6OUDbq1cGIV1hV1JIxqvM/s320/NL23--JUNE%206--P4%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The much anticipated major league debut of <b>Elly De</b> <b>La Cruz </b>couldn't come soon enough for Cincinnati Reds fans (not to mention De La Cruz himself) but come it finally did on the evening of June 6, 2023; and, as far as debuts go, well - it could have gone better. I mean, after being welcomed to Cincinnati with a standing ovation before his first plate appearance (photo on right) and reaching base 3 straight times on 2 walks and a double, the 21-year old slugger/speedster actually was retired on his last 2 trips to the plate. But that's O.K. Nobody's perfect. Imperfection notwithstanding, yet another ho-hum baseball season for Reds fans suddenly has become really interesting in a hurry. Not only has Elly done nothing but live up to his billing as one of baseball's best and most exciting prospects, his arrival has sparked the Reds in a major way. In fact the Reds have been so successful since Elly came aboard that if they're not careful, they're going to have their fans worried about having enough money for playoff tickets.<p></p><div style="text-align: left;">But wait. Part 2 of our look at dreads in the MLB this year isn't <i>all</i> about <b>Elly De La Cruz</b>. So, in addition to him let's take a look at some 34 other MLB players with dreads in all at work and at play in this dread gallery - featuring photos mostly from the first 2 months of the 2023 season.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgk7WL0Gk3L_1dBmJnwBhs2dIaWRJLxZ774YkZxd226yZQzo_VlmXkwyoIGNAkh3kGul4f8vcjopKGETU58alD9km7AZtjrISEU-lYRixRSNJ2YHoZZCbho6KocgIFeA9bJxsWdYYhZz1ahrgUXPK2zg8_x0-_ctawzb3R_Wx7RpGsWqMmP1ZIzhmUKs/s1323/AL23--MAR.%2030--P3A%20%20LA-OAK.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="807" data-original-width="1323" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgk7WL0Gk3L_1dBmJnwBhs2dIaWRJLxZ774YkZxd226yZQzo_VlmXkwyoIGNAkh3kGul4f8vcjopKGETU58alD9km7AZtjrISEU-lYRixRSNJ2YHoZZCbho6KocgIFeA9bJxsWdYYhZz1ahrgUXPK2zg8_x0-_ctawzb3R_Wx7RpGsWqMmP1ZIzhmUKs/s320/AL23--MAR.%2030--P3A%20%20LA-OAK.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dNlVdKqGuq185T-DcgZgZESwue05ZKdRS16KnTV8NDNnvRG-s2NQrsYqryeu8W1kMNwBwvoAeqR9EkvHmuA3xxDhOYSlOzzHUC6W2UnXf_mnOmVfJJ3ADzwn8z34cDsW2hUy6gcWwWDAuzh_U7-qNL0Zxa0X2-kxkzL5ED17iKQLmbuQY8RUmD7nd9I/s1920/AL23--MAR.%2030--P2%20%20LA-OAK.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1007" data-original-width="1920" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dNlVdKqGuq185T-DcgZgZESwue05ZKdRS16KnTV8NDNnvRG-s2NQrsYqryeu8W1kMNwBwvoAeqR9EkvHmuA3xxDhOYSlOzzHUC6W2UnXf_mnOmVfJJ3ADzwn8z34cDsW2hUy6gcWwWDAuzh_U7-qNL0Zxa0X2-kxkzL5ED17iKQLmbuQY8RUmD7nd9I/s320/AL23--MAR.%2030--P2%20%20LA-OAK.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">1. It did not take long for <b>Esteury Ruiz</b> to give the fans in Oakland a look at his dreads. In the 1st inning of his 1st game in an Athletics uniform, and on the 10th pitch of the game Ruiz races into right-center and makes a diving catch of a line drive off the bat of Mike Trout - a ball that Statcast estimated he had only a 15% chance of catching. The collision with the ground knocked off Esteury's hat and his skull cap and left him shaken up for a moment, but he stayed in the game: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-03/30/c3df058d-761d94e1-1e1caa69-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-03/30/c3df058d-761d94e1-1e1caa69-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">After being retired on his first two trips to the plate, Ruiz singled to lead off the 8th, sparking a 2-run rally as the A's came from behind to win on opening night 2-1 over the Angels. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1XyEfPwu4QR3gnupd8zObML2v-3NnDtTPIzx2Agd5klMUS70AHIx8uaIjLU3RnS29ZKCZrarGN5qlf8yukAbLadNcvnp3ZVNCYlhgRG4YtMD3bfKxieZN3QNyyf_XxtCUcRMDJU2bIgAly8Tb7RR12njqvt70JGglksgC-fjKIHGi_6BeEXZ5-j8Rzk/s2048/AL23--MAR.%2031--P2A%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1658" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1XyEfPwu4QR3gnupd8zObML2v-3NnDtTPIzx2Agd5klMUS70AHIx8uaIjLU3RnS29ZKCZrarGN5qlf8yukAbLadNcvnp3ZVNCYlhgRG4YtMD3bfKxieZN3QNyyf_XxtCUcRMDJU2bIgAly8Tb7RR12njqvt70JGglksgC-fjKIHGi_6BeEXZ5-j8Rzk/s320/AL23--MAR.%2031--P2A%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7X1F1q3zImNqsmoOFiXxe9wACkrYmRR5RdooC3_zzgHKTo4TIxwtzNxAnAnfVxckU-QwdyvdspDq9inQnLtIHWbYw89muC-5uUYjyMiidCzzTdF9MbcwxC03tjwyoLEpK2dXomXr-O8Pk-JAUTNzPy5KdE097UoRpx7sC8QD7QqfRXh4U2JIHS_5KKr4/s2048/AL23--MAR.%2031--P3AB%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1666" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7X1F1q3zImNqsmoOFiXxe9wACkrYmRR5RdooC3_zzgHKTo4TIxwtzNxAnAnfVxckU-QwdyvdspDq9inQnLtIHWbYw89muC-5uUYjyMiidCzzTdF9MbcwxC03tjwyoLEpK2dXomXr-O8Pk-JAUTNzPy5KdE097UoRpx7sC8QD7QqfRXh4U2JIHS_5KKr4/s320/AL23--MAR.%2031--P3AB%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div><br /></div>2. After losing on opening night, the Houston Astros celebrate their 2022 World Series championship before their 2nd game of the season on Mar. 31. Pitchers <b>Framber</b> <b>Valdez</b> (#59) and <b>Rafael Montero</b>, two key contributors to the championship, take their turns receiving their World Series rings from Astros owner Jim Crane. Valdez, whose beginner dreads during the first half of last season suddenly became long dreads midway through the season, has continued his outstanding pitching in 2023. But not so for Montero, who has followed the best year of his career in 2022 with what so far has been his worst ever. <div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpf1aysgCwSG1iyK3InNMaz7ewwSSOdyRGJmis715XbWG0QSANSriosU9Eu2a-C0W3GowLoiSqca10qgImodCSDtesFqGUlgLzdzGaYml88lUQlYxKShTmYNS2EvfYqT36XdwsSix7H3PWfWHxUFDl3stafcOTDR0XNqkXY7-8Ld08bMNDIYGHwvY1wU/s3680/AL23--APR.%208--P2%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2453" data-original-width="3680" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpf1aysgCwSG1iyK3InNMaz7ewwSSOdyRGJmis715XbWG0QSANSriosU9Eu2a-C0W3GowLoiSqca10qgImodCSDtesFqGUlgLzdzGaYml88lUQlYxKShTmYNS2EvfYqT36XdwsSix7H3PWfWHxUFDl3stafcOTDR0XNqkXY7-8Ld08bMNDIYGHwvY1wU/s320/AL23--APR.%208--P2%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>3. So that it wouldn't be overshadowed by the festivities on opening day, <b>Josh Bell</b> (left) and <b>Jose</b> <b>Ramirez</b> are presented their 2022 Silver Slugger awards before the Guardians' 2nd home game of the season in Cleveland on April 9. It was the 4th time in the last 6 seasons that Ramirez has been honored as the AL's best hitting 3rd baseman. It was the 1st career SS award for Bell, who got the nod as the NL's best DH even though the majority of the games he played for the Nationals and Padres in 2022 were as a 1st baseman.<br /><div style="text-align: left;">btw .... if you save this photo and enlarge it to its original size, you can see the other Silver Slugger winners' names on the two trophies.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoRjTO8HwjYT6ByKvaQ8UiNOhQtMKgEHNynVoJeuDOGBTwzvoNKgVzHgE9zgVYbvYzSDnERoURbA7O8Y522amrAX0tgEzDmr2XO2k7RuhzEnklxXqKC7nTu4IaiNYglsTSbkQiYv-XvgpctHOASy5C5imfKSfDkML-PEQP6UJXk_n4SrrkftFbc4kDyI/s1365/NL23--APR.%2010--P3A%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="875" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoRjTO8HwjYT6ByKvaQ8UiNOhQtMKgEHNynVoJeuDOGBTwzvoNKgVzHgE9zgVYbvYzSDnERoURbA7O8Y522amrAX0tgEzDmr2XO2k7RuhzEnklxXqKC7nTu4IaiNYglsTSbkQiYv-XvgpctHOASy5C5imfKSfDkML-PEQP6UJXk_n4SrrkftFbc4kDyI/s320/NL23--APR.%2010--P3A%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURk-aaM1rKGanu7UWnrjP93zQjE_ycFcCoorvUrE0s3Jnns8e7O6LHahFBavskk8zrqNjjlBuo2B-eDJrasTcGJOfOXYD7UBlpycSuR9_gy-_QFWUX7qaRoKwDWGwBGxQbmtXA42GAipI9p-6zwaIf4DQHQs5vcjPOto6F2uo6B_LI2Pt2rYetCqBvdc/s2652/NL23--APR.%2010--P2%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1767" data-original-width="2652" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURk-aaM1rKGanu7UWnrjP93zQjE_ycFcCoorvUrE0s3Jnns8e7O6LHahFBavskk8zrqNjjlBuo2B-eDJrasTcGJOfOXYD7UBlpycSuR9_gy-_QFWUX7qaRoKwDWGwBGxQbmtXA42GAipI9p-6zwaIf4DQHQs5vcjPOto6F2uo6B_LI2Pt2rYetCqBvdc/s320/NL23--APR.%2010--P2%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">4.<b> Jean Segura</b>, a member of the Philliesfrom 2019 to 2022, makes his first appearance back in Philadelphia on Apr. 10 after signing with the Miami Marlins during the offseason. After receiving his 2022 NL championship ring from Phillies owner John Middleton before the game, Segura acknowledges the warm welcome from Phillies fans before his 1st at bat in the 2nd inning. The 17 postseason ghames he played in 2022 were the first of his 11-year career.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1kvkLUXbxZpm31pyXjvz1TA43Dc-Hgzr591Sz9biUdWFwhl4GBZDxSQvDp_sup2TBsJa5kLYzqJ-CHDT-B6zR3r1L5mOqdB4MxyFaodeMKdQiPPT1sqKVLuSyooq_8vJ9XZpH0S-tB7YoL8FK82ekwWUr2hMh023UcZ-xdyRMO1wiJx0jt5Vny79f94/s1200/AL23--MAR.%2010--P1%20%20TOR-BOST.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1kvkLUXbxZpm31pyXjvz1TA43Dc-Hgzr591Sz9biUdWFwhl4GBZDxSQvDp_sup2TBsJa5kLYzqJ-CHDT-B6zR3r1L5mOqdB4MxyFaodeMKdQiPPT1sqKVLuSyooq_8vJ9XZpH0S-tB7YoL8FK82ekwWUr2hMh023UcZ-xdyRMO1wiJx0jt5Vny79f94/s320/AL23--MAR.%2010--P1%20%20TOR-BOST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">5. Not an uncommon occurrence for any baseball players with dreads, as <b>Raimel Tapia</b> gets a taste of his dreads as he hits a single for the Red Sox in the 4th inning of their spring training game against the Blue Jays on Mar. 10. Tapia's time with the Red Sox didn't last for long. After appearing in 39 games, he was released by the team on June 11 - and then signed by the Brewers 3 days later.</div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzPNc9BG0rhu35kq3l9P3L7W4zz3n1RSwLuD4v2DaUhzjw_d6oow2corHDSBagIrEWlkBmEevahtpHQhor2ToAJI4DXUTErJb6IlxKQJM2QiKkScrl_w7bixu_iFPLQqaGonJLuywGQLwfptT5pA6oWzc07QjQxSkEnjJgh1zvj2jCc9FoyCiaIHHJSQ/s1024/AL23--APR.%2030--P6%20%20KC-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzPNc9BG0rhu35kq3l9P3L7W4zz3n1RSwLuD4v2DaUhzjw_d6oow2corHDSBagIrEWlkBmEevahtpHQhor2ToAJI4DXUTErJb6IlxKQJM2QiKkScrl_w7bixu_iFPLQqaGonJLuywGQLwfptT5pA6oWzc07QjQxSkEnjJgh1zvj2jCc9FoyCiaIHHJSQ/s320/AL23--APR.%2030--P6%20%20KC-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>6. Batting a meager .115 in the Twins' 29th game of the season, <b>Nick Gordon</b> finally gets his 1st RBI of 2023 on Apr. 30 as he lays down a squeeze bunt driving in Byron Buxton for a 1-0 lead over the Royals in the 2nd inning: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/30/345adb44-fe342788-d75aa002-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/30/345adb44-fe342788-d75aa002-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a><br /><div>On his next trip to the plate Nick got his 2nd RBI of the season with a single during the Twins' 7-run 3rd inning, and they went on to win 8-4.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EODa3AorcOKQbi_sY0BpqBYZAkneaT0hsTt5WKcbPmwmGOQ-H5qejrTPgHI7Luw6C4tY8W_inXucYlL-SQp2PiaGAwVWdfcHFHuwM_i0PpUX70bN5kzWiPORgyaLEWxXR5JUbc11-kaNvpby7xa-DnZIXvbCbof8szGerKM3IJaIuO3hwXHfsjgrVuI/s2048/NL23--MAY%2010--P2%20%20BOST-ATL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EODa3AorcOKQbi_sY0BpqBYZAkneaT0hsTt5WKcbPmwmGOQ-H5qejrTPgHI7Luw6C4tY8W_inXucYlL-SQp2PiaGAwVWdfcHFHuwM_i0PpUX70bN5kzWiPORgyaLEWxXR5JUbc11-kaNvpby7xa-DnZIXvbCbof8szGerKM3IJaIuO3hwXHfsjgrVuI/s320/NL23--MAY%2010--P2%20%20BOST-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>7. On this swing in the bottom of the 6th on May 10th <b>Ronald Acuna</b> gets <i>all</i> of this belt-high fastball and crushes his 7th home run of the season to get the Braves on the board and cut the Red Sox lead to 2-1. Statcast measured the blast at 470 feet, and as of June 30 it's the 11th longest ball hit in MLB this season and the longest by anyone with dreads: <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/10/1b11928b-e41433ea-69a10f3c-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/10/1b11928b-e41433ea-69a10f3c-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a><div>Despite Ronald's 2-for-4 night, raising his BA to .347, the Braves lost to the Red Sox 5-2.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNxjzClrf7A3gGdTUpsQsc_HWNjTWvqClQLcNleSqJjjqveVlsRVIsVe7k4W_bwRoWyYhpmfbysY-tSy3wZfsp95BpjRmOplqtoqkzSf65Rwl1-BnaN2E1JrFmzMmwa78dCAhx1fvK0_OiEQjt4T5MpaE3cHWssU0Dgx94SV-QSMN92lO3_cr80TScko/s1290/AL23--APR.%2023--P4%20%20MIA-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1290" data-original-width="866" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNxjzClrf7A3gGdTUpsQsc_HWNjTWvqClQLcNleSqJjjqveVlsRVIsVe7k4W_bwRoWyYhpmfbysY-tSy3wZfsp95BpjRmOplqtoqkzSf65Rwl1-BnaN2E1JrFmzMmwa78dCAhx1fvK0_OiEQjt4T5MpaE3cHWssU0Dgx94SV-QSMN92lO3_cr80TScko/s320/AL23--APR.%2023--P4%20%20MIA-CLEVE.jpg" width="215" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA425Q_fpj0s3TkR5gV_7Z2ZpXROehy4pwlXD9h7DILsisQ6tX2Z41Xjr6CN7l7KCypCY3yPdJX61zR4uXl0D8Ppa4A_trKXYMdj7jdcyvO1Z-tMdYAaBDwu0IOnybJ_9sNuXBFJB2HUkejXtFR2cpTXry5K685z6ptT7s2IO3FYoCeFGraJVMZCRPDI/s937/AL23--APR.%2023--P1A%20%20MIA-CLEVE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA425Q_fpj0s3TkR5gV_7Z2ZpXROehy4pwlXD9h7DILsisQ6tX2Z41Xjr6CN7l7KCypCY3yPdJX61zR4uXl0D8Ppa4A_trKXYMdj7jdcyvO1Z-tMdYAaBDwu0IOnybJ_9sNuXBFJB2HUkejXtFR2cpTXry5K685z6ptT7s2IO3FYoCeFGraJVMZCRPDI/s320/AL23--APR.%2023--P1A%20%20MIA-CLEVE.jpg" width="273" /></a></div></div><br /><div>8. In the bottom of the 3rd of the Guardians' 9th home game of the season on Apr. 23 <b>Josh Bell</b> connects on a 2-2 pitch then watches his drive clear the wall in left field for his 1st home home run of the season. It came immediately after<b> Jose Ramirez</b>'s 2-run HR had put the Guardians in front 2-1. Bell later had an RBI double (his first game of the year with more than 1 RBI) as he and Ramirez combined to drive in 6 of Cleveland's 7 runs in a 7-4 win over the Marlins.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlriVDuUXo7ZnWkWrRFTKSezzOLy6T3WHpuktvcMCxBRWgg8birTUtDpBji3JhJ0yp3iMzN3kycnOkItAs-bWycheLBw9t-um0jT9QBQBQWwgUdK4w7WBEdxhUjdAa1Z4Vz7Ya2GKg67iXYbPs-5-95ePT2Q2Lvf-vmKG7--5mPSXCBd52OgEPPuxST8/s2048/NL23--JUNE%2010--P2%20%20SD-COLO.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlriVDuUXo7ZnWkWrRFTKSezzOLy6T3WHpuktvcMCxBRWgg8birTUtDpBji3JhJ0yp3iMzN3kycnOkItAs-bWycheLBw9t-um0jT9QBQBQWwgUdK4w7WBEdxhUjdAa1Z4Vz7Ya2GKg67iXYbPs-5-95ePT2Q2Lvf-vmKG7--5mPSXCBd52OgEPPuxST8/s320/NL23--JUNE%2010--P2%20%20SD-COLO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSak6TBxhjPyfDhW4ehCzUnwGCKmOtBc6RHeDj1Co_Ej5yJD6zSN8WEcZnYYWxHCaOGykd0UXdV7F3Dat9dxamEdzTeaNWBbyCNGFsdAzprF6bzW577zkH0-GlpF1Z8MgACRkFUJ6mPmm0jz0tAdN__s5JBa6tuGdk38nxXEpoVW8357QZJIajTkzhQIQ/s2048/NL23--JUNE%2010--P2A%20%20SD-COLO.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSak6TBxhjPyfDhW4ehCzUnwGCKmOtBc6RHeDj1Co_Ej5yJD6zSN8WEcZnYYWxHCaOGykd0UXdV7F3Dat9dxamEdzTeaNWBbyCNGFsdAzprF6bzW577zkH0-GlpF1Z8MgACRkFUJ6mPmm0jz0tAdN__s5JBa6tuGdk38nxXEpoVW8357QZJIajTkzhQIQ/s320/NL23--JUNE%2010--P2A%20%20SD-COLO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>9. With the bases loaded and 2 out in the top of the 6th at Denver on June 10 <b>Fernando Tatis Jr.</b> leaps away from a 96 MPH fastball headed at his thigh and winds up on the seat of his pants. No problem though. Two pitches later Tatis lined a 2-run single to RF to give the Padres a 3-2 lead, putting them ahead to stay. Fernando went 2-for-5 and the Padres held on to win 3-2 for their 3rd straight win; but at no point during their <i>very</i> disappointing 2023 season so far have they won more than 3 in a row.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI0-Ba4q3axXczeE0MTdCTqDCR4MeBghOud6ux975-kHKeofnSQ5PzDUnkzMElSo38YGFb4vnwWknomxLiDmzfgZdMr5pQnsNHd_S3nrItiS9qDEKBEhD02m3rcQy2zYwLmN63YJLTRV8zkCATG_8xUZ10pH2YTE1ZzVeV0rfUUzFRZ2PRPE5oEFYRy8/s1500/AL23--MAY%2015--P1%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI0-Ba4q3axXczeE0MTdCTqDCR4MeBghOud6ux975-kHKeofnSQ5PzDUnkzMElSo38YGFb4vnwWknomxLiDmzfgZdMr5pQnsNHd_S3nrItiS9qDEKBEhD02m3rcQy2zYwLmN63YJLTRV8zkCATG_8xUZ10pH2YTE1ZzVeV0rfUUzFRZ2PRPE5oEFYRy8/s320/AL23--MAY%2015--P1%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPu_qgElPDQmkQCn_0Gaw735aTAN1cdV6iu-J2bD-nBZh0Rw4EUwDRIhdFGSdd_JRIBjZ7gDjlyt4Hir9NB2YxMRSpMKzIO67ciEMtfndGs70_uM4o7vbm-gkG1pMVzU3rqoMw__-ViPo_AHdEfG5qIA_SD1lb4aVnno51X1jisCoUp6IqZ1Z7qOMTIIg/s2048/AL23--MAY%2016--P2%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPu_qgElPDQmkQCn_0Gaw735aTAN1cdV6iu-J2bD-nBZh0Rw4EUwDRIhdFGSdd_JRIBjZ7gDjlyt4Hir9NB2YxMRSpMKzIO67ciEMtfndGs70_uM4o7vbm-gkG1pMVzU3rqoMw__-ViPo_AHdEfG5qIA_SD1lb4aVnno51X1jisCoUp6IqZ1Z7qOMTIIg/s320/AL23--MAY%2016--P2%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>10. Diamondbacks 2B <b>Ketel Marte</b> has a couple of eventful at bats during a series at Oakland in mid-May. In the 5th inning on May 15, as C Shea Langeliers watches the ball go foul off to the right, Marte's bat leaves his hands (photo above) and goes back toward the backstop. It was the 4th straight foul ball in the bat (after the first 2 pitches were balls), and Ketel would hit 4 more foul balls for 8 in a row before striking out to end the inning and leaving the bases loaded. The D-backs didn't score again in the game but held on to win 5-1. <br /><div>In the top of the 12th the next night on May 16 a high, inside fastball on a 0-1 count has Marte ducking out of the way (right photo). On the next pitch Ketel was retired on a soft line drive caught by the pitcher, finishing the game 3-for-7. The A's won it 9-8 on an <b>Esteury Ruiz</b> RBI single in the bottom of the 12th (which we'll see later in the DG).</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEzf_hmurOwJZhHsCOtPDC5BRhMl3FBz2p2-7GXZJVFkl1kUzjr0QY4onCwz34wM7nr1_M_xF7rHmy9eiqQ883xwAf-DbqUy_AStbEZUhLH94he2CCQmDG4gPlTKB3Q1DAHmC4EglSTwkI62VOo4iIWPDJjT1YBfI0QqzNxCWobXGIBTzp6M9tOTCPTk/s2048/AL23--APR.%2024--P3%20%20CHI-TOR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEzf_hmurOwJZhHsCOtPDC5BRhMl3FBz2p2-7GXZJVFkl1kUzjr0QY4onCwz34wM7nr1_M_xF7rHmy9eiqQ883xwAf-DbqUy_AStbEZUhLH94he2CCQmDG4gPlTKB3Q1DAHmC4EglSTwkI62VOo4iIWPDJjT1YBfI0QqzNxCWobXGIBTzp6M9tOTCPTk/s320/AL23--APR.%2024--P3%20%20CHI-TOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEpwRzU2gB3tCTHqdq_xnJ0m-94fjKyoywQri6hVh1g9iLwNL9MkyWYPPgkadkP-e1qMG_BBy9QvHjizlrWQxnh7pUmPfi-0fBwVLaBF3fFNMdPo_UbNIDJZmd9SfQXUSASmUi67-KBIU6cePRt8CVWCIp3CjA0txQUvgzCLhVUfjf-dQCaF978q_pCA/s2048/AL23--APR.%2026--P5B%20%20CHI-TOR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="2048" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEpwRzU2gB3tCTHqdq_xnJ0m-94fjKyoywQri6hVh1g9iLwNL9MkyWYPPgkadkP-e1qMG_BBy9QvHjizlrWQxnh7pUmPfi-0fBwVLaBF3fFNMdPo_UbNIDJZmd9SfQXUSASmUi67-KBIU6cePRt8CVWCIp3CjA0txQUvgzCLhVUfjf-dQCaF978q_pCA/s320/AL23--APR.%2026--P5B%20%20CHI-TOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>11. <b>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</b>'s helmet has been off on more than a few occasions this season. These two came in the Blue Jays' home series vs. the White Sox in April. In the bottom of the 3rd on Apr. 24 Guerrero carries his helmet on his way to 1st base (photo above) before tossing it away as he grounds into a double play, ending a threat and keeping the Chicago lead at 2-0. Vladdy went 1-for-5 as the Blue Jays came back to win 5-2. <br /><div>In the bottom of the 3rd two days later on Apr. 26 Guerrero makes it only three or four steps out of the batters box before his helmet starts coming off (photo on right) - this time with a better result as his 2-out double down the RF line on a 3-2 pitch drives in 2 and ups the Toronto lead to 3-0. Vladdy later hit another double later and finished 2-for-5 as the Blue Jays blanked the White Sox 8-0 to sweep the 3-game series. </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY8KPfWLJ74_UT5k1cstp0-ul2OFDDymH4ujARQyUNApbFI2n-XGwwn5Jy-n3ltLR-OGyOvC-aWy96kuiIU03OD6AJKqGCzbQaOBx7N3OI2uk-bnFkQlvCD8kZg3zmgliLBUZfJNBXdIO0Mm-RjQKfixsh958UMM_Jozuk3gMkwz2Ut56-goo_swzeU8/s2048/NL23--APR.%2015--P4%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUY8KPfWLJ74_UT5k1cstp0-ul2OFDDymH4ujARQyUNApbFI2n-XGwwn5Jy-n3ltLR-OGyOvC-aWy96kuiIU03OD6AJKqGCzbQaOBx7N3OI2uk-bnFkQlvCD8kZg3zmgliLBUZfJNBXdIO0Mm-RjQKfixsh958UMM_Jozuk3gMkwz2Ut56-goo_swzeU8/s320/NL23--APR.%2015--P4%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>12. <b>Ketel Marte</b> gets caught right in the middle of blowing a bubble as the ball is hit to him in the bottom of the 1st at Miami on Apr. 15. After making a great diving catch of the hard one-hop smash off the bat of Jon Berti, Marte gets back to his feet, but this throw to 1st base is too late to retire the speedy Berti, who gets credit for an infield single. More impressively, Ketel kept his bubble intact through the entire play. Berti got as far as 3rd base but was stranded as the Marlins left the bases loaded in the 1st. Marlins won the game though 3-2 over the Diamondbacks.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4Dfzoo_coVzJ_3CGzHEBottQkt3O_nzKHPXGgbXArimztjegnZW-OpnC0G2r4u4OaSzbFFm0axGeBe36q_m9A4ELsCvGdvlDrCOHoPJez5lpu3nQNWYdiciCIJxucF_YNhP9b3sbv6tw4VE-Hg-FNttULWE0XiIP3YSjTUS5IiiEpvMBcqloqOEtu44/s2048/NL23--MAR.%2030--P4%20%20ATL-WASH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="2048" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4Dfzoo_coVzJ_3CGzHEBottQkt3O_nzKHPXGgbXArimztjegnZW-OpnC0G2r4u4OaSzbFFm0axGeBe36q_m9A4ELsCvGdvlDrCOHoPJez5lpu3nQNWYdiciCIJxucF_YNhP9b3sbv6tw4VE-Hg-FNttULWE0XiIP3YSjTUS5IiiEpvMBcqloqOEtu44/s320/NL23--MAR.%2030--P4%20%20ATL-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>13. In the top of the 2nd on opening day in the District a hard grounder off the bat of <b>Ronald Acuna</b> turns into <b>CJ Abrams</b>' 1st error of the season instead of the inning-ended double play that it should have been. The error allowed the Braves to load the bases, and they scored 3 runs before the inning was over. It was the beginning of a horrible game for Abrams. He later committed 2 more errors and went 0-for-4 at the plate as the Nationals dropped their opener to the Braves 7-2. <br /><div>As of the end of June CJ is now up to 13 errors on the season, second most by anyone in MLB. But let's cut him some slack. He's 22 years old. He'll get better. Trust me.</div><div><br /></div>. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9F0T3vUpU2mdAKSdAmPJe6XuwU0R7QhZEvjk-OAMuA1Fdgljq0voM8zvps_Mz5psKIqVGorgtqt3A05XJs-ZydRkg4VNPJNHyPhME6vTex8Y9sJqulVDP9v85jqQeONbFPJttC0ZRX2eUJ68U0LeqCCo0zHj9c3MiQoUhq1IPK3Fpwcej7joWdeWJjTs/s1396/AL23--APR.%2022--P1%20%20WASH-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1396" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9F0T3vUpU2mdAKSdAmPJe6XuwU0R7QhZEvjk-OAMuA1Fdgljq0voM8zvps_Mz5psKIqVGorgtqt3A05XJs-ZydRkg4VNPJNHyPhME6vTex8Y9sJqulVDP9v85jqQeONbFPJttC0ZRX2eUJ68U0LeqCCo0zHj9c3MiQoUhq1IPK3Fpwcej7joWdeWJjTs/s320/AL23--APR.%2022--P1%20%20WASH-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>14. Now <i>that's</i> more like it!<div><b>CJ Abrams</b> loses his hat but not his concentration as he ranges out into center field to catch a fly ball by Donovan Solano for the 1st out in the bottom of the 9th on a 37-degree afternoon at Minneapolis on Apr. 22: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/22/fa177778-045cdcfe-b3653f9e-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/22/fa177778-045cdcfe-b3653f9e-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4</a> </div><div>Earlier in the game CJ hit his 1st home run of the season, a 3-run shot, as the Nationals whipped the Twins 10-4 to improve to 7-13.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0BluG7dd1NTCUkKQsrQQZJ4OXN7fia379abyFVvQ3tKqHqEoKMPP8FLHl-cxeI05GzERYDk_GtotZpjH4zo6njmmeokL-ldzkAS4EWap6et9jSmz98g011KFmmSeN3ZsFfp0D-gCCEX68J58RVxF7PIc-LFx3ZSmSfaWwcK2jfgHGW23TF8iP6PGeUQ/s1396/AL23--MAY%2022--P3%20%20OAK-SEA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1396" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0BluG7dd1NTCUkKQsrQQZJ4OXN7fia379abyFVvQ3tKqHqEoKMPP8FLHl-cxeI05GzERYDk_GtotZpjH4zo6njmmeokL-ldzkAS4EWap6et9jSmz98g011KFmmSeN3ZsFfp0D-gCCEX68J58RVxF7PIc-LFx3ZSmSfaWwcK2jfgHGW23TF8iP6PGeUQ/s320/AL23--MAY%2022--P3%20%20OAK-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>15. In the top of the 4th at Seattle on May 22 after a smash up the middle off the bat of A's 1B Ryan Noda hits the mound and gets past Luis Castillo, J.P. Crawford is there to make the juggling pickup and - with his dreads going up and down and left and right - throws off balance to 1st for the out. Crawford went just 1-for-5 at the plate in the game, but the Mariners didn't need him on this night in their 11-2 spanking of the A's.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6rdAs17TeANBhdqxXCekW1CWd_VYkbZ2kJ1dnCNQNq02HKzSAbNm-uaCvHbI5vFw83m3uvuZ-w-SsKs2UlhXGXuXtzZmlRQwaN4lQZV1sxUMBBow5FqxCXGQdFBIdAVD4qLak4giqZnhArLDevyniA7bDsy8ed1sYoAvDTJMnIeBzFBNkVlOw3xrTGM/s3819/AL23--APR.%209--P4%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2546" data-original-width="3819" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6rdAs17TeANBhdqxXCekW1CWd_VYkbZ2kJ1dnCNQNq02HKzSAbNm-uaCvHbI5vFw83m3uvuZ-w-SsKs2UlhXGXuXtzZmlRQwaN4lQZV1sxUMBBow5FqxCXGQdFBIdAVD4qLak4giqZnhArLDevyniA7bDsy8ed1sYoAvDTJMnIeBzFBNkVlOw3xrTGM/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P4%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>16. After charging a one-hopper and fielding it halfway between 2nd base and the mound, <b>J.P. Crawford</b> throws to 1st and has 2nd base umpire Nate Tomlinson fearing for his life as he ducks to avoid being hit by the ball. The throw was in plenty of time to retire Meibrys Viloria (who?) for the 1st out in the bottom of the 10th at Cleveland on Apr. 9. The runner at 2nd to lead off the inning moved to 3rd on the play but was stranded and the game continued ....... leading to a thrilling conclusion which we'll see later.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUU9JatNnrYqT_XD33F9NXplyj3ut99aFkOHbtAZ3DA1eu7E_RPQT_6mD5r1xgyhsWOQfCM0nlZg7s8EkCmTZoBaZ6s8IOhIxMohHac6AAHNFuVP1xoaTBRQo9jraUqFvSVOUalqzf2v22JHcDJ3SYFsv2H1TfPmDqrJ3MeAkLQ5tfaZIzqlMbRx_owh4/s2048/AL23--MAY%2018--P2%20%20CLEVE-CHI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUU9JatNnrYqT_XD33F9NXplyj3ut99aFkOHbtAZ3DA1eu7E_RPQT_6mD5r1xgyhsWOQfCM0nlZg7s8EkCmTZoBaZ6s8IOhIxMohHac6AAHNFuVP1xoaTBRQo9jraUqFvSVOUalqzf2v22JHcDJ3SYFsv2H1TfPmDqrJ3MeAkLQ5tfaZIzqlMbRx_owh4/s320/AL23--MAY%2018--P2%20%20CLEVE-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>17. This time it's <b>Josh Bell</b> who's covering up for self-preservation as SS Tim Anderson of the White Sox forces him out and tries to turn a double play in the top of the 2nd on May 18. The throw ended up a bit wide of 1st base, but I don't know if it glanced off Bell or not. The next batter did ground into a double play to end the inning, but the Guardians ended up winning 3-1. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_u2kY0Q7_4UasQqnDfkxm-f-__XxMwJ8JN79spePo1Xo3g4tMaKfr4YIKHFTE8FgVkJcu6OAO_Rp9f_Vvw4ulONReCTOtqp6YerSfsRf-LeRYztz29Yl8bcW5aKHnwkZTEadS_hBHmvhZx-mRt01sEkAWwt0UdDRLZGqzeEWOFtX9Y9ThUb8QnzTPpk/s2048/AL23--APR.%209--P8%20%20TOR-LA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_u2kY0Q7_4UasQqnDfkxm-f-__XxMwJ8JN79spePo1Xo3g4tMaKfr4YIKHFTE8FgVkJcu6OAO_Rp9f_Vvw4ulONReCTOtqp6YerSfsRf-LeRYztz29Yl8bcW5aKHnwkZTEadS_hBHmvhZx-mRt01sEkAWwt0UdDRLZGqzeEWOFtX9Y9ThUb8QnzTPpk/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P8%20%20TOR-LA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>18. Known much more for his bat than his glove, <b>Vladimir Guerrero Jr. </b>surprisingly isn't bad on defense, actually winning a Gold Glove award for his defensive play at 1st base in 2022. Here at Anaheim on Apr. 9 he makes a nice catch on a in-between hop to save 3rd baseman Matt Chapman an error and record the final out in the bottom of the 5th, keeping the Angels' lead at 6-0. Seemingly unimportant at the time, the play made a difference, and there'll be more on that later.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNrYAl4c3m5sP8ZbbDefcEl4Ls9LOVTlFu4QNjkaj51RIbq1Pti-TjewNW4Espm58nYcefBMh9Smi1PZXmgQYDWa4so8KLEiuk3spBGf1pkWQoxGvs5N3m2l4kzjlWyfSg9el8u9HvjJg2q6z6sktMTzUwbU6zPeuNtuz9u8N0nneB6y9irC18tm6UmM/s1300/AL23--APR.%209--P10%20%20OAK-TB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1300" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNrYAl4c3m5sP8ZbbDefcEl4Ls9LOVTlFu4QNjkaj51RIbq1Pti-TjewNW4Espm58nYcefBMh9Smi1PZXmgQYDWa4so8KLEiuk3spBGf1pkWQoxGvs5N3m2l4kzjlWyfSg9el8u9HvjJg2q6z6sktMTzUwbU6zPeuNtuz9u8N0nneB6y9irC18tm6UmM/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P10%20%20OAK-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytldx6X8vavgKAaspgVmW-8FncFCAImPXX8SxMYDa-cZbj-hB0ODNm8YBguavTzR16P6PPitXQxzr-uHl9qVCdFDPBdU4u4Q0JGpMn-SsZmi08qd7zarSx1DWVMYACh5IbCQBjJGjdRha62uCA9JKZ7LKi1fOg2goP1VzhRdLQUqRbkpBzVwqDSyDTac/s1023/AL23--APR.%209--P10B%20%20OAK-TB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1023" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytldx6X8vavgKAaspgVmW-8FncFCAImPXX8SxMYDa-cZbj-hB0ODNm8YBguavTzR16P6PPitXQxzr-uHl9qVCdFDPBdU4u4Q0JGpMn-SsZmi08qd7zarSx1DWVMYACh5IbCQBjJGjdRha62uCA9JKZ7LKi1fOg2goP1VzhRdLQUqRbkpBzVwqDSyDTac/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P10B%20%20OAK-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>19. When you're losing 9-0, the last thing you want to do is get injured. Fortunately for <b>Esteury Ruiz</b> his unsuccessful attempt to catch a drive by Rays C Christian Bethancourt leading off the bottom of the 7th on Apr. 9, which ended up with him faceplanting into the CF wall at Tropicana Field, did not result in any injury. He was able to immediately retrieve the ball after it caromed off the wall and hold Bethancourt to a double. <div>The Rays held the A's to 1 hit on the afternoon and won 11-0 to sweep the 3-game series and improve to 9-0.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIQJPIGA6pdBEjsQNi7vPqWIy6YrM2MUeITja838ntQebISkvverKLi9-9ru-ZefNx1LCnNpIFFS71kt8gQLOop73ukabUFMr16d_yPiPQGp4WxtMynIwaUnZZKrKKwtSD_Enj7c85n3xQ61yJZrqfVO234AUqgHeKuYn1BnhITVAKKuQZkCoLhWNXZM/s660/AL23--MAY%2016--P7%20%20PITT-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="660" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIQJPIGA6pdBEjsQNi7vPqWIy6YrM2MUeITja838ntQebISkvverKLi9-9ru-ZefNx1LCnNpIFFS71kt8gQLOop73ukabUFMr16d_yPiPQGp4WxtMynIwaUnZZKrKKwtSD_Enj7c85n3xQ61yJZrqfVO234AUqgHeKuYn1BnhITVAKKuQZkCoLhWNXZM/s320/AL23--MAY%2016--P7%20%20PITT-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFluLeEzM0flX53un_YkPZHd4SlWuh7KG8nD8oKGzM7u-5Kq-gaLpqxjsEr84xwvxzYlXlZenxLo47V3G6midgMa-iXzsOKIaExNTjUCcldlTSRoJl044Q9MSwYFHIxZGaRMSBkw3G9965vhRHoPjS3IXDoVoicYD1HAX4zY_7UrmcLWDOIQY1-QOrP0/s2725/AL23--MAY%2016--P7B%20%20PITT-DET.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="2725" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFluLeEzM0flX53un_YkPZHd4SlWuh7KG8nD8oKGzM7u-5Kq-gaLpqxjsEr84xwvxzYlXlZenxLo47V3G6midgMa-iXzsOKIaExNTjUCcldlTSRoJl044Q9MSwYFHIxZGaRMSBkw3G9965vhRHoPjS3IXDoVoicYD1HAX4zY_7UrmcLWDOIQY1-QOrP0/s320/AL23--MAY%2016--P7B%20%20PITT-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>20. Tigers LF Akil Baddoo slides home safely in a cloud of dirt and chalk while Pirates P <b>Luis Ortiz</b> tries not to fall on top of him on a play at the plate in the bottom of the 3rd at Detroit on May 16. A <i>very</i> wild pitch by Ortiz sent Baddoo headed toward the plate, and the throw from C Jason Delay to Ortiz was nowhere in time: <a href="http://bdata-producedclips.mlb.com/a771d606-11eb-49fd-bc36-8e316482ba6e.mp4" target="_blank">bdata-producedclips.mlb.com/a771d606-11eb-49fd-bc36-8e316482ba6e.mp4</a><br /><div>That upped the Tigers' lead to 4-0 and completed the scoring for the evening. It was arguably the worst performance of the season for Ortiz so far, as he allowed 7 hits, 4 walks, and 4 runs in 3 IP and dropped to 0-2.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsU6T_xjYsLFjNN2E5OPQpWC0SViFJmXjmZTDFDfFqaYAIkMoeqsCrKAGqqfKJEGSjuStfw397WouK7ptFLyc_TBs6Lisy_OqKeKb53lqZG5rgBUoEePLdxtb13PkV6_FsRqpvQRyM0g5b2AxMn-_YWIiqKu65aKdQIAOWPzczUrfd79mAaJ3c4zeOfRQ/s1024/AL23--MAR.%2030--P6%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsU6T_xjYsLFjNN2E5OPQpWC0SViFJmXjmZTDFDfFqaYAIkMoeqsCrKAGqqfKJEGSjuStfw397WouK7ptFLyc_TBs6Lisy_OqKeKb53lqZG5rgBUoEePLdxtb13PkV6_FsRqpvQRyM0g5b2AxMn-_YWIiqKu65aKdQIAOWPzczUrfd79mAaJ3c4zeOfRQ/s320/AL23--MAR.%2030--P6%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>21. After this play Astros P <b>Framber Valdez</b> no longer needs to worry about pitching a no-hitter on opening night. Valdez does the best he can; but after fielding a weak grounder off the bat of White Sox CF Luis Robert near the 3rd base line with 1 out in the top of the 1st, his strong, off-balance throw to 1st is too late. Valdez retired the next two batters, so Robert did not score. And nobody else did either against Framber even though he allowed 6 hits in 5 IP. But the Astros lost their opening night on Mar. 30 to the White Sox 3-2.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIZMRLCb9RvN6gwRFGsqVCRrTWMWj6Ijh25PEIvD4D0JlP1X7M_0t5BjpVmeJg9K36n8N6GvMHRwOCuyUZ0NPiBXgEi672stQG2ZdxxSWl3L1WNCN_ze4Sr8EtLPkID4C09NvNmZp2MRWTyqr-asxDZPCj3-9v-cuMb1TUnJrM4CZgDF8c1-c0QUhPT0/s1280/AL23--MAR.%2030--P4%20%20PHIL-TEX.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1280" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIZMRLCb9RvN6gwRFGsqVCRrTWMWj6Ijh25PEIvD4D0JlP1X7M_0t5BjpVmeJg9K36n8N6GvMHRwOCuyUZ0NPiBXgEi672stQG2ZdxxSWl3L1WNCN_ze4Sr8EtLPkID4C09NvNmZp2MRWTyqr-asxDZPCj3-9v-cuMb1TUnJrM4CZgDF8c1-c0QUhPT0/s320/AL23--MAR.%2030--P4%20%20PHIL-TEX.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFa7GRiyZDAAFgDR5mgFLfDQKWBc-TuCkihFRMcmdKJ7zQGZUYaTUhaOcCVvLm3zW9e97f_bmCXTSwvRZWYEnh80XEGxrbcYg4XY4C-pMBpuSFaknJfcW1aSn3FL5RMSYTYO9r-i6KjMAC5hSkSFzWwmbnBKpDVgnaTmKL2TMTDJtLSyrWJxULaHrWlU/s2560/AL23--MAR.%2030--P10%20%20PHIL-TEX.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFa7GRiyZDAAFgDR5mgFLfDQKWBc-TuCkihFRMcmdKJ7zQGZUYaTUhaOcCVvLm3zW9e97f_bmCXTSwvRZWYEnh80XEGxrbcYg4XY4C-pMBpuSFaknJfcW1aSn3FL5RMSYTYO9r-i6KjMAC5hSkSFzWwmbnBKpDVgnaTmKL2TMTDJtLSyrWJxULaHrWlU/s320/AL23--MAR.%2030--P10%20%20PHIL-TEX.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>22. <b>Gregory Soto</b>'s first game in a Phillies uniform didn't go as well as he would have liked - to say the least. With the bases loaded on a single and 2 walks in the bottom of the 4th, Soto fields a weak grounder off the bat of Rangers 1B Nathaniel Lowe - in almost the exact same spot in front of the plate as <b>Framber Valdez</b> in photo #21 - and flips the ball home; but it's too late, and Josh Smith scores to put Texas in front 6-5 - after which Gregory remains on his knees in bewilderment: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-03/30/446801fa-cf1ba36b-b2542b59-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-03/30/446801fa-cf1ba36b-b2542b59-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> <br /><div>The Rangers had already scored 5 runs in the inning to tie the game when Soto entered with nobody on base needing to record just one out to end the inning. But after he retired none of the 4 batters he faced, he was removed, and the Rangers ended up scoring 9 runs in the inning and went on to win 11-7, with Soto being charged with the L.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwvhPEG_SzOM9ykO9hOyF4MyqjxKxU3bULr9iVlS6e3XmzrhFggjeOxcU2MWEe0-qf_nWu0cEysINRtucd4yCIsKbDKrIw9yrAyULc3mfq7dJ3q_o_5AfIhMV8K1WFs1-d_TkGyH_8hDCxYIwYb-xp9K6kCZtzNvTzgL0voDgoLPH75SXj8kyrIcKhC0/s2048/AL23--APR.%2012--P3%20%20CHI-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwvhPEG_SzOM9ykO9hOyF4MyqjxKxU3bULr9iVlS6e3XmzrhFggjeOxcU2MWEe0-qf_nWu0cEysINRtucd4yCIsKbDKrIw9yrAyULc3mfq7dJ3q_o_5AfIhMV8K1WFs1-d_TkGyH_8hDCxYIwYb-xp9K6kCZtzNvTzgL0voDgoLPH75SXj8kyrIcKhC0/s320/AL23--APR.%2012--P3%20%20CHI-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>23. With the Twins leading the White Sox 3-0 on Apr. 12, <b>Nick Gordon</b> is the middle man on an easy 6-4-3 double play grounded into by 3B Hanser Alberto for the first two outs of the top of the 9th. The Twins lost the shutout when the next batter homered but held on to win 3-1. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWo4UtfIsJRRWh_5N_ZW5nL0KKUOb2DacP7mbUf6A2HwSnxrkOWTXRYjIF27kdIc27M8CtPbXwB-vLeSRqFBZnMQX39kIHxwaaVngW1aokonTyiZ4lgYZ6SPbqrlwE-qYrWE3XIZD4cEdx8cbz8uz9zdoroV12xvy-t9g4oF0FLkTNQQBD-bWtiVok4c/s2048/AL23--MAY%2013--P3C%20%20CHI%20C-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWo4UtfIsJRRWh_5N_ZW5nL0KKUOb2DacP7mbUf6A2HwSnxrkOWTXRYjIF27kdIc27M8CtPbXwB-vLeSRqFBZnMQX39kIHxwaaVngW1aokonTyiZ4lgYZ6SPbqrlwE-qYrWE3XIZD4cEdx8cbz8uz9zdoroV12xvy-t9g4oF0FLkTNQQBD-bWtiVok4c/s320/AL23--MAY%2013--P3C%20%20CHI%20C-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYJDr2-DOy8i593oDSQi7bOIfCR1ip68guhWN9haqWB_GBaJiPZ3UGdjg9Ymw998ke7dYfH5B9rJrSV_OH8WEu1wOUwf7fHUcNgvwiBi5f0Ny2IhCxM9zh1ElfhNR_YGn3ePMLjOV0v1hZSn5eWEzq-UigMWf60nQbdIr00wWaR4aZifMjgPKGpWH1ws/s1396/AL23--MAY%2013--P3A%20%20CHI%20C-MINN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1396" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYJDr2-DOy8i593oDSQi7bOIfCR1ip68guhWN9haqWB_GBaJiPZ3UGdjg9Ymw998ke7dYfH5B9rJrSV_OH8WEu1wOUwf7fHUcNgvwiBi5f0Ny2IhCxM9zh1ElfhNR_YGn3ePMLjOV0v1hZSn5eWEzq-UigMWf60nQbdIr00wWaR4aZifMjgPKGpWH1ws/s320/AL23--MAY%2013--P3A%20%20CHI%20C-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>24. Things are a bit more difficult for <b>Nick Gordon</b> playing CF here on May 13. He gets to the shallow fly ball off the bat of Cubs RF Seiya Suzuki in time and has a great chance to make the diving catch; but the ball bounces off the heel of his glove before he hits the ground and then rolls away from him after he hits the ground, allowing Suzuki to reach 2nd with a double leading off the top of the 2nd. It was no worries for the Twins though, as the next three batters were retired and they went on to roll to an 11-1 victory over the Cubs.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZOe1Q3Ov_XV6Jl1u21S05WrE94LlS54ZcOHgc_rdRpkESZUHwNND6f3kpTQ0a0VSqTyS2b71gAyeiOr1iUH4YaEAC4hWlPg7w2qiH--KdnccnVhod1x9N46dQnH1z-VbrQa_WpwUVjZCuzUn3o5eukfzEaSaOPKzyyg6-0zx2L93ek6uNwDd3kO5G7w/s3000/NL23--MAY%2027--P1C%20%20BOST-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1687" data-original-width="3000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZOe1Q3Ov_XV6Jl1u21S05WrE94LlS54ZcOHgc_rdRpkESZUHwNND6f3kpTQ0a0VSqTyS2b71gAyeiOr1iUH4YaEAC4hWlPg7w2qiH--KdnccnVhod1x9N46dQnH1z-VbrQa_WpwUVjZCuzUn3o5eukfzEaSaOPKzyyg6-0zx2L93ek6uNwDd3kO5G7w/s320/NL23--MAY%2027--P1C%20%20BOST-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC1Bi84yLjOjqFajFhe6NRbGvpmd4Z2NhtT82fIbsof2lWCvUN1pufgAXDEv7COUzfe4_09hQ3xrOG6SmAJcwEvm7pHIwzXbWbWtEAiUWPrObkN1fYswE1YVGzh5iDQmH_d367alHf15KxVEO_KsOrORpKTNpNuAH7UQF5Q4-181t1V-p_46Rinu_rjc/s3000/NL23--MAY%2027--P1%20%20BOST-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlC1Bi84yLjOjqFajFhe6NRbGvpmd4Z2NhtT82fIbsof2lWCvUN1pufgAXDEv7COUzfe4_09hQ3xrOG6SmAJcwEvm7pHIwzXbWbWtEAiUWPrObkN1fYswE1YVGzh5iDQmH_d367alHf15KxVEO_KsOrORpKTNpNuAH7UQF5Q4-181t1V-p_46Rinu_rjc/s320/NL23--MAY%2027--P1%20%20BOST-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>25. A fly ball by Diamondbacks RF Jake McCarthy has Red Sox LF<b> Raimel Tapia</b> on his belly with his lower legs parallel to the ground in the bottom of the 5th on May 27. Somehow his hat stayed on. Tapia almost made a tremendous play here, actually getting his glove on the ball just above the ground at the fullest extent of his dive; but he couldn't catch it, and McCarthy was able to reach 2nd with a double.<div><div>Raimel fared no better at the plate, going 0-for-4 with 2 strikeouts; but the Red Sox still won 2-1, with <b>Kenley Jansen</b> picking up his 11th save of the season.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoFBKtS46nfDJtjjKgRifFr6s2o3EaO1djXT0XA6dYd6eHm66ldwvRdD6wIyFYhdRsnph1xv0jW97w8kxySzFTJZ58j9ImX0b7gomZ5fYFHYx0Dt007mLGs3VgMaCTUF0F5XqXY4rh1TLy-82nijrAaFbzSHw_jod2QWGuUxCC5xiKXXrVBlvOACdFxo/s1880/AL23--MAY%2012--P5%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1880" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoFBKtS46nfDJtjjKgRifFr6s2o3EaO1djXT0XA6dYd6eHm66ldwvRdD6wIyFYhdRsnph1xv0jW97w8kxySzFTJZ58j9ImX0b7gomZ5fYFHYx0Dt007mLGs3VgMaCTUF0F5XqXY4rh1TLy-82nijrAaFbzSHw_jod2QWGuUxCC5xiKXXrVBlvOACdFxo/s320/AL23--MAY%2012--P5%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>26. With the Orioles tied with the Pirates 1-1 on May 12, CF <b>Cedric Mullins</b> makes a diving catch to take a hit away from Jack Suwinski for the 1st out in the top of the 7th: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/12/30e2beb7-5678a54b-69acec96-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/12/30e2beb7-5678a54b-69acec96-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a><br /><div>The play became even more important when the next batter homered to put the Pirates in the lead.</div><div>But this wasn't even the best of it for Mullins on this night. Hardly .....</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh1doUM1Xzik5f0Pqa2fypmOok9Iyl7G6nQ3_1TAlL_T9oh7F1Wp1_o25wgpwns2ywGojfjza6rBqfwDj3aQ5vv7ldsBuok1qG-WvJ0sa75SEShSliqZ36ZyRz0Y_KGr6S7a5mKh-fnhvf_6zbF-ALQoDhwWcdc01REVQ79MKDChUsK0alXzCOBHmrx4/s2761/AL23--MAY%2012--P12%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2761" data-original-width="1837" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAh1doUM1Xzik5f0Pqa2fypmOok9Iyl7G6nQ3_1TAlL_T9oh7F1Wp1_o25wgpwns2ywGojfjza6rBqfwDj3aQ5vv7ldsBuok1qG-WvJ0sa75SEShSliqZ36ZyRz0Y_KGr6S7a5mKh-fnhvf_6zbF-ALQoDhwWcdc01REVQ79MKDChUsK0alXzCOBHmrx4/s320/AL23--MAY%2012--P12%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceyydSD6E-Jd4pWa1jmGFlnng1lpHfHMjTpmqfEn-9UZC0TlW9JHnQ2qkDlKfsokqhUE3wOTWH1ABApKRU07Ob8UlKNaU7J9ZcOeiIuFfy109A6fT9TgwqCparmD7qKfaiBp6wZ-TAuPpBTurfeSYuGb63TngTJWlANmzdHNypIO28_7rMGJhfeJ1GTk/s2048/AL23--MAY%2012--P6C%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceyydSD6E-Jd4pWa1jmGFlnng1lpHfHMjTpmqfEn-9UZC0TlW9JHnQ2qkDlKfsokqhUE3wOTWH1ABApKRU07Ob8UlKNaU7J9ZcOeiIuFfy109A6fT9TgwqCparmD7qKfaiBp6wZ-TAuPpBTurfeSYuGb63TngTJWlANmzdHNypIO28_7rMGJhfeJ1GTk/s320/AL23--MAY%2012--P6C%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>27. ..... After flying out his first time up and hitting a single in the 3rd inning, Mullins gets his 2nd hit of the game, diving into 3rd with a triple with 2 out in the 5th (left photo) as 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes awaits the late throw. But Cedric didn't score after either his single or triple. Then in the 7th after hitting a line drive into the RF corner off of <b>Jose Hernandez</b>, Mullins celebrates after stopping at 2nd base with a double (right photo). This time Cedric did score, the first of 2 runs in the inning that put the Orioles ahead 3-2 ..... <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3oqxJQ8JXgEXqATypxfPZnJzKt-vzmhqVeNKgOR7tTxR9rIoTV5VoNFLQau35pwh9hT58U63_ZBGMi3qC-pc-CSiRETWeDjOfenEZB0eZj4toLlzaI4CFhmu0EjVnRZn6fAIZVnH5zMyiMxLZopMr2pnEUzHetREsjpbqqcvB216KImc9sj5RXeC-Kw/s2211/AL23--MAY%2012--P9%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="2211" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3oqxJQ8JXgEXqATypxfPZnJzKt-vzmhqVeNKgOR7tTxR9rIoTV5VoNFLQau35pwh9hT58U63_ZBGMi3qC-pc-CSiRETWeDjOfenEZB0eZj4toLlzaI4CFhmu0EjVnRZn6fAIZVnH5zMyiMxLZopMr2pnEUzHetREsjpbqqcvB216KImc9sj5RXeC-Kw/s320/AL23--MAY%2012--P9%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80RjbBdigsJWi2duSYfhstm2QlXD6v7oLdG35Edy23EvZ8rWQbJMeBzv8GXqOGwY3198SeQ5wG_0jEL-dEtd_zvjKiW5-F0gLxaHcVoSdy3PEnBgbtYQvjyDcv1hQA2CUxaGF9oyCQeVFmd7JG74JCmGgC74rPO5wdTBo_TNhAuehQMhNeG_cmbxddQI/s3651/AL23--MAY%2012--P10B%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2434" data-original-width="3651" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80RjbBdigsJWi2duSYfhstm2QlXD6v7oLdG35Edy23EvZ8rWQbJMeBzv8GXqOGwY3198SeQ5wG_0jEL-dEtd_zvjKiW5-F0gLxaHcVoSdy3PEnBgbtYQvjyDcv1hQA2CUxaGF9oyCQeVFmd7JG74JCmGgC74rPO5wdTBo_TNhAuehQMhNeG_cmbxddQI/s320/AL23--MAY%2012--P10B%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>28. ...... Needing the home run to complete the cycle as he bats with 2 on and 2 out in the 8th, Cedric gets the home run (!!) on this swing (photo above), upping the Orioles' lead to 6-2 with the 3-run shot. Here now - in a minute and 24 seconds - are all 4 of Cedric's hits: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/12/a37449f4-87610ef0-ac2b08ef-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/12/a37449f4-87610ef0-ac2b08ef-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> <div><br /></div><div>Then as he is interviewed after the 6-3 victory - thankfully for him with his hat still on - Mullins gets his dreads wet as he accepts the traditional Gatorade drenching (photo on right), courtesy of teammates Austin Hays and Ryan O'Hearn: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/12/7c634b3e-91ecfc9f-58868ece-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/12/7c634b3e-91ecfc9f-58868ece-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lT6vY0sqEwE3ysIjRaawaRpWSIbEnXOUuwv1TVq8NQW9nKLVegXycXNyKT2TULm91vpy0xBz_ciyf01sNw88BHVhhHJh98gJRLTKs9Tz7MYIXR-WDIx4G1FFk8YQHeqIZWE7HrMtY7vVMNM6j1HhMjvr0pcyg0F5tOnYPBTQzDtJMWtFJ22IuOUsRQI/s1440/AL23--APR.%2026--P2A%20%20BOST-BALT%20%20.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lT6vY0sqEwE3ysIjRaawaRpWSIbEnXOUuwv1TVq8NQW9nKLVegXycXNyKT2TULm91vpy0xBz_ciyf01sNw88BHVhhHJh98gJRLTKs9Tz7MYIXR-WDIx4G1FFk8YQHeqIZWE7HrMtY7vVMNM6j1HhMjvr0pcyg0F5tOnYPBTQzDtJMWtFJ22IuOUsRQI/s320/AL23--APR.%2026--P2A%20%20BOST-BALT%20%20.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMeLiedM2oIaN5WUZd90x68aem9tSJKgeIiebwtFQMFNPv3jY4c_iq9JZpo2xgYJfWUuBQyPGjdS7YubbvQzlcH6vq7s12_6VSXpq73d5RdoAxquLW9f7xMW2zfHQqOYgJZGn15uo62BksZqhDigx37CdGIkrNQAfDEN780hgW0Yc0J0XKqOEZnoUMNE/s2048/AL23--APR.%2026--P1%20%20BOST-BALT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="2048" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMeLiedM2oIaN5WUZd90x68aem9tSJKgeIiebwtFQMFNPv3jY4c_iq9JZpo2xgYJfWUuBQyPGjdS7YubbvQzlcH6vq7s12_6VSXpq73d5RdoAxquLW9f7xMW2zfHQqOYgJZGn15uo62BksZqhDigx37CdGIkrNQAfDEN780hgW0Yc0J0XKqOEZnoUMNE/s320/AL23--APR.%2026--P1%20%20BOST-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>29. Here's <b>Cedric Mullins</b> one more time, with a great look at his dreads this time - no helmet, no hat, no skull cap - on Apr. 26 vs. the Red Sox. On base 3 times during the game, this is the only time he scores, his helmet flying off his head as he dives home on a sacrifice fly by RF Anthony Santander for a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st. On his way back to the dugout, Mullins taps fists with manager Brandon Hyde. <br /><div>Cedric also contributed an RBI single in the 4th inning, helping the Orioles defeat the Red Sox 6-2 and take 2 out of 3 in the series.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHf9YCjM0ZbLbyb_f13BwAYAIcaIxQk03nmGEwmpIvM5kaP6m8WBW0wg0PwfD5UmI16el2UOKEPfv34TlhLS6OupBXwBNWLnrUI04fwpEItTQHl_v19X9HVyXAVUDHrE7Y4IqFRL_S59ZoBp3lb5RmBblE78_H4estXSA0HkT-cnwmjesV98xDd8Zg7w/s1024/AL23--MAR.%2030--P7%20%20CLEVE-SEA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="1024" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHf9YCjM0ZbLbyb_f13BwAYAIcaIxQk03nmGEwmpIvM5kaP6m8WBW0wg0PwfD5UmI16el2UOKEPfv34TlhLS6OupBXwBNWLnrUI04fwpEItTQHl_v19X9HVyXAVUDHrE7Y4IqFRL_S59ZoBp3lb5RmBblE78_H4estXSA0HkT-cnwmjesV98xDd8Zg7w/s320/AL23--MAR.%2030--P7%20%20CLEVE-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG98b8SqqZ5ipoM7-Fll6Q8NpQuNRHSDDQagcHAr2NlOjOd0SxXUFAzNz5tGgTKBiaMSJ3pyIC2Jczb6OaC5DcJ5gOSy_oT6X9ozmbLXCQNPsNDgyVznKl3vRQ7EtBlrlNPSRsZeufyTL2qQP1yEWM4vBiWu5D73dxCERbDNUjAVAljJrzM9uw7Q1zbag/s2040/AL23--MAY%2022--P1%20%20OAK-SEA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1589" data-original-width="2040" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG98b8SqqZ5ipoM7-Fll6Q8NpQuNRHSDDQagcHAr2NlOjOd0SxXUFAzNz5tGgTKBiaMSJ3pyIC2Jczb6OaC5DcJ5gOSy_oT6X9ozmbLXCQNPsNDgyVznKl3vRQ7EtBlrlNPSRsZeufyTL2qQP1yEWM4vBiWu5D73dxCERbDNUjAVAljJrzM9uw7Q1zbag/s320/AL23--MAY%2022--P1%20%20OAK-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>30. Always a welcome sight for Mariners fans is <b>Luis Castillo</b>'s favorite mode of celebration, dropping down on his left knee and a fist pump with his right hand - most often seen after a big strikeout. In the top of the 3rd on opening night (Mar. 30, photo above) Castillo celebrates after striking out LF Steven Kwan of the Guardians to end the inning. After giving up a leadoff single that nearly took his head off, Castillo bounced back immediately, striking out the side to keep the game scoreless. It was the only hit he allowed in 6 IP. He had to settle for a no decision though, as the Mariners didn't score either until the 8th, when a 3-run homer gave them the 3-0 victory. <br /><div>Then on May 22 Luis assumes his position (photo on right) after striking out Jace Peterson with 2 men on base to end the top of the 4th and keep the Mariners' lead at 5-0. Castillo also struck out the next batter he faced leading off the 5th to record the 1,000th strikeout of his career. He ended the evening with 8 strikeouts in 6 IP and allowed 4 hits and 0 runs, improving to 3-2 as the Mariners won 11-2. </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAB2afQeQEeJ8u4-e0pYG9tlUmMz9hVm9VTvrDNERXx_91prV-o9ZPGY2g3bxp2Gj24beoGdxGny9QCFB5wjIbNdInwphdeWiCoxqKa-4l34Z7i3TQuY4g3PeN5q_VGfpJuTResWDuB5wgDPzmPDg2b0wQvQQtPCbIj8A7EUdc2dpcY3k_Wif8zMXWRkc/s2400/NL23--APR.%2012--P1%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2400" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAB2afQeQEeJ8u4-e0pYG9tlUmMz9hVm9VTvrDNERXx_91prV-o9ZPGY2g3bxp2Gj24beoGdxGny9QCFB5wjIbNdInwphdeWiCoxqKa-4l34Z7i3TQuY4g3PeN5q_VGfpJuTResWDuB5wgDPzmPDg2b0wQvQQtPCbIj8A7EUdc2dpcY3k_Wif8zMXWRkc/s320/NL23--APR.%2012--P1%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCflGr8fakNvXe6H8MbG3cUdX4r6e8-O18j1B6_flbsFbklvGuXbhkfilEcjI9SMjWMI8yufSLplroOcjhTZlTAkGrP3IAqBTisVRA-UmtV7vWXeUPqV8KrpmwG6pMAAz4AAviSbZZe17I1MEyiuYiBCU5JyeTcfhLkl4BFEjqfUb-mnN96jeSdQFAiiI/s1024/AL23--APR.%2019--P1%20%20PHIL-CHI.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCflGr8fakNvXe6H8MbG3cUdX4r6e8-O18j1B6_flbsFbklvGuXbhkfilEcjI9SMjWMI8yufSLplroOcjhTZlTAkGrP3IAqBTisVRA-UmtV7vWXeUPqV8KrpmwG6pMAAz4AAviSbZZe17I1MEyiuYiBCU5JyeTcfhLkl4BFEjqfUb-mnN96jeSdQFAiiI/s320/AL23--APR.%2019--P1%20%20PHIL-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>31. <b>Gregory Soto</b> yells out loud (photo above) after striking Marlins' slugger Jorge Soler on a 99 MPH fastball to end the top of the 9th and keep the game tied 2-2 at Philadelphia on Apr. 12. Soto faced one more batter in the game and struck him out for the 1st out in the 10th ...... and then was relieved and then charged with the loss when the runner on base to start the extra inning scored after he left the game. Then at Chicago a week later on May 19 Soto accepts congratulations from starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (photo on right) as he walks back to the dugout at the end of the bottom of the 7th. After Walker left the game with 2 on and 1 out, Soto came on and retired 2 batters in a row to strand the runners and keep the Phillies ahead 5-2. Gregory's day was done after just those two batters, and the Phillies held on to defeat the White Sox 5-2 and take 2 out of 3 in the series. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXd-qJyHt4I9QHzdIa5qXeuEu0Fj_C0p-WT9pcCrHmPkCvt5xuao2Tp69XDs0T3FuR3rkcZKsaQW0njSLMNL8shAGPhVqeaa5I_YCrPL5SL7PkiaHqpQ2vQFHs0ZD6OBbIrFUHuy8y5G3Wy3LrY5GuWnV7NDO-u8LnWbJ_C5zQAifMTMZai9VfHpDops/s1200/NL23--MAY%206--P1%20%20MIA-CHI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXd-qJyHt4I9QHzdIa5qXeuEu0Fj_C0p-WT9pcCrHmPkCvt5xuao2Tp69XDs0T3FuR3rkcZKsaQW0njSLMNL8shAGPhVqeaa5I_YCrPL5SL7PkiaHqpQ2vQFHs0ZD6OBbIrFUHuy8y5G3Wy3LrY5GuWnV7NDO-u8LnWbJ_C5zQAifMTMZai9VfHpDops/s320/NL23--MAY%206--P1%20%20MIA-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>32. At Chicago on May 6, after retiring the first 2 batters in the bottom of the 7th only to let the next 3 get on base,<b> Huascar Brazoban</b> takes off his hat and runs off the mound after striking out Seiya Suzuki (#27) on a 3-2 pitch to escape the jam and keep the Marlins in front 2-1: <a href="http://bdata-producedclips.mlb.com/27d989b3-5428-4bd3-a3e7-72ee4f61d8f9.mp4" target="_blank">bdata-producedclips.mlb.com/27d989b3-5428-4bd3-a3e7-72ee4f61d8f9.mp4</a><div>Brazoban's effort went for naught though as the Cubs scored 3 in the bottom of the 8th to knock off the Marlins 4-2.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSfpdMrlqeueDBZ8RPc630zTBSPXUhQ6beq2MrRnJl63k65HaZoZiILKlzOltGAQi5Ic1XLcFi3aTUKK66tpapOnUcZS8UZ8JdPQqt-Poar3Qvrsny8Pgp6jkH-e-5IduSwwXukXD80P446Gr1MqNWmRWUVtEFjJldqkuvraBzR8MrNhGJwCXCXL5SKY/s1400/NL23--MAY%205--P7%20%20LA-SD.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSfpdMrlqeueDBZ8RPc630zTBSPXUhQ6beq2MrRnJl63k65HaZoZiILKlzOltGAQi5Ic1XLcFi3aTUKK66tpapOnUcZS8UZ8JdPQqt-Poar3Qvrsny8Pgp6jkH-e-5IduSwwXukXD80P446Gr1MqNWmRWUVtEFjJldqkuvraBzR8MrNhGJwCXCXL5SKY/s320/NL23--MAY%205--P7%20%20LA-SD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G0l71k3T4UFWqssUWhwKlOTuozqZ5daz-4m4eFuta5npKFt_HSNONBgYa9B0ZCO0dCyGSDSJPnD0RNDl81V0IMTz_LlCNhj2CSf_cXO1KrxI53r5rz7ATdFONXaddrBbcLvlXjYL3iCtKBKO4kXEbWzTDNLZWznYO4HPDndeaJglgKmaoM1EK54m3M4/s2048/NL23--MAY%205--P5A%20%20LA-SD.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1G0l71k3T4UFWqssUWhwKlOTuozqZ5daz-4m4eFuta5npKFt_HSNONBgYa9B0ZCO0dCyGSDSJPnD0RNDl81V0IMTz_LlCNhj2CSf_cXO1KrxI53r5rz7ATdFONXaddrBbcLvlXjYL3iCtKBKO4kXEbWzTDNLZWznYO4HPDndeaJglgKmaoM1EK54m3M4/s320/NL23--MAY%205--P5A%20%20LA-SD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>33. <b>Fernando Tatis Jr.</b> raises him arm in triumph (photo above) after his drive off of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw clears the wall in left-center for his 3rd home run of the season, tying the game 1-1 at Petco Park on May 5; and upon returning to the dugout he is presented the Padres' home run sombrero by teammate Rougned Odor (photo on right). Tatis hit a 2-run homer his next time up - also off Kershaw - to give the Padres a 3-1 lead, and they went on to win 5-2. A look at both home runs: <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/05/9a7fcc5e-3796d0c5-963192db-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/05/9a7fcc5e-3796d0c5-963192db-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a><div>The sombrero home run celebration started when the Padres went to Mexico City for a 2-game series with the Giants at the end of April. But unfortunately they retired it (for now) after only 3 weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-yaTKYsYP9wRPngYQeltPyLals50ewkvF3GjT1kKLwIxISobQO6-kwwVSaQf4n7GHoY0x5RLjnmpXo4L2WoMJzfG5Ks9scAV0kFP8WxvP7eQQo4M1qcKxhh7d3slDDkmjX4ExzzrDuSP3vUVyQPJ4Ai8R2pltsNdt7NEl3KiDIe_mshtZlgNRQbQWTk/s1086/NL23--APR.%2026--P3%20%20SEA-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1086" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-yaTKYsYP9wRPngYQeltPyLals50ewkvF3GjT1kKLwIxISobQO6-kwwVSaQf4n7GHoY0x5RLjnmpXo4L2WoMJzfG5Ks9scAV0kFP8WxvP7eQQo4M1qcKxhh7d3slDDkmjX4ExzzrDuSP3vUVyQPJ4Ai8R2pltsNdt7NEl3KiDIe_mshtZlgNRQbQWTk/s320/NL23--APR.%2026--P3%20%20SEA-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmZRAauPRoZudDNHIgbyLw2iDoGzuy4uxLLTE_hL1CKpSoDdLGh5529Q0YydySwDm6Nie99piTvWhOLUcJq8Ypplrxu9szxi2TQ5xCNuMR6FNWlFJE-fFpqjCYbFkVqdsm9wEcTPYEYFgFcRk-Wh3S3nP4LQAJbCRL2amPZuRWetreeNgc7rEY4vLME4/s1200/NL23--APR.%2026--P5%20%20SEA-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmZRAauPRoZudDNHIgbyLw2iDoGzuy4uxLLTE_hL1CKpSoDdLGh5529Q0YydySwDm6Nie99piTvWhOLUcJq8Ypplrxu9szxi2TQ5xCNuMR6FNWlFJE-fFpqjCYbFkVqdsm9wEcTPYEYFgFcRk-Wh3S3nP4LQAJbCRL2amPZuRWetreeNgc7rEY4vLME4/s320/NL23--APR.%2026--P5%20%20SEA-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>34. Biting the hand that once fed him, <b>J.P. Crawford</b> connects for his 2nd career grand slam (photo above), turning a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 Mariners lead over the Phillies in the top of the 2nd on Apr. 26. And upon returning to the dugout, J.P. celebrates the Mariner way (photo on right), wearing the swelmet and lifting the 30-pound trident (they're both 'a Mariners thing'): <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/26/2a1d0f9b-75ebc1b5-0964ca8d-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/26/2a1d0f9b-75ebc1b5-0964ca8d-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> <br /><div>The home run came in Crawford's 2nd game back in Philadelphia since the Phillies traded him to the Mariners at the end of the 2018 season. A satisfying moment for sure for J.P., who went 3-for-4 on the night; but the Phillies wound up getting the last laugh, coming back from a 5-2 deficit to defeat the Mariners 6-5.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKdHwD_B4TB94A7Du1a-9TwXN8DSAJnQINZbfBwmW2UCe1Y9gJjj3qpSudAPYfCTJQpOhQbB1f3R33Dt4EzniKPYOwctAnbsOnPO3bumCwhGgHUIxEtcDzGLfmcTENbqVxR2IU7MWLoe8vyBVCG2mCdMNgLFNemH3NANNGL2ldYCbZSfSoCnFoxnvoNQ/s4275/AL23--MAY%202--P2%20%20MINN-CHI.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="4275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKdHwD_B4TB94A7Du1a-9TwXN8DSAJnQINZbfBwmW2UCe1Y9gJjj3qpSudAPYfCTJQpOhQbB1f3R33Dt4EzniKPYOwctAnbsOnPO3bumCwhGgHUIxEtcDzGLfmcTENbqVxR2IU7MWLoe8vyBVCG2mCdMNgLFNemH3NANNGL2ldYCbZSfSoCnFoxnvoNQ/s320/AL23--MAY%202--P2%20%20MINN-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLda-yjERAHAd-IzShOoAk4WLomdnHplpIV9wW_LczQ18qIZoawnWE5J826wQeK32ElsK_7VTwk3VauGkTnsbw_4CbGrucu0oA7sJBOVyE9q4BsDGMySFzIvwS8Srjv8BeJ6AudPMi_G9wH_j4ya6I3kwytnGedNslFci4ynaJDtONo2jSdvCi90FS5Bg/s2048/AL23--MAY%203--P2%20%20MINN-CHI.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLda-yjERAHAd-IzShOoAk4WLomdnHplpIV9wW_LczQ18qIZoawnWE5J826wQeK32ElsK_7VTwk3VauGkTnsbw_4CbGrucu0oA7sJBOVyE9q4BsDGMySFzIvwS8Srjv8BeJ6AudPMi_G9wH_j4ya6I3kwytnGedNslFci4ynaJDtONo2jSdvCi90FS5Bg/s320/AL23--MAY%203--P2%20%20MINN-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>35. In Minnesota, aka the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you wear the 10,000 Rakes fishing vest and pretend to go fishing whenever you hit a home run for the Twins - as demonstrated here by <b>Nick Gordon</b> after his first 2 home runs of the season on back-to-back nights at Chicago on May 2-3. After tying the game on May 2 with a pinch hit blast leading off the top of the 8th, Gordon reels one in (photo above) in the dugout next to P Pablo Lopez: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/02/f9588e8d-1b41baaf-8e79d2ed-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/02/f9588e8d-1b41baaf-8e79d2ed-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> ...... 24 hours or so later Nick gives the cameraman a look at the back of the vest (photo on right) after his solo home run in the 4th gives the Twins a short-lived 4-3 lead. Unfortunately for Nick neither homer was in a winning cause. After losing 3-2 to the White Sox on May 2, the Twins lost again the next night 6-4.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm0J1Aq7ifP0nj5Qz7Su1Y7YsDN5J7xUJC56mKs9z-f3mncDU_dnsReK839JLnS8ET_VA3rddp9EiliGGriYFrdTSsKuvsqyawYONlHShq1AWBd9CL1dDHxDf0tH_ocFO1W9-DJPqwgu64MBwUg22GAO6izU0iT7phJ-D-EZWESG6D0KNNpkrPBi1Gb8/s2048/NL23--APR.%2027--P4A%20%20WASH-NY.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm0J1Aq7ifP0nj5Qz7Su1Y7YsDN5J7xUJC56mKs9z-f3mncDU_dnsReK839JLnS8ET_VA3rddp9EiliGGriYFrdTSsKuvsqyawYONlHShq1AWBd9CL1dDHxDf0tH_ocFO1W9-DJPqwgu64MBwUg22GAO6izU0iT7phJ-D-EZWESG6D0KNNpkrPBi1Gb8/s320/NL23--APR.%2027--P4A%20%20WASH-NY.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGwALoUVCa-Nfeey2I2_N_gYdfbjidXljjDlSnli0UZH6BuNSZy7hC6kDE_gZRwN19mN5UZNBguhnOD8WS62uak__Lb2rzNXTmISmNDsUcisDsfivj4UtDzPCoHsyKIi2EuAN8jkc400RLOY8xH1bRWx8fGje1B4_7ZKPZo9lnCizbouzkqVxIavHJrE/s1249/NL23--APR.%2027--P4%20%20WASH-NY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1249" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGwALoUVCa-Nfeey2I2_N_gYdfbjidXljjDlSnli0UZH6BuNSZy7hC6kDE_gZRwN19mN5UZNBguhnOD8WS62uak__Lb2rzNXTmISmNDsUcisDsfivj4UtDzPCoHsyKIi2EuAN8jkc400RLOY8xH1bRWx8fGje1B4_7ZKPZo9lnCizbouzkqVxIavHJrE/s320/NL23--APR.%2027--P4%20%20WASH-NY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>36. I'll spare you the Nationals' 'Founding Fathers' prop - an 18th century era wig with long white hair - worn by their home run hitters. Instead let's just see <b>CJ Abrams</b> celebrating as he rounds 3rd and heads home (left photo) and then is congratulated by all the players he drove in (right photo) - Stone Garrett (left), Lane Thomas (#28), and Victor Robles (#16) - with his 1st career grand slam at Citi Field on Apr. 27: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/27/fc95e204-23792df3-4c839314-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/27/fc95e204-23792df3-4c839314-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> ...... It turned a 7-4 deficit into an 8-7 lead and was the Nationals' only hit during their 5-run 8th inning. Unfortunately the bullpen could not hold the lead. The Mets came back with 2 in the bottom of the 8th and won 9-8.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbxpRPvycsklisTJnBOAWpE95Mtx0aTlq1Tn29MsJftNjue8ENDg5bYyQDbEQ2qwiymYb8pqzR8AHZ3gUeDP0-ymCGyxbbPXoBOUrcd1pSyr1La6pCoGOWtTbtHl1BDI-KZJAQpxL9Vcig3-JJpjRjiC2V8aJa5YmCkHU9WXxD_NpgubwnVMpgiqKIRA/s2048/NL23--JUNE%2021--P3%20%20ARIZ-MILW.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbxpRPvycsklisTJnBOAWpE95Mtx0aTlq1Tn29MsJftNjue8ENDg5bYyQDbEQ2qwiymYb8pqzR8AHZ3gUeDP0-ymCGyxbbPXoBOUrcd1pSyr1La6pCoGOWtTbtHl1BDI-KZJAQpxL9Vcig3-JJpjRjiC2V8aJa5YmCkHU9WXxD_NpgubwnVMpgiqKIRA/s320/NL23--JUNE%2021--P3%20%20ARIZ-MILW.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuZ6Jol7tIUMC7UmJ5zrr1o4jyZWLFvGxmG5m5CsxbpldYkFfWIZi7NUkID73WYz7V__pCkSV-0pFAEzNGMFbXZ8kZHFEknexo1zuLVLXC6xJq5S9bf8h_xbhwbpw4v0HXhsCto27p6PGX68iT0AMGCsRKuRI176uw22uPx0BlKrr1SJGPrCMM7qV2xI/s1861/NL23--JUNE%2021--P2A%20%20ARIZ-MILW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1861" data-original-width="1273" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuZ6Jol7tIUMC7UmJ5zrr1o4jyZWLFvGxmG5m5CsxbpldYkFfWIZi7NUkID73WYz7V__pCkSV-0pFAEzNGMFbXZ8kZHFEknexo1zuLVLXC6xJq5S9bf8h_xbhwbpw4v0HXhsCto27p6PGX68iT0AMGCsRKuRI176uw22uPx0BlKrr1SJGPrCMM7qV2xI/s320/NL23--JUNE%2021--P2A%20%20ARIZ-MILW.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div><br /></div>37. No doubt Brewers home runs would be better celebrated by having the hitter (or why not the whole team) take a swig from a quarter barrel in the dugout; but lacking that ...... <b>Raimel Tapia</b> jumps for joy as he approaches home plate (left photo) after taking Diamonbacks ace Zac Gallen deep and breaking up a scoreless tie in the bottom of the 5th on June 21; and upon returning to the dugout Raimel officially becomes a dreadhead cheesehead for the first time: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/20/9c4d3664-1a691203-de6c8010-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/20/9c4d3664-1a691203-de6c8010-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> ...... It was Tapia's first hit since joining the Brewers a week earlier and snapped an 0-for-15 skid since his last hit for the Red Sox back on May 30. Unfortunately for Brewers fans this was all they had to cheer for all day. They were held hitless the rest of the game, and Arizona came back to win 5-1.<br /><br />.<br /><div><br /></div><div>But of course baseball isn't always fun and games full of happy moments. In a game where even the very best fail 7 times out of every 10 there's no shortage of disappointing, frustratating, aggravating, and infuriating moments and plenty of hardships and adversities .......</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4HtFPF5ZQavKGXGByUq7TPNrS2VaG6DYBHjzcXrgtpRd8ZdG1atZ2XT4V-KRa1j-_FWRjw57kTclNnMcHtIc5F7_xz6FaxkS8iLNTZvDIkv-w5KPbzaa1kumOwpheanAUz3j1DRZneGc11rCgD-jGR43tfI-g2zDjH1jPvwNz4T7XsJtmikkYea6rH0/s2048/NL23--MAY%208--P2A%20%20MIA-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1725" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4HtFPF5ZQavKGXGByUq7TPNrS2VaG6DYBHjzcXrgtpRd8ZdG1atZ2XT4V-KRa1j-_FWRjw57kTclNnMcHtIc5F7_xz6FaxkS8iLNTZvDIkv-w5KPbzaa1kumOwpheanAUz3j1DRZneGc11rCgD-jGR43tfI-g2zDjH1jPvwNz4T7XsJtmikkYea6rH0/s320/NL23--MAY%208--P2A%20%20MIA-ARIZ.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjAWW8DdoOkLsBealqG7MlhiXbCj99eyvAjhegSAoNNFYnj2EPzg3xSomHNn3CRaQTbgLXBxgEX03DLCJRCCGcx8z-u6bM0WOF_DM1SDgEWEy4rvFacc4SkThtu2_ojkMqWyIo7qhrOgg59H3cR_-N6z1eBN1Qzui6Le9K2W35wzAZqysGXIvjL9HDfU/s1395/NL23--MAY%208--P1%20%20MIA-ARIZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1395" data-original-width="927" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjAWW8DdoOkLsBealqG7MlhiXbCj99eyvAjhegSAoNNFYnj2EPzg3xSomHNn3CRaQTbgLXBxgEX03DLCJRCCGcx8z-u6bM0WOF_DM1SDgEWEy4rvFacc4SkThtu2_ojkMqWyIo7qhrOgg59H3cR_-N6z1eBN1Qzui6Le9K2W35wzAZqysGXIvjL9HDfU/s320/NL23--MAY%208--P1%20%20MIA-ARIZ.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div>38. Having already struck out his first two times up against Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen on May 8, <b>Jean Segura</b> is in no mood to have umpire Mark Ripperger call him out on strikes on his third time up on a pitch he thought was low and inside. Jean responds by angrily spiking his helmet, and Ripperger immediately throws him out of the game: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/09/fdea6999-1bfee301-f473b5c4-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/09/fdea6999-1bfee301-f473b5c4-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> ...... Segura's strikeout ended a Marlins threat in the 5th and kept the score tied 1-1. The Marlins went on to lose 5-2 but came back to win the next 2 games in the 3-game series.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNgl3jLgRhbXf3gS554KwWXVLsvpAyowcuACUvqFFlPFMEoTyKTCJGs3batkUhdGTDGLFn9k3FcCqfHB5fslfoGlGXO78WQ3PeXOg7Idsjc_PTpU4D8ydtsoc-So5KiZtpQXiiQqzwovbBPytdHUYMc8Mw-hNK7j0oDta-KBCzjDVKZqCpDI7NhffVJo/s1200/AL23--MAY%2012--P4%20%20ST.LOU-BOST.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNgl3jLgRhbXf3gS554KwWXVLsvpAyowcuACUvqFFlPFMEoTyKTCJGs3batkUhdGTDGLFn9k3FcCqfHB5fslfoGlGXO78WQ3PeXOg7Idsjc_PTpU4D8ydtsoc-So5KiZtpQXiiQqzwovbBPytdHUYMc8Mw-hNK7j0oDta-KBCzjDVKZqCpDI7NhffVJo/s320/AL23--MAY%2012--P4%20%20ST.LOU-BOST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8badf7BkhBmfLnBWZhzo4EdVutrFxj9bZbS1XR90qh19JV2kjJ6jENfSZz54_QEvZ3k2YJ8NXiwMVudLZYp6ijsuSHb9T2WcDM4goACHL35oVEwTxXDQXKSC4lxM7YU77C2ziYLGHPhJ5nTwTD7SYK59fxYeoa5tkGzwX_rxcQ1eeHK08lXD1VGUt9Qs/s4159/AL23--MAY%2013--P4A%20%20ST.LOU-BOST.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2923" data-original-width="4159" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8badf7BkhBmfLnBWZhzo4EdVutrFxj9bZbS1XR90qh19JV2kjJ6jENfSZz54_QEvZ3k2YJ8NXiwMVudLZYp6ijsuSHb9T2WcDM4goACHL35oVEwTxXDQXKSC4lxM7YU77C2ziYLGHPhJ5nTwTD7SYK59fxYeoa5tkGzwX_rxcQ1eeHK08lXD1VGUt9Qs/s320/AL23--MAY%2013--P4A%20%20ST.LOU-BOST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>39. It's the worst feeling in the world for a closer when he blows a lead in the 9th inning. And to do it two days in a row? Man, that feels like the world is coming to an end.<div>At Fenway Park on May 12 <b>Kenley Jansen</b>, after allowing the game-tying single to the previous batter, cleans the dirt out of his cleats on the back of the mound (photo above) while waiting for Nolan Gorman to round the bases on his pinch-hit 2-run homer that gives the Cardinals an 8-6 lead. It doesn't happen often, but Kenley just didn't have it on this night. He faced 4 batters, retiring none of them, and was relieved after allowing 3 hits, a walk, and 3 runs en route to his 1st loss of the season. And then less than 24 hours later Jansen sits dejectedly in the dugout (photo on right) after another disastrous top of the 9th in which he allowed 3 runs again and blew a 3-1 lead. The 8-6 and 4-3 defeats got the Red Sox started on a 4-game losing streak. But if it's any consolation, Kenley - ever since these two games and as of July 9 - has not blown any more save chances.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_7F7PopOwH7Wcnkk8zHiJZVCCThss0tErd0ctnd01NMQe4WxWULBaa3zU1o8VsF6G3M9AwZhRHmXhkj1FtnRQ0GxJ1avtgxtZlRYIWuEVBbuZldAuO1LF88JCZF5trEL6xL2C9QeNnZjl5f2r-0AQCM6X-99eu8LdnVdQpCiG0K9zYVwNQ-HGEPFRQU/s1024/AL23--MAR.%2030--P8A%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_7F7PopOwH7Wcnkk8zHiJZVCCThss0tErd0ctnd01NMQe4WxWULBaa3zU1o8VsF6G3M9AwZhRHmXhkj1FtnRQ0GxJ1avtgxtZlRYIWuEVBbuZldAuO1LF88JCZF5trEL6xL2C9QeNnZjl5f2r-0AQCM6X-99eu8LdnVdQpCiG0K9zYVwNQ-HGEPFRQU/s320/AL23--MAR.%2030--P8A%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>40. <b>Rafael Montero</b> wastes no time getting his season off to a bad start. Shortly after the Astros take a 1-0 lead over the White Sox on opening night with a run in the bottom of the 7th, Montero blows the lead in the top of the 8th, here waiting for C Yasmani Grandal to finish rounding the bases on his game-tying home run. Although Montero was not charged with the L, the Astros lost 3-2 as the White Sox scored 2 in the 9th. Usually pitching 1 inning per outing this season, Rafael has held the opponent hitless in only 9 of his 37 games so far as of July 9.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYBrEI54Cgc4V-M_ALGunMLXHcbUBcUZODX-wRFtE6ZDj6iZeHPlUanDb6gqzxLsd2mQU7Bm5CPzQ8lDAXrgcrxG7zYLbV8X8NyJWBKwJb4h0SSfknESXAZYVmKTPXD9IyDas3WllpUNYHhqe2o3pLhwrJFCp0L5gJIiAFx6je-PNzzQ01yEqd35z-_Q/s2048/AL23--MAY%2017--P1%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1503" data-original-width="2048" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYBrEI54Cgc4V-M_ALGunMLXHcbUBcUZODX-wRFtE6ZDj6iZeHPlUanDb6gqzxLsd2mQU7Bm5CPzQ8lDAXrgcrxG7zYLbV8X8NyJWBKwJb4h0SSfknESXAZYVmKTPXD9IyDas3WllpUNYHhqe2o3pLhwrJFCp0L5gJIiAFx6je-PNzzQ01yEqd35z-_Q/s320/AL23--MAY%2017--P1%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>41. In his first game back with the Diamondbacks on May 17 after spending a month in the minors, <b>Luis</b> <b>Frias</b> fails (spectacularly) to get the job done, immediately blowing a 3-0 lead. After walking the first 2 batters in the bottom of the 7th, Frias waits for A's RF Ramon Laureano to finish rounding the bases on his 3-run homer. Luis never got the chance to pitch that new ball he is holding, as he was removed from the game after facing just the three batters. For Diamondbacks fans it was all's well that ends well though, as the D-backs scored 2 in the 9th to win 5-3, with <b>Miguel Castro</b> picking up the save. But as for Frias, this certainly didn't help convince the Diamondbacks to keep him on the team. And 10 days later he was sent back to the minors (Reno).<div><br /><div>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCySQWbVFGT1-4XVxYXcKCfe2POiwr4tvI6dZ_AxR6cFl7KhDHKoYJK0pF3rRmjHveE1mpixwPxxwcYfE9IBm6quEQh4jX2oD0g1ty5t9BFqIFSe-W-I6hDJSCupiIaS6n5GJ9gH9eYnPS4W9f726dzuFDqe8D24RI3bQ_jjAwyRvH0xYd6eShZS9cpio/s1567/NL23--APR.%207--P4%20%20WASH-COLO.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1567" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCySQWbVFGT1-4XVxYXcKCfe2POiwr4tvI6dZ_AxR6cFl7KhDHKoYJK0pF3rRmjHveE1mpixwPxxwcYfE9IBm6quEQh4jX2oD0g1ty5t9BFqIFSe-W-I6hDJSCupiIaS6n5GJ9gH9eYnPS4W9f726dzuFDqe8D24RI3bQ_jjAwyRvH0xYd6eShZS9cpio/s320/NL23--APR.%207--P4%20%20WASH-COLO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-5PWptZdpVIKV5mKmpae6-3DNNcq0d23AYLL5Wv0442oO2KS5ViJq1Ypv78MBUCyLKf_mFQBmdw0wVGQoSa94sWgvKzc2UexNLTgJn_PTjJ4A09tYUkHtck5ziK4Ohzg0US54DVLt6aDGDHTgSCRvEYz8cF2pjKiX6ylVwtYMipMxn8ZaObCUqTZhsc/s3931/NL23--MAY%203--P4%20%20MILW-COLO.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2621" data-original-width="3931" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-5PWptZdpVIKV5mKmpae6-3DNNcq0d23AYLL5Wv0442oO2KS5ViJq1Ypv78MBUCyLKf_mFQBmdw0wVGQoSa94sWgvKzc2UexNLTgJn_PTjJ4A09tYUkHtck5ziK4Ohzg0US54DVLt6aDGDHTgSCRvEYz8cF2pjKiX6ylVwtYMipMxn8ZaObCUqTZhsc/s320/NL23--MAY%203--P4%20%20MILW-COLO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>42. At the beginning of the season the Colorado Rockies had two pitchers with long dreads. But after the way <b>Jose Urena</b> and <b>Dinelson Lamet</b> pitched, they probably have Rockies fans hoping never to see anybody with dreads pitching for the Rockies ever again. At Denver on Apr. 7 Urena hands the ball to manager Bud Black (photo above) after a 2-run triple by <b>CJ Abrams</b> ends his start with 2 outs in the top of the 3rd. Jose began the game giving up home runs to the first two batters he faced, then allowed 2 more runs in the 2nd before Abrams' hit knocked him out with the score 6-1. In the 5 games he started this season Urena had to be relieved mid-inning in 4 of them. <br />Then on the same mound 4 weeks later Black takes the ball from Lamet (photo on right) in the top of the 9th after Dinelson can't even get 3 outs with a 7-run lead on May 3. After walking 3 of the 4 batters he faced, Lamet was out of there, but the Rockies did hang on to defeat the Brewers 7-1. <div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrO1Dw6Or77_OxUswppgZQGXxS2KPR2P_fS3T1cauUPDtL7rIj78g8gBFDOefOmLTI8xeNe9vZYfSvSFWPjDRCYeyg4wEgl8a3nOQOxhI0THuQ-eck0x2rd6ObrZxnhBy9MHhtt0FMZOJ8jSNtM2qxm5CuqCkyYu9EfKWgEyA3FFq1CVUdYTzdAVUL3kc/s2048/AL23--MAY%2017--P12%20%20CLEVE-CHI.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1636" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrO1Dw6Or77_OxUswppgZQGXxS2KPR2P_fS3T1cauUPDtL7rIj78g8gBFDOefOmLTI8xeNe9vZYfSvSFWPjDRCYeyg4wEgl8a3nOQOxhI0THuQ-eck0x2rd6ObrZxnhBy9MHhtt0FMZOJ8jSNtM2qxm5CuqCkyYu9EfKWgEyA3FFq1CVUdYTzdAVUL3kc/s320/AL23--MAY%2017--P12%20%20CLEVE-CHI.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqv6s4CT-iexkg9MjqW0xX0JrtPuIHq9UMoUpBd0Hb5J4JZoh0ABvBN_kK4M5xD2j49pDN0Ch1qjoCuSY8_rNvKeXGBtBNd8Ms6m6gs4Ha0QQ7uJ8ha-cvYg_MdoAciVvllKUuQtg8KYYbuwsquh4OmoyGEueGTdD9xnntxDeTa92Pg1nerxSBUtV050/s2048/AL23--MAY%2017--P12A%20%20CLEVE-CHI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1503" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqv6s4CT-iexkg9MjqW0xX0JrtPuIHq9UMoUpBd0Hb5J4JZoh0ABvBN_kK4M5xD2j49pDN0Ch1qjoCuSY8_rNvKeXGBtBNd8Ms6m6gs4Ha0QQ7uJ8ha-cvYg_MdoAciVvllKUuQtg8KYYbuwsquh4OmoyGEueGTdD9xnntxDeTa92Pg1nerxSBUtV050/s320/AL23--MAY%2017--P12A%20%20CLEVE-CHI.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div><br /></div>43. <b>Josh Bell</b> wants to slam his bat into the ground (left photo) - but thinks better of it - after striking out on a high fastball with 2 on to end the the top of the 5th at Chicago on May 17. After (gently) discarding his bat and his helmet, Bell removes his batting gloves (right photo) before heading out to his position at 1st base with the Guardians still trailing 4-1. Josh walked with the bases loaded his next time up in the 7th and finished with 2 RBI for the second time this season (see photo #8 for the first), but the Guardians fell to the White Sox 7-2.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsscLcXiqiLmNJCLibHsnF_Yh0ErBL31kqledl-zZgn9UI_t7imzNfBFgaNNji-zxD_aZZ9me6J-EHfn3axh1Z8EIHCuqr_h2D0sjRXmV0UdPs8FLuF_aOjvCIfOUVwhZnpOOYaRNKz3bQZESEVa8JpyTwjPp7TLBELRP1hZOWWYvgRVHtZgOF99fKOEA/s960/AL23--MAY%2012--P1%20%20ATL-TOR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsscLcXiqiLmNJCLibHsnF_Yh0ErBL31kqledl-zZgn9UI_t7imzNfBFgaNNji-zxD_aZZ9me6J-EHfn3axh1Z8EIHCuqr_h2D0sjRXmV0UdPs8FLuF_aOjvCIfOUVwhZnpOOYaRNKz3bQZESEVa8JpyTwjPp7TLBELRP1hZOWWYvgRVHtZgOF99fKOEA/s320/AL23--MAY%2012--P1%20%20ATL-TOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>44. Hard to believe, but even <b>Ronald Acuna</b> has had a disappointing moment or two during 2023. After popping out to end the top of the 8th at Toronto on May 12, Acuna stands and drops his helmet - but not yet his bat - halfway between home plate and 1st base, completing a 1-for-4 night. Ronald wasn't the only man in a Braves uniform feeling sad on this night. Blue Jays ace Chris Bassitt stymied the Braves, pitching a complete game 2-hit shutout as Toronto won 3-0. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSUdjVdmaWuwKrfW2jnPteu_BaL6Omq2kuYONtRMe7ZhmY67Y45ZFcSwd4GgymmTRQ1aAMnOXZqcr3LCRVJGoG2s8ofxjK3zLCAsIz_q6qSwfjpzKF-z8lt3yefeOCNPhawa0R_G-2z9G0K5mzM2ymAa0twwE5ikf9UmG4kdnEhEfZkISU9oWbCmx-DI/s2048/NL23--APR.%203--P1A%20%20MINN-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSUdjVdmaWuwKrfW2jnPteu_BaL6Omq2kuYONtRMe7ZhmY67Y45ZFcSwd4GgymmTRQ1aAMnOXZqcr3LCRVJGoG2s8ofxjK3zLCAsIz_q6qSwfjpzKF-z8lt3yefeOCNPhawa0R_G-2z9G0K5mzM2ymAa0twwE5ikf9UmG4kdnEhEfZkISU9oWbCmx-DI/s320/NL23--APR.%203--P1A%20%20MINN-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucNAxPgfkEokpE49oFR1IGvPlBT8KTiKAVi2AvQjZu62sPya2xKAJSPtAihCOPlBUu4hJOEwVnx12UwKyBLMFlAIk_VSwdkB8YnWg-c9qcYpBFkg82axxj0ODnLifxkXjtpIftTm6rGKAC8DmyWMlirhBGB-Yo9EnRdmjUa-MlUbX2R57SYl7iBWHy8U/s1200/NL23--APR.%203--P1%20%20MINN-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucNAxPgfkEokpE49oFR1IGvPlBT8KTiKAVi2AvQjZu62sPya2xKAJSPtAihCOPlBUu4hJOEwVnx12UwKyBLMFlAIk_VSwdkB8YnWg-c9qcYpBFkg82axxj0ODnLifxkXjtpIftTm6rGKAC8DmyWMlirhBGB-Yo9EnRdmjUa-MlUbX2R57SYl7iBWHy8U/s320/NL23--APR.%203--P1%20%20MINN-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>45. The first half of the 2023 season has been Disappointing (with a capital D) for <b>Johnny Cueto</b>, as his first game in a Miami Marlins uniform ends early on Apr. 3. After Cueto allows a home run to the first batter of the game and then a 3-run homer in the top of the 2nd, concerned teammates - including <b>Jean Segura</b> - gather around as trainer Ben Potenziano talks to Cueto on the mound and then escorts him off the field with a biceps injury. An injury that has taken him 3 months (and counting) to overcome. Even worse, and tragically .......<div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawpFjuT_GoCxe8bkzX5wcxcW1vfZohuvDZpqOm5PD1fraXHE4zv8UNfyCDdQjBcby_a4PVeRyzjYOKnnYdMBdG9t-N-tjtkOtuEEXwXTSkL0Fl8XGT5wYMqvq3L0mkeLPLWnjLwmnEPFij60vN0D9MxHZW5qqYlKzm-BjUgD3LWz1P1LRFIKI67OZqk4/s758/NL23--JUNE%202--P2%20%20J.CUETO.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawpFjuT_GoCxe8bkzX5wcxcW1vfZohuvDZpqOm5PD1fraXHE4zv8UNfyCDdQjBcby_a4PVeRyzjYOKnnYdMBdG9t-N-tjtkOtuEEXwXTSkL0Fl8XGT5wYMqvq3L0mkeLPLWnjLwmnEPFij60vN0D9MxHZW5qqYlKzm-BjUgD3LWz1P1LRFIKI67OZqk4/s320/NL23--JUNE%202--P2%20%20J.CUETO.png" width="182" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>At some point during his rehabilitation assignment with the Marlins Class AAA team in Jacksonville the unthinkable happened, as Johnny said goodbye to the dreads he had been growing for the last 13 years (since 2010). This is a screenshot of a post from his Instagram account that was dated June 2. And if you can bear to watch it, here's the link to that post: <a href="http://instagram.com/p/CtAg_UcsG3o/?hl=en" target="_blank">instagram.com/p/CtAg_UcsG3o/?hl=en</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I mean, I know that all good things have to come to an end; but why <i>this</i> one?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQhGRFb4cXNJMnvz5ipcxzH2IbP-bye7QklNjv1trZi53UERf9Nob5Ip16pYeFHQGY530cqtO4r32mufopYq8eJ6Ro8cRKWAHuLEghDtQe1nOXI4-pV5TbtWtI52ICYXKb_7tluMzKL5rNrWutdQ6tkPOhLUL0ZD_wEBxwimHKDCw883CehQlZaG1rNI/s930/NL23--MAY%203--P5%20%20MILW-COLO.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="604" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQhGRFb4cXNJMnvz5ipcxzH2IbP-bye7QklNjv1trZi53UERf9Nob5Ip16pYeFHQGY530cqtO4r32mufopYq8eJ6Ro8cRKWAHuLEghDtQe1nOXI4-pV5TbtWtI52ICYXKb_7tluMzKL5rNrWutdQ6tkPOhLUL0ZD_wEBxwimHKDCw883CehQlZaG1rNI/s320/NL23--MAY%203--P5%20%20MILW-COLO.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1oRh47VJWRWtJSZHQfkKMqF6x2s3ViVNUi5vbZfvFEoMFjiKgkEezWMYJ6FNDKXrr833fJnnbdLnYujK1tJFsdnc--sD79ZGfVg7kN0zhQm-R0s4w0kfXJVdZql-WznfH_XDUY8nmDGQepzFbX5wXRNwtotoPyaV8u_vCPVoJ2yiJWLrPFDnHkmd6lY/s1643/NL23--JUNE%2016--P4%20%20CLEVE-ARIZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1643" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1oRh47VJWRWtJSZHQfkKMqF6x2s3ViVNUi5vbZfvFEoMFjiKgkEezWMYJ6FNDKXrr833fJnnbdLnYujK1tJFsdnc--sD79ZGfVg7kN0zhQm-R0s4w0kfXJVdZql-WznfH_XDUY8nmDGQepzFbX5wXRNwtotoPyaV8u_vCPVoJ2yiJWLrPFDnHkmd6lY/s320/NL23--JUNE%2016--P4%20%20CLEVE-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>46. Sadly, Cueto wasn't the only pitcher's name added to the ex-dread list this season. <b>Dinelson Lamet</b> (right photo) pitches his last inning with dreads on May 3; and after spending all season prior to June 16 in the minors, <b>Touki Toussaint </b>(left photo)<b> </b>makes his first appearance with the Guardians - and his last with dreads - on June 16, allowing 2 runs in 4 innings vs. Arizona .....<div>.</div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1kNoQ0ZASSbgRIqkIqhS8G4RdvtupJUFDytGfSQnf1_N_dVP5FvrpnHVnBRuPr5fl5aQ2C3adVHqUXlac8Z7bIVIcuK0Ca9OOeZCc405DtsLVE9RM0jdX4De_iK0qB4uEa4HKaRAV2zr4AMWfbYKQB9heUZxVNWBxc_xVcKyjXl2IP9NNt13UKpdjUM/s862/NL23--JUNE%2011--P2%20%20SD-COLO.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1kNoQ0ZASSbgRIqkIqhS8G4RdvtupJUFDytGfSQnf1_N_dVP5FvrpnHVnBRuPr5fl5aQ2C3adVHqUXlac8Z7bIVIcuK0Ca9OOeZCc405DtsLVE9RM0jdX4De_iK0qB4uEa4HKaRAV2zr4AMWfbYKQB9heUZxVNWBxc_xVcKyjXl2IP9NNt13UKpdjUM/s320/NL23--JUNE%2011--P2%20%20SD-COLO.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWDB1OoGl5_4EsBnGA14mQCk-ewG8OjgOZc05OpjM7d9RmRo5WNT78Ojqn4iAJplUF8459uoZlcCb67GVV3-Q9wNwjj1F4-v3dW5EmcEZNPi7DuWzvJvl7jkbf_HUJzkXucVuh8PT8oMIMumj9Zz6G1lLKSHRoAkWsonSr0tuS2LJfLL_VR1VvOoLcvg/s1675/AL23--JUNE%2021--P1%20%20TEX-CHI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1675" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWDB1OoGl5_4EsBnGA14mQCk-ewG8OjgOZc05OpjM7d9RmRo5WNT78Ojqn4iAJplUF8459uoZlcCb67GVV3-Q9wNwjj1F4-v3dW5EmcEZNPi7DuWzvJvl7jkbf_HUJzkXucVuh8PT8oMIMumj9Zz6G1lLKSHRoAkWsonSr0tuS2LJfLL_VR1VvOoLcvg/s320/AL23--JUNE%2021--P1%20%20TEX-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After spending two weeks on the injured list, Lamet lost his dreads before going to Class AAA Albuquerque for a rehab assignment in mid-May. Here he is (right photo) back with the Rockies on June 11 - and pitching no better without dreads - before being released for good on June 22. </div><div>After being let go by the Guardians one day after he pitched for them and then being claimed off waivers by the White Sox, Toussaint showed up looking like this (left photo) for his next appearance on June 16.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the paucity of starting pitchers with dreads in MLB this year, it was tough to take to lose Cueto, Lamet, and Toussaint all in a 4-week span. Wow.</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8XVOLminnP_GqvR3VLx9OJHccqy46PlDRz3HUbCHm60oAO24aiuy0NezNNfUSgSmOhZK-96kaJQ1z8huxc9sFTdz95dcp0xTc8ucRxfH9NHYOqJIJb-64FFAnWfHizO_9aU77euFPSMp8nSNU_idXMu4uS8LfmRz4ByCzwgh-yjGGyTcfsLn1m6mXho/s3374/NL23--MAY%201--P2%20%20ATL-NY%20%20G2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2249" data-original-width="3374" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8XVOLminnP_GqvR3VLx9OJHccqy46PlDRz3HUbCHm60oAO24aiuy0NezNNfUSgSmOhZK-96kaJQ1z8huxc9sFTdz95dcp0xTc8ucRxfH9NHYOqJIJb-64FFAnWfHizO_9aU77euFPSMp8nSNU_idXMu4uS8LfmRz4ByCzwgh-yjGGyTcfsLn1m6mXho/s320/NL23--MAY%201--P2%20%20ATL-NY%20%20G2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwD5dmR17jZqQnvi45_g7528BWgnq60VhbQwFaPokf2O3vS7hDzPsYsdrg5btHbbg5yAre9T8_fvqbYB5LrqYgV9w-T84yp7OK8cbKXGjMBvufdhYepT3P2BfUSd2O19S6JT39Mx2c_EtU3A-ZkiJ5QRzRbuRE0VJXzMIiNkMm_UNtVoBeYRzgB0hg6w/s1200/NL23--MAY%204--P1%20%20ATL-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwD5dmR17jZqQnvi45_g7528BWgnq60VhbQwFaPokf2O3vS7hDzPsYsdrg5btHbbg5yAre9T8_fvqbYB5LrqYgV9w-T84yp7OK8cbKXGjMBvufdhYepT3P2BfUSd2O19S6JT39Mx2c_EtU3A-ZkiJ5QRzRbuRE0VJXzMIiNkMm_UNtVoBeYRzgB0hg6w/s320/NL23--MAY%204--P1%20%20ATL-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>47. The Braves' road trip to New York and Miami that began on Apr. 28 turned into a painful one for <b>Ronald Acuna</b>. On the 3rd pitch of the 2nd game of a doubleheader on May 1 - after hurting the Mets with 3 hits and 3 runs in the 1st game - Acuna is down (photo above) after taking a 93-MPH fastball from Tylor Megill off of his upper back near his shoulder. Then against the Marlins 3 days later Ronald writhes in temporary agony (photo on right) after hitting the first pitch thrown by <b>Huascar</b> <b>Brazoban</b> off of his left knee for a foul ball. Ronald toughed it out, finishing the at bat, but struck out 3 pitches later to end the top of the 6th.<div>Acuna left the game after both of these injuries but was back in the starting lineup the next day both times.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUIKb_RGfecLddtysZTmJuhklz5gDFoiN8sfYQlHcczSL9R9C68RWvYz0155kV7g9t5O28Dnb9nfuwB65z73mP9CS6Z3TPg2ITEmcFVi3MzIzVQr4BdEJlcMAu-y4BKXv16Yk4UryCBxzfHBUpLkhMYZMmcar5VvSEpNgGnY_ualT72KjYfoosnFumQU/s2048/NL23--APR.%205--P3%20%20MINN-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUIKb_RGfecLddtysZTmJuhklz5gDFoiN8sfYQlHcczSL9R9C68RWvYz0155kV7g9t5O28Dnb9nfuwB65z73mP9CS6Z3TPg2ITEmcFVi3MzIzVQr4BdEJlcMAu-y4BKXv16Yk4UryCBxzfHBUpLkhMYZMmcar5VvSEpNgGnY_ualT72KjYfoosnFumQU/s320/NL23--APR.%205--P3%20%20MINN-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSgeiFbzcIBvXpVIHjx_VurkQHxVdotD8NOcZnOQku32GTb6YzDu7cmN_0XbLThuUAhFauwm2A0sGShp6VJ52aDLPjVA9vQGB00VeuL95VBvCNQCwRPBqvrPMwNSKdWEhn2HAZ4GR8GcPqyy8A1PnjhEi580u_n6FYhfegNYrOY9MJVbORsk7ULonWys/s2048/NL23--APR.%205--P5%20%20MINN-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSgeiFbzcIBvXpVIHjx_VurkQHxVdotD8NOcZnOQku32GTb6YzDu7cmN_0XbLThuUAhFauwm2A0sGShp6VJ52aDLPjVA9vQGB00VeuL95VBvCNQCwRPBqvrPMwNSKdWEhn2HAZ4GR8GcPqyy8A1PnjhEi580u_n6FYhfegNYrOY9MJVbORsk7ULonWys/s320/NL23--APR.%205--P5%20%20MINN-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>48. Two days after helping <b>Johnny Cueto</b> off the field, Ben Potenziano's services are needed again - to the disappointment of Marlins fans - after CF <b>Jazz Chisholm</b> slides head first into 2nd base in the bottom of the 1st and collides with the leg of Twins 2B Kyle Farmer. As he is tagged out trying to steal 2nd base, Chisholm's head bends back before coming to rest to the side of Farmer's leg, and he ended up having to leave the game with a shoulder stinger. But he was back for the Marlins' next game two days later on Apr. 7. This, of course, was from the first month of the season, when Jazz had his hair in baby dreads before switching over to braids.<div>And one other thing, boys and girls ..... If at all possible, don't slide head first into a base. You put yourself at much greater risk for injury when you do that. And if you go in feet first, you'll also find that the defender won't be so eager to stand in your way.</div><div><br /><div>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6X2wq8SXmWYQXW6uZ8Ab0oJdvJDdL694IuTXru2WHyNusmExhctorWy2SBICTgWJeAmK6V00Zh0YVjxVKbg9xlPUJ1NaqXCQ3P0R9pOocOAh1YupQYMkyq3FnpmpRQsMBZRLimiL-cSPbELJifGHsvSFi9yCnPW5C8GLp8MbhW4seSvkeKRuq8Qzixg/s2048/NL23--MAY%2015--P2%20%20KC-SD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6X2wq8SXmWYQXW6uZ8Ab0oJdvJDdL694IuTXru2WHyNusmExhctorWy2SBICTgWJeAmK6V00Zh0YVjxVKbg9xlPUJ1NaqXCQ3P0R9pOocOAh1YupQYMkyq3FnpmpRQsMBZRLimiL-cSPbELJifGHsvSFi9yCnPW5C8GLp8MbhW4seSvkeKRuq8Qzixg/s320/NL23--MAY%2015--P2%20%20KC-SD.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>49. What was initially described as a sprained thumb has turned into an ordeal for Padres C <b>Luis</b> <b>Campusano</b>. Just when it looked like he was going to get a chance to be the team's starting catcher in mid-April, he injured his thumb - not in a game, but during practice while catching in the bullpen. After the injury took its time not healing, surgery was done on May 12, and here he is watching from the dugout during the game vs. the Royals on May 15. As of July 9, he is now eligible to be activated from the 60-day injured list, and he's now on course to return sooner than later. With Martin Maldonado having recently cut off his dreads, Campusano is now the only catcher with dreads on a MLB roster. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sEXRMELU1ebHtWNLQjDpAKNviH8Nth3X278vOA9r8DyzUsVar-HqsXIXxanv-Z2zIGSmq8e6tjcXpWZCLOmsziwp199ghcC2WzgoczVRpFC9H2qifNNfANEMkX3SLuGAaT9wLp3EyTP1kwGtn3nmUtPm6wLxa8meNmojAuyOzQE3ETDgVcrSMFjtJiI/s2048/NL23--APR.%2015--P5%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sEXRMELU1ebHtWNLQjDpAKNviH8Nth3X278vOA9r8DyzUsVar-HqsXIXxanv-Z2zIGSmq8e6tjcXpWZCLOmsziwp199ghcC2WzgoczVRpFC9H2qifNNfANEMkX3SLuGAaT9wLp3EyTP1kwGtn3nmUtPm6wLxa8meNmojAuyOzQE3ETDgVcrSMFjtJiI/s320/NL23--APR.%2015--P5%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>50. The easiest way to suffer an injury in baseball is to be hit by a pitch, and that's what happens to <b>Ketel</b> <b>Marte</b> in the top of the 1st on April 15 - a few minutes before he was seen blowing a bubble (photo #12). Trying to check his swing and not strike out on the 4th pitch of the game, Marte had no chance to move out of the way, and the ball struck his right foot. He was O.K. though and came in to score the Diamondbacks' 1st run later in the inning before they eventually lost to the Marlins 3-2.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2YuU38cAFeNT0IKdyoTBQhXSRwkhnxlrlQEns36U4glUQwHRzluYQ3cUe1PemM1Gkpo1bPdV80UXcp6uAcsVfrrkBIH4T6CI0fg1BC8hj_wFXNruSzJAD7MY9tvR7vAqGCUYVNQYg9ppmiAt38cWMMXM-zW6ps52_86uObNRwQ3r0C4YcES0byYCldA/s1200/AL23--MAY%207--P2%20%20HOU-SEA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2YuU38cAFeNT0IKdyoTBQhXSRwkhnxlrlQEns36U4glUQwHRzluYQ3cUe1PemM1Gkpo1bPdV80UXcp6uAcsVfrrkBIH4T6CI0fg1BC8hj_wFXNruSzJAD7MY9tvR7vAqGCUYVNQYg9ppmiAt38cWMMXM-zW6ps52_86uObNRwQ3r0C4YcES0byYCldA/s320/AL23--MAY%207--P2%20%20HOU-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>51. It happened to <b>Ronald Acuna</b> 3 days earlier, and now it's J.P. Crawford's turn to experience the feeling like your knee is on fire after hitting a foul ball off of it in the bottom of the 7th on May 7. Manager Scott Servais and a member of the medical staff can't do a thing to help as Crawford waits for the pain to subside. J.P. got up and finished the at bat and lined into a double play. He finished the game too, in which the Mariners defeated the Astros 3-1, but then missed the next 2 games before returning on May 10. <div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugBqp1A46aUJJm--7KEtzwgmBQILDRMNSYv3mOstRg3ByEyo1fD9t-NjucaSfi0mP6B9Zgs8jwj_EvivIKsdApOpibXWkUNIh3bQcvTZ8q-Zv1qYAkdfheAth9JLtRDXdiiGTYZ1E1xTncQOJkxokN3SNkwp5n7j4jaMzqWg3aTmS_cBrzjGa--Peqsc/s1296/NL23--MAY%2017--P4%20%20MINN-LA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1296" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiugBqp1A46aUJJm--7KEtzwgmBQILDRMNSYv3mOstRg3ByEyo1fD9t-NjucaSfi0mP6B9Zgs8jwj_EvivIKsdApOpibXWkUNIh3bQcvTZ8q-Zv1qYAkdfheAth9JLtRDXdiiGTYZ1E1xTncQOJkxokN3SNkwp5n7j4jaMzqWg3aTmS_cBrzjGa--Peqsc/s320/NL23--MAY%2017--P4%20%20MINN-LA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV9Ezi-CTCG0dunOmrfeToODirT71QkwZD6ZlD3VL2IHXIJL9DSYb1uCLDletGJUPuZSCXGUehahzoao2-cd33P5l6bE5oe1u2wwkOQb7c0qCkGyT4TzlL19zwY7p11Apxza2WQMSsbqCeVQTimiBzhC3TKzqqoWC5o7v624xaf0-FeK04qDdJ47YBhk/s2048/NL23--MAY%2017--P4A%20%20MINN-LA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV9Ezi-CTCG0dunOmrfeToODirT71QkwZD6ZlD3VL2IHXIJL9DSYb1uCLDletGJUPuZSCXGUehahzoao2-cd33P5l6bE5oe1u2wwkOQb7c0qCkGyT4TzlL19zwY7p11Apxza2WQMSsbqCeVQTimiBzhC3TKzqqoWC5o7v624xaf0-FeK04qDdJ47YBhk/s320/NL23--MAY%2017--P4A%20%20MINN-LA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>52. <b>Nick Gordon</b> isn't as lucky as Acuna and Crawford. After fouling a ball off his right leg at Dodger Stadium in the top of the 5th on May 17, Gordon too goes down in agony then gets up to finish his at bat. But after he struck out, he was removed from the game, and it was discovered he had suffered a broken leg (tibia), putting his season on hold. The most recent update says he is no longer wearing a cast, but it seems he still is a long way away from being able to play again. Hopefully before the season is over.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqBcvyrpPRAyShBQ7RfwmeioE2vx478daVJQVcn6CQ969jG8ZeMmK_WhjFoDVi64gIlyEUjlPCgysZfjiLa0Q7OiYh8T1RXkW7oiFKavmUwj99B7Fs2I_IZsNUEiRk5igbarzU7826e-QW_SYvNP3wK4qP2p89oLEdzY-0dDlZO2kz8t32N4hUdup-xw/s1365/AL23--APR.%209--P7%20%20TOR-LA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqBcvyrpPRAyShBQ7RfwmeioE2vx478daVJQVcn6CQ969jG8ZeMmK_WhjFoDVi64gIlyEUjlPCgysZfjiLa0Q7OiYh8T1RXkW7oiFKavmUwj99B7Fs2I_IZsNUEiRk5igbarzU7826e-QW_SYvNP3wK4qP2p89oLEdzY-0dDlZO2kz8t32N4hUdup-xw/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P7%20%20TOR-LA.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFwjOj93l277kfmpfehoJui_BkDcyERXCLDl1lZ0D7Ez7l9JyGJDsHMlA4gYxUjm4LtnSerArWckDgiNyDi-9vIK8uWa7QFE-M7VRhZhfLAgr5tziSAPHOpcyPFV3cm6PgFjXPyf0_eZe8dsTOTjlo4vJmw4GGbnk-0YgRSiX0LN_U6dfQCPrQUWq1qQ/s2048/AL23--APR.%209--P7A%20%20TOR-LA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFwjOj93l277kfmpfehoJui_BkDcyERXCLDl1lZ0D7Ez7l9JyGJDsHMlA4gYxUjm4LtnSerArWckDgiNyDi-9vIK8uWa7QFE-M7VRhZhfLAgr5tziSAPHOpcyPFV3cm6PgFjXPyf0_eZe8dsTOTjlo4vJmw4GGbnk-0YgRSiX0LN_U6dfQCPrQUWq1qQ/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P7A%20%20TOR-LA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>53. A few minutes after his slick defensive play (photo #18) in the bottom of the 5th on Apr. 9, <b>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</b> takes a pitch off his left foot (the shin guard not helping him one iota) with 2 on in the top of the 6th, and the excruciating pain sends him hopping on his right foot out of the batters box toward the Blue Jays' dugout on the 1st base side ......<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yHoTzvimU7SvK6ZiAF4qd1-obyz4n8X1sJ-r4T3ACRoQkYjHUa9UOkGuUKktxFlsjzM1KlOzJE-JXUbmZeTb6YRsMHQB2a4UV5Ipk0llNwLwSUk28_dAJw3BFHnio2JPftznVwf3Myn-VIipCgbBhPi4XWQ9b0MgVdF33ngpipD87kovPX1E3qc4xc4/s2048/AL23--APR.%209--P7B%20%20TOR-LA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yHoTzvimU7SvK6ZiAF4qd1-obyz4n8X1sJ-r4T3ACRoQkYjHUa9UOkGuUKktxFlsjzM1KlOzJE-JXUbmZeTb6YRsMHQB2a4UV5Ipk0llNwLwSUk28_dAJw3BFHnio2JPftznVwf3Myn-VIipCgbBhPi4XWQ9b0MgVdF33ngpipD87kovPX1E3qc4xc4/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P7B%20%20TOR-LA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBuEzGP7tNbhHq_TPgKe_aL_4plBF4pae7c4UAD4n0qUPfsgavjMaL07MOyMk1wg6J79IlXMtb4aef-BsQR6S_cMZq3HRZ4wkzu0lD6hfw5qUA6iM9rs0VuvLetykvQm6ziZzgXjRy1DWEwaTEfdhuDJ6l-KC28c3S7iTgXfopHpmS5q81o8Kx9b4vWU/s1383/AL23--APR.%209--P7D%20%20TOR-LA.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1383" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBuEzGP7tNbhHq_TPgKe_aL_4plBF4pae7c4UAD4n0qUPfsgavjMaL07MOyMk1wg6J79IlXMtb4aef-BsQR6S_cMZq3HRZ4wkzu0lD6hfw5qUA6iM9rs0VuvLetykvQm6ziZzgXjRy1DWEwaTEfdhuDJ6l-KC28c3S7iTgXfopHpmS5q81o8Kx9b4vWU/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P7D%20%20TOR-LA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>54. ..... and then down on all fours and then eventually all the way down to the ground with his helmet off and his dreads sliding around in the grass. It took nearly a full minute for the pain to lessen, but Guerrero did get back on his feet and take his base ..... and he scored on the very next pitch, as Matt Chapman hit a grand slam to begin the Blue Jays' comeback from the 6-0 deficit. Playing on the same field that his father starred on every year while with the Angels (2004-09), Vladdy went 2-for-5 and scored 2 runs, raising his BA to .439 on the Jays' season-opening 10-game road trip. The Jays scored 10 straight runs to go up 10-6, then blew the lead in the bottom of the 9th before winning 12-11 in 10 innings to take 2 out of 3 in the series and finish 6-4 on the road trip ......<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB8oJB3FvfmS0GwLE8fP6_WUzp8e8wipQGMxnWBSfyOPoSJq9sC-Lv32ciCsiMdcjnAsFN9n0sL4Uq7jlTlTIXdfuk4Uf5UHOUF2TzSRjUMiTro4oN0kQFtpEKuMhDd_OOCvW4jV6C0zJWuIixTAeCB-wQxzu0WxVeRrtsP14xz7bInHW8GG3jpGr7A0/s2232/NL23--APR.%209--P6A%20%20CHI%20WS-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1488" data-original-width="2232" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB8oJB3FvfmS0GwLE8fP6_WUzp8e8wipQGMxnWBSfyOPoSJq9sC-Lv32ciCsiMdcjnAsFN9n0sL4Uq7jlTlTIXdfuk4Uf5UHOUF2TzSRjUMiTro4oN0kQFtpEKuMhDd_OOCvW4jV6C0zJWuIixTAeCB-wQxzu0WxVeRrtsP14xz7bInHW8GG3jpGr7A0/s320/NL23--APR.%209--P6A%20%20CHI%20WS-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZaIKEBWdTcJtQSKnC4llYiN7Vo7IzZTW28CP4L734mSLRciB66PeZ5AsQLk60TA5rfrThpaWbp2VN4J3PGx69SqmnUWCXkslQ-WpY6nRQO5zyL3-yqgU-ES8YVWHW8tHHKdjVBFmZBXrFqtHtP65ZJocJf-jO0WMjzX2pa-ASFwlmo26ZSMGEWiWzGI/s1280/NL23--APR.%209--P6C%20%20CHI%20WS-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZaIKEBWdTcJtQSKnC4llYiN7Vo7IzZTW28CP4L734mSLRciB66PeZ5AsQLk60TA5rfrThpaWbp2VN4J3PGx69SqmnUWCXkslQ-WpY6nRQO5zyL3-yqgU-ES8YVWHW8tHHKdjVBFmZBXrFqtHtP65ZJocJf-jO0WMjzX2pa-ASFwlmo26ZSMGEWiWzGI/s320/NL23--APR.%209--P6C%20%20CHI%20WS-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>55. ...... A couple of hours before Guerrero had his owie in Anaheim, over in Pittsburgh on Apr. 9 <b>Oneil</b> <b>Cruz</b> suffered the worst and most hideous injury of the season (not including pitchers being struck by line drives) by anyone - dreads or not. Trying to score on a ground ball by 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes and extend the Pirates' 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 6th, Cruz, not sure of whether to slide or not, slides late and goes into the right leg of White Sox C Seby Zavala, immediately causing him to scream in agony ......<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8d9yZgykviE-MUddCbY240Wgd4ItKDYyvdg3xg826GGDfh4F4WWsprPPinDzrHjzm9rFZAJOxC2t05hAwVmhnjlAIDDINR-uHaX3l6Y4n9KOljtgEL3oLh-9GsK8Hn3Umilx_FbeKI4EF-xD1K18A6LTwR3zOBLAon3u61RKp5ayrV4LH7TN0JMlkPo/s1920/NL23--APR.%209--P6G%20%20CHI%20WS-PITT.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1920" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8d9yZgykviE-MUddCbY240Wgd4ItKDYyvdg3xg826GGDfh4F4WWsprPPinDzrHjzm9rFZAJOxC2t05hAwVmhnjlAIDDINR-uHaX3l6Y4n9KOljtgEL3oLh-9GsK8Hn3Umilx_FbeKI4EF-xD1K18A6LTwR3zOBLAon3u61RKp5ayrV4LH7TN0JMlkPo/s320/NL23--APR.%209--P6G%20%20CHI%20WS-PITT.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5R0nYwQSZLY40CfRFXa3RSemrHTryA3swGXs151YLLaj06JipjZ58BJ8DjCH9PH_0kbegI8OLUWf1SlaFi5KJZA1IXftTy4x-o_rE2eVESbZnW6kK4O89NN5EdA70YEAiVXk-nAg_exkXXpryEfDBw1ScuefbuFYw81rBI7BlHsEx4RcXlghQxWOTIA/s931/NL23--APR.%209--P8%20%20CHI%20WS-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="931" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5R0nYwQSZLY40CfRFXa3RSemrHTryA3swGXs151YLLaj06JipjZ58BJ8DjCH9PH_0kbegI8OLUWf1SlaFi5KJZA1IXftTy4x-o_rE2eVESbZnW6kK4O89NN5EdA70YEAiVXk-nAg_exkXXpryEfDBw1ScuefbuFYw81rBI7BlHsEx4RcXlghQxWOTIA/s320/NL23--APR.%209--P8%20%20CHI%20WS-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>56. ..... With his helmet already gone (leaving his head halfway between 3rd and home) Cruz's dreads eat dirt as he writhes on the ground near home plate (photo above). A moment later, as the medical staff tends to Oneil (photo on right) the benches clear and a scuffle ensues nearby, with the Pirates angry and unfairly blaming Zavala for the injury: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/09/3553445d-e267cd95-8b489bae-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/09/3553445d-e267cd95-8b489bae-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> <div><br /></div><div>The injury was exactly what it looked like - a broken leg (fibula) near his ankle, and he underwent surgery the next day. He was placed on the 60-day injured list and is now eligible to return. But the recovery time for this injury is at least 4 months, and Oneil (the last I heard) is still on schedule to be back in action sometime near the end of August.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did not see the play live, but this one was hard to take. Hopefully Cruz will make a full recovery.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEFEI__HgITzwHP65o09Nvj94poAUhpiFJsBkILH1zb8u8Kai7X-x2A2qHJDurSHVwJNnh0TyUr8wfVxz_Tr1cz9zjUncy4ORLWDs2-KaWHmfavQVRa1VtaZDnTfIMCsoG32AL4a4vwtFye8qnG5ojatsf8tlV6VC5I7ulLZo64AiVNf3u_rfv2Mt3C4/s2048/AL23--APR.%204--P1A%20%20CLEVE-OAK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEFEI__HgITzwHP65o09Nvj94poAUhpiFJsBkILH1zb8u8Kai7X-x2A2qHJDurSHVwJNnh0TyUr8wfVxz_Tr1cz9zjUncy4ORLWDs2-KaWHmfavQVRa1VtaZDnTfIMCsoG32AL4a4vwtFye8qnG5ojatsf8tlV6VC5I7ulLZo64AiVNf3u_rfv2Mt3C4/s320/AL23--APR.%204--P1A%20%20CLEVE-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBnCqbc1qe8w39bHzbHvFIZyYWoENHxSPLL-0qRwa0-ZREOwyESiZlp3Xk1eVnl4QZZds694rQVKnkpe1LmBEbqieoHyrXZTxplEBGsuMtzfCpzmEFMljLvklLF7fgXfvmuHZBTs220TFrLmOdkJ72tbLIF164YHKF1TZihr2ZyUFS2H6Nnz89L4761A/s2048/AL23--APR.%204--P1B%20%20CLEVE-OAK.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikBnCqbc1qe8w39bHzbHvFIZyYWoENHxSPLL-0qRwa0-ZREOwyESiZlp3Xk1eVnl4QZZds694rQVKnkpe1LmBEbqieoHyrXZTxplEBGsuMtzfCpzmEFMljLvklLF7fgXfvmuHZBTs220TFrLmOdkJ72tbLIF164YHKF1TZihr2ZyUFS2H6Nnz89L4761A/s320/AL23--APR.%204--P1B%20%20CLEVE-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>57. With 2 out and a runner at 1st in the top of the 5th at Oakland on Apr. 4, a fly ball by <b>Jose Ramirez</b> puts CF <b>Esteury Ruiz</b> and 2B Tony Kemp on a collision course. Fortunately, other than Ruiz having the glove knocked off his hand, no damage was done. They just slightly bumped into each other and both remained in the game. By the time the left fielder retrieved the ball Ramirez had a double, and the runner scored, giving the Guardians a 3-2 lead. But the A's came back to win it 4-3, with Kemp scoring the tying run in the 6th then driving home the winning run on a single with 2 out in the bottom of the 9th. <div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF7rQei71gtVmdezYqk_8A-zeUCzhAsHsSaMlZorKxqlV2kZFxBF2jL1e2TGrofz3vJuoDGl3kTTR5X_mH61fNsT6O0kv2NjqKjA3beil-vZIWFlH9syLkcXo3ccg_VvknGIC14D8FbFJPDeHoLLA-5Hf_geJiAShQBTbdRqGpdeZAMAyGLsDCnNetEw/s2048/NL23--APR.%201--P1%20%20NY-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF7rQei71gtVmdezYqk_8A-zeUCzhAsHsSaMlZorKxqlV2kZFxBF2jL1e2TGrofz3vJuoDGl3kTTR5X_mH61fNsT6O0kv2NjqKjA3beil-vZIWFlH9syLkcXo3ccg_VvknGIC14D8FbFJPDeHoLLA-5Hf_geJiAShQBTbdRqGpdeZAMAyGLsDCnNetEw/s320/NL23--APR.%201--P1%20%20NY-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ9EgexAdsl972e5syTxw0_KXR-RHU8ihHmFihh4GtHJpakVpf8KUDGBE4TiuxrHw1YMBjCBJp_bpkE4BgcVHCop5hzVRSr82ilBm05ytdMzzfQI_U4v6VtKtBhH7dwneWfairvAm3M2r4-ws1JN76ZIeL8XK96zIRqS4X1Sk0Bk4sAgmCyEJpntYWnQ/s2048/NL23--APR.%201--P1A%20%20NY-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ9EgexAdsl972e5syTxw0_KXR-RHU8ihHmFihh4GtHJpakVpf8KUDGBE4TiuxrHw1YMBjCBJp_bpkE4BgcVHCop5hzVRSr82ilBm05ytdMzzfQI_U4v6VtKtBhH7dwneWfairvAm3M2r4-ws1JN76ZIeL8XK96zIRqS4X1Sk0Bk4sAgmCyEJpntYWnQ/s320/NL23--APR.%201--P1A%20%20NY-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>58. With <b>Jean Segura</b> playing shallow at 3rd base and SS Joey Wendle positioned close to 2nd base, neither are in position to catch this pop fly to very short LF by Jeff McNeil of the Mets leading off the top of the 5th at Miami on Apr. 1. And as they come together Segura steps on Wendle's leg and crashes hard into the turf. Once again, fortunately, neither player was injured. By the time the left fielder retrieved the ball McNeil was on his way to 2nd and slid in barely in time with a double. It started a 2-run rally that broke a 2-2 tie, and the Mets went on to win 6-2.<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-K72gDhPmcqdSfiSqBt0pUyZxqDXm8mYmjmUVqbPvtvnmulM3NRiuNoDkYu7dxUfmEnumDHrINt0wTOIgUHpR2WcBJz32YFguOxX3WvcBYArjVSrUDb1_U5rZ9ZFcX7EGWWgr-Da9j6VXUbMjTy-zdKs1IXv69yGDZi_0A4mZnvmrmmC9oYalwwzPYQ/s1300/AL23--APR.%205--P3%20%20TOR-KC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1300" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-K72gDhPmcqdSfiSqBt0pUyZxqDXm8mYmjmUVqbPvtvnmulM3NRiuNoDkYu7dxUfmEnumDHrINt0wTOIgUHpR2WcBJz32YFguOxX3WvcBYArjVSrUDb1_U5rZ9ZFcX7EGWWgr-Da9j6VXUbMjTy-zdKs1IXv69yGDZi_0A4mZnvmrmmC9oYalwwzPYQ/s320/AL23--APR.%205--P3%20%20TOR-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">59. No matter who you are, running into 6-foot-2, 245-pound<b> Vladimir Guerre</b></span><span style="text-align: left;"><b>ro Jr.</b> is never a good idea; but with runners at 1st and 3rd in the 5th inning of a scoreless tie at Kansas City on Apr. 5, 2B Cavan Biggio risks life and limb to catch a fly ball that Guerrero also has his sights on about 20 feet into the outfield right on the 1st base foul line. No collision thankfully and no harm done. The Royals ended up not scoring in the inning. Vladdy had a good night at the plate, contributing 2 singles and a solo HR and scoring 2 of the Blue Jays' runs in their 3-0 win over the Royals.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE211Ir7Th4DhL3euk5hK-_uf4Jx-FWPxrE3dI-IVWra1Z-7jS9h5_OEwJvr33va7JErgNuSeIJrHOeow2SyRPcbhzFcWq5eS1SEwjFb7bVBAB8c-vgF7NnGmcPzDnrTfhLXQconmRGRVufoG3cOqUo0dF9wN48UBT6o0x2UcWRwaX9YNDDcoDQWv2CDA/s1365/NL23--APR.%209--P5%20%20WASH-COLO.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1128" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE211Ir7Th4DhL3euk5hK-_uf4Jx-FWPxrE3dI-IVWra1Z-7jS9h5_OEwJvr33va7JErgNuSeIJrHOeow2SyRPcbhzFcWq5eS1SEwjFb7bVBAB8c-vgF7NnGmcPzDnrTfhLXQconmRGRVufoG3cOqUo0dF9wN48UBT6o0x2UcWRwaX9YNDDcoDQWv2CDA/s320/NL23--APR.%209--P5%20%20WASH-COLO.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqun-yP4Agat6vVmBPr_UW7PYJPMAuvae_x81QE2NPdoDCEbkHH8QNH166peqozfvPCX7DqmII1iC1dPBNcEXqopJM-Kmt4TGuzHgACZ_Qv0u9ADIxA_1BNEeVufTymrw-zKapnliTeitzWttwHrZjhcrgmPCjB8GNAvcMdmrq4urgtJqVC2rBUBGq1E/s2048/NL23--APR.%2025--P2A%20%20WASH-NY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1414" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqun-yP4Agat6vVmBPr_UW7PYJPMAuvae_x81QE2NPdoDCEbkHH8QNH166peqozfvPCX7DqmII1iC1dPBNcEXqopJM-Kmt4TGuzHgACZ_Qv0u9ADIxA_1BNEeVufTymrw-zKapnliTeitzWttwHrZjhcrgmPCjB8GNAvcMdmrq4urgtJqVC2rBUBGq1E/s320/NL23--APR.%2025--P2A%20%20WASH-NY.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><div><br /></div>60. LF Alex Call could have made the catch easily, but instead <b>CJ Abrams</b> ranges way out into shallow LF (left photo) and makes an easy play difficult. Despite the distraction Call hangs on to retire Rockies DH Charlie Blackmon for the 1st out in the bottom of the 5th on Apr. 9. Two weeks later on Apr. 25 in the bottom of the 6th at Citi Field Abrams and Call again have a failure to communicate; but again neither injury nor harm happened, as Abrams is able to hang onto a fly ball (right photo) by SS Francisco Lindor in shallow LF despite Call bumping into him and knocking his hat off.<div>The Nationals lost the game to the Rockies 7-6 but won the game vs. the Mets 5-0.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMSFTZ_bc7QA0fbhKNpsaPCvWfeQ23E1i0tiC_H051msYhziXB0lfjD1ImvBEwfA760SoXB1bM6_SbAPbAZhD4CGP2btLr--j4r2fCp9zj6bNBt4yjF8uTzt6hYgRnFGa903lVcbcoraFl68L0-OlGqrvm9-ha5J6WiQqEG6CUuuiKwfFKOCvDVlZm7k/s1080/AL23--MAR.%2030--P12B%20%20CLEVE-SEA.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="784" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMSFTZ_bc7QA0fbhKNpsaPCvWfeQ23E1i0tiC_H051msYhziXB0lfjD1ImvBEwfA760SoXB1bM6_SbAPbAZhD4CGP2btLr--j4r2fCp9zj6bNBt4yjF8uTzt6hYgRnFGa903lVcbcoraFl68L0-OlGqrvm9-ha5J6WiQqEG6CUuuiKwfFKOCvDVlZm7k/s320/AL23--MAR.%2030--P12B%20%20CLEVE-SEA.jpeg" width="232" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWjwN2OvT_4DtwcCy595_PBwwFO7xd3KkoVtyzHCSYrWU6Z0TIUiD7iqvCDqQ3vHVD4njPHrZOm8C9u8R32fLnmTlmRq-uvJ7uh5yyOeMJboHyAx4MXOLVArmlv5gLdMrYVjOm-UehFxtuVN1jEIxcbcLi1RpS6Rg2FEH7Qf2q4SdNuvgk25fYR3HsbA/s2040/AL23--MAR.%2030--P11%20%20CLEVE-SEA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="2040" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWjwN2OvT_4DtwcCy595_PBwwFO7xd3KkoVtyzHCSYrWU6Z0TIUiD7iqvCDqQ3vHVD4njPHrZOm8C9u8R32fLnmTlmRq-uvJ7uh5yyOeMJboHyAx4MXOLVArmlv5gLdMrYVjOm-UehFxtuVN1jEIxcbcLi1RpS6Rg2FEH7Qf2q4SdNuvgk25fYR3HsbA/s320/AL23--MAR.%2030--P11%20%20CLEVE-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>61. As mentioned earlier in photo #30, <b>Luis Castillo</b>'s start on opening night was clear sailing - except for one play - this one in the 3rd inning, as a line drive off the bat of Guardians RF Will Brennan doesn't take his head off, but it does deflect off his head and knocks his hat off (left photo), leaving him wandering around on the mound for a couple of seconds contemplating how lucky he is to still be alive. After showing the trainer where the ball struck him (right photo) Luis remains in the game: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-03/30/d6cbf765-46aaaf74-935aca09-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-03/30/d6cbf765-46aaaf74-935aca09-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a></div><div>I've watched that video about a dozen times and I still can't tell what exactly happened; but obviously the ball just grazed him, thankfully. It was the only hit Castillo allowed in 6 scoreless IP as he got a no decision in the Mariners' 3-0 victory. </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dAmBf_9QddKKtzN2IeBkQw3Jb6652nWRXVeyURDrsmjMxtc7RqVNVRQcciLMIrBZ4DtUXYtf68G6otVlhP2Ufy9qWt0dzkJ073f7LF3ynbNJ4cnTZe49wE6oKNFz-iZL5twgAruftxZgveHuU9NGEHcNFIZecnygU1FcHTjPsQ5DoMisYsOFIn-xH0g/s2048/NL23--FEB.%2024--P4%20%20SEA-SD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dAmBf_9QddKKtzN2IeBkQw3Jb6652nWRXVeyURDrsmjMxtc7RqVNVRQcciLMIrBZ4DtUXYtf68G6otVlhP2Ufy9qWt0dzkJ073f7LF3ynbNJ4cnTZe49wE6oKNFz-iZL5twgAruftxZgveHuU9NGEHcNFIZecnygU1FcHTjPsQ5DoMisYsOFIn-xH0g/s320/NL23--FEB.%2024--P4%20%20SEA-SD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>62. Having never used a PitchCom before, <b>Prelander Berroa</b> needs - and gets - help setting it up from pitching coach Pete Woodworth before making his first ever appearance in a Mariners uniform during a spring training game on Feb. 24. Not that it matters, but Berroa struck out the first 2 batters he faced and pitched 2 scoreless innings to pick up the W in a 3-2 victory over the Padres. After making his pro debut at age 17 in 2017, Berroa is pitching at the Class AA level this season for the second straight season.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZpJtFzbMyrlMC9TqIdYMoKyWen8ZyIF3pO4OkA_6w8kALgx9xFZumR0AEAF-uASSzvmjrTVQZCmPXN6nku4RKOngdibbpyoVsnjo4eGymWgrhyUiuyE_dWknh-ar1NxYGitnv8hBh8__szoUxxVBILEXvMy3qr80uSYISk7vGjux1_7nryQFJJLeCck/s2048/NL23--MAR.%201--P2%20%20OAK-CIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZpJtFzbMyrlMC9TqIdYMoKyWen8ZyIF3pO4OkA_6w8kALgx9xFZumR0AEAF-uASSzvmjrTVQZCmPXN6nku4RKOngdibbpyoVsnjo4eGymWgrhyUiuyE_dWknh-ar1NxYGitnv8hBh8__szoUxxVBILEXvMy3qr80uSYISk7vGjux1_7nryQFJJLeCck/s320/NL23--MAR.%201--P2%20%20OAK-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>63. <b>Lawrence Butler</b> has something on his phone to show to his teammates in the minor leaguers corner of the A's locker room before their spring training game against the Reds on Mar. 1. That's <b>Esteury Ruiz</b> on the left and Pablo Reyes next to him. And unfortunately I have been unable to identify the player next to Butler. Ruiz, of course, made the A's roster. Reyes didn't and was traded to the Red Sox in May. And as for Butler, after having a very nice 1st half of the season playing at the AA level for the first time in his career, he recently was promoted to Class AAA Las Vegas. So just maybe the fans in Oakland will have a chance to see his dreads before the team leaves town. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26zRhGoo7Wki7C8RNWqYV3Cq_SBELJjcdIqg-GbsoVnX2xAKxIV8ktbTqDUrrhgBdI-66Sv1424SIytOj-WQR4r0ghZZPlTgpOvyJ9JsgVhDZQ0KwSHnYvt_vjKo1w__uvh-P4BwO7PLjV3Wb6zfrcxbkizh9CXRegqUUD4aOBnq0RYGpyFCFUbNyXWY/s2048/NL23--MAR.%2012--P1%20%20WBC%20VEN-PR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1444" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26zRhGoo7Wki7C8RNWqYV3Cq_SBELJjcdIqg-GbsoVnX2xAKxIV8ktbTqDUrrhgBdI-66Sv1424SIytOj-WQR4r0ghZZPlTgpOvyJ9JsgVhDZQ0KwSHnYvt_vjKo1w__uvh-P4BwO7PLjV3Wb6zfrcxbkizh9CXRegqUUD4aOBnq0RYGpyFCFUbNyXWY/s320/NL23--MAR.%2012--P1%20%20WBC%20VEN-PR.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4g50gr5kKi400rDVbfBIfIq68PCvZenQXgGZeldcO515fAeRJE-sXfzJqt4DAbwSqGVpHdooGp2aicSBdrgvpxmeflJTvRQm_ae0uCN90RW6Wd1UtFRSOOcj8f4ZKjeRiDlCMiLRMHEN-s5nJLCFIqH6vjaAJ7G-EwGg7DC2H5moVDkj8YhSUDug14TY/s2048/NL23--MAR.%2015--P2%20%20WBC%20PR-DR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="2048" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4g50gr5kKi400rDVbfBIfIq68PCvZenQXgGZeldcO515fAeRJE-sXfzJqt4DAbwSqGVpHdooGp2aicSBdrgvpxmeflJTvRQm_ae0uCN90RW6Wd1UtFRSOOcj8f4ZKjeRiDlCMiLRMHEN-s5nJLCFIqH6vjaAJ7G-EwGg7DC2H5moVDkj8YhSUDug14TY/s320/NL23--MAR.%2015--P2%20%20WBC%20PR-DR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>64. A couple of shots here from the World Baseball Classic played this year between Mar. 8 and Mar. 21, right in the middle of spring training. <b>Ronald Acuna</b> celebrates with a yell (left photo) after losing his helmet while scoring from 1st base on a double and increasing Venezuela's lead to 9-1 over Puerto Rico in the 5th inning on Mar. 12. But there was nothing for <b>Johnny Cueto</b> to be happy about a couple of nights later. After blanking Puerto Rico for the first 2 innings, he allows 4 runs in the 3rd without retiring anyone and then takes out his frustration on his gum (right photo), tossing it away as he heads to the dugout after being taken out of the game. Puerto Rico won the game 5-2 to eliminate the Dominican Republic from the tournament in the final game of group play. Venezuela advanced to the knockout stage but lost in the quarterfinals. Japan defeated the USA 3-2 in the championship game. <div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJsDMmVi7_ketXyljHsZ-AR3C7KrzDhc74MrXTa2WUjkoTCl0xv4b5JRL_cclU_YBlDKHH1TK-PDiDoYAJIsG_L7HVAbl7FTm7sgH4PgahyaQHbrn2_7nlBs8ZoPj2twW7qDWtTMlRSrCul9AUOg1wZbBy1223-Ye10HL7kBzPnNXMp4s1Qhz4H4okpA/s2048/NL23--APR.%202--P2%20%20ARIZ-LA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJsDMmVi7_ketXyljHsZ-AR3C7KrzDhc74MrXTa2WUjkoTCl0xv4b5JRL_cclU_YBlDKHH1TK-PDiDoYAJIsG_L7HVAbl7FTm7sgH4PgahyaQHbrn2_7nlBs8ZoPj2twW7qDWtTMlRSrCul9AUOg1wZbBy1223-Ye10HL7kBzPnNXMp4s1Qhz4H4okpA/s320/NL23--APR.%202--P2%20%20ARIZ-LA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsCp-sT_a99qW7c7ecjiPZ_RX3jDCqzvb2MfbFxhdY3xKQ8luarsEdN5KULnpR3JFpNIIOEm9EXHRuGwSQzuQ-pSA7QrJhQIA5eE0zxwZqi7yAfQzPCvKsdvA77bBwr_vEekg23o21zz3TRY29ttpMyGK4eNeeSoQ5zJsikUhdP58aGbMcb9FKTPU6HU/s2048/NL23--APR.%202--P2A%20%20ARIZ-LA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsCp-sT_a99qW7c7ecjiPZ_RX3jDCqzvb2MfbFxhdY3xKQ8luarsEdN5KULnpR3JFpNIIOEm9EXHRuGwSQzuQ-pSA7QrJhQIA5eE0zxwZqi7yAfQzPCvKsdvA77bBwr_vEekg23o21zz3TRY29ttpMyGK4eNeeSoQ5zJsikUhdP58aGbMcb9FKTPU6HU/s320/NL23--APR.%202--P2A%20%20ARIZ-LA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>65. <b>Miguel Castro</b> begins his 10th MLB season with his 6th different team, making his 2023 debut in the 7th inning at Dodger Stadium on Apr. 2 in a Diamondbacks uniform. It's also the re-debut of his dreads, which he had grown from 2017 until last season. Traded from the Mets to the Yankees just before the beginning of last season, Castro suddenly found himself on a team that doesn't allow long hair, so his dreads had to come off. But after signing with Arizona after last season, he wasted no time putting them back on, picking up right where he left off with (I'm guessing) same locks he had cut off. And the world is a better place for it.<div>In his first game with the dreads back Miguel entered a 1-1 tie and got 5 outs in the 7th and 8th innings without allowing a hit or a run, beginning a remarkable run of success in road games. The D-backs scored a run in the 9th to win it 2-1.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GbQmSTOH-Jfrr009b0qBwqGwC0p1br70RN647Pu0YZ_QJX6-SHm89KZmiD_4tHieopTsUGmFJprC75EgdwYFPvcO1zFqRI9r_ZzKJw-s8xHR1uVUaCvLQVLmU__IictOpv-0xhmYLq_43Y28wGE0JIgx9kBijl7aD2vg2VjuKJUTXr4w697HZ0FPcKs/s1356/NL23--MAY%2020--P7A%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1356" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GbQmSTOH-Jfrr009b0qBwqGwC0p1br70RN647Pu0YZ_QJX6-SHm89KZmiD_4tHieopTsUGmFJprC75EgdwYFPvcO1zFqRI9r_ZzKJw-s8xHR1uVUaCvLQVLmU__IictOpv-0xhmYLq_43Y28wGE0JIgx9kBijl7aD2vg2VjuKJUTXr4w697HZ0FPcKs/s320/NL23--MAY%2020--P7A%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqA5LIYa9zATbTeHIY8PVBuX3p0gH6bYQkrntVbXft1ENsecMYFQ6NFXio7yh8FwXVoCZ6hvwiAxVFFbOhxB4ZERGD2wiZLsJKf8lhqx6FDGlhHSouln27Iu1a4dGwrQRMUNqD8tN0A_oVsMJb_aWGpBgZUkJRrpIY3-MO8WpYlQU_QCIr0wvsCvQi6k/s4578/NL23--MAY%2020--P7%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3030" data-original-width="4578" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqA5LIYa9zATbTeHIY8PVBuX3p0gH6bYQkrntVbXft1ENsecMYFQ6NFXio7yh8FwXVoCZ6hvwiAxVFFbOhxB4ZERGD2wiZLsJKf8lhqx6FDGlhHSouln27Iu1a4dGwrQRMUNqD8tN0A_oVsMJb_aWGpBgZUkJRrpIY3-MO8WpYlQU_QCIr0wvsCvQi6k/s320/NL23--MAY%2020--P7%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>66. After coming on in the bottom of the 9th at Pittsburgh on May 20 to preserve a 1-run lead, <b>Miguel Castro</b> throws balls on his first 2 pitches to pinch hitter Rodolfo Castro (no relation) and then gets a pitch timer violation to make the count 3-0. Then he takes a timeout and takes off his hat. But it's not to let everyone see how long his dreads are. Instead he needs to get his PitchCom device properly positioned inside his size 7-3/4 hat, as C Gabriel Moreno looks on ......<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n8qaIDsajG11d-3uBSXZgPE2V3blK4hLMfKyaBc_2kdwxzw2uLabxiZvmXb9AhiiFQYKedo9HY5ltLUe4gqrkGPQr9vbJduaLjyO49L-BSgFCz9lbmw2AhK6kZ30e2aFNN4JY4MGLihqu262hdbu9Z8r_p4o4HFbYWZFQYmSLa2cyiBNF2sVbrnlJRk/s2048/NL23--MAY%2020--P5A%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5n8qaIDsajG11d-3uBSXZgPE2V3blK4hLMfKyaBc_2kdwxzw2uLabxiZvmXb9AhiiFQYKedo9HY5ltLUe4gqrkGPQr9vbJduaLjyO49L-BSgFCz9lbmw2AhK6kZ30e2aFNN4JY4MGLihqu262hdbu9Z8r_p4o4HFbYWZFQYmSLa2cyiBNF2sVbrnlJRk/s320/NL23--MAY%2020--P5A%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusrvlZAaE6Ln4t5tAAlG59-FP9JKl2G6j-VqFV5fZk_VQVjMGFAR05_zbl7woY6luKTQS8XOrPi8zijJWLke4jr3RgvGx9L9t0l2YRk6tUUG7M3MVX0x7ysPPNNI-S-qXCB82fa3Lkv1fM43O2rI2HlKtGbGwdJb9AD9hcmaUY6kOaklfkTbY7lA4fpY/s2048/NL23--MAY%2020--P2A%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusrvlZAaE6Ln4t5tAAlG59-FP9JKl2G6j-VqFV5fZk_VQVjMGFAR05_zbl7woY6luKTQS8XOrPi8zijJWLke4jr3RgvGx9L9t0l2YRk6tUUG7M3MVX0x7ysPPNNI-S-qXCB82fa3Lkv1fM43O2rI2HlKtGbGwdJb9AD9hcmaUY6kOaklfkTbY7lA4fpY/s320/NL23--MAY%2020--P2A%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>67. ..... Miguel's dreads go every which way (photo above) after he delivers a pitch during his Castro vs. Castro duel. I'm surprised that batters haven't complained about his dreads being a distraction. Miguel ended up losing the duel, walking Rodolfo on a 3-2 pitch. But a few minutes later all ended well as Miguel, after striking out the next three batters in a row, sets to shake hands with Moreno (photo on right) after getting his 4th save of the season: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/20/465f9b8a-66d45fba-38413628-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/20/465f9b8a-66d45fba-38413628-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Castro allowed no runs in 5 appearances on the Diamondbacks' road trip from May 15-24, picking up 2 saves and a win and helping the D-backs finish 6-3 on the trip. Miguel has been amazing on the road this season. In his first 18 road appearances he has allowed just 5 hits and 1 run in 16.1 IP for an ERA of 0.55! Too bad he doesn't pitch like that at home too.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixweI5ORnUT5ZPPCh5zu5OsBVd_DAv6XM30MotyZTFa6wORabXCUaEtfXhbcGQdjB5IQI5ATZ-azu5rWzjYzurLLycujxEfyl9m-cF7r8s1OlXRkqK74tVzakYwUwvZI1SSFkBNAZ_ddR7TqR6UHKvaRTb57UaVR7DpUm6ORrwDJtsDkS0MQ8OEg8PFnQ/s1200/NL23--APR.%201--P3%20%20COLO-SD.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixweI5ORnUT5ZPPCh5zu5OsBVd_DAv6XM30MotyZTFa6wORabXCUaEtfXhbcGQdjB5IQI5ATZ-azu5rWzjYzurLLycujxEfyl9m-cF7r8s1OlXRkqK74tVzakYwUwvZI1SSFkBNAZ_ddR7TqR6UHKvaRTb57UaVR7DpUm6ORrwDJtsDkS0MQ8OEg8PFnQ/s320/NL23--APR.%201--P3%20%20COLO-SD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGALpHYF8xuQGej2W8d1CoYrzQxuYIhmIubTL_iNAWRk9YRBXn0mareGTUpB7HDn1y7EzshLsV_MgMSS95PC0VM9vugu7es60eE-CtJk0r23vjC8M_FaR2JGOS-ntYo7lUN_o1LcvT0l1RdfekumGvfqIWGackHS5fQrBH_3c_uNX04J0SStfqHM2UCM/s2048/NL23--APR.%201--P4%20%20COLO-SD.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGALpHYF8xuQGej2W8d1CoYrzQxuYIhmIubTL_iNAWRk9YRBXn0mareGTUpB7HDn1y7EzshLsV_MgMSS95PC0VM9vugu7es60eE-CtJk0r23vjC8M_FaR2JGOS-ntYo7lUN_o1LcvT0l1RdfekumGvfqIWGackHS5fQrBH_3c_uNX04J0SStfqHM2UCM/s320/NL23--APR.%201--P4%20%20COLO-SD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>68. After getting his 1st hit of the season on his previous at bat, <b>Luis Campusano</b> gets his 1st RBI of the season on this swing (photo above) his next time up, lifting a fly ball to deep CF for a sacrifice fly and upping the Padres' lead to 5-1 over the Rockies in the bottom of the 5th on Apr. 1. And then an hour or so later Campusano shakes hands with closer Josh Hader (photo on right) after the final out of the Padres' 8-4 victory. After beginning the season 0-2, the Padres picked up their 1st win in Campusano's 1st game of the season; and they would go on to win his first 4 starts, allowing 4 runs or fewer in all of them, before losing 11-2 on Apr. 14, his last game before suffering his thumb injury.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr9vq8fgw7HDZl6LBbX2fJ1qENyqZb-uniK5MWzgJD-tekN-VkKTt0pp2ku_5sJ_qQT0H91rBmK8fPkZ-NP20KzkLaYxHwei0qLlr5HRUueaS4i-qmrdNYB4tEyJF6JDIp9Nv50WlPSYSkk3WzFkO7pCSQ6ZYPoJyAMkL9H57Z8chdHQi8dVxPKEHoMI/s1245/NL23--APR.%2011--P4%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1245" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr9vq8fgw7HDZl6LBbX2fJ1qENyqZb-uniK5MWzgJD-tekN-VkKTt0pp2ku_5sJ_qQT0H91rBmK8fPkZ-NP20KzkLaYxHwei0qLlr5HRUueaS4i-qmrdNYB4tEyJF6JDIp9Nv50WlPSYSkk3WzFkO7pCSQ6ZYPoJyAMkL9H57Z8chdHQi8dVxPKEHoMI/s320/NL23--APR.%2011--P4%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVGtqR4ohnS6dRcCGRgN38dUMYO50vkS1KwRD1pJ8TxRXqUk_F7kA4ZCDWUoLR8b2t-PbKXE567ncUnXAQ2nuT2DUBKNnBBKDwpapEqBjP_LUx4c9LNabCdY7Nng2zXZZyOKCdH7YW2JQGDn0SeYWRaP-8_YaM0GhcWYAyt5mmgEibfhpfWVhIpIKy6I/s1035/NL23--JUNE%203--P3%20%20OAK-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1035" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVGtqR4ohnS6dRcCGRgN38dUMYO50vkS1KwRD1pJ8TxRXqUk_F7kA4ZCDWUoLR8b2t-PbKXE567ncUnXAQ2nuT2DUBKNnBBKDwpapEqBjP_LUx4c9LNabCdY7Nng2zXZZyOKCdH7YW2JQGDn0SeYWRaP-8_YaM0GhcWYAyt5mmgEibfhpfWVhIpIKy6I/s320/NL23--JUNE%203--P3%20%20OAK-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>69. <b>Huascar Brazoban</b>, hatless as usual after finishing an inning, taps fists with C Nick Fortes (photo above) after striking out Nick Castellanos for the final out of the Marlins' 8-4 road win over the Phillies on Apr. 11. Then at Miami on June 3 Fortes gets to celebrate with the Marlins' other pitcher with dreads, shaking hands with rookie <b>George Soriano</b> (photo on right) after the last out of a 12-1 laugher over the A's. Even though it wasn't a close game Soriano was credited with his 1st career save because he pitched the last 3 innings of the game (allowing 1 run).<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc18S6zqXWtUcppMc8DDXSZcfH_Sdz2sbzJzYrWEnGiP9LqNgs5C1e75Irvl_V9zw-lIKEi5ljOVszwSW1yKGLgqxAXW-SSRVDSWGGwVi84yZrHBgboRwx4bh_VV_xMokNVtFmWxF1wrNCzpgv7oAl8r2iRjpOaukEpx9FQH_97gOjbMpqRwjSYwleGNI/s1472/AL23--MAR.%2031--P4%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1472" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc18S6zqXWtUcppMc8DDXSZcfH_Sdz2sbzJzYrWEnGiP9LqNgs5C1e75Irvl_V9zw-lIKEi5ljOVszwSW1yKGLgqxAXW-SSRVDSWGGwVi84yZrHBgboRwx4bh_VV_xMokNVtFmWxF1wrNCzpgv7oAl8r2iRjpOaukEpx9FQH_97gOjbMpqRwjSYwleGNI/s320/AL23--MAR.%2031--P4%20%20CHI-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvbbJ_iJNZArrQXlrBmJRWQaKUfhOPI-HA4yez0klaWRomqsLeblW33apqRUedFiZF7wC5IKSF9OOqpMzivnqTIPijjVuIaDUmQQIiGpe5PAjiG-knOd32oey-MtjmD3veyTBQrUpDqkjhDgFtDzCMtprI07v8Kj8hh7B98aaOOPW1ynuLH5yqd5uH5s/s1280/AL23--APR.%2015--P1%20%20TEX-HOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvbbJ_iJNZArrQXlrBmJRWQaKUfhOPI-HA4yez0klaWRomqsLeblW33apqRUedFiZF7wC5IKSF9OOqpMzivnqTIPijjVuIaDUmQQIiGpe5PAjiG-knOd32oey-MtjmD3veyTBQrUpDqkjhDgFtDzCMtprI07v8Kj8hh7B98aaOOPW1ynuLH5yqd5uH5s/s320/AL23--APR.%2015--P1%20%20TEX-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>70. About 3 hours after getting his World Series ring (photo #2), <b>Rafael Montero</b> has some more to celebrate (photo above), slapping five with Yordan Alvarez after getting the last out and picking up the save in a 6-3 victory over the White Sox. Alvarez had the biggest hit of the game, a 3-run double in the 7th that turned a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 lead. Then on Apr. 15 Montero celebrates with manager Dusty Baker (photo on right) after getting the last out - and escaping a bases loaded jam - of the Astros' 8-2 home win over the Rangers.<br /><div>After recording a career high 14 saves last season, Rafael has only the one so far in 2023. He was still reliable throughout April; but for the next two months almost all of his outings were either bad or <i>really</i> bad before he was relegated to pitching non-important innings in his few appearances since then.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLM6w9JzP2cwQGLJLDFaP6wywtWHyzXsEXPlwAehcOjascUHiBcjZHqYRQOG2ja6CsnLfnnixZ80a-TnmbTy1S3-9d53kZPSB8xYLJnW03-IdexZefb3a0vLAnMES3Hc2tOfpAn3WRuxfWXYVlTfaOWOLo7OJLljy8bl6oWyRmseeVBlR2cQUfDGBzWqg/s1763/NL23--MAY%2013--P1%20%20PHIL-COLO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1763" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLM6w9JzP2cwQGLJLDFaP6wywtWHyzXsEXPlwAehcOjascUHiBcjZHqYRQOG2ja6CsnLfnnixZ80a-TnmbTy1S3-9d53kZPSB8xYLJnW03-IdexZefb3a0vLAnMES3Hc2tOfpAn3WRuxfWXYVlTfaOWOLo7OJLljy8bl6oWyRmseeVBlR2cQUfDGBzWqg/s320/NL23--MAY%2013--P1%20%20PHIL-COLO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>71. <b>Gregory Soto</b> and 3B Alec Bohm congratulate each other after Bohm made an excellent defensive play for the final out of the game at Denver on May 13, giving the Phillies a 7-4 win over the Rockies and giving Soto his 1st save in a Phillies uniform. After picking up 18 and 30 saves for the Tigers in 2021-22, this was Gregory's only save so far this season, as the Phillies are using him in a setup role rather than as the closer.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGyrWM9wsO8WkFNgxu051b3nSUoUKgoC7m1-8zW3t1bHJHNsXxk8W1iL65CKBCUGwScb2qWSDV5MAQtqOFbgZF2AMCMG5fgwhj6fVgs1n0lov2lnLHEiVUslOsbfsfKGAqIcpGN-JGqCpIGXh8N2drQPdbcer90UcqoVYVwczNdgn-n8NElvhknBlg5w/s2048/NL23--APR.%2023--P1%20%20HOU-ATL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGyrWM9wsO8WkFNgxu051b3nSUoUKgoC7m1-8zW3t1bHJHNsXxk8W1iL65CKBCUGwScb2qWSDV5MAQtqOFbgZF2AMCMG5fgwhj6fVgs1n0lov2lnLHEiVUslOsbfsfKGAqIcpGN-JGqCpIGXh8N2drQPdbcer90UcqoVYVwczNdgn-n8NElvhknBlg5w/s320/NL23--APR.%2023--P1%20%20HOU-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>72. <b>Martin Maldonado</b> celebrates with C Cesar Salazar and P Bryan Abreu after the final out of the Astros' 5-2 road win over the Braves on Apr. 23. Abreu picked up the save, and Salazar caught the bottom of the 9th after Maldonado was pinch hit for in the top of the 9th, with PH Corey Julks hitting an RBI single with 2 out to give Houston a 3-2 lead. The win gave the Astros a 3-game sweep of the Braves in the weekend series.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5HobZQE_MNMaOudKlT6YMdF8mAK0ONZq667ODpbh_yYQDAcmka59wfDy9X2gHlipcuM5PM3QwemRNvb-UgsGArtJX_leM9zZl4hdVivDvKgbL8SYSQX-mjW7T8qs7_SgE3fICwB_HhkEuLUPkFf_Q-YhSGNhtMYBjcIUwYpo_XEfgjAgF-6Knx15u3Y/s2048/AL23--MAY%2021--P4A%20%20OAK-HOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5HobZQE_MNMaOudKlT6YMdF8mAK0ONZq667ODpbh_yYQDAcmka59wfDy9X2gHlipcuM5PM3QwemRNvb-UgsGArtJX_leM9zZl4hdVivDvKgbL8SYSQX-mjW7T8qs7_SgE3fICwB_HhkEuLUPkFf_Q-YhSGNhtMYBjcIUwYpo_XEfgjAgF-6Knx15u3Y/s320/AL23--MAY%2021--P4A%20%20OAK-HOU.jpg" width="206" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSFLSkOSSdDNLaooX0jVQPRPz8SSqaswDAOpruAzYcOOV5Tf8PqYoFD9baMdDRzTVMdGBepOcK6n0qDMchuICA7BvcXj9jcoiPkeLzWkWikTBWknLHsmvewYm07_1126mAjry_NJIkE2YFBELRg-Sb215Sppx01NDQ7XMKT0D6EZbk9OUnYIPLbHu_Ug/s1786/AL23--MAY%2021--P4%20%20OAK-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1083" data-original-width="1786" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSFLSkOSSdDNLaooX0jVQPRPz8SSqaswDAOpruAzYcOOV5Tf8PqYoFD9baMdDRzTVMdGBepOcK6n0qDMchuICA7BvcXj9jcoiPkeLzWkWikTBWknLHsmvewYm07_1126mAjry_NJIkE2YFBELRg-Sb215Sppx01NDQ7XMKT0D6EZbk9OUnYIPLbHu_Ug/s320/AL23--MAY%2021--P4%20%20OAK-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>73. Back in the old days starting pitchers were <i>expected </i>to finish what they started. But now you hardly ever see the starter on the mound for the last out of the game. One of those rare instances happened at Minute Maid Park on May 21, with <b>Framber Valdez</b> shouting for joy (left photo) and then walking off the mound pleased and relieved (right photo) after striking out Ramon Laureano of the A's for the final out of the Astros' 2-0 victory. The 4-hit shutout - with no walks and 7 strikeouts - was Valdez's 2nd career shutout ......<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AczNk-dxiTc5kfDaN1SRuPkeF85zbeOFZ_WORh4eRbvEMYFrhOQmyEGeacy3CK01h_MLXSL-JXWpeNWoNhrHw3pbvAlvr31ONT-GjMS102RHWOWrgm_vf_l9YSK6gjl82wRU8wAH2-u0sXBMbBy7iSPmT4szEOpsGlo5DEfRLtvuNrlQzFplz5_heSM/s1365/AL23--MAY%2021--P1A%20%20OAK-HOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1034" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AczNk-dxiTc5kfDaN1SRuPkeF85zbeOFZ_WORh4eRbvEMYFrhOQmyEGeacy3CK01h_MLXSL-JXWpeNWoNhrHw3pbvAlvr31ONT-GjMS102RHWOWrgm_vf_l9YSK6gjl82wRU8wAH2-u0sXBMbBy7iSPmT4szEOpsGlo5DEfRLtvuNrlQzFplz5_heSM/s320/AL23--MAY%2021--P1A%20%20OAK-HOU.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVFjlrQF6RNxQFiJYB0kumULAj0hOgrSMb3nTo7PVl1HXmIJ-f2wD0-I0vP9tD4PbCbajbMZ9fiAzduSi2UINCXEde_IVjIc3zoaeI6Nbke6W-eym-OtHC3OCXXH0Phpsn6FF6nPsd8Ngy3TqnR1E7Nw0eoOxNUGHaVlbnG6zyu2Le6JVlUDz_Sl3Cmo/s940/AL23--MAY%2021--P3%20%20OAK-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="940" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVFjlrQF6RNxQFiJYB0kumULAj0hOgrSMb3nTo7PVl1HXmIJ-f2wD0-I0vP9tD4PbCbajbMZ9fiAzduSi2UINCXEde_IVjIc3zoaeI6Nbke6W-eym-OtHC3OCXXH0Phpsn6FF6nPsd8Ngy3TqnR1E7Nw0eoOxNUGHaVlbnG6zyu2Le6JVlUDz_Sl3Cmo/s320/AL23--MAY%2021--P3%20%20OAK-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>74. ...... After the last out <b>Martin Maldonado</b>, not used to having Valdez on the mound at the end of the game, went bonkers. After slapping (not shaking) hands with Valdez (left photo), he not once, not twice, but <i>three</i> times playfully tugged on Framber's dreads (the last of the three in right photo): <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/21/ae97b790-8d0857c5-186e0efe-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/21/ae97b790-8d0857c5-186e0efe-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now that's not something you see every day.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdgIPGjPI4g8U8iA6gAUpOy9syaOMvVniUeQUzWxNJ7DZJy2GUbuyNeVX4IzPl-SReR4-AggoksPoIe04A1VaY9P7OWDiJJsPuIJOJay-P3nZnTYA3uGr6ux5aNs2wyq5qoFt4d69sZirzMkqaQYLK6yf4YX4xkBU94ScrvKHQ2Q5VpfTfVihfozuomI/s2839/NL23--MAY%2010--P3%20%20BOST-ATL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1893" data-original-width="2839" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdgIPGjPI4g8U8iA6gAUpOy9syaOMvVniUeQUzWxNJ7DZJy2GUbuyNeVX4IzPl-SReR4-AggoksPoIe04A1VaY9P7OWDiJJsPuIJOJay-P3nZnTYA3uGr6ux5aNs2wyq5qoFt4d69sZirzMkqaQYLK6yf4YX4xkBU94ScrvKHQ2Q5VpfTfVihfozuomI/s320/NL23--MAY%2010--P3%20%20BOST-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VZI395RiOgkI0MUcsBU11kDEgztz3AyzHpOnXMI1jHjgjaxtgiGwY2V78GUH3WdqJEeczvlIDYwjKTUiQWa2I7iiZ99mg4v_sXt_IZewSqzZYxnwho8Xy2POoWkpkIT7Hz1f6u-rNg7sIOsN3IDuRZwFmsM5xxvpvWcrdAoPVyJU-RZC-qd6f8AMX5k/s2048/NL23--MAY%2010--P1%20%20BOST-ATL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VZI395RiOgkI0MUcsBU11kDEgztz3AyzHpOnXMI1jHjgjaxtgiGwY2V78GUH3WdqJEeczvlIDYwjKTUiQWa2I7iiZ99mg4v_sXt_IZewSqzZYxnwho8Xy2POoWkpkIT7Hz1f6u-rNg7sIOsN3IDuRZwFmsM5xxvpvWcrdAoPVyJU-RZC-qd6f8AMX5k/s320/NL23--MAY%2010--P1%20%20BOST-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>75. Pinch hitting in a tie game at Atlanta on May 10, <b>Raimel Tapia</b> reaches down and lines a curve ball (photo above) into the RF corner for an RBI double to give the Red Sox a 3-2 lead with 2 out in the 7th. Then, after the Red Sox tacked on 2 more runs in the 9th, Tapia congratulates Kenley Jansen (photo on right) after Jansen strikes out Travis d'Arnaud to get the save - his 9th of the season and the 400th save of his career: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/10/69c869d1-74d6668e-8b362624-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/10/69c869d1-74d6668e-8b362624-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> <div>It was Kenley's first appearance in Atlanta since picking up 41 of those 400 saves during his only season in a Braves uniform in 2022.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo5k2hucq1-FmvCEqpCRcFPAtutr6tMRp1YU9P5QqTIJS982Dm4L4Qp7KNRtTvmPgmVwjUBu9PN6aTwddl7qZg6BOioTO2TE70TaPu0u3A_h8L2-dEBKaAVlgQzqWhlPZsCI_GsIN9MHhVBWYvqhyUp0FtJdgjvr8gT4RWyyTNAHplo_c-uB43PoLrpU/s1280/AL23--APR.%2018--P1%20%20TOR-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1280" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlo5k2hucq1-FmvCEqpCRcFPAtutr6tMRp1YU9P5QqTIJS982Dm4L4Qp7KNRtTvmPgmVwjUBu9PN6aTwddl7qZg6BOioTO2TE70TaPu0u3A_h8L2-dEBKaAVlgQzqWhlPZsCI_GsIN9MHhVBWYvqhyUp0FtJdgjvr8gT4RWyyTNAHplo_c-uB43PoLrpU/s320/AL23--APR.%2018--P1%20%20TOR-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>76. With his dreads reduced on Apr. 18, <b>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</b> exults at the end of the game, raising both arms skyward after recording the 1-3 putout at 1st base for the final out of the Blue Jays' 4-2 road win over the Astros. Vladdy earlier broke a scoreless tie with his 3rd home run of the season in the 4th inning, and the Blue Jays would go out to a 4-0 lead before hanging on.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEgfw0QjXHozSNvMnQrguiVAVC1jlPyDsJ703yo8jXGPf9doUiIEhQuCapR09Qy3rV1ufdifzFFM_sfjnRYuYOP20D-6dXC-ZjIVMF6v2PhbkV1EkjSQhUOjxQdK63bKMRPeXBloq8bqMXjp4nNe4YQNOH04DvXDRipL91y_IAQeVYmhPq3MtPuoREKA/s1024/AL23--APR.%2014--P2%20%20MINN-NY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEgfw0QjXHozSNvMnQrguiVAVC1jlPyDsJ703yo8jXGPf9doUiIEhQuCapR09Qy3rV1ufdifzFFM_sfjnRYuYOP20D-6dXC-ZjIVMF6v2PhbkV1EkjSQhUOjxQdK63bKMRPeXBloq8bqMXjp4nNe4YQNOH04DvXDRipL91y_IAQeVYmhPq3MtPuoREKA/s320/AL23--APR.%2014--P2%20%20MINN-NY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>77. <b>Nick Gordon</b> and SS Carlos Correa hug after Correa catches a popup off the bat Willie Calhoun for the final out in the bottom of the 9th at Yankee Stadium on Apr. 14. It was fitting that Correa record the last out, as it was his 2-run double in the 8th that gave the Twins a 4-3 lead (which ended up being the final score). It was the Twins' 2nd win over the Yankees in as many nights, giving them two wins in a series at Yankee Stadium for the first time since 2014. But the Yankees won the next two afternoons to split the series.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAST6U7AITk8W4sMGEXs4BJCEWJjBq7Qyz09aWyCSvxIYn2YP7jZFdOXlpnl7FPmHdQWrZYVV7W-4yAO3PZQZ9Z7FBUpo2qju2RV7oYz6nPuxTXcX6CR2mbptLMobVXPBi5yhLG6ocTYbyg6kvZW-ShwM7l45zsiBoLY_SAp7fHVHssdJBzpiWnQPHxBs/s1365/NL23--APR.%202--P1%20%20ARIZ-LA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="923" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAST6U7AITk8W4sMGEXs4BJCEWJjBq7Qyz09aWyCSvxIYn2YP7jZFdOXlpnl7FPmHdQWrZYVV7W-4yAO3PZQZ9Z7FBUpo2qju2RV7oYz6nPuxTXcX6CR2mbptLMobVXPBi5yhLG6ocTYbyg6kvZW-ShwM7l45zsiBoLY_SAp7fHVHssdJBzpiWnQPHxBs/s320/NL23--APR.%202--P1%20%20ARIZ-LA.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQruxgi7f40Z0JEaRHKgIV3W1yR3mHWBfz19Wkcm1tPuuUsf2lz4H6Iw2Cn9UiKIpY3j2eU6tZfNqFoBnYoA-0ldYAtiFsFTskOzrQRYn1vAh3MZqIEFW6m5Ke8z6IKY3EONGuVxbLSVpXGVg1kSXrOintz2ISysJytl9ZKzzd75lpkuwbbZ3PsAsbCWM/s1024/NL23--MAY%2021--P1%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQruxgi7f40Z0JEaRHKgIV3W1yR3mHWBfz19Wkcm1tPuuUsf2lz4H6Iw2Cn9UiKIpY3j2eU6tZfNqFoBnYoA-0ldYAtiFsFTskOzrQRYn1vAh3MZqIEFW6m5Ke8z6IKY3EONGuVxbLSVpXGVg1kSXrOintz2ISysJytl9ZKzzd75lpkuwbbZ3PsAsbCWM/s320/NL23--MAY%2021--P1%20%20ARIZ-PITT.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div><br /></div>78. As they do in one form or another, 2B <b>Ketel Marte</b> and SS Geraldo Perdomo celebrate with each other first before joining the rest of their teammates after every Diamondbacks win this season - with matching socks and shoes (left photo) no less after the 2-1 win over the Dodgers on Apr. 2, a win that gave the Diamondbacks a split of the 4-game, season-opening series at Dodger Stadium; and then with a little dance (right photo) after the 8-3 win on May 21 that gave Arizona a 2-1 series victory in Pittsburgh. Perdomo, who later in the season turned his hair into a partially-braided, partially-straight look pretty much unique to him, recently made his first All-Star Game appearance; While Marte, also deserving of a selection, got snubbed. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOMlOL27PLDd7m0mxXM8Woa69yE9tyjD6m7W1JYMXOg66s_S_XX068STWOn8vs815AcyKTRHx_0EMRuObbglGPl43Yx9l4YTEpkCUwANlxsPsZaqvwVrCI4kY_3mjIF_--RFVvn1AGdwp8qXLy1FBzOrOsAFAsDABfPgrSRlOL36GZLGnOcpefHD-wWE/s5000/AL23--APR.%2030--P9%20%20BALT-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3334" data-original-width="5000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOMlOL27PLDd7m0mxXM8Woa69yE9tyjD6m7W1JYMXOg66s_S_XX068STWOn8vs815AcyKTRHx_0EMRuObbglGPl43Yx9l4YTEpkCUwANlxsPsZaqvwVrCI4kY_3mjIF_--RFVvn1AGdwp8qXLy1FBzOrOsAFAsDABfPgrSRlOL36GZLGnOcpefHD-wWE/s320/AL23--APR.%2030--P9%20%20BALT-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuYl_GHBGJu0F8Slc93bvgP6gclkw0F34IpzAxNqRTtzXGPXqXPfuZa80fzyhQ_CgPrmG87ATv_8hilab7ZpdTEv25GujItf9A_n9RFEnpSzuKFnGGPHXVBbL9ogO3dKTcaEPfAz-CEmbuKz5V_RQLItvXGqNelCOA_LgAtTGTEnTxnfh2P8_NU23wuE/s2048/AL23--MAY%2021--P7%20%20BALT-TOR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuYl_GHBGJu0F8Slc93bvgP6gclkw0F34IpzAxNqRTtzXGPXqXPfuZa80fzyhQ_CgPrmG87ATv_8hilab7ZpdTEv25GujItf9A_n9RFEnpSzuKFnGGPHXVBbL9ogO3dKTcaEPfAz-CEmbuKz5V_RQLItvXGqNelCOA_LgAtTGTEnTxnfh2P8_NU23wuE/s320/AL23--MAY%2021--P7%20%20BALT-TOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>79. Early season victories by the Orioles brought the braids of SS Jorge Mateo and the dreads of <b>Cedric</b> <b>Mullins</b> together for a leaping, waist-high five celebration - in Detroit (photo above) after a 5-3 win over the Tigers on Apr. 30 and in Toronto (photo on right) after an 8-3 win over the Blue Jays in a game in which Mullins went 5-for-6 with 3 RBI. <br /><div>But it's a less-often occurrence these days. When Mullins returned after missing the first 3 weeks of June due to injury, it was about the same time the Orioles decided they couldn't wait for Mateo to break out of his long batting slump and took him out of the starting lineup.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4A7diVBT0JSufKP3dWHLNKFO5ad1T-v31d0GVlyN2GzgkqFZP6rkCpnBeq1_qfcdl7R8VjNlxquqWrNNl_WXAGrvNCDy1oEIc5zUJc5RpHuiFRJgESzNKNsWoa_HeCdfwlrjIJ_C9PuAzqU2BE8EYKvkSnIMqCnabxFRdCJMv5jA8bDyA6UhmlJb_DE/s1024/NL23--MAR.%2030--P5%20%20PITT-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="1024" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4A7diVBT0JSufKP3dWHLNKFO5ad1T-v31d0GVlyN2GzgkqFZP6rkCpnBeq1_qfcdl7R8VjNlxquqWrNNl_WXAGrvNCDy1oEIc5zUJc5RpHuiFRJgESzNKNsWoa_HeCdfwlrjIJ_C9PuAzqU2BE8EYKvkSnIMqCnabxFRdCJMv5jA8bDyA6UhmlJb_DE/s320/NL23--MAR.%2030--P5%20%20PITT-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeS_b-GK6B6NZ-Sc2gw8cHGoATSwK24k55p6sYgs4hKnaCN84Q0_GbgGStYdkyiWq8TUEQ-2bXMCz71vo-XXQcFqB-gNNn84bEW75rTVeDgzQ7GFB-ZhPDwqLeclwqnjnKOJrc8AId0QADxiRtP0pkXhoSaGnniWWr-5U2tlsgx43hBa4olYezfH5ai_U/s1400/NL23--MAR.%2030--P7%20%20PITT-CIN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeS_b-GK6B6NZ-Sc2gw8cHGoATSwK24k55p6sYgs4hKnaCN84Q0_GbgGStYdkyiWq8TUEQ-2bXMCz71vo-XXQcFqB-gNNn84bEW75rTVeDgzQ7GFB-ZhPDwqLeclwqnjnKOJrc8AId0QADxiRtP0pkXhoSaGnniWWr-5U2tlsgx43hBa4olYezfH5ai_U/s320/NL23--MAR.%2030--P7%20%20PITT-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>80. <b>Oneil Cruz</b>'s first opening day in MLB was a smashing success. On the road vs. the Reds on Mar. 30 Cruz led off the game with a flyout to the warning track in LF. Then in the 3rd inning nobody can make the catch as he high fives 1B coach Tarrik Brock (photo above) after smashing a 101-MPH Hunter Greene fastball 425 feet into the RF seats to tie the game at 1. After walking his next 2 times up (and scoring once), Oneil lifted another fly ball to the warning track in the 8th for a sacrifice fly that broke a 4-4 tie and drove in the winning run. And then after the final out Oneil towers over his fellow infielders (photo on right) - Rodolfo Castro on left, Ke'Bryan Hayes on right, and Carlos Santana (#41) - as they come together for a ring-around-the rosie celebration: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-03/30/3a9108e9-203a25d5-39019a5a-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-03/30/3a9108e9-203a25d5-39019a5a-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> <div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlYl95mvkxZ1acIL4-Fly6pBBJ6vIvTD7tp7kry6goGYm6cMZkkkuJSxKG5ZdAhcTL8sg5g0fHIkzMKj-gImAEDdvNlsQA1cxNSrpAdIfT7ME9ekqT2pLrr4S4t9Fx9930SjKMcpNKTBZ-I5OQbqpGpFNpGV562HEY-ZgJdCWuWgukBl5hosXZeAcVcI/s2048/AL23--MAY%201--P3%20%20CLEVE-NY.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="2048" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlYl95mvkxZ1acIL4-Fly6pBBJ6vIvTD7tp7kry6goGYm6cMZkkkuJSxKG5ZdAhcTL8sg5g0fHIkzMKj-gImAEDdvNlsQA1cxNSrpAdIfT7ME9ekqT2pLrr4S4t9Fx9930SjKMcpNKTBZ-I5OQbqpGpFNpGV562HEY-ZgJdCWuWgukBl5hosXZeAcVcI/s320/AL23--MAY%201--P3%20%20CLEVE-NY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPwmk97JdLi_DZi0GIKbuZg7wssyzKsFJwJhMifsi4shxfGI8Ba9GsBz4mLg3-dVNqSwTPuFuc6kwokyPkZB5eAfeyR6Xs5U1K-iqw8Qz-E3DXLs7I8vaZrnVfH0HZhDcaPxYr929sse36xos6OhvAl9A2G1xazzAafsIMtr9H9BfetgDbeiMeohw72I/s2048/AL23--MAY%207--P3%20%20MINN-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPwmk97JdLi_DZi0GIKbuZg7wssyzKsFJwJhMifsi4shxfGI8Ba9GsBz4mLg3-dVNqSwTPuFuc6kwokyPkZB5eAfeyR6Xs5U1K-iqw8Qz-E3DXLs7I8vaZrnVfH0HZhDcaPxYr929sse36xos6OhvAl9A2G1xazzAafsIMtr9H9BfetgDbeiMeohw72I/s320/AL23--MAY%207--P3%20%20MINN-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>81. Even though he led MLB with 42 saves in 2022, it was out with the old and in with the new for <b>Emmanuel Clase</b> in 2023, changing the dye color of his dread tips from brown to blue. And something else new is that he now has two, instead of one, teammates with dreads to celebrate with after getting the game's last out. After the Guardians score 3 in the top of the 9th to take a 3-2 lead on May 1 and Clase retires the Yankees in order in the bottom of the 9th, Clase high fives <b>Jose Ramirez</b> (photo above) after getting his 10th save of the season. Ramirez had a single in the middle of that rally. Then on May 7 after finishing the Guardians' 1-hit shutout of the Twins and getting his 12th save, Clase gets the glad hand from <b>Josh Bell</b> (photo on right). Usually on the field playing 1B for the final out, Bell, in his 1st season with the Guardians, has to come from the dugout to greet Clase this time after spending the day as the DH. He and Ramirez had RBI singles in the 1st inning to drive in the game's only 2 runs. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKm_MyJbckPOnuFaM9-3Wc32n9lpQQYxgMH8dlTz0vy11zW7fFhmF6tUckFIEBG4oyGYu_01GSqmQjCn8kkAtiqiMMjGoH3AFgx6oflnB6wlt3_rZpnqwZ27_bgup-tafMNiHWT644GP6ZspnV8s2kGRd7nt9ud9__ItCIIEpDr1gtZ7uiLX67nYffWA/s6877/AL23--APR.%209--P1C%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4585" data-original-width="6877" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKm_MyJbckPOnuFaM9-3Wc32n9lpQQYxgMH8dlTz0vy11zW7fFhmF6tUckFIEBG4oyGYu_01GSqmQjCn8kkAtiqiMMjGoH3AFgx6oflnB6wlt3_rZpnqwZ27_bgup-tafMNiHWT644GP6ZspnV8s2kGRd7nt9ud9__ItCIIEpDr1gtZ7uiLX67nYffWA/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P1C%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uJnsmIxTc_N5z-d-1feu9tkTSkNNeYpwcNELUslIZ4OoAdtS6WGOryqJkdt3a8g8Pukjuuz1i6M26lq3MOB5dUUT1emt3LiMLQhIBD8f1nKd1y360XB4enx_VgdmcefRGCRzB7IWqj5cu-SHHSl1dLMrJ3WFmUjEREVL8MtMK5XWJ37-igmuHgMMQNU/s2560/AL23--APR.%209--P1B%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uJnsmIxTc_N5z-d-1feu9tkTSkNNeYpwcNELUslIZ4OoAdtS6WGOryqJkdt3a8g8Pukjuuz1i6M26lq3MOB5dUUT1emt3LiMLQhIBD8f1nKd1y360XB4enx_VgdmcefRGCRzB7IWqj5cu-SHHSl1dLMrJ3WFmUjEREVL8MtMK5XWJ37-igmuHgMMQNU/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P1B%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>82. <b>Jose Ramirez</b> and <b>Josh Bell</b> have the last word in the Guardians' first walk-off win of the season vs. the Mariners on Apr. 9. Jose manages to keep his helmet on as he races home with the winning run in the bottom of the 12th on a grounder to 2nd by Bell, just barely getting his hand on home plate with an excellent slide past C Cal Raleigh (photo above). Not believing Ramirez could have touched the plate, Raleigh comes over late and puts a tag on Jose (photo on right); but it's to no avail, as you'll see in the video (next photo) that Jose's hand clearly touched it as he went past ....... <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAqUClNYZR9NsUv84NBpFZZOrk0ZspISvajaf6IbB7ZPi3TNeSmv0g6rKUz_Oo4i3VkWeHkX4YlMT520fRTZufjGeY2LMdgxqEd2T5vzbIz5Vzvwn3jWMWI3XLeS_9f_hRivuDYf4yDgp61i5zh3aywftLvbHcHvx3cofqE_w7-tKEs_ydHfTTJi_T9I/s2000/AL23--APR.%209--P2A%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAqUClNYZR9NsUv84NBpFZZOrk0ZspISvajaf6IbB7ZPi3TNeSmv0g6rKUz_Oo4i3VkWeHkX4YlMT520fRTZufjGeY2LMdgxqEd2T5vzbIz5Vzvwn3jWMWI3XLeS_9f_hRivuDYf4yDgp61i5zh3aywftLvbHcHvx3cofqE_w7-tKEs_ydHfTTJi_T9I/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P2A%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1ap1frB_o2xKO1ln1q-6ZevOx3ZlbdfLJjHbV46Bt3w2tCC7-80o8NG-TfrckFsVvfaIbREYIsNz_fZjPHFtt7cOh-_nw_uaKdBOCzegcKZPCZKdpc3DTfb85cj8BxJj3GeQWrg3mK5e1YzjuTcQYnsGfGVOtSZ_hRZohjNt8444XcpTvEmWND2k9pc/s960/AL23--APR.%209--P2D%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1ap1frB_o2xKO1ln1q-6ZevOx3ZlbdfLJjHbV46Bt3w2tCC7-80o8NG-TfrckFsVvfaIbREYIsNz_fZjPHFtt7cOh-_nw_uaKdBOCzegcKZPCZKdpc3DTfb85cj8BxJj3GeQWrg3mK5e1YzjuTcQYnsGfGVOtSZ_hRZohjNt8444XcpTvEmWND2k9pc/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P2D%20%20SEA-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>83. ...... Bell went 0-for-6 in the game, lowering his BA to .086 in the early going. But when your weakly-hit grounder brings in the winning run in a game nearing the 4-hour mark, everyone treats you like a hero. It's all smiles from his teammates, and then Oscar Gonzalez comes in trying to douse him with the water bottle.<div><a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/09/76606f56-9300ed29-3542ce74-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/09/76606f56-9300ed29-3542ce74-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a><br /><div><br /></div></div><div>With the 7-6 victory, the Guardians avoided the sweep after the Mariners took the first 2 games of the weekend series. </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIK_1OuzZByp9nGr_IqmcBEfK96qm_0DTW8uFDMrsn7DKV9yfj-DEtq8bnWLJK8m1OxZ3Hl3BPAXuY74GtYjuQfAQ_AuhW565ezdKviJwokqPVXSISkD9GCcybcUrnmT_CxMAX67PzsOKaoVLCVXeZb4S7rl0AMiRlvXxJ8I4IKqVWatv1B_arfqai0hM/s3573/AL23--MAY%2028--P2B%20%20ST.LOU-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3573" data-original-width="2327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIK_1OuzZByp9nGr_IqmcBEfK96qm_0DTW8uFDMrsn7DKV9yfj-DEtq8bnWLJK8m1OxZ3Hl3BPAXuY74GtYjuQfAQ_AuhW565ezdKviJwokqPVXSISkD9GCcybcUrnmT_CxMAX67PzsOKaoVLCVXeZb4S7rl0AMiRlvXxJ8I4IKqVWatv1B_arfqai0hM/s320/AL23--MAY%2028--P2B%20%20ST.LOU-CLEVE.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqhqkPwt31UY-J2dszB5P22YhRGiKuupj9OPJb-tsLxwMof8rMgjdQXfchvcXhCREN-AH_qBW2aTMRWHnhhR4xzfzzB4ViEfiTLODKwxoQPChhh7kpcJYlWpdnRj1mHzuPUsKt5F3pOVJr5XaUQ5A2EHuF_WH2azkoC9VKeVn5saX9Ma-B_VHa_WR5f8/s1280/AL23--MAY%2028--P2A%20%20ST.LOU-CLEVE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqhqkPwt31UY-J2dszB5P22YhRGiKuupj9OPJb-tsLxwMof8rMgjdQXfchvcXhCREN-AH_qBW2aTMRWHnhhR4xzfzzB4ViEfiTLODKwxoQPChhh7kpcJYlWpdnRj1mHzuPUsKt5F3pOVJr5XaUQ5A2EHuF_WH2azkoC9VKeVn5saX9Ma-B_VHa_WR5f8/s320/AL23--MAY%2028--P2A%20%20ST.LOU-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>84. Walk-off wins are fun when the game is tied, no doubt; but they're much better even when you're trailing and you come from behind to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in a single bound. Exhibit A: right here - <b>Jose Ramirez</b> on May 28. With runners on 1st and 2nd and the Guardians down to their last out in the 9th and on the brink of falling 8 games below .500, Ramirez comes through in a big way, driving in both runners with a double between the right and center fielders to give the Guardians a 4-3 win over the Cardinals and leave him ecstatic as he waits for his teammates to come mob him: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/28/a7226757-199c4831-9ff75141-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/28/a7226757-199c4831-9ff75141-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> <div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtrnGdF2_2qYlVs8mYdwboGNx-fD5sVbTkIvk39Ns2VkfAy7vZKHltGib5g87oPQImH-bEUzYRgz_y0DpBvdb2cSgu61_9hJ_SuXAv_niHJFUYLi0Up2qPsTD8oCs1K9JhbQd4m79jOd1Lv6FxokC4DflVKlWhB8pEDUFLwYmnZNouJtYOBZc0bi3DR0/s2048/AL23--APR.%2030--P2A%20%20CIN-OAK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYtrnGdF2_2qYlVs8mYdwboGNx-fD5sVbTkIvk39Ns2VkfAy7vZKHltGib5g87oPQImH-bEUzYRgz_y0DpBvdb2cSgu61_9hJ_SuXAv_niHJFUYLi0Up2qPsTD8oCs1K9JhbQd4m79jOd1Lv6FxokC4DflVKlWhB8pEDUFLwYmnZNouJtYOBZc0bi3DR0/s320/AL23--APR.%2030--P2A%20%20CIN-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM3U2h8gIHtuKKv3E2TcXjowmL33pg68QG3mlTuW-RLnHL3z8ctJ9veRIUIP9JXfjgkoPE7bkqr05-d-SrwHM5RENb7yusSxKfXwFq61U9CPNeBkftaJUUIvalE7j8isPiPzHBCaNR9wLVx1sn4YvOYA0ewy6_7sQyNHTzr9uw7Tj8895APA-VFEqC3Y/s2048/AL23--APR.%2030--P3%20%20CIN-OAK.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM3U2h8gIHtuKKv3E2TcXjowmL33pg68QG3mlTuW-RLnHL3z8ctJ9veRIUIP9JXfjgkoPE7bkqr05-d-SrwHM5RENb7yusSxKfXwFq61U9CPNeBkftaJUUIvalE7j8isPiPzHBCaNR9wLVx1sn4YvOYA0ewy6_7sQyNHTzr9uw7Tj8895APA-VFEqC3Y/s320/AL23--APR.%2030--P3%20%20CIN-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>85. Almost unbelievably the Athletics reached Memorial Day this year having won only 10 of their first 55 games; and 7 of those 10 wins were by only 1 run. They have <b>Esteury Ruiz</b> to thank for two of them. On the last day of April Ruiz flips his bat (photo above) and his teammates rejoice as he hits an RBI single in the bottom of the 9th to defeat the Reds 5-4. First to congratulate Esteury is Tony Kemp, who prepares to dump the bucket of bubble gum on his head (photo on right) before the rest of his teammates join the celebration: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/30/09b4f7e6-5c0d0c1c-99b6ab2e-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/30/09b4f7e6-5c0d0c1c-99b6ab2e-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of pitches before his game winner, Ruiz pretended that he was hit by an inside pitch when the ball actually had hit his bat for a foul ball. But after a replay review, the HBP was overturned and Esteury was ordered back into the batters box, which on this day was a good thing for the A's. With the win, the A's finished April with a 6-23 record.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nscD6tgMhP4UWI8jO53haMcY2tIhNj-nefBUVWL2xxKeVrCWvH-a7zXjImLFrGfMp132adu9-FlozoW1Iq__U5Um-829RPL1TXejJpbsfPOa5aGqFMfjwmh7mGgwnpWUa0tOnUaCe1z3NK2XPfv-bno1ybBcP-_Xo_bCW_4DCPC34xRfUlkgPqHyYKI/s1365/AL23--MAY%2016--P8A%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="918" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nscD6tgMhP4UWI8jO53haMcY2tIhNj-nefBUVWL2xxKeVrCWvH-a7zXjImLFrGfMp132adu9-FlozoW1Iq__U5Um-829RPL1TXejJpbsfPOa5aGqFMfjwmh7mGgwnpWUa0tOnUaCe1z3NK2XPfv-bno1ybBcP-_Xo_bCW_4DCPC34xRfUlkgPqHyYKI/s320/AL23--MAY%2016--P8A%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BUNzfp0hyJ5cg1Vrz6ScwwXlkTaR-bobyL55JN81Zyhef8ii9NNzi0rg9RAReIhiMKVJzO9ap2yV_ZrxnKbmjwr52lV0-WKdqeJGwt_N-dSg_yR_W0zp0fAVwWix7HMAMTcE7MA1lXu2z3VO0lPhlbj5opKJPUX5bdXkjw_gOh8zyv9gIZeOjYnLRSc/s2048/AL23--MAY%2016--P8B%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="2048" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BUNzfp0hyJ5cg1Vrz6ScwwXlkTaR-bobyL55JN81Zyhef8ii9NNzi0rg9RAReIhiMKVJzO9ap2yV_ZrxnKbmjwr52lV0-WKdqeJGwt_N-dSg_yR_W0zp0fAVwWix7HMAMTcE7MA1lXu2z3VO0lPhlbj5opKJPUX5bdXkjw_gOh8zyv9gIZeOjYnLRSc/s320/AL23--MAY%2016--P8B%20%20ARIZ-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>86. 2 weeks later <b>Esteury Ruiz</b> celebrates his 2nd walk-off game winner of the season, this time with a skull cap over his dreads. With the bases loaded and no out in the bottom of the 12th, Ruiz hits a line drive too hot for the SS to handle to give the A's a 9-8 victory over the Diamondbacks: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/16/e06f95a1-90c8cb37-6367fe44-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/16/e06f95a1-90c8cb37-6367fe44-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> <br /><div><br /></div><div>Esteury also got his 20th stolen base of the season in the game and scored a run as the A's came back from an 8-4 deficit. The win boosted Oakland's record to 10-34 midway through May but would be their last for a while, as they went on to lose their next 11 in a row.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkfkUaJUwDOg7kVyt1ksxgOfPm-vVn-AFIB_9lGPl70gRMiSVlWcUlEdRXRiASUulyGyik2DaaiyV1cLU-norAHbVMANl68TB5NghGFEKzotvdaXny6PAa5RK4EgXVJnmYhH7oDUikWSTVPrXKAXRle4AzkzlcvgIJKKw8DDuJ9rZZHHhfMWb4v2AcIs/s2048/NL23--APR.%2028--P5A%20%20CHI-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkfkUaJUwDOg7kVyt1ksxgOfPm-vVn-AFIB_9lGPl70gRMiSVlWcUlEdRXRiASUulyGyik2DaaiyV1cLU-norAHbVMANl68TB5NghGFEKzotvdaXny6PAa5RK4EgXVJnmYhH7oDUikWSTVPrXKAXRle4AzkzlcvgIJKKw8DDuJ9rZZHHhfMWb4v2AcIs/s320/NL23--APR.%2028--P5A%20%20CHI-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqhPT8lMMISNRUALf5xl1IXnVUGSGJ5FmF1hj939cW4D_59smFXrcbw0yLZ2tCYzQ9PsTZ2llQ3GaL0OGBI1d6lRUt2qYUtwUT1isBhViX5kk685Vu_DKM6AveHtTrNcRf9uGohCOmGmOwwaCUDM7wgEV20sXRR0oBF1cpq4dctWhIHpS80Gq8pj3PrI/s4659/NL23--APR.%2028--P3B%20%20CHI-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3106" data-original-width="4659" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqhPT8lMMISNRUALf5xl1IXnVUGSGJ5FmF1hj939cW4D_59smFXrcbw0yLZ2tCYzQ9PsTZ2llQ3GaL0OGBI1d6lRUt2qYUtwUT1isBhViX5kk685Vu_DKM6AveHtTrNcRf9uGohCOmGmOwwaCUDM7wgEV20sXRR0oBF1cpq4dctWhIHpS80Gq8pj3PrI/s320/NL23--APR.%2028--P3B%20%20CHI-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>87. <b>Jean Segura</b> began the night on Apr. 28 with only 1 RBI in his first 23 games in a Marlins uniform. But after he gets RBI #2 on a single in the 7th to tie the game, he gives Miami a 3-2 win over the Cubs with another RBI single in the bottom of the 9th ...... and then his dreads take an absolute beating. A couple of teammates douse him with small bottles of water, and Jazz Chisholm launches a tray full of full cups of Gatorade into the air and on top of him, leaving him wringing his dreads out (photo above). A moment later Jean is still dripping and squinting his eye (photo on right) as he is congratulated by Jesus Sanchez: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/28/43b423fe-7acf3b25-cd9f1156-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/28/43b423fe-7acf3b25-cd9f1156-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> ......<div><br /></div><div> and that wasn't all ..... It gets worse .....<div><br /><div>.<br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR6atYMONKpcjH2XYALYuO4JcfNCb8RaGcnx6V1jaDyP1hrqnY_M9ZlvHwzujtwsf8qH8PvBjk9St2wQeRPtBqYvHBBXyMctO7WdERngGYll1WfBc8xK2H0VW_YDYC_yn3IL1c7zCf7E8H4JWDNL9HTBOOaytsRoq6B7HsHTwhx5ob6lSeOr79uubVko/s1365/NL23--APR.%2028--P5C%20%20CHI-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="832" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR6atYMONKpcjH2XYALYuO4JcfNCb8RaGcnx6V1jaDyP1hrqnY_M9ZlvHwzujtwsf8qH8PvBjk9St2wQeRPtBqYvHBBXyMctO7WdERngGYll1WfBc8xK2H0VW_YDYC_yn3IL1c7zCf7E8H4JWDNL9HTBOOaytsRoq6B7HsHTwhx5ob6lSeOr79uubVko/s320/NL23--APR.%2028--P5C%20%20CHI-MIA.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvC7NHSg_dnZkS_8lEUcWj-Nr9CAllCdZmbjQSyb4mRHVBmqRrgWwQ-ymwr2NY3kdBWg3y1-KP6uZbg-4mAXcOykKAwTZdweKVZglZnvAnVBm0AJielJBFban7H7El4hx0Odsv0_X9P01AV3Me45VQIe0YA-4usZ44wTGdJzvI8QGWIr9kDZOla5NrQk/s3000/NL23--APR.%2028--P4B%20%20CHI-MIA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSvC7NHSg_dnZkS_8lEUcWj-Nr9CAllCdZmbjQSyb4mRHVBmqRrgWwQ-ymwr2NY3kdBWg3y1-KP6uZbg-4mAXcOykKAwTZdweKVZglZnvAnVBm0AJielJBFban7H7El4hx0Odsv0_X9P01AV3Me45VQIe0YA-4usZ44wTGdJzvI8QGWIr9kDZOla5NrQk/s320/NL23--APR.%2028--P4B%20%20CHI-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>88. Moments late while Segura is being interviewed in front of the dugout, Luis Arraez emerges from the dugout with a half-full bucket of Gatorade and dumps it on him, leaving him dripping wet again. And then if that weren't enough, Chisholm then runs into the dugout, comes back out and unloads the remains of the ice water bucket onto him, just for good measure: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/28/de87d275-35e62691-74425f0a-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/28/de87d275-35e62691-74425f0a-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Mercy. If that's the way his teammates are going to treat him, it's a good thing Jean doesn't have any more walk-off RBI this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jBRCUgWhRq5D958-86FhHW-_Q_vhdkCiRVRWdXwMgb4aOEONKkT6SqUeuFXEjhMMcgl8hLGrL-WwrOeCw51N-MbcZJERIaetyGGQHV-6vX2uE7IY8jGGy76SOnU7sygJnQcHLBpYHjSvbESFdkGSIHDUmH0F20cGJvFR5ehlm60SSHSmk_VVpIl01Lo/s2048/NL07--JULY%209--P10A%20%20ASG%20HRD.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jBRCUgWhRq5D958-86FhHW-_Q_vhdkCiRVRWdXwMgb4aOEONKkT6SqUeuFXEjhMMcgl8hLGrL-WwrOeCw51N-MbcZJERIaetyGGQHV-6vX2uE7IY8jGGy76SOnU7sygJnQcHLBpYHjSvbESFdkGSIHDUmH0F20cGJvFR5ehlm60SSHSmk_VVpIl01Lo/s320/NL07--JULY%209--P10A%20%20ASG%20HRD.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiT9v6fDVzBYUqvmeT5Y1oFasEVDszXg_r9TJGZl6VgpjE2Z9fRh07nT__0HixB1GKz2qmoFus-HPJEW9MG42rJCLTOICKnPxwssnjXkrElE--X7uWveJKDddKG0eVjVV_KXsT1aajKuRIRnTxcFQJImJSwlZaEgVyB7eoqt8wi85s8R8LrDrh70RUk4/s2448/AL23--JULY%2010--P1%20%20ASG%20HRD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2448" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiT9v6fDVzBYUqvmeT5Y1oFasEVDszXg_r9TJGZl6VgpjE2Z9fRh07nT__0HixB1GKz2qmoFus-HPJEW9MG42rJCLTOICKnPxwssnjXkrElE--X7uWveJKDddKG0eVjVV_KXsT1aajKuRIRnTxcFQJImJSwlZaEgVyB7eoqt8wi85s8R8LrDrh70RUk4/s320/AL23--JULY%2010--P1%20%20ASG%20HRD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>89. Like Daddy, Like Vladdy ...... just like his father (right photo) did 16 years ago, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. holds the trophy after winning MLB's Home Run Derby at Seattle (left photo) on July 10, one day before the All-Star Game. It looks like the size of the trophy has shrunk a bit since Vladimir Sr. won his when he was 32 years old at San Francisco in 2007; but addition to the trophy Junior gets to don a cool jacket and chain too. Junior almost won the Derby 4 years ago, when he was a 20-year old rookie but settled for 2nd place. But now 24, he takes home the title, edging out Randy Arozarena of the Rays in the final round. One other thing. Vlad Jr. certainly worked a lot harder for his crown than his dad. Vlad Sr. needed to hit just 17 home runs to win his. But with all the rules changes since then, Junior had to hit (an exhausting) 72. Here's what Vladdy had to say when he was interviewed on ESPN's Sportscenter after the event: <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=omWj5uLpByM" target="_blank">youtube.com/watch?v=omWj5uLpByM</a></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>To say that <b>Elly De La Cruz</b> has taken baseball by storm since his debut with the Reds on June 6 is an understatement. Already he has given us thrills, chills, and highlights galore - enough to fill up a whole dread gallery all by itself. But here, for now, let's just take a quick look at what his first week in the majors was like .....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6toR4Z4KvD9g8Tf8715Ys1FMCMHD4_HnYkeX7Ay1O5zGMVaB86EkYhXOr4JdepLVLQlVndwmowdt2Cu8WshGxzrb0wclGd_0utDtMrKZ-tUOk2aybHgvumYsnOl355gmOrCAVhbgMhpA7IxZtSkoim4pRP7SQrIp1CXMzApqusdPwBp3PS7Fmm0-wlQc/s1871/NL23--JUNE%206--P3A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="1871" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6toR4Z4KvD9g8Tf8715Ys1FMCMHD4_HnYkeX7Ay1O5zGMVaB86EkYhXOr4JdepLVLQlVndwmowdt2Cu8WshGxzrb0wclGd_0utDtMrKZ-tUOk2aybHgvumYsnOl355gmOrCAVhbgMhpA7IxZtSkoim4pRP7SQrIp1CXMzApqusdPwBp3PS7Fmm0-wlQc/s320/NL23--JUNE%206--P3A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrH8xuNXT33wwEB0XTn7VNnGMn6atvnHV4YV0c6by9hhlYDUiGHLmc4gVMt7zbRUDQN5Dw6Mpjp4U0cdmz6r22Xfs7-p-rIXGss8HWrC24oBGsfALbI25S1ZBfS-78PpZiVMutNSPh_2pEV4ENke9bOixGCFEe-QNL41lLHy9PNLo85oi6-_DS8QdNh4w/s2741/NL23--JUNE%206--P2%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1965" data-original-width="2741" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrH8xuNXT33wwEB0XTn7VNnGMn6atvnHV4YV0c6by9hhlYDUiGHLmc4gVMt7zbRUDQN5Dw6Mpjp4U0cdmz6r22Xfs7-p-rIXGss8HWrC24oBGsfALbI25S1ZBfS-78PpZiVMutNSPh_2pEV4ENke9bOixGCFEe-QNL41lLHy9PNLo85oi6-_DS8QdNh4w/s320/NL23--JUNE%206--P2%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>90. <b>Elly De La Cruz</b> didn't waste much time taking care of the business of getting his 1st MLB hit. Not during his first plate appearance, it came on his second time up in the bottom of the 3rd on June 6, connecting on a high fastball on an 0-2 count (photo above) and driving it with an exit velocity of 112 MPH between the center and right fielders, then wisely putting on the brakes at 2nd base (photo on right) and settling for a double. The 112-MPH exit velocity was the hardest ball hit by any Reds player all season: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/06/5d89bc5e-7ba18a67-cf661949-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/06/5d89bc5e-7ba18a67-cf661949-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> ...... De La Cruz had already scored his 1st run back in the 1st inning; but unfortunately he didn't score here, as he was stranded at 2nd base ......<div><br /><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXKzID2WO1Ur16HOZEgCGpxICd2rfQs4I01hr40AYGgjgJg1SBH1xPHW0b_gZYy26nZjCrxF3D76pv3Wn0I-xXq5uRiQBW8laqY95SkcBC0kzaxyHi0wlIaNhCmKWUgl8co0kXFef1QBIFMrmvn1xaggLJ2s754dOtarLk5aBogaEe4gHIjEc52uvE20/s2226/NL23--JUNE%206--P1A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2226" data-original-width="1332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXKzID2WO1Ur16HOZEgCGpxICd2rfQs4I01hr40AYGgjgJg1SBH1xPHW0b_gZYy26nZjCrxF3D76pv3Wn0I-xXq5uRiQBW8laqY95SkcBC0kzaxyHi0wlIaNhCmKWUgl8co0kXFef1QBIFMrmvn1xaggLJ2s754dOtarLk5aBogaEe4gHIjEc52uvE20/s320/NL23--JUNE%206--P1A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3vyva9YWWXbAszW0vhE37M3kEq00njwx2Cx8RS9Al1kKKHt6hA_WXFN2WwHiYpKDJspRP_DRkUV2Qa5Zo2DbfQffgWkmt9uZuWCUl_Seq-AHkHh558dTYoFTosSlmPVGfLZqlRZixjhN-QnjXxga5xd173sFiqaXN7OLIwW4qDUgEuz5X6GNHPWDpJY/s2929/NL23--JUNE%206--P1%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2276" data-original-width="2929" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3vyva9YWWXbAszW0vhE37M3kEq00njwx2Cx8RS9Al1kKKHt6hA_WXFN2WwHiYpKDJspRP_DRkUV2Qa5Zo2DbfQffgWkmt9uZuWCUl_Seq-AHkHh558dTYoFTosSlmPVGfLZqlRZixjhN-QnjXxga5xd173sFiqaXN7OLIwW4qDUgEuz5X6GNHPWDpJY/s320/NL23--JUNE%206--P1%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>91. Having struck out for the last out in the 8th, De La Cruz was not part of the Reds come-from-behind rally in the bottom of the 9th. But he certainly was part of the celebration, as he and his teammate congratulate fellow rookie Matt McLain on his game-winning RBI single, which gave the Reds a 9-8 victory over the Dodgers: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/06/8fc6f9d2-2f39490c-3885a341-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/06/8fc6f9d2-2f39490c-3885a341-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> <br /><div>The Reds trailed 8-3 in the 4th inning and were down 8-6 starting the 9th before scoring 3 to win it, with McLain going 3-for-6 and De La Cruz going 1-for-3 with 2 walks.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzL9xus_wnRU_CO3pdNc3S2-bM_mTjLb6nh_kZEYX-sSLS8KmLu0LZ3pAd7IRMnZuuBqF8R1wnc9Yw2RhO4Ef3MrMsHNdStPw4jfB_0QcXDj3pTK6t65ODob6tCyD_-xkX6ZPA8hh5cFKrnfOhdCtRwDxR5eI-k4_TEbOFwO4gV5OvfcDHramma8zzBY/s2048/NL23--JUNE%207--P4A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1270" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzL9xus_wnRU_CO3pdNc3S2-bM_mTjLb6nh_kZEYX-sSLS8KmLu0LZ3pAd7IRMnZuuBqF8R1wnc9Yw2RhO4Ef3MrMsHNdStPw4jfB_0QcXDj3pTK6t65ODob6tCyD_-xkX6ZPA8hh5cFKrnfOhdCtRwDxR5eI-k4_TEbOFwO4gV5OvfcDHramma8zzBY/s320/NL23--JUNE%207--P4A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDflubQcDwwIFDlHiAJ9nT9TsyGqD9L1oU37AuMmlXRpyv-ZM4sVQuLvNWsmlirnxyjknfOUOQQ1_p83K0iQxtHd4txpV2ZIS5UoCrqTUyOnr00t8QoXPd425X5KMJVumnjnC3JvH8fYwUhudWuFjJlU4M8grrEc2SjVxbD94u9L1whUQpqF8NGOFSdYk/s2048/NL23--JUNE%207--P4B%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDflubQcDwwIFDlHiAJ9nT9TsyGqD9L1oU37AuMmlXRpyv-ZM4sVQuLvNWsmlirnxyjknfOUOQQ1_p83K0iQxtHd4txpV2ZIS5UoCrqTUyOnr00t8QoXPd425X5KMJVumnjnC3JvH8fYwUhudWuFjJlU4M8grrEc2SjVxbD94u9L1whUQpqF8NGOFSdYk/s320/NL23--JUNE%207--P4B%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>92. Day 2 of the <b>Elly De La Cruz</b> Experience included his 1st RBI and his 1st home run, and what a blast it is! With the Reds trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the 1st, De La Cruz ties the game instantly, hitting a high fastball so far that there's no need to run hard. Elly admires his 458-foot drive (left photo) to the back row of the RF seats before beginning his trot around the bases (right photo): <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/07/ccc960d0-999ad297-b783897d-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/07/ccc960d0-999ad297-b783897d-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> ...... With an exit velocity of 114.8 MPH, the home run surpassed his double from the night before as the hardest ball hit by a Reds player all season ..... </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAm8_Nv5q8bKdJGtt5t3741gKu3KqSNhACBMtLhEypM2O_VcNOAqI330bFEFJPsJ4exqSh9vJfzVLtGt_zHqA2WIgZIqVyvc3pSSW_w0YUFheGb7dAuntgC8Vj9x2bLeErS4mM8VhOk6qDzz_2dT0MTVspEleHaPjilNYxjl55EgTedCMX0XVxiK_5p54/s1396/NL23--JUNE%207--P7A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1396" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAm8_Nv5q8bKdJGtt5t3741gKu3KqSNhACBMtLhEypM2O_VcNOAqI330bFEFJPsJ4exqSh9vJfzVLtGt_zHqA2WIgZIqVyvc3pSSW_w0YUFheGb7dAuntgC8Vj9x2bLeErS4mM8VhOk6qDzz_2dT0MTVspEleHaPjilNYxjl55EgTedCMX0XVxiK_5p54/s320/NL23--JUNE%207--P7A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqFk1l4sKMWKsVDRZ2As-G3_7QDe5cVgrQkYlkHYg4CrndUemNKmxd6gUT8Mmh4U3Kp_0tTMxE2gT9W_KjmQHiRhJHDJitrs6idKvq8hCCSMlIbmJCqW98i-rvJZjvsWoI2Y3mcwxHp4gTIi9q3NeMJvK7akh407HCsfy01ToExuqJHCznLMB1BmoGmM/s1024/NL23--JUNE%207--P7%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqFk1l4sKMWKsVDRZ2As-G3_7QDe5cVgrQkYlkHYg4CrndUemNKmxd6gUT8Mmh4U3Kp_0tTMxE2gT9W_KjmQHiRhJHDJitrs6idKvq8hCCSMlIbmJCqW98i-rvJZjvsWoI2Y3mcwxHp4gTIi9q3NeMJvK7akh407HCsfy01ToExuqJHCznLMB1BmoGmM/s320/NL23--JUNE%207--P7%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>93. ..... Then in the bottom of the 3rd it's another extra base hit for De La Cruz; and this time, with the ball rolling all the way to the wall, it's full steam ahead around 2nd base before he goes diving safely into 3rd with a triple: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/07/4065a4d7-af01cebb-09aefdbe-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/07/4065a4d7-af01cebb-09aefdbe-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> </div><div>Don't ask me how his helmet stayed on. Elly came in to score on the next pitch on a single by Spencer Steer, cutting the Dodgers' lead to 6-4. The Reds ended up winning 8-6 on Will Benson's 1st major league home run - a 2-run shot - in the 9th.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNu-O5lE19jNWBNtQgNFhgxIHAs-MLBS3NB-9Nk8R88Ns2bbtmeOPSWWTBI7_gX7eJxC0-l9xGpuwkpnKOahtBRRc30AP_FGLBhjnxhIQOCVy-1UNZGyUiRzs5zGJ4C6LcN-GcK7lHrjvhLwEZQtWezvbg_wLKEvqXaRKmgT-KSxrGUUB3mpfWEB8zPA/s2553/NL23--JUNE%208--P1A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1702" data-original-width="2553" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNu-O5lE19jNWBNtQgNFhgxIHAs-MLBS3NB-9Nk8R88Ns2bbtmeOPSWWTBI7_gX7eJxC0-l9xGpuwkpnKOahtBRRc30AP_FGLBhjnxhIQOCVy-1UNZGyUiRzs5zGJ4C6LcN-GcK7lHrjvhLwEZQtWezvbg_wLKEvqXaRKmgT-KSxrGUUB3mpfWEB8zPA/s320/NL23--JUNE%208--P1A%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sNegWBlqJEPHq7IkQC_UKldoVYunZVS6jtsuAMCKDjcPMfMoH0c43L2vmuYRc1g-LZgkS2dyQtxpexLpUKJRb2s8GsMQWiGXsYrym1GTcUzWLeclbVLEkwykzTh5yfuIZN2r8BlKsU4MLrFrN16Jgw7_2o6mDT9bLCXX3Y9LA9PlyZY8Kq9xxYDL8-g/s3342/NL23--JUNE%208--P1C%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2228" data-original-width="3342" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sNegWBlqJEPHq7IkQC_UKldoVYunZVS6jtsuAMCKDjcPMfMoH0c43L2vmuYRc1g-LZgkS2dyQtxpexLpUKJRb2s8GsMQWiGXsYrym1GTcUzWLeclbVLEkwykzTh5yfuIZN2r8BlKsU4MLrFrN16Jgw7_2o6mDT9bLCXX3Y9LA9PlyZY8Kq9xxYDL8-g/s320/NL23--JUNE%208--P1C%20%20LA-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>94. In game 3 of the series the next day .... another day, another first for De La Cruz, and this time his helmet cannot stay on his head on his 1st career stolen base. After leading off the 2nd with his 1st single, he steals 2nd easily, coming to a stop at the bag while his helmet keeps going for another 8 feet: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/08/4f4d7a11-42aadb9b-017bbf8f-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/08/4f4d7a11-42aadb9b-017bbf8f-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a><br /><div>Elly remained at 2nd for the rest of the inning though, and Reds batters had a tough time of it all day against Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers won 6-0 to keep the Reds from sweeping the series.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhrwnLRhs8-AACoawE6tASV2k4JloKh1Pems1cPNG-WFkakLpolJjAoRPtjxhJBJuHq_h71lZXwTAMKeN71tneZujibIdMQ5mct8KvzNWycWeNYPIhzycbjaHZA_ZATzZY3shbfwixLvVcbR47mWeKHsWQtx6deBNvDB-audYypzhIzSm4vAYKNaBMMw/s1567/NL23--JUNE%2010--P3A%20%20CIN-ST.LOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1567" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhrwnLRhs8-AACoawE6tASV2k4JloKh1Pems1cPNG-WFkakLpolJjAoRPtjxhJBJuHq_h71lZXwTAMKeN71tneZujibIdMQ5mct8KvzNWycWeNYPIhzycbjaHZA_ZATzZY3shbfwixLvVcbR47mWeKHsWQtx6deBNvDB-audYypzhIzSm4vAYKNaBMMw/s320/NL23--JUNE%2010--P3A%20%20CIN-ST.LOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhj4VN7Xh2uy5mqdTzIY2qZ6-kPpvW2ep-OAGlUjQhxF1Ddwgf7bdXl4v9Hf2ppOaUqDxavossUZhuxhFbyJ8R13FSI5QXhk2OgGo5HDO-IwVtAkWrPVn6SUAJc7hZFpcZ1qbAK1luO5fHkz4Nyo_4inBx9oiSiBMzbB7L6CMQpQiPu46GYPngEEHwAE/s2481/NL23--JUNE%2010--P3B%20%20CIN-ST.LOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="2481" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhj4VN7Xh2uy5mqdTzIY2qZ6-kPpvW2ep-OAGlUjQhxF1Ddwgf7bdXl4v9Hf2ppOaUqDxavossUZhuxhFbyJ8R13FSI5QXhk2OgGo5HDO-IwVtAkWrPVn6SUAJc7hZFpcZ1qbAK1luO5fHkz4Nyo_4inBx9oiSiBMzbB7L6CMQpQiPu46GYPngEEHwAE/s320/NL23--JUNE%2010--P3B%20%20CIN-ST.LOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>95. On the 4th day Elly came back down to Earth for a minute. He struck out, then struck out again and then again. By the time he singled (and scored) in the 8th the Reds were down 7-2 and it was too little too late in a 7-4 loss at St. Louis. Then in game 2 of the weekend series on June 9 Elly was back to doing Elly things, here diving in past C Andrew Knizer to score from 1st base on a 2-run double by Spencer Steer that upped the Reds' lead to 7-0 in the 7th. The 3rd base coach wanted him to stop at 3rd base, but Elly wasn't having it: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/10/5af39a88-992ded1f-bf69988b-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/10/5af39a88-992ded1f-bf69988b-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a></div><div>De La Cruz had an RBI single earlier in the game; and during an interview after the 8-4 victory, when he was asked if he was the fastest man in the world, he said that he was. Hmm, I'm not sure he's <i>that</i> fast; but hey, nobody's perfect.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJe0YQXzkl8uf2GCF2KnkhCj3naFzT2V6lwJ0xnQ_FuN6o8eRF3NRXltOTArdoAk2Kx2Z5Qu55gbeicIq30Y65qsPx-fsuPQx7-6upcPcZThNY1aTzzu7p3-Ckto3dvuUfoCZQLkWiNfVZODQ9NMC9hdsyaUwY-IgVj7Mb5zkGmGX9WcOJ2yLl8uo-RdE/s1315/NL23--JUNE%2011--P1B%20%20CIN-ST.LOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1315" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJe0YQXzkl8uf2GCF2KnkhCj3naFzT2V6lwJ0xnQ_FuN6o8eRF3NRXltOTArdoAk2Kx2Z5Qu55gbeicIq30Y65qsPx-fsuPQx7-6upcPcZThNY1aTzzu7p3-Ckto3dvuUfoCZQLkWiNfVZODQ9NMC9hdsyaUwY-IgVj7Mb5zkGmGX9WcOJ2yLl8uo-RdE/s320/NL23--JUNE%2011--P1B%20%20CIN-ST.LOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhn4Ht1D3imuUqUnvY3532HE9RWKR0cEHMo_g4ULAClc82fLVMVoWHcXp3MwZWDqjN3d-5e9awAlGtfFjbGLXouPPniMqsw_ZlhQdTSZE3zVYxtuLTH2fJqhp7y_3pAdNXmlMOgLSinro1IApZ94uSbgpAvLai2Az02JM4wjC1eYs7_-vgWqiB5tQw4o/s3002/NL23--JUNE%2011--P1%20%20CIN-ST.LOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2002" data-original-width="3002" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhn4Ht1D3imuUqUnvY3532HE9RWKR0cEHMo_g4ULAClc82fLVMVoWHcXp3MwZWDqjN3d-5e9awAlGtfFjbGLXouPPniMqsw_ZlhQdTSZE3zVYxtuLTH2fJqhp7y_3pAdNXmlMOgLSinro1IApZ94uSbgpAvLai2Az02JM4wjC1eYs7_-vgWqiB5tQw4o/s320/NL23--JUNE%2011--P1%20%20CIN-ST.LOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>96. 24 hours or so later it's a different catcher but the same result on another <b>Elly De La Cruz</b> mad dash toward the plate. In a tie game with 1 out in the 8th a grounder to SS sends Elly flying home, and he is safe as Willson Contreras can't catch the short-hop throw: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/11/7704b9e5-d477ea90-dd6784a0-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/11/7704b9e5-d477ea90-dd6784a0-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> ..... A good throw there and it's likely Elly is out. It turned out to be the winning run. De La Cruz had a hand in 3 of the Reds' runs - hitting an RBI single to tie the game 2-2 in the 3rd; walking, stealing 2nd and scoring to tie it 3-3 in the 6th; and then walking and scoring in the 8th - in the 4-3 win over the Cardinals.<div><br /><div>It was on to Kansas City to begin Elly's 2nd week in the majors, and, uh ..... he went 0-for-12 in the series against the Royals. That's baseball. But the highlights have hardly slowed down since then. On June 23 he hit for the cycle - getting all 4 hits by the 6th inning - in front of a sellout crowd of 43,000+ in a wild 11-10 home win over the Braves. It was the first cycle by a Reds player in 34 years. Defensively Elly recently set a new record for the fastest throw by an infielder to record an out - and then broke that record a couple of days later. And then there was this one from a couple of weeks ago ......</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhvaNef06aEQt2Mzwz1cc26JrkpNIs4erYYJLQAko-_veYaHmEQRJH8pN5iYhOMkXbvOzYDDJcaigWTqboqJysQx2VBcvB_rlyTXs8RpiBNrwvS1CdC_PsBB5zTMz1wt5JwM4XDP_ROXoi-V3OcRDb2B_M4uVTVdG_7Nw19aPC85EKxbmnULtb2ZPl6k/s4308/NL23--JULY%208--P1%20%20CIN-MILW.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2874" data-original-width="4308" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhvaNef06aEQt2Mzwz1cc26JrkpNIs4erYYJLQAko-_veYaHmEQRJH8pN5iYhOMkXbvOzYDDJcaigWTqboqJysQx2VBcvB_rlyTXs8RpiBNrwvS1CdC_PsBB5zTMz1wt5JwM4XDP_ROXoi-V3OcRDb2B_M4uVTVdG_7Nw19aPC85EKxbmnULtb2ZPl6k/s320/NL23--JULY%208--P1%20%20CIN-MILW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GtzJERNbo3WpRn1VOEYkEm1iTR7fqBmxqG6sr02ii_to8TdWauTuchB6Iypas1Ch_v6OtW6VVFL1o3W6TvZ9zff2yHSxGYkXB3VsnKGZWe9MBZKc-S95YBu2Dcuhv1gVpggxqLTCxgb3kWrOrFSQXikPvte0WbU398YA8suNphe6X3j_7gniRW4ZncA/s6034/NL23--JULY%208--P2%20%20CIN-MILW.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4022" data-original-width="6034" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GtzJERNbo3WpRn1VOEYkEm1iTR7fqBmxqG6sr02ii_to8TdWauTuchB6Iypas1Ch_v6OtW6VVFL1o3W6TvZ9zff2yHSxGYkXB3VsnKGZWe9MBZKc-S95YBu2Dcuhv1gVpggxqLTCxgb3kWrOrFSQXikPvte0WbU398YA8suNphe6X3j_7gniRW4ZncA/s320/NL23--JULY%208--P2%20%20CIN-MILW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>97. At Milwaukee on July 8 and after having just given the Reds a 6-5 lead with an RBI single with 2 out in the 7th, De La Cruz steals home, diving across the plate (photo above) as the throw from P Elvis Peguero gets past C William Contreras. Oh, I forgot to mention that he also stole 2nd base and 3rd base just before this. On his way back to the dugout Elly does a celebratory leaping high five with TJ Friedl (photo on right) before joining the rest of his stunned and amazed teammates. Here's the whole sequence: <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=GT42mCeAII4" target="_blank">youtube.com/watch?v=GT42mCeAII4</a> ..... Don't know what the pitcher was thinking there, but Elly said thank you very much. With the feat De La Cruz became the first player in a Reds uniform in 104 years to steal 3 bases in one inning; and he was the first player on any team in 54 years to steal 3 bases with the same batter at the plate. The 8-5 win over the Brewers improved the Reds' record to 23-7 since Elly joined the team.</div><div> <br />Ah, but the Brewers certainly learned their lesson, as they stopped him cold the next weekend, not allowing him to get on base at all (0-for-12) in a 3-game sweep at Cincinnati.</div><div>With a 2-month head start, Diamondbacks OF Corbin Carroll deservedly is the runaway frontrunner in the race for NL rookie of the year. But there's still enough time for De La Cruz to change the voters' minds.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-KSM_8N1xfmFH2kbtQ9UI5VmrChzR-dvwE6pbHYL3DDzjvtAmfHc0DMDkkshYRGMSfjB116L9UC_hR-ri7QuwJNo8QMNhYGFm-dMSOC9gkLYI3EcOpm_YjHUCB99Ft4jUfMu8XiJnx-_kHoslRZ_PPEWldCIflzDw3nIoQJyYlyi7vGzlDyvy4fONLM/s2048/AL23--JUNE%2029--P1B%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-KSM_8N1xfmFH2kbtQ9UI5VmrChzR-dvwE6pbHYL3DDzjvtAmfHc0DMDkkshYRGMSfjB116L9UC_hR-ri7QuwJNo8QMNhYGFm-dMSOC9gkLYI3EcOpm_YjHUCB99Ft4jUfMu8XiJnx-_kHoslRZ_PPEWldCIflzDw3nIoQJyYlyi7vGzlDyvy4fONLM/s320/AL23--JUNE%2029--P1B%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxun8DEaUeANm_-ZyusZTJEqDacEP4OrLIC8DbL13NqnqidlthO1dxM2RkgB3xViH7qFNyWxTi6lH0eFHMI631dF6MoDGHisHXABTBvXrbwpKEAdTgl_H40ihJhC4N3FMrwQQxpwHlXezJkvfeOvPRjQYMoJiebT1ul9PO0SE14ePB83u4kqVfLHQDeQ/s2560/AL23--JUNE%2029--P1A%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxun8DEaUeANm_-ZyusZTJEqDacEP4OrLIC8DbL13NqnqidlthO1dxM2RkgB3xViH7qFNyWxTi6lH0eFHMI631dF6MoDGHisHXABTBvXrbwpKEAdTgl_H40ihJhC4N3FMrwQQxpwHlXezJkvfeOvPRjQYMoJiebT1ul9PO0SE14ePB83u4kqVfLHQDeQ/s320/AL23--JUNE%2029--P1A%20%20CLEVE-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>98. What's this? <b>Elly De La Cruz</b> isn't the only player with dreads to steal home this season? Nope. He isn't even the first. 9 days earlier on June 29 <b>Jose</b> <b>Ramirez</b> pulled it off at Kansas City and did it the old-fashioned way - while the pitcher was delivering a pitch. After reaching 3rd with 1 out in the 10th inning of a tie game, Ramirez watches <b>Josh</b> <b>Bell</b> strike out and Andres Gimenez get to an 0-2 count and then decides to take matters into his own hands, trying to beat Aroldis Chapman's pitch home. He didn't, as C Salvador Perez has ball in glove waiting to tag him out (photo above). But Jose dives in front of the glove then moves his hand back and touches the plate before Perez can put the tag on him (photo on right). The umpire called him out, but thank goodness for instant replay: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/29/c9628dac-5d2e3111-c485fa82-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-06/29/c9628dac-5d2e3111-c485fa82-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> ...... Unfortunately for Jose this effort went for naught, as <b>Emmanuel Clase</b> couldn't hold the lead, allowing a 2-run double in the bottom of the 10th as the Guardians lost to the Royals 5-4.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJy0GPjdP7NkAVPgf_P1yaG7DY_eoYRCeoug-xVfVsnK94r4aaU0m8OnA6na8-RRuSd3Cm08H7P5kg98O2HM7NG0DdZr3sEH900RSJluXCUURBXe3scvkifRZ1a25kNu0RL23aPDSRPfAdfcSMoW9DmNFaGYk6p8g8dhGpiF3jTz0vaTR-tRLXqBo-zM/s1200/AL23--APR.%204--P2%20%20TOR-KC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJy0GPjdP7NkAVPgf_P1yaG7DY_eoYRCeoug-xVfVsnK94r4aaU0m8OnA6na8-RRuSd3Cm08H7P5kg98O2HM7NG0DdZr3sEH900RSJluXCUURBXe3scvkifRZ1a25kNu0RL23aPDSRPfAdfcSMoW9DmNFaGYk6p8g8dhGpiF3jTz0vaTR-tRLXqBo-zM/s320/AL23--APR.%204--P2%20%20TOR-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr-7sWnyr4ESaaFIVzeyFBMhpqLfZKKsU0qAI2JAtZcuIHwdoCXBX4kADw3ZaOMqKq3q6yg3p9G6Rxc5fUppiRSEhl6fukEVIDMip_Tb-xzeeScbaCP7Z6sB_Gnl_yUBzPN5Zb8HgmJgygXNXLfyKTs3sw2rJb5UJXfyLSoRVNF8f1RI7lql02zpjZog/s1200/AL23--APR.%204--P2A%20%20TOR-KC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpr-7sWnyr4ESaaFIVzeyFBMhpqLfZKKsU0qAI2JAtZcuIHwdoCXBX4kADw3ZaOMqKq3q6yg3p9G6Rxc5fUppiRSEhl6fukEVIDMip_Tb-xzeeScbaCP7Z6sB_Gnl_yUBzPN5Zb8HgmJgygXNXLfyKTs3sw2rJb5UJXfyLSoRVNF8f1RI7lql02zpjZog/s320/AL23--APR.%204--P2A%20%20TOR-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>99. <b>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</b> tries his best to avoid the tag (photo above), but he's a dead duck at 3rd base as Matt Duffy tags him out then tries not to squash him (photo on right) in the top of the 3rd at KC on Apr. 4. Guerrero was trying to go from 1st to 3rd on a single to LF by Matt Chapman; and you know, Vladdy, you would have been safe had you been running hard the whole way instead of speeding up when you got to 2nd. No worries though. Bo Bichette scored ahead of Guerrero on the single to tie the game at 1, and the Blue Jays went on to defeat the Royals 4-1.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVAFGB8WmrVpwQ11eWWeilJTonXN0qoz8xD8hq0l10tqevo8enXm0rBOj1Hni3_ULPC6EsP3P4qqGfM3JMktvsahKVPlilW8i2T2g_2myDvZnFkmIf7VwPTWRapMHZXoaohbJcjUuxCps_xgvips47XXrImEDp9YN98Df1MgwsghvCpJgMQvjNQorQ7s/s960/AL23--APR.%2012--P5A%20%20DET-TOR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVAFGB8WmrVpwQ11eWWeilJTonXN0qoz8xD8hq0l10tqevo8enXm0rBOj1Hni3_ULPC6EsP3P4qqGfM3JMktvsahKVPlilW8i2T2g_2myDvZnFkmIf7VwPTWRapMHZXoaohbJcjUuxCps_xgvips47XXrImEDp9YN98Df1MgwsghvCpJgMQvjNQorQ7s/s320/AL23--APR.%2012--P5A%20%20DET-TOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhne8bN5C-oJk8BVH5ZQgCTllJWLvxO0GBAWt0Fg7_4yJv-aPKMvbdCmS170J6rrxCDqgXawlEaR8RR-t2yvuKci7hbyivCaEeDGhW47BP5F2-xhZRtimg8c4J-8byx6LKfm7GeIxmQaK7X8NDrfGhNQq4EtnchGToVwUOpycW92blZ182C1ClFGHy4Z8/s2048/AL23--APR.%2012--P5%20%20DET-TOR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhne8bN5C-oJk8BVH5ZQgCTllJWLvxO0GBAWt0Fg7_4yJv-aPKMvbdCmS170J6rrxCDqgXawlEaR8RR-t2yvuKci7hbyivCaEeDGhW47BP5F2-xhZRtimg8c4J-8byx6LKfm7GeIxmQaK7X8NDrfGhNQq4EtnchGToVwUOpycW92blZ182C1ClFGHy4Z8/s320/AL23--APR.%2012--P5%20%20DET-TOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>100. <b>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</b> had another interesting night on the bases a week later against the Tigers on Apr. 12. After walking with 2 out in the bottom of the 1st, he tries to score on a drive off the RF wall by Matt Chapman. But C Eric Haase already has the ball (photo above) with Vladdy still far away from the plate, and he's out by a mile, losing his helmet while trying to avoid the tag (photo on right), and the game remained scoreless ..... <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfORSPabAheHvVRZRfBNPQM85BA2YWp1o08WrVchFpo5Fl2YwwETJDKAbuexiFRXClSSqAhCAPdxONkGqOP8eO_gEBDzTWdHd2fTSi6wHPsdemh8lA9WxV3MVHwR7H0RpFwMjnTrLldWzSvh2aTI3fIZ2bU9hENIXGEuyky4ARzxbItqZY0441D1jEss/s2048/AL23--APR.%2012--P4A%20%20DET-TOR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFh00QV5yZTrvMgwZ04LivGyYXW8gHhnSLr_208qYF1OFUHYypLo0nn1UF7DBuihwj6b6RC3mSltErne3aw6He4b0gx4o4qM0YRFkTtIih-2FMX0gfFl4RylXBai5AvK9gAdKYzH249vTgLrIx7VP83RlX2GdJ-zXLQsUQcLWSxhHWHWKN6icQaS4_b6c/s2048/AL23--APR.%2012--P4A%20%20DET-TOR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFh00QV5yZTrvMgwZ04LivGyYXW8gHhnSLr_208qYF1OFUHYypLo0nn1UF7DBuihwj6b6RC3mSltErne3aw6He4b0gx4o4qM0YRFkTtIih-2FMX0gfFl4RylXBai5AvK9gAdKYzH249vTgLrIx7VP83RlX2GdJ-zXLQsUQcLWSxhHWHWKN6icQaS4_b6c/s320/AL23--APR.%2012--P4A%20%20DET-TOR.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5zQnJ6iCSLQbexkjWd5X8ogb3kCZNruH4BDyrkpVFiN86o9lPCxtHIJjfDn8uRO8gWd6Q2jcqbfqWDFc7LwfbHpPsK1FmbzPMxz9QADeWIl4e1DxsTDmcmIre7oXzvBlQzJNKpUQTGYysnF5BdbqJ792lzS142Aac9yEIwjn4mztKrqtqRow2uDOO3Y/s2048/AL23--APR.%2012--P4%20%20DET-TOR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5zQnJ6iCSLQbexkjWd5X8ogb3kCZNruH4BDyrkpVFiN86o9lPCxtHIJjfDn8uRO8gWd6Q2jcqbfqWDFc7LwfbHpPsK1FmbzPMxz9QADeWIl4e1DxsTDmcmIre7oXzvBlQzJNKpUQTGYysnF5BdbqJ792lzS142Aac9yEIwjn4mztKrqtqRow2uDOO3Y/s320/AL23--APR.%2012--P4%20%20DET-TOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>101. ..... Then in the bottom of the 4th Haase thinks he has Guerrero out again (left photo), this time in a rundown between 3rd and home; but instead 3B umpire Erich Bacchus is calling interference (right photo) on Tigers 3B Ryan Kreidler and awarding Guerrero home plate with the tying run. Vladdy was on 2nd when the play began and lost his helmet on his way to 3rd while jumping over the ground ball hit by Whit Merrifield. He then rounded 3rd and headed home, not realizing that SS Javier Baez had kept the ball in the infield. Vladdy was an easy out but got bailed out when Bacchus determined that Kreidler ever so slightly got in Vladdy's way as he came around 3rd. Anyway, it's easier to just watch the play than listening to me try to describe it: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/12/0f3c9c17-b2ff868b-993db1a3-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/12/0f3c9c17-b2ff868b-993db1a3-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4</a> ..... It was the Blue Jays' only run until Guerrero scored the first of 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game, and the Blue Jays won it 4-3 with a run in the 10th.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtfAw5A7Acn49LQbY8_nqrHuJaN-AVs7V1Zw0qdQKQI4dVCUvTE6gXZVv5eCT4wUjOdeWRN1CPdVuUKhb35xfP4p9KO-2Z6XKs7db8BTmoU8RuHPxMNX1CKvJxEVnW-vkf52PfAHhz9wJC2K4eQUqVJ5L3k4qQtN_pyjakj2Si4e4wYRCi_z0Q35oBEw/s2048/AL23--MAY%2013--P1A%20%20ATL-TOR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtfAw5A7Acn49LQbY8_nqrHuJaN-AVs7V1Zw0qdQKQI4dVCUvTE6gXZVv5eCT4wUjOdeWRN1CPdVuUKhb35xfP4p9KO-2Z6XKs7db8BTmoU8RuHPxMNX1CKvJxEVnW-vkf52PfAHhz9wJC2K4eQUqVJ5L3k4qQtN_pyjakj2Si4e4wYRCi_z0Q35oBEw/s320/AL23--MAY%2013--P1A%20%20ATL-TOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNa5DTBswruQU0NHsyx8dUo0dlCp2nVylffJVUikjoYcirUk1f3KRLRhqKQ945Vh1S1vpVVdnR7HkjzI7kqlbOXU2SyNa-7MPPOV0ucXqzfo-NzNedGhc7kc-tR1Cyd-NO1oaqpbs_caP-vIKbK7ql5adPPgpY00WISGgTOdiVSinA2Vy2aJBUMmj8zA/s1024/AL23--MAY%2013--P1%20%20ATL-TOR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNa5DTBswruQU0NHsyx8dUo0dlCp2nVylffJVUikjoYcirUk1f3KRLRhqKQ945Vh1S1vpVVdnR7HkjzI7kqlbOXU2SyNa-7MPPOV0ucXqzfo-NzNedGhc7kc-tR1Cyd-NO1oaqpbs_caP-vIKbK7ql5adPPgpY00WISGgTOdiVSinA2Vy2aJBUMmj8zA/s320/AL23--MAY%2013--P1%20%20ATL-TOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>102. <b>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</b> could simply have gone into 2nd base standing up. But what fun would that have been? Instead, after hitting the first pitch in the bottom of the 4th on May 13 into the right-centerfield gap, Vladdy takes flight way short of 2nd before sliding safely into the bag - a play that had the Blue Jays' TV announcers chuckling: <a href="http://bdata-producedclips.mlb.com/55db41bf-99b0-44c9-a96a-57cbcc8fb162.mp4" target="_blank">bdata-producedclips.mlb.com/55db41bf-99b0-44c9-a96a-57cbcc8fb162.mp4</a> ...... There is no truth to the rumor that there was a Richter scale reading in Toronto after Guerrero hit the ground. Vladdy's double began the Blue Jays' comeback from a 2-0 deficit. He scored later in the inning then had a sacrifice fly to make the score 4-2 in the 7th, and the Jays went on to defeat the Braves 5-2.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxvg6_rPuIsGOb081ZY14SmexAjCXn2DfDddKM9-jpZA-qV3WyXNaO3FR0f7VZSk7BL40cvoBIs0frI5Kocul8T45BggVuVbq0oURT9apxx5ZQro87i5jF4BIH2DdM6_AmVnmaNNaynAp9WVIzcdNzY1cLNlFXEYx-_4ZtcTcQC7cF8trO1K_K3GWla4/s3600/AL23--MAY%203--P1%20%20SEA-OAK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2430" data-original-width="3600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxvg6_rPuIsGOb081ZY14SmexAjCXn2DfDddKM9-jpZA-qV3WyXNaO3FR0f7VZSk7BL40cvoBIs0frI5Kocul8T45BggVuVbq0oURT9apxx5ZQro87i5jF4BIH2DdM6_AmVnmaNNaynAp9WVIzcdNzY1cLNlFXEYx-_4ZtcTcQC7cF8trO1K_K3GWla4/s320/AL23--MAY%203--P1%20%20SEA-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_MK4NNSDjysW9wdyGgEBp-TpWAHAUxUbbcScN6v9PugNN8nZmqf7GiLvXq5VrdLxCrjQ_eOqbIt3U8psexXqoSrKXerZih3UWz2wfGdvIFdpzXi1DEmcn5Rp12fWOnRHdZePHlTT3pFOmONrFbZEVSqh-rxClDv0XG7qcoP2LhGJ4gggDmSi0xktJAU/s2048/AL23--MAY%203--P1A%20%20SEA-OAK.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="2048" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_MK4NNSDjysW9wdyGgEBp-TpWAHAUxUbbcScN6v9PugNN8nZmqf7GiLvXq5VrdLxCrjQ_eOqbIt3U8psexXqoSrKXerZih3UWz2wfGdvIFdpzXi1DEmcn5Rp12fWOnRHdZePHlTT3pFOmONrFbZEVSqh-rxClDv0XG7qcoP2LhGJ4gggDmSi0xktJAU/s320/AL23--MAY%203--P1A%20%20SEA-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>103. Off goes the helmet of <b>J.P. Crawford</b> as he tries to beat the throw to 3rd (photo above) in the top of the 3rd at Oakland on May 3. It's gonna be close ... Crawford gets to the base safely, barely before Jace Peterson gets the tag on him (photo on right). J.P. went from 1st to 3rd on a single to LF by Jose Caballero with no outs in the 3rd but then stayed there for the rest of the inning as the next three batters were retired, keeping the game scoreless. The Mariners trailed 2-1 in the 9th but tied it up, and then Crawford had a single to drive in the final 2 runs of the Mariners' 5-run rally in the 10th as they defeated the A's 7-2 ..... <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUPbedq2QLR3oMHrpatOp0qCmTThBVTViKPXRdUsjDnQ8F7ngNlGsvAIUYT6iuFMAEDX74lnD8TaDxuB5DYER-FBGTswsD0TxopQeOIneB3BwOPt85Lqgaih-uTkqgLNUYrWjdg-jy4nnfIHUX9-PPIWnciHRG0hQtUzaGyl_FmWvz2ZG16oqfpkpWFA/s1947/AL23--MAY%205--P2%20%20HOU-SEA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1947" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUPbedq2QLR3oMHrpatOp0qCmTThBVTViKPXRdUsjDnQ8F7ngNlGsvAIUYT6iuFMAEDX74lnD8TaDxuB5DYER-FBGTswsD0TxopQeOIneB3BwOPt85Lqgaih-uTkqgLNUYrWjdg-jy4nnfIHUX9-PPIWnciHRG0hQtUzaGyl_FmWvz2ZG16oqfpkpWFA/s320/AL23--MAY%205--P2%20%20HOU-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>104. Back home in Seattle 2 days later on May 5 <b>J.P. Crawford</b> keeps his helmet for a while, but eventually it comes off during a rundown between 1st and 2nd in the bottom of the 9th, with both he and 3B Alex Bregman smiling after Bregman tags him out to finish a 3-6-3-5 double play and end the game: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/05/da47cebd-69577b1a-fd1777ab-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-05/05/da47cebd-69577b1a-fd1777ab-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> ...... The Astros got a 2-run home run in the 9th to break a 4-4 tie and end the Mariners' 4-game winning streak.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIir-BfR-llsZnlBv6o0dVSZqhjFTcYHOfdQrxaxF2hYkx6ZkQgao9Nqwaw6lpLyZHfgDMWj7Q99OYxmPM5x0wV7W1iAs3nEE8oldfA9x6Wlp2cCJZb81IuAyxwQJ8CoFEWna8BS-dLZ9JpY2Mjc8aTy_6HYuhfYEVmrkt1Q8-d9zDsgpNBRkqEDNDaU/s1400/AL23--APR.%209--P5A%20%20HOU-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIir-BfR-llsZnlBv6o0dVSZqhjFTcYHOfdQrxaxF2hYkx6ZkQgao9Nqwaw6lpLyZHfgDMWj7Q99OYxmPM5x0wV7W1iAs3nEE8oldfA9x6Wlp2cCJZb81IuAyxwQJ8CoFEWna8BS-dLZ9JpY2Mjc8aTy_6HYuhfYEVmrkt1Q8-d9zDsgpNBRkqEDNDaU/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P5A%20%20HOU-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLslFhDVeWJghtg2k_QuqXu89TXTP5ccWW2tN-iL3M-5UMgeo0kWjMPWC_L0vMpADWUdmfsxg0ydIduvUh20VscVHUG738rg5xQCAQOsC6xOoimmXJWbaixdPC8lHeB10uhcK2s_qb_4qwLoSHzWhRdw6piCcYIdHdIdUXymBt9u3UUmQXdrVghMH-FPg/s2048/AL23--APR.%209--P5B%20%20HOU-MINN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLslFhDVeWJghtg2k_QuqXu89TXTP5ccWW2tN-iL3M-5UMgeo0kWjMPWC_L0vMpADWUdmfsxg0ydIduvUh20VscVHUG738rg5xQCAQOsC6xOoimmXJWbaixdPC8lHeB10uhcK2s_qb_4qwLoSHzWhRdw6piCcYIdHdIdUXymBt9u3UUmQXdrVghMH-FPg/s320/AL23--APR.%209--P5B%20%20HOU-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>105. A strong throw from C Ryan Jeffers gets to <b>Nick Gordon</b> just in time, and he puts the tag on Corey Julks of the Astros (braids not dreads) on a stolen base attempt for the 2nd out in the top of the 3rd on Apr. 9. It was one of the few highlights in the game for the Twins. They were held to just 2 hits in their 5-1 home loss to the Astros.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisS1KcxNuxtlv0QtAhzmt6Ke8DNN6VJvBIQG6xFzO33VS6wJUJyeeZ-0QN4HzJXx-NrSlXKhJkH7GHHm1tO-h7rsz90OiVrMvmPtNTdDi_6k3OrWuXOsNyCRGb3Vh6z5QDUfxQ-gGfl8UdA6bZPNMYQvyIOlGjLShQrhhG45YdlXUEV9ghF30iiOm9A78/s2048/NL23--APR.%201--P2%20%20ARIZ-LA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1573" data-original-width="2048" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisS1KcxNuxtlv0QtAhzmt6Ke8DNN6VJvBIQG6xFzO33VS6wJUJyeeZ-0QN4HzJXx-NrSlXKhJkH7GHHm1tO-h7rsz90OiVrMvmPtNTdDi_6k3OrWuXOsNyCRGb3Vh6z5QDUfxQ-gGfl8UdA6bZPNMYQvyIOlGjLShQrhhG45YdlXUEV9ghF30iiOm9A78/s320/NL23--APR.%201--P2%20%20ARIZ-LA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>106. This is one of those times where the baserunner would've actually been better off sliding head first. In the bottom of the 4th on Apr. 1 Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers looks like he's going to be safe stealing 2nd base; but after catching a throw that looked like it was going to be too high, <b>Ketel Marte</b> barely has to move his glove as Freeman slides right into the tag for the 3rd out of the inning. The umpire called Freeman safe, but thank goodness for instant replay. Great timing by the photographer on this shot. It was one of the few things that didn't go right for the Dodgers in their 10-1 whipping of the Diamondbacks.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ME4Dcd2Hflv50SDxkRJp2IJAwjRFH-VFy-1ywHTKmAx9gLCmFtFUbN7CilGm9BpoUSvht0XE9Ch-R8nKhLv_s816O9LhXmncl7VrBX-bFhSyer_Q4fGjoVhZgwxJ9JjHkwH58q08fAwdLQofGSiBTANmgkAi40PWyuZq9KmMLuu9sdkQpjvPQp0W4VA/s2048/AL23--APR.%2010--P1%20%20WASH-LA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ME4Dcd2Hflv50SDxkRJp2IJAwjRFH-VFy-1ywHTKmAx9gLCmFtFUbN7CilGm9BpoUSvht0XE9Ch-R8nKhLv_s816O9LhXmncl7VrBX-bFhSyer_Q4fGjoVhZgwxJ9JjHkwH58q08fAwdLQofGSiBTANmgkAi40PWyuZq9KmMLuu9sdkQpjvPQp0W4VA/s320/AL23--APR.%2010--P1%20%20WASH-LA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>107. After getting his 2nd RBI of the game on a FC groundout that gives the Nationals a 5-4 lead in the top of the 5th, <b>CJ Abrams</b> takes off on the first pitch and easily steals 2nd base, already touching the bag before the throw comes to SS Luis Rengifo. It was CJ's 1st SB of the season. He made it to 3rd on a wild pitch on the next pitch before being left on base. No worries though. The Nats held the Angels scoreless the rest of the evening to win 6-4 at Anaheim on Apr. 10. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oDcyAmd46vJ1TBdqfC2vBoq8tp_YIXvoFwgrB9kaxTv1TcJico0vIlQQQMdWr7JaZoGGhkfjXRm-semp8qiFufJeALZODGPdqDE7K_gVr3635PXtbwd2qVuUPE06iG20YL7dw_UoyjiDDqCxD19erByuDkjhHZ786yphIjAysv1DFoLbfK1XuqVxu6E/s3460/AL23--APR.%201--P2%20%20CLEVE-SEA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2463" data-original-width="3460" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oDcyAmd46vJ1TBdqfC2vBoq8tp_YIXvoFwgrB9kaxTv1TcJico0vIlQQQMdWr7JaZoGGhkfjXRm-semp8qiFufJeALZODGPdqDE7K_gVr3635PXtbwd2qVuUPE06iG20YL7dw_UoyjiDDqCxD19erByuDkjhHZ786yphIjAysv1DFoLbfK1XuqVxu6E/s320/AL23--APR.%201--P2%20%20CLEVE-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>108. After getting the game's 1st hit - a single with 2 out in the top of the 1st at Seattle on Apr. 1 - <b>Jose</b> <b>Ramirez</b> wastes no time getting into scoring position, easily picking up his 1st stolen base of the season on the first pitch to <b>Josh Bell</b>, losing his helmet upon impact with the ground. There was no throw to 2nd base because the catcher dropped the ball while taking it out of his glove. Bell walked but both he and Ramirez were left on base. The Guardians defeated the Mariners 2-0. <div>And I can't <i>not</i> mention how much better Jose's dreads look here than when they're reduced (photo #98).</div><div><br /></div><div>.<br /><div><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5Qh-6C1yh89eiNXt-UVP29UhClFdrg5kJ2vFcbgl5jlzINbi2Ug0f_gJIRw25P-jxch88Xqy3w_YesftFYNjjsNEz_hSqdTtHnHfTU7X0Plf-HHRgQvh1kQq0P2xYGqzSBlOhVqRajF-7LmhgNS0MGGgnuUQ04X4fxnYlD0F7Pw4xbYdjcHwM6_NYnk/s1200/AL23--MAY%201--P1%20%20TOR-BOST.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1200" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5Qh-6C1yh89eiNXt-UVP29UhClFdrg5kJ2vFcbgl5jlzINbi2Ug0f_gJIRw25P-jxch88Xqy3w_YesftFYNjjsNEz_hSqdTtHnHfTU7X0Plf-HHRgQvh1kQq0P2xYGqzSBlOhVqRajF-7LmhgNS0MGGgnuUQ04X4fxnYlD0F7Pw4xbYdjcHwM6_NYnk/s320/AL23--MAY%201--P1%20%20TOR-BOST.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>109. It wasn't until May 1 that <b>Raimel Tapia</b> got his 1st stolen base in a Red Sox uniform. Entering a tie game against his former team - he played for the Blue Jays in 2022 - as a pinch runner with 1 out in the bottom of the 8th, Tapia dives safely into 2nd and looks up to see the ball getting past SS Bo Bichette and bouncing into center field. Raimel got up and advanced to 3rd but was stranded there as the next two batters were retired, with the score remaining tied 5-5. The Red Sox won 6-5 on an Alex Verdugo home run leading off the bottom of the 9th.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TLmMweg7PV6EAFMSgV3xoaIN4t57v9IUaFb-VP9J5i_OSn8OsjQfubvg6jSbxmS5TBy4_dFS7p96hI6sqI1i467zT-YFsQ6E_Ii7JY5WAycLTyqu6Z43PXPvJDZKOxAmoZ4rDjzsmsMH1zgE-Yqihim3hGlGWE9Nlwyv4sNUdJBi44ym9ZR8TSpklSk/s1035/NL23--MAY%206--P2%20%20BOST-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1035" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TLmMweg7PV6EAFMSgV3xoaIN4t57v9IUaFb-VP9J5i_OSn8OsjQfubvg6jSbxmS5TBy4_dFS7p96hI6sqI1i467zT-YFsQ6E_Ii7JY5WAycLTyqu6Z43PXPvJDZKOxAmoZ4rDjzsmsMH1zgE-Yqihim3hGlGWE9Nlwyv4sNUdJBi44ym9ZR8TSpklSk/s320/NL23--MAY%206--P2%20%20BOST-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIoPP4VmxEUaJd-0Q9AKG36hqVa6YvpnwemN68YKVi3MOt-hTKd0pq_8MLiyH2192QHn4GLhQC7U671J8Rn7B516H_m89BzKMTcF49a8WNLeEOfiXaOCcpJjYq66pQJ3wFNUtkr758PkoMTzfspWXvhmjvh-XeHNKMEK7sJhXrrItqxhcXogAlvhUXNM/s4609/NL23--MAY%207--P2%20%20BOST-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2896" data-original-width="4609" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIoPP4VmxEUaJd-0Q9AKG36hqVa6YvpnwemN68YKVi3MOt-hTKd0pq_8MLiyH2192QHn4GLhQC7U671J8Rn7B516H_m89BzKMTcF49a8WNLeEOfiXaOCcpJjYq66pQJ3wFNUtkr758PkoMTzfspWXvhmjvh-XeHNKMEK7sJhXrrItqxhcXogAlvhUXNM/s320/NL23--MAY%207--P2%20%20BOST-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>110. 6 days later at Philadelphia on May 6 <b>Raimel</b> <b>Tapia</b> picks up his 4th SB of the season (photo above), beating the throw to SS Trea Turner at 2nd base in the 8th inning. But once again, after reaching 3rd base with 1 out, he was stranded. The Red Sox were already ahead 7-4 though and held on for their 8th straight win.<div>Less than 24 hours later Tapia gets caught stealing for the first time (photo on right) as Turner puts the tag on him to end the top of the 4th. Batting 3rd in the starting lineup for only the 2nd time in his career, Raimel singled with 2 out in the 4th but had no chance on his steal attempt thanks to a perfect throw by C J.T. Realmuto. It was Tapia's only hit of the game, and the Phillies ended the Red Sox winning streak with a 6-1 victory.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7Os4fOaz93QaZJQnEXSz370YQIx1lmgW1xRKXC8LkcmhBSSX-Z-nW9d28WPgkhXfVcyvkHBm-MBLEcN8JdaxAaDgg0pzqGtnpj7UB07zN6RKBPClZ8mak3q7O_vKWkQnQdHA1f0oLTa6mhzgypaycnOXyx0B-p31EjSzh_y_xoSEsnIVNpSypY7qK5c/s1024/NL23--APR.%2011--P1B%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7Os4fOaz93QaZJQnEXSz370YQIx1lmgW1xRKXC8LkcmhBSSX-Z-nW9d28WPgkhXfVcyvkHBm-MBLEcN8JdaxAaDgg0pzqGtnpj7UB07zN6RKBPClZ8mak3q7O_vKWkQnQdHA1f0oLTa6mhzgypaycnOXyx0B-p31EjSzh_y_xoSEsnIVNpSypY7qK5c/s320/NL23--APR.%2011--P1B%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutOtZY3zIg0recI07PtAjbom1pWdCsS-Wm3aUyH-i2ARL68lgAKpRCLZ2s0ZzON_1tPsQpComZA_dINXxAlF1F_5tOZCPFkvtZi2fgZoP-vQb16fBaB3nH9s6aLj_jWGboIR_X94TnSu0jLbH6S3RQY10MgfZNnrhshcEen2StfxNagL1uaP4wxHWe40/s1763/NL23--APR.%2011--P1%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1763" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutOtZY3zIg0recI07PtAjbom1pWdCsS-Wm3aUyH-i2ARL68lgAKpRCLZ2s0ZzON_1tPsQpComZA_dINXxAlF1F_5tOZCPFkvtZi2fgZoP-vQb16fBaB3nH9s6aLj_jWGboIR_X94TnSu0jLbH6S3RQY10MgfZNnrhshcEen2StfxNagL1uaP4wxHWe40/s320/NL23--APR.%2011--P1%20%20MIA-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>111. At Philadelphia on Apr. 11 <b>Jean Segura</b> singles with 2 out in the 2nd and - after CF Cristian Pache bobbles the ball - decides to go to 2nd. But he shouldn't have, as Pache recovers quickly and gets the throw to Trea Turner in plenty of time, and he's out by at least 5 feet. Jean, who lost his helmet well before arriving at 2nd, tries to avoid the tag then tries to convince the umpire to call him safe, but to no avail. Segura finished 2-for-5 in the game, and the Marlins, who lost to the Phillies 15-3 the night before, bounced back with an 8-4 win over the Phillies .....<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJHoIzDDvoGJi11-v0F7jvufOpKUsWi7rA-80KA1x2gbdeRFmlpMJOdCCFyxAM_wPQxqMisWFMmGfJLn3Io74qu0erxafnvME-n4UMfLPFUpZT1k2h9kXI0iL32KLqe0Cy5BEitd8BelrFnsqG1-IKsuRXiGYtOTL1EnYZsa4SNvFYKyPZKvDYC46Fek/s1200/NL23--APR.%2015--P3%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJHoIzDDvoGJi11-v0F7jvufOpKUsWi7rA-80KA1x2gbdeRFmlpMJOdCCFyxAM_wPQxqMisWFMmGfJLn3Io74qu0erxafnvME-n4UMfLPFUpZT1k2h9kXI0iL32KLqe0Cy5BEitd8BelrFnsqG1-IKsuRXiGYtOTL1EnYZsa4SNvFYKyPZKvDYC46Fek/s320/NL23--APR.%2015--P3%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj50Eao0Q-dty3_jifdPEFqejcpJLeDjJ1klqBhjs7W-05sDAvum0736reohWDk8dDedyf3HnUTOFrUijbnyg_GkNowx6ElH_ccCPtuoBKGc4caMpnj_ky_VUJSjkialMDq4NCMz-W33Ha5fvuKp2BZDo6POUrxJRoO1lctZesKBF5kpCSdw_sJEHTA8/s2048/NL23--APR.%2015--P3A%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOj50Eao0Q-dty3_jifdPEFqejcpJLeDjJ1klqBhjs7W-05sDAvum0736reohWDk8dDedyf3HnUTOFrUijbnyg_GkNowx6ElH_ccCPtuoBKGc4caMpnj_ky_VUJSjkialMDq4NCMz-W33Ha5fvuKp2BZDo6POUrxJRoO1lctZesKBF5kpCSdw_sJEHTA8/s320/NL23--APR.%2015--P3A%20%20ARIZ-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>112. .... 4 nights later <b>Jean Segura</b> gets some good news from the umpire this time, advancing safely from 1st to 3rd on a single by Nick Fortes with 1 out in the bottom of the 7th. As Diamondbacks 3B Josh Rojas keeps the tag on him, 3rd base coach Jody Reed alerts him to not come off the bag. Moments earlier Segura broke an 0-for-12 slump with an RBI single to tie the game 2-2. And a moment later - on the next pitch following a pitching change - he came in to score on a single by Luis Arraez. The Marlins held on for a 3-2 victory, their 4th win in a row. <br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbG26JjSkk0yfVH4aKnvOC_Atn5Jx9HVLT7BeKMudWD0BDBhvcV0JRZWdlsYsT7goQKrVJ54-116fZC1GHjyMr_MbYKHL23wdZ-SJELbP-_JH4wUJL-lq3vPPmY1AN8jPFKuR2WeToqqf4zQeC6Ia592xiKu8TJh4y5QIH1tx3hYLqoiiJ1y9_mK9jw-s/s1080/AL23--MAY%2026--P2B%20%20HOU-OAK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1080" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbG26JjSkk0yfVH4aKnvOC_Atn5Jx9HVLT7BeKMudWD0BDBhvcV0JRZWdlsYsT7goQKrVJ54-116fZC1GHjyMr_MbYKHL23wdZ-SJELbP-_JH4wUJL-lq3vPPmY1AN8jPFKuR2WeToqqf4zQeC6Ia592xiKu8TJh4y5QIH1tx3hYLqoiiJ1y9_mK9jw-s/s320/AL23--MAY%2026--P2B%20%20HOU-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKA9sLabdOsA3GrE9G6hhr2ApAgYOe8zYXzXrdR3xttk5Ax-5dsuPpA2OvIVZRuylKSKOSyEuIMyVNxicVTPRTNMPvh4fjuabLtgnp8XzrqO71La6U5qFYdf_EuIIaUonkL8-xFjGkmgbLzm0O25snvr2HyGkf4Cjy-geFLZVCjnHRAsjfVVE7r1stw0/s1080/AL23--MAY%2026--P2A%20%20HOU-OAK.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1080" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKA9sLabdOsA3GrE9G6hhr2ApAgYOe8zYXzXrdR3xttk5Ax-5dsuPpA2OvIVZRuylKSKOSyEuIMyVNxicVTPRTNMPvh4fjuabLtgnp8XzrqO71La6U5qFYdf_EuIIaUonkL8-xFjGkmgbLzm0O25snvr2HyGkf4Cjy-geFLZVCjnHRAsjfVVE7r1stw0/s320/AL23--MAY%2026--P2A%20%20HOU-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>113. In the bottom of the 1st at Oakland on May 26 <b>Esteury Ruiz</b>, after leading off with a single, has his helmet come off and fall right in his face as he beats the throw to SS Mauricio Dubon for his 27th stolen base of the season. A moment later Ruiz lost his helmet again after sliding into 3rd while advancing on a fly ball for the 1st out of the inning. But neither of the next two batters could drive him in, and he was left on base. The A's went on to lose their 9th in a row, falling to the Astros 5-2.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIgtu39caNJBN8ckHPKLHsFfdRuCI-WSsWVbI_G1I7JW7LAfZ8BbBd4iIWjmOr2kno96ucRMN26VUUJ6BWJF9w17XoM3Jhv-d4nqIYRFSZfMKXu_keSL2u0a-keDg5dhsdo7NS71YkTmjzq9CBvun-_mi4h0ENyVXCQnZkBr0pfXuBRxBhv_TOryhLCA/s1024/NL23--APR.%205--P1%20%20ATL-ST.LOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIgtu39caNJBN8ckHPKLHsFfdRuCI-WSsWVbI_G1I7JW7LAfZ8BbBd4iIWjmOr2kno96ucRMN26VUUJ6BWJF9w17XoM3Jhv-d4nqIYRFSZfMKXu_keSL2u0a-keDg5dhsdo7NS71YkTmjzq9CBvun-_mi4h0ENyVXCQnZkBr0pfXuBRxBhv_TOryhLCA/s320/NL23--APR.%205--P1%20%20ATL-ST.LOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YOKaLajXtskHXH9brBLRD77OMhRge4kDsxoUGL5iOCgS75PNue-yE3nz-x4vzFzi2iDNmOJReP5uou_SdYRSy6Z10PrL7u9P150k1lo7vOpvRxxpMJVKJxWn6peDa-4qgsGKLeRTZk_vSq9rXD91-RLKww2W0cAYMszoWadoBeVeQX8RNn--MrLTaqA/s2048/NL23--APR.%205--P1A%20%20ATL-ST.LOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YOKaLajXtskHXH9brBLRD77OMhRge4kDsxoUGL5iOCgS75PNue-yE3nz-x4vzFzi2iDNmOJReP5uou_SdYRSy6Z10PrL7u9P150k1lo7vOpvRxxpMJVKJxWn6peDa-4qgsGKLeRTZk_vSq9rXD91-RLKww2W0cAYMszoWadoBeVeQX8RNn--MrLTaqA/s320/NL23--APR.%205--P1A%20%20ATL-ST.LOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>114. With this edition of <b>Ronald Acuna</b>'s dreads still in its early stages, the only time you get a good look at them is when his hat/helmet is off. One of those times is here in the top of the 1st at St. Louis on Apr. 5. After leading off with a single, Acuna runs out from under his helmet about halfway between 2nd and 3rd as he comes in to score on a double by the next batter, Matt Olson, as C Andrew Knizer reaches for the late throw home: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/05/a46ecd4d-89178170-be1aab29-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/05/a46ecd4d-89178170-be1aab29-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> <div>The Braves took a quick 1-0 lead and led for the rest of the afternoon. Ronald went 2-for-5, raising his BA to .370 in the early going, as the Braves improved to 5-1 with a 5-2 victory over the Cardinals. <br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHMEoBs8I0vfoWes-r1fy6qmLDt2VA1kNXNUUb8eyemozd2rAseI5SqbppDJCJ-rfXDFOt05_R9BvrlcVNblPeQQFAjhsNHTAw1okN6DeoPXlIR6Cn2CJdQWFf5VjvV-NWBFFXKECo_CKLkTyD2ansWU_DsJUyVVYR6JPzcr8mJxJZFi2tTzpZEATpzQ/s1365/AL23--APR.%202--P1%20%20BALT-BOST.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHMEoBs8I0vfoWes-r1fy6qmLDt2VA1kNXNUUb8eyemozd2rAseI5SqbppDJCJ-rfXDFOt05_R9BvrlcVNblPeQQFAjhsNHTAw1okN6DeoPXlIR6Cn2CJdQWFf5VjvV-NWBFFXKECo_CKLkTyD2ansWU_DsJUyVVYR6JPzcr8mJxJZFi2tTzpZEATpzQ/s320/AL23--APR.%202--P1%20%20BALT-BOST.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Zn0rQ6KEopTBit1zGMdGKCcwVQ58VTWEb1teqBlrQ0gFKJJh2pjm0dQ-_MFF7OfiuWqO9uy6nX1a4_pCcMzz05OZEL3-iQQ4bLfAPAvs_iotJ3I9Fje4-82lvIPyLhIY5dhKHyS-8YxjrPaPcIZTHkFAVSv7Liq-ky7Pbr_GjgsNSq3fRIz4JiRspk/s1880/AL23--APR.%202--P1C%20%20BALT-BOST.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1880" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7Zn0rQ6KEopTBit1zGMdGKCcwVQ58VTWEb1teqBlrQ0gFKJJh2pjm0dQ-_MFF7OfiuWqO9uy6nX1a4_pCcMzz05OZEL3-iQQ4bLfAPAvs_iotJ3I9Fje4-82lvIPyLhIY5dhKHyS-8YxjrPaPcIZTHkFAVSv7Liq-ky7Pbr_GjgsNSq3fRIz4JiRspk/s320/AL23--APR.%202--P1C%20%20BALT-BOST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>115. <b>Cedric Mullins</b>' dreads extend to their fullest on this play at 2nd base at Fenway Park on Apr. 2. After bringing the Orioles to within 6-5 on the Red Sox with a 2-run single in the 7th, Mullins loses his helmet sliding into the base on a FC grounder by Adley Rutschman. Cedric was out on the forceout, but his legal slide harasses 2B Christian Arroyo, causing him to drop the ball and preventing him from turning a double play. Mullins finished with 3 RBI, having hit his 2nd home run of the season back in the 5th inning to tie the score 3-3; but the Red Sox went on to win 9-5 ..... <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp53OC1Jf3oQMapJNTVJhDGmo2GRr_hzyRwlgVxcORnOzBB79bSOT6mH1iTL1BDdPb0cAL0z5miNc2uSiu5-LHCEm88Fr-GmrS9WJ_glRBXDZ7UAgFkYbXjSE_X1NeG6IkbRfIxoI6tsKwRS0FImbIfD5WLMXs4WyjaSOUUCfw-14XM_vUpzuz00DM53M/s2048/AL23--APR.%205--P1B%20%20PITT-BOST.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="2048" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp53OC1Jf3oQMapJNTVJhDGmo2GRr_hzyRwlgVxcORnOzBB79bSOT6mH1iTL1BDdPb0cAL0z5miNc2uSiu5-LHCEm88Fr-GmrS9WJ_glRBXDZ7UAgFkYbXjSE_X1NeG6IkbRfIxoI6tsKwRS0FImbIfD5WLMXs4WyjaSOUUCfw-14XM_vUpzuz00DM53M/s320/AL23--APR.%205--P1B%20%20PITT-BOST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52GL8y9-leZpucKWpSWkvwlCtMaDu0OrEjLnNbbaBGLQYouGrYYLYdGNnoHtEwlFSuxwq1IdQim2nCqi2jXVCNriab7F0mb1o8HmjUtyZBPtocgIgQ_BL8xvEdwDl1uOAG2Q5M3cYmiVDi3MQ08tr3GfdgL5mXguyZO4fIkyxUDq9JhJfXKaObgNDros/s1396/AL23--APR.%205--P1%20%20PITT-BOST.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="1396" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52GL8y9-leZpucKWpSWkvwlCtMaDu0OrEjLnNbbaBGLQYouGrYYLYdGNnoHtEwlFSuxwq1IdQim2nCqi2jXVCNriab7F0mb1o8HmjUtyZBPtocgIgQ_BL8xvEdwDl1uOAG2Q5M3cYmiVDi3MQ08tr3GfdgL5mXguyZO4fIkyxUDq9JhJfXKaObgNDros/s320/AL23--APR.%205--P1%20%20PITT-BOST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>116. A couple of days later on Apr. 5 the fans at Fenway Park get a great look at Oneil Cruz's much longer (than Mullins) dreads flowing at full blast after his helmet comes off just before he dives into 3rd base and collides with the foot of 3B Rafael Devers. The play started with Cruz at 1st base and another runner on 3rd with no outs in the 7th. Bryan Reynolds hit a sacrifice fly to LF, with Cruz advancing to 2nd on the throw home; and when the throw home was off target and nowhere near the catcher, Oneil, noticing that nobody was covering 3rd, raced to 3rd, with he, Devers, and the ball all arriving at the same time. Oneil would have been out, but Devers lost control of the ball while making the tag. Cruz was shaken up on the play but stayed in long enough to score on a double by Carlos Santana a couple of batters later before then leaving the game: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/05/1d83a354-1f15c7b5-c290a187-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-04/05/1d83a354-1f15c7b5-c290a187-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a><div>Cruz's run made the score 4-0, and the Pirates went on to win 4-1; and Oneil was back in the lineup for the Pirates' next game, their home opener on Apr. 7.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>O.K. Let's finish off this dread gallery was some dreads vs. dreads encounters .....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w912_MsNI6adUZmyix8x07wyAZOytxg3HF-3wNrXG6wJdtBPnE5DflTpLVaHbR8pl65_EymgDSO8lsxoPrHd82Pml5sDo2sEuO5fWpz4PmnOinH5fMW5w8daqmBKEF1bPJJKQECcF8P89rYvz6oa2S2rKAwcJHbzZzN8ZQhLRSwu2TutycvmsN65IqE/s1880/NL23--JUNE%207--P2A%20%20ARIZ-WASH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1880" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w912_MsNI6adUZmyix8x07wyAZOytxg3HF-3wNrXG6wJdtBPnE5DflTpLVaHbR8pl65_EymgDSO8lsxoPrHd82Pml5sDo2sEuO5fWpz4PmnOinH5fMW5w8daqmBKEF1bPJJKQECcF8P89rYvz6oa2S2rKAwcJHbzZzN8ZQhLRSwu2TutycvmsN65IqE/s320/NL23--JUNE%207--P2A%20%20ARIZ-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>117. I couldn't find a video of this play from June 7; but it's not too difficult to figure out what happened. On 1st base after drawing a 2-out walk in the top of the 4th, <b>Ketel Marte</b> (dreads reduced) gets picked off trying to steal 2nd, and instead of continuing on all the way to 2nd, he just stops and lets <b>CJ Abrams</b> tag him out to end the inning (Please let me know if that's not what happened). It was the 1st caught stealing of the season for Marte, but it certainly didn't spoil what he did the rest of the game. He went 3-for-4 and scored 2 runs to help the Diamondbacks defeat the Nationals 6-2.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jxh4IiU4UHDoOGfvRvC-mI9KXHuNeSgq5rXHxxTb8Iqf-JXsw6oawpnYiFRL6zdAacwD_5bcJc7WJSBBATtMl3l7MVWnDabcmT0p-3sDmnxIEPTZ67_TODd3oSPSBrQpunpf1xFoSVuhFmINeZUqoOIbgC1rClcx5AWmQxzejjCC7hMJ6_n7DBsVEI0/s960/NL23--APR.%2014--P2%20%20CLEVE-WASH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jxh4IiU4UHDoOGfvRvC-mI9KXHuNeSgq5rXHxxTb8Iqf-JXsw6oawpnYiFRL6zdAacwD_5bcJc7WJSBBATtMl3l7MVWnDabcmT0p-3sDmnxIEPTZ67_TODd3oSPSBrQpunpf1xFoSVuhFmINeZUqoOIbgC1rClcx5AWmQxzejjCC7hMJ6_n7DBsVEI0/s320/NL23--APR.%2014--P2%20%20CLEVE-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcYx7wjDCjcgPBgW9LwMeZGXa8JiB8o0ibJBLfoCapG9LlTUX1bW0L3iON2Gz3MZ9ggSv834-Ll4flwWyfOwhWjuls3ZDMoG8Ul1qeYMu-pgaObdZzNQVXgGCbtnAMrdbDlM_IcllbS1EupZm3NzIiDwjSFx9B7yLDTyi20aeJ11g_I2poCv4WHH757M/s960/NL23--APR.%2014--P2B%20%20CLEVE-WASH.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcYx7wjDCjcgPBgW9LwMeZGXa8JiB8o0ibJBLfoCapG9LlTUX1bW0L3iON2Gz3MZ9ggSv834-Ll4flwWyfOwhWjuls3ZDMoG8Ul1qeYMu-pgaObdZzNQVXgGCbtnAMrdbDlM_IcllbS1EupZm3NzIiDwjSFx9B7yLDTyi20aeJ11g_I2poCv4WHH757M/s320/NL23--APR.%2014--P2B%20%20CLEVE-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>118. <b>CJ Abrams</b> is at it again here in the top of the 3rd on Apr. 14. <b>Jose Ramirez</b> hits one into the RF corner with 2 out and tries to make it a double. But a strong throw from Lane Thomas arrives in the glove of Abrams just in time, and he quickly puts the tag on Ramirez to end the inning and keep the game scoreless ......</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBrPiyqF76oEgJeMyW4lqv2FqvLz_PJIZSYSEBE0iwTUcVZhdDulEgR2KmZBrxnOi6Ksr5wKc8A9FgvhkybmS-FeYmCY-ZxqZbSUuNsMGo5mfiGHj6kK7yjUmdfbkoYzrQ5Z8AHcMNpKhfV0oTukS7xKfJazI9zdB3wRNjjvGaeis5m-eIR4ENIImWBg/s2048/NL23--APR.%2014--P3%20%20CLEVE-WASH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBrPiyqF76oEgJeMyW4lqv2FqvLz_PJIZSYSEBE0iwTUcVZhdDulEgR2KmZBrxnOi6Ksr5wKc8A9FgvhkybmS-FeYmCY-ZxqZbSUuNsMGo5mfiGHj6kK7yjUmdfbkoYzrQ5Z8AHcMNpKhfV0oTukS7xKfJazI9zdB3wRNjjvGaeis5m-eIR4ENIImWBg/s320/NL23--APR.%2014--P3%20%20CLEVE-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg059-zJudgRHmX4Q1skcH8IBWbdX4Up1d0GxEtFapClhRp5bzOUZQTtnBqlM_QlYC74K6F8brG9JlSGXfkeQ8AUNKcx1H-8orL_0SWC-zayfxD6aSWESjf2rkXscos-wUP5t130-usV8ph6ldOQVOvEvpOSkFXHwqqmVEPX9738-Rh0pK44Krs7Y1W07Q/s2048/NL23--APR.%2014--P6%20%20CLEVE-WASH.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="2048" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg059-zJudgRHmX4Q1skcH8IBWbdX4Up1d0GxEtFapClhRp5bzOUZQTtnBqlM_QlYC74K6F8brG9JlSGXfkeQ8AUNKcx1H-8orL_0SWC-zayfxD6aSWESjf2rkXscos-wUP5t130-usV8ph6ldOQVOvEvpOSkFXHwqqmVEPX9738-Rh0pK44Krs7Y1W07Q/s320/NL23--APR.%2014--P6%20%20CLEVE-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>119. ..... Then a little later it's <b>Jose Ramirez</b>'s turn to tag out <b>CJ Abrams</b>. On 2nd base after stealing it with 1 out in the bottom of the 6th, Abrams stupidly tries to advance to 3rd on a grounder to 3rd off the bat of Victor Robles (what was he thinking?). CJ can't avoid the tag by Ramirez (photo above) and is an easy out and Jose, after taking a couple of steps forward to gather himself, throws to 1st (photo on right) and barely misses retiring Robles for a double play. <div>The Nationals led 3-1 at the time but the Guardians tied it in the 7th on a <b>Josh Bell</b> home run and a bases loaded walk to Ramirez. The Guardians then scored again in the 8th and held on to win 4-3, with <b>Emmanuel Clase</b> picking up the save.<br /><div><br /><div>.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGIOKlwXSVURr1-XOGPnEZw0xA6pbNw-nXKmgeY7ALBoxKtIYSO5y3SDz_locWM3q3HiNNTAUOyS91UuTGvNGyD44Ekwimym_7B1anAxFMds1FEcdXaPNsHDVXsMZAH64wJsGjCAlLCswrKJTKvzLzRhHYir2XkdzjJhFkkNZHzaBuzq0AkfkAM73L2Y/s1200/AL23--MAY%2027--P1%20%20HOU-OAK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGIOKlwXSVURr1-XOGPnEZw0xA6pbNw-nXKmgeY7ALBoxKtIYSO5y3SDz_locWM3q3HiNNTAUOyS91UuTGvNGyD44Ekwimym_7B1anAxFMds1FEcdXaPNsHDVXsMZAH64wJsGjCAlLCswrKJTKvzLzRhHYir2XkdzjJhFkkNZHzaBuzq0AkfkAM73L2Y/s320/AL23--MAY%2027--P1%20%20HOU-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>120. As <b>Martin Maldonado</b> watches the ball go harmlessly into the air, <b>Esteury Ruiz</b> is howling in disappointment in the bottom of the 7th on May 27. Not because his helmet has come off again, but probably because he got a good pitch to hit - a curveball right in the middle of the plate - and didn't do anything with it. The popup to the 1st baseman ended the inning and kept the Astros ahead 2-1. It was a hitless day for both - Maldonado 0-for-3, Ruiz 0-for-5. 6 days after shutting out the A's, <b>Framber Valdez</b> beat them again, holding them to 4 hits and 1 run in 6 IP to pick up his 5th win in the Astros' 6-3 win.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbI5gqAnY_FuGzBscwnKVxyu9QA84t5gNJmwxdcukCO0BsOvJUrmJJZzjb7IDPJo8RZ-rBJorR6gxHgXEHq-FUBIKW7MXYGTVEfqUhdnWnwiFWWxAwpoE9u1HtOvwOsVZv07lsZVJzIoH_9P9flSPbma0cxCFXVcqKTzTeG6YIlLFtcoYACLDkPR6vRGQ/s2048/NL23--JUNE%202--P1A%20%20OAK-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbI5gqAnY_FuGzBscwnKVxyu9QA84t5gNJmwxdcukCO0BsOvJUrmJJZzjb7IDPJo8RZ-rBJorR6gxHgXEHq-FUBIKW7MXYGTVEfqUhdnWnwiFWWxAwpoE9u1HtOvwOsVZv07lsZVJzIoH_9P9flSPbma0cxCFXVcqKTzTeG6YIlLFtcoYACLDkPR6vRGQ/s320/NL23--JUNE%202--P1A%20%20OAK-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNU5xacRX-3csaeEnac4qhUBmzqfRizc42foQ8JCHzPMgU0WrpkeC5SDrn0dl_EoEAM_D0GxImoX0AKhZC3D_TVCjdRclCOUD1oUtELsW5vhmiRXBUSMEK2lg0CayFDr9scycrZ8Xqls5ztAiwXqIJrm_oPe4IzRxLQ7BeQ6b8qClWMaV-8Jrr98c8k8/s2048/NL23--JUNE%202--P1B%20%20OAK-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNU5xacRX-3csaeEnac4qhUBmzqfRizc42foQ8JCHzPMgU0WrpkeC5SDrn0dl_EoEAM_D0GxImoX0AKhZC3D_TVCjdRclCOUD1oUtELsW5vhmiRXBUSMEK2lg0CayFDr9scycrZ8Xqls5ztAiwXqIJrm_oPe4IzRxLQ7BeQ6b8qClWMaV-8Jrr98c8k8/s320/NL23--JUNE%202--P1B%20%20OAK-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>121. On a play on which <b>Esteury Ruiz</b> hits a ground ball no more than 40 feet, he ends up ..... at <i>3rd</i> base being tagged out by <b>Jean Segura</b>. Huh? Yep. In the top of the 6th at Miami on June 2 after P Edward Cabrera fields Ruiz's dribbler then throws it past the 1st baseman (score it a single and an error), Ruiz tries to make it to 3rd base; but the strong throw from RF Jesus Sanchez gets to the glove of Segura in time, and he puts the tag on Esteury for the 1st out of the inning: <a href="http://bdata-producedclips.mlb.com/ad757f76-f55a-4b8b-bc94-a29132601990.mp4" target="_blank">bdata-producedclips.mlb.com/ad757f76-f55a-4b8b-bc94-a29132601990.mp4</a> ...... With the A's down by 4, perhaps Ruiz should have stopped at 2nd base; but it likely wouldn't have mattered. The Marlins went on to defeat the A's 4-0.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8HivBbqj8PDXUH9Y8dk1ApLWQNkq4QnurlNa0jPZVhC_pZvpJlK80QdXTAV0f9_MHxKkVORkN2AJHJST2C0FFj-cg81Do6VRtLiYHr_cxJs_ewR_evCcVevhf782F0JK8OiFCP4cGJlG1EoG3htrsRphFKVG1aYQ2UnQ-tSoSzZHcbGfUYNsUpt97H0/s1200/NL23--APR.%2027--P1%20%20MIA-ATL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8HivBbqj8PDXUH9Y8dk1ApLWQNkq4QnurlNa0jPZVhC_pZvpJlK80QdXTAV0f9_MHxKkVORkN2AJHJST2C0FFj-cg81Do6VRtLiYHr_cxJs_ewR_evCcVevhf782F0JK8OiFCP4cGJlG1EoG3htrsRphFKVG1aYQ2UnQ-tSoSzZHcbGfUYNsUpt97H0/s320/NL23--APR.%2027--P1%20%20MIA-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEbXlMWPBJRyTXtH7hsFeG89w6MtEHXmFY7-mMge-V-f72dpMR5b9h9bkrYeUVdYSE9i1EcHDgp_phfkx6Hh8CPwB65rWNW3nTQ9xi-M2Liq-zqkr8oBW5EoOKec-fBLdqvkR8uCH4dk8ZOJ0nsifTCnvgtlE7u6fbo6Dhfx4xIprk7TCg3AX2cFL_wk/s2048/NL23--APR.%2027--P3%20%20MIA-ATL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEbXlMWPBJRyTXtH7hsFeG89w6MtEHXmFY7-mMge-V-f72dpMR5b9h9bkrYeUVdYSE9i1EcHDgp_phfkx6Hh8CPwB65rWNW3nTQ9xi-M2Liq-zqkr8oBW5EoOKec-fBLdqvkR8uCH4dk8ZOJ0nsifTCnvgtlE7u6fbo6Dhfx4xIprk7TCg3AX2cFL_wk/s320/NL23--APR.%2027--P3%20%20MIA-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>122. Like brothers from another mother, <b>Ronald</b> <b>Acuna</b> and <b>Jean Segura</b> have had their share of playful encounters over the years. In this one from the bottom of the 5th on Apr. 27 Acuna, caught between 2nd and 3rd when what he thought was going to be a wild pitch doesn't roll far enough away from the catcher, waits for Segura to tag him out .... And after the tag unexpectedly is put on the top of his head, Acuna replies with a swift - but soft - kick in Segura's rear. This play is the first clip on this Twitter video, with a couple of previous encounters shown after that: <a href="http://twitter.com/Cut4/status/1651702073958842370" target="_blank">twitter.com/Cut4/status/1651702073958842370</a> ......<div>All the kidding aside, it turned out to be an important mistake by Acuna. Although the Braves had already scored 4 runs in the inning, his out helped the Marlins get out of the jam with no further damage. Still trailing 4-0 in the 9th, the Marlins exploded with 5 runs to stun the Braves 5-4.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkAXAEnrpyM_jb9H33lzqZ0Xds1kvbh0s2Ip4B3kIfawNHIwurdmc-I0jqIMSqLGBizYPmngwQcph765nB3Cswo0xa_skzD92x2DWhAb_UdysyWce3HqyMz0-13NvAYk6vNN0vChYLZTwHzjjrhzbcikNpcqtoqZ9L1XM7aNToDau-DRe30xeM3FSyd0/s2048/NL23--JULY%202--P4%20%20MIA-ATL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkAXAEnrpyM_jb9H33lzqZ0Xds1kvbh0s2Ip4B3kIfawNHIwurdmc-I0jqIMSqLGBizYPmngwQcph765nB3Cswo0xa_skzD92x2DWhAb_UdysyWce3HqyMz0-13NvAYk6vNN0vChYLZTwHzjjrhzbcikNpcqtoqZ9L1XM7aNToDau-DRe30xeM3FSyd0/s320/NL23--JULY%202--P4%20%20MIA-ATL.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASeJgcGi4hZ8N5DUIDkbS7Z-z0y9-ANC4CQ10gO8Aj-XrcVCB9Et_KrqHFZbiLTMr4R_l-E4ZEwedISZ2Ef73YBlAIb3u7Av40MN1aVgSPAocbagGHh8q1IH7SdvByEi12-pVEo_ooWsOll9tylIj7WIjteCyEOL5QSaKPGkn_rwoYsDT7GLhUN_ybVI/s640/NL23--JULY%202--P3%20%20MIA-ATL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASeJgcGi4hZ8N5DUIDkbS7Z-z0y9-ANC4CQ10gO8Aj-XrcVCB9Et_KrqHFZbiLTMr4R_l-E4ZEwedISZ2Ef73YBlAIb3u7Av40MN1aVgSPAocbagGHh8q1IH7SdvByEi12-pVEo_ooWsOll9tylIj7WIjteCyEOL5QSaKPGkn_rwoYsDT7GLhUN_ybVI/s320/NL23--JULY%202--P3%20%20MIA-ATL.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><div><br /></div>123. The Marlins' second trip to Atlanta this season was at the beginning of July, and <b>Ronald Acuna</b> and <b>Jean Segura</b> once again did not disappoint. After doubling with 2 out in the 7th on July 2, Acuna gets his 2nd SB of the game and 39th of the season and promptly slaps Segura in the back of the leg. Jean responds immediately, shoving the helmet of Ronald's head (left photo): <a href="http://instagram.com/p/CuNUqkUAtEi/" target="_blank">instagram.com/p/CuNUqkUAtEi/</a> .....<div>After the two are separated, Ronald raises his arms in triumph (right photo), claiming victory in this round of their ongoing duel. Acuna was stranded at 3rd, keeping the Atlanta lead at 4-3; but the Braves went on to win 6-3 and sweep the 3-game series. <br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OBk7-eQJ5sQt5XpGrUZMhdOYltQU8X3hBBfk3Y2KA05xgTK4JXcw_UdspWauk5ZCGZgP4wHKAZoHSSg_rvMHRyvjlb5cn6AMHnm1XAtB7CexHXdtiDsr3r97qDLPuY-bBDB92684HVz5iCt3ct0959HZEJGWIB4txX_Isadoi4ZsMFHtPaBUQnmL1Ts/s1024/NL23--MAY%2025--P2%20%20SD-WASH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1024" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OBk7-eQJ5sQt5XpGrUZMhdOYltQU8X3hBBfk3Y2KA05xgTK4JXcw_UdspWauk5ZCGZgP4wHKAZoHSSg_rvMHRyvjlb5cn6AMHnm1XAtB7CexHXdtiDsr3r97qDLPuY-bBDB92684HVz5iCt3ct0959HZEJGWIB4txX_Isadoi4ZsMFHtPaBUQnmL1Ts/s320/NL23--MAY%2025--P2%20%20SD-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJZFiMA3ZBY1G_96xlPmw2iOc4gpAGcyYcsbQ0DF5ZHaQVmjFye-Z4V8LF6knKaAVWMzeq_Xp2QjFc5IPIW9mGQCztr8h2Xu4yWy1KK9XVjP38GABk7jyBTDNy9NyYSqGWnkT220UOz0YT1bEoZP1OyREXasXiiHnfN2h6jf55bbvVKHDrbhPSpA26CM/s1200/NL23--JUNE%2024--P1%20%20WASH-SD.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1200" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJZFiMA3ZBY1G_96xlPmw2iOc4gpAGcyYcsbQ0DF5ZHaQVmjFye-Z4V8LF6knKaAVWMzeq_Xp2QjFc5IPIW9mGQCztr8h2Xu4yWy1KK9XVjP38GABk7jyBTDNy9NyYSqGWnkT220UOz0YT1bEoZP1OyREXasXiiHnfN2h6jf55bbvVKHDrbhPSpA26CM/s320/NL23--JUNE%2024--P1%20%20WASH-SD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>124. Whether in DC or San Diego, <b>CJ Abrams</b> was unable to catch<b> Fernando Tatis Jr.</b> stealing in the Nationals' two series vs. the Padres this season. In the top of the 5th at Nationals Park on May 25 Tatis easily steals 2nd base, as the throw to Abrams is way late and wide to the right (photo above), getting past Abrams and hitting Tatis in the butt. The ball didn't roll far enough away for Fernando to advance to 3rd, but he scored later in the inning anyway to increase the Padres' lead to 4-1. After the Nats scored 5 in the 8th to take a 6-5 lead, the Padres came right back with 3 in the 9th to win it 8-6. <div>Then in the bottom of the 5th at Petco Park 4 weeks later on June 24 the throw to Abrams is bad again, as CJ has to take it on a hop (photo on right) while Tatis dives in for his 3rd SB of the season vs. the Nationals and his 14th overall. Fernando ended the inning stranded at 2nd base though. In a rare dominant pitching performance by the Nationals, neither Tatis nor any other Padres runner got as far as 3rd base in a 2-0 Washington win.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheErvq_5v_0gemqO9u3qtu0BB_WriAJB8hhv4Sa9vBkaxKNgXbgJEzZPiCrjFqcxeaGucIFJZodEV4YB2AbWK789cUtA9iFqBen7IBGvB6EgUhQWHMVnLrJ54JQm0TarlNbHGfEwz-8sG12dV2YrivmrZnCVy7usmXeP0tYL4CGzytUVVX5G4b1ut3Vss/s1024/NL23--JUNE%207--P1A%20%20SEA-SD.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheErvq_5v_0gemqO9u3qtu0BB_WriAJB8hhv4Sa9vBkaxKNgXbgJEzZPiCrjFqcxeaGucIFJZodEV4YB2AbWK789cUtA9iFqBen7IBGvB6EgUhQWHMVnLrJ54JQm0TarlNbHGfEwz-8sG12dV2YrivmrZnCVy7usmXeP0tYL4CGzytUVVX5G4b1ut3Vss/s320/NL23--JUNE%207--P1A%20%20SEA-SD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CB0XHRdED8RjK1blhgx3BkxW3YiHiPScpUAIx6rzuMNb7TWGElwSJzuvrnFwvmrPjiV4A2aea50mhwfIG1M3FCrZsNWzHVfyQZhgHxbLxcVIoz91fGVP2beyKI6vCDCYKZ0Nbcz2RXFlHBqqD7RZdAYVBE5z18S_rUe3uE0-uEtXNoUo2to0mIKfkd0/s2400/NL23--JUNE%207--P1%20%20SEA-SD.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2400" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CB0XHRdED8RjK1blhgx3BkxW3YiHiPScpUAIx6rzuMNb7TWGElwSJzuvrnFwvmrPjiV4A2aea50mhwfIG1M3FCrZsNWzHVfyQZhgHxbLxcVIoz91fGVP2beyKI6vCDCYKZ0Nbcz2RXFlHBqqD7RZdAYVBE5z18S_rUe3uE0-uEtXNoUo2to0mIKfkd0/s320/NL23--JUNE%207--P1%20%20SEA-SD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>125. In the bottom of the 4th at San Diego on June 7 <b>J.P. Crawford</b> and <b>Fernando Tatis Jr.</b> meet briefly at 2nd base to see whose dreads are longer. As Tatis slides in feet first to get his 7th SB of the season, Crawford can't get his glove in front of Fernando to make the catch, and the ball gets by them and bounces into center field, allowing Fernando to get up and go to 3rd. Two pitches later he scored on an RBI single by Juan Soto, making the score 5-0. In a battle of teams that both won playoff series last year (before the World Series, that is) but who both have been disappointing so far this season the Padres whipped the Mariners 10-3 to improve to 29-33, with the Mariners falling to 30-31.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>And finally ....</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoaP2lOayHhcbZ0OpVnV5pDtRIKZ328V8rNujmomVziQYSmbHIqNFahX8-VEDQ5mvxGiwd6pY1ht7SWbC7_FKOHNPTaZbyV452R9kwQln-hmXr3rbnPERjCFcY-XDz9-Lap-fku11n-Pgnc3QhEdVOr_Ug8k2lr4b2nQTvPIVB7BX-62haUW4fkmW814/s2048/NL23--JULY%206--P1%20%20CIN-WASH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoaP2lOayHhcbZ0OpVnV5pDtRIKZ328V8rNujmomVziQYSmbHIqNFahX8-VEDQ5mvxGiwd6pY1ht7SWbC7_FKOHNPTaZbyV452R9kwQln-hmXr3rbnPERjCFcY-XDz9-Lap-fku11n-Pgnc3QhEdVOr_Ug8k2lr4b2nQTvPIVB7BX-62haUW4fkmW814/s320/NL23--JULY%206--P1%20%20CIN-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>126. In the District on July 6 <b>Elly De La Cruz</b> lifts up his glove after putting the tag on <b>CJ Abrams</b> at 3rd base for the last out of the 5th inning ....... or maybe not. Thank goodness for instant replay. After stealing 2nd base a few pitches earlier, Abrams decides he's going to steal 3rd too. He takes off too soon though and gets picked off. But he doesn't give up on the play and keeps going to 3rd; and De La Cruz, with the ball in plenty of time, puts his glove too far in front of the bag, allowing CJ to reach around him and get to the base ahead of the tag. The umpire called CJ out, but replay said otherwise: <a href="http://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-07/06/62bd6fd7-2ce14aad-03604b81-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4" target="_blank">mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2023/2023-07/06/62bd6fd7-2ce14aad-03604b81-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_16000K.mp4</a> ......<div>It turned out to be a huge play, as Alex Call stole 2nd on the play, and he and Abrams both scored moments later on a single by Lane Thomas to put Washington in front 2-1. But this was a really tough series for the Nats. The Reds came back from 2-1 and 3-2 deficits in this game and eventually won 5-4 in 10 innings to sweep the 4-game series.<br /><div><br /></div></div></div>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-47197518892679668082022-11-24T21:26:00.008-06:002023-07-25T00:02:45.390-05:002021 NFL House Calls<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7OozyrN1lpmdNJQCNAJoO4X_aIMZgiKWUExU7E0TUTkk-hwckgq_8VaXMIialu74FFioeaYKwL1d4JU5TFL0s577nViSS8j-VDX0vHiS_tyREuHajUSfEuelZWIUhlNeBGtxTt9cqsn5pDJ1AvmrQKpyu6dz_oUGg_GaJnwtknShayDk_Hb_iGFM/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P97B%20%20CHI-GB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="2048" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7OozyrN1lpmdNJQCNAJoO4X_aIMZgiKWUExU7E0TUTkk-hwckgq_8VaXMIialu74FFioeaYKwL1d4JU5TFL0s577nViSS8j-VDX0vHiS_tyREuHajUSfEuelZWIUhlNeBGtxTt9cqsn5pDJ1AvmrQKpyu6dz_oUGg_GaJnwtknShayDk_Hb_iGFM/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P97B%20%20CHI-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>For every NFL season - except for one - between 2013 and 2020 a player with dreads led the league in touchdowns scored. Familiar names like <b>Todd</b> <b>Gurley</b>, <b>Alvin Kamara</b>, <b>Aaron Jones</b>, <b>Marshawn</b> <b>Lynch</b>, and <b>Jamaal Charles</b> were among those at the very top of the lists during that 8-year span. And even during the one exception a player with dreads finished in 2nd place (<b>LeGarrette Blount</b> in 2016). Going back even further, during each and every season - without exception - since <b>Edgerrin James</b> finished in 4th place in touchdowns in 2005 there has been at least one player with dreads in the top 10 in the league in TD scored. Sadly, and shockingly, that 16-year streak came to an end in 2021.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XYRdXvIS1LrfaUFNJLZkjcPPffRTY6l0TQXnLxZyzYUQshEon8jK863ehNVDU_yYBMPpz72Pg75UUidkCn1uJshheanPeK1Uue5scuvPS1iPUXhvcWO8rN22yOZLocuxKLXK0HdOY1jBNChIU3lUNMIeY1RnPj5i9gILROth5oKpbxGOOeW3YfVS/s1024/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P54%20%20ATL-TB.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XYRdXvIS1LrfaUFNJLZkjcPPffRTY6l0TQXnLxZyzYUQshEon8jK863ehNVDU_yYBMPpz72Pg75UUidkCn1uJshheanPeK1Uue5scuvPS1iPUXhvcWO8rN22yOZLocuxKLXK0HdOY1jBNChIU3lUNMIeY1RnPj5i9gILROth5oKpbxGOOeW3YfVS/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P54%20%20ATL-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last season indeed was a strange one for the league's dreadheads when it came to touchdowns. While none of them were among the league leaders, they still managed to make more house calls than ever before.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was a tie for the player with dreads with the most touchdowns in 2021. No surprise that Packers WR <b>Davante Adams</b> (top photo on right, finishing off his 38-yard catch and run for a TD against the Bears in Week 14) was one of them. But the other one? I'm not even going to ask for a show of hands because I know when the season began <i>nobody</i> had <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> scoring the most TD among players with dreads. The 11 scored by Patterson (including his 7-yard reception against the Buccaneers in Week 2 in bottom photo on right) in his first season with the Falcons and by Adams in what turned out to be his final season with the Packers was the lowest leading total for a player with dreads since James scored 9 in 2004. And the 11 weren't enough for a top 10 finish in the league, as 11 players without dreads scored 12 or more TD.<span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But while the number at the top of the list may have been small, the overall number was very large - as in 300.<span><!--more--></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">That total, of course, is unofficial, because I only counted the touchdowns for players who had their hair in dreads for the whole season; otherwise it would be a bit higher. The 300 breaks the record of 290 set in 2020; and quite honestly, it should have broken the record, because in 2021 the number of games played increased from 16 to 17 for each team. Anything short of a new record would have been unacceptable. Also a new record was the percentage of TD scored by players with dreads. 300 out of the 1,423 total TD in the league comes to 21.1%, much more than the 19.7% from 2020. And it's not at all surprising because the total number of players with dreads in the league is still increasing. Even with the strong resurgence of braids over the last couple of seasons there are still more players with dreads than ever. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInU3KbvOS0zQ1pRg9p9cp-ZCLB5c17Sr3vMbFs0YEy244-W0vLhD6Al9shPu9C67UTAROdrY5uwBBrDa48RqceAv9I_mseLsatFaNkrBf_j3tHSgEB1fLW0yKYHdtvtJKVWOe4XKSflarvYdkRZ03vJu4JA5ZvzwT5L1emNuuu9PvxZ2uq4dBd581/s990/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P5A%20%20GB-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="990" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInU3KbvOS0zQ1pRg9p9cp-ZCLB5c17Sr3vMbFs0YEy244-W0vLhD6Al9shPu9C67UTAROdrY5uwBBrDa48RqceAv9I_mseLsatFaNkrBf_j3tHSgEB1fLW0yKYHdtvtJKVWOe4XKSflarvYdkRZ03vJu4JA5ZvzwT5L1emNuuu9PvxZ2uq4dBd581/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P5A%20%20GB-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After finishing in 2nd place to the Packers 2 years in a row, the Minnesota Vikings finally wrested the team crown away from the Packers, their 27 touchdowns by players with dreads being the most by any team in the league in 2021. RB <b>Dalvin Cook</b> (photo on left, scoring on a 1-yard run against the Packers to give the Vikings a 9-3 lead in Week 11), who scored 17 TD in 2020, surprisingly scored only 6 last season; but with strong performances from WRs <b>Justin Jefferson</b> and <b>K.J. Osborn</b>, the Vikings finished on top. After their 2 years on top, the Packers dropped to 3rd place with 22. The Titans (24) and Steelers (20) were the other two teams with at least 20 TD by players with dreads. The Steelers edged the Vikings in the category of highest percentage of TD scored by players with dreads - mainly because they scored only 34 TD all season. With 20 of the 34 by players with dreads, that's 58.8%. The Vikings were the only other team over 50%, coming in at 56.3% (27 of 48).<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The 300 total touchdowns were scored by 82 different players with dreads, with 8 rookies contributing 29 TD. 7 of those 82 players were Dallas Cowboys - largest number for one team, with the Titans coming in 2nd with 6. 12 different defensive players with dreads made house calls in 2021, with one of them scoring twice. And even without the usual contribution from Patterson, there still were 3 special teams house calls by players with dreads.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I still owe you a house calls report for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, which I'll get to ............. eventually (I've got all the numbers tallied but haven't saved many photos yet). So for now, here's the list of all the players with dreads who scored touchdowns in 2021. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>11</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Davante Adams</b> (GB)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> (ATL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>10 </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Melvin Gordon</b> (DEN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Najee Harris</b> (PIT)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Derrick Henry</b> (TENN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Justin Jefferson</b> (MINN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Aaron Jones</b> (GB)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>9</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Alvin Kamara</b> (NO)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>8</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Darrell Henderson</b> (LAR) (photo below of his 2-yard TD run vs. the Colts in Week 2)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> (ARIZ)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Diontae Johnson</b> (PIT)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>James Robinson</b> (JAC)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAx0B8CO7697FGo_h6iOUXArGHRucs48mz5gSXF5-Ur4LMbbcb9IRD-oZrIJlkiD_7-CmULl3E4viHQaLCS1nuOXW4FFVLsTLHWd3gHgEpSHH3Xcs86Gcfn66UlnsBBVX96Uui6K2d3ktHwX4Y2gB7L7xRUPyroK2qR9Svph04pKPgpsCwI_bpmTh/s2560/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P6%20%20LAR-IND.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="2560" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAx0B8CO7697FGo_h6iOUXArGHRucs48mz5gSXF5-Ur4LMbbcb9IRD-oZrIJlkiD_7-CmULl3E4viHQaLCS1nuOXW4FFVLsTLHWd3gHgEpSHH3Xcs86Gcfn66UlnsBBVX96Uui6K2d3ktHwX4Y2gB7L7xRUPyroK2qR9Svph04pKPgpsCwI_bpmTh/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P6%20%20LAR-IND.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>7</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>K.J.Osborn</b> (MINN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jaylen Waddle</b> (MIA)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>6</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Marquise Brown</b> (BAL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Marquez Callaway</b> (NO) (photo below of his big 15-yard TD catch vs. the Titans late in the 4th quarter </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Dalvin Cook</b> (MINN) in Week 10)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Clyde Edwards-Helaire</b> (KC)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Devonta Freeman</b> (BAL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>CeeDee Lamb</b> (DAL)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWBSqN1HhbIdRRjDDNQa73VFL4aHow04_06O3eI_QZDlbolpdlSTeKnwxxkzDAa3yH05XAFGksG5vmt_n6VhgskbCvZlFsIdQR016iVntObI0Fv84t3eCkv22uqYMkeYcO0v_gV6xi1M2o9B2wupvz8woKZgC9QXdOVmXg6vXAQT6iYtyBBKgsORU/s2648/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P108%20%20NO-TENN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="2648" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWBSqN1HhbIdRRjDDNQa73VFL4aHow04_06O3eI_QZDlbolpdlSTeKnwxxkzDAa3yH05XAFGksG5vmt_n6VhgskbCvZlFsIdQR016iVntObI0Fv84t3eCkv22uqYMkeYcO0v_gV6xi1M2o9B2wupvz8woKZgC9QXdOVmXg6vXAQT6iYtyBBKgsORU/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P108%20%20NO-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>5</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> (SF)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Robby Anderson</b> (CAR)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>A.J. Brown</b> (TENN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Kareem Hunt</b> (CLEV)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Zack Moss</b> (BUF)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cam Newton</b> (CAR)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Rhamondre Stevenson</b> (NE)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mo Alie-Cox</b> (IND)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Antonio Brown</b> (TB)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ronald Jones </b>(TB)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Alexander Mattison</b> (MINN) (photo below, scoring his 2nd TD of the season on a 6-yard run vs. the </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>David Njoku</b> (CLEV) 49ers in Week 12) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOitVXHUhF0Ax8WjfnQ8SnlScc4IoAekSAJ30S-pQDrxDjTbV4AYok17yx9tTnOGGxeq7RDO76HkuVVnlVEbLfPMGwnTM2J0Hs_DVY3vQKKF1i4NmuRpzVgjJcPTAEKYLdcwmy_q2DYFJv8DhmVrcYOnqF8JURPIgriyNUAgimUSqCXgZe-CBE-5w/s1300/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P96%20%20MINN-SF.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1300" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOitVXHUhF0Ax8WjfnQ8SnlScc4IoAekSAJ30S-pQDrxDjTbV4AYok17yx9tTnOGGxeq7RDO76HkuVVnlVEbLfPMGwnTM2J0Hs_DVY3vQKKF1i4NmuRpzVgjJcPTAEKYLdcwmy_q2DYFJv8DhmVrcYOnqF8JURPIgriyNUAgimUSqCXgZe-CBE-5w/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P96%20%20MINN-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Brandon Bolden</b> (NE)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ashton Dulin</b> (IND)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>D'Onta Foreman</b> (TENN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>T.Y. Hilton</b> (IND)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>D'Ernest Johnson</b> (CLEV)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Zach Pascal</b> (IND)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>MyCole Pruitt</b> (TENN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jamaal Williams</b> (DET)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Teddy Bridgewater</b> (DEN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Quintez Cephus</b> (DET)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Chase Claypool</b> (PIT)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Alex Collins</b> (SEA)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Chris Conley</b> (HOU)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>DeeJay Dallas</b> (SEA)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Trevon Diggs</b> (DAL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Demetric Felton</b> (CLEV)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Michael Gallup</b> (DAL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Dontrell Hilliard</b> (TENN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jermar Jefferson</b> (DET)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jakobi Meyers</b> (NE)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Dare Ogunbowale</b> (JAC)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Calvin Ridley</b> (ATL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Cam Sims</b> (WASH) (photo below of his 1st TD of the season, a 6-yard reception at Carolina in Week</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Kristian Wilkerson</b> (NE) 11)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY9slYY4z71zmrRPUXZ1_-iQDz5Bl9bP7oI5tekfX0kAFfWVvZZt3J9_xLNSWmNyCWTmSvx_Rd-Tuk2GkICSymDrC9GHewuEugT_BvTz9CJFa6VzJ6Sc5UidhTEVtp9gpIVs4m2nEg36Wrn_DbeEMQVrsQyKRWDaQp-eKJpCCRFgbJPojJ02yT1AL/s2511/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P56%20%20WASH-CAR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1849" data-original-width="2511" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWY9slYY4z71zmrRPUXZ1_-iQDz5Bl9bP7oI5tekfX0kAFfWVvZZt3J9_xLNSWmNyCWTmSvx_Rd-Tuk2GkICSymDrC9GHewuEugT_BvTz9CJFa6VzJ6Sc5UidhTEVtp9gpIVs4m2nEg36Wrn_DbeEMQVrsQyKRWDaQp-eKJpCCRFgbJPojJ02yT1AL/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P56%20%20WASH-CAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ameer Abdullah</b> (CAR) (photo below, waiting until Week 15 to score his only TD of the season on a </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Nick Bolton</b> (KC) 23-yard catch and run against the Bills)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jason Cabinda</b> (DET)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tevaughn Campbell </b>(LAC)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Corey Clement</b> (DAL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>JaQuan Hardy</b> (DAL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>JaMycal Hasty</b> (SF)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Trayvon Henderson</b> (CIN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mike Hilton</b> (CIN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>O.J. Howard</b> (TB)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Godwin Igwebuike</b> (DET)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Julio Jones</b> (TENN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>DeMarcus Lawrence</b> (DAL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tyrann Mathieu</b> (KC)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Bobby McCain</b> (WASH)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Xavier McKinney</b> (NYG)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Qadree Ollison</b> (ATL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Andre Roberts</b> (LAC)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Elandon Roberts</b> (MIA)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Trey Sermon</b> (SF)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tremon Smith</b> (HOU)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Patrick Taylor</b> (GB)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Tavierre Thomas </b>(HOU)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Carlos Watkins</b> (DAL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Quez Watkins</b> (PHIL)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Jonathan Williams</b> (WASH)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuflMGtgN7QPXAM69Z-NkspsVB9GdFsEzXjy3pJUN-POqXt3Dh5L1-sVyhb2ocIzG7rVYqD_MKZ_wQLEQyRJ-H_BcyK5hZc-iszqznjJ7c51R0ACvv5xNRhJTdvIuxZSji7dq7C340pKVmZ9HOMj2N2K5AArqJDIxXBdCy-ledouZsZ5eMkbRlc7A1/s1500/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P31A%20%20CAR-BUFF.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuflMGtgN7QPXAM69Z-NkspsVB9GdFsEzXjy3pJUN-POqXt3Dh5L1-sVyhb2ocIzG7rVYqD_MKZ_wQLEQyRJ-H_BcyK5hZc-iszqznjJ7c51R0ACvv5xNRhJTdvIuxZSji7dq7C340pKVmZ9HOMj2N2K5AArqJDIxXBdCy-ledouZsZ5eMkbRlc7A1/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P31A%20%20CAR-BUFF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And now here are all the players again, listed by team.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>AFC EAST (25)</b></u></div><div style="text-align: left;">BUF (5) - RB <b>Zack Moss</b> 5</div><div style="text-align: left;">MIA (8) - WR <b>Jaylen Waddle</b> 7, LB <b>Elandon Roberts</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">NE (12) - RB <b>Rhamondre Stevenson</b> 5, RB <b>Brandon Bolden</b> 3 WR <b>Jakobi Meyers</b> 2, WR <b>Kristian</b> <b>Wilkerson</b> 2</div><div style="text-align: left;">NYJ (0)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>AFC NORTH (48)</b></u></div><div style="text-align: left;">BALT (12) - WR <b>Marquise Brown</b> 6, RB <b>Devonta Freeman</b> 6</div><div style="text-align: left;">CIN (2) - S <b>Trayvon Henderson</b> 1, CB <b>Mike Hilton</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">CLEV (14) - RB <b>Kareem Hunt</b> 5, TE <b>David Njoku</b> 4, RB <b>D'Ernest Johnson</b> 3, RB <b>Demetric Felton</b> 2</div><div style="text-align: left;">PIT (20) - RB <b>Najee Harris</b> (10), WR <b>Diontae Johnson</b> 8, WR <b>Chase Claypool</b> 2</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>AFC SOUTH (51)</b></u></div><div style="text-align: left;">HOU (4) - WR <b>Chris Conley</b> 2, CB <b>Tremon Smith</b> 1, CB <b>Tavierre Thomas</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">IND (13) - TE <b>Mo Alie-Cox</b> 4, WR <b>Ashton Dulin</b> 3, WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> 3, WR <b>Zach Pascal</b> 3</div><div style="text-align: left;">JAC (10) - RB<b> James Robinson</b> 8, RB <b>Dare Ogunbowale</b> 2</div><div style="text-align: left;">TENN (24) - RB <b>Derrick Henry</b> 10, WR <b>A.J. Brown</b> 5, RB <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> 3, TE <b>MyCole Pruitt</b> 3, RB <b>Dontrell Hilliard</b> 2, WR <b>Julio Jones</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u><b>AFC WEST (22)</b></u></div><div style="text-align: left;">DEN (12) - RB <b>Melvin Gordon</b> 10, QB <b>Teddy Bridgewater</b> 2</div><div style="text-align: left;">KC (8) - RB <b>Clyde Edwards-Helaire</b> 6, LB <b>Nick Bolton </b>1, S <b>Tyrann Mathieu</b> 1 </div><div style="text-align: left;">LV (0)</div><div style="text-align: left;">LAC (2) - CB <b>Tevaughn Campbell</b> 1, WR <b>Andre Roberts</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcv_QV3O9DIEAKPlFLZbfpnHmdijXQruacLQnIqrN84Hmi08m_pwxfxIoFNDsnMl9LySfkNm2EbVrLyO98ciMIvcWpwCyjiZphx8l5HArZXyV57Dv47T3-ynxYN55W5XLciHtpzx4PEnMEKpgU6-B3TwB-w7YeAfQsKj3j13AEI0hE-tiJnPW4slgc/s1280/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P15%20%20TENN-SEA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcv_QV3O9DIEAKPlFLZbfpnHmdijXQruacLQnIqrN84Hmi08m_pwxfxIoFNDsnMl9LySfkNm2EbVrLyO98ciMIvcWpwCyjiZphx8l5HArZXyV57Dv47T3-ynxYN55W5XLciHtpzx4PEnMEKpgU6-B3TwB-w7YeAfQsKj3j13AEI0hE-tiJnPW4slgc/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P15%20%20TENN-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Derrick Henry</b>, one of 6 players with dreads to make house calls for the Titans, scores for the 3rd time during the 2nd half in Week 2 on a 1-yard run with 29 seconds to play in the 4th quarter at Seattle, tying the game at 30. The Titans won in OT. Limited by injury to only 8 games played, Derrick finished the season with 10 TD, his fewest since he scored 6 in 2017 (his 2nd NFL season).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>NFC EAST (20)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">DALL (14) - WR <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> 6, CB <b>Trevon Diggs</b> 2, WR <b>Michael Gallup</b> 2, RB <b>Corey Clement</b> 1, RB <b>JaQuan Hardy</b> 1, DE <b>DeMarcus Lawrence</b> 1, DT <b>Carlos Watkins</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">NYG (1) - S <b>Xavier McKinney</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">PHIL (1) - WR <b>Quez Watkins</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">WASH (4) - WR <b>Cam Sims</b> 2, S <b>Bobby McCain</b> 1, RB <b>Jonathan Williams</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>NFC NORTH (58)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">CHI (0)</div><div style="text-align: left;">DET (9) - RB <b>Jamaal Williams</b> 3, WR <b>Quintez Cephus</b> 2, RB <b>Jermar Jefferson</b> 2, RB <b>Jason Cabinda</b> 1, RB <b>Godwin Igwebuike</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">GB (22) - WR<b> Davante Adams</b> 11, RB <b>Aaron Jones</b> 10, RB <b>Patrick Taylor</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">MINN (27) - WR <b>Justin Jefferson</b> 10, WR <b>K.J. Osborn</b> 7, RB <b>Dalvin Cook</b> 6, RB <b>Alexander Mattison</b> 4</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>NFC SOUTH (49)</u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">ATL (14) - RB <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> 11, WR <b>Calvin Ridley</b> 2, RB <b>Qadree Ollison</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">CAR (11) - WR <b>Robby Anderson</b> 5, QB <b>Cam Newton</b> 5, RB <b>Ameer Abdullah</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">NO (15) - RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b> 9, WR <b>Marquez Callaway</b> 6</div><div style="text-align: left;">TB (9) - WR <b>Antonio Brown</b> 4, RB <b>Ronald Jones</b> 4, TE <b>O.J. Howard</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u>NFC WEST (27) </u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">ARIZ (8) - WR <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> 8</div><div style="text-align: left;">LAR (8) - RB <b>Darrell Henderson</b> 8</div><div style="text-align: left;">SF (7) - WR <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> 5, RB <b>JaMycal Hasty</b> 1, RB <b>Trey Sermon</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">SEA (4) - RB <b>Alex Collins</b> 2, RB <b>DeeJay Dallas</b> 2</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBBHL25ZffhXE4AgMhhjglRIgxAiJBlSg_OExBhxmuWr3-qeyesw5-F9EuKUeDr3lqk4McTg-aPntIr69Jkt3tjjPzbNuzDDLUBB1tw8ZyfZ3vsFOK0vOsr85E2hBBhLjqFpdBdUP0HxS_8vPMRkTMLbfzZSsR7xdGWfSGRrMPhlgwjB1yKrgC6mf/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%205--P48%20%20MINN-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1405" data-original-width="2048" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBBHL25ZffhXE4AgMhhjglRIgxAiJBlSg_OExBhxmuWr3-qeyesw5-F9EuKUeDr3lqk4McTg-aPntIr69Jkt3tjjPzbNuzDDLUBB1tw8ZyfZ3vsFOK0vOsr85E2hBBhLjqFpdBdUP0HxS_8vPMRkTMLbfzZSsR7xdGWfSGRrMPhlgwjB1yKrgC6mf/s320/NFL21--DEC.%205--P48%20%20MINN-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After playing only on special teams and not scoring at all during his 2020 rookie season, <b>K.J. Osborn</b> burst onto the scene in 2021, contributing 7 TD to the Vikings' league-leading total of 27 TD by players with dreads. This was his 3rd of the season, a 5-yard reception to bring the Vikings to within 23-21 of the Lions at Detroit (35 away from his hometown of Ypsilanti, MI) in Week 13. But it didn't prevent the Lions from picking up their 1st win of the season, 29-27. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PLAYOFF TD (3) - <b>A.J. Brown</b> 1, <b>Derrick Henry</b> 1, <b>Diontae Johnson</b> 1</div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">DG</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sorry, I did not save photos of all 300 touchdowns scored by players with dreads. But here is the photographic proof of several of them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">FIRSTS</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZwVE0msrGZMqu0W0QkX3lEMi5xAoeIQ3dHchUi8IOpj1Crz3ULAELxmp-mTd6rZeKO5jaB1a-1P2Wg2YXIsdiBSfYTkkk_XGpllO02vTNmXgw6qD8e85udv0GBbSSxaI1zNdTEB3pc_0bu1vt1jkvnhV_4C6SDoFvJ9N-yI7H9OWkyUmGfpfy5In/s1280/NFL21--SEPT.%209--P6E%20%20DALL-TB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZwVE0msrGZMqu0W0QkX3lEMi5xAoeIQ3dHchUi8IOpj1Crz3ULAELxmp-mTd6rZeKO5jaB1a-1P2Wg2YXIsdiBSfYTkkk_XGpllO02vTNmXgw6qD8e85udv0GBbSSxaI1zNdTEB3pc_0bu1vt1jkvnhV_4C6SDoFvJ9N-yI7H9OWkyUmGfpfy5In/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%209--P6E%20%20DALL-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV6rWogBmrW32QNX4WO6Mha6ukKiZaFIjl-I6vjL06npqQmzPfrwebnBhZQcdZKe1a7aiBNwYQ8tQHagJFRUs_9T2XOhhQcsIzFp-uiaAKS589nFtgKF6xf8aZIFzKt1Nc79TDdM1QpYK4no5pAX3mHVqm53MfD4lRSkJoHE7x6Qi1ArV7Z_1XAEt/s2161/NFL21--SEPT.%209--P6A%20%20DALL-TB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2161" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV6rWogBmrW32QNX4WO6Mha6ukKiZaFIjl-I6vjL06npqQmzPfrwebnBhZQcdZKe1a7aiBNwYQ8tQHagJFRUs_9T2XOhhQcsIzFp-uiaAKS589nFtgKF6xf8aZIFzKt1Nc79TDdM1QpYK4no5pAX3mHVqm53MfD4lRSkJoHE7x6Qi1ArV7Z_1XAEt/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%209--P6A%20%20DALL-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>1. Cowboys WR <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> got the honor of being first - mostly because he played in the Thursday night season opener, 3 days ahead of everyone else. After catching a slightly underthrown pass in stride at the 5-yard line, Lamb gets into the end zone (barely) before CB Sean Murphy-Bunting and S Antoine Winfield can knock him out of bounds. The 22-yard reception was the first of the 300 TD scored by players with dreads, and it tied the game at 7 late in the 1st quarter at Tampa. CeeDee finished with 7 catches (on a career high 15 targets) for 104 yards as the Cowboys dropped a 31-29 heartbreaker to the defending champion Buccaneers. <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCmSjCXE_rdLsSFnN0oUj6BA1GBz4uceEmJlHY3mQHh65-fLfC6DCbAnQfI70S8fniUFJ-5uwtzbuildbiL-D7KNGdYCGePPOAJKv962EjFfoBvY5ACnHWmM5naijQ7HCn75ziLoktgyMeOTZ7Mtvm5qeWbpBw07F9GI3sRk2AljEZqhnmOL7NTLO/s720/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P94A%20%20MINN-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCmSjCXE_rdLsSFnN0oUj6BA1GBz4uceEmJlHY3mQHh65-fLfC6DCbAnQfI70S8fniUFJ-5uwtzbuildbiL-D7KNGdYCGePPOAJKv962EjFfoBvY5ACnHWmM5naijQ7HCn75ziLoktgyMeOTZ7Mtvm5qeWbpBw07F9GI3sRk2AljEZqhnmOL7NTLO/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P94A%20%20MINN-CIN.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhss2I_6lNWQdlOzhf9GxUXzo61A_D6BLPg-pmaN2Xd8fuVTevPxFoGipYTYNZL9lOFEWRhmLqZ4SyAPcicWITIqXntZfGRUWo3YkKrNDxGfBqpUkmqehaf9jFLu91eILMM4XBCMHq3QSfSvdhUc-3BIXwqBccrzrf9SzU8TooOe0sv7pjx0f4cySPE/s1008/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P94C%20%20MINN-CIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1008" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhss2I_6lNWQdlOzhf9GxUXzo61A_D6BLPg-pmaN2Xd8fuVTevPxFoGipYTYNZL9lOFEWRhmLqZ4SyAPcicWITIqXntZfGRUWo3YkKrNDxGfBqpUkmqehaf9jFLu91eILMM4XBCMHq3QSfSvdhUc-3BIXwqBccrzrf9SzU8TooOe0sv7pjx0f4cySPE/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P94C%20%20MINN-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>2. On a run that started out as a sweep to the left RB <b>Dalvin</b> <b>Cook</b> cuts up the middle through a hole and into the end zone standing up for the first of the Vikings' 27 touchdowns by players with dreads with 9:23 remaining in the 4th quarter at Cincinnati in Week 1. The 1-yard TD cut the Bengals' lead to 24-21. But the day didn't have a happy ending for Dalvin. With the Vikings almost in FG range late in overtime, the officials ruled he fumbled the ball before he went down at the 38-yard line (a call too close to be overturned by replay), and 7 plays later it was the Bengals, not the Vikings, kicking a FG to win 27-24.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJ-1q5D-xw-ZWNtROb7q8OJ9JM_rg4quFQj5_EfwhfMbLu9fR-3McA9hKUF8FXU3lensxRcxjNSP7seEyVHpQIXDDVao4vkzjcn7UiVFx5u9SMac8tmsBXL7o_8zK-BI3V4jaRLXXxahRwvKS1h6iMimNBHM3FOcQtHlsqp_ibVrtSf7NXitV52OY/s1280/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P64C%20%20MIA-NE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJ-1q5D-xw-ZWNtROb7q8OJ9JM_rg4quFQj5_EfwhfMbLu9fR-3McA9hKUF8FXU3lensxRcxjNSP7seEyVHpQIXDDVao4vkzjcn7UiVFx5u9SMac8tmsBXL7o_8zK-BI3V4jaRLXXxahRwvKS1h6iMimNBHM3FOcQtHlsqp_ibVrtSf7NXitV52OY/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P64C%20%20MIA-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2yTyHNnw8y-AfDSQ8uVnfbF-OmPs1KEPvQ8ywn8zQv71cre6-f2Y9f_vM6Pyi9ix3O749uQOGGm7fj8GU4XE8PLQA5B97Nh1CSC2VDUs46UGcN8vxrdZ-MGvBonxFus0PCFAjAev8NnsEsQhAENMavwJg76A54K_ceibKF81uxfqV2k-1GdOV_oo/s2048/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P64A%20%20MIA-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2yTyHNnw8y-AfDSQ8uVnfbF-OmPs1KEPvQ8ywn8zQv71cre6-f2Y9f_vM6Pyi9ix3O749uQOGGm7fj8GU4XE8PLQA5B97Nh1CSC2VDUs46UGcN8vxrdZ-MGvBonxFus0PCFAjAev8NnsEsQhAENMavwJg76A54K_ceibKF81uxfqV2k-1GdOV_oo/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P64A%20%20MIA-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>3. It did not take rookie WR <b>Jaylen Waddle</b> long to get his 1st career TD. On the Dolphins' 2nd half opening drive at New England in Week 1 Waddle, after catching the pass in the left flat on 1st goal, breaks a tackle by S <b>Kyle Dugger</b> at the 2-yard line and dives just inside the pylon before CB Joejuan Williams can knock him out of bounds. The 3-yard TD gave Miami a 17-10 lead. Waddle, the Dolphins' 1st round draft pick (6th overall), finished with 4 catches for 61 yards in his first NFL game, and the Dolphins held on to win (barely) 17-16.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPrqgAOcw6h33P2zf30xc-y3DVf2GV2AvTiF8xaRTk_Brd0aH_Tjpxz8Yroa0bBakMEuIU1_bdo70tghA2qhaZyAK2W-tJUQfZfDeiHcFBL_2pl2X9ERMNJ3qaUV2yTcFNjqRwSSs9y4jwrxabHdGXsuhxy_e27Im3T10AIeshiI1sqPJCNCm8n5w/s1500/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P56C%20%20CAR-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPrqgAOcw6h33P2zf30xc-y3DVf2GV2AvTiF8xaRTk_Brd0aH_Tjpxz8Yroa0bBakMEuIU1_bdo70tghA2qhaZyAK2W-tJUQfZfDeiHcFBL_2pl2X9ERMNJ3qaUV2yTcFNjqRwSSs9y4jwrxabHdGXsuhxy_e27Im3T10AIeshiI1sqPJCNCm8n5w/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P56C%20%20CAR-MIA.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlKFtCb4F2wiSqhJg6f7KcZHyteX4pXz3IMwnOz_Pq-Y7RjbjJ5rYbFfA4Kw6U5LuAQ4FPa-CpTdsA6wFE2JGezWWwMSx8Re6Za9cgTf7oA5vSUPuSwxNgzcsxtvePw88_AOTLEbzLWrovxUVdsHCT-cMYWXJDs5ZqFS_W5mrTOu8fLvD8lWlPcgn/s2702/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P56D%20%20CAR-MIA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1867" data-original-width="2702" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlKFtCb4F2wiSqhJg6f7KcZHyteX4pXz3IMwnOz_Pq-Y7RjbjJ5rYbFfA4Kw6U5LuAQ4FPa-CpTdsA6wFE2JGezWWwMSx8Re6Za9cgTf7oA5vSUPuSwxNgzcsxtvePw88_AOTLEbzLWrovxUVdsHCT-cMYWXJDs5ZqFS_W5mrTOu8fLvD8lWlPcgn/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P56D%20%20CAR-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>4. It <i>did</i> take <b>Jaylen Waddle</b> a while before he scored his 1st touchdown at home - Week 12, in the Dolphins' 6th home game - to be specific. On 3rd and goal from the 9-yard line Jaylen makes a leaping catch in the front of the end zone against the coverage by Panthers CB <b>Donte Jackson</b>, with LB Jermaine Carter coming over too late to help. The TD cashed in a turnover and put the Dolphins ahead (to stay) 14-7 in the 2nd quarter. Waddle had his best game of the season, finishing with 9 catches for 137 yards as the Dolphins, in the middle of their 7-game winning streak, improved to 5-7 with a 33-10 spanking of the Panthers.</div><div><br /></div><div>But all is not well as far as Waddle is concerned. After scoring 7 TD as a rookie, Jaylen (sadly and disappointingly) decided to cut off his dreads during the offseason.</div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uUZebi7ikJYTh13jdNAlPMmjx50mQvNpO1LHkXghL10OqjG_l_iHxn_UaWgKLZ8gQqln-CMJ4MdzCvcxRn-4_j1sA9xS_QT0GTn5s04BdGuBgtZu8uENkgtIYgg3f-KlsfLYeN_vecUg265QFMIzjPYNZ39D5h4ucZlrJWOloqlNuexLhhBaw2Td/s1024/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P55A%20%20LAC-BALT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_uUZebi7ikJYTh13jdNAlPMmjx50mQvNpO1LHkXghL10OqjG_l_iHxn_UaWgKLZ8gQqln-CMJ4MdzCvcxRn-4_j1sA9xS_QT0GTn5s04BdGuBgtZu8uENkgtIYgg3f-KlsfLYeN_vecUg265QFMIzjPYNZ39D5h4ucZlrJWOloqlNuexLhhBaw2Td/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P55A%20%20LAC-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzJvOlKTyog3hRBrQBmgzyLKsGr0Acp-uBQHo076VXO1q1ejbgMc5Z3sYPLZHRWsgNKsp3Stbb5oEPP-JxnhhdrId47tpsDCrHFG0XHUmqinwLnuglr35cGmdo3H--AToHQKkLaZu7dXfoVufFH0DBx8MCyrQuZKmrxE5pH5j0DujlgTaZIExGfyv/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P55B%20%20LAC-BALT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzJvOlKTyog3hRBrQBmgzyLKsGr0Acp-uBQHo076VXO1q1ejbgMc5Z3sYPLZHRWsgNKsp3Stbb5oEPP-JxnhhdrId47tpsDCrHFG0XHUmqinwLnuglr35cGmdo3H--AToHQKkLaZu7dXfoVufFH0DBx8MCyrQuZKmrxE5pH5j0DujlgTaZIExGfyv/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P55B%20%20LAC-BALT.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>5. After scoring 43 touchdowns for the Falcons and 1 for the Giants between 2014 and 2020, RB <b>Devonta Freeman</b>, with his dreads seriously reduced, scores his first in a Ravens uniform, on a 9-yard run around left end after taking the pitch from QB Lamar Jackson on an option play on 1st and goal on the first play of the 4th quarter at Baltimore in Week 6. The TD accounted the the last points of the game and was icing on the cake for the Ravens. With Freeman contributing 53 yards rushing on 9 carries, the Ravens, in a battle of 4-1 teams, whipped the Chargers 34-6.<div><br /></div><div>At Baltimore earlier in the season ......<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDbvVh4dQw2OFkP8kxtKrguIvabuHz0-tBxz-GYIGv730NsXX8kYhw3bGGc9eIKGIP7-0KHmlk6YwCkO1XjA9YHLR-2KeHX_mSg3WwKMhPLilAVRPyhwNQ_SialVDDtIEhVotn3YjGXfLiJIukdd5V665jKsGt47sr8tvt401i6K8cHhn1GK47GOQ/s1440/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P84A%20%20KC-BALT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1440" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIDbvVh4dQw2OFkP8kxtKrguIvabuHz0-tBxz-GYIGv730NsXX8kYhw3bGGc9eIKGIP7-0KHmlk6YwCkO1XjA9YHLR-2KeHX_mSg3WwKMhPLilAVRPyhwNQ_SialVDDtIEhVotn3YjGXfLiJIukdd5V665jKsGt47sr8tvt401i6K8cHhn1GK47GOQ/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P84A%20%20KC-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>6. ...... The Ravens' home opener in Week 2 gets off to a shaky start for the home team as S <b>Tyrann</b> <b>Mathieu</b>, on the 3rd play from scrimmage, picks off a Lamar Jackson pass and returns it 34 yards to the house for his 3rd career pick 6 and the first defensive TD of the season for a player with dreads, giving the Chiefs an early 7-0 lead. Mathieu, with his dreads seriously reduced, picked off Jackson again later in the 1st quarter (his 3rd career game with 2 picks), but Jackson got the last laugh, as the Ravens scored 2 TD in the 4th quarter to wipe out a 35-24 deficit and edge the Chiefs 36-35.<br /><div><br />.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhDv-rrJ4csy2u0_XXYweO0Q7AiZCIiAXxJs70nJqvaJcmbYrltS2Dxc9RUgg7KwUz8Q4R7N99FQpS9kpvPhplnhO2m2Qe6t9p-CioHw7PD8a6OqhHYkPTUWlsDeYlPxk_jHd8LOAPi-CjmWRIkxqmSThPsYDlpEA3ANlF7K7mtZKxhmEd7hut1h2/s2000/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P99D%20%20CAR-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhDv-rrJ4csy2u0_XXYweO0Q7AiZCIiAXxJs70nJqvaJcmbYrltS2Dxc9RUgg7KwUz8Q4R7N99FQpS9kpvPhplnhO2m2Qe6t9p-CioHw7PD8a6OqhHYkPTUWlsDeYlPxk_jHd8LOAPi-CjmWRIkxqmSThPsYDlpEA3ANlF7K7mtZKxhmEd7hut1h2/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P99D%20%20CAR-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeepbAaL4kIn12dgE8ZF-thveyQUxevi7UZ1lpGNBdnUte6X0JR2dQIVxiFJKG-QGwZGQy720sy5r15vtXyOsjT0T5BuZxRKBF2ewQLz7IHPxgZB9JQXcOEURehnSoVAzsz5oX50RgdFYOFhcVtD0HHPd-JEPuQDx9SIgehQSON5lMjaVvxZ_an1IR/s1065/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P99A%20%20CAR-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1065" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeepbAaL4kIn12dgE8ZF-thveyQUxevi7UZ1lpGNBdnUte6X0JR2dQIVxiFJKG-QGwZGQy720sy5r15vtXyOsjT0T5BuZxRKBF2ewQLz7IHPxgZB9JQXcOEURehnSoVAzsz5oX50RgdFYOFhcVtD0HHPd-JEPuQDx9SIgehQSON5lMjaVvxZ_an1IR/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P99A%20%20CAR-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>7. Out of work until the Panthers picked him up in Week 10, QB <b>Cam Newton</b>, 3 days after signing his contract and on his 1st snap of the season, scores on a 2-yard run, breaking to the outside on a QB draw on 2nd and goal and easily breaking the attempted tackle by LB Isaiah Simmons early in the 1st quarter. It was his 1st TD in a Panthers uniform since 2018. Then on the next possession Newton threw a TD pass to <b>Robby Anderson</b> on his 1st pass attempt of the game to make it 14-0, and the Panthers went on to win easily 34-10. <div>But the honeymoon ended pretty quickly. Cam scored touchdowns in the next 4 games as well, but the Panthers lost them all and finished the season on a 7-game losing streak.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzIC7DcRavvXftxxNTJwG_TP6YAKKWvbzopr07OFEjGB4WuMhMXPXmXmNGlto-AYugSm7VipwtdgBMNVDeQChZa6DtWR0D2ErfhHRIIa5sxnWJxHXy61bLhtakP6ymhwn7-sRK8Nk-uWrwdZfuVBnHJpsAdhGiUvROHJWLE2JcaF63jtpujCfNi7v/s1500/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P72E%20%20TB-IND.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzIC7DcRavvXftxxNTJwG_TP6YAKKWvbzopr07OFEjGB4WuMhMXPXmXmNGlto-AYugSm7VipwtdgBMNVDeQChZa6DtWR0D2ErfhHRIIa5sxnWJxHXy61bLhtakP6ymhwn7-sRK8Nk-uWrwdZfuVBnHJpsAdhGiUvROHJWLE2JcaF63jtpujCfNi7v/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P72E%20%20TB-IND.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>8. It wasn't until after Thanksgiving that WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> scored his 1st TD of the season. Injured for most of the first half of the season, Hilton finally gets one in Week 12, beating CB Pierre Desir on an out route from the slot on 4th and 1 and making the catch for a 4-yard TD, increasing the Colts' lead over the Buccaneers to 24-14 with 18 seconds remaining in the 1st half. T.Y. finished with 4 catches for 28 yards. Tampa Bay roared back in the 2nd half to get the road win 38-31.</div><div><br /><div>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdQwMfmFw6bW52k179YRNbkBAqHlhu_kHDm2CPVYAk-U-JiVHrTYs4muISeSG6Q5rxHkLuL1IbrQN2p7KJ39C6apUQzc2_0Vr1zlK3_-axYMikYWA11kL_2cwKqStUgxB5VzctnGTnNaZQ6IAtJf_dkf2Zak1eRPZ8gWuRWSttpeq_Qr-cKNj_o59/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P141A%20%20JACK-TENN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdQwMfmFw6bW52k179YRNbkBAqHlhu_kHDm2CPVYAk-U-JiVHrTYs4muISeSG6Q5rxHkLuL1IbrQN2p7KJ39C6apUQzc2_0Vr1zlK3_-axYMikYWA11kL_2cwKqStUgxB5VzctnGTnNaZQ6IAtJf_dkf2Zak1eRPZ8gWuRWSttpeq_Qr-cKNj_o59/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P141A%20%20JACK-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>9. Signed in Week 9 to replaced the injured <b>Derrick Henry</b>, RB <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> finally gets his 1st TD of the season in Week 14, capping the Titans' game-opening 74-yard drive with a 5-yard run on a line plunge, easily powering through LB Damien Wilson's last-ditch attempt to stop him. Foreman, with his sick dreads most definitely <i>not</i> reduced, accounted for 27 yards on the drive and finished with 62 total yards as the Titans blanked the Jaguars 20-0.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uCYdWTzZpdeb27o8LKgiRKjTb0C1ZH2pg4H3s7hxRdq4WlBZbHYpQjwrH201Fggx3Nbqgdzc5qixOMgPNpJk8CXwxOnDoiM20VW5j-LpIYT--FSN3DN2v_3Gy-tu_VU3jBEHVM017dkvyM8_4w_ZVZin8j3Tz5Zw6owQz2NpZjbADJjvYsdOQ2fA/s1280/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P72A%20%20LV-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uCYdWTzZpdeb27o8LKgiRKjTb0C1ZH2pg4H3s7hxRdq4WlBZbHYpQjwrH201Fggx3Nbqgdzc5qixOMgPNpJk8CXwxOnDoiM20VW5j-LpIYT--FSN3DN2v_3Gy-tu_VU3jBEHVM017dkvyM8_4w_ZVZin8j3Tz5Zw6owQz2NpZjbADJjvYsdOQ2fA/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P72A%20%20LV-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOSQNC0oUZntvcHh6cL8ieDo7YIePltsIOLxD5DAlqGIOqEB7eNTU4c2SRWYYItNhPzzofCCu5gmC3O4I0e-iZW1L0PP3iEoPoN57QGNW9bGbIQIJNy7elmKM_AhFOQroAL145oaDvJv0caYZymTgSSZ60GPugbcitmxs_f_ktrAI2P0tLYyRWUBX/s1075/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P72B%20%20LV-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1075" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOSQNC0oUZntvcHh6cL8ieDo7YIePltsIOLxD5DAlqGIOqEB7eNTU4c2SRWYYItNhPzzofCCu5gmC3O4I0e-iZW1L0PP3iEoPoN57QGNW9bGbIQIJNy7elmKM_AhFOQroAL145oaDvJv0caYZymTgSSZ60GPugbcitmxs_f_ktrAI2P0tLYyRWUBX/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P72B%20%20LV-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>10. Rookie RB <b>Najee Harris</b> is horizontal as he scores the first of what Steelers fans hope will be many touchdowns over the next few seasons. On 3rd and 10 early in the 4th quarter of the Steelers' home opener in Week 2 Harris, after making the catch and eluding a defender near the 20-yard line, races down the sideline and takes his last step at the 3 before flying into the end zone just before S Johnathan Abram can knock him out of bounds. The 25-yard TD cut the Raiders' lead to 16-14. Najee finished with 81 total yards (38 rushing, 43 receiving), but the Raiders held on to win 26-17. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrMlLW1MrdlmmhX2Z8oTcEekc54Y50MSGkSmKL6ZpBsEXaqAEcdUtg3n-yv0C1JcKHbW_SeF4SiHJPQn2462eB2PETTcgGlNmxKeLK2Jnym0MvKHFC_cV6iqQyxzO0mai7mq68drgNwxjN3EwdHH8EtlMQQlMJdgTHlKgtotVYVAplLYkR2uulCxO/s1200/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P76%20%20PHIL-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrMlLW1MrdlmmhX2Z8oTcEekc54Y50MSGkSmKL6ZpBsEXaqAEcdUtg3n-yv0C1JcKHbW_SeF4SiHJPQn2462eB2PETTcgGlNmxKeLK2Jnym0MvKHFC_cV6iqQyxzO0mai7mq68drgNwxjN3EwdHH8EtlMQQlMJdgTHlKgtotVYVAplLYkR2uulCxO/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P76%20%20PHIL-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKIPtebE7EKXFT8c9UE4Xb24-HpT09gvvzfS7Fx5aVph644OnPuzH04drp_RtM9r50dVj1vAmhOKCLs9BuV30ErD6JZYO4q-Qyt7dPbw6R54k8ZPbdCJL7rRGwrnkf5TfG6ZWm7WZfwRpGNsrp1Wqy-SIDtEjjSeXkmymCVbBa7BNHeou72ebyCEj/s1500/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P33%20%20DET-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKIPtebE7EKXFT8c9UE4Xb24-HpT09gvvzfS7Fx5aVph644OnPuzH04drp_RtM9r50dVj1vAmhOKCLs9BuV30ErD6JZYO4q-Qyt7dPbw6R54k8ZPbdCJL7rRGwrnkf5TfG6ZWm7WZfwRpGNsrp1Wqy-SIDtEjjSeXkmymCVbBa7BNHeou72ebyCEj/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P33%20%20DET-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>11. Three players with dreads for the Lions scored their first career touchdowns in 2021. FB <b>Jason</b> <b>Cabinda</b>, his dreads too short to be seen with his helmet on, scored in Week 15. And here are the other two, both players with dreads barely coming out from under their helmets. With the Lions down 41-0 at home to the Eagles midway through the 4th quarter in Week 8, rookie RB <b>Jermar Jefferson</b> gives the fans a little something to cheer about, running up the middle for a 9-yard TD (photo above) as LB Davion Taylor makes the tackle too late. Jefferson scored his only other TD, a much more meaningful one, in the Lions' next game at Pittsburgh in Week 10. And also in that game RB <b>Godwin Igwebuike</b> took one to the house for the first time in his career, finishing off his 42-yard run (photo on right) to cap the Lions' 85-yard 2nd half opening drive and give them a 16-10 lead. Igwebuike, who didn't touch the ball at all during his 2018 rookie season and then was out of the league the next two years, had a career high 56 yards on 2 carries; and Jefferson had 41 yards on 3 carries. But the 0-8 Lions couldn't hold the lead and settled for a 16-16 tie with the Steelers.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXx1K89XSt-rfYsDU4gcQxDoszO5-A-BOohixU29cH1xt2MtDICwwk4rEIEy3jPuad9co5VuPN4EwKZwSVJila0HtJW9jk5TN2LVItcNxMf9MKFfvPM3dccYGsHOFCWq3ITke2nJ3PlErGOYzDA8uBahYuk1R4IBtP_olCTXrbcF57fT8q-qm-4bZG/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2021--P3A%20%20DEN-CLEVE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXx1K89XSt-rfYsDU4gcQxDoszO5-A-BOohixU29cH1xt2MtDICwwk4rEIEy3jPuad9co5VuPN4EwKZwSVJila0HtJW9jk5TN2LVItcNxMf9MKFfvPM3dccYGsHOFCWq3ITke2nJ3PlErGOYzDA8uBahYuk1R4IBtP_olCTXrbcF57fT8q-qm-4bZG/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2021--P3A%20%20DEN-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LBIEjQCkCpWXCnKyx4gkj2q_Zp6pY2qO0qbWNKOIyzFTWa_P0XuinQXzs1i9HDC2HHDguHOZ6wETBpjW_PElxc67rFYZOv-IXJcm7mlbjLgHNhSf1eYta4HF8khfzBrA1zK_jLmEg-p1QwjjTzGtGjm3d4wETtitYJWY62HVQKrTNqkVc1akOAOL/s800/NFL21--OCT.%2021--P3%20%20DEN-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="800" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LBIEjQCkCpWXCnKyx4gkj2q_Zp6pY2qO0qbWNKOIyzFTWa_P0XuinQXzs1i9HDC2HHDguHOZ6wETBpjW_PElxc67rFYZOv-IXJcm7mlbjLgHNhSf1eYta4HF8khfzBrA1zK_jLmEg-p1QwjjTzGtGjm3d4wETtitYJWY62HVQKrTNqkVc1akOAOL/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2021--P3%20%20DEN-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>12. With star RBs Nick Chubb and <b>Kareem Hunt</b> out due to injury, Browns 3rd year and 3rd string RB <b>D'Ernest Johnson</b> certainly made the most of the opportunity, showing that he can be a star too in his first career start in Week 7. Johnson went 20 yards on his first carry of the night and then two plays later after breaking a tackle at the 3-yard line, he powers through two more defenders at 1 and barely gets into the end zone for his 1st career TD not even 3 minutes after the opening kickoff. The 4-yard TD was only the start of something big. D'Ernest finished with 146 yards rushing on 22 carries and had 2 catches for 22 yards as the Browns defeated the Broncos 17-14. </div><div><br /></div><div>. <br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAu3-vBqElg-eNB6fKs4ZqM0xMa6RZqhjlAuByPOeI5QYHN4rpUSH3jAGf_u6lL3OmNbyOFKWrOh55BYqgb01-eaetocXfXu1E3lW-QDTH_-ew_MIEWrJwIod_wAstWu213aZEqgZMdNLdyP5GtgLpOd2G1XIQoKmogFxjPGNvYvc9P4BLgCoyAbe9/s1660/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P19A%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1660" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAu3-vBqElg-eNB6fKs4ZqM0xMa6RZqhjlAuByPOeI5QYHN4rpUSH3jAGf_u6lL3OmNbyOFKWrOh55BYqgb01-eaetocXfXu1E3lW-QDTH_-ew_MIEWrJwIod_wAstWu213aZEqgZMdNLdyP5GtgLpOd2G1XIQoKmogFxjPGNvYvc9P4BLgCoyAbe9/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P19A%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgLOYezbTV9_efNjpMheYqUXJPJiUsIC4H2CTjF0qb0uIziXkozoMy2Ed0R3AxShyGru3RadN1NimtDZ46rOOy1HQqIlhbSc3eYP27Td6zxKYPCtEHOOheAwZqehZD0qe2Rv2hFQK9lTHNtjBDWFScTBhP4wE_wjcmJZvkm-udngCa64z7_-sH9iu/s1200/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P19B%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgLOYezbTV9_efNjpMheYqUXJPJiUsIC4H2CTjF0qb0uIziXkozoMy2Ed0R3AxShyGru3RadN1NimtDZ46rOOy1HQqIlhbSc3eYP27Td6zxKYPCtEHOOheAwZqehZD0qe2Rv2hFQK9lTHNtjBDWFScTBhP4wE_wjcmJZvkm-udngCa64z7_-sH9iu/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P19B%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>13. Rookie RB R<b>hamondre Stevenson</b> powers through a tackle attempt at the goal line and charges into the end zone standing up for his 1st career TD with 6:23 remaining in the 4th quarter in Week 6. The 1-yard plunge gave the Patriots a 21-20 lead over the Cowboys, setting the stage for a wild finish that saw the Cowboys winning in overtime 35-29.</div><div>After fumbling on his 1st career rushing attempt in the season opener, Stevenson, the Patriots' 4th round draft pick, was benched for the next 3 games; but he was a major contributor during the 2nd half of the season.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCXMS8m3g8sDB9GitdYPslFwnuu7yJy9wexFFe03drsTDq98LBEbAAhpjF8buXhf_xPXP6cSgf2XKNW7rbGURvV-DKmEREYxVi31FNkDsc3NvFR9tlJBT2NGT3_W4-zNjgA4BrrHPiSMeptFvKAgETfo7z22aJSXCXiDdpAd_y9LbHrBNkteU8qRa/s1200/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P3A%20%20HOU-JACK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1200" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTCXMS8m3g8sDB9GitdYPslFwnuu7yJy9wexFFe03drsTDq98LBEbAAhpjF8buXhf_xPXP6cSgf2XKNW7rbGURvV-DKmEREYxVi31FNkDsc3NvFR9tlJBT2NGT3_W4-zNjgA4BrrHPiSMeptFvKAgETfo7z22aJSXCXiDdpAd_y9LbHrBNkteU8qRa/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P3A%20%20HOU-JACK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZ-A13js39QQT1-2Lnrhli1WHekjaTzHyuVeO574-WnKEhG-ln1bLWLbDNmsagA1xBeNuC3Jd-YwueLXIWdWtoAyMBfnnWKjgVY02SGvqRyh7lDxRKAjJyS1L46br26nDyWGsVRWDZbldJg0bXWOrLgqg5s3Bd7y8nOpJLe3cdhjaZuHk52iNrHKp/s3125/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P2A%20%20HOU-JACK.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2084" data-original-width="3125" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZ-A13js39QQT1-2Lnrhli1WHekjaTzHyuVeO574-WnKEhG-ln1bLWLbDNmsagA1xBeNuC3Jd-YwueLXIWdWtoAyMBfnnWKjgVY02SGvqRyh7lDxRKAjJyS1L46br26nDyWGsVRWDZbldJg0bXWOrLgqg5s3Bd7y8nOpJLe3cdhjaZuHk52iNrHKp/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P2A%20%20HOU-JACK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>14. On his 66th career kickoff return and playing for his 4th different team, CB <b>Tremon Smith</b> finally takes one to the house. On the return after a Jaguars FG made the score 7-3 late in the 1st quarter in Week 15 Smith, after breaking into the clear around the Texans' 35-yard line, looks back (photo above) and sees no defenders coming after him as he crosses the Jaguars' 40 then jogs the last 30 yards, escorted into the end zone by S <b>Tavierre Thomas</b> (photo on right) for his 1st career TD. Tremon too casually almost let go of the ball too soon, but it looked like he still had control of it as he crossed the goal line: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gOE684NrGA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gOE684NrGA</a> <div>As the announcer said, it was the Texans' first kickoff return TD in 12 years. They went on to win 30-16, improving to 3-11.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFptCBcBsB9W1PqtegZRpceaU1F4ZSozvdIvfY-Q3DHvmXpScHKfJ626ccahZoZES8ScBRfZZcGpn48KHYDrO_wv__G9X0rSTkODiS2HkqX-cwpw3f2qX9hoxQNX70AqvAVZSKAeXvQiri_GKDL_aSm0Kk4l0nqi3pIkeIJsht3UKxi4dPlibJabfK/s990/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P3E%20%20LAC-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="990" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFptCBcBsB9W1PqtegZRpceaU1F4ZSozvdIvfY-Q3DHvmXpScHKfJ626ccahZoZES8ScBRfZZcGpn48KHYDrO_wv__G9X0rSTkODiS2HkqX-cwpw3f2qX9hoxQNX70AqvAVZSKAeXvQiri_GKDL_aSm0Kk4l0nqi3pIkeIJsht3UKxi4dPlibJabfK/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P3E%20%20LAC-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3XIR-qc1fgDVSULnXia_mXSvi67oApfei1LUtR7Rq7pgGE0-MMANkIbIzk0jmSEtAPDLrXKiuYqMAnLy_o6tpq-N06jhBLFcAFJwNq56dkqLXsiNXr5ACx2ynYaDv_Xy-a4dnhxIJDuDYe4pMAD_T2EJVO6-hGG8rLy4sjvT26UtPFjALKWOqqpk/s1200/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P3%20%20LAC-HOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1200" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3XIR-qc1fgDVSULnXia_mXSvi67oApfei1LUtR7Rq7pgGE0-MMANkIbIzk0jmSEtAPDLrXKiuYqMAnLy_o6tpq-N06jhBLFcAFJwNq56dkqLXsiNXr5ACx2ynYaDv_Xy-a4dnhxIJDuDYe4pMAD_T2EJVO6-hGG8rLy4sjvT26UtPFjALKWOqqpk/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P3%20%20LAC-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>15. One week after having a close-up view of <b>Tremon Smith</b>'s TD, <b>Tavierre Thomas</b> gets his 1st career TD, also in the front left corner of the end zone, giving his fans a belated Christmas present. With the Texans leading 34-23 and on the first play after the 2-minute warning in Week 16, Thomas picks off a Justin Herbert pass at the Chargers' 48-yard line and races down the sideline untouched, crossing the goal line with a big smile on his face as Herbert comes over too late to stop him. The Texans won 41-29, picking up their first home win since Week 1 and delivering a serious gut punch to the Chargers' playoff hopes.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Week 18 saw several players with dreads score their 1st career touchdowns ......</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBjILqeOBh88I-iK3lt4bYZYo3CHYc7dKn-Bfd3pqs6qCk628UdFFSh8kqrhoreniIZqpL7MdcwKXnadE1IEH7ZhLNBRAcb4EgfmPGWem0eW0yacG5OT8FS3VjGF7XdNrc6s1T4Lxasae0dHPPKeBsewhVmCkOFTN4q3zkpsSl-8TKXY2M_en_hlQ/s1024/NFL21--JAN.%209--P49%20%20WASH-NYG.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBjILqeOBh88I-iK3lt4bYZYo3CHYc7dKn-Bfd3pqs6qCk628UdFFSh8kqrhoreniIZqpL7MdcwKXnadE1IEH7ZhLNBRAcb4EgfmPGWem0eW0yacG5OT8FS3VjGF7XdNrc6s1T4Lxasae0dHPPKeBsewhVmCkOFTN4q3zkpsSl-8TKXY2M_en_hlQ/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P49%20%20WASH-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnd0JQ7nymWifY3j4zQ1jmMC500womB4mIy2mnch2KFhK7O5fka3ReIk_wcLkzjph0gh1OxPep5HwOAifuT4xlxU8vQQNVfUhhzG82J6Gs_G_HIhvOPN1X_TjIHZKtwMtvThWsoWy7VrUYnFqj0dy9831vrIEWq5Vrjwk3IQTg6XKiajWZxJeZurw/s683/NFL21--JAN.%209--P45A%20%20WASH-NYG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnd0JQ7nymWifY3j4zQ1jmMC500womB4mIy2mnch2KFhK7O5fka3ReIk_wcLkzjph0gh1OxPep5HwOAifuT4xlxU8vQQNVfUhhzG82J6Gs_G_HIhvOPN1X_TjIHZKtwMtvThWsoWy7VrUYnFqj0dy9831vrIEWq5Vrjwk3IQTg6XKiajWZxJeZurw/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P45A%20%20WASH-NYG.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>16. S <b>Bobby McCain</b> was scoreless during his first 6 NFL seasons - all with the Dolphins. But in the last game of his first season with the Washington Football Team he finally gets a TD. On 2nd and 10 late in the 3rd quarter at MetLife Stadium McCain jumps the route run by TE Evan Engram on 1st and 10, picks off the pass by QB Jake Fromm, and races untouched 30 yards to the house for the 1st TD of the game and a 12-0 WFT lead. The interception was McCain's 3rd of the season, a new career high; and later, on the final play of the game, he got his 4th, as Washington avoided ending the season on a 5-game losing streak, defeating the Giants 22-7.</div><div><br /></div><div>. </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6jgtSoBQ9DPf7i-o0mx2Cm2ZKrHHXAo4kBshsWjPw6RPRs3jlfZNnCPuNzvAWhDLQylFH_WWfz2ppbr-Oz467lVkfT251Hv_zQCWTtU9zBr2--QcWa-vugeORx0WS_uxACLhq-gFcXEDeMHHApr7af83s69vAl1p_tte5WQUki512OUkOdPByKI0/s2560/NFL21--JAN.%209--P14%20%20CIN-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6jgtSoBQ9DPf7i-o0mx2Cm2ZKrHHXAo4kBshsWjPw6RPRs3jlfZNnCPuNzvAWhDLQylFH_WWfz2ppbr-Oz467lVkfT251Hv_zQCWTtU9zBr2--QcWa-vugeORx0WS_uxACLhq-gFcXEDeMHHApr7af83s69vAl1p_tte5WQUki512OUkOdPByKI0/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P14%20%20CIN-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHdwU5vrWhOh7O-fYIl6tQmXoECxKX2tFiZniuGkQOGozJ2zaufqE_lJwtf8OSjt6JGGxreV0PNGaOfryeRGDVfWpb5bWX16IXY-Gxs4VJoOBqhVWu-V15uM-BYOEnQDQpNES5BDHu_URW_t0hPFEfauBFdx4AOhyR1r8gBC2A80ZqcGcJ8lnXhoO/s1280/NFL21--JAN.%209--P14B%20%20CIN-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHdwU5vrWhOh7O-fYIl6tQmXoECxKX2tFiZniuGkQOGozJ2zaufqE_lJwtf8OSjt6JGGxreV0PNGaOfryeRGDVfWpb5bWX16IXY-Gxs4VJoOBqhVWu-V15uM-BYOEnQDQpNES5BDHu_URW_t0hPFEfauBFdx4AOhyR1r8gBC2A80ZqcGcJ8lnXhoO/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P14B%20%20CIN-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>17. With the Bengals resting their starters after having clinched the AFC North title a week earlier, S <b>Trayvon Henderson</b> was in uniform for only the second time all season. And on this play late in the 2nd quarter, with the ball lying on the ground after a strip sack by DE <b>Wyatt Ray</b>, Henderson scoops it up and races 29 yards untouched to the house for his 1st career score, cutting the Browns' lead to 14-7. Trayvon had previously played only 3 defensive snaps in his first 9 career games (over 3 seasons); but he was on the field for 57 snaps on defense in this one and had 4 tackles (2-2) in addition to his FR. The Bengals lost 21-16, but it was on to bigger and better things for them in the weeks ahead.<div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRwGS364wzonMYYpl8TeZ5gSRs9ERAA_GYB7Qk9dlLRb0z9nHBYIzuj0lsBgvheEZnguOPwWr7cx2lraIQlMTGKb11xxK7Ma2n6x7q1E7aEcK0xElhR6zp4zNR81pO8q7-J6CKxIrtYcPCURcKqCJCx9_PhCl2-Uboi1XteSagWFJKUweMjw-iOoJ/s1280/NFL21--JAN.%208--P22A%20%20KC-DEN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRwGS364wzonMYYpl8TeZ5gSRs9ERAA_GYB7Qk9dlLRb0z9nHBYIzuj0lsBgvheEZnguOPwWr7cx2lraIQlMTGKb11xxK7Ma2n6x7q1E7aEcK0xElhR6zp4zNR81pO8q7-J6CKxIrtYcPCURcKqCJCx9_PhCl2-Uboi1XteSagWFJKUweMjw-iOoJ/s320/NFL21--JAN.%208--P22A%20%20KC-DEN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>18. In a game at Denver they could ill afford to lose the Chiefs go from trailing 21-20 to leading 28-21 on this huge play midway through the 4th quarter, as rookie LB <b>Nick Bolton</b>, after scooping up a fumble by RB <b>Melvin Gordon</b> on 2nd and 2 from the KC 9-yard line, finishes his long, 86-yard run for his 1st career TD. The Chiefs held on to win 28-24 to clinch no worse than the #2 seed for the AFC playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkEt2vkGPb51vYms5hv6ShCjCwmEvNMGFuqAVtpxmvrvocGcJY7F9UKV92Mn18v9SYMqZOZCIM8y6qgPsHdaaHl6K4oas2ArBK6PIBIMTduxgicNF5zLBw4pzbFnY3w-sJIxd0cU4tpBlWoKEZnpLwwf0muaXPJy8shwtJ9vpIZ7mMln7nD_lSFiq/s2048/NFL21--JAN.%208--P1C%20%20DALL-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkEt2vkGPb51vYms5hv6ShCjCwmEvNMGFuqAVtpxmvrvocGcJY7F9UKV92Mn18v9SYMqZOZCIM8y6qgPsHdaaHl6K4oas2ArBK6PIBIMTduxgicNF5zLBw4pzbFnY3w-sJIxd0cU4tpBlWoKEZnpLwwf0muaXPJy8shwtJ9vpIZ7mMln7nD_lSFiq/s320/NFL21--JAN.%208--P1C%20%20DALL-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZu2qisbcFyfT1CKI2-zFLlDJ7Gk-2iUIGPa9eaexrGzj9IECDJLdwg9LsZ3xyCbB3eVnimA_nWyb1f4EKi7-p6mH59K1mW9NPXzQRjRSpgjwCxirKVABWu5G-gNV8S-CZkUnaEsapFv35gv7xC1UaNvt9ZbTHR3nEOMpslqCkbYCvBUN5sFp6bFt/s2048/NFL21--JAN.%208--P1B%20%20DALL-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZu2qisbcFyfT1CKI2-zFLlDJ7Gk-2iUIGPa9eaexrGzj9IECDJLdwg9LsZ3xyCbB3eVnimA_nWyb1f4EKi7-p6mH59K1mW9NPXzQRjRSpgjwCxirKVABWu5G-gNV8S-CZkUnaEsapFv35gv7xC1UaNvt9ZbTHR3nEOMpslqCkbYCvBUN5sFp6bFt/s320/NFL21--JAN.%208--P1B%20%20DALL-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>19. Rookie RB <b>JaQuan Hardy</b>, on his 3rd carry of the game and only his 4th (and last) carry of the season, scores his 1st TD, getting into the end zone on a 22-yard TD in the 4th quarter at Philadelphia as S Jared Mayden makes the tackle too late. The TD was the Cowboys' 3rd TD in a span of less than 6 minutes and increased their lead to 51-20. <div>Hopefully this won't be Hardy's last house call. But after not being drafted and spending most of the 2021 season on the practice squad, he was released by the Cowboys during the offseason, a couple of weeks before the start of this season's training camp.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>FIRST AND ONLY</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0Gx9T944k_rwjtXpASU1oTCVWvgsNz8EZX007bG6Zheud0aKMJF8ZevtRYHRA1ULO3jF3_5KBtOSfzEkL83UnObpDXR9gAdCy_jbXqldx6WYQz9nLxKZjA-e3Qm08Lia8cyRzBHj6z5sj3psxnNGlBM48iWlQzwejPMWY0UbyiGxGyQT0ofJGaFq/s2048/NFL21--JAN.%208--P38%20%20DALL-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0Gx9T944k_rwjtXpASU1oTCVWvgsNz8EZX007bG6Zheud0aKMJF8ZevtRYHRA1ULO3jF3_5KBtOSfzEkL83UnObpDXR9gAdCy_jbXqldx6WYQz9nLxKZjA-e3Qm08Lia8cyRzBHj6z5sj3psxnNGlBM48iWlQzwejPMWY0UbyiGxGyQT0ofJGaFq/s320/NFL21--JAN.%208--P38%20%20DALL-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxUIEelnd93eGRETyeCiRNGJRoPrGr9kENiV3AaQTa5SmtUWD0h9rlGpvTa0QnMA-vFj_157ycTbs0dNA0Lh080Y3_tDT6YOy9Fxz9oMj6lhSGqc-1lo7AxJdVm6EMakE6rjo-LqBB_aYolgZ6QbYGuwX66rsla3eexT3rvzmwJIoNjxvsEtgfW1d/s2048/NFL21--JAN.%208--P42%20%20DALL-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxUIEelnd93eGRETyeCiRNGJRoPrGr9kENiV3AaQTa5SmtUWD0h9rlGpvTa0QnMA-vFj_157ycTbs0dNA0Lh080Y3_tDT6YOy9Fxz9oMj6lhSGqc-1lo7AxJdVm6EMakE6rjo-LqBB_aYolgZ6QbYGuwX66rsla3eexT3rvzmwJIoNjxvsEtgfW1d/s320/NFL21--JAN.%208--P42%20%20DALL-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>20. In addition to <b>JaQuan Hardy</b> a couple of other players with dreads scored their first and only touchdowns of the season during the Cowboys-Eagles game. Earlier in the 4th quarter RB <b>Corey</b> <b>Clement</b> begins the Cowboys' 21-0 run with his first TD since he scored <i>for</i> the Eagles midway through the 2020 season, side-stepping into the end zone (photo above) for an 8-yard TD after making the catch uncovered in the left flat. Then after the Cowboys were done scoring, WR <b>Quez Watkins</b> gets the Eagles' final TD of the season, taking a screen pass 36 yards to the house (photo on right) on 3rd and 8 on the first play after the 2-minute warning to make the final score 51-26. Of course, Watkins' dreads are too short to be seen; but if you expand the picture to twice its size you can <i>almost</i> see them.<br /><div><br /><div>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdShIoJanX00SVwobN0Dr3zbGLpV45i8gSFCWtTwXFgfe0P1Mzaw-pKxEOBM3ObZCbzSIkZ1J6gBeBd8OOeSKIck7OBcKrTMAnQLdEDgfgEluQzcB1XBi8QFDhi2MR3kU6e_0JQh3qbCpx8Db3ouNP0rrzgmUVg4m_hwFZptE_7IDuEVEyK7lHyvrw/s2048/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P22%20%20SF-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdShIoJanX00SVwobN0Dr3zbGLpV45i8gSFCWtTwXFgfe0P1Mzaw-pKxEOBM3ObZCbzSIkZ1J6gBeBd8OOeSKIck7OBcKrTMAnQLdEDgfgEluQzcB1XBi8QFDhi2MR3kU6e_0JQh3qbCpx8Db3ouNP0rrzgmUVg4m_hwFZptE_7IDuEVEyK7lHyvrw/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P22%20%20SF-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>21. RB <b>JaMycal Hasty</b>'s first and only TD of the season came in the 1st half of the 49ers' first game, as he falls forward and gets the ball barely (and I mean<i> just</i> barely) over the goal line as his leg touches the ground. It was so close that it needed to be reviewed by replay (and was not overturned). The 3-yard run was Hasty's 2nd career TD, and it upped the 49ers' lead over the Lions to 21-10 late in the 2nd quarter. The lead ballooned to 38-10 before the Lions roared back; but the 49ers held on to win 41-33. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV-dK65HHvRNvKEglPSnr4yXTBu9Xx9OECDvNpEC0QVEKJZ-ZmAAI_MCIWWYGxwkKb7QAPGurJgv9uOKywelUAgZ7dipSc_m9TF9fl1gjeVM_sgV6_ncFvQs5DcDNj5SjJfTqGGHayFQEzjwaAi2vqarWLek5X21j9R_r3l3wwcZ24cJOBHbT2sXh/s1486/NFL21--JAN.%202--P7%20%20DEN-LAC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1486" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV-dK65HHvRNvKEglPSnr4yXTBu9Xx9OECDvNpEC0QVEKJZ-ZmAAI_MCIWWYGxwkKb7QAPGurJgv9uOKywelUAgZ7dipSc_m9TF9fl1gjeVM_sgV6_ncFvQs5DcDNj5SjJfTqGGHayFQEzjwaAi2vqarWLek5X21j9R_r3l3wwcZ24cJOBHbT2sXh/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P7%20%20DEN-LAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dIYJ3nvNMsD59Dv7v28UBkLN3UvPjJvwPq8pyEtcAQFexFSs3BZC8pjr-dcy5wgloQYWVwS_2Bm6Xz8P1sNZZUOS9iIS61GQs-jBLx-NEpQh6UxpkyZPv4Pv7F-NEWrIjC68hyxPWCv57jz1d4lTKkTmwe5wvmr4QcuN0fb-zIsY4xoQieuw1t2A/s1280/NFL21--JAN.%202--P7A%20%20DEN-LAC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dIYJ3nvNMsD59Dv7v28UBkLN3UvPjJvwPq8pyEtcAQFexFSs3BZC8pjr-dcy5wgloQYWVwS_2Bm6Xz8P1sNZZUOS9iIS61GQs-jBLx-NEpQh6UxpkyZPv4Pv7F-NEWrIjC68hyxPWCv57jz1d4lTKkTmwe5wvmr4QcuN0fb-zIsY4xoQieuw1t2A/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P7A%20%20DEN-LAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>22. After going the previous two seasons without scoring, WR <b>Andre Roberts</b> is back in the end zone again here in Week 17 in a Chargers uniform, weaving his way through the Broncos' kickoff coverage untouched 101 yards for his 3rd career kickoff return TD and his only TD of the 2021 season. The score, answering a Denver FG early in the 4th quarter, upped the Chargers' lead to 27-6, and they went on to win 34-13. After being released by the Texans in October and immediately being signed by the Chargers, Roberts has now played for 8 different teams - and scored touchdowns for 5 of them - in his 12-year career.<div><br /></div><div>.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqadZPVwiIGgPALYgpDAeQlUAkfBl_UEkMrMvOAoiuQBGZl8FxWX4XAy1cDI83YlYSK5mzN3zJ5ZM5NwyrLRiD4jtKkCe01njOxpaHBtJl_wdUMV4MOWjgltIZ_E3qLvJhchr55Pvni6rqWRRDT2mMitKaqDOEtO67VIz_mZINQbmSKBK0KruZEnvw/s1061/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P22D%20%20DALL-WASH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1061" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqadZPVwiIGgPALYgpDAeQlUAkfBl_UEkMrMvOAoiuQBGZl8FxWX4XAy1cDI83YlYSK5mzN3zJ5ZM5NwyrLRiD4jtKkCe01njOxpaHBtJl_wdUMV4MOWjgltIZ_E3qLvJhchr55Pvni6rqWRRDT2mMitKaqDOEtO67VIz_mZINQbmSKBK0KruZEnvw/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P22D%20%20DALL-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xrZaemAVqcfYNizsZARMfPUm9ko6dNjdSXm6CgChNiZqkPZTP9umJJJYk4B6i7G9034-KAKYzYtLUN9dXtqzTW_EEm-ln90fcjtalRsiPxG8YjYGzABllPvj-bNohycPTcpYELSvSgZQHybNqSTVmYh8dqTR27uOhQvAuYBG_qZRpSQDLO39uq8Y/s1024/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P22CC%20%20DALL-WASH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="745" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xrZaemAVqcfYNizsZARMfPUm9ko6dNjdSXm6CgChNiZqkPZTP9umJJJYk4B6i7G9034-KAKYzYtLUN9dXtqzTW_EEm-ln90fcjtalRsiPxG8YjYGzABllPvj-bNohycPTcpYELSvSgZQHybNqSTVmYh8dqTR27uOhQvAuYBG_qZRpSQDLO39uq8Y/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P22CC%20%20DALL-WASH.jpg" width="233" /></a></div></div><div>23. With the Cowboys leading 24-0 midway through the 3rd quarter in Week 14, WR <b>Cam Sims</b> gets the Washington comeback underway with a spectacular 43-yard TD catch, outfighting CB <b>Trevon Diggs</b> for the ball and landing inbounds. So unbelievable was the catch that the officials ruled it an incomplete pass at first before the play was reviewed and ruled a touchdown. It was the 1st and only TD for Sims <i>at</i> <i>home </i>in his career. Of course, it's a small sample size. He only has 2 TD on the road. With RB <b>Jonathan Williams</b> contributing his first and only TD of the season (sorry, no photo of that one), the WFT eventually cut their deficit to 27-20 and had the ball with 3 minutes left before a turnover ended the comeback attempt.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJQjTwlE4EZAOMTLGx9joXO1pNOxmn01sFLX_sbZhpc8BlzOHoCKtnVzJMk8d39ZeKS29KN_gdOVVJyPTSaAnYhdaJgYV-ocrNiba3US_NXhd1k_NuqxKNJKR4SHWKKc1Oy9wHgBBgNgDCF_X88jEfCSty2-uTV1TlVeR5P-vR9dfIRkTjXhAq3k4/s1000/NFL21--JAN.%209--P73%20%20HOU-TENN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="765" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJQjTwlE4EZAOMTLGx9joXO1pNOxmn01sFLX_sbZhpc8BlzOHoCKtnVzJMk8d39ZeKS29KN_gdOVVJyPTSaAnYhdaJgYV-ocrNiba3US_NXhd1k_NuqxKNJKR4SHWKKc1Oy9wHgBBgNgDCF_X88jEfCSty2-uTV1TlVeR5P-vR9dfIRkTjXhAq3k4/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P73%20%20HOU-TENN.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjAihjYAd6XuPW_nwWMuakQRQQk5vygYZYNrI9E4wyTp1m27k5Duc43V2nOsL1l2Y2b0_I5M5iUyWAv5-fJWtbeM5sysdWlYHILJqbDoVhdYzJAC2UbeMCX5qAImlLytdlPvgm-kwrAMhwveFLCGIc2xcfOyKI6-j9VI1yq3Y2GTE6K8XfRkNnKTr/s1200/NFL21--JAN.%209--P73A%20%20HOU-TENN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjAihjYAd6XuPW_nwWMuakQRQQk5vygYZYNrI9E4wyTp1m27k5Duc43V2nOsL1l2Y2b0_I5M5iUyWAv5-fJWtbeM5sysdWlYHILJqbDoVhdYzJAC2UbeMCX5qAImlLytdlPvgm-kwrAMhwveFLCGIc2xcfOyKI6-j9VI1yq3Y2GTE6K8XfRkNnKTr/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P73A%20%20HOU-TENN.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>24. No doubt it was a very disappointing first season for WR <b>Julio Jones</b> in a Titans uniform. Plagued by a hamstring injury for most of the first 3 months of the season, Jones missed 6 games and didn't get his only TD of the season until the 4th quarter of the last game of the regular season. At least it was a big one. With the Titans' 21-0 halftime lead down to 21-18, Jones, open in the back of the end zone, catches the pass from QB Ryan Tannehill on 2nd and goal for a 3-yard TD and some breathing room at 28-18. And also with the TD, Jones became the Titans' 6th different player with dreads to score during the season. The Titans held on to win 28-25 and clinch the #1 seed for the AFC playoffs (not that it did them any good). Jones finished the season with 31 catches for 434 yards, and 1 TD - all career lows. </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>SCORE FOUR</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLG8xHwt4E4FowMEO5Lqyu3kUtZ5NyhP_a2-Ji7HPlTEXAX3oCvK6x-b4f8_anfuWkeaeH5IWMecFbCi-0Yy0yDOMaGGO2Ri41HouJluZcIKKzngLiO5QK7_8j0JICL4QrJwzBn7GOwkp-SgyBrJhbu8PbWyfa-joAQFctQ_UlKI4mV0o3wakhBOi/s986/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P8A%20%20DET-GB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="986" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLG8xHwt4E4FowMEO5Lqyu3kUtZ5NyhP_a2-Ji7HPlTEXAX3oCvK6x-b4f8_anfuWkeaeH5IWMecFbCi-0Yy0yDOMaGGO2Ri41HouJluZcIKKzngLiO5QK7_8j0JICL4QrJwzBn7GOwkp-SgyBrJhbu8PbWyfa-joAQFctQ_UlKI4mV0o3wakhBOi/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P8A%20%20DET-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>25. Packers RB <b>Aaron Jones</b> was the only player with dreads with 4 TD in one game. After the Packers were held without a touchdown in an embarrassing 38-3 loss to the Saints in Week 1, the Week 2 home opener went just a bit better. Of course, they were playing the Lions .....<div>After the Lions took a 7-0 lead on their opening drive, the Packers came right back with a 75-yard drive, with Jones, after catching a jet sweep forward pass on 2nd and goal and speeding around the left end, diving into the end zone for the 4-yard TD to tie the game. <br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtd2_weU60BYkqAGE58iW7jsukAi4bsV_iYPH1PjqVAUQ9h7hcR7JoqCMqCyIeBvmW3azX2v6aAic-evVr99JUAyTlCRxpns8M8wE8E3sTj4UtRqkkpJVlvlNMQZiASTgz9rkviojrXBmx2pQN14sKVQoU1Ul1vzobtAXX94jF116ghAvUdMz84lcP/s592/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P9%20%20DET-GB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="592" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtd2_weU60BYkqAGE58iW7jsukAi4bsV_iYPH1PjqVAUQ9h7hcR7JoqCMqCyIeBvmW3azX2v6aAic-evVr99JUAyTlCRxpns8M8wE8E3sTj4UtRqkkpJVlvlNMQZiASTgz9rkviojrXBmx2pQN14sKVQoU1Ul1vzobtAXX94jF116ghAvUdMz84lcP/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P9%20%20DET-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeoB9LnBbHpp_xR_wK75mQaqUU7WZUZsmYqso-EuhYuln72dxR0lIh-XUe-0jdNgkVWZSX9yAgzG1XGbH80MZZMZ9IqkVlu-wmP5TpazjdUyH8NVRVu8lh4ovt6PEDnZmcydOam5FoJjHX-4NFRU_sTfV5cjfyCeYLeInIj-Sgxk-96Z1moEhPvn7/s990/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P9A%20%20DET-GB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="990" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeoB9LnBbHpp_xR_wK75mQaqUU7WZUZsmYqso-EuhYuln72dxR0lIh-XUe-0jdNgkVWZSX9yAgzG1XGbH80MZZMZ9IqkVlu-wmP5TpazjdUyH8NVRVu8lh4ovt6PEDnZmcydOam5FoJjHX-4NFRU_sTfV5cjfyCeYLeInIj-Sgxk-96Z1moEhPvn7/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P9A%20%20DET-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>26. With the Lions ahead again 14-7 late in the 2nd quarter, Jones ties it up again, beating S <b>Tracy</b> <b>Walker</b> (dreads too short) to the right flat on 2nd and goal, making the catch at the 1, and scoring as Walker makes the tackle too late. Jones, who had a 236-yard (168 rushing, 68 receiving), 3-TD game when the Packers played the Lions at home in Week 2 of 2020, had to 'settle' for a 115-yard (Monday) night in this 4-TD game. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcdREE8UKtzA9V8EstCfpOSUzDWrM6hq2fVZmI6zzJ4fqGNWbfSeSlaIT6-TDfjgL0uDicHXF9SaZ5CdAP3BJs3ETipDhfvfe91lzhcRKeg-idI3fWEvsEw8KjAzgYHoBS5I4JxEx5qFTGDn4bkRYDdNxaDM7CqP0zm0wHA9PPNqmSwn9aYCCXo-D/s990/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P17%20%20DET-GB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="990" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcdREE8UKtzA9V8EstCfpOSUzDWrM6hq2fVZmI6zzJ4fqGNWbfSeSlaIT6-TDfjgL0uDicHXF9SaZ5CdAP3BJs3ETipDhfvfe91lzhcRKeg-idI3fWEvsEw8KjAzgYHoBS5I4JxEx5qFTGDn4bkRYDdNxaDM7CqP0zm0wHA9PPNqmSwn9aYCCXo-D/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P17%20%20DET-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW2Ce_RGkFyWeriiz5U_d92QdCVuWpjMh-0thUAAIpvW4kPNFpnLo5MIIinmgC4EGXhPp1T6ujIhhMsfd73MI6N7VP44r1nRRTSuvFxZUQ_Q672F5crRgjKfTwW3IRPNMz6m600f65oRm0f4b47FvkLO72uVuam6krspIOPEdFEdBy-aqVx0uuOoa/s1095/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P17B%20%20DET-GB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1095" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW2Ce_RGkFyWeriiz5U_d92QdCVuWpjMh-0thUAAIpvW4kPNFpnLo5MIIinmgC4EGXhPp1T6ujIhhMsfd73MI6N7VP44r1nRRTSuvFxZUQ_Q672F5crRgjKfTwW3IRPNMz6m600f65oRm0f4b47FvkLO72uVuam6krspIOPEdFEdBy-aqVx0uuOoa/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P17B%20%20DET-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>27. The Packers scored touchdowns on both of their possessions in the 3rd quarter, and Jones finishes the second one with this 11-yard catch and run on 2nd and 10, as LB Jamie Collins is late on his coverage in the left flat and has no choice to stop Jones short of the end zone. That upped the Green Bay lead to 28-17. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzU7J4y8YW99iDDGJndjlK-l8i4f-P-K31iHJRnAXrlpFZEle9EbwAmESgjnY-OHvKGtGmlaaRy9Zv9cZq_zRDC2jtx7g7IMSbXAnAeckhJ37OiSxKCmrWw3lt_AowDUBa2m9tD0QNpKQ4CbJ5A42vcPJUwEgjgrSv-LNWBfLxeTcLxVJf2VSb02D/s1073/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P16B%20%20DET-GB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1073" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzU7J4y8YW99iDDGJndjlK-l8i4f-P-K31iHJRnAXrlpFZEle9EbwAmESgjnY-OHvKGtGmlaaRy9Zv9cZq_zRDC2jtx7g7IMSbXAnAeckhJ37OiSxKCmrWw3lt_AowDUBa2m9tD0QNpKQ4CbJ5A42vcPJUwEgjgrSv-LNWBfLxeTcLxVJf2VSb02D/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2020--P16B%20%20DET-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>28. And less than 3 minutes later, after a Lions turnover, <b>Aaron Jones</b> is in the end zone again early in the 4th quarter for his 4th TD, scoring on a 1-yard run up the middle on 1st and goal to make the score 35-17 and finish the game's scoring.<div>If you want, here are all 4 of Jones' touchdowns in a video that takes only 38 seconds: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_C3bhRJt60" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_C3bhRJt60</a><br /><div>It was the second time Jones scored 4 TD in a game, with the other one coming at Dallas in Week 5 of 2019.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>CROWN 'EM</div><div><br /></div><div>2021 was the 4th season in a row the Packers had more than 20 of their touchdowns scored by players with dreads; so they've obviously been more than the <b>Aaron Jones</b> show. Actually in 3 of those 4 years Jones <i>didn't</i> lead the Packers in touchdowns. He was 2nd, finishing behind none other than ......</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pw7IVI52asUJJUF1UALsEyvZ77bHbDvqZ4huSrjIzl3c6kqwrD1frSbO9UE1eXTmpF0A87mSSnlbF-cFsFgTtat-zoxk3I5AKC6PbhwwQV4ljP5IAIlMHM7wznsnvijbVeRQntch3Qvmf0po7lvbnlOwkG67Gc03sJlUUl03AfdfrlARVnjviyUC/s2560/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P20%20%20GB-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1812" data-original-width="2560" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pw7IVI52asUJJUF1UALsEyvZ77bHbDvqZ4huSrjIzl3c6kqwrD1frSbO9UE1eXTmpF0A87mSSnlbF-cFsFgTtat-zoxk3I5AKC6PbhwwQV4ljP5IAIlMHM7wznsnvijbVeRQntch3Qvmf0po7lvbnlOwkG67Gc03sJlUUl03AfdfrlARVnjviyUC/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P20%20%20GB-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5T-o9oMXP1X90TTtHaiDFREVNH2xAEyPqWPSp5k1yy_-oQbxZIdM13Tz2Sfb0Um6IrkMAOsq0Yw-03KDlvetHVdET1vM2t8a8EesKXhB-hdtYt_ttcKG6BjxUoLjTgIgF3RKgiIvqxW9QqTVcIEjhc-SKa1nr4BAyJ6e5lW8TKaF0ytSotWfuPym/s720/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P44%20%20GB-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="479" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5T-o9oMXP1X90TTtHaiDFREVNH2xAEyPqWPSp5k1yy_-oQbxZIdM13Tz2Sfb0Um6IrkMAOsq0Yw-03KDlvetHVdET1vM2t8a8EesKXhB-hdtYt_ttcKG6BjxUoLjTgIgF3RKgiIvqxW9QqTVcIEjhc-SKa1nr4BAyJ6e5lW8TKaF0ytSotWfuPym/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P44%20%20GB-MINN.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />29. ...... WR <b>Davante Adams</b>. In 4 out of 5 seasons since he got his dreads started in 2016 Adams ranked in the top 10 in the league in touchdowns scored - both among players with dreads and in the entire league; but never did he rank in the top 1. Until 2021. And oddly enough it was a season in which he barely hit double figures in TD that he took his first individual crown as the league's top scoring player with dreads (actually he shares the crown, which we'll get to shortly). Davante had career highs of 123 receptions and 1,553 receiving yards last season but finished with only 11 TD (a total he has surpassed in three other seasons). But as mentioned at the opening of this post, last season was a bit strange, and 11 touchdowns were good enough for #1.<div>After scoring only 3 TD in Green Bay's first 10 games, Adams began his run to the title with these 2 TD catches against the Vikings in Week 11. The first (left photo) came on a 10-yard pass from QB Aaron Rodgers on 1st and goal, with Adams getting behind S Xavier Woods in the back of the end zone on a play in which Rodgers had all day to throw. It was Adams' 3rd catch on the 75-yard drive, which cut the Vikings' lead to 23-17 in the 3rd quarter. Then on the Packers' next possession Davante beats CB Mackensie Alexander by 5 yards and is all alone (right photo) as he makes an 18-yard TD catch on 3rd and 6, finishing a 94-yard drive that put the Packers ahead 24-23 with 7:49 remaining in the game. Adams finished with 7 catches for 115 yards, but the Vikings kicked a FG on the last play of the game to win 34-31.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNMx0-tv67v80bj7gZuy5D7OVi1l37GCpaxqicr4RYweKdvLXM9dBs8yiRCT-zoROgMQHUE1RJtCNgfCksfIdFmmZZBpw3muqDQZ7aNvBmsczs_uHxj6Sra2QNwN5kSALYFovVRMH2Jt1NQX1jMrh22U3uDU2SBWEg7ajSqiDZZp7Jti6pOf1F3gm/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%2025--P5C%20%20CLEVE-GB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNMx0-tv67v80bj7gZuy5D7OVi1l37GCpaxqicr4RYweKdvLXM9dBs8yiRCT-zoROgMQHUE1RJtCNgfCksfIdFmmZZBpw3muqDQZ7aNvBmsczs_uHxj6Sra2QNwN5kSALYFovVRMH2Jt1NQX1jMrh22U3uDU2SBWEg7ajSqiDZZp7Jti6pOf1F3gm/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2025--P5C%20%20CLEVE-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUriJl53vKPDRS10WXPT1j4Y-chie4G1xcWxnkWjl-RQxO-dN9uewicsGghALazi4rbSXV1_C6tZBWuLF2cWVQrjHAihU37jnbwyHduxsFR0DRS1zkDbdx1-49cahEzypbBGSlNrZ3aMtNrC5_QIq94aiTdYqXOHbvcI7cgM-2EADvmTSe_mL46Zl/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%2025--P5B%20%20CLEVE-GB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUriJl53vKPDRS10WXPT1j4Y-chie4G1xcWxnkWjl-RQxO-dN9uewicsGghALazi4rbSXV1_C6tZBWuLF2cWVQrjHAihU37jnbwyHduxsFR0DRS1zkDbdx1-49cahEzypbBGSlNrZ3aMtNrC5_QIq94aiTdYqXOHbvcI7cgM-2EADvmTSe_mL46Zl/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2025--P5B%20%20CLEVE-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>30. Lined up in the slot on 3rd and goal during the 2nd quarter in Week 16, <b>Davante Adams</b> easily beats one-on-one coverage by rookie S Richard LeCounte for a 9-yard TD catch, finishing a 78-yard yard drive and upping the Packers' lead over the Browns to 14-6. It was Davante's 9th TD of the season, and he got his 10th just before halftime. <div>Born December 24, 1992, Davante celebrated his 29th birthday a day late, finishing with 10 catches for 114 yards as the Packers defeated the Browns on Christmas Day 24-22. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9IaCx4tDiSOT75UJnRcrLfxuLUzwnueasHZRV2WEjQfc7NheDDDWfVY53yH6Cn0PqWr3RxRif6UJ0caSswURgZcclqrdVKG1UAMuoZDR61JTl9I65Mt1k3qXuM-kZaN3npH1d4RB-hpB4to2oT8EJaNL1O11MBnOMK13a5LcPv3e-7bPHxOP_x_1/s1000/NFL21--JAN.%202--P46B%20%20MINN-GB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1000" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9IaCx4tDiSOT75UJnRcrLfxuLUzwnueasHZRV2WEjQfc7NheDDDWfVY53yH6Cn0PqWr3RxRif6UJ0caSswURgZcclqrdVKG1UAMuoZDR61JTl9I65Mt1k3qXuM-kZaN3npH1d4RB-hpB4to2oT8EJaNL1O11MBnOMK13a5LcPv3e-7bPHxOP_x_1/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P46B%20%20MINN-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiUTyC_LVrXfGB18HRfJmm-6QI-3v7gk-X9i0dnVYJQMWpYm3uDHeAK5lwL-UIWM28zMAMCWoMi0YaPRLVE0qqDfvN0mf1o_YgiJYh0ej_klCy9xD7zP4ZfQY-F2WfA8Fqj7tY9OhVsoYf3JRAcvcAqe7ky5MAO-gOGjJoT2rg_ZnPhVcD_ZwmbNm/s1300/NFL21--JAN.%202--P46A%20%20MINN-GB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1300" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiUTyC_LVrXfGB18HRfJmm-6QI-3v7gk-X9i0dnVYJQMWpYm3uDHeAK5lwL-UIWM28zMAMCWoMi0YaPRLVE0qqDfvN0mf1o_YgiJYh0ej_klCy9xD7zP4ZfQY-F2WfA8Fqj7tY9OhVsoYf3JRAcvcAqe7ky5MAO-gOGjJoT2rg_ZnPhVcD_ZwmbNm/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P46A%20%20MINN-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>31. One week later <b>Davante Adams</b> makes the last of his 11 TD receptions. With Mackensie Alexander watching him instead of covering him, Adams makes the catch at the 1-yard line on 1st and 10 and tumbles into the end zone. The 11-yard TD increased the Green Bay lead to 20-0 over the Vikings late in the 2nd quarter. Not allowing the game-time temperature of 11 degrees to dissuade him from playing in short sleeves, Davante made the dread stars list before the 1st half was over with 8 catches for 118 yards. He finished with 11 for 136 as the Packers whipped the Vikings 37-10.<div>Unless something really unusual happens in the future this was the last of the 73 TD (not including his 8 in the playoffs) he scored in a Packers uniform. After earning $62 million in his first 9 NFL seasons, Davante is headed for even greener pastures after being traded to the Raiders during the offseason.</div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgwmgOJVvvOWnDqoZP2XIFEX50UbXavYUoAIBhRvjLTqhD-KTfam8nInPiH8jL2Mv-2xtFMPJ9JILeZcNobF0ito_zX4fO7yJdTGVkbts6ZDyXVtEBqQtVZLQAJV13nwlujpySUIfbctUcvIJcQMwJ4kXr3T4H5MGe2u692huBUJuAhVNtul1-TcO/s1024/NFL21--OCT.%203--P10%20%20WASH-ATL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSgwmgOJVvvOWnDqoZP2XIFEX50UbXavYUoAIBhRvjLTqhD-KTfam8nInPiH8jL2Mv-2xtFMPJ9JILeZcNobF0ito_zX4fO7yJdTGVkbts6ZDyXVtEBqQtVZLQAJV13nwlujpySUIfbctUcvIJcQMwJ4kXr3T4H5MGe2u692huBUJuAhVNtul1-TcO/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P10%20%20WASH-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqQCGqudOXBZr1JXrDkOgIaAUxcJy7McHFKjDXYAUn9r7N-0F3f2BNL-dMooCAm3YjJvyCqSl8j0LgsVhuatmmWGqCe20Vy-Bo6anFXCZS4yJ2a3gzbApipr1ujir-PcTPx5KVyj-dq53ER7Nde0wHIZpojUf5XxA7XYqz4DGgtOjCRgttdNqIHof/s2600/NFL21--OCT.%203--P10A%20%20WASH-ATL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2600" data-original-width="1961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqQCGqudOXBZr1JXrDkOgIaAUxcJy7McHFKjDXYAUn9r7N-0F3f2BNL-dMooCAm3YjJvyCqSl8j0LgsVhuatmmWGqCe20Vy-Bo6anFXCZS4yJ2a3gzbApipr1ujir-PcTPx5KVyj-dq53ER7Nde0wHIZpojUf5XxA7XYqz4DGgtOjCRgttdNqIHof/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P10A%20%20WASH-ATL.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div>32. After playing on 4 different teams in his first 8 NFL seasons, in 2021 <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> finally landed on a team that knew how to use him. One of the best kickoff returners of all time, Patterson had been used scarcely on offense throughout his career until last season, when the Atlanta Falcons switched him from WR to RB. The results were a pleasant surprise, but not totally unexpected. With his inability to consistently get open early in his career and his outstanding ability with the ball in his hands, he should've been switched to RB years ago. Anyway, with the Falcons he touched the ball 205 times on offense (his previous high was 85) and had 1,166 total yards from scrimmage. And after not scoring more than 5 TD in any season since he scored 9 as a rookie in 2012, he scored a career high 11 TD in 2021, tying him with <b>Davante Adams</b> for the most by a player with dreads.</div><div>Against Washington in Week 4 Cordarrelle had his first career game with 3 TD. This was the last of the 3, as he reaches above CB Kendall Fuller in the left front corner of the end zone for a 14-yard reception on 3rd and 13 to finish the Falcons' 68-yard 2nd half opening drive and give them a 23-19 lead. You can see the play as well as his other 2 TD in this video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnhYOQ5iC5Y" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnhYOQ5iC5Y</a> </div><div>I can't remember why, but notice that Patterson didn't touch the ball at all in the 4th quarter. He finished with 34 yards rushing on 6 carries and 5 catches for 82 yards. The Falcons' defense spoiled the day for him, allowing 2 TD in the last 4 minutes of the game as WFT came back to win 34-30. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_sieHzrQpFwEQfEwqZRdWdkZXA-CCcgB-VQmYK4W8N8AckVwCEuVum7Z3sVggsGFZfz5Xr_97or-ii5y-dCnWN3LAEFDfUTQ7QJ7AvmnXt2vXLCPHOZ958CS1cbLHiTmT5pr6ZcxpDqW9zYpsCTQiJGL5bUbGwU5dMBNoOwobue-hPIKAs-DJqqQ/s1280/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P79%20%20CAR-ATL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_sieHzrQpFwEQfEwqZRdWdkZXA-CCcgB-VQmYK4W8N8AckVwCEuVum7Z3sVggsGFZfz5Xr_97or-ii5y-dCnWN3LAEFDfUTQ7QJ7AvmnXt2vXLCPHOZ958CS1cbLHiTmT5pr6ZcxpDqW9zYpsCTQiJGL5bUbGwU5dMBNoOwobue-hPIKAs-DJqqQ/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P79%20%20CAR-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZALCsL8x82NmTvg4Q-nf0cxPbaVHvJ5pQs1o-lpXpFAOBhT_UuodogVavApiNv2ebPJvr-wM-mwgWAcETmZOpmT64ZHaeEWoalk3tw_Q6clmv1mVMks5fhMGKMzC5RZZP0FacgrFE7W78YDzjl6WAZSOqdhXRKU65tmhTfuoTAJNNpd8FvKr5BoL5/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P139C%20%20ATL-CAR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZALCsL8x82NmTvg4Q-nf0cxPbaVHvJ5pQs1o-lpXpFAOBhT_UuodogVavApiNv2ebPJvr-wM-mwgWAcETmZOpmT64ZHaeEWoalk3tw_Q6clmv1mVMks5fhMGKMzC5RZZP0FacgrFE7W78YDzjl6WAZSOqdhXRKU65tmhTfuoTAJNNpd8FvKr5BoL5/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P139C%20%20ATL-CAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>33. <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b>'s touchdowns in Weeks 8 and 14 were the first 2 of his career against the Carolina Panthers. Early in the 2nd quarter in Week 8 (photo above) Patterson, after catching a short pass on 3rd and 2 and eluding a defender at the 13-yard, easily powers through CB <b>Donte Jackson</b> at the 3 and dives into the end zone, with S Sean Chandler arriving too late to stop him. It gave the Falcons a 10-3 lead but was their only TD of the day in their 19-13 L. Then in Week 14 Cordarrelle again scores the Falcons' 1st TD of the game, on a 5-yard run on 2nd and 4 (right photo) behind excellent blocking to tie the game 7-7 late in the 1st quarter and answer <b>Cam Newton</b>'s TD run on the Panthers' opening drive. Patterson tied his career high (set 2 weeks earlier) with 16 carries and had 58 yards rushing, helping the Falcons improve to 6-7 and defeat the Panthers in Charlotte for the 4th year in a row 29-21.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkh5whDrFN5nc2mdRTeO_mpYm3MY2rLFBxIpDDj6ZJvKvZ0qKjdJO3wnvVG343QVL-jr-UfWrasWtx1QP_G3IwkipmaMfHVjDe1QBjFLt3wEHRRL9F6m0JZasrNja2YUqVABhnSbn1vpVu60Nk-KLo4k81t-UTcENiSXeG_DcJ5MwwuC0wpjr8datl/s1280/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P52%20%20DET-ATL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkh5whDrFN5nc2mdRTeO_mpYm3MY2rLFBxIpDDj6ZJvKvZ0qKjdJO3wnvVG343QVL-jr-UfWrasWtx1QP_G3IwkipmaMfHVjDe1QBjFLt3wEHRRL9F6m0JZasrNja2YUqVABhnSbn1vpVu60Nk-KLo4k81t-UTcENiSXeG_DcJ5MwwuC0wpjr8datl/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P52%20%20DET-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWyrxPweEAsYoqcrY1h0Nw_HzH52Wbr4kdqGvzmd55XjhHBxKhRsnZ4KA6nosJLuvXNdtEFij47ONxfQo4XhdSPmNrUITXOd1VkHI6H123nJrqF4MlQMKMWhqUrxN3UExmPp9ulRApMkIwWlZN3Z_sLpN-lidCkgQ8AxpgekLyUdgC8H8UIZxRjmQ/s1500/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P52A%20%20DET-ATL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWyrxPweEAsYoqcrY1h0Nw_HzH52Wbr4kdqGvzmd55XjhHBxKhRsnZ4KA6nosJLuvXNdtEFij47ONxfQo4XhdSPmNrUITXOd1VkHI6H123nJrqF4MlQMKMWhqUrxN3UExmPp9ulRApMkIwWlZN3Z_sLpN-lidCkgQ8AxpgekLyUdgC8H8UIZxRjmQ/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P52A%20%20DET-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>34. After punting on their first two drives against the Lions in Week 16, the Falcons go 54 yards on their third possession, with <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> outrunning the pursuit on a sweep left on 4th and inches and getting the ball inside the pylon for a 5-yard TD to finish the drive, although it's not recommended carrying the ball like this. Patterson's 11th (and last) TD of the season gave the Falcons a 7-3 lead early in the 2nd quarter. It was his 5th TD at home and his 1st at home that came in a game the Falcons won. For a change the defense <i>didn't</i> blow the lead late, getting an INT on 1st and goal in the final minute to hang on, as the Falcons defeated the Lions 20-16. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>HOUSES OF DREAD</div><div><br /></div><div>As for the end zones with the most touchdowns by players with dreads in a single game .... there were two of them - one not a bit surprising at all and then another a couple of weeks later that you probably wouldn't have bet on.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcfY8HBA0GpBU9Qutrktx9p-Do5dDD5ecwMdKIcYW-SmgKaK25kbDUi_PXCX75nmeyKG8kcdAlf0tBJNr6rHkqGimTaXws9CdtU1A8kd__RFZsBp_wLFpq14Y8gScdHuo_d5uJEgrsQJfq-VHcL_be9K0unNPH5nWEtnnLs1UKcG7-FYgXvX2SUlY/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%209--P5B%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1434" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcfY8HBA0GpBU9Qutrktx9p-Do5dDD5ecwMdKIcYW-SmgKaK25kbDUi_PXCX75nmeyKG8kcdAlf0tBJNr6rHkqGimTaXws9CdtU1A8kd__RFZsBp_wLFpq14Y8gScdHuo_d5uJEgrsQJfq-VHcL_be9K0unNPH5nWEtnnLs1UKcG7-FYgXvX2SUlY/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P5B%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmz8tR8kI8TRHMrGVil7a1OupNI9dfwoePzTrq9jdpdoSQs9WeYMqJ3xdkqZAcbexvvLrfcq4E0URbTzajKTwB1b3LfUlLVF728brQw5BkGct_qisf6vYxp0PuMPz7NkrHac7zWyO4uAmuqSjLJ3symakve6MbUBYD06YlA4VoVwYN6Xta1FRxG42/s965/NFL21--DEC.%209--P5%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="965" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmz8tR8kI8TRHMrGVil7a1OupNI9dfwoePzTrq9jdpdoSQs9WeYMqJ3xdkqZAcbexvvLrfcq4E0URbTzajKTwB1b3LfUlLVF728brQw5BkGct_qisf6vYxp0PuMPz7NkrHac7zWyO4uAmuqSjLJ3symakve6MbUBYD06YlA4VoVwYN6Xta1FRxG42/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P5%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>35. With the Packers and the Vikings the top two NFC teams in TD by players with dreads, you might have expected one of their games to win the honor. In fact, their first matchup in Week 11 featured 5 TD by players with dreads; but is was Minnesota's game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14 that shares the HOD award. The end zones at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis were reached by players with dreads 6 times in the Vikings' 36-28 victory on Thursday night. The first 5 of the game's 8 touchdowns were by players with dreads, and there was one more after that.<div>After both teams missed field goals on their opening drives, WR <b>Justin Jefferson</b> gets the scoring started, easily beating CB <b>Cameron Sutton</b> on 2nd and 7 and making the 14-yard reception for his 8th TD of the season. But don't expect to see any dreads in these shots. In games when Jefferson had his dreads reduced, they couldn't be seen with his helmet on; and Sutton's 1st year dreads were only barely starting to become visible outside of his helmet.</div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ60Zvbqo6c53SvFzJGCacKiIciTKVkzllt1bu1E2SjUYxnAhpU4xuBcUfRBvZq6Op8rgRZxBLp4GkpaqwF1gMXSBj43YrEtMvHsxAbw3zYVG0RLkeUvAFZyPhc0v38976PGpjfFO6mbhhNDFOLbkD6JkfCPyYK6ZEUw38JTrRT-rnBWn-nyd7tCn8/s711/NFL21--DEC.%209--P10D%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="711" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ60Zvbqo6c53SvFzJGCacKiIciTKVkzllt1bu1E2SjUYxnAhpU4xuBcUfRBvZq6Op8rgRZxBLp4GkpaqwF1gMXSBj43YrEtMvHsxAbw3zYVG0RLkeUvAFZyPhc0v38976PGpjfFO6mbhhNDFOLbkD6JkfCPyYK6ZEUw38JTrRT-rnBWn-nyd7tCn8/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P10D%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7VspQJXijxuJLPkdOGZsLo8rDtZeGE1Q3RhX7epwM6Yo1zx-3C7Vi80yW0ki701MWrhdt4ygidy5RG3yDMsCV5V1fdSyjr1Qdz_Bjp2XuveECyrCzIDT3YyDXtbzzceATsjMBtgR6q6J-MDgYLZAtO4C_V9pG1v2bOk78zERudg9NbHYH7X8FfaA/s1140/NFL21--DEC.%209--P10%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1140" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7VspQJXijxuJLPkdOGZsLo8rDtZeGE1Q3RhX7epwM6Yo1zx-3C7Vi80yW0ki701MWrhdt4ygidy5RG3yDMsCV5V1fdSyjr1Qdz_Bjp2XuveECyrCzIDT3YyDXtbzzceATsjMBtgR6q6J-MDgYLZAtO4C_V9pG1v2bOk78zERudg9NbHYH7X8FfaA/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P10%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>36. But nobody had any trouble seeing <b>Dalvin</b> <b>Cook</b>'s dreads, that's for sure. Cook had his dreads going at full blast for this game, and it turned out to be one of the best games of his career. With the score 9-0 after a FG, Cook finishes the next Vikings' drive with his longest TD run of the season, taking the handoff and immediately cutting outside and sprinting 29 yards untouched, flying the last 3 yards into the end zone. Dalvin's 5th TD of the season upped Minnesota's lead to 16-0 ..... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNXKhI0grdxP9vtaZQviGUN6R5sj_UBYoKlLDaHpeRlZl69ar7BKCceWYeosY4WwsWDFS1O-JKrwgl2ozUBRrFMiE38EeCNwc-1_ToMW6wuBfBVDUA62QR2wQqmg_yoXSv-smZOQqV1O2DLjIFBY1FjwqZNRY6kSl195Nd2xWcp-5NAfGy2TKWGQ-/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%209--P64A%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNXKhI0grdxP9vtaZQviGUN6R5sj_UBYoKlLDaHpeRlZl69ar7BKCceWYeosY4WwsWDFS1O-JKrwgl2ozUBRrFMiE38EeCNwc-1_ToMW6wuBfBVDUA62QR2wQqmg_yoXSv-smZOQqV1O2DLjIFBY1FjwqZNRY6kSl195Nd2xWcp-5NAfGy2TKWGQ-/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P64A%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>37. ..... And about 8 minutes later Cook's 6th TD of the season made it 23-0, as he goes into the end zone standing up after powering through the attempted tackle of S Minkah Fitzpatrick (#39) at the 1-yard line. Dalvin carried 6 times for 27 yards on the 60-yard drive, including the 7-yard TD run off right tackle on 3rd and 1.</div><div>And that was all she wrote for Cook as far as house calls go for the rest of the season. He had no TD in the Vikings' last 4 games (one of which he missed after testing positive for COVID), his longest stretch without scoring since 2018. But this last hurrah against the Steelers was special, as he rushed for 205 yards - 1 yard short of his career high - on 27 carries.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZTij5JPGINJS8VB3h2VzZFpNgxqP1lVELoZWzfaNz2KSsTBH6NIlnJVxXZ-xqagvKjWtlpmIJhTwqIgKzGNFTmp48KvlyOjWLYz_LQD1hGgXFiSK2KFwJ1UxUqSJNVEQPsLc94onMcErSb6TICjzyTIQ16m71motO5pn0tvjpxO4yHL4Sk2UZYsR/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%209--P32B%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZTij5JPGINJS8VB3h2VzZFpNgxqP1lVELoZWzfaNz2KSsTBH6NIlnJVxXZ-xqagvKjWtlpmIJhTwqIgKzGNFTmp48KvlyOjWLYz_LQD1hGgXFiSK2KFwJ1UxUqSJNVEQPsLc94onMcErSb6TICjzyTIQ16m71motO5pn0tvjpxO4yHL4Sk2UZYsR/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P32B%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85ZArrNMwmyGmvYCrmEIxI4NEDxtxM4Y83LTguM5ayU4z-rQnEcBqSFK1H3peXw-0IBsqEQajdMAyQXmqCfLDc2e5jqULymHbYzWSvNH4RYRDKXfLuZ5qOlP6SmFvW5zkl5ij04REpFpSTyKjvwMjHKA6hWD_sOnjafsTnItmKYASt8AeL4mzbJ4w/s1500/NFL21--DEC.%209--P32C%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85ZArrNMwmyGmvYCrmEIxI4NEDxtxM4Y83LTguM5ayU4z-rQnEcBqSFK1H3peXw-0IBsqEQajdMAyQXmqCfLDc2e5jqULymHbYzWSvNH4RYRDKXfLuZ5qOlP6SmFvW5zkl5ij04REpFpSTyKjvwMjHKA6hWD_sOnjafsTnItmKYASt8AeL4mzbJ4w/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P32C%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>38. After a couple more FGs made it 29-0 midway through the 3rd quarter, the Steelers suddenly decided that they were not going to be embarrassed anymore. <b>Najee Harris </b>gets the comeback started with a 3-yard TD catch, beating LB Anthony Barr on an out route in the left flat, making the catch just short of the goal line and falling backward into the end zone. It the the 3rd TD catch and 8th TD overall of the season for Harris.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_4ZpiRMZz-H_-JsxYItLOPLKPmN-zLDOrcgWH4fjdx2p3ehAiIsiHl20EulNY-WSUgDaRWfVdtkaLxIvsJvWTR30ZMgGWBbmuZEgVn-0hP1MWm8hQxoFo3Y0Eqnk-bB53lugSenOQ9s-BECPya2Nb9Nw0D9X94aWGtj75_oh2iy6vWlxYgjysJH1/s1082/NFL21--DEC.%209--P30A%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1082" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc_4ZpiRMZz-H_-JsxYItLOPLKPmN-zLDOrcgWH4fjdx2p3ehAiIsiHl20EulNY-WSUgDaRWfVdtkaLxIvsJvWTR30ZMgGWBbmuZEgVn-0hP1MWm8hQxoFo3Y0Eqnk-bB53lugSenOQ9s-BECPya2Nb9Nw0D9X94aWGtj75_oh2iy6vWlxYgjysJH1/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P30A%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MvInx23FMwREUeiJJOzAFFx4q_qX2_vgGY2obSVDPhPFBWlzdazKXKS7vmTXLhq9iYD9qOXPnQ8rrV_uva_of7TeCyKgsS7Gyd1TvlJJ30nO7W_SqUB5srrFw30bpAY5HOVzAwO7Em9asXdIq93CYCOPnGQ1OWk3xKenr8bssNRuZs-oyh5XWw0q/s1075/NFL21--DEC.%209--P30%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1075" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MvInx23FMwREUeiJJOzAFFx4q_qX2_vgGY2obSVDPhPFBWlzdazKXKS7vmTXLhq9iYD9qOXPnQ8rrV_uva_of7TeCyKgsS7Gyd1TvlJJ30nO7W_SqUB5srrFw30bpAY5HOVzAwO7Em9asXdIq93CYCOPnGQ1OWk3xKenr8bssNRuZs-oyh5XWw0q/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P30%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>39. Less than 3 minutes later <b>Najee Harris</b> takes another one to the house, scoring standing up (for a change) on a 1-yard line plunge on the first play after a PI penalty against the Vikings in the end zone. The TD cashed in a Vikings' turnover, and just like that it was 29-14 with still 14:49 remaining. Although <b>Dalvin Cook</b> was the star of the game, Harris made the dread stars list too, finishing with 104 total yards (94 rushing, 10 receiving).<div>Najee would score 1 more TD (in Week 17) to finish his rookie season with 10. This was the only game in which he had 2. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7ePFXWhJNLWxM7WNP2YR7gmRF8MyrgcXXsLq3ypIs0ZxqxX1_33xLmZf4GgXQgoUQhPC-pFAmk8BHmxXUNxN_2KDspBEE_dzmSsX9k64Hfj8XuFRGZXZsBWm7947Ftff4jYv8yYcQ-gRGbEF8eThDfjURE3U4GObl25T0u3Wowf6dsTlMZzoiqKV/s750/NFL21--DEC.%209--P49C%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7ePFXWhJNLWxM7WNP2YR7gmRF8MyrgcXXsLq3ypIs0ZxqxX1_33xLmZf4GgXQgoUQhPC-pFAmk8BHmxXUNxN_2KDspBEE_dzmSsX9k64Hfj8XuFRGZXZsBWm7947Ftff4jYv8yYcQ-gRGbEF8eThDfjURE3U4GObl25T0u3Wowf6dsTlMZzoiqKV/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P49C%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhOmlTfABhgsTTShr2Jfruot7CHsnSJc9stD7N9z8RhL74oG-tmowWraU-l6J1m9sL0RV3ZWDM0_od0FeWOS9-KvMLq4yz3VL3XV7t0Rogl7Sr2xvJYl5DGweBEhEdakeF10E04aSqV1KxbTLQIzcOxlvm04J3db57YUS64KK28k0pIxizkN2FCSn/s720/NFL21--DEC.%209--P49B%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="487" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhOmlTfABhgsTTShr2Jfruot7CHsnSJc9stD7N9z8RhL74oG-tmowWraU-l6J1m9sL0RV3ZWDM0_od0FeWOS9-KvMLq4yz3VL3XV7t0Rogl7Sr2xvJYl5DGweBEhEdakeF10E04aSqV1KxbTLQIzcOxlvm04J3db57YUS64KK28k0pIxizkN2FCSn/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P49B%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>40. After another Steelers TD - by a player without dreads - cut the Vikings' lead to 9 less than 3 minutes later, WR <b>K.J. Osborn</b> relieves the tension for Vikings fans a bit on the 3rd play of the ensuing possession, getting behind <b>Cameron Sutton</b>, catching the deep pass at the 15-yard line, and scoring unopposed for the game's 6th TD by a player with dreads. Of course, Sutton will tell you that Osborn pushed him down and should have been called for offensive PI, but no flag was thrown. The 62-yard reception made the score 36-20 and was Osborn's 4th TD of the season. K.J. (which I assume is short for Kendrick, Jr.), who already had his dreads reduced since his college days at Buffalo and then the U, had them reduced even more for this game, all the way down to just 4 locks.<div>The Steelers weren't done yet, but the Vikings staved off a full-blown collapse, breaking up a pass from the 12-yard line into the end zone on the final play of the game to hold on 36-28.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Steelers-Vikings game looked like a sure bet to be the sole winner of the HOD award, but then a couple of weeks later and out of the blue came another game with 6 touchdowns by players with dreads. The Week 17 game at Gillette Stadium between the Jaguars and Patriots hardly seemed like a likely candidate, and it seemed even more unlikely after Patriots RB Damien Harris scored the first 2 TD of the day. But then ...... a parade to the end zone by players with dreads, all of them Patriots. Almost.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpGEIMtb2ywrI1nFgQ-Y3UguQNFmiyimnKI0lHJtfuC_f3_YF-KXOfdleq9V0tsH3jzwmsHxMfY5bzRxt-sRxIWJjz28RbaK7OiAP4DNuMQz0YwzU2AQjjEnKRxQUhKcM2yeyFyHg4Msnzy9AWwzui7sGgV9VEevsSMZUdWpUXXECUG-Ekkq7Qczx/s2560/NFL21--JAN.%202--P19%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpGEIMtb2ywrI1nFgQ-Y3UguQNFmiyimnKI0lHJtfuC_f3_YF-KXOfdleq9V0tsH3jzwmsHxMfY5bzRxt-sRxIWJjz28RbaK7OiAP4DNuMQz0YwzU2AQjjEnKRxQUhKcM2yeyFyHg4Msnzy9AWwzui7sGgV9VEevsSMZUdWpUXXECUG-Ekkq7Qczx/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P19%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimycY6ZREYv7CcR3ddzJYO9cocb487td_Fzmb8RPVQUSs_Raj8oNYfETuLRAZ-cdZiNApZWHCV070zTd-dqWu4HzsJOBjhjsbRhGJgP0QM0Bfece2O_nkgumDGgGSuMsIghZCRI6d2kRGqNvf-IzjffNA-pKaBnkoUp91f5oqwUIS-3KhAmY7NuS_J/s1500/NFL21--JAN.%202--P19A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimycY6ZREYv7CcR3ddzJYO9cocb487td_Fzmb8RPVQUSs_Raj8oNYfETuLRAZ-cdZiNApZWHCV070zTd-dqWu4HzsJOBjhjsbRhGJgP0QM0Bfece2O_nkgumDGgGSuMsIghZCRI6d2kRGqNvf-IzjffNA-pKaBnkoUp91f5oqwUIS-3KhAmY7NuS_J/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P19A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>41. And the parade began with a TD that helped nobody's fantasy team. WR <b>Kristian Wilkerson</b>, who spent almost all of his 2020 rookie season on the practice squad and almost all of the 2021 season inactive, and who had 0 career receptions before this game, makes his 3rd catch of the day and scores his 1st career TD, beating coverage by CBs Tyson Campbell (#32) and <b>Tre Herndon</b> on a crossing route on 2nd and goal and getting both feet down inbounds in the back of the end zone as he catches the pass from QB Mac Jones. The 6-yard reception upped the Patriots' lead to 21-3 with 4:40 remaining until halftime.</div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8JhHl2Ca-8cJ6wR0ux9a54kinlcdAZGKXJaKgBFJki5zk-WhXwyxC0SNrkqlPO2Pfg1DuYbT7NQpPcSZc7BAkdJF5AmoX_KnODZA2cadu9H20_b5ESCCfO6cBWKMIK90EtaHk_kV0_8G5bHT7tydPIBuNXiqaRjQ9ywpzIZcfdRssSewZn4iDcfe/s2560/NFL21--JAN.%202--P9A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1686" data-original-width="2560" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8JhHl2Ca-8cJ6wR0ux9a54kinlcdAZGKXJaKgBFJki5zk-WhXwyxC0SNrkqlPO2Pfg1DuYbT7NQpPcSZc7BAkdJF5AmoX_KnODZA2cadu9H20_b5ESCCfO6cBWKMIK90EtaHk_kV0_8G5bHT7tydPIBuNXiqaRjQ9ywpzIZcfdRssSewZn4iDcfe/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P9A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu3PqGWyy2chBr1xx0Yo5_qGRFVKHNtOkL0vlzoifwMN7kFURR4j_2qRl45kzNirZs9AxKvkoINBEXuRVgcfEAROHCOUqWrac2sK34E3tWtiP8I0uuZe8uyJ-gItxqj-TZbOyeUCF1Wa6kn6x84G5ngNDNHat5bTKuvzk4dMG56VTDKbue_Cx392M/s2048/NFL21--JAN.%202--P56A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="2048" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu3PqGWyy2chBr1xx0Yo5_qGRFVKHNtOkL0vlzoifwMN7kFURR4j_2qRl45kzNirZs9AxKvkoINBEXuRVgcfEAROHCOUqWrac2sK34E3tWtiP8I0uuZe8uyJ-gItxqj-TZbOyeUCF1Wa6kn6x84G5ngNDNHat5bTKuvzk4dMG56VTDKbue_Cx392M/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P56A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>42. 4 minutes later the horror show continues for <b>Tre Herndon</b>, as he gets a close-up view of another New England TD after being beaten on an out route from the slot by WR <b>Jakobi Meyers</b> on 1st and goal. The 4-yard reception completed a 43-yard drive following a Jaguars turnover and made the score 28-3. It was the 2nd TD of the season for Meyers, whose dreads are too short to be seen (although you can see a tiny bit of them in the photo on the right). <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8Rr2m_oaXl8QhaAM3Q4bksME0R3yLoniOZw2S1xFOpQ155yKK4WYF8ZDWiBwu4GVX4PaZ1GgTc-OE3mcsUE5Xkncc8a27QJybFE8CAueU3FXxtNLwv4BQ_SwSzfYzJe0fCfZFklXzoj7zcO07yFcJwg6-ldcicE5ynJvJDIkJNDs63RkFvo3Lgf_/s2048/NFL21--JAN.%202--P53%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="2048" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8Rr2m_oaXl8QhaAM3Q4bksME0R3yLoniOZw2S1xFOpQ155yKK4WYF8ZDWiBwu4GVX4PaZ1GgTc-OE3mcsUE5Xkncc8a27QJybFE8CAueU3FXxtNLwv4BQ_SwSzfYzJe0fCfZFklXzoj7zcO07yFcJwg6-ldcicE5ynJvJDIkJNDs63RkFvo3Lgf_/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P53%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>43. After taking the 2nd half opening kickoff, the Patriots went 77 yards in 6 plays, the 6th play being a 20-yard TD catch by a wide open <b>Kristian Wilkerson</b>. Tyson Campbell thought the Patriots were going to throw a WR screen pass on 2nd and 2 and moved forward after the snap, leaving Wilkerson completely totally uncovered. No wonder the Jaguars couldn't beat anyone. Touchdown #2 for Wilkerson for the day made it 34-3 (the extra point was blocked), and the rout was on.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_xYG97y0PoepwM7hb4d2w2C09p6za8ZhosIconnJgc5vywRgEMmXDRY_r9mURDVEjMsmySz7n-bQZkroFtjlrTdo_tli9O5-t5ssqC7Iqe3Qhnep7hg9e5m_pL9gXsnT3Nn344GMW884VjWqOcRKAoz1D2ZKXUDOYu9OJhVQILdItBjK6RTycHFV/s1500/NFL21--JAN.%202--P80A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="995" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_xYG97y0PoepwM7hb4d2w2C09p6za8ZhosIconnJgc5vywRgEMmXDRY_r9mURDVEjMsmySz7n-bQZkroFtjlrTdo_tli9O5-t5ssqC7Iqe3Qhnep7hg9e5m_pL9gXsnT3Nn344GMW884VjWqOcRKAoz1D2ZKXUDOYu9OJhVQILdItBjK6RTycHFV/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P80A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpymmXgidqxJ8dEfgNDyQC9J3tYVyahdiMIIhHyOJf6RJnjULOPsz2Mnvgs3lFM8vnislkA0TYs8NgoQ5CDifyFR5-EKE6pytJ_KO0UQUFg-zvfuf4dLDjftDYaqQREgTkQfvMfjMPSgqkJ9fNj3M0w0SkFPMWcJMRwFWRD7iyE9tIbI00itDXwM5Z/s2048/NFL21--JAN.%202--P80%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpymmXgidqxJ8dEfgNDyQC9J3tYVyahdiMIIhHyOJf6RJnjULOPsz2Mnvgs3lFM8vnislkA0TYs8NgoQ5CDifyFR5-EKE6pytJ_KO0UQUFg-zvfuf4dLDjftDYaqQREgTkQfvMfjMPSgqkJ9fNj3M0w0SkFPMWcJMRwFWRD7iyE9tIbI00itDXwM5Z/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P80%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>44. Later in the 3rd quarter...... on the first play after S <b>Kyle Dugger</b> barely missed getting his 1st career TD - he was knocked out of bounds at the 1-yard line on an interception return - <b>Rhamondre</b> <b>Stevenson</b> scores easily on a run up the middle for his 4th TD of the season to make the score 41-3.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvdwX_3Ae2jhx7p7GDcX9SBooVvY25VCbS-pTR3XmT3UEOje8sdFUYyPfGNPp4SrgZqLcUT2ERdPzv7-21-Xeu4WtCzu84yhiJJ81yiXRdkSjdav_R96eUTuL8BXIVHtviwF9SnRZme1MQjbqhSN7Y42FzJsxMre1PQmWQ3nz3HYRPMGMErw6R6FT/s2048/NFL21--JAN.%202--P23A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvdwX_3Ae2jhx7p7GDcX9SBooVvY25VCbS-pTR3XmT3UEOje8sdFUYyPfGNPp4SrgZqLcUT2ERdPzv7-21-Xeu4WtCzu84yhiJJ81yiXRdkSjdav_R96eUTuL8BXIVHtviwF9SnRZme1MQjbqhSN7Y42FzJsxMre1PQmWQ3nz3HYRPMGMErw6R6FT/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P23A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>45. The Patriots made it 44-3 on their next drive then went 74 yards in 7 plays on the one after that, with <b>Rhamondre Stevenson</b> finishing things again with a 6-yard run around left end on 2nd and 2, beating the pursuit of Tyson Campbell and into the left front corner of the end zone to make it 50-3 midway through the 4th quarter. Rhamondre finished the game with a season high 107 yards rushing on 19 carries to make the dread stars list for the second time. This was 5th and last TD of the season. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRsoH4gmZmJlik66XFWCGu5YA2pFx9LQL0uhOk10D_RFAr5zUEt5kAmZFZSQm5ytiXNGergTvdOwjUao2RS7Y2KPpNKNatmHRIMLLL5ERPtAAjRt_kg6tvFUKrZP0s_f9qCDPamJVht9VTyyOgr6hQAJxoW488aq1J0sOmKrdR6Yn5IeJKm6gh5_G/s1069/NFL21--JAN.%202--P24B%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1069" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRsoH4gmZmJlik66XFWCGu5YA2pFx9LQL0uhOk10D_RFAr5zUEt5kAmZFZSQm5ytiXNGergTvdOwjUao2RS7Y2KPpNKNatmHRIMLLL5ERPtAAjRt_kg6tvFUKrZP0s_f9qCDPamJVht9VTyyOgr6hQAJxoW488aq1J0sOmKrdR6Yn5IeJKm6gh5_G/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P24B%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHhY5jLfcv1f_JyB85Ipf7KQpYWRC40IVINPUhGhmPPkwaHplrH50F7WmB0tkpp6Avm2tNd3spTZMWlcxBfnddcCXOPfIi25piC_YS1lgrB4nCv9iSHjnedNeMxkZY2yAXtSIWs_wk5948BBHO7UooCYjgAfdtUXP5zg-SWZDUZvVX6JLO8nD_L-N/s1034/NFL21--JAN.%202--P24E%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1034" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHhY5jLfcv1f_JyB85Ipf7KQpYWRC40IVINPUhGhmPPkwaHplrH50F7WmB0tkpp6Avm2tNd3spTZMWlcxBfnddcCXOPfIi25piC_YS1lgrB4nCv9iSHjnedNeMxkZY2yAXtSIWs_wk5948BBHO7UooCYjgAfdtUXP5zg-SWZDUZvVX6JLO8nD_L-N/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P24E%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>46. The Jaguars didn't leave town empty handed, finally getting a TD on their next drive, as RB <b>Dare</b> <b>Ogunbowale</b> makes it 6 TD in a row by players with dreads, easily avoiding S Devin McCourty's last-gasp attempt to stop him at the goal line and scoring on a 28-yard catch and run on a screen pass on 2nd and 10. Ogunbowale has long dreads that are usually easily seen with his helmet on. But for this game he had them stifled so much that you could barely seen any of them. It was Dare's 2nd and last TD of the season. Final score: 50-10.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.<div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66h6ErjyCtl-GtOjDgisYlekrttSgUo3BHvVUtDyNYPrbSd4cPVLJHeUaiNWw5Kc1nhoCQ2fHeNkePa050MU-vdTzM8MA9BJ485CfW6ag5QozO_Sy1S7i-NdX73PRTy1luxi3WFGNf2Yn9XWBxNVPzXwuT_dxf374Xm44nXTzZ9rQ2et5UkeLgVdd/s999/NFL21--OCT.%203--P93E%20%20CLEVE-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="999" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66h6ErjyCtl-GtOjDgisYlekrttSgUo3BHvVUtDyNYPrbSd4cPVLJHeUaiNWw5Kc1nhoCQ2fHeNkePa050MU-vdTzM8MA9BJ485CfW6ag5QozO_Sy1S7i-NdX73PRTy1luxi3WFGNf2Yn9XWBxNVPzXwuT_dxf374Xm44nXTzZ9rQ2et5UkeLgVdd/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P93E%20%20CLEVE-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAan98FTmcBhhEEGDrP690UuC0moOyzaULULJr1j5VrILpbHRlCuCkn_8J0MkQfRMu-2TZFb2iP4IV8aC_lrODn9q0mvjgkaLm_Mi4eIxwltb4zVSytU8qQ4sUCKAVuqxYN_-QfumqEsI5hqkftSw_rS3G1dENDc7u-Pe58lJnuQe3k3fP48g3evJ/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2024--P40B%20%20NYJ-NE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAan98FTmcBhhEEGDrP690UuC0moOyzaULULJr1j5VrILpbHRlCuCkn_8J0MkQfRMu-2TZFb2iP4IV8aC_lrODn9q0mvjgkaLm_Mi4eIxwltb4zVSytU8qQ4sUCKAVuqxYN_-QfumqEsI5hqkftSw_rS3G1dENDc7u-Pe58lJnuQe3k3fP48g3evJ/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2024--P40B%20%20NYJ-NE.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div>47. Not only in Weeks 14 and 17, but also for the entire season the end zones at U.S. Bank Stadium and Gillette Stadium had the most touchdowns by players with dreads - 19 each. Including these two. In Week 4 at Minneapolis <b>Kareem Hunt</b> gets a faceful of the leg of Xavier Woods (left photo) as he scores the Browns' only TD of the game on a 1-yard plunge late in the 2nd quarter. A 2-point conversion after the TD put the Browns ahead (to stay) 8-7. Hunt finished with 69 yards rushing on 14 carries in Cleveland's 14-7 win. At New England in Week 7 RB <b>Brandon Bolden</b> gets his 1st TD of the season, tightroping the last 3 yards down the sideline (right photo) as he takes a screen pass 15 yards to the house on 3rd and 7, increasing the Patriots' lead over the Jets to 24-7 in the 2nd quarter. Bolden led the team in receiving with 6 catches for 79 yards as the Patriots rolled over the Jets 54-13. </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFA4y4H_z0zE3WKSrDlhYVf_Op3k_pF4SNTlz9L2MSveXWDPN1wy_xipIS4eWCcUxH6j_3-iSlFAeR8Y0DWs_yoyefU6HBEBtioQblL-cJWjkQcoiKOGFnhdWjVtqVwlf1gTFS2CRPIVa0RMpnJBFXsaqNvJdEuoBw-pDnCfCdpQgC0dI2dFKYOdx/s952/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P26B%20%20LAR-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="952" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFA4y4H_z0zE3WKSrDlhYVf_Op3k_pF4SNTlz9L2MSveXWDPN1wy_xipIS4eWCcUxH6j_3-iSlFAeR8Y0DWs_yoyefU6HBEBtioQblL-cJWjkQcoiKOGFnhdWjVtqVwlf1gTFS2CRPIVa0RMpnJBFXsaqNvJdEuoBw-pDnCfCdpQgC0dI2dFKYOdx/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P26B%20%20LAR-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMIf_eV1qcfJqEzYarJoQVttoRzPcEJdRwlVSamMg53_vFM2WZKEtH_LSAoYBhK7F089Or8DTsZCxTaX8x7V2I4vAA0E4dV3p9fosd5BBXainZBUcRWuiC81Es3j0-rCu18TWgivgyxbg_6Ihk_M_Jh4xSf3oe4as0Q2iOTSa1STR8B9hfv7iVXmi/s1013/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P26C%20%20LAR-MINN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1013" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMIf_eV1qcfJqEzYarJoQVttoRzPcEJdRwlVSamMg53_vFM2WZKEtH_LSAoYBhK7F089Or8DTsZCxTaX8x7V2I4vAA0E4dV3p9fosd5BBXainZBUcRWuiC81Es3j0-rCu18TWgivgyxbg_6Ihk_M_Jh4xSf3oe4as0Q2iOTSa1STR8B9hfv7iVXmi/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P26C%20%20LAR-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>48. Most touchdowns by the home team's players with dreads were (once again) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Here in Week 16 <b>K.J. Osborn</b> beats press coverage by Rams CB Darious Williams on 2nd and goal and catches the pass from QB Kirk Cousins for a 6-yard TD, cutting the Rams' lead to 27-20 midway through the 4th quarter. Osborn finished with 5 catches for 68 yards, but the Rams held on to win 30-23. The Vikings had 14 TD at home by players with dreads, with K.J. scoring 3 of them. In 2nd place were the 12 TD at Lambeau Field by the Packers' players with dreads and the 12 scored by the Titans' players with dreads at Nissan Stadium. </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBw_dCrpnGK5ahF1X1YGdb448QQn2efhGJrQRCDYg1T9ZIJl54apCV6dZrB2qwkv_vDk-5gD6j7aeBNA6eTcmr3ZpCiYs00-9B-vZ9YmQSUef9ENEax7qqWwkHnayttK0dYc7Uahbhfxv97710Bievt8scIJrHi0xS53W5_hrElD2h4cUCfwdIzsyF/s1000/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P72A%20%20NO-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="857" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBw_dCrpnGK5ahF1X1YGdb448QQn2efhGJrQRCDYg1T9ZIJl54apCV6dZrB2qwkv_vDk-5gD6j7aeBNA6eTcmr3ZpCiYs00-9B-vZ9YmQSUef9ENEax7qqWwkHnayttK0dYc7Uahbhfxv97710Bievt8scIJrHi0xS53W5_hrElD2h4cUCfwdIzsyF/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P72A%20%20NO-NE.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKDSTju8hfuWKSKXUHKNGhut5bOMoFwPyUYqMeZW31D_YRPGF5h-0r49dBW_DczsRBEhQsFvjFcnkaeegHPcj2BPgFgdQS4OD1EQP9-NbeUWNhksmVtQxBsFUc0HvJoU9gQt6Wg_WiL9UHAbE_bGVwWtycDJVF97NcWT8YPZ-D7-koqBdSnc17PNZ/s1250/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P73C%20%20NO-NE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="923" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKDSTju8hfuWKSKXUHKNGhut5bOMoFwPyUYqMeZW31D_YRPGF5h-0r49dBW_DczsRBEhQsFvjFcnkaeegHPcj2BPgFgdQS4OD1EQP9-NbeUWNhksmVtQxBsFUc0HvJoU9gQt6Wg_WiL9UHAbE_bGVwWtycDJVF97NcWT8YPZ-D7-koqBdSnc17PNZ/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P73C%20%20NO-NE.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>49. There was a 3-way tie for the end zone with the most TD by the visiting team's players with dreads, with Gillette Stadium being one of the three. In Week 3 1st half touchdown receptions by RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b> and WR <b>Marquez Callaway</b> gave the Saints a 14-0 lead that they did not relinquish. On 3rd and 7 from the 11-yard line the Patriots leave Kamara wide open over the middle and, after catching the pass at the 6, he eases into the end zone (left photo) to begin the game's scoring midway through the 1st quarter. But Callaway didn't have it so easy on his TD. On 3rd and goal from the 7 late in the 2nd quarter QB Jameis Winston, about to be sacked by <b>Kyle Dugger</b>, throws one up for grabs, and Callaway, after making a leaping catch against CB Jonathan Jones, lands with both feet inbounds in the back of the end zone for his 1st career TD. </div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwWhShjcQGc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwWhShjcQGc</a><br /></div><div>After the game Winston admitted he was trying to throw the ball away; but it didn't go far enough to go out of bounds, instead winding up in the hands of Callaway. Marquez finished with 4 catches for 41 yards; Kamara had 118 total yards; and the Saints won a road game against the Patriots for the first time in 26 years, 28-13.</div><div><br /></div><div>These were 2 of the 9 visiting team TD by players with dreads against the Patriots ....... </div><div> </div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDHn4bXXzGAMb15hLm5geHgIYA9ClMn4QGaaaL7mNgpjn13Ph9QM470kdaC3xEJwr_P_q_ztDo1pPT9g7ttdpALu0imwJ6qtxWxLhfwKjdgDb3KdyLyJKmmVPCdb-Yh61apCpRfgnJarzOeZZ4Vzw6I2GKqnuTPYllKf6LDGcKjr-io6YsZpGYhVg/s2100/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P108%20%20BUFF-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDHn4bXXzGAMb15hLm5geHgIYA9ClMn4QGaaaL7mNgpjn13Ph9QM470kdaC3xEJwr_P_q_ztDo1pPT9g7ttdpALu0imwJ6qtxWxLhfwKjdgDb3KdyLyJKmmVPCdb-Yh61apCpRfgnJarzOeZZ4Vzw6I2GKqnuTPYllKf6LDGcKjr-io6YsZpGYhVg/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P108%20%20BUFF-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjidJP9fEmzRci_j24sTLv0kmKW0CQxDJuOuDsiaR1SyPMa64t9jJfM_iz4GEEShGxGBm6HFIWanu14IKY-6p-hgiafglSJ9O3Sqgg0nQd4V9MixPfajmpOKLfQkvS53xHnbmQOdV5ny1x6JzlQqqtHeTxYlhI_Ve0aD5oG-6CoP-pseqhey1noqcG/s990/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P105%20%20BUFF-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="990" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjidJP9fEmzRci_j24sTLv0kmKW0CQxDJuOuDsiaR1SyPMa64t9jJfM_iz4GEEShGxGBm6HFIWanu14IKY-6p-hgiafglSJ9O3Sqgg0nQd4V9MixPfajmpOKLfQkvS53xHnbmQOdV5ny1x6JzlQqqtHeTxYlhI_Ve0aD5oG-6CoP-pseqhey1noqcG/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P105%20%20BUFF-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>50. There were also 9 at Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the Miami Dolphins, and Bills RB <b>Zack Moss</b> scored the first 2 in the Dolphins' home opener in Week 2, including this one early in the 4th quarter, as he falls forward into the end zone after breaking 2 tackles at the 3-yard line. I'm sorry that you can only barely see his dreads; but that's the way it is with reduced dreads. The 7-yard run on a sweep left on 2nd and goal was Moss' 1st TD of the season, and it made the score 28-0. And he finished the Bills' next drive with a 1-yard TD run to make the final 35-0 ......</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUPhfXct8bunilrTzQKlmb5P85Y0VQ6i4nojxqbZ2_8QSK3Yhf1HEKLZn80L2zlxtWkuE3Vp8rYZHgksNTF9gQvEdnd7D8g368ALTBpW7PnYZv8xOSYv-JMUnxsIXy1dG8mj84RuuoVv9ZyJgSZojZJSFd-8Vbwy46JI9l3Cc-gYWgAHcwPHCr4eN/s1000/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P33%20%20ATL-JACK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUPhfXct8bunilrTzQKlmb5P85Y0VQ6i4nojxqbZ2_8QSK3Yhf1HEKLZn80L2zlxtWkuE3Vp8rYZHgksNTF9gQvEdnd7D8g368ALTBpW7PnYZv8xOSYv-JMUnxsIXy1dG8mj84RuuoVv9ZyJgSZojZJSFd-8Vbwy46JI9l3Cc-gYWgAHcwPHCr4eN/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P33%20%20ATL-JACK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cP_yj0Zd5WtCu68eyV_irGC-Fu-WIj47AvilFo8UDnGukT9CIhiOlUBuCG3BZStwLt7UuXm8NAhUlY95uoLyjrY01F0qqhnWrIG9lMclAY1IKqv1UvaY3o6WAVEsxQHAVclWhoD9SOPfTQsusSS20MJEHwtyFj9T9kx8nAuQuow2Yx7EPKq0GT79/s1100/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P32%20%20ATL-JACK.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1100" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cP_yj0Zd5WtCu68eyV_irGC-Fu-WIj47AvilFo8UDnGukT9CIhiOlUBuCG3BZStwLt7UuXm8NAhUlY95uoLyjrY01F0qqhnWrIG9lMclAY1IKqv1UvaY3o6WAVEsxQHAVclWhoD9SOPfTQsusSS20MJEHwtyFj9T9kx8nAuQuow2Yx7EPKq0GT79/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P32%20%20ATL-JACK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>51. And there also were 9 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> scored 2 of the 9 here in Week 12 to give the Falcons a 14-0 lead over the Jaguars in the 1st half. After his 11-yard run gave the Falcons 1st and goal, Patterson goes around the left end on the next play on a play similar to the one we saw back in photo #34 and dives inside the pylon (photo above) before his left hand touches out of bounds for a 7-yard TD run late in the 1st quarter. Then midway through the 2nd quarter on the first play after the Falcons kicked a FG but a penalty on the Jaguars gave them a 1st down instead, Patterson goes through a hole right up the middle, bounces off an attempted tackle at the 3-yard line and into the end zone (photo on right) for a 12-yard TD run. Cordarrelle had 84 yards rushing in the 1st half and finished with a career high 108 on 16 carries. The Falcons held on to win 21-14. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>WEEK 5</div><div><br /></div><div>18 players with dreads combined to make a season high 25 house calls during Week 5. Here are a few of those.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NxGMgKIza9hbhDs9zOoJ6jf3aSWi2pyyYwt65_qO_VVhfAvTJo5JkxrJ2wSVsfH5OzZAnS_VQlp13qVDTGq277UoXs80ruRC1zBYyivsoEM5ta0oD8wAtB5mFzZWkaTeTQup9TaqRvAoRtoiTjT-gw3yZOh3xMhh-GH2F9RxCK3_yd8t5gptKXPj/s1500/NFL21--OCT.%207--P4%20%20LAR-SEA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NxGMgKIza9hbhDs9zOoJ6jf3aSWi2pyyYwt65_qO_VVhfAvTJo5JkxrJ2wSVsfH5OzZAnS_VQlp13qVDTGq277UoXs80ruRC1zBYyivsoEM5ta0oD8wAtB5mFzZWkaTeTQup9TaqRvAoRtoiTjT-gw3yZOh3xMhh-GH2F9RxCK3_yd8t5gptKXPj/s320/NFL21--OCT.%207--P4%20%20LAR-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>52. RB <b>Darrell Henderson</b> is first, falling forward across the goal line after bouncing off of a defender at the 2-yard line on his 5-yard run up the middle on 2nd and 3 midway through the 3rd quarter on Thursday night at Seattle. The TD completed the Rams' 96-yard 2nd half opening drive and put them ahead (to stay) 9-7. Henderson missed making the dread stars list by 1 yard. He finished with 99 (82 rushing, 17 receiving) as the Rams defeated the Seahawks 26-17 to improve to 4-1.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-60WIKIfkBo2XQKANd8dpo4naavfDmovYoTSGvkRToOKOXGcbe6jWEnTD1_uV3Lwavql1x7vb8OwI693uTCtkMEyf9hdKnW2EgpzD3KB8SRlKbmn2_iK5vKkdiT86jTrhUu68zhHN_KH78o0b-jDf5SAOk5-Qqa-3fsnS097kirHSIh5hQTV85uxU/s2560/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P59%20%20TENN-JACK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="2560" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-60WIKIfkBo2XQKANd8dpo4naavfDmovYoTSGvkRToOKOXGcbe6jWEnTD1_uV3Lwavql1x7vb8OwI693uTCtkMEyf9hdKnW2EgpzD3KB8SRlKbmn2_iK5vKkdiT86jTrhUu68zhHN_KH78o0b-jDf5SAOk5-Qqa-3fsnS097kirHSIh5hQTV85uxU/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P59%20%20TENN-JACK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>53. RB <b>Derrick Henry</b> did <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> one better, making 3 house calls at Jacksonville during the Titans' 37-19 victory over the Jaguars. This was the 2nd of them, as S <b>Rayshawn Jenkins</b> hits him way too late to prevent his 9-yard run on 1st and goal that caps the Titans' 75-yard 2nd half opening drive to make the score 31-13. The other players with dreads in the shot are LB <b>Dakota Allen</b> (#53) and CB <b>Chris Claybrooks</b> (#27). Derrick added his 3rd TD late in the 4th quarter, making this his 2nd of 3 games with 3 touchdowns in 2021. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm6GW6MGM8eiNTZi06CB2SsiAKZN73zuR4BioKKnmN51Hi6FXk8rr2TFM0Im5rLFI20BZkbV3kqM9ii7eMhOo9BKnK40PDIIFG6TraGom7YPiApWWhrDQrXxBa7lkkigCEgNdjJR9I43NO0xW2R0PVbkL8HsSHZcQFTFLQUHequup7tfmI20fDBEl/s2560/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P40A%20%20CLEVE-LAC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm6GW6MGM8eiNTZi06CB2SsiAKZN73zuR4BioKKnmN51Hi6FXk8rr2TFM0Im5rLFI20BZkbV3kqM9ii7eMhOo9BKnK40PDIIFG6TraGom7YPiApWWhrDQrXxBa7lkkigCEgNdjJR9I43NO0xW2R0PVbkL8HsSHZcQFTFLQUHequup7tfmI20fDBEl/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P40A%20%20CLEVE-LAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmckfUPe22ixgttDv-2-lH9IHC8qKaLQdFe7E4C4iAta7FxUfinnR-7z7Nb5ENkRzbqm5eltqsjXIQeQDCZIVbtRRNfpttno5we-6bdJ9YruVL7Y7Govuw3sSYB1m1G9IibJuGYxwIXRywwUYeIlFn79wLB1vQnw5zH3pNXoFp2y6ltkM9gWJMjay/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P17C%20%20CLEVE-LAC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="2048" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmckfUPe22ixgttDv-2-lH9IHC8qKaLQdFe7E4C4iAta7FxUfinnR-7z7Nb5ENkRzbqm5eltqsjXIQeQDCZIVbtRRNfpttno5we-6bdJ9YruVL7Y7Govuw3sSYB1m1G9IibJuGYxwIXRywwUYeIlFn79wLB1vQnw5zH3pNXoFp2y6ltkM9gWJMjay/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P17C%20%20CLEVE-LAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>54. Five players with dreads scored 2 TD in Week 5. Here are the 2 by <b>Kareem Hunt</b>. On 4th and 1 late in the 2nd quarter Hunt scores on a 3-yard run up the middle (photo above) behind good enough blocking, not facing any resistance until he was already over the goal line. Kareem's 4th TD of the season put the Browns ahead of the Chargers 17-13. Then with the score tied at 35, he puts the Browns ahead again with 4:45 remaining in the game, breaking outside on a run off tackle and taking it 8 yards to the house (photo on right). Hunt finished the game a little short of the dread stars list, finishing with 89 total yards (61 rushing on 12 carries, 28 receiving). Unfortunately he couldn't enjoy his productive game. The Chargers came back with touchdowns on their next two drives to defeat the Browns 47-42.<div>And unfortunately that was all she wrote for Kareem for the season. He was injured in the Browns' next game and ended up playing in only 2 of the Browns' last 11 games after that, touching the ball only 11 times in those games and scoring no more TD.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsWXuKYrcLn5UuWbRO-NA7cZGyfM6q37wRUcPwSbi-N3N2Mi9bPDqzSq9iclYgd3JDG4VEmaukzraopfOJ93haR2ca3gDQBMgd6yDCAM5ey06iaZBhDCm0dIfOEvuzvq4vjrysHu1l0JXLtRClC570Zhs8olB4VrXCeFmWLNjk4vzGkgZ_9rlhii3/s3957/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P121C%20%20NO-WASH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2836" data-original-width="3957" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsWXuKYrcLn5UuWbRO-NA7cZGyfM6q37wRUcPwSbi-N3N2Mi9bPDqzSq9iclYgd3JDG4VEmaukzraopfOJ93haR2ca3gDQBMgd6yDCAM5ey06iaZBhDCm0dIfOEvuzvq4vjrysHu1l0JXLtRClC570Zhs8olB4VrXCeFmWLNjk4vzGkgZ_9rlhii3/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P121C%20%20NO-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwQYWV7rEN7cJxYI-Hgzv0g3T60qizCEU_ADAQfi90NzAEwaQZY7x0DdtYOJ_MIfhT9CbqpxyFya5Y0AdYj6409pOJg_L4qKi5Yx7NXibElplFKNRfglmx-ltGjJL3afiPLbrHDqB3aGEUwa9cMO-LlxuRGWTL7mUvMvUuFUOCbJn0aRvYBp72R6J/s2560/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P121AA%20%20NO-WASH.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwQYWV7rEN7cJxYI-Hgzv0g3T60qizCEU_ADAQfi90NzAEwaQZY7x0DdtYOJ_MIfhT9CbqpxyFya5Y0AdYj6409pOJg_L4qKi5Yx7NXibElplFKNRfglmx-ltGjJL3afiPLbrHDqB3aGEUwa9cMO-LlxuRGWTL7mUvMvUuFUOCbJn0aRvYBp72R6J/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P121AA%20%20NO-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>55. If you thought <b>Marquez Callaway</b>'s 1st career TD (back in photo #49) was spectacular ...... well, it was nothing compared to his 2nd. On the last play of the 1st half at FedEx Field at with the game tied at 13, Callaway runs downfield, jumps up, and easily catches the poorly-defender Hail Mary pass from QB Jameis Winston for a 49-yard TD:<div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l848eKfwp_w" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l848eKfwp_w</a> <br /><div>...... Not to take anything away from Marquez, but have you ever seen worse defense on a Hail Mary?</div></div><div>No defenders were even in position to knock the ball down. smh. That put the Saints in front 20-13 at the half and ahead to stay .....</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR60gjblptTEcH9vsmNwnxqM1DoJGfJ4JlhKkFik7WsisG22R1CnE7HHsgorAd2b8s5f278e_6jA4yiFISwbTO0etvVWX1rxD_nptQkbzUbXqmd9UFDqMlHpYNxNAWdmF0Xy7MV8_DSGBd4tLBpHiJ2O-HCIAL-TN1yz3n2EWvtIeEGgblg35HtAHf/s720/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P150B%20%20NO-WASH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="639" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR60gjblptTEcH9vsmNwnxqM1DoJGfJ4JlhKkFik7WsisG22R1CnE7HHsgorAd2b8s5f278e_6jA4yiFISwbTO0etvVWX1rxD_nptQkbzUbXqmd9UFDqMlHpYNxNAWdmF0Xy7MV8_DSGBd4tLBpHiJ2O-HCIAL-TN1yz3n2EWvtIeEGgblg35HtAHf/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P150B%20%20NO-WASH.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>56. Callaway wasn't done yet. On 3rd and 7 early in the 4th quarter he once again takes advantage of poor coverage by the WFT secondary, catching the pass for a 12-yard TD with the nearest defender, CB William Jackson, 5 yards away. That upped the Saints' lead to 27-16. Marquez finished the day with 4 catches for a then career high 85 yards. He would set a new career high again in Week 15 .....<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIArsGeim5v_SoFD9U58VcZ7MtkLMs1mtscx656gdp5x7lj_nxi_Tbp-jLq1-s3ZLfmxGEioG3qP-J94QRs8EOo39FuxAjKUFN4zS1sS25XILj8OI8AZKShbHLEdo43e0j9QFEQEYygk4qi-ENecTOnSdw8rjejPEQLHdg0ZMRIChw6WV90Ht9u57/s1003/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P148F%20%20NO-WASH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1003" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIArsGeim5v_SoFD9U58VcZ7MtkLMs1mtscx656gdp5x7lj_nxi_Tbp-jLq1-s3ZLfmxGEioG3qP-J94QRs8EOo39FuxAjKUFN4zS1sS25XILj8OI8AZKShbHLEdo43e0j9QFEQEYygk4qi-ENecTOnSdw8rjejPEQLHdg0ZMRIChw6WV90Ht9u57/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P148F%20%20NO-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzDpW_qwjW3pg2oP0gwgNdKVZLnOpaOAmc2vHh87WSEq0zo6i6APl5nHzfDU6QTckBsl5dXsD9v_Wp0_pl7PtTEs0JKjzY-J43tRe-HURFwGW419wetbP0vlXodyD8KVcWFH1vkuuvUNx_mn0696Cd78wmYq0P-OgmkFuVk4VlTJ7YBZtEJcMi4mA/s755/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P153C%20%20NO-WASH.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="755" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzDpW_qwjW3pg2oP0gwgNdKVZLnOpaOAmc2vHh87WSEq0zo6i6APl5nHzfDU6QTckBsl5dXsD9v_Wp0_pl7PtTEs0JKjzY-J43tRe-HURFwGW419wetbP0vlXodyD8KVcWFH1vkuuvUNx_mn0696Cd78wmYq0P-OgmkFuVk4VlTJ7YBZtEJcMi4mA/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P153C%20%20NO-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>57. Before and after <b>Marquez Callaway</b> scored his 2 TD, <b>Alvin Kamara</b> also scored a pair, his 3rd and 4th of the season. After WFT took a 13-6 lead early in the 2nd quarter, Kamara accounted for 35 of the 75 yards on the Saints' ensuing drive on the last 2 plays of the drive, finishing the drive with a 23-yard run up the middle on 1st and 10, jumping across the goal line (photo above) as S <b>Kamren Curl</b> arrives too late to stop him. Then in the 4th quarter after WFT cut the Saints' lead to 27-22, Kamara accounted for the last 32 yards on another 75-yard drive, with the TD coming on a 19-yard catch and run on 2nd and 8 into the front right corner of the end zone (photo on right) with 3:15 to play. The Saints held on to win 33-22. Kamara made the dread stars list for the 3rd week in a row, with 71 yards rushing on 16 carries and 5 catches for 51 yards. He also had an important 13-yard punt return in the closing seconds of the 1st half that allowed the Saints to attempt the Hail Mary pass on the next play. This was his only game of the season with 2 TD.</div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaJC6Rzq4OL31fqp6hO0tEqt3wL11Et-KXf3WRk3N9qsGtNrac_JjqFoDf6hp6YDK7utuNYgzl5vseim2g-Jw-Fug84A_BC9NyV8PMDm1OHko4etHTaccvujbeR-1ZkneU4bxP_TsaRIIecLqpG9JMsCywMBhFXThk9NXea6YSPSOvkx5oYAOz_ym/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P172A%20%20NYG-DALL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaJC6Rzq4OL31fqp6hO0tEqt3wL11Et-KXf3WRk3N9qsGtNrac_JjqFoDf6hp6YDK7utuNYgzl5vseim2g-Jw-Fug84A_BC9NyV8PMDm1OHko4etHTaccvujbeR-1ZkneU4bxP_TsaRIIecLqpG9JMsCywMBhFXThk9NXea6YSPSOvkx5oYAOz_ym/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P172A%20%20NYG-DALL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>58. After scoring the league's 1st TD of the season by a player with dreads, <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> didn't get another one until here the 2nd quarter in Week 5, as he beats CB James Bradberry on a go route on 3rd and 8, catches the perfect pass from QB Dak Prescott in stride at the 13-yard line, and cruises into the end zone holding the ball with one hand for the Cowboys' 1st TD of the afternoon and a 10-0 lead. Lamb finished with 4 catches for 84 yards. The Giants kept it close for a while, trailing by only 4 midway through the 3rd quarter before the Cowboys pulled away to a 44-20 victory. </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix79G-SOUc1msqmCsCZ-4CSBWRppiRpynVOd76GN68Tq8W9BhHOaM6zrTmAHTUTYzPQsSrY3fv_dNuNsytrZiGKDBeft0Q9B-EXtr5fBfufpBQS-yJCEAO5Uvd7Lv8kFXNb7-4KjCtF95Dzv9vwv45Jq1PpJq0yQ4p3tgDzYhZLUPP0UbYx9kqE_YQ/s4217/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P95%20%20NE-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3173" data-original-width="4217" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix79G-SOUc1msqmCsCZ-4CSBWRppiRpynVOd76GN68Tq8W9BhHOaM6zrTmAHTUTYzPQsSrY3fv_dNuNsytrZiGKDBeft0Q9B-EXtr5fBfufpBQS-yJCEAO5Uvd7Lv8kFXNb7-4KjCtF95Dzv9vwv45Jq1PpJq0yQ4p3tgDzYhZLUPP0UbYx9kqE_YQ/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P95%20%20NE-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_JYOFOZC44VV6cwcFcCOPtQh9iPNF4PFS-H78GJewE7shYmK8v2J5U7eqioYvDgBUh3SjnaK6zJZlopbvUjQ7ywNph-Ra1Xo7DvCWcpjiqT1X8PKmE9ydxOFHRxK_fcN4USR3Pe5TBZJCyz_iEkmZffxjwiFgcuJ9p9gmY5CgBrGbplAvMEduB1F/s1024/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P98A%20%20DEN-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_JYOFOZC44VV6cwcFcCOPtQh9iPNF4PFS-H78GJewE7shYmK8v2J5U7eqioYvDgBUh3SjnaK6zJZlopbvUjQ7ywNph-Ra1Xo7DvCWcpjiqT1X8PKmE9ydxOFHRxK_fcN4USR3Pe5TBZJCyz_iEkmZffxjwiFgcuJ9p9gmY5CgBrGbplAvMEduB1F/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P98A%20%20DEN-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>59. WRs <b>Chris Conley</b> and <b>Chase Claypool</b> both scored 2 TD in 2021 and both scored their 1st of the season in Week 5. At Houston early in the 3rd quarter and 2 plays after a <b>Lonnie Johnson</b> INT gave the Texans excellent field position, the Texans run a trick play and Conley gets behind Joejuan Williams, catches the pass in stride at the 8 and tumbles into the end zone (photo above) for a 37-yard TD, increasing Houston's lead to 22-9. Conley finished with 3 catches for a season high 84 yards, but the Texans couldn't hold the lead. The Patriots scored the last 16 points of the game to win 25-22 and drop the Texans to 1-4 (on their way to 1-8). At Heinz Field Claypool made the dread stars list for the only time all season, finishing with 5 catches for a career high 130 yards, including this big 18-yard reception on 3rd and 10 late in the 3rd quarter for the Steelers' last TD of the game, as S Justin Simmons pushes him to the ground - to no avail - after he makes a leaping catch. It upped the Steelers' lead to 24-6, and they survived a comeback by the Broncos, holding on to win 27-19. <br /> </div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX3Ipf4qKDKePQFdqquToC28vmFy0f6rt2hY1zzCB-7YC4VvZRYUveGB6B0UobgWCMXW3LiV8MLZvgy-T4nPOcU8I_nr2rWjb_uKVZ15EutUfFIoy6wJzSOW_L8iY1LRIGrukcpCWbBzG_LLX2UuVyHbY7pPVQ5NawrcHaG4Nt-x2Mu4knnilEFP_/s3000/NFL21--OCT.%2011--P18E%20%20IND-BALT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1837" data-original-width="3000" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX3Ipf4qKDKePQFdqquToC28vmFy0f6rt2hY1zzCB-7YC4VvZRYUveGB6B0UobgWCMXW3LiV8MLZvgy-T4nPOcU8I_nr2rWjb_uKVZ15EutUfFIoy6wJzSOW_L8iY1LRIGrukcpCWbBzG_LLX2UuVyHbY7pPVQ5NawrcHaG4Nt-x2Mu4knnilEFP_/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2011--P18E%20%20IND-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>60. And finally, <b>Marquise Brown</b> is last, scoring the last of the 25 TD by players with dreads in Week 5 on the last play of Week 5. After a missed FG attempt by the Colts at the end of the 4th quarter sent the game into overtime, the Ravens end it on the first possession of OT, as Brown finds an opening in the Colts' zone defense on 2nd and goal and catches the pass from Lamar Jackson in the front of the end zone, with S George Odum too far away to defend it. The 5-yard reception was Brown's 2nd TD of the game and 5th of the season. Marquise was one of 15 players that made a very crowded Week 5 dread stars list, finishing with 9 catches for 125 yards and helping the Ravens come back from a 22-3 deficit to defeat the Colts 31-25.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>WORKIN' OVERTIME <br /><div><br /></div></div><div>There were 8 games in 2021 that ended on touchdowns in overtime, and Marquise Brown was not the only player with dreads who had one of them. Three other WRs with dreads made overtime house calls, and unlike Brown's TD, all of theirs sent the home fans home unhappy. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiousgpRBHVg7TNXQtFTj_hwkrfmLEfIN9h8Dw6YQNBC2ldtEjb-y5Xb8VKhjv9f37AyWsNN6zJxEruWzAoP3VDglyQ14a01FfmpGvfP0TXSvzRLIpQtq7ok0CBpEKXtq07xmmnlSquBMXe1LXGOjsecW8k0TvjZodSHWgrvr-w7X3HXD6upvqlfSdz/s3600/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P23D%20%20MINN-CAR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1718" data-original-width="3600" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiousgpRBHVg7TNXQtFTj_hwkrfmLEfIN9h8Dw6YQNBC2ldtEjb-y5Xb8VKhjv9f37AyWsNN6zJxEruWzAoP3VDglyQ14a01FfmpGvfP0TXSvzRLIpQtq7ok0CBpEKXtq07xmmnlSquBMXe1LXGOjsecW8k0TvjZodSHWgrvr-w7X3HXD6upvqlfSdz/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P23D%20%20MINN-CAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpp8G49XS7KzHnaMusxHpbAazZLEHA8zcUZ65Kes4uVuncp7756EyvtMNnySy_h4AhSavf7pq3bR3tjoa4DYw72dPw-BokTQUqwWAmhAi3-Wuo-AvojwBgZByTVhH0tNOpfcar-8iCyizVk7j2I3A4F6H0IIOPgo1G8x1429KBw-3S5i__JBvKOSG/s1074/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P23H%20%20MINN-CAR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1074" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpp8G49XS7KzHnaMusxHpbAazZLEHA8zcUZ65Kes4uVuncp7756EyvtMNnySy_h4AhSavf7pq3bR3tjoa4DYw72dPw-BokTQUqwWAmhAi3-Wuo-AvojwBgZByTVhH0tNOpfcar-8iCyizVk7j2I3A4F6H0IIOPgo1G8x1429KBw-3S5i__JBvKOSG/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P23H%20%20MINN-CAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>61. At Charlotte in Week 6, after the Vikings blew a 28-17 lead in the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter and then missed a FG at the end of the quarter, <b>K.J.</b> <b>Osborn</b> comes to the rescue on the first possession in OT, beating S Sean Chandler on a corner route on 2nd and 13, making the catch at the 2-yard line, and getting the ball inside the pylon for the TD while Chandler desperately tries to push him out of bounds: <a href="https://www.vikings.com/video/osborn-hauls-in-27-yard-game-winning-touchdown-from-cousins-in-ot" target="_blank">https://www.vikings.com/video/osborn-hauls-in-27-yard-game-winning-touchdown-from-cousins-in-ot</a> <br /><div>The 27-yard TD was K.J.'s 2nd TD of the season, and he couldn't get his helmet off fast enough. He finished the afternoon with 6 catches for 78 yards as the Vikings improved to 3-3, defeating the Panthers 34-28.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFS32jI7A-ZdafCPgkNd2PXDunEJBDE0cSRxP-RvXyBOIZXFYfcGe4JZIkbxcKPgEF9hou9e8Gc_j0fsv8SLTwYEhKCpMJGlEgrFBUBY7QBpc4XFoFHAhbevb4K6fQnJi3TndAclCcyMaMhccXm-Nf4UwjNZjMgCvaCc69B21_dIqxgGHLG5zidMX/s3921/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P6F%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2614" data-original-width="3921" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFS32jI7A-ZdafCPgkNd2PXDunEJBDE0cSRxP-RvXyBOIZXFYfcGe4JZIkbxcKPgEF9hou9e8Gc_j0fsv8SLTwYEhKCpMJGlEgrFBUBY7QBpc4XFoFHAhbevb4K6fQnJi3TndAclCcyMaMhccXm-Nf4UwjNZjMgCvaCc69B21_dIqxgGHLG5zidMX/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P6F%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDioaqDCtFITgHsuzNipC-rjG7U2_JVP00FkiWXTcxIoPsCHK25lMH7tEaWdNba6d5klImOL9gBcQqY5LJhTZ6U32k3EigqsNb09buVJGnRjeupUcFr05D5t3yiO8E4wi_3uAdCCKBR7Y9Z5gNKsA2ZOCpd7KqJeYJ1ARHJltx0ZJVHFIdfgeZ-tTi/s2560/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P6D%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="2560" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDioaqDCtFITgHsuzNipC-rjG7U2_JVP00FkiWXTcxIoPsCHK25lMH7tEaWdNba6d5klImOL9gBcQqY5LJhTZ6U32k3EigqsNb09buVJGnRjeupUcFr05D5t3yiO8E4wi_3uAdCCKBR7Y9Z5gNKsA2ZOCpd7KqJeYJ1ARHJltx0ZJVHFIdfgeZ-tTi/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P6D%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>62. A little more than 3 hours after <b>K.J. Osborn</b> spoiled the day for Panthers fans, <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> did this to Patriots Nation. After the Patriots punted on the first possession of overtime, the Cowboys went 80 yards in 7 plays, with Lamb taunting and tormenting CB <b>Jalen Mills</b> as he strolls into the end zone for the game-winning 35-yard TD reception: <a href="https://www.dallascowboys.com/video/dak-prescott-lofts-to-ceedee-lamb-for-walk-off-td" target="_blank">https://www.dallascowboys.com/video/dak-prescott-lofts-to-ceedee-lamb-for-walk-off-td</a> ..... After Mills belatedly (and deservedly) shoved him to the ground, CeeDee got up and waived bye-bye to Mills, a gesture that earned him a $10,000 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dka9Csfvu0k" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dka9Csfvu0k</a><div>It was Lamb's 2nd TD of the game against Mills and his 4th of the season. He finished with 9 catches for 149 yards - both career highs - as the Cowboys ended a streak of 6 straight losses to the Patriots, defeating them for the first time in 25 years, 35-29.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYnnNUSU2ESaWhCYBPW5_UXaP3KPHzprtBE_nCGipo0yYBgwWcL6E2KXHFjrGvu5vrl8FMN34f_MCGFzCoku0ZUcTfq5s47fnK5ckgZk2kHNvsKNEndEpsOuXHC9aPSmXVgdojvRRl4W23N2bLKXaQXxDfNC-UJB2l6VA2I63vXzI6lOm23lpIFLB/s2560/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P2A%20%20SF-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYnnNUSU2ESaWhCYBPW5_UXaP3KPHzprtBE_nCGipo0yYBgwWcL6E2KXHFjrGvu5vrl8FMN34f_MCGFzCoku0ZUcTfq5s47fnK5ckgZk2kHNvsKNEndEpsOuXHC9aPSmXVgdojvRRl4W23N2bLKXaQXxDfNC-UJB2l6VA2I63vXzI6lOm23lpIFLB/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P2A%20%20SF-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvRWA92GOXprSHQcb4DiS4-hDsWqIdWxJgqpVNpKzJkak72FLkZvfjhgbPx2fCgtTUgmn1d-dqoUbYHc3Y2ZD-CYOTkwfrhzWTpMUTvThHy5sx8rK_3uXCDcJDEpRqZdDIWFSR8XKhci2vhr63KKae5nXySZySp7VicJv8YMVsi3Ufni1-ZrHilaV/s2560/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P2C%20%20SF-CIN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvRWA92GOXprSHQcb4DiS4-hDsWqIdWxJgqpVNpKzJkak72FLkZvfjhgbPx2fCgtTUgmn1d-dqoUbYHc3Y2ZD-CYOTkwfrhzWTpMUTvThHy5sx8rK_3uXCDcJDEpRqZdDIWFSR8XKhci2vhr63KKae5nXySZySp7VicJv8YMVsi3Ufni1-ZrHilaV/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P2C%20%20SF-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>63. At Cincinnati in Week 14, with the 49ers trailing the Bengals 23-20 in OT after blowing a 20-6 lead in the 4th quarter, WR <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> comes to the rescue on the first play after the 2-minute warning, catching a pass in the left flat at the line of scrimmage on 1st and 10, getting past the desperation tackle attempt by S Vonn Bell at the 5 (photo above), and somehow staying inbounds and getting the ball inside the pylon (photo on right) for the game-winning 12-yard TD. Brandon didn't get to celebrate at first because the officials, believing it was impossible for him to have stayed inbounds, ruled him out at the 1-yard line. Only after a review was it confirmed that he was still in when the ball went over the goal line: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99uYlqswiNc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99uYlqswiNc</a> ....... Aiyuk's 4th TD of the season gave San Francisco a 26-23 win, leaving both teams with 7-6 records before both finished the season strong.<br /><div><br /><div>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>MORE HOUSE CALLS</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW0OU5KFs78Nc1mnSyOsfiazSoDTMgQKr9sy2hUEm6r0B0_Ljzetsdrup9kwiYHh9XGyS6_Gvkz0NRDVEZkSI0RVLDLxgCIGkvSMcmSqr5uBnJuPt6EMPqczCWbT9PBXP2W25HXGXg83MSXysmt5b4k6WFED3fXkmlrggwtUuSHtHEvs5-du9GoJk/s1500/NFL21--JAN.%2022--P1B%20%20CIN-TENN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1500" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW0OU5KFs78Nc1mnSyOsfiazSoDTMgQKr9sy2hUEm6r0B0_Ljzetsdrup9kwiYHh9XGyS6_Gvkz0NRDVEZkSI0RVLDLxgCIGkvSMcmSqr5uBnJuPt6EMPqczCWbT9PBXP2W25HXGXg83MSXysmt5b4k6WFED3fXkmlrggwtUuSHtHEvs5-du9GoJk/s320/NFL21--JAN.%2022--P1B%20%20CIN-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx_TwjZ3HwNLKi0Kc7VShs-rTUrLWIlZdU54eQUfNkqagPcmVtBJ3X8DxaNNjx_qiIYGeJT1ZiEqxxvR0NWeJ9aJm5O5haj2Po0zRio2wIsGx_U9XpDWd9qzti-9cdoB0KzAjn84dGL7nh_s-JC3LnDvjBdqZ0chIAMT2EZjgaROK5EopHsWMnOjK/s2048/NFL21--JAN.%2022--P1D%20%20CIN-TENN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="2048" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVx_TwjZ3HwNLKi0Kc7VShs-rTUrLWIlZdU54eQUfNkqagPcmVtBJ3X8DxaNNjx_qiIYGeJT1ZiEqxxvR0NWeJ9aJm5O5haj2Po0zRio2wIsGx_U9XpDWd9qzti-9cdoB0KzAjn84dGL7nh_s-JC3LnDvjBdqZ0chIAMT2EZjgaROK5EopHsWMnOjK/s320/NFL21--JAN.%2022--P1D%20%20CIN-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>64. Not to take anything away from <b>Davante Adams</b> and <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b>, but let's be honest about it. Had he not broken his foot during the Titans' 8th game of the season, <b>Derrick Henry</b> would have been the league's top scoring player with dreads, and it wouldn't have even been close. Even despite missing the last 9 regular season games Henry finished only 1 TD off the lead. With 10 TD in 8 games, Derrick was on pace to go well past his career high of 18 TD set in 2019. But as you might know, injuries happen in football, and his injury kept him from having what was shaping up to be an historic season.<div>After regaining health, Henry had one of the 3 TD scored by players with dreads in the playoffs, here taking the shotgun snap on 1st and goal and running off left tackle and into the end zone untouched, tying the Titans' game with the Bengals 6-6 midway through the 2nd quarter (Henry was stopped short on the ensuing 2-point conversion attempt). Derrick finished the game with only 62 yards rushing on 20 carries. It was a bitter end to the season for Titans fans. After the Titans finished with the best regular season record in the AFC, they went one-and-done in the playoffs, turning the ball over with 20 seconds to play in the 4th quarter and losing to the Bengals on a last-second FG 19-16.<div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYise-33EveGXs1-tbkdpRZsBZvS-unFxirqql7STkCuv8GPEWlACyiJxdMab18peEc24zgap8wfL06yL1ccRbeon6va0dKygnRm6NBIqlyKHF_4Nx8noZiAKY_JA9XolT-zAf9uqHXZZpMMJOva4tWK0Nt5pfeiqwBlXh7R7SHMr85ySu29-wabn/s1280/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P50A%20%20MINN-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYise-33EveGXs1-tbkdpRZsBZvS-unFxirqql7STkCuv8GPEWlACyiJxdMab18peEc24zgap8wfL06yL1ccRbeon6va0dKygnRm6NBIqlyKHF_4Nx8noZiAKY_JA9XolT-zAf9uqHXZZpMMJOva4tWK0Nt5pfeiqwBlXh7R7SHMr85ySu29-wabn/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P50A%20%20MINN-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNDmAXEOTNmZxmLn9qIziXmSbQ1QXlPKmBal7X4ZEFBTs55XFc_g5kUtF9P19wb432RBfxSNYsj1ZzuoxWWuiFq02keZ1WLUGmhJoVwBHwz4jbiPscpAJTDblh_O_8ACkMEmjKQDxCFInYWhysn642mI87xOoLF1R05GVXXlTrujL41gpmivz5mgR/s2048/NFL21--NOV.%207--P29%20%20MINN-BALT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="2048" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNDmAXEOTNmZxmLn9qIziXmSbQ1QXlPKmBal7X4ZEFBTs55XFc_g5kUtF9P19wb432RBfxSNYsj1ZzuoxWWuiFq02keZ1WLUGmhJoVwBHwz4jbiPscpAJTDblh_O_8ACkMEmjKQDxCFInYWhysn642mI87xOoLF1R05GVXXlTrujL41gpmivz5mgR/s320/NFL21--NOV.%207--P29%20%20MINN-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>65. As was listed earlier, there was a 5-way tie for 3rd place in TD scored by players with dreads. Four were RBs. The only WR among the 5? That would be <b>Justin</b> <b>Jefferson</b> of the Vikings, who followed his great 2020 rookie season with an even better 2nd season, finishing with 108 catches for 1,616 yards and 10 TD. His first of the season came in Week 2, as he gets away from the coverage of S Budda Baker on 1st and 10 and goes horizontal to bring in a 14-yard reception (photo above), upping the Vikings' lead to 20-7 over the Cardinals in the 2nd quarter. Justin finished with "only" 65 yards on 6 catches, and the Vikings, missing a 37-yard FG on the last play of the game, lost to the Cardinals 34-33. At Baltimore in Week 9 Jefferson gets the game off to a great start for the Vikings' offense on the 5th play of their opening drive, beating the Ravens' secondary deep by 5 yards on 3rd and 7, making the catch at the 8-yard line and cruising into the end zone (photo on right) for a 50-yard TD a 7-3 lead, his 2nd biggest gain of the year. But Justin was quiet the rest of the game, finishing with 3 catches for 69 yards in the Vikings' 34-31 loss in OT, 1 of 4 times they lost on the last play of the game. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V1U2evPqdV0U9d659HyXI17Zn5QJFJ3K99aXL_nrq1xJSU7pjkqZcBGfEKJcufLGBjz9TVwOGG14Icc3T2HnFwZOIvyzw4hrQiLvi8t_lsJdHvLRpwMNdbst9s31RBHI6dZZgnAdI5AD1D7qPQZwsbx-3_4vL_vMt4q4Bm5O1-xD8E-m8H4_-R1d/s1440/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P114A%20%20GB-CHI.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1440" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-V1U2evPqdV0U9d659HyXI17Zn5QJFJ3K99aXL_nrq1xJSU7pjkqZcBGfEKJcufLGBjz9TVwOGG14Icc3T2HnFwZOIvyzw4hrQiLvi8t_lsJdHvLRpwMNdbst9s31RBHI6dZZgnAdI5AD1D7qPQZwsbx-3_4vL_vMt4q4Bm5O1-xD8E-m8H4_-R1d/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P114A%20%20GB-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO-i9YhLKjTqdzBp6hDmD0v5DVcU9voQhGo7bVSFpzCY7zLa5owHhNxzozqwQlYVpWDeEiOmf5dQNiqfOY4Vzd-W9KrXusQsgIA1muR3EOfh0yHNND402EfQxf17_wVkeesFLFMpKtVcYDFCKxbpJOsrQUQagw7-6DkBDFXE32e9T4hO4m0-nB5Q2/s1440/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P92%20%20CHI-GB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="1440" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO-i9YhLKjTqdzBp6hDmD0v5DVcU9voQhGo7bVSFpzCY7zLa5owHhNxzozqwQlYVpWDeEiOmf5dQNiqfOY4Vzd-W9KrXusQsgIA1muR3EOfh0yHNND402EfQxf17_wVkeesFLFMpKtVcYDFCKxbpJOsrQUQagw7-6DkBDFXE32e9T4hO4m0-nB5Q2/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P92%20%20CHI-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>66. <b>Aaron Jones</b> also was part of the tie for 3rd place, going airborne on 2 of the 3 TD he scored against the Bears. At Soldier Field in Week 6 (photo above) Jones barely avoided one of those embarrassing moments that DeSean Jackson is famous for. After catching a pass and eluding a defender behind the line of scrimmage on 1st and 10, Aaron thinks he's by himself and <i>slows down</i> as he gets to 3-yard line, nearly getting caught from behind LB Robert Quinn before lifting off into the end zone. The 12-yard TD capped the Packers' 90-yard 2nd half opening drive and upped their lead to 17-7. Jones made the dread stars list with 110 total yards (76 rushing, 34 receiving) in Green Bay's 24-14 win. Then in the 3rd quarter in Week 14 on the first play after a Bears' turnover, Jones makes it touchdowns on 2 consecutive snaps, launching himself into the end zone (photo on right) after CB Jaylon Johnson tried to knock him out of bounds at the 2-yard line but only knocked him off balance. After finishing the Packers' 2nd half opening drive with a 3-yard TD run, Jones upped Green Bay's lead to 35-27 with this 23-yard catch and run. He finished the game with 65 total yards on only 8 touches as the Packers won 45-30, sweeping the Bears for the 3rd straight season.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3jmk9fyp1Pzs07KSbC8Bu4MCi0fvXqNI8SSmTM6I0MACtyZHk-Du60QuK00aeiK5eS4m0hn2CcUEVZgRC3PvoTGcU6FxoxwGuRseFlDy-go2PV5Z8WNm6RA2pWy6h60RdffeOdwG-XARlR2SVtoPVcJ7VEejfw0q3ZZcVSxITCjXrDm80x8BiCkP/s1143/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P38C%20%20GB-SF.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1143" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3jmk9fyp1Pzs07KSbC8Bu4MCi0fvXqNI8SSmTM6I0MACtyZHk-Du60QuK00aeiK5eS4m0hn2CcUEVZgRC3PvoTGcU6FxoxwGuRseFlDy-go2PV5Z8WNm6RA2pWy6h60RdffeOdwG-XARlR2SVtoPVcJ7VEejfw0q3ZZcVSxITCjXrDm80x8BiCkP/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P38C%20%20GB-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxdN5FomUv2QMxSDyuu45n4JqEUBnfCwV4AbN5vng5nFGGSrM_YbalmeHEfODArh0NFycKw1gOP7PS316wb-P1ap_sRxwH6qUXGeLwBEc_UTqI7TgnFFrtngT5fJWugk9owyeuI9fIU7KAZ2Q-M6WHnzLByOawFOtmyWCCmENaGWMuYVryU09v2HF/s2243/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P35A%20%20GB-SF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2243" data-original-width="1638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxdN5FomUv2QMxSDyuu45n4JqEUBnfCwV4AbN5vng5nFGGSrM_YbalmeHEfODArh0NFycKw1gOP7PS316wb-P1ap_sRxwH6qUXGeLwBEc_UTqI7TgnFFrtngT5fJWugk9owyeuI9fIU7KAZ2Q-M6WHnzLByOawFOtmyWCCmENaGWMuYVryU09v2HF/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P35A%20%20GB-SF.jpeg" width="234" /></a></div>67. Other than the house of dread winners (featured in photos #35-46) the only other game that had TD scored by 4 different players with dreads was the Sunday night game in Week 3 between the Packers and 49ers - one in each quarter. And, of course, it was the usual suspects for the Packers. After getting a FG on their opening drive, the Packers went 80 yards in 7 plays on their 2nd drive. After converting a 3rd and 6 with a 14-yard reception to the 1-yard line on the preceding play, <b>Davante Adams</b> gets the 1-yard TD reception (left photo) to make it 10-0, getting open on a pick play, making the catch, and trotting into the end zone for his 1st TD of the season. The lead grew to 17-0 a minute before halftime after <b>Aaron</b> <b>Jones</b> finished an 87-yard drive with this 3-yard run on 2nd and goal (right photo) for his 5th TD of the season, sliding left to avoid traffic and scoring standing up. Jones barely missed making the dread stars list, finishing with 96 total yards (82 rushing, 14 receiving). Adams killed the 49ers in this game with 12 catches for 132 yards - a problem they fixed when the two teams met again in Week 20 ......<div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_4NYrPvmjlb5TO9H4f55HNOXWBW4NQrnlGrfRmKZtXk_Dmk7d997gKu71T10mu-DPYnb0D_Jnl6jLCODSJE__sfKkVONUDaWPPfrjtdwjeVo0U-d8JX2wE1W7CdzD5m6p6SlJpeMzDjzz5skC0spF9HCCMQXr6p_PDPc0MRIk3AYUJiAWy1MQtdX/s2560/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P41A%20%20GB-SF.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1866" data-original-width="2560" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_4NYrPvmjlb5TO9H4f55HNOXWBW4NQrnlGrfRmKZtXk_Dmk7d997gKu71T10mu-DPYnb0D_Jnl6jLCODSJE__sfKkVONUDaWPPfrjtdwjeVo0U-d8JX2wE1W7CdzD5m6p6SlJpeMzDjzz5skC0spF9HCCMQXr6p_PDPc0MRIk3AYUJiAWy1MQtdX/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P41A%20%20GB-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin48zi4-zxdKmI3mKchV-EnyDKK8BX3PbotugoBpX6fL2ryWzFIZcbbPJy69mMADhRXr3AITxdTkPNWhyXg645bTu2NkGgwPv8ZuM9x26qEkLdcriZ3gIaRev6Wi6DKyVFNQApYFwLMqsLyzaML3Jfy4sLP9KNJStMAMfUgEx0Kxn7XVVtIaVf-n8z/s1143/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P43A%20%20GB-SF.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1143" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin48zi4-zxdKmI3mKchV-EnyDKK8BX3PbotugoBpX6fL2ryWzFIZcbbPJy69mMADhRXr3AITxdTkPNWhyXg645bTu2NkGgwPv8ZuM9x26qEkLdcriZ3gIaRev6Wi6DKyVFNQApYFwLMqsLyzaML3Jfy4sLP9KNJStMAMfUgEx0Kxn7XVVtIaVf-n8z/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P43A%20%20GB-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>68. After the 49ers got on the board with a TD on the final play of the 1st half, the comeback continues on their opening drive of the 2nd half. <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> finishes the 83-yard drive with his 1st TD of the season, maintaining control of the ball before and after hitting the ground (photo above) despite CB Jaire Alexander's attempt to strip it from him after catching the pass from QB Jimmy Garoppolo on 3rd and goal. The 8-yard reception made it 17-14 midway through the 3rd quarter. Then after the Packers regained a 10-point lead early in the 4th, the 49ers cut it right back to 3 on the 1st NFL TD by rookie RB <b>Trey Sermon</b>, a 1-yard dive on 1st and goal (photo on right), making it 24-21 and finishing an 81-yard drive. It turned out to be Sermon's only TD of the season. He finished with 31 yards rushing on 10 carries. Aiyuk had 4 catches for 37 yards. The 49ers finally took the lead 28-27 with 37 seconds to play; but the Packers, thanks to receptions of 25 and 17 yards by Adams, moved into FG range and made the FG on the last play of the game to win the thriller 30-28. <br /> </div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBl4tUOQMTkxOVyMxMbd8p4Voo9x9bR1M1pkaEF0WYPiq2yJnNVIwHZQkmDjmfX0I_hYLZMr_0ArQFlg_wGn3hO7WFCl8J4RFqG8fGHDsMEUXeFNtmSqrufj7L8YqlVpUc9wy4VygqLVuGIQRquZrBACiIEY5DQqcDrpWkxy7oLRv53w-XXnKKxV2/s2280/NFL21--OCT.%203--P33B%20%20TB-NE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2070" data-original-width="2280" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBl4tUOQMTkxOVyMxMbd8p4Voo9x9bR1M1pkaEF0WYPiq2yJnNVIwHZQkmDjmfX0I_hYLZMr_0ArQFlg_wGn3hO7WFCl8J4RFqG8fGHDsMEUXeFNtmSqrufj7L8YqlVpUc9wy4VygqLVuGIQRquZrBACiIEY5DQqcDrpWkxy7oLRv53w-XXnKKxV2/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P33B%20%20TB-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv18CnFL5wXA7dPPWpNeI3SGkM2-iROrq8QHnJCnvbTElQ2UvuQGvZsVxX7j_v5x56ehk0vfEix5lkXectKhJs2knp7Ji7eLuT0EYFGEqHFXWvYfPmYUFPOTKodyU1cP2qAOxVg42VOa1Ipo9GVnjfHS6PF5BJKTI_EtR8qnqnGLsuTjHSf56FqGz/s1072/NFL21--NOV.%2022--P1%20%20NYG-TB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1072" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv18CnFL5wXA7dPPWpNeI3SGkM2-iROrq8QHnJCnvbTElQ2UvuQGvZsVxX7j_v5x56ehk0vfEix5lkXectKhJs2knp7Ji7eLuT0EYFGEqHFXWvYfPmYUFPOTKodyU1cP2qAOxVg42VOa1Ipo9GVnjfHS6PF5BJKTI_EtR8qnqnGLsuTjHSf56FqGz/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2022--P1%20%20NYG-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>69. After scoring a total of 14 TD for the Buccaneers in the previous 2 seasons, RB <b>Ronald</b> <b>Jones</b> had only 4 in 2021; and 3 of the 4 were scored just inside the pylon. On Sunday night in Week 4 Jones makes the last of 17 house calls by players with dreads for the week, taking a run off right tackle 8 yards into the end zone (photo above) despite S Devin McCourty's efforts to stop him. It was Jones' 1st TD of the season and put the Bucs ahead of the Patriots 13-7 late in the 3rd quarter. It also was the Bucs' only TD of the night; but thanks to 4 FG they were able to edge the Patriots 19-17. Ronald also scored the last of 17 TD by players with dreads in Week 11 (hey, I'm not making this up - it's true), breaking a 10-10 tie with 5:06 to play until halftime and putting Tampa Bay ahead to stay with this dive inside the left pylon (photo on right) to finish a 6-yard run off left tackle on 1st and goal. The Buccaneers went on to defeat the Giants 30-10.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryR1CGDkAL8fKOVLmrKU3ucXWTtp4sQn-VYYW4FQwURCwvCec9WJNpkF8rjkO1OcBdSlXknvYK8wNkakRsZiGL7jf9FkzFlnNHHnY3d6HWg3ubxlQm_xKoOe6yyh2OFrRW9SX_W64ne86mwcpg79--nBHpobl8821Mks_AD26KVERup5AQjfntivc/s2048/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P53A%20%20ARIZ-TENN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="2048" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryR1CGDkAL8fKOVLmrKU3ucXWTtp4sQn-VYYW4FQwURCwvCec9WJNpkF8rjkO1OcBdSlXknvYK8wNkakRsZiGL7jf9FkzFlnNHHnY3d6HWg3ubxlQm_xKoOe6yyh2OFrRW9SX_W64ne86mwcpg79--nBHpobl8821Mks_AD26KVERup5AQjfntivc/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P53A%20%20ARIZ-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIYVVgCtVJkpZq-62VbUCuwtkj5lsrvAxaLCGtY9avgjpCS_UXR6d3V0vzRrE_F08MyC1LoD7V_EHB21bfCcZAiXEwGFhveqyfFMaw9-mAkUtXKCEA6apglAs5n7eFKThknJlspzQK42nOxYfYxlE1RfuAs4J5UUNDSjG_sMKwQ7EKI97f6-7pP94/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2024--P50A%20%20HOU-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzIYVVgCtVJkpZq-62VbUCuwtkj5lsrvAxaLCGtY9avgjpCS_UXR6d3V0vzRrE_F08MyC1LoD7V_EHB21bfCcZAiXEwGFhveqyfFMaw9-mAkUtXKCEA6apglAs5n7eFKThknJlspzQK42nOxYfYxlE1RfuAs4J5UUNDSjG_sMKwQ7EKI97f6-7pP94/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2024--P50A%20%20HOU-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>70. As if it weren't bad enough that <b>DeAndre</b> <b>Hopkins</b> keeps on reducing his dreads further and further, in 2021 he raised my ire even more by making them shorter too. That aside, Hopkins might very well have been the top scoring player with dreads had his season not been cut short. He had 7 TD in the first 7 games before his season was ruined by two injuries. Prior to 2021 DeAndre missed only 2 games in his first 8 NFL seasons; but he was out for 7 games last season, contributing to the Cardinals' late-season slide. Hopkins scored his team's first 2 TD of the season, the 2nd coming here (photo above), as S Kevin Byard makes the tackle too late and CB <b>Jackrabbit Jenkins</b> arrives too late to prevent his 17-yard catch and run on 2nd and 5 that made the score 17-0 early in the 2nd quarter at Nashville. Nuk finished the game with 6 catches for 83 yards as the Cardinals whipped the Titans 38-13. Then in Week 7 ..... well, you just knew DeAndre wasn't going to pass up a chance to take a bite out of the hand that once fed him. In his first career game <i>against</i> the Texans he scores on a 1-yard reception (photo on right) on 3rd and goal, taking advantage of a blown coverage that left him wide open right on the goal line. Hopkins' 7th TD of the year put the Cardinals ahead 7-5, and they went on to win 31-5 and improve to 7-0. Unfortunately this was the game in which his injury troubles began, and he managed just 1 more TD the rest of the season.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBGDI7K4DifSrzh7YbsWkxJorURwUDajc4aSK7TSXZj3A5_AGecc6TBu8bC06WHYDSV3Er-qQe0g60Sy6LzlslgtAgaTpAoY5P6Jggsy6gJACYtoUhIjgcgfs6jAVcfafe_1XO3a3VlcpOyE-QCnxKWEFUCvJII-nTb-_FyxfUNJx20Z0fZzMuSTM/s1440/NFL21--NOV.%207--P25B%20%20MINN-BALT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1440" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBGDI7K4DifSrzh7YbsWkxJorURwUDajc4aSK7TSXZj3A5_AGecc6TBu8bC06WHYDSV3Er-qQe0g60Sy6LzlslgtAgaTpAoY5P6Jggsy6gJACYtoUhIjgcgfs6jAVcfafe_1XO3a3VlcpOyE-QCnxKWEFUCvJII-nTb-_FyxfUNJx20Z0fZzMuSTM/s320/NFL21--NOV.%207--P25B%20%20MINN-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPvZKhpXw2yu3iIVr5BZtTnPcI65m_hLrMzBGMQrYWnIb_4WoJv7FdUDUOe-IJJ3vz5ONRlijotxTk5B3VyudVp8j9Ke-USl1de6P9EJ4UdLB6yB9aXMM7AE0jWLvwBsa-HnDFo4hjOTOMyQoB0SulkXNvmB_acaldmv35kO64qFB3QTPHsASXKL-/s1500/NFL21--DEC.%205--P12A%20%20BALT-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPvZKhpXw2yu3iIVr5BZtTnPcI65m_hLrMzBGMQrYWnIb_4WoJv7FdUDUOe-IJJ3vz5ONRlijotxTk5B3VyudVp8j9Ke-USl1de6P9EJ4UdLB6yB9aXMM7AE0jWLvwBsa-HnDFo4hjOTOMyQoB0SulkXNvmB_acaldmv35kO64qFB3QTPHsASXKL-/s320/NFL21--DEC.%205--P12A%20%20BALT-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>71. With his dreads still reduced but looking way better than we saw earlier, <b>Devonta Freeman</b> here scores a pair of his 6 TD - in Weeks 9 and 13. Left uncovered in the right flat on 1st and goal, Freeman catches the pass at the 2 and scores the Ravens' 1st TD of the game in Week 9 (photo above), cutting the Vikings' lead to 17-10 with 19 seconds to go until halftime. Devonta finished with a season high 79 yards rushing on 13 carries as the Ravens improved to 6-2, kicking a FG with :16 remaining in OT to defeat the Vikings 34-31. Then in Week 13 (photo on right) Freeman scores his 1st ever TD against the Steelers, as Minkah Fintzpatrick knocks him down too late and S <b>Terrell Edmunds</b> gets there too late. The 3-yard run finished a 16-play, 99-yard drive and put the Ravens in front 7-0 midway through the 2nd quarter. Devonta came closer to making the dread stars list in this game than any other but still was a bit short, finishing with 97 total yards (52 rushing, 45 receiving) on 19 touches. But the Ravens lost, 20-19, on a failed 2-point conversion with 12 seconds left in the game. <br /><div>With the 6 TD, Freeman accounted for half of the Ravens' touchdowns by players with dreads. And the other half? .......</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaoZg0msFw3Bhu9OOvC22kt0uvysCk63XznU_kaOCRUQwVj3J9NLuLg-DR9ukODKZL8X9OTpBMe_7yi2advqDEoc6TLPpeEW7Ioo0TxDoAcE3ekOCzdzx4VgdLhtmKo9zQ9-EQpOIhXgQi0-W_fV4p6j2ahG-IrIZEQfWL9qK3A2AaGAv7Cr1jCab/s1072/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P87A%20%20KC-BALT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1072" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaoZg0msFw3Bhu9OOvC22kt0uvysCk63XznU_kaOCRUQwVj3J9NLuLg-DR9ukODKZL8X9OTpBMe_7yi2advqDEoc6TLPpeEW7Ioo0TxDoAcE3ekOCzdzx4VgdLhtmKo9zQ9-EQpOIhXgQi0-W_fV4p6j2ahG-IrIZEQfWL9qK3A2AaGAv7Cr1jCab/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P87A%20%20KC-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYdc9Wth8GoW5uh_F7g0TwHAOkWlt5d89WHG8r-Zn3gdKyw05bA3txmmRHdu1xVLAA2vgTIdz_P_w_IpIfPGmQCFKePtZqMf1J2qv9ir_u2R1-QsumaEo8MfN4mzn9M7vMka8N58ego_3qThY5MD5bA69D7UE9V6Nr87J7n91uFIEslZxTzIIUAvW/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2011--P2B%20%20IND-BALT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYdc9Wth8GoW5uh_F7g0TwHAOkWlt5d89WHG8r-Zn3gdKyw05bA3txmmRHdu1xVLAA2vgTIdz_P_w_IpIfPGmQCFKePtZqMf1J2qv9ir_u2R1-QsumaEo8MfN4mzn9M7vMka8N58ego_3qThY5MD5bA69D7UE9V6Nr87J7n91uFIEslZxTzIIUAvW/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2011--P2B%20%20IND-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>72. ..... Well, it's <b>Marquise Brown</b>. Who else? With his dreads barely long enough to be visible outside the back of his helmet, Brown had 3 TD receptions of more than 40 yards in 2021. No other player with dreads had more than 2. He also had a 39-yarder. After the Chiefs scored a TD on their 2nd half opening drive in Week 2 to take a 28-17 lead, so did the Ravens on theirs, as Brown - wide open thanks to a blown coverage - takes it 42 yards to the house (photo above) on 3rd and 4, going untouched after making the catch at the 23-yard line. Marquise made the dread stars list in this game with 6 catches for 113 in the Ravens' come-from-behind 36-35 win over the Chiefs. Then in Week 5, before he scored in overtime (photo #60), Brown gets the Ravens' comeback from a 22-3 deficit underway, burning CB BoPete Keyes on a post-corner route and making the catch in stride at the 2-yard line (photo on right) for a 43-yard TD to make it 22-9 with 56 seconds remaining in the 3rd quarter. Marquise's 125 yards receiving in the game were a season high and his most since the 147 he got in his very 1st NFL game in the 2019 season opener.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkXa8sYVPQnKuB86KHw65lPliObdKRHJ-RY7WGiuMRZISET0lDXhf5_98TgZ6YDMkMZDWDmevrZ4fuZw-8nOm6jfqMbhGRdZqTW46mgxIG1_Elt1guEtdRv-CdQIaKoyFCzLTSiriM1hAqAnJK31UD6_Mau9EGJzAxdajiuBkUP2wyUTqYWTrf2cc/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%203--P104A%20%20BALT-DEN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkXa8sYVPQnKuB86KHw65lPliObdKRHJ-RY7WGiuMRZISET0lDXhf5_98TgZ6YDMkMZDWDmevrZ4fuZw-8nOm6jfqMbhGRdZqTW46mgxIG1_Elt1guEtdRv-CdQIaKoyFCzLTSiriM1hAqAnJK31UD6_Mau9EGJzAxdajiuBkUP2wyUTqYWTrf2cc/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P104A%20%20BALT-DEN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODR7URxf4Co_bgThrspRIx3f6p2AbM8VfV-tjenhkraiZsC-fiFyF8YetbcQzYfPV87YTdJArtYdspcTPaRPiULewA9Pk548j0dz05mBl1UT2Lz-udbVdRFCxzVdYCPoh0ZB0aw-AmxzlPLuM5DatRvS-Iaj2EHmRWmiVHeX2HRcwvfApw8njO7i_/s1500/NFL21--OCT.%203--P104C%20%20BALT-DEN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODR7URxf4Co_bgThrspRIx3f6p2AbM8VfV-tjenhkraiZsC-fiFyF8YetbcQzYfPV87YTdJArtYdspcTPaRPiULewA9Pk548j0dz05mBl1UT2Lz-udbVdRFCxzVdYCPoh0ZB0aw-AmxzlPLuM5DatRvS-Iaj2EHmRWmiVHeX2HRcwvfApw8njO7i_/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P104C%20%20BALT-DEN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>73. <b>Marquise Brown</b>'s longest TD reception of the season came on this play at Denver in Week 4, as he gets way behind both Broncos safeties on 2nd and 10 and makes a sensational leaping/diving catch in the end zone, hanging onto the ball despite colliding hard with the ground:<div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1wY5mhAdNE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1wY5mhAdNE</a></div><div>The 49-yard TD broke a 7-7 tie and put the Ravens ahead to stay. Marquise finished with 4 catches for 91 yards as the Ravens picked up win #3 of their 5-game winning streak, defeating the Broncos 23-7 for their 1st regular season win in Denver in 20 years.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtLwaBapfcrkSCstKRavU4zHQCb2hBfMxrHTIZAB-IQm9gttjv3Bc63M0VMK15nOPyi3ObMu6eKiKwF-2_QI090jVrXCwnALCceJxqnj4z8oVDCe1xnCiK4ZIZ6oqUlQyCJja-9wp4pYwVZ-gArN48tbmGJjupL5gqpzy_6xbZZx0e4ApN1YIoXHs/s1500/NFL21--OCT.%203--P109A%20%20PITT-GB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtLwaBapfcrkSCstKRavU4zHQCb2hBfMxrHTIZAB-IQm9gttjv3Bc63M0VMK15nOPyi3ObMu6eKiKwF-2_QI090jVrXCwnALCceJxqnj4z8oVDCe1xnCiK4ZIZ6oqUlQyCJja-9wp4pYwVZ-gArN48tbmGJjupL5gqpzy_6xbZZx0e4ApN1YIoXHs/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P109A%20%20PITT-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCJjAajRK9HwdgWzWUzoAAOpZLo26hvky3iPRDXieZ5JQzplXQahRau-850K7eY_zNsz5vMTL-m2o0CYCx17c0EyswvNQnwsYf3SrCcVpT_-qJG9FL796Glklmf8pPJbW4LVo2qzb6C8lL0IXfGJl0j-t5x-45zr-8P_5dFavwIVJngbJ3wPNRY9H/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P101A%20%20DEN-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCJjAajRK9HwdgWzWUzoAAOpZLo26hvky3iPRDXieZ5JQzplXQahRau-850K7eY_zNsz5vMTL-m2o0CYCx17c0EyswvNQnwsYf3SrCcVpT_-qJG9FL796Glklmf8pPJbW4LVo2qzb6C8lL0IXfGJl0j-t5x-45zr-8P_5dFavwIVJngbJ3wPNRY9H/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P101A%20%20DEN-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>74. Another AFC North WR with dreads besides <b>Marquise Brown</b> had long-distance touchdowns in Weeks 4 and 5. At Lambeau Field in Week 4 (photo above) <b>Diontae Johnson</b> gives the Steelers an early 7-0 lead, beating the great Jaire Alexander deep on 3rd and 4 on their opening drive and catching a perfect pass from Ben Roethlisberger in stride at the 7-yard line on his way to the end zone: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR5vlCX2Z2s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR5vlCX2Z2s</a> ...... And if there are any Jaire Alexander fans out there, the officials usually don't call offensive PI unless the receiver uses two hands to push off. Unfortunately for Steelers fans the Steelers didn't score another TD until the Packers were ahead 27-10 in the 4th quarter. Despite Johnson's 9 catches for 92 yards, Green Bay won 27-17. Back home the following Sunday Diontae once again takes one to the house down the right sideline on the opening drive, getting behind CB Kyle Fuller for a 50-yard TD (photo on right), the longest reception of his career (his longest career TD came on an 85-yard punt return in 2019). Diontae finished with 2 catches for 72 yards as the Steelers picked up their 1st home win of the season, defeating the Broncos 27-19.<div>After scoring 6 TD as a rookie in 2019 and 7 in 2020, Johnson finished with 8 TD in 2021. Do I hear 9 for 2022?</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN99oLQEXeckpQOvpmrNNC-6LE2lI0kNnIHN_Ak0pjz_zwVhZHFkACs0OpondJ9cmQWV7L_Z6IcT2MsRN1SaxfUx9sBO4P_XBYHMBOmSfuHbaEleC7QX947nRgxuvwuKl0fakcZPrnidPY4Law-7BO9nYFtwtQoI9aTx3h4_w9IrqUf_UOI3SMvLkB/s1500/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P77%20%20TB-NO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN99oLQEXeckpQOvpmrNNC-6LE2lI0kNnIHN_Ak0pjz_zwVhZHFkACs0OpondJ9cmQWV7L_Z6IcT2MsRN1SaxfUx9sBO4P_XBYHMBOmSfuHbaEleC7QX947nRgxuvwuKl0fakcZPrnidPY4Law-7BO9nYFtwtQoI9aTx3h4_w9IrqUf_UOI3SMvLkB/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P77%20%20TB-NO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>75. From the long to the short ......<div>50 of the 300 touchdowns by players with dreads covered just 1 yard. That's 41 1-yard TD runs and 9 1-yard TD catches. This was the only one by <b>Alvin Kamara</b>. With his dreads reduced against the Buccaneers in Week 8, Kamara trots into the end zone around left end to cap the Saints' 76-yard 2nd half opening drive and avoid disaster. On 4th and goal the pitch to Kamara was high, and he juggled it and he was all the way back to the 10-yard line by the time he got control of the ball; but the play fooled the Bucs' D, and one good block on the edge allowed Alvin to score untouched. It was Kamara's 6th TD of the season and his 1st at the Superdome (before that he had 4 on the road and 1 in the Saints' "home" game in Jacksonville in Week 1), and it upped the New Orleans lead to 23-7. From there the Buccaneers rallied to take a 27-26 lead, only to see the Saints score a FG and a defensive TD 17 seconds apart in the final 2 minutes to win 36-27.</div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-iya3UCHOPbJYyDh5OrYZtP9nEnBNrM50P8el9S8E8Srz6bdNTc9LaRk9Fjmkuw3XJgurreeMG335HYpTe3MWJXaQRr2e5Lybmm_aYeU4ZVcCXMNnp1vIPkOG4e52Gm9TRDOoo13EkEztXyM_feotwC8v9pikFjuRL9gF52k0eKlHpVAUB3lGRUG/s1500/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P55%20%20LAR-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-iya3UCHOPbJYyDh5OrYZtP9nEnBNrM50P8el9S8E8Srz6bdNTc9LaRk9Fjmkuw3XJgurreeMG335HYpTe3MWJXaQRr2e5Lybmm_aYeU4ZVcCXMNnp1vIPkOG4e52Gm9TRDOoo13EkEztXyM_feotwC8v9pikFjuRL9gF52k0eKlHpVAUB3lGRUG/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P55%20%20LAR-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIeCOLDgGlXjTXvjEvNSx60rFtNEEb5JfGrJs3aopZQCNOL5SiX4Fx46wlQGXthK8JF5gt9J6t1BY1Qc0Jt4kOWFA7MidbnFhKbwkU32b1hYdPzglH3kuj1g6antL0IxEocZKXESvq83AoqyejK7UzAAlULtdqa45QLFVmc52d1HTSb5t999s5mWF/s1073/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P60%20%20LAR-HOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1073" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIeCOLDgGlXjTXvjEvNSx60rFtNEEb5JfGrJs3aopZQCNOL5SiX4Fx46wlQGXthK8JF5gt9J6t1BY1Qc0Jt4kOWFA7MidbnFhKbwkU32b1hYdPzglH3kuj1g6antL0IxEocZKXESvq83AoqyejK7UzAAlULtdqa45QLFVmc52d1HTSb5t999s5mWF/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P60%20%20LAR-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>76. After scoring 2 TD in the Rams' road win over the Giants in Week 6, RB <b>Darrell Henderson</b> scored two more in the Rams' next road game in Week 8. On 2nd and goal on the game's opening drive at Houston Henderson, after making the catch in the right flat at the 2, turns and sees nobody near him (photo above) - as LB <b>Christian Kirksey</b> is too late on his coverage (and not in the picture) - and easily scores his 6th TD of the season, a 3-yard reception. Then on the Rams' last drive of the 1st half Darrell scores a 1-yard TD run untouched up the middle on 2nd and goal (photo on right) to make it 17-0 30 seconds before halftime. Henderson finished 90 yards rushing on 14 carries as the Rams built a 38-0 lead before settling for a 38-22 victory over the Texans. Due to a variety of injuries Darrell unfortunately scored only 1 more TD during the second half of the season. And he was on IR during the Rams' playoff run until getting healthy enough to play in the Super Bowl, where he had 50 total yards on 7 touches.<div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s3QvtNMN2OK40K9hyohKbbXyzGgzUmEsCF9OSX8Y5AG6mUQClPHBMZ-TqbMlJlT_Y5eL1VoIitgwKB_Qc0qNE430zQZNNw1Mu5FpCW2qOon1FMY39TneIJMoMY_2QR44yBT3wchG_PW12qAmq_3_pU59FJdzkH3-tNYWrbvUYTnPRUoKM6pJwgVP/s1660/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P53C%20%20ATL-DALL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1660" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9s3QvtNMN2OK40K9hyohKbbXyzGgzUmEsCF9OSX8Y5AG6mUQClPHBMZ-TqbMlJlT_Y5eL1VoIitgwKB_Qc0qNE430zQZNNw1Mu5FpCW2qOon1FMY39TneIJMoMY_2QR44yBT3wchG_PW12qAmq_3_pU59FJdzkH3-tNYWrbvUYTnPRUoKM6pJwgVP/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P53C%20%20ATL-DALL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9VOT7ID8-OR-112r-bYfNR3pV4E81z5u9M8CFS6dNRBLi2vvMvIa_p0cicAN36h9EjxFVERynPPTrcW2wZTXUsIrjrN5gXPk_xBWML6PEsb9Dhe4ropJi3VjtBZaBwWjwI8BeOIGWlnxF3IRF0gwMuTgPyhCCv_9jo6JW0uuLygshev7hXSSDPGi/s1660/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P51B%20%20ATL-DALL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1660" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9VOT7ID8-OR-112r-bYfNR3pV4E81z5u9M8CFS6dNRBLi2vvMvIa_p0cicAN36h9EjxFVERynPPTrcW2wZTXUsIrjrN5gXPk_xBWML6PEsb9Dhe4ropJi3VjtBZaBwWjwI8BeOIGWlnxF3IRF0gwMuTgPyhCCv_9jo6JW0uuLygshev7hXSSDPGi/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P51B%20%20ATL-DALL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>77. <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> followed his 2-TD game against the Patriots in Week 6 with two more in the Cowboys' Week 10 slaughter of the Falcons. On 3rd and 6 on the game's opening drive Lamb, lined up in the slot, beats CB Fabian Moreau on a corner route and makes a leaping catch in the left front corner of the end zone (photo above) for a 13-yard TD and a 7-0 lead. Later with the score 21-3, Lamb scores the Cowboys' 3rd TD of the 2nd quarter, this time burning CB Avery Williams (photo on right) on a corner route from the slot for a 9-yard TD catch on 3rd and 7 to make it 28-3 with 1:10 to play until halftime. Lamb made the 4th of his 5 appearances on the dread stars list, finishing with 106 total yards (12 rushing, 94 receiving) as the Cowboys won 43-3. Rather unbelievably these were the last 2 house calls for CeeDee for the season, as he went the final 8 games of the regular season without scoring again.</div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoRjZUJP8P8DZe7sGdsFSZ0iEwEllfRKr8D6_1ok_j5dvWFfS6vLiP4hg7tK8_o3urrXqMjf4cT3EqSovM-wheul-87wiijILF6LRiTnX9cX9Qsi0XP-LHdtvYCCdxJYMSRGkN1x-7ozIqHgyCDx21_jIhTT-PsXMP0G8SSs83UY-rwNz_KhLReP8/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%203--P60%20%20IND-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoRjZUJP8P8DZe7sGdsFSZ0iEwEllfRKr8D6_1ok_j5dvWFfS6vLiP4hg7tK8_o3urrXqMjf4cT3EqSovM-wheul-87wiijILF6LRiTnX9cX9Qsi0XP-LHdtvYCCdxJYMSRGkN1x-7ozIqHgyCDx21_jIhTT-PsXMP0G8SSs83UY-rwNz_KhLReP8/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P60%20%20IND-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeMGAGChHyVnyjQ4kroXYcahUxoXHn4lwq1a006hl8b6NOXLNDtN9Gbx8gQUDxk0UAuiiBscV2hYWT-Jli_xYF_Xn00IbJTnxR6HiUj7SSYloY4E8P2561HLKTV895RadZZ0bC_SYwR0wwm7t-LEYGc9WtOgGePy9itaBIA7j2QVA8YMSwf6pU_Yb/s1400/NFL21--OCT.%203--P61%20%20IND-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeMGAGChHyVnyjQ4kroXYcahUxoXHn4lwq1a006hl8b6NOXLNDtN9Gbx8gQUDxk0UAuiiBscV2hYWT-Jli_xYF_Xn00IbJTnxR6HiUj7SSYloY4E8P2561HLKTV895RadZZ0bC_SYwR0wwm7t-LEYGc9WtOgGePy9itaBIA7j2QVA8YMSwf6pU_Yb/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P61%20%20IND-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>78. In his first 3 NFL seasons TE <b>Mo Alie-Cox</b> never had more than 2 touchdowns; but he matched that total in one half last season, scoring both of the Colts' 2nd half TD at Miami in Week 4. On the opening drive of the half, after a 1st and goal at the 1-yard line turned into 3rd and goal from the 3, two DBs cover WR <b>Zach Pascal</b> and leave Alie-Cox all alone on the goal line (photo above) for his 1st TD catch of the season, upping the Colts' lead to 14-3. Then in the 4th quarter, after a 1st and goal at the 6 turned into a 3rd and goal from the 11 Mo comes to the rescue again, with a highlight reel leaping catch in the end zone - barely above the arm of S Eric Rowe (photo on right) - to make the score 27-10. The Colts held on to win 27-17. Alie-Cox also had TD in Weeks 6 and 7 to finish with a career high 4. That tied him for the most TD by a TE with dreads ...... </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-YxVmdNrFjDskKGIhJbj_ltpKKwEspOVD4gr67XZMggNRvpSskZZri8gb8H5H410jVzHfSlWKlkiYPSmiWhoON5j0P8bbXADk8cTeS2_pU_J3ZZFbClTubFsLEsE_mN2H6xf6pFmFYata1AKKxRt9w1srYT-9XYeDQULrbXw33Lleb7U49aQHock/s800/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P37A%20%20CLEVE-LAC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="800" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-YxVmdNrFjDskKGIhJbj_ltpKKwEspOVD4gr67XZMggNRvpSskZZri8gb8H5H410jVzHfSlWKlkiYPSmiWhoON5j0P8bbXADk8cTeS2_pU_J3ZZFbClTubFsLEsE_mN2H6xf6pFmFYata1AKKxRt9w1srYT-9XYeDQULrbXw33Lleb7U49aQHock/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P37A%20%20CLEVE-LAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4eSzOwAl874NCppUT9p4keeODY3yHDpGafJdyDQECS2PMZCfhlFOX0PACz9Go0vp-P1qcH_xmIqaSCVzEvtYfZEoslLdGh5_IvO4WvbwU3oB3EZ7lWcR2hD696_3hx0tLo0o1fMY_W3pu1GVT-iHcEUobefdrV-pnxrMwV8WhKWUe7xrBMV0JGYH/s2048/NFL21--NOV.%207--P42D%20%20CLEVE-CIN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4eSzOwAl874NCppUT9p4keeODY3yHDpGafJdyDQECS2PMZCfhlFOX0PACz9Go0vp-P1qcH_xmIqaSCVzEvtYfZEoslLdGh5_IvO4WvbwU3oB3EZ7lWcR2hD696_3hx0tLo0o1fMY_W3pu1GVT-iHcEUobefdrV-pnxrMwV8WhKWUe7xrBMV0JGYH/s320/NFL21--NOV.%207--P42D%20%20CLEVE-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>79 ....... with <b>David Njoku</b>, whose 4 tied his career high. In Week 5 against the Chargers (photo above) several defenders try - but none succeeds - catching Njoku as he races the last 56 yards untouched after making the catch and bouncing off a defender at the Browns' 44-yard line on 2nd and 3 early in the 4th quarter. There were no photos of him crossing the goal line, so here is the video of it instead: <a href="https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/video/can-t-miss-play-david-njoku-s-broken-tackle-yields-71-yard-td" target="_blank">https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/video/can-t-miss-play-david-njoku-s-broken-tackle-yields-71-yard-td</a><br /><div>The 71-yard TD not only gave the Browns a 35-28 lead, it was the longest TD reception by anyone with dreads all season; and it also put David on the dread stars list for the first time in his career. He finished with 7 catches for a career high 149 yards. Njoku's TD was long forgotten by the end of the game though, as there were 4 more TD after his in the Chargers' wild 47-42 win. Then in the Browns' next road game in Week 9 Njoku puts the icing on the cake of the 41-16 win over the Bengals, beating the coverage by CB <b>Mike Hilton</b> on 3rd and goal and hanging on as he goes to the ground (photo on right) after making the catch in the front of the end zone for an 18-yard TD. All 4 of David's touchdowns came on the road, and the one at Cincinnati was the only one that came in a Browns victory.</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qyRdRtzJM99qZ9sjm9uweuMTvy88epAtKbzPykI7PPCwHW23qF0C2IsLaX1Euv7XUdiPqlZMyq5w5YNanzLgIQuTbtrSqeXScMqrV-oXYlHWvomeed80y2GiyD3_BqtfQpzAGhHBsQ3sVT876r3xr0vpulNFdsv04ecN3JtXZC-NeqOxqDqAlVyQ/s1067/NFL21--JAN.%202--P90C%20%20LV-IND.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1067" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qyRdRtzJM99qZ9sjm9uweuMTvy88epAtKbzPykI7PPCwHW23qF0C2IsLaX1Euv7XUdiPqlZMyq5w5YNanzLgIQuTbtrSqeXScMqrV-oXYlHWvomeed80y2GiyD3_BqtfQpzAGhHBsQ3sVT876r3xr0vpulNFdsv04ecN3JtXZC-NeqOxqDqAlVyQ/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P90C%20%20LV-IND.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_TZopVMhAKcy2JGM4Vyhjg3huHQHgrBfUBtcm69S04RUwzGv5FMdBaCTVX8X72ySsl3po1V1OmzNCi0T17N9WuRVENfDhWMdkJ7yqPjI_8ejIe5akNtSHaJN0gQyaFovueSpdJ-UTgNl7GvhNc8fbWFCUp0xQ5a_utFj2XfUIG1kLzu4TWyXLn9X/s1070/NFL21--JAN.%202--P90D%20%20LV-IND.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1070" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_TZopVMhAKcy2JGM4Vyhjg3huHQHgrBfUBtcm69S04RUwzGv5FMdBaCTVX8X72ySsl3po1V1OmzNCi0T17N9WuRVENfDhWMdkJ7yqPjI_8ejIe5akNtSHaJN0gQyaFovueSpdJ-UTgNl7GvhNc8fbWFCUp0xQ5a_utFj2XfUIG1kLzu4TWyXLn9X/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P90D%20%20LV-IND.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>80. <b>T.Y. Hilton</b>, the man least likely to score on this play in Week 17, gets the 45-yard TD catch to cap the Colts' 75-yard 2nd half opening drive. On 1st and 10 QB Carson Wentz throws one up for grabs deep; WR <b>Ashton Dulin</b>, S <b>Trevon Moehrig</b>, and CB Casey Hayward all go up and converge on the ball and none of them makes the catch, only deflecting it into the air; and as they all tumble to the ground Hilton, waiting in the end zone behind them, stays down and says thank you very much: <a href="https://www.colts.com/video/highlight-t-y-hilton-catches-tipped-45-yard-touchdown" target="_blank">https://www.colts.com/video/highlight-t-y-hilton-catches-tipped-45-yard-touchdown</a> <div>T.Y.'s 3rd TD of the season gave the Colts a 17-13 lead; but the Raiders won a thriller 23-20 on a last-second FG. It very possibly was Hilton's final TD in a Colts uniform. After scoring 54 TD for the Colts in 10 seasons, he was not re-signed to a new contract during the offseason.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazMD5UEupRz9ZGOD8aCOn8iFo2H6EIo-95g5OsQw8fH6u2BI3y-E7G7RPmhRbdVk_rVRR5S9ohJCns0IyT_K-TyYfWZrQGF8DpLk9-hzyEWRGH00nsPOxf7hrqqG31FyAlBX8tXXv-2nfjodgvjALe6Hy9g_vnaJcSJX6q737aaj7S4cUQdvMAltL/s1745/NFL21--DEC.%205--P2A%20%20LAC-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1745" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazMD5UEupRz9ZGOD8aCOn8iFo2H6EIo-95g5OsQw8fH6u2BI3y-E7G7RPmhRbdVk_rVRR5S9ohJCns0IyT_K-TyYfWZrQGF8DpLk9-hzyEWRGH00nsPOxf7hrqqG31FyAlBX8tXXv-2nfjodgvjALe6Hy9g_vnaJcSJX6q737aaj7S4cUQdvMAltL/s320/NFL21--DEC.%205--P2A%20%20LAC-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyGpRUiaOUa4zljCiSodTAU7Rcmnyq2JB7_bt8nLuacey_-KmvOCsshHMkNZc4R4MCjqSxm7Gqc4fkWTR03WQPluGTazDSIXLgxfIzVxKZapFtbDsL9GaOgOkPozcY6e2wyI6uQAY1-hovUzlBpTQR0LkNi2x4LkZwLA7ScVqiBX1v7wkH5WKh2aO/s720/NFL21--DEC.%205--P10W%20%20LAC-CIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="534" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyGpRUiaOUa4zljCiSodTAU7Rcmnyq2JB7_bt8nLuacey_-KmvOCsshHMkNZc4R4MCjqSxm7Gqc4fkWTR03WQPluGTazDSIXLgxfIzVxKZapFtbDsL9GaOgOkPozcY6e2wyI6uQAY1-hovUzlBpTQR0LkNi2x4LkZwLA7ScVqiBX1v7wkH5WKh2aO/s320/NFL21--DEC.%205--P10W%20%20LAC-CIN.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br /><div>81. At Cincinnati in Week 13 Chargers CB <b>Tevaughn Campbell</b> is already celebrating 20 yards away from the end zone - as is S <b>Derwin James</b> behind him - as he scores a defensive TD for the 2nd year in a row, scooping up a fumble by RB Joe Mixon 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage on 2nd and 2 and returning it 61 yards to the house early in the 4th quarter. The TD was the turning point of the game, as it made the score 31-22, putting the brakes on a huge comeback by the Bengals, who had pulled to within 24-22 after trailing 24-0. The Chargers went on to win 41-22. </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>LASTS</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyHFgUN0kTCFpvFcBBbVRNFRILPcXwC_kNpI28MdhowKnU_XI_-M92oOVv0YRRC1zh9cXDDlg3EqJhQw5Ev6BaZJjriaIhshk3bxkU239aHAP6lWY7Z_Ab3wwLMxncVwLFY6fHFbb9Jdg84IGdmp6QeD3kJskR5IsLS0J1Cgth9qgS_U6UJCdBsQY/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2018--P2%20%20BUFF-TENN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="2048" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyHFgUN0kTCFpvFcBBbVRNFRILPcXwC_kNpI28MdhowKnU_XI_-M92oOVv0YRRC1zh9cXDDlg3EqJhQw5Ev6BaZJjriaIhshk3bxkU239aHAP6lWY7Z_Ab3wwLMxncVwLFY6fHFbb9Jdg84IGdmp6QeD3kJskR5IsLS0J1Cgth9qgS_U6UJCdBsQY/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2018--P2%20%20BUFF-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>82. On 2nd and 1 late in the 4th quarter on Monday night in Week 6 <b>Derrick Henry</b> does more than just pick up the 1st down, he takes it 13 yards to the house, as LB <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b>, blocked out of the way, can't recover in time to stop him and CB Levi Wallace, blocked by WR <b>Marcus Johnson</b> (#88), can't do anything either. The TD, Henry's 3rd of the game, gave the Titans a 34-31 lead over the Bills with 3:05 to play; and they held on to win, stopping the Bills on 4th down inside the 5-yard line in the final 30 seconds. Since it was on Monday, Henry's TD was the last of the 24 TD by players with dreads in Week 6. And it also was Derrick's 10th and last TD of the regular season. He also scored 3 TD in the Titans' victories in Weeks 2 and 5, and there's no telling how many more he would have gotten had he not been injured.</div><div>About 25 hours or so earlier ...... </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggecj4KMAdwCA5Rry3_Zsn9Huth4nIky0dZzWPLhQorBjY643vQUiU3xfxe8OkojCtvqQmEDXuGLDT2XPHljP9tPibWnVCeVSUW8Oy85s1KJ9hHj-jqHu6lYkXRPI4FEBZZdVCKwAIRghZGwgU7I8Jg_6xV_cbXLNw61OfvTCS8ZRtmUY6B1YlLudg/s1053/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P79%20%20SEA-PITT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1053" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggecj4KMAdwCA5Rry3_Zsn9Huth4nIky0dZzWPLhQorBjY643vQUiU3xfxe8OkojCtvqQmEDXuGLDT2XPHljP9tPibWnVCeVSUW8Oy85s1KJ9hHj-jqHu6lYkXRPI4FEBZZdVCKwAIRghZGwgU7I8Jg_6xV_cbXLNw61OfvTCS8ZRtmUY6B1YlLudg/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P79%20%20SEA-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>83. With the Steelers leading 14-0 on Sunday night, RB <b>Alex Collins</b> gets the Seahawks' comeback started, taking the handoff and going up the middle on 2nd and goal, then beginning his dive at the 2-yard line and landing right on the goal line with his dreads touching the ball. Collins carried 8 times for 58 yards on the 10-play, 75-yard 2nd half opening drive that made the score 14-7. Alex finished with a season high 101 yards rushing on 20 carries, but the Seahawks fell to the Steelers 23-20 in overtime.<div>This was the last of only 2 TD scored by Collins, as he was unable to find the end zone on any of his 46 carries during the next 4 games before missing 5 of the 6 last games due to injury. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPQ5ad1rGzhsHIM7XsvPuaJfayIRExpFfSdEcfbzmoiL675iKKUhnW87p0s2f2nLkf57ne0oQnuJ08TmFhuNEE-h8SX4e9BDwluC6DOGmOYIUgH968uDsbhvbu7VdR6oM3E4pnm_WF9pjL4sa8rc3D9jC6aoRbBGbnTuAm2WCzr5clGcFSqET_3ZX/s1000/NFL21--JAN.%209--P97A%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPQ5ad1rGzhsHIM7XsvPuaJfayIRExpFfSdEcfbzmoiL675iKKUhnW87p0s2f2nLkf57ne0oQnuJ08TmFhuNEE-h8SX4e9BDwluC6DOGmOYIUgH968uDsbhvbu7VdR6oM3E4pnm_WF9pjL4sa8rc3D9jC6aoRbBGbnTuAm2WCzr5clGcFSqET_3ZX/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P97A%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvup_XyvSHnVs7npyQu5XssGkn7_U7b90_z-qcJISL5UEPX-NTOBHOnkNJSPWdE1ADaY-kzoEcj-z2XPEoeJryxtCU1ooXT6nxAITPd-D8rii01EAVpFDymfjnYpQtNjFH2olzR30C4CyoBIgNfAMntx_NayptkHbTSU26lHIKQ2p_qcFfxbIcqKCo/s1140/NFL21--JAN.%209--P97%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1140" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvup_XyvSHnVs7npyQu5XssGkn7_U7b90_z-qcJISL5UEPX-NTOBHOnkNJSPWdE1ADaY-kzoEcj-z2XPEoeJryxtCU1ooXT6nxAITPd-D8rii01EAVpFDymfjnYpQtNjFH2olzR30C4CyoBIgNfAMntx_NayptkHbTSU26lHIKQ2p_qcFfxbIcqKCo/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P97%20%20PITT-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>84. After going scoreless for 10 straight games following his only TD in Week 5 (photo #59), <b>Chase Claypool</b> gets his last TD of the season in Week 18; and it was a big one. With the Ravens leading 10-6, Claypool catches the pass on a slant at the 3-yard line and scores standing up between 4 defenders (only two of whom are seen in these shots). The 6-yard reception was the Steelers' only TD of the game and put them ahead 13-10 with 2:54 remaining in the 4th quarter. The Ravens kicked a FG to send the game into OT, but the Steelers kicked a FG in OT to win. And when the Chargers lost in OT to the Raiders later in the day, the Steelers were playoff bound. </div><div>Despite finishing with almost the exact same numbers of receptions and yards that he had during his 2020 rookie season, Claypool's 2 TD in 2021 were way down from the 11 he scored as a rookie.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkh0Hv9TAnWFzs9HcjuUjQtkiG5SCL088ZrwlBT-vIm1EI_cgAH9tv2jsH9rOJzvAZbIxFXKUpSQpFFiDw8eAdahruVMv_lWk6V8KqhvGUS4fTjbTnwTE_8K0oDYdClh66tK0a2Qj6CKIs1Ndr3HnL3W1EiPW3aaxMmjPioIYIFLSOcrhJ6HKLiy9/s2048/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P88A%20%20LAC-DEN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkh0Hv9TAnWFzs9HcjuUjQtkiG5SCL088ZrwlBT-vIm1EI_cgAH9tv2jsH9rOJzvAZbIxFXKUpSQpFFiDw8eAdahruVMv_lWk6V8KqhvGUS4fTjbTnwTE_8K0oDYdClh66tK0a2Qj6CKIs1Ndr3HnL3W1EiPW3aaxMmjPioIYIFLSOcrhJ6HKLiy9/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P88A%20%20LAC-DEN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>85. For the first time ever in 2021 there were two QBs with dreads who made house calls in the same season. After <b>Cam Newton</b> broke the ice, becoming the first NFL QB with dreads and scoring 13 TD in 2020, <b>Teddy Bridgewater</b> joined him in the end zone in his 1st season with dreads in 2021. This was the last of his 2 TD, coming in Week 12 and coming after he scrambled out of the pocket on 2nd and goal but still couldn't find anyone open. With defenders holding their coverage, Bridgewater finds just enough room down the sideline, begins his dive at the 2-yard line and touches the pylon in front of CB <b>Tevaughn Campbell</b>. The 11-yard TD run with 4:31 remaining in the 1st quarter broke a 0-0 tie and put the Broncos ahead to stay. Teddy made the dread stars list only once in 14 games played - and this game wasn't it. He passed for only 129 yards, but the Broncos still defeated the Chargers 28-13.<div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2GyWToVJhtjV56RwIBzwSC1jGObZIJm-n-KQInmJbTtX6qnoiE8zp4YIQY47EwEKFKfBjnkip2jbSDNBEU0nFryBHuV1nwNRfL7l9qtY3sFwaEL-qIy8HIXL2Uvq0DVvKN0db0ca-kctyibZLelrQR8VlDBnrKHUVmYBkn-oSY29VF4vSapuFDJN/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2024--P38A%20%20ATL-MIA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2GyWToVJhtjV56RwIBzwSC1jGObZIJm-n-KQInmJbTtX6qnoiE8zp4YIQY47EwEKFKfBjnkip2jbSDNBEU0nFryBHuV1nwNRfL7l9qtY3sFwaEL-qIy8HIXL2Uvq0DVvKN0db0ca-kctyibZLelrQR8VlDBnrKHUVmYBkn-oSY29VF4vSapuFDJN/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2024--P38A%20%20ATL-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>86. In his 4th NFL season - and his 1st with dreads - WR <b>Calvin Ridley</b> scored 2 TD for the Falcons before his career suddenly and drastically veered off course. This was the last of the 2, giving the Falcons a 10-7 lead over the Dolphins in the 2nd quarter in Week 7. On 3rd and 3 Ridley, after beginning his crossing route behind the line of scrimmage, goes unnoticed as he turns upfield and is wide open in the end zone as he catches QB Matt Ryan's pass for a 5-yard TD. Calvin finished the game with 4 catches for 26 yards. The Falcons blew a 27-14 lead in the 4th quarter but came back to win 30-28 on a last-second FG. </div><div>And that was all she wrote for Ridley for the season. Before the next game it was announced he was taking some time off due to mental health issues and he ended up taking off the rest of the season. Then during the offseason it was announced he would be suspended for the entire 2022 season, as he was busted for gambling on NFL games during late November. Let's hope this will be rock bottom for Ridley and that he doesn't sink any further and that he comes back next year. Dreads or not I hate to see someone flush his career down the toilet. There aren't many jobs out there that pay like the NFL.<div><br /></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOBrrUrErq9aSuPINF5HF806oYAacYqtvep8HANbHC9T94Pp5l7RrQElULzdRjwsHuBwlHBuXlotBRM_kzpxrtaZzxHEHgyoJw8DvoI1TTN7eUkQgs8qldJ7iaevr79Ki0IFh_lWaqIJjr-V_og4Do2XfA_7zYPPJ4sU83y7JPLiejNZC7y8DrGDV/s762/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P5A%20%20SF-TENN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOBrrUrErq9aSuPINF5HF806oYAacYqtvep8HANbHC9T94Pp5l7RrQElULzdRjwsHuBwlHBuXlotBRM_kzpxrtaZzxHEHgyoJw8DvoI1TTN7eUkQgs8qldJ7iaevr79Ki0IFh_lWaqIJjr-V_og4Do2XfA_7zYPPJ4sU83y7JPLiejNZC7y8DrGDV/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P5A%20%20SF-TENN.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtiAiL4V53KBOgNTTMygaAwFli4XpedwgSaIbVJEs7kU_I2pFhtP6nYf9MVTdaNyedOVZxR9sovluZRYg4wh2tLGKx92V7cvnobEpdLtHVuGLLKsJPg7qK3KNFfheUXZQ2tj2WA0TwYn3OvFbUa9IfeHm6Hdrbng63deXRNLFm1o8uExp3JoVY4CL/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P5C%20%20SF-TENN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtiAiL4V53KBOgNTTMygaAwFli4XpedwgSaIbVJEs7kU_I2pFhtP6nYf9MVTdaNyedOVZxR9sovluZRYg4wh2tLGKx92V7cvnobEpdLtHVuGLLKsJPg7qK3KNFfheUXZQ2tj2WA0TwYn3OvFbUa9IfeHm6Hdrbng63deXRNLFm1o8uExp3JoVY4CL/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P5C%20%20SF-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>87.<b> Brandon Aiyuk</b> scores the last TD of the night and his last TD of the season in the first game of Week 16 on Thursday night. A blown coverage by the Titans' secondary leaves Aiyuk all alone on 2nd and goal as he catches the pass from QB Jimmy Garoppolo in the back of the end zone. The 2-yard TD completed a 95-yard drive that tied the game at 17 with 2:20 remaining in the 4th quarter. Aiyuk finished with 4 catches for 40 yards; but the 49ers lost, as the Titans kicked a FG with 4 seconds left to win it 20-17. A trivial oddity: Of the 5 TD Brandon had, 3 of them came during 49er road wins against AFC teams, as he also scored at Jacksonville and Cincinnati. <div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3vato-AAMDHgrW3vnf6Is71sVEl2sQBLEMt6HCMJv5qhNUIm1Vq4fueKlysD1H3_5NzLmP7yy8wR84GoU_VshL1f6gtJInCwJR8x6TPF0q0lgM5M2kbk4SDvb0aIZu0GyaCuUvKZUQua0ds0MLMlYjbSmCECMeBDLN6mHnmuj5q3X3VEwc3ez89v/s1500/NFL21--JAN.%202--P48%20%20MIA-TENN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3vato-AAMDHgrW3vnf6Is71sVEl2sQBLEMt6HCMJv5qhNUIm1Vq4fueKlysD1H3_5NzLmP7yy8wR84GoU_VshL1f6gtJInCwJR8x6TPF0q0lgM5M2kbk4SDvb0aIZu0GyaCuUvKZUQua0ds0MLMlYjbSmCECMeBDLN6mHnmuj5q3X3VEwc3ez89v/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P48%20%20MIA-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>88. Signed by the Titans the day after <b>Derrick Henry</b> went on IR, RB <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> did his best impression of Henry over the last 2 months of the season - except that, unlike Henry, he had his long dreads flowing at full blast. The 235-pound Foreman didn't exactly fill Henry's shoes, but he did have his share of shining moments, making the dread stars list twice and scoring 3 TD. Here is the last of the 3, as he scores standing up on a 21-yard run on 2nd and 10 thanks to excellent blocking, upping the Titans' lead over the Dolphins to 17-3 late in the 2nd quarter at Nashville in Week 17. D'Onta had a career high 26 carries for a career high 132 yards rushing as the Titans routed the Dolphins 34-3, emphatically ending Miami's 7-game winning streak.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdMv7_EQ2HEMau5ovf1E2RU8Q8gQ1lM3fq8oek3s3QWrc2U8n4DivkQcJO6XhyCRTh_zFMOVIZbDm82dAiTeA-ue9BbxJ0wGELeFTRkv-lzSvi_a85-VURTudbcs_qMcDEMCydCB7MvBZ-cz9E14ll_UyiX7zmLg_2IYF4ZeDkWBOm5ddtUGJleDH/s1500/NFL21--JAN.%209--P67%20%20CAR-TB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdMv7_EQ2HEMau5ovf1E2RU8Q8gQ1lM3fq8oek3s3QWrc2U8n4DivkQcJO6XhyCRTh_zFMOVIZbDm82dAiTeA-ue9BbxJ0wGELeFTRkv-lzSvi_a85-VURTudbcs_qMcDEMCydCB7MvBZ-cz9E14ll_UyiX7zmLg_2IYF4ZeDkWBOm5ddtUGJleDH/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P67%20%20CAR-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>89. WR <b>Robby Anderson</b> scores the last of his 5 TD - and the Panthers' last TD of the season - as he makes a beautiful over-the-shoulder catch against pretty good coverage by CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, juggling it at first before gaining control and getting both feet inbounds, on 4th and 4 to cut the Buccaneers' lead to 24-17 early in the 4th quarter in Week 18: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBuF8W5h2fc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBuF8W5h2fc</a> ..... But it was all Bucs after that, as they won going away 41-17. 2021 was a season Anderson probably was glad to put in the rear view mirror. Not only did the Panthers drop their last 7 games to finish 5-12, Robby, despite playing all 17 games, had a career low 519 yards receiving (on 53 catches) for the season.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInflUdEUbfMduXoS1NsNKmF7Muhsx9O_qODvJ7A1V2druepqxuuqH4d5UaWSCi3Y7Gx_X9O8wfEPpfroA2Wz8JyiBceNWoH-84Q3AOOEJnM1YAtbslsDdjAN2MBWo4lV046pP-uNR6AFkNt-x6H7YjUcLGYIvn7KRLkqE4OWJ1RU-g81oo_0ijqzS/s1486/NFL21--JAN.%209--P81%20%20CHI-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1486" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInflUdEUbfMduXoS1NsNKmF7Muhsx9O_qODvJ7A1V2druepqxuuqH4d5UaWSCi3Y7Gx_X9O8wfEPpfroA2Wz8JyiBceNWoH-84Q3AOOEJnM1YAtbslsDdjAN2MBWo4lV046pP-uNR6AFkNt-x6H7YjUcLGYIvn7KRLkqE4OWJ1RU-g81oo_0ijqzS/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P81%20%20CHI-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>90. At Minneapolis in Week 18 <b>K.J. Osborn</b> scores the last of his 7 TD - and the last of the Vikings' 27 TD by players with dreads - making a diving 21-yard reception in the end zone midway through the 4th quarter, hanging on after colliding with the ground as a couple of disinterested Bears DBs look on. The TD gave the Vikings a 24-17 lead and completed their comeback from a 14-0 deficit. And it capped a 6-play, 87-yard drive in which players with dreads accounted for all of the yards. <b>Dalvin Cook</b> had 35 yards on the drive, <b>Justin Jefferson</b> 26, and <b>Alexander Mattison</b> 5 before Osborn covered the last 21. A little later a pick six by CB Patrick Peterson made the final score 31-17. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4TrHW6JbNc6VNvyYdDBQTcJDMkWpcX7iTgex0u3rvcr4ADcdf5uGW-qcisiAryLFMb5R6ASAr_GatVSKEjbx234U0bhlqvbm2bDZImji2iwnqis9mmfa26vmxK-VcNrv2y1oXzu_gTEIEcePSH9XlWaDvhmj1F185gokVutxzRyYMWuxP6eTrhKi/s1076/NFL21--JAN.%209--P84%20%20NE-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1076" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4TrHW6JbNc6VNvyYdDBQTcJDMkWpcX7iTgex0u3rvcr4ADcdf5uGW-qcisiAryLFMb5R6ASAr_GatVSKEjbx234U0bhlqvbm2bDZImji2iwnqis9mmfa26vmxK-VcNrv2y1oXzu_gTEIEcePSH9XlWaDvhmj1F185gokVutxzRyYMWuxP6eTrhKi/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P84%20%20NE-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AgoGpAUg5SsbvvR28IxdLdtV6CicTBmR_vwfG__GPj8kKo9sNgdEU54ijTIgta7omaNTi5Ja6gZ2c3H9lyfbNf_cQGtTCGeQKX1pFfzOY2iAZIUQ6TWjYjjhsUbVtFPnH31o7LSMItWmuYjwtKBln6UweiTveJq7oIdOUMbMR6DzThjIYABhfYxh/s1034/NFL21--JAN.%209--P85%20%20NE-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1034" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9AgoGpAUg5SsbvvR28IxdLdtV6CicTBmR_vwfG__GPj8kKo9sNgdEU54ijTIgta7omaNTi5Ja6gZ2c3H9lyfbNf_cQGtTCGeQKX1pFfzOY2iAZIUQ6TWjYjjhsUbVtFPnH31o7LSMItWmuYjwtKBln6UweiTveJq7oIdOUMbMR6DzThjIYABhfYxh/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P85%20%20NE-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>91. <b>Brandon Bolden</b> scores his last 2 TD of the season, including TD #300 by players with dreads, and what likely will be his last 2 TD ever in a Patriots uniform in Week 18. With the Dolphins leading 17-0 midway through the 2nd quarter, Bolden gets New England on the board with a 15-yard TD run (photo above), taking the handoff on 3rd and 1 and making a couple of defenders miss en route to the end zone for his first TD since Week 7 and his 2nd of the season. Then with the score 27-10 midway through the 4th quarter, Brandon cuts the deficit to 10 again, catching a pass wide open in the left flat on 3rd and 15 and surviving CB Byron Jones' attempt to push him out of bounds at the 3-yard line as he steps inside the pylon (photo on right), with S Jevon Holland arriving too late. The 18-yard TD on his last touch of the game gave Bolden 66 total yards on 9 touches for the game, and it was the final TD of the regular season by a player with dreads; but the Patriots lost 33-24, as the Dolphins swept them for the first time in 21 years. <div>This was the 2nd career game for Bolden with 2 TD, and ironically the only other one came on the same field in 2018, when he scored them <i>for</i> the Dolphins <i>against</i> the Patriots in Week 14. After playing 8 seasons with the Patriots (2012-17, 2019, 2021)(he opted out in 2020) and one for the Dolphins (2018), Brandon is in the AFC West in 2022, where he scored the Raiders' 1st TD of the season.</div><div>===============================================================================</div><div><br /></div><div>INTERCEPTIONS</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFssjVi--9zdrA43ogUn-vAEJW6Zl04hzbSk92Zz8J1bFwUMjLaQOVUnMkUTfEQUAxEPTVzsy-52JOp2ZWQ1B7g9-wNtc8p6JeESOnqAdyWmRo4P3Ohh8EHHsrpCPkSBBT8HzXp3QomKHLidcqKgqjOyhwmCPIGdQexTO1PRyuI5GfojCLiqiObsQ/s3107/NFL21--DEC.%202--P4%20%20DALL-NO.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2468" data-original-width="3107" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFssjVi--9zdrA43ogUn-vAEJW6Zl04hzbSk92Zz8J1bFwUMjLaQOVUnMkUTfEQUAxEPTVzsy-52JOp2ZWQ1B7g9-wNtc8p6JeESOnqAdyWmRo4P3Ohh8EHHsrpCPkSBBT8HzXp3QomKHLidcqKgqjOyhwmCPIGdQexTO1PRyuI5GfojCLiqiObsQ/s320/NFL21--DEC.%202--P4%20%20DALL-NO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Similar to <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> in touchdowns, there was a big surprise for the leading player with dreads in interceptions. Cowboys CB <b>Trevon Diggs</b> had 3 INT during his rookie season in 2020, so it was reasonable to think he might increase that total in 2021; but not in anybody's wildest dreams (not even his) did anyone think he would rise as high as he did. Diggs (photo on right, celebrating after his INT against the Saints in Week 13) became the 7th player with dreads to lead the entire league in interceptions, but it was his total number of picks that was so shocking. </div><div>Diggs' 11 INT were the most by anyone in 40 years, when another Cowboys CB, Everson Walls, had 11 in 1981. Diggs had interceptions in the first 6 games, including 2 in Week 4, and had 4 more in the 2nd half of the season. Giants S <b>Xavier McKinney</b>, picked by my crystal ball to be the player with dreads with the most INT, came in a distant 2nd with 5. 4 other Cowboys with dreads had 1 INT each for a team-leading total of 15. That was one more than the Texans, whose 14 were caught by 8 different players with dreads.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here now are the lists of the 64 players with dreads who combined for 118 interceptions in 2021, breaking the previous record of 113 set in 2019 - first by player and then by team/division.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>11</b></div><div><b>Trevon Diggs</b> (DAL)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5 </b></div><div><b>Xavier McKinney</b> (NYG)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4</b></div><div><b>Kyle Dugger</b> (NE)</div><div><b>Bobby McCain</b> (WASH)<br /><b>Jalen Ramsey</b> (LAR)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3</b></div><div><b>Anthony Averett</b> (BAL)</div><div><b>C.J. Gardner-Johnson</b> (NO)</div><div><b>John Johnson</b> (CLEV)</div><div><b>Lonnie Johnson</b> (HOU)</div><div><b>Desmond King</b> (HOU)</div><div><b>Tyrann Mathieu</b> (KC) (photo below, getting his 3rd and last INT of the season in Week 14, juggled right into his hands by Raiders TE Foster Moreau) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzie5a_cL8w7tvGOkNZnST3riW5gWVnDEqbK37OQUqDvtylziLTUIU8JzdLFMHL_0Y3vjD0rA2N1gvEhsOwAmurTAf1uXJz9JUJbcsGciPcz8XCJAxDLRr5inkKwoVX_4UiCDxM1Ek-fxAyes_DoQmT19C_QA5aj1jozgG4EASg5mnvPo7MXg54DGj/s3731/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P80A%20%20LV-KC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2488" data-original-width="3731" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzie5a_cL8w7tvGOkNZnST3riW5gWVnDEqbK37OQUqDvtylziLTUIU8JzdLFMHL_0Y3vjD0rA2N1gvEhsOwAmurTAf1uXJz9JUJbcsGciPcz8XCJAxDLRr5inkKwoVX_4UiCDxM1Ek-fxAyes_DoQmT19C_QA5aj1jozgG4EASg5mnvPo7MXg54DGj/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P80A%20%20LV-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2 </b></div><div><b>Chidobe Awuzie</b> (CIN)</div><div><b>Bashaud Breeland</b> (MINN)</div><div><b>Deon Bush</b> (CHI)</div><div><b>De'Vondre Campbell</b> (GB)</div><div><b>Tae Crowder</b> (NYG)</div><div><b>Terrell Edmunds</b> (PIT)</div><div><b>Kristian Fulton</b> (TENN)</div><div><b>Stephon Gilmore</b> (CAR)</div><div><b>Mike Hilton</b> (CIN)</div><div><b>Donte Jackson</b> (CAR)</div><div><b>Derwin James</b> (LAC)</div><div><b>Justin Reid</b> (HOU)</div><div><b>Asante Samuel Jr.</b> (LAC)</div><div><b>Darnell Savage</b> (GB)</div><div><b>L'Jarius Sneed</b> (KC)</div><div><b>Cameron Sutton</b> (PIT)</div><div><b>Tavierre Thomas</b> (HOU)</div><div><b>Shaq Thompson</b> (CAR)</div><div><b>Jordan Whitehead</b> (TB)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgfXF_oLvrzM-bIuEU2Akt86PFuoOcj18C3R5kxgXPv0iDcdFL_r7e-Dp_IsJTQ1vlsap-0Tw8qQEk2covlELM1DugjxyxgzlrzPPYw3z3vlqlG8jwIuljQDeoJ2SOD2L0fzl9O65yYJXjGp9xV7MnyaBzfY2_xo76urOBeM44DWfIgDW8EcOhP_x/s1010/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P119A%20%20SEA-GB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1010" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYgfXF_oLvrzM-bIuEU2Akt86PFuoOcj18C3R5kxgXPv0iDcdFL_r7e-Dp_IsJTQ1vlsap-0Tw8qQEk2covlELM1DugjxyxgzlrzPPYw3z3vlqlG8jwIuljQDeoJ2SOD2L0fzl9O65yYJXjGp9xV7MnyaBzfY2_xo76urOBeM44DWfIgDW8EcOhP_x/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P119A%20%20SEA-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b>1</b></div><div><b>Kwon Alexander</b> (NO)</div><div><b>Jerome Baker</b> (MIA)</div><div><b>Henry Black </b>(GB)</div><div><b>Jeremy Chinn</b> (CAR)</div><div><b>Michael Davis</b> (LAC)</div><div><b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> (BUF)</div><div><b>Randy Gregory </b>(DAL)</div><div><b>Vernon Hargreaves</b> (HOU)</div><div><b>Anthony Harris</b> (PHIL)</div><div><b>Marcell Harris</b> (SF)</div><div><b>Ronnie Harrison </b>(CLEV)</div><div><b>Malik Hooker</b> (DAL)</div><div><b>Jaycee Horn</b> (CAR)</div><div><b>Travin Howard</b> (LAR)</div><div><b>Jackrabbit Jenkins</b> (TENN)</div><div><b>Kevin King</b> (GB) (photo above of his big INT in the end zone in Week 10, preserving Packers' 3-0 lead over Seattle in the 3rd quarter)</div><div><b>Christian Kirksey</b> (HOU)</div><div><b>DeMarcus Lawrence</b> (DAL)</div><div><b>Nevin Lawson </b>(JAC)</div><div><b>Avonte Maddox</b> (PHIL) (photo below of his big INT in the red zone at the 5-yard line in Week 7, a deflection off the hand of RB Jalen Richard, keeping the Eagles ahead of the Raiders 7-0 in the 1st quarter)</div><div><b>Steve McLendon</b> (TB)</div><div><b>Tre'von Moehrig</b> (LV)</div><div><b>Terrance Mitchell</b> (HOU)</div><div><b>Eric Murray</b> (HOU)</div><div><b>Josh Norman</b> (SF)</div><div><b>AJ Parker (DET)</b></div><div><b>James Pierre</b> (PIT)</div><div><b>Elandon Roberts</b> (MIA)</div><div><b>Bradley Roby</b> (NO)</div><div><b>Richard Sherman </b>(TB)</div><div><b>Buster Skrine</b> (TENN)</div><div><b>Eric Stokes</b> (GB)</div><div><b>Tracy Walker </b>(DET)</div><div><b>Carlos Watkins</b> (DAL)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5XOOx_2dAkldYnJx5cffSVDIDkdLJLSjaEm64xx60M5ed7lz8UtjJwfdiwnzbuXoqun_kMaJvS3S7YrdX5Gg5oMOmY5vf8-gzI6jc94CjvuLxEtzCSXQM83PsD_71YDgbbDtrcURR3wpwJsCzbcnm8amkAzHxCAbpJ8cFryNi33Y63GIf3dR37kS/s1500/NFL21--OCT.%2024--P52%20%20PHIL-LV.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5XOOx_2dAkldYnJx5cffSVDIDkdLJLSjaEm64xx60M5ed7lz8UtjJwfdiwnzbuXoqun_kMaJvS3S7YrdX5Gg5oMOmY5vf8-gzI6jc94CjvuLxEtzCSXQM83PsD_71YDgbbDtrcURR3wpwJsCzbcnm8amkAzHxCAbpJ8cFryNi33Y63GIf3dR37kS/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2024--P52%20%20PHIL-LV.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><b><u>AFC EAST (7)</u></b></div><div>BUF (1) - LB <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> 1</div><div>MIA (2) - LB <b>Jerome Baker</b> 1, LB<b> Elandon Roberts</b> 1</div><div>NE (4) - S <b>Kyle Dugger</b> 4</div><div>NYJ (0)</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>AFC NORTH (16)</u></b></div><div>BAL (3) - CB <b>Anthony Averett</b> 3</div><div>CIN (4) - CB <b>Chidobe Awuzie</b> 2, CB <b>Mike Hilton</b> 2</div><div>CLEV (4) - S <b>John Johnson</b> 3, S <b>Ronnie Harrison </b>1</div><div>PIT (5) - S <b>Terrell Edmunds</b> 2, CB <b>Cameron Sutton </b>2, CB <b>James Pierre</b> 1</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>AFC SOUTH (19)</u></b></div><div>HOU (14) - S <b>Lonnie Johnson</b> 3, S <b>Desmond King</b> 3, S <b>Justin Reid</b> 2, CB <b>Tavierre Thomas</b> 2, CB <b>Vernon Hargreaves</b> 1, LB <b>Christian Kirksey</b> 1, CB <b>Terrance Mitchell</b> 1, S <b>Eric Murray</b> 1</div><div>IND (0)</div><div>JAC (1) - CB <b>Nevin Lawson</b> 1</div><div>TENN (4) - CB <b>Kristian Fulton</b> 2, CB <b>Jackrabbit Jenkins</b> 1, CB <b>Buster Skrine</b> 1</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>AFC WEST (11)</u></b></div><div>DEN (0)</div><div>KC (5) - S <b>Tyrann Mathieu</b> 3, CB<b> L'Jarius Sneed</b> 2</div><div>LV (1) - S <b>Tre'von Moehrig</b> 1</div><div>LAC (5) - S <b>Derwin James</b> 2, CB <b>Asante Samuel Jr.</b> 2, CB <b>Michael Davis</b> 1</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQpidHRDinFlCWy_2RjhwcTIg5sciaI9Sn7n1Ub4OqNG82Wn5_ndVKUup5Jys-VEiJInQOKaOP89in8EhkJZU1qZSBHQrkwtHX-1KwmJJu1HfDbo6CYrWPEIiPMfglX2bHO4LQV4BR_oA6Tqiiw56N8iD-In9Ol3gEg6_l5fmssEaosdkVnWsm73Y/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P55%20%20LAC-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQpidHRDinFlCWy_2RjhwcTIg5sciaI9Sn7n1Ub4OqNG82Wn5_ndVKUup5Jys-VEiJInQOKaOP89in8EhkJZU1qZSBHQrkwtHX-1KwmJJu1HfDbo6CYrWPEIiPMfglX2bHO4LQV4BR_oA6Tqiiw56N8iD-In9Ol3gEg6_l5fmssEaosdkVnWsm73Y/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P55%20%20LAC-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tavierre Thomas</b> catches his 2nd INT of the season, the one he returned 48 yards to the house against the Chargers in Week 16 (see DG photo #15). For this play along with his 8 tackles (6-2) Thomas was named AFC defensive player of the week. When he got his 1st INT 4 weeks earlier in Week 12, he became the 8th player with dreads on the Texans to intercept a pass in 2021. I'm too lazy to check it for sure, but I know that's now the record for the most different players with dreads on the same team with interceptions in the same season. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>NFC EAST (28)</u></b></div><div>DAL (15) - CB <b>Trevon Diggs</b> 11, DE <b>Randy Gregory</b> 1, S <b>Malik Hooker</b> 1, DE <b>DeMarcus Lawrence</b> 1, DT <b>Carlos Watkins</b> 1</div><div>NYG (7) - S <b>Xavier McKinney</b> 5, LB <b>Tae Crowder </b>2</div><div>PHIL (2) - S <b>Anthony Harris</b> 1, CB <b>Avonte Maddox</b> 1</div><div>WASH (4) - S <b>Bobby McCain</b> 4</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>NFC NORTH (13)</u></b></div><div>CHI (2) - S <b>Deon Bush</b> 2</div><div>DET (2) - CB <b>AJ Parker</b> 1, S <b>Tracy Walker</b> 1</div><div>GB (7) - LB <b>De'Vondre Campbell</b> 2, S <b>Darnell Savage</b> 2, S <b>Henry Black</b> 1, CB <b>Kevin King</b> 1, CB <b>Eric Stokes</b> 1</div><div>MINN (2) - CB <b>Bashaud Breeland</b> 2</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>NFC SOUTH (17)</u></b></div><div>ATL (0)</div><div>CAR (8) - CB <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> 2, CB <b>Donte Jackson</b> 2, LB <b>Shaq Thompson</b> 2, S <b>Jeremy Chinn</b> 1, CB <b>Jaycee Horn</b> 1</div><div>NO (5) - S <b>C.J. Gardner-Johnson</b> 3, LB <b>Kwon Alexander</b> 1, CB <b>Bradley Roby</b> 1</div><div>TB (4) - S <b>Jordan Whitehead</b> 2, DT <b>Steve McLendon</b> 1, CB <b>Richard Sherman</b> 1</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>NFC WEST (7)</u></b></div><div>ARIZ (0)</div><div>LAR (5) - CB<b> Jalen Ramsey</b> 4, LB <b>Travin Howard</b> 1</div><div>SF (2) - LB <b>Marcell Harris</b> 1, CB <b>Josh Norman</b> 1</div><div>SEA (0)</div><div><br /></div><div>PLAYOFF INT (4) - <b>Chidobe Awuzie</b> 1, <b>Mike Hilton</b> 1, <b>Travin Howard</b> 1, <b>L'Jarius Sneed</b> 1</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>DG</div><div><br /></div><div>Interceptions are for the most part unexpected and usually are much harder to photograph than touchdowns; so kudos to the picture takers who captured the moments that these players with dreads got their picks.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWTTv7sI_rb3iI2IHhQb-P6xlKe65ecoeSjuVY_bcmDN3B2bK7Ooy1uWkmU1k1XgGiGYEFxMRJK9fpeuJcGOiRxI4Gb4UwhsVWG51hCJ4Ocj0yKfchl6gGGs8JxTYzCMra1ZJ8CZLnyhsvuMjMv23Yg4lo1IfjcPCTEw_07-vjeejZ6OOW03fRT0Q/s1000/NFL21--DEC.%202--P3%20%20DALL-NO.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="637" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWTTv7sI_rb3iI2IHhQb-P6xlKe65ecoeSjuVY_bcmDN3B2bK7Ooy1uWkmU1k1XgGiGYEFxMRJK9fpeuJcGOiRxI4Gb4UwhsVWG51hCJ4Ocj0yKfchl6gGGs8JxTYzCMra1ZJ8CZLnyhsvuMjMv23Yg4lo1IfjcPCTEw_07-vjeejZ6OOW03fRT0Q/s320/NFL21--DEC.%202--P3%20%20DALL-NO.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtQLAQTkYPKy37WJwnxXI_4hIDgNUR9Xp0ynnFySslA3oP-gBSsQBI5LeuICc66xzsS5bbW0bkfLAOaY803nBPP2BMxPULrPSxhVSzYLRktUlrn77w9j-fRGis2iiqLUqG6P32w-svKoFUkCuhjcN-NiO5nBsvcDYuk7LYLjxPEWCsgDD7v4z8QkD/s1280/NFL21--DEC.%202--P3A%20%20DALL-NO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtQLAQTkYPKy37WJwnxXI_4hIDgNUR9Xp0ynnFySslA3oP-gBSsQBI5LeuICc66xzsS5bbW0bkfLAOaY803nBPP2BMxPULrPSxhVSzYLRktUlrn77w9j-fRGis2iiqLUqG6P32w-svKoFUkCuhjcN-NiO5nBsvcDYuk7LYLjxPEWCsgDD7v4z8QkD/s320/NFL21--DEC.%202--P3A%20%20DALL-NO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>92. We began this section with a shot of <b>Trevon Diggs</b> with a big smile on his face. Here's the play responsible for it, as he picks off a pass 20 yards downfield at the Dallas 41-yard line intended for WR Deonte Harris (who has since changed his name to Deonte Harty) on 1st and 10, thwarting the Saints' attempt to cut into the Cowboys' 20-10 lead with 4:42 to play in the 4th quarter in Week 13. This was INT #9 for Trevon, and it helped the Cowboys improve to 8-4 with a 27-17 road win over the Saints .....<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvlSXnBLL34u4U8CQvG9S_-fqo-Pyec6Ja553NK6zXrn3zx_LNu-goVhzLAR8hXKwJZZm5Cb94VUoqAkUyeNUw69uHxmlYA95qCmxnDQHhEiWUldRFKPzTrrSZtTaZp__--YFsxYDynHAv5A-t1UfnoMryOabF7jE-9boj61q3S1EasHSq-kQgKHh/s934/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P19D%20%20WASH-DALL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="628" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvlSXnBLL34u4U8CQvG9S_-fqo-Pyec6Ja553NK6zXrn3zx_LNu-goVhzLAR8hXKwJZZm5Cb94VUoqAkUyeNUw69uHxmlYA95qCmxnDQHhEiWUldRFKPzTrrSZtTaZp__--YFsxYDynHAv5A-t1UfnoMryOabF7jE-9boj61q3S1EasHSq-kQgKHh/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P19D%20%20WASH-DALL.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5Mdz_2KcW8PCXf01WIa0jbFx9DajsL8UCtLZM3n2tGPaSgVogcHoyh2rPME9oJw5UCCjtii-vzjqD-tvwCB6XqRG-KO6WFcQgw1abPVTyeJU9OoNzeRYepbm1VgHY4f1iBQPmGSSL9Zz1wBCLhvj7ErD271zUmiB8OygDA8K1Qyxr1FDM6Z0wCxZ/s1881/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P19%20%20WASH-DALL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="1881" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5Mdz_2KcW8PCXf01WIa0jbFx9DajsL8UCtLZM3n2tGPaSgVogcHoyh2rPME9oJw5UCCjtii-vzjqD-tvwCB6XqRG-KO6WFcQgw1abPVTyeJU9OoNzeRYepbm1VgHY4f1iBQPmGSSL9Zz1wBCLhvj7ErD271zUmiB8OygDA8K1Qyxr1FDM6Z0wCxZ/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P19%20%20WASH-DALL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>93. And here's #11, the one that put him in the Cowboys' record book. On the night <i>after</i> Christmas in Week 16 the WFT goes one-and-out on their opening drive as Diggs has WR Terry McLaurin blanketed on a go route and rather easily picks off the pass from QB Taylor Heinicke 40 yards downfield, giving the ball right back to the Cowboys, who punted 2 plays earlier. The Cowboys cashed in the INT with a TD 9 plays later and scored 5 more TD before halftime, building a 42-7 lead and going on to crush WFT 56-14.<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGHdC8dIonBHp9IBw_uliDYEEVPt8jLEcJ1uLDwXhHU_Q2Avdnw2uX1Gi1mLQcRtyr8faXZYhCkEKwEqUf9Occ_rx9gpfBXTsv2co6TNHzNbP5g2SyL5lDEQwVGiVwFLTRuVcpGgnwjt6LGnQ8DHSV9bJgqSSljhCWYBQSbl6uBd2Nq51SCQGa8Hi/s1280/NFL21--OCT.%203--P142%20%20CAR-DALL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1280" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGHdC8dIonBHp9IBw_uliDYEEVPt8jLEcJ1uLDwXhHU_Q2Avdnw2uX1Gi1mLQcRtyr8faXZYhCkEKwEqUf9Occ_rx9gpfBXTsv2co6TNHzNbP5g2SyL5lDEQwVGiVwFLTRuVcpGgnwjt6LGnQ8DHSV9bJgqSSljhCWYBQSbl6uBd2Nq51SCQGa8Hi/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P142%20%20CAR-DALL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDb-k8JV0FxAURJRAZim6ppzV9PzhENcfAa3z6xmyooooxXqFybsJxPQ2vw59_SzSpy8bI0AVRYRRN__N1NdU41K7B5aXYaoBtgtW3bdGqpaWdTnAXO_5k6KFNcddXY0yiu7UWMAa3wY_3qq2s2hWSlrLKYmErPUi9Z_eIdZcwoY4kh5Dt8yv2KVOf/s2560/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P11%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1790" data-original-width="2560" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDb-k8JV0FxAURJRAZim6ppzV9PzhENcfAa3z6xmyooooxXqFybsJxPQ2vw59_SzSpy8bI0AVRYRRN__N1NdU41K7B5aXYaoBtgtW3bdGqpaWdTnAXO_5k6KFNcddXY0yiu7UWMAa3wY_3qq2s2hWSlrLKYmErPUi9Z_eIdZcwoY4kh5Dt8yv2KVOf/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P11%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>94. Only once during the season did <b>Trevon Diggs</b> have 2 INT in the same game, and that was against Carolina in Week 4. Late in the 3rd quarter QB Sam Darnold tries to hit <b>Robby Anderson</b> on 3rd and 5 but finds Diggs instead (photo above), and he returns it 23 yards to the Carolina 37. Three plays later the Cowboys scored a TD to increase their lead to 33-14. Trevon then got his 5th INT of the season on the 3rd play of the Panthers' next drive. The two picks earned him NFC defensive player of the weeks honors as well as his only appearance of the season on the dread stars list. The Cowboys won 36-28. Then in Week 6 Diggs had his biggest INT of the season. With the Patriots up 1 late and the Cowboys using their timeouts to save time, Diggs gets his team out of trouble, making an excellent catch of a ball that deflects off the hand of WR Kendrick Bourne just barely in front of him on 2nd and 15 (photo on right). Not settling for just the INT, Trevon goes 42 yards to the house on the return to give Dallas a 26-21 lead with 2:27 remaining. Of course, it turned out the game was far from over. On the very next play from scrimmage Bourne burned Diggs on an out-and-up route that went (thanks also to a poor play by another Cowboys DB) for a 75-yard TD. The game wound up going into OT and ended on the <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> TD seen in photo #62.<div>That's all, folks, for photos of Diggs' interceptions; but if you want to take 5 minutes ..... here's a video of all 11 that he picked off in 2021:</div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEw8ihdiNFs" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEw8ihdiNFs</a> .......<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHxF-8HNkFe32rXkPMLtCnCAj0l_OnA3MniBgyTnaoc2hxaazegBJSwMF_lruIFjM_ibGGmYmUfanfqI6ALVX42J59shw9NaqIcn0oz35Cm-vHxtlyVMUQ3QOf-9tM-vjNkApxMXrHwC2PNcsZQ36FjaqPm52-hlG2qzjtjzqha8mVLFasSkpt8wS/s3600/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P54B%20%20DALL-WASH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2457" data-original-width="3600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHxF-8HNkFe32rXkPMLtCnCAj0l_OnA3MniBgyTnaoc2hxaazegBJSwMF_lruIFjM_ibGGmYmUfanfqI6ALVX42J59shw9NaqIcn0oz35Cm-vHxtlyVMUQ3QOf-9tM-vjNkApxMXrHwC2PNcsZQ36FjaqPm52-hlG2qzjtjzqha8mVLFasSkpt8wS/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P54B%20%20DALL-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggE_4C8UsX8Nii5y2JFfQhaLhViLWP50WNtC3CskPXB8J2Seyd-uS6HlhkKm5juU3z2lsXrwMeKePmWtLS02BIbXXXP709lp-t0lfwjIUuSMO_fFn1F40pQfLY1isnchDXX-GGCxI_DTgv0a-etcytz5B8z6-wgj58uYuRcSvROr1UFd47K3k9Quq8/s1660/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P44%20%20WASH-DALL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1660" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggE_4C8UsX8Nii5y2JFfQhaLhViLWP50WNtC3CskPXB8J2Seyd-uS6HlhkKm5juU3z2lsXrwMeKePmWtLS02BIbXXXP709lp-t0lfwjIUuSMO_fFn1F40pQfLY1isnchDXX-GGCxI_DTgv0a-etcytz5B8z6-wgj58uYuRcSvROr1UFd47K3k9Quq8/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P44%20%20WASH-DALL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>95. But that's not all for photos of interceptions by Cowboys players with dreads. Here are a couple more, made by D-linemen no less. Playing in his 46th career game and back in action after missing 4 weeks due to injury, DE <b>Randy Gregory</b> gets his 1st career INT (photo above) - 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage. 3 plays after an INT by WFT in the 1st quarter in Week 14 Gregory gets the ball right back for the Cowboys, deflecting a screen pass intended for WR DeAndre Carter (#1) into the air on 3rd and 10 and then catching it himself at the Cowboys' 47-yard line. Gregory went 12 yards on the return before being tackled from behind by Carter. 5 plays later the Cowboys scored a TD to go up 11-0 and eventually led 24-0 before hanging on for the 27-20 victory. Then in the rematch with WFT 2 weeks later it was DE <b>DeMarcus Lawrence</b> with a play similar to Gregory's, tipping the pass intended for RB <b>Jonathan Williams</b> to himself 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage (photo on right) on 3rd and 7 and - even better than Gregory - taking the return 40 yards to the house: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jig74eLEVX0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jig74eLEVX0</a> ..... Lawrence's 2nd career INT and 1st career TD upped the Cowboys' lead to 21-0, and the rout was already on with 2:17 remaining in the 1st quarter. The Cowboys went on to win 56-14.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWPwFos1gpJB3qvOX5-VzwKavn4vnJpQ3NY_wrjS0613obPXStk0-QlnrFoXCO63Rd0LWm_OAjNTJLeOQgneH_R-_IudJiR0qyfdG0LX3PC3-r9eusK44BtSGxddslU0CamAVbyuirfd7ZR2X148TYir3aIjdlUYhtL08ypxdWNzMLLeIKIT1G0pX/s1024/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P141%20%20JACK-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWPwFos1gpJB3qvOX5-VzwKavn4vnJpQ3NY_wrjS0613obPXStk0-QlnrFoXCO63Rd0LWm_OAjNTJLeOQgneH_R-_IudJiR0qyfdG0LX3PC3-r9eusK44BtSGxddslU0CamAVbyuirfd7ZR2X148TYir3aIjdlUYhtL08ypxdWNzMLLeIKIT1G0pX/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P141%20%20JACK-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB07DBxLaxcqB3n3cVbr86_H0GGJm231mh7e3D9diY5E3lF0q67yESa1iG-orVNmhWTmI7kgZt39kSM9RyIdf7x0Y7mdG81675CBjLjz5qc9iae6Z54Yct4VVM-x216vFhdg7RQtFxsXLIVSuiAI9lQdpibmoytTSetW9Kpqj4cXAauFXp1uk3keYo/s1524/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P3%20%20JACK-HOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1524" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB07DBxLaxcqB3n3cVbr86_H0GGJm231mh7e3D9diY5E3lF0q67yESa1iG-orVNmhWTmI7kgZt39kSM9RyIdf7x0Y7mdG81675CBjLjz5qc9iae6Z54Yct4VVM-x216vFhdg7RQtFxsXLIVSuiAI9lQdpibmoytTSetW9Kpqj4cXAauFXp1uk3keYo/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P3%20%20JACK-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>96. 3 days after <b>Trevon Diggs</b> got the 1st INT of the season by a player with dreads in the Thursday night opener, the Houston Texans became the first team with multiple interceptions by players with dreads in the same game, getting 3 to spoil the debut of #1 overall draft pick Trevor Lawrence. With the Texans already ahead 17-7 in the 2nd quarter, S <b>Justin Reid</b> keeps the party going, picking off a pass (photo above) that Lawrence threw too high for intended WR Devin Smith on 2nd and 13 and returning it 21 yards to the Jaguars' 48-yard line as CB <b>Tremon Smith</b> looks on and WR <b>Laviska</b> <b>Shenault</b> tries to make the tackle (photo on right). The Texans' offense didn't do anything with the turnover though, going three-and-out and punting. But .....<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyswMGx1BuIcuI99BynycIASP5QWhwn7KYthXFeLzsPLtEUDxypaxPb_O-KS5mdobo-L1dN-kE_42Uf_j8FGefjRsykmp6fJVNOyc3GaR2YxKCF9lpIxBZLwu7moL7sQI25FBOjWyaxbiZu9kWvRE0yDLosxsT5cwIYGCo-LcDS2f4FfoXYj3F3WK/s1500/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P153%20%20JACK-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyswMGx1BuIcuI99BynycIASP5QWhwn7KYthXFeLzsPLtEUDxypaxPb_O-KS5mdobo-L1dN-kE_42Uf_j8FGefjRsykmp6fJVNOyc3GaR2YxKCF9lpIxBZLwu7moL7sQI25FBOjWyaxbiZu9kWvRE0yDLosxsT5cwIYGCo-LcDS2f4FfoXYj3F3WK/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P153%20%20JACK-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJvJwbVbaIei8RajdPH5qH9gaRayiimbKCf7kDsA7WvLPWfRvtTdxjf2O6Rfc7WqteeYs1OMKZ25KSw3B3OWoNs9dUMLNAaJ908EoFR_6qjS_smuAXk9Mb8fwgDhq7-NQdaGLj2bFLWzife7br-ECtxcOEcNwAvTZfwTRhNVAQUHxsm3rtS400pXg/s1500/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P4B%20%20JACK-HOU.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJvJwbVbaIei8RajdPH5qH9gaRayiimbKCf7kDsA7WvLPWfRvtTdxjf2O6Rfc7WqteeYs1OMKZ25KSw3B3OWoNs9dUMLNAaJ908EoFR_6qjS_smuAXk9Mb8fwgDhq7-NQdaGLj2bFLWzife7br-ECtxcOEcNwAvTZfwTRhNVAQUHxsm3rtS400pXg/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P4B%20%20JACK-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>97. ...... On the 2nd play after the punt the Texans get the ball right back, as Lawrence throws into the teeth of the zone defense, and CB <b>Vernon</b> <b>Hargreaves</b> drops back in front of intended WR DJ Chark on 2nd and 9 and easily gets the INT at the Jaguars' 25 (photo above). Hargreaves goes sideline to sideline trying to take the return to the house - and is pursued by Shenault (photo on right) as he gets to the 10 - but eventually is tackled at the 7 for an 18-yard return. The Texans settled for a FG on the ensuing possession to up their lead to 20-7. This was Hargreaves' only INT of the season. After being released by the Texans halfway through the season, Vernon was picked up by the Bengals; but he hardly played at all for them and was not in uniform for the Super Bowl ......<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUHRVcAM5E2wAqmi9KtGQ8REVv_hq5NTiJH6haNlUNqvnId869vRCSJOPf6wc1s6dzLGGY0VXv5lfc8l96x5eSxDzcdMktSp2gFUxAtHFxdAnaMxsKcMhOfIAZGDb5MlJO_WgVpPznj9nhCQaci9sLZnQsrgLWp_BSdpyc_XoqPVYNakPeg-GJU6R/s1500/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P158A%20%20JACK-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUHRVcAM5E2wAqmi9KtGQ8REVv_hq5NTiJH6haNlUNqvnId869vRCSJOPf6wc1s6dzLGGY0VXv5lfc8l96x5eSxDzcdMktSp2gFUxAtHFxdAnaMxsKcMhOfIAZGDb5MlJO_WgVpPznj9nhCQaci9sLZnQsrgLWp_BSdpyc_XoqPVYNakPeg-GJU6R/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P158A%20%20JACK-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>98. Then with the score 37-14 in the 4th quarter, LB <b>Christian Kirksey</b> makes it a trio of interceptions by players with dreads for the Texans. The game play-by-play says this pass on 2nd and 1 was intended for Shenault; but it was hard to tell because the ball was far away from him and thrown instead right directly to Kirksey at the Texans' 23-yard line. He didn't bother to return it. I decided to include Christian on the Week 1 dread stars list, as he also had 6 tackles (5-1), including 2 TFL, and 1 PBU in the game, which the Texans won 37-21. <br />Only one other time did a team have 3 INT by players with dreads in the same game; and it was the Texans again, during their Week 11 upset of the Titans.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-ao-rmWtTQikphArw0QrpupQH4zlpxTwVgHBRSwssvKCBazKDEAdYdXaP0lAAFHqekgews6NhDuCCPbp5bUfdy5uKEAd8GPliB6GJvmjjFP6-aJbkaU_KMvfmp2LdQ6wF5vfv1Iwe8602Llb57pZvvJ95Kk1_5f9AxGU4W9F0Ir4_PptGsLeoQ14/s720/NFL21--NOV.%207--P8A%20%20LV-NYG.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-ao-rmWtTQikphArw0QrpupQH4zlpxTwVgHBRSwssvKCBazKDEAdYdXaP0lAAFHqekgews6NhDuCCPbp5bUfdy5uKEAd8GPliB6GJvmjjFP6-aJbkaU_KMvfmp2LdQ6wF5vfv1Iwe8602Llb57pZvvJ95Kk1_5f9AxGU4W9F0Ir4_PptGsLeoQ14/s320/NFL21--NOV.%207--P8A%20%20LV-NYG.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KSUqjaDHHbVg6ER1RkIig7Ccmer9Ef_KOXvOFtjLsk8UHl2ohDFG9eVRTQYksKI61SfTb1sHW9AlKg00EMjtnl1mMxvO39hVRjmH6P5okA86oUx9TZGXbD2Opxqx81rlP-UhEvfqRk3tHuocKJX0gt1w2DqDeSwp-mANQd5nghlVdnm_IY5D-7GC/s2048/NFL21--NOV.%207--P11B%20%20LV-NYG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="2048" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KSUqjaDHHbVg6ER1RkIig7Ccmer9Ef_KOXvOFtjLsk8UHl2ohDFG9eVRTQYksKI61SfTb1sHW9AlKg00EMjtnl1mMxvO39hVRjmH6P5okA86oUx9TZGXbD2Opxqx81rlP-UhEvfqRk3tHuocKJX0gt1w2DqDeSwp-mANQd5nghlVdnm_IY5D-7GC/s320/NFL21--NOV.%207--P11B%20%20LV-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>99. Of the career high 5 INT that S <b>Xavier McKinney</b> had in 2021, this one was the most impactful. On 3rd and 7 on the 3rd play of the Raiders' 2nd half opening drive in Week 9 McKinney breaks perfectly on the out route by WR Hunter Renfrow and intercepts the pass (left photo) right at the 1st down marker then has the deuces out already at the 15-yard line (right photo) as he takes the return down the sideline 41 yards to the house for his 1st career TD. Xavier's 3rd INT of the season turned a 13-10 Raiders lead into a 17-13 Giants lead, and the Giants never trailed after it. Later, with the score 20-16, McKinney got his 4th INT of the season, helping him earn NFC defensive player of the week honors. The Giants won 23-16 to improve to 3-6.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v_dFQ_3j2waAJNziVd2t8tu66upmuFNDc7fiz_6QGnUIDiLXV2HL52yMaY3Kaq5KNtOeJ4L8PyVvagtYaA7FuHYjJpL1FT2LVSD80_BcR8r8BGmgJi8vGCC520M76HH7b3OqizbEH2k2S2gVFcfPQH7uAOpOEYdPzZAFNKJiQXYGpDr9O2TRvJXS/s1175/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P97A%20%20PHIL-NYG.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1175" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v_dFQ_3j2waAJNziVd2t8tu66upmuFNDc7fiz_6QGnUIDiLXV2HL52yMaY3Kaq5KNtOeJ4L8PyVvagtYaA7FuHYjJpL1FT2LVSD80_BcR8r8BGmgJi8vGCC520M76HH7b3OqizbEH2k2S2gVFcfPQH7uAOpOEYdPzZAFNKJiQXYGpDr9O2TRvJXS/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P97A%20%20PHIL-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Qj8gwrfgj4rwqnyVKkCPNT591B2KqIp-UTbZuKi60ReyVf4CB8jnAHMk_E3cbfCwKOFm-iBxg8Nc4ISO6Ai2QoXHCNY5KCRRqnBZcrb3KrwEbViytSMF6Iwwyim-WK0nxIWDFXx_-QjSL8aQEi0R9KiN1lAci1Z6OeAD7MTvcduD3c31MRtC8XmM/s1296/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P97B%20%20PHIL-NYG.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1296" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Qj8gwrfgj4rwqnyVKkCPNT591B2KqIp-UTbZuKi60ReyVf4CB8jnAHMk_E3cbfCwKOFm-iBxg8Nc4ISO6Ai2QoXHCNY5KCRRqnBZcrb3KrwEbViytSMF6Iwwyim-WK0nxIWDFXx_-QjSL8aQEi0R9KiN1lAci1Z6OeAD7MTvcduD3c31MRtC8XmM/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P97B%20%20PHIL-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>100. With <b>Trevon Diggs</b> and <b>Xavier McKinney</b> going 1-2 in INT by players with dreads, the NFC East was the easy winner for the division with the most INT by players with dreads. Their total of 28 was 9 more than the 19 for the runner-up AFC South. McKinney's 5th and last INT came here in Week 12. 2 plays after the Giants scored a TD on their 2nd half opening drive to go up 10-0, things get even worse for the Eagles, as QB Jalen Hurts throws into the double coverage of McKinney and CB <b>Aaron Robinson</b> trying to hit WR Jalen Reagor deep, and Xavier easily gets the interception at the NYG 46-yard line with no return. It was another good game for McKinney but not quite good enough to make the dread stars list. He led the Giants in tackles with 8 (4-4) and had 1 PBU along with his INT as the Giants, a 3-point underdog at home, upset the Eagles 13-7. But at 4-7, this was the high water mark for the Giants. They lost the next 6 to finish 4-13, while the Eagles (5-7 after this loss) won their next 4 and made the playoffs.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5k2b2MVNX4Axri33zWmf8Q9-lj6ptmGBM-frQq6VZagslF_RtVRNknYGWstDEEbmbx76iN4c-1RpS8wnq_laBg14u7hlQZfnXEblf6EXdMh-PY-SD51jVy-reE8lz4vwB0raIuIMJ4z95Scrmymb8sedF7N_iEdk0DbxUITLTyy4VHkaGW8zeVGf/s1016/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P16A%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1016" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5k2b2MVNX4Axri33zWmf8Q9-lj6ptmGBM-frQq6VZagslF_RtVRNknYGWstDEEbmbx76iN4c-1RpS8wnq_laBg14u7hlQZfnXEblf6EXdMh-PY-SD51jVy-reE8lz4vwB0raIuIMJ4z95Scrmymb8sedF7N_iEdk0DbxUITLTyy4VHkaGW8zeVGf/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P16A%20%20DALL-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55Vgw1bH__5lQhfZOgFGYeZQqv9eOg_x5mRrqObEwnANPjfRjgKL-NY0PTsVwUgwD9VbTuwj-x-VsMPRxscjsVWznaA7NlqBlvjZqmMBaSrtAmCgARe2pgpg0qtUvHpbHaZZQqAdLMtUzBtosaKjLytIYNn-CXZrMC3zTNxV7u3vJ49vua5FR2IvX/s1500/NFL21--JAN.%202--P32A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1500" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55Vgw1bH__5lQhfZOgFGYeZQqv9eOg_x5mRrqObEwnANPjfRjgKL-NY0PTsVwUgwD9VbTuwj-x-VsMPRxscjsVWznaA7NlqBlvjZqmMBaSrtAmCgARe2pgpg0qtUvHpbHaZZQqAdLMtUzBtosaKjLytIYNn-CXZrMC3zTNxV7u3vJ49vua5FR2IvX/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P32A%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>101. After getting no interceptions during his 2020 rookie season for the Patriots, S <b>Kyle Dugger</b> finished in a 3-way tie for 3rd place in INT by players with dreads in 2021. These here are the first and last of his 4 picks. With the Patriots leading the Cowboys 14-7 early in the 2nd quarter in Week 6, a pass into the end zone on 3rd and 9 from the 16-yard line intended for WR Cedrick Wilson should have been picked off by CB Justin Bethel (hidden behind Wilson in photo above); but after the ball ricochets off his hands, Dugger is there to catch it and end the Dallas scoring chance. Kyle tried to take the return 104 yards but only made it to the New England 25-yard line. Dugger also had 8 tackles (8-0) in the game, but the Patriots dropped a wild one to the Cowboys 35-29 in OT. Then late in the 3rd quarter in Week 17 Dugger cuts in front of WR Marvin Jones and picks off the pass by Trevor Lawrence (photo on right) on 3rd and 14 at the Jaguars' 21-yard line. Kyle had a great chance to take this return to the house; but a Jaguars O-lineman, with the game already out of hand at 34-3, had the nerve to run over to the sideline and knock him out of bounds at the 1. Bad for Kyle. But good for <b>Rhamondre Stevenson</b>, who scored on the next play to make it 41-3 (see photo #44). As was mentioned earlier, the Patriots crushed the Jaguars 50-10.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><br /><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimGxkOWnIJiO31e7bxn0QmhRH41hOnCIumz7UZxyAbrFqSH2P5PRPvSYBJ2ft4CgGXqT-CWVv4MExSdhLqq-4kP5xNd52_oXllKAkFpk1Od4DfUSA8OGlRk5SQierxwAGwS3y0sBzhRICvnqmx0hwGQjsA-y15HlyBcJgQgDtZlBvHdCKwzHFg9XW/s1500/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P108A%20%20LV-DEN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimGxkOWnIJiO31e7bxn0QmhRH41hOnCIumz7UZxyAbrFqSH2P5PRPvSYBJ2ft4CgGXqT-CWVv4MExSdhLqq-4kP5xNd52_oXllKAkFpk1Od4DfUSA8OGlRk5SQierxwAGwS3y0sBzhRICvnqmx0hwGQjsA-y15HlyBcJgQgDtZlBvHdCKwzHFg9XW/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P108A%20%20LV-DEN.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-NsC0nSiZmrWvxOh5TgGyl1RNz0slxXTtRq2o_LHH0HdyCPFDpVepxBzzqbDM0ZWyy-UVv7QL76gxVpq-cKMnxLQHd_yXBFG6M38h1di6kyxUDwHxSZUXit1mSFD8jcDbYwVA-3OrdFLHlBUmpzKoLfXgEbRiOMQ_l9KYALo_27_Ns34hgQSnjop/s1280/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P127%20%20DALL-LAC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-NsC0nSiZmrWvxOh5TgGyl1RNz0slxXTtRq2o_LHH0HdyCPFDpVepxBzzqbDM0ZWyy-UVv7QL76gxVpq-cKMnxLQHd_yXBFG6M38h1di6kyxUDwHxSZUXit1mSFD8jcDbYwVA-3OrdFLHlBUmpzKoLfXgEbRiOMQ_l9KYALo_27_Ns34hgQSnjop/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P127%20%20DALL-LAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>102. Here in these shots a couple of AFC West rookies get the 1st INT of their careers. In the Chargers' home opener in Week 2, 2 plays after a <b>Trevon Diggs</b> INT ended the Chargers' opening drive, CB <b>Asante Samuel Jr.</b> gets the ball right back for LA. Samuel was covering WR Amari Cooper on 2nd and 2, but when the pass intended for WR <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> goes way over his head, Asante is in the right place at the right time as the ball comes right to him. He took the return 26 yards to the Dallas 45, and 5 plays later a FG cut the Cowboys' lead to 7-3. The Cowboys went on to win 20-17 on a last-second FG. Samuel had another INT the next week against the Chiefs but then none after that, leaving him 49 career INT behind his father (who had 51 in 11 seasons). </div><div>Midway through the 4th quarter at Denver in Week 6, S <b>Tre'von Moehrig</b> gets his only INT of the season (right photo), catching a <b>Teddy Bridgewater</b> deep pass on 3rd and 10 that was way too far for intended WR Courtland Sutton. Moehrig brought the return back 35 yards to the Denver 45, keeping the Las Vegas lead at 34-17. Tre'von also had 3 tackles (2-1) and 1 PBU in the game, which the Raiders won 34-24.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fw93qCCCkCsN7dYoozpIc-6Lx1RGOwpux23lgmwfAYf_QD6lmCmZ4KmHL2G8TMstVfWx27EaFxBWyDJMs1HdeTcEvljdhqxK3f3HRw-cSNnQtcqz4BprjiSdJJyWjOBWVyUkY5Q7sEw5wz3T5vLchoHWdonyJzmz3lBW4LuGvHbRW89eRVKbXnOc/s1500/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P44A%20%20CAR-ATL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="933" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fw93qCCCkCsN7dYoozpIc-6Lx1RGOwpux23lgmwfAYf_QD6lmCmZ4KmHL2G8TMstVfWx27EaFxBWyDJMs1HdeTcEvljdhqxK3f3HRw-cSNnQtcqz4BprjiSdJJyWjOBWVyUkY5Q7sEw5wz3T5vLchoHWdonyJzmz3lBW4LuGvHbRW89eRVKbXnOc/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P44A%20%20CAR-ATL.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF1SKqlGAvOLlRCVhftxQH7kB39yGgqCIlg74slQDY2mTmPgtL8Mn9RBetNb1TyniMhwOjA49nCOmg9SXvIo6n8RRpGUUwvX34gsfrSmQSV4Q0rFU69PnJv6PCyuR_INlFAEFfaKd8N6U_FCYRzB0kXtO7G_IUKS9D7e4LxJhcL1cyqgsrM8iqpMo/s960/NFL21--NOV.%207--P36%20%20NE-CAR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaF1SKqlGAvOLlRCVhftxQH7kB39yGgqCIlg74slQDY2mTmPgtL8Mn9RBetNb1TyniMhwOjA49nCOmg9SXvIo6n8RRpGUUwvX34gsfrSmQSV4Q0rFU69PnJv6PCyuR_INlFAEFfaKd8N6U_FCYRzB0kXtO7G_IUKS9D7e4LxJhcL1cyqgsrM8iqpMo/s320/NFL21--NOV.%207--P36%20%20NE-CAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>103. It did not take long for CB <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> to get his 1st INT in a Panthers uniform. One day after being activated from the PUP list (which kept him out of action until Week 8) Gilmore is on the field and has TE Kyle Pitts blanketed (left photo) on 1st and 10 on the first play after the 2nd half 2-minute warning; but QB Matt Ryan throws to Pitts anyway, and Stephon easily picks it off Carolina 15-yard line, keeping the score at 19-10. It was the 26th INT of his career. The Falcons got the ball back and kicked a FG in the closing seconds, but the Panthers recovered the onside kickoff and held on to win 19-13, improving to 4-4 and ending their 4-game losing streak. One week later Gilmore gets what no doubt is one of the more satisfying interceptions of his career. In his 1st game <i>against</i> the Patriots after being traded <i>from</i> the Patriots 4 weeks earlier, Stephon beats WR <b>Jakobi Meyers </b>to the spot where the short pass is thrown on 2nd and 7 midway through the 2nd quarter and easily picks it off and returns it 13 yards to the New England 34. 6 plays later the Panthers kicked a FG to pull within 7-6. The Patriots went on to win 24-6. These were Gilmore's only 2 INT of the season - and probably his only 2 ever for Carolina. The Rock Hill, SC native decided not to stay at home for his 11th NFL season and instead is now with the Colts in 2022.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa_AfqCGILkWM2onyM_cNx2fyiDxym7UPWUOWhvr6nAOjf4TYAL8ujX2WORCkKsE4nzHzsTzckOeHl6MBP4JBzLNUDkBkdVp-2vyikF_TnnMxMbyU8TSO17jTYEnBrgO-Go6xM6uGbhVP6WIs0jCWDTLWkqR9LIOSpRHAeNmmZbV9SKZLBYXjmQUK/s620/NFL21--JAN.%202--P75%20%20HOU-SF.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="620" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa_AfqCGILkWM2onyM_cNx2fyiDxym7UPWUOWhvr6nAOjf4TYAL8ujX2WORCkKsE4nzHzsTzckOeHl6MBP4JBzLNUDkBkdVp-2vyikF_TnnMxMbyU8TSO17jTYEnBrgO-Go6xM6uGbhVP6WIs0jCWDTLWkqR9LIOSpRHAeNmmZbV9SKZLBYXjmQUK/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P75%20%20HOU-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprKX5neIUsuv686941eKRWylSIK7goFsotd23lBrAO10_-uUdCYeq34--Y_0znpJfK4-RHxmi2x184VM1vb9fzKPNHvwCN6e8FxBiMEKLfjGElwmfafeergMiB78sABcVh9OwbJQXqZPGekbmJMYyxjBDW-GRPldb7OTSMYeB-Ixzpug-OupzyOZ5/s1280/NFL21--JAN.%202--P76%20%20HOU-SF.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprKX5neIUsuv686941eKRWylSIK7goFsotd23lBrAO10_-uUdCYeq34--Y_0znpJfK4-RHxmi2x184VM1vb9fzKPNHvwCN6e8FxBiMEKLfjGElwmfafeergMiB78sABcVh9OwbJQXqZPGekbmJMYyxjBDW-GRPldb7OTSMYeB-Ixzpug-OupzyOZ5/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P76%20%20HOU-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>104. Playing in his 4th season and his 52nd career game, LB <b>Marcell Harris</b> finally gets his 1st career INT for the 49ers in Week 17 - and then promptly messes it up. Luckily for him he was bailed out by a bad call by the officials. On 3rd and 3 on the 6th play of the Texans' 2nd half opening drive QB Davis Mills somehow doesn't see Harris standing in front of intended WR <b>Chris Conley</b> 5 yards downfield and throws the pass right into Harris' hands (photo above) at the SF 40-yard line. But as Marcell tries to break a tackle on the return, Conley strips the ball from him (photo on right) and the Texans recover the fumble. However, the fumble technically never happened because the officials ruled his forward progress was stopped before he lost the ball and while he was trying to break the tackle - a very questionable call. It was the turning point of the game. Instead of the Texans keeping the ball, the 49ers got it and scored a TD 5 plays later to take a 10-7 lead. In addition to his INT Marcell finished with a career high 10 tackles (6-4) in the 49ers' 23-7 home win over Houston. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk4PB8a_h_JdJ3kPrujYxxv8X__83w-MymRi1PsWN-KqosPNvALdY1qdVYo9MSBxnHtsWbf-2p7jDunZZ0zJjqYygbiMRsVdhQXVMfBdn8oBt3gP-quN47AjUHjyXWqky6eY_ZiKSb_1zkIbwZKc6329YQnBdy99UFfRL7K9uhnlMl7cQ1_YlJvDP/s1000/NFL21--JAN.%2030--P1%20%20SF-LAR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk4PB8a_h_JdJ3kPrujYxxv8X__83w-MymRi1PsWN-KqosPNvALdY1qdVYo9MSBxnHtsWbf-2p7jDunZZ0zJjqYygbiMRsVdhQXVMfBdn8oBt3gP-quN47AjUHjyXWqky6eY_ZiKSb_1zkIbwZKc6329YQnBdy99UFfRL7K9uhnlMl7cQ1_YlJvDP/s320/NFL21--JAN.%2030--P1%20%20SF-LAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjMPqSRiKNGAZmbqxwR1m0R8jDWFG6Dbp4p3xDGzOAItNvGCcEAMKP5xfOmcXErOkjcF0kA6pdsD2iycmqSBj-H2MTSJ5rpVhUlbJu9lE8gon1-N0X8Vthv4Ol2nec5NM6lBOsB3ojv0V0WmfNlg5tcrRGTZcVWtKU6H3Ktbqv-WKMmP_WPhRI9ip/s2048/NFL21--JAN.%2030--P1A%20%20SF-LAR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="2048" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjMPqSRiKNGAZmbqxwR1m0R8jDWFG6Dbp4p3xDGzOAItNvGCcEAMKP5xfOmcXErOkjcF0kA6pdsD2iycmqSBj-H2MTSJ5rpVhUlbJu9lE8gon1-N0X8Vthv4Ol2nec5NM6lBOsB3ojv0V0WmfNlg5tcrRGTZcVWtKU6H3Ktbqv-WKMmP_WPhRI9ip/s320/NFL21--JAN.%2030--P1A%20%20SF-LAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>105. There were 4 interceptions by players with dreads in the postseason. This was the only one where you could actually see the player's dreads - and even in this only one you can <i>barely</i> see LB <b>Travin Howard</b>'s dreads. Howard gave Rams fans one of their sweetest moments of the season late in the 4th quarter of the NFC Championship game. With the Rams up by 3 and the 49ers facing a 3rd and 13, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, under pressure and about to be sacked, flips a desperation pass to RB <b>JaMycal Hasty</b> 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage; but it's too high and deflects off his hands and - much to his horror - lands in the hands of Howard 3 yards behind the line at the SF 19, ending the 49ers' possession and sealing the win for the Rams with 1:09 remaining. The 49ers had only 1 timeout left, so the Rams were able to run out the clock. Trailing 17-7 starting the 4th quarter, the Rams came back for a 20-17 win over the hated 49ers and were on their way to the Super Bowl.<div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk5BsgZsb9Da-vMpUktcjC2awMJhaZS7LYkT5IIsxiNZPpMG9whbhe3bx1RK-BXQGrbfbK1_kPuN_saAlXtlSXe-fsbMa_OCM2AVC3bYSaxnJTr-2C-Op9hCLchGDJoaOtPArW27McVFPE2S1FrTb6myCUcPLAXy3oTfdHfLFpVpCRys-_KSZt_ht/s1280/NFL21--NOV.%2022--P3%20%20NYG-TB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCk5BsgZsb9Da-vMpUktcjC2awMJhaZS7LYkT5IIsxiNZPpMG9whbhe3bx1RK-BXQGrbfbK1_kPuN_saAlXtlSXe-fsbMa_OCM2AVC3bYSaxnJTr-2C-Op9hCLchGDJoaOtPArW27McVFPE2S1FrTb6myCUcPLAXy3oTfdHfLFpVpCRys-_KSZt_ht/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2022--P3%20%20NYG-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>106. When the ball was snapped on this play - and even after it was snapped and he wasn't getting any pressure on the QB - the last thing DT <b>Steve McLendon</b> expected was that he would get his 1st career INT; but that's what happened on Monday night in Week 11. On 2nd and 8 midway through the 3rd quarter Giants QB Daniel Jones, under pressure, just gets rid of the ball trying to avoid the sack - and throws it straight to McLendon 1 yard behind the line of scrimmage at the NY 37. Steve had a chance to pick up a few yards on the return; but apparently he was so shocked to find the ball in his hands that he just fell down: <a href="https://www.buccaneers.com/video/steve-mclendon-pick-bucs-giants-week-11-big-play" target="_blank">https://www.buccaneers.com/video/steve-mclendon-pick-bucs-giants-week-11-big-play</a> ...... 6 plays later the Buccaneers settled for a FG to increase their lead to 27-10, on their way to a 30-10 victory. 35 years old and in his 12th NFL season, McLendon became the second oldest player in league history to get his 1st career interception. And for another interesting tidbit ...... since the Giants' only TD in the game came on a 2-yard catch by O-lineman Andrew Thomas, this became the 1st time in NFL history players weighing 300+ pounds had a TD and an INT in the same game. <br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L0SneGpgUESn7whusRcEahI3yiLGzzQodCJqJRl9QaIMympqSfYbBkmaGo3YNm8ZezWJHU5192yGNsRjbmCXBhNI8scpGPygQORlJmth-l0nApX_B7xjfi3g4pKqsQqQEOQZ-P0fhjbesMAndHl8zYbAnKUy65V6lpqVT_x3Z87iI2ABNWF_pVPJ/s800/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P14%20%20CLEVE-BALT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="800" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L0SneGpgUESn7whusRcEahI3yiLGzzQodCJqJRl9QaIMympqSfYbBkmaGo3YNm8ZezWJHU5192yGNsRjbmCXBhNI8scpGPygQORlJmth-l0nApX_B7xjfi3g4pKqsQqQEOQZ-P0fhjbesMAndHl8zYbAnKUy65V6lpqVT_x3Z87iI2ABNWF_pVPJ/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P14%20%20CLEVE-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA78hENBS8OR_HyoxwT8X8vNTZCoCDGXrdKU1mVmkPQUk0r6hNDtPWtJul4GZE3_3-2PmOtMGSJ34cFxe2NXP8TNqMn68l5wA262s1BugLYzrXBL06O3ScLZ9JlT52uBwksKBmct_5QmOtMvx9f669GMAcTnWfarP62frYm6S5hPKM9qVv8YCxiLAa/s1280/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P14B%20%20CLEVE-BALT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA78hENBS8OR_HyoxwT8X8vNTZCoCDGXrdKU1mVmkPQUk0r6hNDtPWtJul4GZE3_3-2PmOtMGSJ34cFxe2NXP8TNqMn68l5wA262s1BugLYzrXBL06O3ScLZ9JlT52uBwksKBmct_5QmOtMvx9f669GMAcTnWfarP62frYm6S5hPKM9qVv8YCxiLAa/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P14B%20%20CLEVE-BALT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>107. With time starting to run out on the season in Week 12, S <b>Ronnie Harrison</b> makes sure he gets at least 1 INT for the 4th straight year. There were 5 turnovers in the last 4 minutes of the 1st half of the Browns-Ravens game on Sunday night, and this was the last of them. Due to a miscommunication between QB Lamar Jackson and TE Mark Andrews (#89) the pass is not close to Andrews, and Harrison lunges and makes the catch and then hangs on as he collides with the ground at the Cleveland 33-yard line with :21 on the clock, keeping the Ravens' lead at 6-3. Harrison played 74 snaps on defense and led the Browns with 14 tackles (12-2); but despite 4 interceptions thrown by Jackson the Browns still couldn't win, losing to the Ravens 16-10. <div>It was a good thing for Harrison he got his INT in this game - because he didn't play another, missing the last 5 games of the season due to an injured ankle.</div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-EuvZ-m9eyz-5AU8MmM7qK_LWXwj-Q-8GLSsHmPGKeO8dNyYfuQFHIxQe4rPP9JfXc2awzR2ZO186846TEhr0TQ922YVxVnwkccqeF8m2vQwC4IKYAFfNwzM3o5uuCMueqYql-TymnZrqKhVJ_gZ-nA2-2G2Z7aWV9zSOC-5ApgJAb0uM8oA4B0N/s1500/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P87%20%20CIN-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-EuvZ-m9eyz-5AU8MmM7qK_LWXwj-Q-8GLSsHmPGKeO8dNyYfuQFHIxQe4rPP9JfXc2awzR2ZO186846TEhr0TQ922YVxVnwkccqeF8m2vQwC4IKYAFfNwzM3o5uuCMueqYql-TymnZrqKhVJ_gZ-nA2-2G2Z7aWV9zSOC-5ApgJAb0uM8oA4B0N/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P87%20%20CIN-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIskPz0FK-D6q1dA6Xwv1kKMaGlOm4SXpTQbwEbWobJ_43xrhTQ7qAwCxt8fjZTkiR2nkj_9N871_vtJESKBi5s5kKH_bvCYeus4_LbawGcb2zgss2_ar30uo_jYHkCa82RbmIk0WRqD_2ESQcwAFmBM0JeIYhfoU3Kuy8ac-SDFJLjFVTqRGjkm7/s1421/NFL21--OCT.%203--P76A%20%20HOU-BUFF.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1421" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIskPz0FK-D6q1dA6Xwv1kKMaGlOm4SXpTQbwEbWobJ_43xrhTQ7qAwCxt8fjZTkiR2nkj_9N871_vtJESKBi5s5kKH_bvCYeus4_LbawGcb2zgss2_ar30uo_jYHkCa82RbmIk0WRqD_2ESQcwAFmBM0JeIYhfoU3Kuy8ac-SDFJLjFVTqRGjkm7/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P76A%20%20HOU-BUFF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>108. It was kind of a mixed bag for bragging rights in 2021 for brothers <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> of the Bills and <b>Terrell Edmunds</b> of the Steelers. Terrell's Steelers won their head-to-head matchup with a Week 1 upset of the Bills, but then Tremaine's Bills went on to have a more successful season than the Steelers. Terrell had a slight edge in interceptions. The first of his 2 INT came in Week 3, and it ended the Bengals' 2nd drive of the day at Heinz Field. On 2nd and 4 QB Joe Burrow's pass sails over the head of intended WR Tyler Boyd and then deflects off the hands of S Minkah Fitzpatrick trying for the INT at the Steelers' 38-yard line and ends up in the hands of Edmunds (photo above) at the 29-yard line. Terrell went 15 yards on the return, but the Steelers turned the ball back over to the Bengals 3 plays later. The Steelers lost 24-10, their 1st home loss to the Bengals in 6 years. One week later the Texans' 3rd drive of the day at Highmark Stadium comes to an end on Tremaine's only INT of the season. On 3rd and 10 Davis Mills tries tries to hit WR Anthony Miller (#3) for the 1st down, but Tremaine drops back in front of him and easily picks off the pass (photo on right) at the Buffalo 27-yard line and returns it 4 yards, keeping the game scoreless. The Bills scored a TD on the ensuing possession and went on to smash the Texans 40-0. </div><div>Terrell and Tremaine remained tied at 1 in interceptions all the way until the last game of the regular season, when Terrell got one in the Steelers' huge road win over the Ravens. That one also gave him a 5-4 lead over Tremaine in career interceptions after their first 4 NFL seasons.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwaCpshm6rGI0YyHta32nMAFrjcAM7AaHNs5ByfUdX-LX4-NSH6QdnF-18l-w4Rp0i5c9NjfMU4cu1GihAbYfHV0w3tuBPvw5xSI4rPSAO_3SmlHnwTGfVLIYFCnuEgQrS-6jCaUjmQQ6OlQQrCsli261yp9715qwEBZLTVeFi-O_nMBDVcQNDXRS/s1072/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P96%20%20CAR-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1072" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwaCpshm6rGI0YyHta32nMAFrjcAM7AaHNs5ByfUdX-LX4-NSH6QdnF-18l-w4Rp0i5c9NjfMU4cu1GihAbYfHV0w3tuBPvw5xSI4rPSAO_3SmlHnwTGfVLIYFCnuEgQrS-6jCaUjmQQ6OlQQrCsli261yp9715qwEBZLTVeFi-O_nMBDVcQNDXRS/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P96%20%20CAR-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZASM5UIF7zN_aLZI15ubwfoEqVjxXikctAyeLNRaw8AYGZB2xtqnw6MaGiNwUBUaUVwC9Nb_xTM0hagUaNlcVgJKMJ6c3h2Ui2FB5pD1LVxR0WNmOUfUCqcwXo--8ETubadylpQeeWHVq7wBycViCqzCHxbs1tqric9KzuB5J5__PgA_qJBF47f1/s1065/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P96A%20%20CAR-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1065" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZASM5UIF7zN_aLZI15ubwfoEqVjxXikctAyeLNRaw8AYGZB2xtqnw6MaGiNwUBUaUVwC9Nb_xTM0hagUaNlcVgJKMJ6c3h2Ui2FB5pD1LVxR0WNmOUfUCqcwXo--8ETubadylpQeeWHVq7wBycViCqzCHxbs1tqric9KzuB5J5__PgA_qJBF47f1/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P96A%20%20CAR-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>109. When it rains it pours ...... already trailing 14-0 midway through the 1st quarter in Week 10 on touchdowns by <b>Cam Newton</b> (photo #7) and <b>Robby</b> <b>Anderson</b>, things get even worse for the Cardinals as QB Colt McCoy's ill-advised pass on 1st and 10 is overthrown and intercepted by CB <b>Donte Jackson</b>, who stumbles and goes down as he makes the catch but maintains control. Jackson got up and went 21 yards on the return to the Carolina 34-yard line. 9 plays later the Panthers added a FG to make it 17-0 and went on to win 34-10. For Donte it was his 2nd (and last) INT of the season, a new career low; but he also had a career low in games played with 12, missing the last 5 games of the season due to a groin injury. Had he played the whole year no doubt he would have gotten at least 3.</div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAapXom2bYlswl6v70tzQVJefFhKiad7xM_dsBokLk6ny40wGfLliFeDkxWJNzNYFeQgdUhMRTrF7O5aWh__wgEGZ3XoYgs3UX17efCoN97KVuJCTgzeXk5KDSEmpM0BUpc7VXwpXoa25TPBkIqm3ujiKLssBy_MzlsKxWEPnFL_v_Xw1RqbU8cM3/s1280/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P37%20%20SF-TENN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAapXom2bYlswl6v70tzQVJefFhKiad7xM_dsBokLk6ny40wGfLliFeDkxWJNzNYFeQgdUhMRTrF7O5aWh__wgEGZ3XoYgs3UX17efCoN97KVuJCTgzeXk5KDSEmpM0BUpc7VXwpXoa25TPBkIqm3ujiKLssBy_MzlsKxWEPnFL_v_Xw1RqbU8cM3/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P37%20%20SF-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmA1qxO-8CXfZihknPZ0wj1oZTVXFmDhfxtESKDN3Ij_0fgRP4Jf-f58QbUbogIzWbI-V3zTH8Xc9n_J3_oPBnpNIosatVnxCMwgISLYkOb7Q7rynD0A6s-0nIvf629DhcY3GGXhZPobX_OrpaHqFei0sBaCIxEDTuNJuizQhwj5veWCYUp_sUuUk/s1280/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P37B%20%20SF-TENN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmA1qxO-8CXfZihknPZ0wj1oZTVXFmDhfxtESKDN3Ij_0fgRP4Jf-f58QbUbogIzWbI-V3zTH8Xc9n_J3_oPBnpNIosatVnxCMwgISLYkOb7Q7rynD0A6s-0nIvf629DhcY3GGXhZPobX_OrpaHqFei0sBaCIxEDTuNJuizQhwj5veWCYUp_sUuUk/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P37B%20%20SF-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>110. Hopefully this will not be the last INT in the career of <b>Jackrabbit Jenkins</b> (formerly known as <b>Janoris Jenkins</b>), but it might be. On Thursday night in Week 16 the 49ers scored a TD on their opening drive and were on their way to another on their 2nd drive until Jenkins ended the threat on 2nd and goal at the 8-yard line. Jenkins has great coverage on TE George Kittle, but Jimmy Garoppolo tries to hit him anyway, and Jackrabbit picks it off in the end zone for a touchback, eventually getting a handle on the ball before going down. It was a huge play in a game the Titans came back to win 20-17. After getting 26 interceptions in his first 9 NFL seasons, Jenkins got only this one with the Titans in 2021. And it may be his last, as he remains unsigned so far in 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHgX72uzP0sls9XYBZE37LZW0tgaCRAKas__2lFq7fN8GL7u0_HQc9UnyM_Cx6P3MBx2ClhNnPblXAiDw9cQyZ2LEpgFjnEa4lbMCe1be7XQZC8vGn2o-afUEjaZy_zPZkznVRiymmFh7-9hbn3H6I_-CdwvRIS-RWc6L-t1mm7jIjILGZZ-BvyE2/s1280/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P70B%20%20JACK-TENN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHgX72uzP0sls9XYBZE37LZW0tgaCRAKas__2lFq7fN8GL7u0_HQc9UnyM_Cx6P3MBx2ClhNnPblXAiDw9cQyZ2LEpgFjnEa4lbMCe1be7XQZC8vGn2o-afUEjaZy_zPZkznVRiymmFh7-9hbn3H6I_-CdwvRIS-RWc6L-t1mm7jIjILGZZ-BvyE2/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P70B%20%20JACK-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMjtjosF5N7BffvJ0FEB274wh1AG4uF6bbrCTIKN0dDLatbSlkTi--JOM5OtpAmOYPIMScFgiIYT3sdyADVkFLI5NuMuQRh7NWfGtsWhlg3OAkiwvrQ2agokvCg1_ogDZ3QUONxGRF_VFyIGaK1Q-oA0nAfrjkOGA1qEVPp7-CC-PWPOT-o8MxOIb/s1201/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P69%20%20BUFF-TB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1201" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMjtjosF5N7BffvJ0FEB274wh1AG4uF6bbrCTIKN0dDLatbSlkTi--JOM5OtpAmOYPIMScFgiIYT3sdyADVkFLI5NuMuQRh7NWfGtsWhlg3OAkiwvrQ2agokvCg1_ogDZ3QUONxGRF_VFyIGaK1Q-oA0nAfrjkOGA1qEVPp7-CC-PWPOT-o8MxOIb/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P69%20%20BUFF-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>111. And finally, in Week 14 we saw what undoubtedly will be the final interceptions in the careers of CBs<b> Buster Skrine</b> and <b>Richard</b> <b>Sherman</b>. Playing his 2nd game in a Titans uniform Skrine gets his 1st INT since 2017, picking off a Trevor Lawrence pass (photo above) thrown into double coverage on 2nd and 16 late in the 4th quarter at Nashville. Buster went 17 yards on the return to the Jacksonville 14, setting up a FG for the final points of the game in the Titans' 20-0 shutout of the Jaguars. A couple of hours or so later Sherman, playing for the first time since missing the previous 6 games due to two separate injuries, gets his only INT of the season. On 1st and 5 late in the 2nd quarter at Tampa QB Josh Allen, trying to avoid a sack, throws off balance and Sherman makes the diving catch in front of TE Dawson Knox (photo on right) on the right sideline at the Bills' 45-yard line, keeping the Buccaneers ahead 24-3: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYp7LJtyx2ps" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYp7LJtyx2ps</a> ...... By the end of the game Sherman's pick was long forgotten, as the Bills came from way behind to send the game into overtime only to see the Buccaneers win 33-27.<div>Skrine, officially retired, played for 5 teams in 11 seasons and finished with 10 career INT. Sherman, taken 17 picks after Skrine in the 5th round of the 2011 Draft, finished with 37 interceptions in his Hall of Fame career. He has not officially retired yet, but for real, at 34 years old, he's not coming back. In fact he has already moved on to a new career with a microphone in front of him. He'd also make a pretty good coach if he wants to do that.</div><div>===============================================================================</div><div><br /></div><div>SACKS</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfolzxTFM_11ZZWeD4XBZOCDAvCZ-7vwP9LTdD2N2jEsWrtmgoU8g_I_nPOYJO2ME3gIhuH7PyIf7y09dpLvNUzKy8DZ5SDTto81VzPF0IxMRwk8PVfWyYWormg6AOS1I3YvTXtxqu1UDR4icU_LDv21lNZavA4LGIAi_zlTs_dT0L78p5jP4IdWp/s2048/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P99%20%20TENN-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfolzxTFM_11ZZWeD4XBZOCDAvCZ-7vwP9LTdD2N2jEsWrtmgoU8g_I_nPOYJO2ME3gIhuH7PyIf7y09dpLvNUzKy8DZ5SDTto81VzPF0IxMRwk8PVfWyYWormg6AOS1I3YvTXtxqu1UDR4icU_LDv21lNZavA4LGIAi_zlTs_dT0L78p5jP4IdWp/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P99%20%20TENN-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The sack celebration of LB <b>Matthew Judon</b> (photo on right) was kind of a common event at Patriots games in 2021. Not re-signed by the Ravens after totaling only 6 sacks in 2020, Judon starred during his first season in a New England uniform. His 12.5 sacks in 2021 were a career high as well as the most by any player with dreads in the league. The total of 12.5 tied him for 7th place among all players.<div>Coming in 2nd place in sacks for players with dreads - and reaching double figures for the 3rd time in his 7 NFL seasons - was LB <b>Markus</b> <b>Golden</b>, back with the Cardinals for the first time since 2018. Barely missing double figures was Packers LB <b>Rashan Gary</b>. Finally playing up to his potential, Gary, who was drafted 12th overall in 2019, more than doubled the 7 sacks he had combined in his first 2 seasons, finishing with 9.5.</div><div>Even not counting the 16 sacks by DE Myles Garrett, who once again didn't have his hair in dreads for the whole season, the Browns still were the team with the most sacks by players with dreads. Their total of 17 was 2.5 ahead of the 2nd place Titans (14.5). </div><div><br /></div><div>I am going to list only the top 20 of the 79 players with dreads who had sacks during the 2021 season. At the end of that list you can click on the two scans below it - listed by players and teams - if you want to see all 79.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>12.5</b></div><div><b>Matthew Judon</b> (NE)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>11</b></div><div><b>Markus Golden</b> (ARIZ)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>9.5 </b></div><div><b>Rashan Gary</b> (GB)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>9</b></div><div><b>Denico Autry</b> (TENN)<br /><b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> (CLEV)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>7</b></div><div><b>Mario Addison</b> (BUF) (photo below, getting the first of his 2 sacks of Zach Wilson in Week 18 - Wilson</div><div><b>Trevis Gipson</b> (CHI) recovered his own fumble)</div><div><b>Larry Ogunjobi</b> (CIN)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FLrnEVmHKsLi3lD0jdvdpAgNdEPOYXhwSONtQ5F9xOi4lSvArKgj3eh87Xugnjzknyws1vRCpRMwZ9NnekmjAQec5BIAVcQbP_nP03IA3RDgV1P8vkvbmwhPijd6o3Rd3dhzGZzBjjgrhYbrNbBdFhw8BPdjLEyKUD1VYB6pizUyRmnL91tLIk4Y/s990/NFL21--JAN.%209--P89A%20%20NYJ-BUFF.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="990" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FLrnEVmHKsLi3lD0jdvdpAgNdEPOYXhwSONtQ5F9xOi4lSvArKgj3eh87Xugnjzknyws1vRCpRMwZ9NnekmjAQec5BIAVcQbP_nP03IA3RDgV1P8vkvbmwhPijd6o3Rd3dhzGZzBjjgrhYbrNbBdFhw8BPdjLEyKUD1VYB6pizUyRmnL91tLIk4Y/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P89A%20%20NYJ-BUFF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>6</b></div><div><b>Randy Gregory </b>(DAL)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5.5</b></div><div><b>Jerome Baker</b> (MIA)</div><div><b>Kemoko Turay </b>(IND)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5 </b></div><div><b>Armani Watts</b> (MINN)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4.5</b></div><div><b>Dante Fowler</b> (ATL)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4 </b></div><div><b>Tanoh Kpassagnon</b> (NO)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3.5 </b></div><div><b>Kwon Alexander</b> (NO)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs86_eF1Kr8Jb_yxECeyo6DsS-jqZfTO6u4cCXs654Uwwur-NFBSUpjNwiRS-OXWLZ3e8MDTAsjNiCxsV2AfrbuTE672Vj_vEqNhfFvpqQQFUjxjzr_89zaIj0USJv9F9lDptM5OUlriw5eb6YTqV21FDgodnxPJ18qZziw5DB_0tEpnjOdFkSmEn/s1200/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P120%20%20KC-LV.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs86_eF1Kr8Jb_yxECeyo6DsS-jqZfTO6u4cCXs654Uwwur-NFBSUpjNwiRS-OXWLZ3e8MDTAsjNiCxsV2AfrbuTE672Vj_vEqNhfFvpqQQFUjxjzr_89zaIj0USJv9F9lDptM5OUlriw5eb6YTqV21FDgodnxPJ18qZziw5DB_0tEpnjOdFkSmEn/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P120%20%20KC-LV.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>3</b></div><div><b>Michael Danna (KC)</b></div><div><b>Demario Davis</b> (NO)</div><div><b>Bud Dupree</b> (TENN)</div><div><b>DeMarcus Lawrence</b> (DAL)</div><div><b>Malik McDowell</b> (CLEV)</div><div><b>Derrick Nnadi</b> (KC) (photo above, dropping Derek Carr for a 5-yard loss in the 4th quarter in Week 10)</div><div><b>Michael Pierce </b>(MINN)</div><div><b>Taylor Stallworth</b> (IND)</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7qh8FYNfTCiQFQ5t0OAsFP42jbNL3aFuDjaUrpdFZvI2TOmIjZ7lpwaFFoF0KJXQOrA_h3MDrsEhnunsoh65YwcXvlJLVkVEGkErN75JkPuHDty2YzyRqDrLRCEtg_j7jAWEZE7nwU33YbFE-Ij4E9Cl61t32MCov1uVE0QcsTAH7BkW6v077QgT/s3549/2021%20SACKS.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3549" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7qh8FYNfTCiQFQ5t0OAsFP42jbNL3aFuDjaUrpdFZvI2TOmIjZ7lpwaFFoF0KJXQOrA_h3MDrsEhnunsoh65YwcXvlJLVkVEGkErN75JkPuHDty2YzyRqDrLRCEtg_j7jAWEZE7nwU33YbFE-Ij4E9Cl61t32MCov1uVE0QcsTAH7BkW6v077QgT/s320/2021%20SACKS.jpeg" width="230" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrDXvakHTryBUWbJ3WTY7QCuYkNWBqrnFyr1X7PA_k9ZAhEGtkuw9oin7cxfcKuKcklpBtawa-Z9nQhLQaom9YK9SjDdjNw1f5p2IqTr2Rl8n4aunGpNvv5x_RQ5LVkwI-cvggeWf8xu-yWdbYeL6nL3pWYg11CeNKdej7HtqofTTwvYfyfcKHAKY/s3549/2021%20SACKS%20-%20TEAM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3549" data-original-width="2550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrDXvakHTryBUWbJ3WTY7QCuYkNWBqrnFyr1X7PA_k9ZAhEGtkuw9oin7cxfcKuKcklpBtawa-Z9nQhLQaom9YK9SjDdjNw1f5p2IqTr2Rl8n4aunGpNvv5x_RQ5LVkwI-cvggeWf8xu-yWdbYeL6nL3pWYg11CeNKdej7HtqofTTwvYfyfcKHAKY/s320/2021%20SACKS%20-%20TEAM.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>DG</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0XQqDO0L1cALgq4KJfpM47dcnR9FRH22ERaMUV29QOnyukXSMb2LraIbTE9uOVSREUFWH6D5phSfKAseTNe6fx8t92lWOeEJwqaMgbuoyuZW0L33iiLAkDO89TMuYMWwZ2AC6nj1QNzop-eJa9O1QhvU2-yiDH3A2jLWEvUWUapSIG3zcg8xNrqD/s1500/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P79%20%20NE-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="1500" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0XQqDO0L1cALgq4KJfpM47dcnR9FRH22ERaMUV29QOnyukXSMb2LraIbTE9uOVSREUFWH6D5phSfKAseTNe6fx8t92lWOeEJwqaMgbuoyuZW0L33iiLAkDO89TMuYMWwZ2AC6nj1QNzop-eJa9O1QhvU2-yiDH3A2jLWEvUWUapSIG3zcg8xNrqD/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P79%20%20NE-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77sIYcDb8QHas5r4DKHSuGEsJ7ENK3-1q3lxWfZxd96YMPEFziKmTXtTsEPYZBzlpAmfhT1ZMx0tbasYG8rwSs9lp-v_y21Vjvezo31CTZIFRXoGBHZYRdrSDdUmtqloZLwNPDXpsNT0oxnB82y4HXxIhN3JEUDWGFecJ2MYSE9-oe-RpVgYSVaJA/s3000/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P7%20%20TENN-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1812" data-original-width="3000" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77sIYcDb8QHas5r4DKHSuGEsJ7ENK3-1q3lxWfZxd96YMPEFziKmTXtTsEPYZBzlpAmfhT1ZMx0tbasYG8rwSs9lp-v_y21Vjvezo31CTZIFRXoGBHZYRdrSDdUmtqloZLwNPDXpsNT0oxnB82y4HXxIhN3JEUDWGFecJ2MYSE9-oe-RpVgYSVaJA/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P7%20%20TENN-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>112. After the Texans scored touchdowns on their first 2 drives of the game in Week 5, <b>Matthew Judon</b> takes matters into his own hands to make sure they don't make it 3 for 3. On 1st and goal Davis Mills fakes to the RB and rolls out to the right, but Judon is not fooled and quickly drags him down at the 9-yard line (photo above) for a loss of 2. Two plays later Judon sacked Mills again - for a 9-yard loss - and the Texans settled for a FG and a 15-6 lead. The Patriots trailed for most of the game before outscoring the Texans 10-0 in the 4th quarter to pull out a 25-22 road win. The 2 sacks gave Judon 6.5 in New England's first 5 games. Then in Week 12 Judon gets the game off to a good start for the Patriots' D, sacking Ryan Tannehill for an 8-yard loss (photo on right) on 3rd and 3 and making it a three-and-out opening drive for the Titans. The Titans gained 355 total yards on the day, but the Patriots' +4 turnover margin made it an easy 36-13 home win for New England.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqCdVlk51z0_e5vFkbbi7fEec1fg67OfNPk4lDPPsewhvW156q9345GUHS7rLqTS6nRsVeegop0a_I5_x-SSRPKDl7gX4_HrLcmzYJILfXHgOOzp5IOZCx27wiSbx5ZDMtZHNYy2gdNu8ThfZmSb87z_a7FnWsTSYA36T8tXHBSDNVjiHlIudU6Hu/s1078/NFL21--OCT.%203--P32G%20%20TB-NE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1078" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqCdVlk51z0_e5vFkbbi7fEec1fg67OfNPk4lDPPsewhvW156q9345GUHS7rLqTS6nRsVeegop0a_I5_x-SSRPKDl7gX4_HrLcmzYJILfXHgOOzp5IOZCx27wiSbx5ZDMtZHNYy2gdNu8ThfZmSb87z_a7FnWsTSYA36T8tXHBSDNVjiHlIudU6Hu/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P32G%20%20TB-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucSTmo82Uuexfs2ooEfa0tnXMawksjnEZE-GpDchctyqdbvdxM3M5C2tevG8Pyq-_2B1H1G20-LoIiZhXs1rQ7wxqY1hErkUNBO9bwkeay4g648BR9TrauRXZub0_D9SVXLRfdz21GMsapRIcI5LxN-GkkxVu9LxdcYQvNh_LpsyrrdmfW4p-Gjy2/s1063/NFL21--OCT.%203--P32D%20%20TB-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1063" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucSTmo82Uuexfs2ooEfa0tnXMawksjnEZE-GpDchctyqdbvdxM3M5C2tevG8Pyq-_2B1H1G20-LoIiZhXs1rQ7wxqY1hErkUNBO9bwkeay4g648BR9TrauRXZub0_D9SVXLRfdz21GMsapRIcI5LxN-GkkxVu9LxdcYQvNh_LpsyrrdmfW4p-Gjy2/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P32D%20%20TB-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>113. I don't know if <b>Matthew Judon</b> considered this sack his most satisfying of the season, but I bet it was for Patriots Nation. Midway through the 2nd quarter on Sunday night in Week 4 Judon goes right through the attempted blocks of both G Alex Cappa (#65) and RB <b>Ronald Jones</b> on 1st and 10 to tackle Tom Brady for an 8-yard loss and make it hurt. The Buccaneers punted 3 plays later, keeping the New England lead at 7-3. Sadly for Patriots Nation this was the only time all night Brady was sacked. And Brady ended up getting the last laugh too. In his first game back at Gillette Stadium since leaving the Patriots at the end of the 2019 season he drove the Bucs to a game-winning FG with 2 minutes to play in the game in their 19-17 win.<div>As for Judon, he could have had even more than the 12.5 sacks he finished the season with. But he went the last 4 games without one, and the Patriots went 1-3 in those games to fall to the #6 seed for the AFC playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNa7tS-VLnIFvq5wkblO6oPSUmsQHorIuYcZ4d8uDPa7Zy_DCjvtPOKEq9wFyDptmz-etDHOmKlAmGBhpBNmlIekjcdXEjm5aw0zEXZ9w0aW64RAMjbwQiJoFM3nKU7LEPdBOa6P7HtL9H3hdF5341OskHzaErNPbiMXqpVLL7VXbTBuy57t634E5/s1280/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P49A%20%20MINN-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNa7tS-VLnIFvq5wkblO6oPSUmsQHorIuYcZ4d8uDPa7Zy_DCjvtPOKEq9wFyDptmz-etDHOmKlAmGBhpBNmlIekjcdXEjm5aw0zEXZ9w0aW64RAMjbwQiJoFM3nKU7LEPdBOa6P7HtL9H3hdF5341OskHzaErNPbiMXqpVLL7VXbTBuy57t634E5/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P49A%20%20MINN-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMRNJe_dbsoyxqKfaduYc2FGJ_FGiCO-ZO-DLALv1_oFHFtHPxHEDcuo5qLRGBWpH1KhgflSba790yhISNtZ7EwkSnoDBXVhVnUnqfsnD1oA7XrLKGqVrykzQrliaphA3Dlu2F3H3E2YKygWIbBgPxUZQe3hIvBECMobqHF_Y7ezFzrj8btCRmIkG/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P106%20%20ARIZ-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMRNJe_dbsoyxqKfaduYc2FGJ_FGiCO-ZO-DLALv1_oFHFtHPxHEDcuo5qLRGBWpH1KhgflSba790yhISNtZ7EwkSnoDBXVhVnUnqfsnD1oA7XrLKGqVrykzQrliaphA3Dlu2F3H3E2YKygWIbBgPxUZQe3hIvBECMobqHF_Y7ezFzrj8btCRmIkG/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P106%20%20ARIZ-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>114. With his career high 12.5 sacks back in 2016, LB <b>Markus Golden</b> ranked #1 among players with dreads. Last season he settled for 2nd best with 11, including these two strip sacks. On the first play of the 4th quarter in the Cardinals' home opener in Week 2 QB Kirk Cousins steps up in the pocket on 3rd and 4 trying to buy some time but is hit by Golden and loses the ball (photo above) at the 36-yard line. It was Markus' 1st sack of the season. Luckily for Cousins the ball bounced right back up to him, and the Vikings were able to get a FG on the next play for a 33-31 lead. The Cardinals ended up winning 34-33, as the Vikings missed a 37-yard FG attempt on the last play of the game. At Cleveland in Week 6, 2 plays after a <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> TD made the score 14-0 early in the 2nd quarter, the Cardinals get the ball right back as Golden wallops Baker Mayfield on 2nd and 8 and separates him from the ball (photo on right), with DE Michael Dogbe getting the FR at the Cleveland 18-yard line. The Cardinals settled for a FG 4 plays later to make it 17-0. This was the first of 2 sacks for Golden in the game, which Arizona won 37-14. Markus had 2 other games with at least 2 sacks. But just the same as with <b>Matthew Judon</b>, his sacks stopped coming late in the season, coinciding with his team slumping. He had 10 sacks in the Cardinals' first 11 games but then just 1 in the last 6 as the Cardinals went 2-4 down the stretch to finish behind the Rams in the NFC West.<div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYNgHCpdA2mT4n1F-94zpm_sbjkyDPR53H8OamMacD8A1Uzgz6Qb_RsXKpGwrJrqPvu_1mEtPkoUMlHQTfFquWgB8H_vkPW1h1_-smAp-7Sn6-JpUvzYDqiIDtlI1uTic9y3nbkfSrIXCs-xHHMRH9lxLXOT0jUM1hVSOuJX5pdKyIJT9UN17YnQu/s1024/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P107B%20%20SEA-GB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimYNgHCpdA2mT4n1F-94zpm_sbjkyDPR53H8OamMacD8A1Uzgz6Qb_RsXKpGwrJrqPvu_1mEtPkoUMlHQTfFquWgB8H_vkPW1h1_-smAp-7Sn6-JpUvzYDqiIDtlI1uTic9y3nbkfSrIXCs-xHHMRH9lxLXOT0jUM1hVSOuJX5pdKyIJT9UN17YnQu/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P107B%20%20SEA-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2INF1XrvCW7wgjM5sqJjJVrko9HBWC6-vUSnH2o5Bv_V8fqVVlkvkhUt4WlNoZeK3ajTGcC5iewOuJbMjTvp8LGhDWuesdbQ-paenwrbrePSdvhBwqqqHoNbshxZHBNRGngAIYHcIBg63lzh244QGSd6VavssIWcTRL3FmOubKeA_J1z2DutbxHL/s2070/NFL21--DEC.%2025--P6A%20%20CLEVE-GB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="2070" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2INF1XrvCW7wgjM5sqJjJVrko9HBWC6-vUSnH2o5Bv_V8fqVVlkvkhUt4WlNoZeK3ajTGcC5iewOuJbMjTvp8LGhDWuesdbQ-paenwrbrePSdvhBwqqqHoNbshxZHBNRGngAIYHcIBg63lzh244QGSd6VavssIWcTRL3FmOubKeA_J1z2DutbxHL/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2025--P6A%20%20CLEVE-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>115. In the same game that <b>Kevin King</b> got his only INT of the season, LB <b>Rashan Gary</b> contributed this key sack of Russell Wilson (photo above) to the Packers' shutout. More of a coverage sack but it still counts, Gary tackles Wilson for a 7-yard loss at the GB 48 on 3rd and 5, keeping the Seahawks from moving into FG range midway through the 2nd quarter. The Seahawks punted on the next play, keeping the score 3-0. The Packers went on to win 17-0. Then in Week 16 Gary gets the first of his 2 big red zone sacks (photo on right), wrestling Baker Mayfield down at the 24-yard line for a 9-yard loss on 1st and 10 late in the 1st quarter. 2 plays later the drive ended with an INT on 3rd and 19. Rashan's sack at the 19-yard line on 3rd down in the 3rd quarter forced the Browns to settle for a FG. The Packers ended up winning 24-22. After a slow start to his career, Gary has become a nightmare for opposing QBs. In his 3 seasons his sack total has increased from 2 to 5 to 9.5. And he's on pace for another career high so far in 2022.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGPuysjvYc33SF2aB1yfVzvoj5opbopBCH2-ZE2rvObZVjOrr43WB6zn6FoKYaSswCgWEggLyn5B9-8c9uV3lKynGZIellZOgX-ieQCc-rHOd89irxHV4A_Qs_--ab-LkMMVKQqmMe1ivnCD7tgQ_MxyQfum-LM9QXSTBFusuJjc_jtwhZUf9InyS/s800/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P22%20%20CHI-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="800" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGPuysjvYc33SF2aB1yfVzvoj5opbopBCH2-ZE2rvObZVjOrr43WB6zn6FoKYaSswCgWEggLyn5B9-8c9uV3lKynGZIellZOgX-ieQCc-rHOd89irxHV4A_Qs_--ab-LkMMVKQqmMe1ivnCD7tgQ_MxyQfum-LM9QXSTBFusuJjc_jtwhZUf9InyS/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P22%20%20CHI-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA85YOklSKuvesBWEeHGoraK_22DzcNdJO8N_BjxMisQgvZ4iNE1eSRnw_zyu4go9BByZoc-qMqHaelpPOo378OZEeiB9eWwdyU6DrbFux-ecXDmVd4thFVtJXD4ZmZcSvPl5Tmft4XGXjFPfNzt5PwKEX_89ysKuo7uWHDvznQ-uMVhQ23RjYChIW/s1440/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P3B%20%20CHI-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA85YOklSKuvesBWEeHGoraK_22DzcNdJO8N_BjxMisQgvZ4iNE1eSRnw_zyu4go9BByZoc-qMqHaelpPOo378OZEeiB9eWwdyU6DrbFux-ecXDmVd4thFVtJXD4ZmZcSvPl5Tmft4XGXjFPfNzt5PwKEX_89ysKuo7uWHDvznQ-uMVhQ23RjYChIW/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P3B%20%20CHI-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>116. For the 3rd time in his career in 2021 DE <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> put in a bid to finish a season in double figures in sacks ... only to come up short. He had 9.5 and 9 in his final two seasons with the Texans (2017-18) and ended up with 9 in his 1st season in a Browns uniform. After finishing with a career low 0 sacks in his injury-shortened 2020 season with the Titans, Clowney opens his account with the Browns with these 2 sacks of Bears QB Justin Fields in Week 3. On the first play after the Bears sacked Baker Mayfield on 4th and 1, Jadeveon, with his dreads flowing at full blast, gets the Browns' 1st sack of the game (photo above), as he tries to wrap up Fields at the Bears' 21-yard line. Fields got away from Clowney's grasp but couldn't keep his balance and went down for a 10-yard loss with 4:14 remaining in the 1st quarter. The Bears punted 3 plays later. 7 sacks later .... Clowney, now with his dreads banded together, gets the Browns' 9th and last sack of the day (photo on right) as Fields, after breaking a tackle by DE Myles Garrett (#95, which would have been his 5th and a half sack of the game) on 4th and 10, tries to scramble away but turns right into the waiting arms of Clowney, who drags him down for a 14-yard loss with 2:56 remaining in the game. Mercifully for Fields, this was the last snap of the day for the Bears' offense, which was held to 6 first downs and 47 total yards in 42 snaps in the Browns' 26-6 home win.<div><br /><div>While Clowney had the lion's share, 5 other players with dreads contributed to the Browns' team-leading total of 17 sacks by players with dreads ...... </div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDpyiYEuss_dso4DXKJIs-Wda66q9xol0Zl3H8vtZhVYqQLThizLYcc7EGynJzSKEb1QUCEk7oa1krX2FoAGHIt6HcRcaovWmPOnwonSXdME3Iiut0Vq5NdtHJGMLlWLzPk5rBXiHaX2SJ70Fd8nK_D9NpqkN5aLsiGIye5By5A1_3p76b9wiaPbL/s1005/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P20A%20%20CLEVE-LAC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="668" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDpyiYEuss_dso4DXKJIs-Wda66q9xol0Zl3H8vtZhVYqQLThizLYcc7EGynJzSKEb1QUCEk7oa1krX2FoAGHIt6HcRcaovWmPOnwonSXdME3Iiut0Vq5NdtHJGMLlWLzPk5rBXiHaX2SJ70Fd8nK_D9NpqkN5aLsiGIye5By5A1_3p76b9wiaPbL/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P20A%20%20CLEVE-LAC.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjss8LuUTN9Pfa2wSmISBo2Mby64JAZ5nytHRad9ZlaByAnxMLlevWAYSUzDEQ2HqX78S8pAjcPLaTmuySMXkazBbsttN7PL_psWt0TqMCHh_EDvzC9Tde_54O_wrEKM57DXoJfkKzzdaTf7OKeKWPveyqsc4Gb9R_f5GM9I14Wfu9BIZSN77MNVNBy/s800/NFL21--NOV.%207--P38%20%20CLEVE-CIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="800" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjss8LuUTN9Pfa2wSmISBo2Mby64JAZ5nytHRad9ZlaByAnxMLlevWAYSUzDEQ2HqX78S8pAjcPLaTmuySMXkazBbsttN7PL_psWt0TqMCHh_EDvzC9Tde_54O_wrEKM57DXoJfkKzzdaTf7OKeKWPveyqsc4Gb9R_f5GM9I14Wfu9BIZSN77MNVNBy/s320/NFL21--NOV.%207--P38%20%20CLEVE-CIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />117. DT <b>Malik McDowell</b>, who was drafted in 2017 but - due to off-the-field issues - didn't play his 1st game until 2021, gets his 1st career sack (left photo), as he wraps up Justin Herbert at the 7-yard line for a 10-yard loss on 3rd and 10, getting to Herbert just before Myles Garrett does, midway through the 2nd quarter in Week 5. The Chargers punted on the next play, keeping the LA lead at 13-10. By the end of the game probably nobody but McDowell remembered this play. After the Browns and Chargers combined to score 6 touchdowns in the 4th quarter, the Browns ended up on the wrong end of the 47-42 final score. 4 weeks later DT <b>Sheldon Day</b>, with his familiar awesome dreads, gets the 1st of his 2 half sacks on the season, teaming with Myles Garrett to stop Joe Burrow for a 1-yard loss (right photo) at the Browns' 17-yard line at Cincinnati late in the 2nd quarter. The other dreads in the photo are on the head of C <b>Trey</b> <b>Hopkins</b>, who did a good job of blocking Day until Burrow decided to scramble up the middle. The Bengals settled for a FG 3 plays later to cut the Cleveland lead to 24-10 at halftime. The Browns went on to win 41-16. </div></div><div>Neither McDowell, who finished the year with 3 sacks, nor Day have played so far in 2022. Another off-field issue has put McDowell's career in serious jeopardy if not ended it altogether; while Day, who has been in the league since 2016, remains unsigned.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzugwET6P8LX44Qw0-nu8ZO3u9l_EYZbDCnb9JfEgCotOb0AcrhHom_nEfJpMJ-SJDRMC00JHR7AkA2D4KJ8w0FwsQE94TuVkggkIDgXjcRegLo4Saxp4WLMYtkHpnZsizDzHm4Bu3BulMDPcyGn0llnkOC8ERjGX6zZ5PYfrJ79uPqoTNu9tMkV8/s2160/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P1A%20%20ARIZ-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2160" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzugwET6P8LX44Qw0-nu8ZO3u9l_EYZbDCnb9JfEgCotOb0AcrhHom_nEfJpMJ-SJDRMC00JHR7AkA2D4KJ8w0FwsQE94TuVkggkIDgXjcRegLo4Saxp4WLMYtkHpnZsizDzHm4Bu3BulMDPcyGn0llnkOC8ERjGX6zZ5PYfrJ79uPqoTNu9tMkV8/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P1A%20%20ARIZ-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBo12M8PmpEgYJfwtx5gIXkxCtQ-o3lPq0IU3qZasZNBth-wyw3D9wFOjaFd4vFvxIcnSJmTMbJcj29rfi_lTMCYCNxxRDMeXLKWy_6KmHLzLgWOwBBq_z27OzanEgxColNmmr0qfQClWGi_ywge9F01WREM3t2Bras35zoTCOuYX-NvYs2U5Ngbn/s3209/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P109%20%20BALT-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2287" data-original-width="3209" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBo12M8PmpEgYJfwtx5gIXkxCtQ-o3lPq0IU3qZasZNBth-wyw3D9wFOjaFd4vFvxIcnSJmTMbJcj29rfi_lTMCYCNxxRDMeXLKWy_6KmHLzLgWOwBBq_z27OzanEgxColNmmr0qfQClWGi_ywge9F01WREM3t2Bras35zoTCOuYX-NvYs2U5Ngbn/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P109%20%20BALT-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>118. After his 2 sacks in Week 3, <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> didn't get another one until Week 6 against the Cardinals. With Arizona threatening to add to their 17-0 lead in the 2nd quarter, Clowney makes sure they have to settle for a FG as he gets his hands on Kyler Murray trying to escape the pocket (photo above) on 3rd and 2 and drags him down at the 33-yard line for a 13-yard loss. It was one of only a few happy moments for Browns fans during the Cardinals' 37-14 victory. Then in Week 14 it's Lamar Jackson's turn to try to escape the pocket (photo on right), but Jadeveon again ain't having it. Actually though Jackson might have gotten away had he not first been grabbed by the foot and slowed down by blitzing S <b>John Johnson </b>(#43). Jackson got back to the line of scrimmage; but with no yards gained it counts as a sack - one half each for Clowney and Johnson (whose dreads are too short to be seen in this shot). It came on 2nd and 5 on the Ravens' 3rd play of their opening drive. The Ravens punted two plays later. For Johnson it was the first sack of his career, as he had none while with the Rams from 2017-2020.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBx7uE6BE002pSxsiHRG_ag6r4VsmD9g40C-I5CiXFI_6mBKDc18DYZYLcqQDJ940n9_gji5UVsKUZ0XZ2QAGrFp7P9vAc8Lh_9UFJmOTflbW2ZFJ99KJwP-O8ufgWPKMnBm7XHwZRIeyC-r7IMJ5VioNpAA4_uEzto6gtJFbSDntxqPpz7lYA_-M/s3200/NFL21--OCT.%203--P98%20%20CLEVE-MINN.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2129" data-original-width="3200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBx7uE6BE002pSxsiHRG_ag6r4VsmD9g40C-I5CiXFI_6mBKDc18DYZYLcqQDJ940n9_gji5UVsKUZ0XZ2QAGrFp7P9vAc8Lh_9UFJmOTflbW2ZFJ99KJwP-O8ufgWPKMnBm7XHwZRIeyC-r7IMJ5VioNpAA4_uEzto6gtJFbSDntxqPpz7lYA_-M/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P98%20%20CLEVE-MINN.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSB-ZY48YiC1vHZ3J5jANa0fYUk99A56JtzlXBwp8hYfK1-gdWwCRnoUAAno3v_V0L6VAUB2XRX4gJa1iwIZe8qP_Jogbl9bWkUDL9h-yXd_850_HYcwJyiZ-BMwXZtLDsYMLABn5NnGrTmIjjFhubWNhvrZwWOrm5qiwCvJebu6fO914OjUoYsLui/s1936/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P118%20%20BALT-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="1936" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSB-ZY48YiC1vHZ3J5jANa0fYUk99A56JtzlXBwp8hYfK1-gdWwCRnoUAAno3v_V0L6VAUB2XRX4gJa1iwIZe8qP_Jogbl9bWkUDL9h-yXd_850_HYcwJyiZ-BMwXZtLDsYMLABn5NnGrTmIjjFhubWNhvrZwWOrm5qiwCvJebu6fO914OjUoYsLui/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P118%20%20BALT-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>119. After getting a half sack a week earlier in the sack fest against the Bears, DE <b>Takk McKinley</b> gets his 1st solo sack in a Browns uniform in the 3rd quarter in Week 4, as Kirk Cousins tries to escape the pocket on 3rd and 3 only to have McKinley catch him from behind and make the tackle (photo above) for a 9-yard loss. The Vikings punted on the next play, ending their 2nd half opening drive and keeping the Cleveland lead at 11-7. It was Takk's only tackle of the day in the Browns' 14-7 road win. McKinley's only other sack after that came in Week 14, and it was a big one - again bringing to an end the opponent's 2nd half opening drive. After Tyler Huntley - in for the injured Lamar Jackson - scrambles out of the pocket on 2nd and 6 and avoids a tackle by CB Greedy Williams (#26), McKinley tackles him from behind and forces him to fumble (photo on right). Fellow DE and dreadhead <b>Ifeadi</b> <b>Odenigbo</b> got the FR one yard behind the line of scrimmage at the Browns' 13-yard line, keeping the Ravens from cutting into the Browns' 24-6 lead. <div>Unfortunately that was all she wrote for McKinley for 2021. A week later his season came to an end with an injury to his Achilles tendon. His 2.5 sacks were an improvement over the 1 he had during his disastrous 2020 season but still were the second fewest of his career.</div><div><br /></div><div>. <br /><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpdrtcNd-r0fUfWvCnXKeTsrQzCgbrTqHR0PW63YcxOrzVyg33MxXNIx-2kuBWqiXJtgv6wuXDYWz0VJ-LEumaVKKTjrA5o6gyl1vI5eKqDyKjR-BOAB17_1T5bZIB81pSTrLK7g_KofQVYq2SvJ30WO2DuK4ikRYagG9SSL7ToPk7HzzP8l3I5XA/s3351/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P114%20%20BALT-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2234" data-original-width="3351" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpdrtcNd-r0fUfWvCnXKeTsrQzCgbrTqHR0PW63YcxOrzVyg33MxXNIx-2kuBWqiXJtgv6wuXDYWz0VJ-LEumaVKKTjrA5o6gyl1vI5eKqDyKjR-BOAB17_1T5bZIB81pSTrLK7g_KofQVYq2SvJ30WO2DuK4ikRYagG9SSL7ToPk7HzzP8l3I5XA/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P114%20%20BALT-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh7fhs68ntUmMEozNVLOJ7cmn4T7cmDqXxRNcsRQkVI1P4wIcMAvs0_n9oiCei4eA1q2JniZ7E-b04IY6LH7NKfVB4pRm3sgAXEoOcx0rCiR8QZ27KFYGpMc9xjaurpfZh9TUoyQ3s2YZgYKtTRKc1dJjx5GgNf_A79JCBWWLrYAQepE2d0qWbqMW/s800/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P114C%20%20BALT-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="800" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh7fhs68ntUmMEozNVLOJ7cmn4T7cmDqXxRNcsRQkVI1P4wIcMAvs0_n9oiCei4eA1q2JniZ7E-b04IY6LH7NKfVB4pRm3sgAXEoOcx0rCiR8QZ27KFYGpMc9xjaurpfZh9TUoyQ3s2YZgYKtTRKc1dJjx5GgNf_A79JCBWWLrYAQepE2d0qWbqMW/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P114C%20%20BALT-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>120. After his half sack earlier in the game (photo #118), <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> comes up with a much bigger one later. With the Browns now clinging to a 24-22 lead, Jadeveon crushes Tyler Huntley at the Ravens' 31-yard line for a 10-yard loss on 2nd and 10 with 1:07 remaining in the game. The Browns clinched the victory with a stop on 4th and 6 two plays later.<div>7-6 after the win over the Ravens, the Browns lost their next 3 to fall out of the playoff picture; but at least it was a profitable finish to the season for Clowney. With his 2 sacks in Week 17, increasing his total for the season to 7, he earned a $250,000 bonus. And with 2 more in Week 18, his 9 sacks for the season earned him <i>another</i> quarter million dollars. Just a drop in the bucket in his big picture; but hey, every dollar counts. Through his first 8 NFL seasons Jadeveon has earned - according to Spotrac - $70.8 million.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LLLswCEPUW1SXQlEgFBnYgaXFt5e35oYeJyjMq1evJFNiv2Ov8KfHoh7DTiOlUyckiSGN8JRT7SMz9hzzndutgC8VQWvUx4JQVyIjoGqaWN2Zj3dPuG-5lCN8xILN3g5VIpkCAj0_u2-91I-aLfQrTAVg4Cdaryc2FfJ1r5szbftrblqtALaOL-w/s1084/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P92B%20%20MINN-CIN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LLLswCEPUW1SXQlEgFBnYgaXFt5e35oYeJyjMq1evJFNiv2Ov8KfHoh7DTiOlUyckiSGN8JRT7SMz9hzzndutgC8VQWvUx4JQVyIjoGqaWN2Zj3dPuG-5lCN8xILN3g5VIpkCAj0_u2-91I-aLfQrTAVg4Cdaryc2FfJ1r5szbftrblqtALaOL-w/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P92B%20%20MINN-CIN.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9ialg-MUmoCsTA8UJkKTWhsEOl4dKA7_gJCp1Zrcd2Q9OhJ0j2effni0i9sHBHIGcQG2vmWNKW_5UHKCghGWMl943J69mSEElM1xbFWHwQtbYyw1DiYfA-4Im3eyzQICDrpn-sdPZ5j5UvWkEPlEojbFY7NZc2EUQivRkkEnszOK9HFkBaR0WRux/s720/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P92%20%20MINN-CIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="590" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9ialg-MUmoCsTA8UJkKTWhsEOl4dKA7_gJCp1Zrcd2Q9OhJ0j2effni0i9sHBHIGcQG2vmWNKW_5UHKCghGWMl943J69mSEElM1xbFWHwQtbYyw1DiYfA-4Im3eyzQICDrpn-sdPZ5j5UvWkEPlEojbFY7NZc2EUQivRkkEnszOK9HFkBaR0WRux/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P92%20%20MINN-CIN.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><br /><div>121. After he opted out of the 2020 season, it did not take DT <b>Michael Pierce</b> long to get his 1st sack in a Vikings uniform in 2021. In the 3rd quarter of the season opener at Cincinnati Pierce, after easily getting past the attempted block of C <b>Trey Hopkins</b> on 1st and 10, comes in and drops Joe Burrow for an 8-yard loss at the 13-yard line. The Bengals punted 3 plays later. Pierce got his 2nd sack of the season later in the game on 3rd down to end the Bengals' first drive in overtime. He finished the game with 7 tackles (3-4), tying his career high. But the Vikings lost 27-24. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9k95hBrulQ-qpUkGTFJpPulj-OmG2pmzFzMNm_2zXXk09zRGWhBUY2FzhUHbTq0qQV4sT-VzlA8DCZTL6G88ZrbPEuosNGKADqcoX8jR0g-Way-Slq9laWe0WwxoHZD9ZHBRJZjL45KpVK0xP7lZoiuugGiIzaKrkcLOAT-bd_1GdNOQUT5Ssm5B/s2048/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P23C%20%20SF-TENN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9k95hBrulQ-qpUkGTFJpPulj-OmG2pmzFzMNm_2zXXk09zRGWhBUY2FzhUHbTq0qQV4sT-VzlA8DCZTL6G88ZrbPEuosNGKADqcoX8jR0g-Way-Slq9laWe0WwxoHZD9ZHBRJZjL45KpVK0xP7lZoiuugGiIzaKrkcLOAT-bd_1GdNOQUT5Ssm5B/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P23C%20%20SF-TENN.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IFhRggGohtEB3AUyITlkwCnuO9LJWIA1CzNQWTrzBYGlyvwcpycFPlK5tDviIqxzDzECkdz5AihlLVcv10pdAV2WM9MjVapXDtDyBc5a1lbWJIIpVby_BKoPUih4gZOq69vB8dYey1WeC-DHSZuwueHxIDR_b1XBjS3DbKYxti3desJEOim78q23/s2048/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P125%20%20TENN-SEA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IFhRggGohtEB3AUyITlkwCnuO9LJWIA1CzNQWTrzBYGlyvwcpycFPlK5tDviIqxzDzECkdz5AihlLVcv10pdAV2WM9MjVapXDtDyBc5a1lbWJIIpVby_BKoPUih4gZOq69vB8dYey1WeC-DHSZuwueHxIDR_b1XBjS3DbKYxti3desJEOim78q23/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P125%20%20TENN-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>122. After playing his first 4 seasons with the Raiders and then the next 3 with the Colts, DE <b>Denico Autry</b> opens his sack account with the Titans early in the 2nd quarter of Week 2, dragging down Russell Wilson before he can get out of the pocket at the Tennessee 45-yard line (left photo) for a 4-yard loss on 1st and 10. The Seahawks punted 3 plays later after Autry and DT Jeffery Simmons shared a sack for a 7-yard loss on 3rd and 14. The Seahawks then scored touchdowns on their next 3 drives to take a 24-6 halftime lead; but the Titans came back to win 33-30 in OT. Then in the 2nd quarter in Week 16 the 49ers try to block Denico with a TE on 3rd and 10; but after getting past George Kittle, he comes in and drops Jimmy Garoppolo (right photo) for a 7-yard loss. The 49ers punted on the next play. It was Autry's 8th sack of the season .<br /><br />.<div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIppZlUSpuXho5Mkn1VxOCsLJ7fAixGEdZCFuJV4UC4oWYABQ71A_WtzfDaf8jMzuTTbrkoDcG-omkRNYmBumIb0WfCA0SVzg_YWhDfIJJ7cQCwmZbxsYEnFQHjYLIuf2RUhm4BGEbX7kowILoUrbQTBhBrMlk2E-iD-w3Kx9xftZbZ0Bz-bVsR1B/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2024--P4B%20%20KC-TENN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIppZlUSpuXho5Mkn1VxOCsLJ7fAixGEdZCFuJV4UC4oWYABQ71A_WtzfDaf8jMzuTTbrkoDcG-omkRNYmBumIb0WfCA0SVzg_YWhDfIJJ7cQCwmZbxsYEnFQHjYLIuf2RUhm4BGEbX7kowILoUrbQTBhBrMlk2E-iD-w3Kx9xftZbZ0Bz-bVsR1B/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2024--P4B%20%20KC-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazH-fjEUjgaZh_NpHFCDRxFbMtJn0PSQQpQV_T7lRgFbniaoYDPylMMCa6bIVMKpa-f1sYueKOnS6V-0WvG6Kynt79t6AHvVX8CSeybluI1JoFqv9ATB-tw543X8dZrrkz6uMpzsgegxVce_35C6ORz25rbGVAl03X5OqU5VfKXVsxH_JlFdIlkUM/s1000/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P54A%20%20SF-TENN.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazH-fjEUjgaZh_NpHFCDRxFbMtJn0PSQQpQV_T7lRgFbniaoYDPylMMCa6bIVMKpa-f1sYueKOnS6V-0WvG6Kynt79t6AHvVX8CSeybluI1JoFqv9ATB-tw543X8dZrrkz6uMpzsgegxVce_35C6ORz25rbGVAl03X5OqU5VfKXVsxH_JlFdIlkUM/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2023--P54A%20%20SF-TENN.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>123. It took LB <b>Bud Dupree</b> a bit longer than <b>Denico Autry</b> to open his sack account with the Titans. After playing his first 6 NFL seasons with the Steelers, Dupree didn't get his 1st sack in a Titans uniform until here in Week 7 (photo above), and it's a strip sack of Patrick Mahomes on the 7th play of the Chiefs' opening drive. On 3rd and 7 from midfield Dupree curls around Pro Bowl OT Orlando Brown and catches Mahomes from behind and knocks the ball loose at the 43-yard line. The Chiefs recovered but punted on the next play. It was the first of 4 sacks by the Titans in their 27-3 thrashing of the Chiefs. In Week 16 after the Titans had just taken the lead on an <b>A.J. Brown</b> TD early in the 4th quarter, Dupree gets their 2nd sack of the night, getting a hold of Jimmy Garoppolo before LB Harold Landry can on 1st and 20 (photo on right) and dropping him for a 9-yard loss at the SF 37-yard line. The 49ers punted 3 plays later. It was the 3rd - and last - sack of the season for Dupree, the lowest total of his career (although he played only 11 games, missing 6 due to injury).</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNrFJqT1vEBzzu5YnFhYXG4q9Or8Uc7cPtwMWcrQNWMv1fJV_IetqgToiynIr70FFftEHGCWLmsch46hSQ4EOpN3SFxt9ikE6wTnsCLqugf_0sZJQq0gO-TTyHkxmum0oSKnR4YjTtzBF2WEXuH49O-EDnuomqOnvfTzuX8TshshdFDjXcRMcnHLo/s3980/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P1%20%20NO-CAR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2654" data-original-width="3980" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNrFJqT1vEBzzu5YnFhYXG4q9Or8Uc7cPtwMWcrQNWMv1fJV_IetqgToiynIr70FFftEHGCWLmsch46hSQ4EOpN3SFxt9ikE6wTnsCLqugf_0sZJQq0gO-TTyHkxmum0oSKnR4YjTtzBF2WEXuH49O-EDnuomqOnvfTzuX8TshshdFDjXcRMcnHLo/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P1%20%20NO-CAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_d78dlQr_prVQ5SuOiALmdbcGq1CZQN7Nwo92CeeGXQ1jCftG91T5JgQNuCmkQBXxEnDOJkIajvULF1ZkrOwG_ho2qaPlLQkB7YF0nXeMBPQZAwxK8v-k8P_usB-S8HWZFY5Sqfr3nU3gsxsXyIAHtTRuMQD14HsjOMJIWobBRFIt4eV9xAqb8m5/s1068/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P1C%20%20JACK-SEA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1068" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_d78dlQr_prVQ5SuOiALmdbcGq1CZQN7Nwo92CeeGXQ1jCftG91T5JgQNuCmkQBXxEnDOJkIajvULF1ZkrOwG_ho2qaPlLQkB7YF0nXeMBPQZAwxK8v-k8P_usB-S8HWZFY5Sqfr3nU3gsxsXyIAHtTRuMQD14HsjOMJIWobBRFIt4eV9xAqb8m5/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P1C%20%20JACK-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>124. For the 5th time in his career (which began in 2014) CB <b>Bradley Roby</b> finished a season with exactly 1 sack. His 2021 edition sack was his 1st in a Saints uniform, coming in Week 2, as he comes in on a corner blitz on 3rd and 9, bounces off a block by RB Royce Freeman, and drops QB Sam Darnold for a 7-yard loss (photo above) on the 9th play of the Panthers' 2nd half opening drive. On the next play the Saints blocked a FG attempt, keeping the Carolina lead at 17-0. The Panthers went on to win 26-7. Another DB - Seahawks S <b>Ryan Neal</b> - got the 1st sack of his career in Week 8. On the 9th play of the Jaguars' opening drive at Seattle Trevor Lawrence scrambles out of the pocket but can't find anybody open, and Neal hits him near the sideline (photo on right) and is able to knock him off of his feet at the 49-yard line for an 11-yard loss that took the Jaguars out of FG range. They punted on the next play. The Seahawks went on to win easily 31-7.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK66W2d9Y5NNAJJipYYcvlSBkMylnM49kbeThidoR4mYzyO5wwArnv1P_Gl7vlIq9TuJZn-frrSWx7kdrFqkQ395fT8L32uxMPrFg2VMoTRP0hMIPH6Vtu0WpOuruTqGMRPUc9xHRVv-5mkTo8QLiP9HCw27AntCOueGlAj0jaPw4m0BrwOwXtz7GZ/s1278/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P32%20%20DET-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1278" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK66W2d9Y5NNAJJipYYcvlSBkMylnM49kbeThidoR4mYzyO5wwArnv1P_Gl7vlIq9TuJZn-frrSWx7kdrFqkQ395fT8L32uxMPrFg2VMoTRP0hMIPH6Vtu0WpOuruTqGMRPUc9xHRVv-5mkTo8QLiP9HCw27AntCOueGlAj0jaPw4m0BrwOwXtz7GZ/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P32%20%20DET-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OjpC3jQffSL91t4NvgEr_YGD9wIROcavYXdgf7Zb7yPOgVWOJW9Uaj-PDAFDwesq79asYqrvDrYsEH4FoOQhxBJXZV3c3RHWDk3Ix7_oo6Rfv9aMTnK0qC278vDxl5VPgyfSHTGdrXBlTG9n9zoo0nSzXjv1TA2z7pWS076rKSHl-X6XiRPp_5cQ/s2560/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P32B%20%20DET-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1871" data-original-width="2560" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OjpC3jQffSL91t4NvgEr_YGD9wIROcavYXdgf7Zb7yPOgVWOJW9Uaj-PDAFDwesq79asYqrvDrYsEH4FoOQhxBJXZV3c3RHWDk3Ix7_oo6Rfv9aMTnK0qC278vDxl5VPgyfSHTGdrXBlTG9n9zoo0nSzXjv1TA2z7pWS076rKSHl-X6XiRPp_5cQ/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P32B%20%20DET-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>125. Not only did <b>Terrell Edmunds</b> finish ahead of his younger brother in interceptions, he did in sacks too. 7 of Tremaine's 108 tackles for the Bills in 2021 were TFL, but none were sacks. Here in Week 10 Terrell gets his 1st and only sack of the season - and the 3rd of his career - on the last play before the 2-minute warning in overtime at Heinz Field, coming in unblocked on a safety blitz on 1st and 10 and bringing down Jared Goff for a big 13-yard loss at the Detroit 32-yard line. 3 plays later the Lions punted on 4th and 23. But on the ensuing possession the Steelers, just about in FG range, fumbled the ball away in the closing seconds, and the game ended in 16-16 tie, the NFL's only tie game of the season.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUljTAoicq7r2fUWRC-LpaA4SQ8vorACwsAtzA1UZitTwcaAUioh4rLnuD0m5AO8nNE2Ym-1NoOTdUSitQnBNRcIhLTsEsu7zzQRr2BcwL2s2ED-W-dloZwezeMl8cBfjNCwXYAijsIQwJAZsD2h4yv8KZdX2SSC9TpDfGFDrYA0DZOx83oCS5nB3/s1074/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P91%20%20LAC-DEN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1074" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUljTAoicq7r2fUWRC-LpaA4SQ8vorACwsAtzA1UZitTwcaAUioh4rLnuD0m5AO8nNE2Ym-1NoOTdUSitQnBNRcIhLTsEsu7zzQRr2BcwL2s2ED-W-dloZwezeMl8cBfjNCwXYAijsIQwJAZsD2h4yv8KZdX2SSC9TpDfGFDrYA0DZOx83oCS5nB3/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2028--P91%20%20LAC-DEN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL3jFJpUTGol22vbU_znGny-SH3BNMW18cuDyteIFu10YNohfiNRTpbth339sY2M2UcP6w9ad899I3gs82XbdDLP31-ZEnjG2AvXIrf1a9fHIgWXy0iQjMZTru4BFq37xv6WQNBtPri9eruXq4kbuqWoWJPU5bAQ6RD8l_TbDshGK75D4fAqZbsYR/s2560/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P19%20%20DET-DEN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL3jFJpUTGol22vbU_znGny-SH3BNMW18cuDyteIFu10YNohfiNRTpbth339sY2M2UcP6w9ad899I3gs82XbdDLP31-ZEnjG2AvXIrf1a9fHIgWXy0iQjMZTru4BFq37xv6WQNBtPri9eruXq4kbuqWoWJPU5bAQ6RD8l_TbDshGK75D4fAqZbsYR/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P19%20%20DET-DEN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>126. In these shots a couple of D-lineman with dreads with the Mc in their names are featured in games played late in the season at Denver. Not a good enough player to be in uniform every game, DT <b>McTelvin Agim</b> was good enough on this play to get his 1st career solo sack (photo above), tackling Justin Herbert for a 7-yard loss on 3rd and 6 on the 10th play of the Chargers' 2nd half opening drive in Week 12. The Chargers missed a FG on the next play, keeping the Denver lead at 14-7. Agim tied his career high with 2 tackles (1-1) in the Broncos' 28-13 win. Then in the 2nd quarter in Week 14 <b>Teddy Bridgewater</b> holds the ball too long on 1st and 10, and Lions rookie DT <b>Alim NcNeill</b> wraps him up for a 5-yard loss (photo on right) for his 1st career sack. 3 plays later the Broncos punted on 4th and 8, keeping the score at 14-10. McNeill finished with 4 tackles (1-3), but the Lions dropped to 1-11-1 with the 38-10 loss to the Broncos.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Several of the NFL's defensive players with dreads celebrated the final season in the career of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger ..... by sacking him ......</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUVom5QHfSUMafrHCsCvXF-E8Kvv1gzxtNJhKCoO_oX5os6NKEzHwuB6UaWBtjFoT24avWqLSiBsnisXgcoI9ISYCJb-5Ceq9FGfBmXMdmTWgOIbr6kHDlBYBS9y4kkDUQEYjV08m9P-BQatWNGqJyMpNY8Ki22buPokfaI46ut9sgKokG7p2qRTV/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%203--P101B%20%20PITT-GB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1461" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUVom5QHfSUMafrHCsCvXF-E8Kvv1gzxtNJhKCoO_oX5os6NKEzHwuB6UaWBtjFoT24avWqLSiBsnisXgcoI9ISYCJb-5Ceq9FGfBmXMdmTWgOIbr6kHDlBYBS9y4kkDUQEYjV08m9P-BQatWNGqJyMpNY8Ki22buPokfaI46ut9sgKokG7p2qRTV/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P101B%20%20PITT-GB.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SLMC-WUKwx-EMzIjGRUn-V2OpqkTuWT7DA-2mFzJ1n_n085RdRR6Zjip_fYqAdbJI17LcE-xlAcLVvZM5ayGsPtAPImvF1JJK4QdjOPnhcshfQLh2kJH6jW9lQpcafdB7Et0wmwh6iaW2L1HY8KLcgu4YjKT2Kze9I5Vl8M9aofjujRKOdw5711e/s3000/NFL21--OCT.%203--P101%20%20PITT-GB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="3000" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SLMC-WUKwx-EMzIjGRUn-V2OpqkTuWT7DA-2mFzJ1n_n085RdRR6Zjip_fYqAdbJI17LcE-xlAcLVvZM5ayGsPtAPImvF1JJK4QdjOPnhcshfQLh2kJH6jW9lQpcafdB7Et0wmwh6iaW2L1HY8KLcgu4YjKT2Kze9I5Vl8M9aofjujRKOdw5711e/s320/NFL21--OCT.%203--P101%20%20PITT-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>127. With the Packers leading 27-10 early in the 4th quarter in Week 4, <b>Rashan Gary</b> doesn't let the fact that he's being held by OT Dan Moore (left photo) stop him from getting his 1st solo sack of the season, as he takes down Roethlisberger for a 6-yard loss on 1st and 10. No flag was thrown, btw. The drive ended with a stop on 4th and 5 three plays later. Gary finished with 6 tackles (4-2), which at that point of the season tied his career high - he surpassed that with 7 tackles 3 weeks later - in the Packers' 27-17 home win over the Steelers.<div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7Ycyn8HwCaYSC0LcGWW-Euf02RoFqymHP9gezAoVHg02ciBlBfRhU6xQJ-WXkvajsB0d6vtYBAQlqJx_XV0OfY-dTYoWz6lK148K8o8F0UG9agANoBebMLJSkp2QO1PNYKWIbG8CycNIX_uqPAFNjw3GpoVAw4CkiG4g3Kq8S469gP1lrz7M5PME/s2048/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P35A%20%20PITT-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7Ycyn8HwCaYSC0LcGWW-Euf02RoFqymHP9gezAoVHg02ciBlBfRhU6xQJ-WXkvajsB0d6vtYBAQlqJx_XV0OfY-dTYoWz6lK148K8o8F0UG9agANoBebMLJSkp2QO1PNYKWIbG8CycNIX_uqPAFNjw3GpoVAw4CkiG4g3Kq8S469gP1lrz7M5PME/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P35A%20%20PITT-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEhoOYYRav0L9-OLQYsIy2ckeSMiGDs7TMoxbgkk6j1sPt1lZJao8ByAnxhgCEV29UNaDuVNxIsSwVq7txQ73uwIxgd3sjXHUo-HsZNk3b7KRXj0JXI2p-O_wYMb07q1ba5Ei3DzwSJ9ZJvhuTvZeZWpe9TPBn5ogXEC0hkL9kGWp3b5MnrIVKv8I/s1280/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P35%20%20PITT-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1280" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEhoOYYRav0L9-OLQYsIy2ckeSMiGDs7TMoxbgkk6j1sPt1lZJao8ByAnxhgCEV29UNaDuVNxIsSwVq7txQ73uwIxgd3sjXHUo-HsZNk3b7KRXj0JXI2p-O_wYMb07q1ba5Ei3DzwSJ9ZJvhuTvZeZWpe9TPBn5ogXEC0hkL9kGWp3b5MnrIVKv8I/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P35%20%20PITT-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>128. With the Steelers in the red zone in the 2nd quarter at Cleveland in Week 8, <b>Malik McDowell</b> gets double-teamed by the Steelers O-line on 2nd and 10, but Big Ben can't find anybody open and McDowell breaks free and drives him into the turf for a 4-yard loss. The Steelers settled for a FG 2 plays later to tie the game at 3. Coming back from a 10-3 deficit, the Steelers won 15-10. This was the 2nd of the 3 sacks McDowell had on the season. And unless some team is willing to give him another chance, they'll be the only the 3 sacks of his career.<div><a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10024442-malik-mcdowells-hs-coach-says-browns-dl-doesnt-remember-altercation-with-police" target="_blank">https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10024442-malik-mcdowells-hs-coach-says-browns-dl-doesnt-remember-altercation-with-police</a></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxbxqM2P2-2SOkgXFrIma_3L2vCXj9dYJBfW0XJ2sfy3gjosxOR8dXhkVA1p7hTfCebfh6SslqR0X9nqu0VELUOOKGKm0GW43c3qCWUvqadvwtP_AzkP-cR1_2vnWNMWt36zxbcSmrRo9V7yCsiUi0GjhNZI8sau7vaClL02iVo1alT8OUTeSeAdJ/s1200/NFL21--DEC.%209--P6%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxbxqM2P2-2SOkgXFrIma_3L2vCXj9dYJBfW0XJ2sfy3gjosxOR8dXhkVA1p7hTfCebfh6SslqR0X9nqu0VELUOOKGKm0GW43c3qCWUvqadvwtP_AzkP-cR1_2vnWNMWt36zxbcSmrRo9V7yCsiUi0GjhNZI8sau7vaClL02iVo1alT8OUTeSeAdJ/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P6%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu95Yg6Q91qyWvzyp-UEnss4NSZENEb27YLy_kC3OnpiwBuaL6GjOT88jJAGJlrYg0099kD7rbjWCPb3jHhsSLmXPwtAbC6fBPrvgHOLErVTPuNI2kVluju6MbZ_zBJVRAioh-JgaZCbkAB8bK_tlOwfkNxQ_RBrN_GV4RPibige4RVOci-u9wtP-i/s1365/NFL21--DEC.%209--P6A%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1365" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu95Yg6Q91qyWvzyp-UEnss4NSZENEb27YLy_kC3OnpiwBuaL6GjOT88jJAGJlrYg0099kD7rbjWCPb3jHhsSLmXPwtAbC6fBPrvgHOLErVTPuNI2kVluju6MbZ_zBJVRAioh-JgaZCbkAB8bK_tlOwfkNxQ_RBrN_GV4RPibige4RVOci-u9wtP-i/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P6A%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>129. In addition to being one of the games with the most TD scored by players with dreads, the Week 14 battle between the Steelers and Vikings was also the game in which 3 Viking D-linemen with dreads sacked Ben Roethlisberger. There was one in each of the first 3 quarters, before the Steelers began their big comeback. Here midway through the 1st quarter and on the 9th play of the Steelers' opening drive Roethlisberger decides not to throw the pass and instead tries to tuck the ball on 2nd and 12, but DT <b>Michael Pierce</b> grabs his arm and forces him to fumble. Big Ben recovered it himself at the 37-yard line for a loss of 6. It was the 1st sack for Pierce since the 2 he had on opening day. The Steelers challenged the play, wanting it to be an incomplete pass instead of a sack; but with the tuck rule no longer being a rule, the play remained a sack. 2 plays later the Steelers missed a 49-yard FG attempt, and the game remained scoreless.<br /><div><br /></div></div></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMBChEVtajgi4WPG6X5ZqEzxs9VvU0003cDTAOxnf6YXwlQBdfhXVxWGdqyqb4iWp_IzHWJtFHKlkOkIOiv3hD-vYAASzgkTTV05RTcEqhddYv7gU9dydc2gBLhChwpI83a3OXUeq_X4EaGrz5Nowa5XrCLlIxlcSeVuTnGZAjfm-xURKgpiqQAqW/s920/NFL21--DEC.%209--P7%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMBChEVtajgi4WPG6X5ZqEzxs9VvU0003cDTAOxnf6YXwlQBdfhXVxWGdqyqb4iWp_IzHWJtFHKlkOkIOiv3hD-vYAASzgkTTV05RTcEqhddYv7gU9dydc2gBLhChwpI83a3OXUeq_X4EaGrz5Nowa5XrCLlIxlcSeVuTnGZAjfm-xURKgpiqQAqW/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P7%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiD5WWrj4d2Evpa2AJX-O0my6qfGLkvnXJXFsfioNtrFVV-W5CUS3xSaktwq6U9cq4TOs7BlHR2QCM69BkSz5H4qB-nCdYcgXNGxlm5kBm_VFAyVP5eO_gYljwV8F55A4kymqJsRgxL5iXWuybA9TVoZYdDO9spxULNTon2N0JQWAKEwImsfaFzGa/s1280/NFL21--DEC.%209--P44A%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiD5WWrj4d2Evpa2AJX-O0my6qfGLkvnXJXFsfioNtrFVV-W5CUS3xSaktwq6U9cq4TOs7BlHR2QCM69BkSz5H4qB-nCdYcgXNGxlm5kBm_VFAyVP5eO_gYljwV8F55A4kymqJsRgxL5iXWuybA9TVoZYdDO9spxULNTon2N0JQWAKEwImsfaFzGa/s320/NFL21--DEC.%209--P44A%20%20PITT-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>130. Early in the 2nd quarter and on the first play after the Vikings kicked a FG to up their lead to 9-0, Roethlisberger finds nobody open, and DT <b>Armon</b> <b>Watts</b> works his way through a double-team block and grabs a hold of him (photo above) and drops him for a 9-yard loss, increasing his career high sack total to 5 for the season (his previous career high was 1.5 during his 2019 rookie season). 3 plays later the Steelers punted on 4th and 16. Then in the 3rd quarter the Steelers go three-and-out on their 2nd half opening drive as confusion on the O-line allows DT S<b>heldon Richardson</b> to come in completely unblocked on 3rd and 6, and he sacks Roethlisberger (photo on right) for an 8-yard loss, upping his total for the season to 2.5. The Steelers punted on the next play, keeping the score at 23-0. For each Richardson, Watts, and Pierce these were their final sacks of the season.<br /><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldvyVVS8VNsifZip1V3uWldLG8poLRcuPfiFr4rqMsSZzsLyrkxG3hqOWInYmy5TC0ifvDuegOY2O-ulH9M7XIulAi8hpF8_rAkSRCR_xa_YhmFNkzFc3snwUm0t_gwaNXoxufKujhSgvbNUIlPmEUBl9VR5gwGPFhKoaX7W9sLuZOe8sVk_F_OHR/s1800/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P23C%20%20TENN-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldvyVVS8VNsifZip1V3uWldLG8poLRcuPfiFr4rqMsSZzsLyrkxG3hqOWInYmy5TC0ifvDuegOY2O-ulH9M7XIulAi8hpF8_rAkSRCR_xa_YhmFNkzFc3snwUm0t_gwaNXoxufKujhSgvbNUIlPmEUBl9VR5gwGPFhKoaX7W9sLuZOe8sVk_F_OHR/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P23C%20%20TENN-PITT.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3geki-4Ceab9ELESAFJQJp6Mp0XuUWBauQC0jeiKCfRUOkggHAMmIw6S_MMvG0Xu8sLP7vMilxqxNT2X9l_-5Fca58d7Gm_pjmkH9PExkICxFEfzrh5pDTk6nygeImHX147NFETMNEmFkHpuaUK6BxMcmZtPubOQeCC2YVeABeUrdhLHE4o1kTUs/s1024/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P24%20%20TENN-PITT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3geki-4Ceab9ELESAFJQJp6Mp0XuUWBauQC0jeiKCfRUOkggHAMmIw6S_MMvG0Xu8sLP7vMilxqxNT2X9l_-5Fca58d7Gm_pjmkH9PExkICxFEfzrh5pDTk6nygeImHX147NFETMNEmFkHpuaUK6BxMcmZtPubOQeCC2YVeABeUrdhLHE4o1kTUs/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P24%20%20TENN-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>131. After being sacked 5 times by the Vikings, Big Ben fared a little better the following week against the Titans, going down for a loss only 3 times. Of <b>Bud Dupree</b>'s 3 sacks on the season this one (left photo) probably was his most satisfying. Playing his 1st career game against the Steelers (after they decided not to re-sign him during the offseason), Dupree goes through two would-be blockers (one of them RB <b>Najee Harris</b>) on the 1st play of Pittsburgh's 2nd half opening drive and wraps up Roethlisberger at the 14-yard line for a 9-yard loss. The Steelers punted 3 plays later, keeping the Titans' lead at 13-3. Then midway through the 4th quarter <b>Denico Autry</b> makes sure the Steelers have to settle for a FG after an interception gave them the ball at the Titans' 31-yard line. Actually Autry was blocked well on 3rd and 5; but as Big Ben steps forward in the pocket, he steps right into Denico's arms (right photo) and is tackled for a 1-yard loss. It was the 7th of 9 sacks for Autry on the season, with the 9 tying his career high. The Steelers kicked a FG on the next play to lead 16-13 and then another one after another Titans turnover on their next possession and went on to win 19-13. <br /><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ-mTYOI3uoOw54qDXuHzVPLYrSnEGzP08Pw4fWzH_hDnt5azPLLmh_emqszKRX1SLHBo3ZLkd-8DZxY_n3QFZ19T1odunkIYcCVt4vEVkL0RSuNIC7m1CcQ7CNtp7N8TeQX-x2SzZFVsF9PXZ4IOydMJK_1qY5Nfoirlu-lnqqoEmsz1JquH9RlE/s1028/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P1A%20%20JACK-IND.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1028" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJ-mTYOI3uoOw54qDXuHzVPLYrSnEGzP08Pw4fWzH_hDnt5azPLLmh_emqszKRX1SLHBo3ZLkd-8DZxY_n3QFZ19T1odunkIYcCVt4vEVkL0RSuNIC7m1CcQ7CNtp7N8TeQX-x2SzZFVsF9PXZ4IOydMJK_1qY5Nfoirlu-lnqqoEmsz1JquH9RlE/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P1A%20%20JACK-IND.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-a-aRqihzxgqphe1ZQJPyNqHwsrEklaJU1uHkVLTO8eUo-V5HRhgHL47ihwJo4mv60l3j2JF9TmKYicoiLuTiciQ24gdJ_z-U4yH1IM2oIwTA6UlKn5-T9zTcqjaMHAJnzZLmODOig0a6clz3BiUKmjau0qKbfzC91SzJn3x_zY2zZhzZ-oD0qdK/s3000/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P43A%20%20HOU-JACK.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2394" data-original-width="3000" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-a-aRqihzxgqphe1ZQJPyNqHwsrEklaJU1uHkVLTO8eUo-V5HRhgHL47ihwJo4mv60l3j2JF9TmKYicoiLuTiciQ24gdJ_z-U4yH1IM2oIwTA6UlKn5-T9zTcqjaMHAJnzZLmODOig0a6clz3BiUKmjau0qKbfzC91SzJn3x_zY2zZhzZ-oD0qdK/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P43A%20%20HOU-JACK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>132. A couple of D-lineman with dreads for the Jaguars get their 1st sacks of the season against AFC South division rivals. After giving up a FG and TD on the Colts' first 2 drives (and a special teams TD too) in Week 10, the Jaguars' D forces a three-and-out possession, helped in large part by DT <b>DaVon Hamilton</b>'s sack of Carson Wentz (photo on left) at the 3-yard line late in the 1st quarter. After beating the block by C Ryan Kelly on 1st and 15, Hamilton tackles Wentz for a 12-yard loss for his 2nd career sack, keeping the score at 17-6. The Jaguars allowed no more touchdowns the rest of the afternoon but still lost to the Colts 23-17. After playing 4 seasons with the Patriots and then 2 with the Saints, DT <b>Malcom Brown</b> finally gets his 1st sack in a Jaguars uniform (photo on right) early in the 2nd quarter in Week 15. After taking a short dropback on 1st and 15, Davis Mills holds the ball too long (you'll have to take my word for it that he has the ball), and Brown gets past his blocker and drops him at the 17-yard line for a 3-yard loss. The Texans punted 3 plays later, keeping their lead at 14-10. The Jaguars lost 30-16, loss #6 of an 8-game losing streak. <div>This was Hamilton's only sack of the season. Brown had one more in Week 18 to finish with 2.</div><div><br /></div><div>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL5FMfmarA0WZfbto-bJIEqt22dSvG-cZvPIxBD8LmwBlldBwlwkPp7qC-_MWJlNwsbTzq4zrO9_TUlvJG_KcJj_w0ngbJcSZdehRJO_hJnshwqnfAxElEHl2qg9oKexGcei-k9dvMGIQWho8BDJ_W_aWzwVw5OPNKMARmg5Wj5OS7NY5FlRM6gL5/s1500/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P34B%20%20JACK-NYJ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCL5FMfmarA0WZfbto-bJIEqt22dSvG-cZvPIxBD8LmwBlldBwlwkPp7qC-_MWJlNwsbTzq4zrO9_TUlvJG_KcJj_w0ngbJcSZdehRJO_hJnshwqnfAxElEHl2qg9oKexGcei-k9dvMGIQWho8BDJ_W_aWzwVw5OPNKMARmg5Wj5OS7NY5FlRM6gL5/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2026--P34B%20%20JACK-NYJ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6V3BW2i2K55_txZNZSm1cxNNmNjMtvpVjY6BtujKTYbfHz9T8F8XnW40MwJjMKSqHp5Don89MRwECwBItxtpI6RKWZruiqEBA9zr6XTC7uae90MY9hf7i6Xx0oN-hKAp5iFGpIrbl2W8YLotVaT61rZU4ueDsl2qW4fJ_8C3OFdcjsrV8WXN5Uqa/s2560/NFL21--JAN.%202--P17C%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6V3BW2i2K55_txZNZSm1cxNNmNjMtvpVjY6BtujKTYbfHz9T8F8XnW40MwJjMKSqHp5Don89MRwECwBItxtpI6RKWZruiqEBA9zr6XTC7uae90MY9hf7i6Xx0oN-hKAp5iFGpIrbl2W8YLotVaT61rZU4ueDsl2qW4fJ_8C3OFdcjsrV8WXN5Uqa/s320/NFL21--JAN.%202--P17C%20%20JACK-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>133. A couple of AFC East LBs with dreads take their turns sacking Trevor Lawrence on the Jaguars' back-to-back northern road trips late in the season. Midway through the 3rd quarter in Week 16 Lawrence tries to escape the Jets' pass rush out the back door but just makes things worse, being tackled and stripped of the ball by <b>C.J. Mosley</b> (photo above) 19 yards behind the line of scrimmage. The Jets got the FR and returned it to the 13-yard line but failed to cash in the turnover, as the Jaguars stopped their fake FG attempt 4 plays later on 4th and 5. The Jets won anyway 26-21. It was Mosley's 2nd - and last - sack of the season as well as his last sack with his dreads dyed red. A week later the game was still close (tied 0-0, that is) when <b>Dont'a Hightower</b> got his 1st solo sack of the season. Coming on a blitz on the game's 2nd play from scrimmage, Hightower is undetected by the Jaguars O-line and wraps up Lawrence for a 9-yard loss (photo on right) on 2nd and 3. The Jaguars punted 2 plays later and things got worse from there in their 50-10 loss to the Patriots. This might have been the final sack of Hightower's career. After playing 9 NFL seasons - all with the Patriots - he remains an unsigned free agent so far in 2022. <br /><div><br /><div>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6Wfy6Gw49kHGUnWi0tuXF4nyXV63y-Ftui04BDnmPGwsrE11zD9eRz9YJqivYXvGIfuIKjJfLVXAYYh6wn0posE-kDTpUc8IYBHenJta-Vkei35WvaJXC7zfCi3nRPwMgaA8eerObUK538AlqALE6PbV0uTUQTFPcs5medRfcX7M7m4O6RTeV-fG/s1818/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P80E%20%20LV-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1818" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6Wfy6Gw49kHGUnWi0tuXF4nyXV63y-Ftui04BDnmPGwsrE11zD9eRz9YJqivYXvGIfuIKjJfLVXAYYh6wn0posE-kDTpUc8IYBHenJta-Vkei35WvaJXC7zfCi3nRPwMgaA8eerObUK538AlqALE6PbV0uTUQTFPcs5medRfcX7M7m4O6RTeV-fG/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2019--P80E%20%20LV-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t18WgM_3947cZmqNvNL3APbx3jbcARcHGPX7dLPwseUmyG2GmyuiqvynXDeOD7AbQTnhxvt9swl81REu1NSL58djQj8hH4yMK3kk9fv_JJ0CrzdciTlReyCdB2eavUm81zqHTCYQOkrCCBstXBGpRSySvROP31Flhh1VcKQZ5OtJdpeAKvNij2Vc/s1000/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P144%20%20LV-KC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t18WgM_3947cZmqNvNL3APbx3jbcARcHGPX7dLPwseUmyG2GmyuiqvynXDeOD7AbQTnhxvt9swl81REu1NSL58djQj8hH4yMK3kk9fv_JJ0CrzdciTlReyCdB2eavUm81zqHTCYQOkrCCBstXBGpRSySvROP31Flhh1VcKQZ5OtJdpeAKvNij2Vc/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P144%20%20LV-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>134. Having played his first 9 seasons with the Chargers, DE <b>Melvin Ingram</b> certainly has been no stranger to Derek Carr, sacking him 8 times. And in 2021, although no longer with the Chargers, Ingram continued to introduce himself to the Raiders QB - as a member of two different teams. Midway through the 3rd quarter in Week 2 Ingram gets his 1st sack in a Steelers uniform (photo above), using a spin move to easily get past TE Foster Moreau and come in and drop Carr at the Raiders' 37-yard line for an 8-yard loss on 2nd and 1. As you can see the sack should not have counted, but Melvin's hand went on and off Carr's facemask so quickly that the officials missed it and didn't call a penalty. Carr got the last laugh though. The Raiders picked up the 1st down on the next play and scored a TD 3 plays after that to up their lead to 16-7 and went on to defeat the Steelers 26-17. Then in Week 14 Ingram, playing his 3rd game of the season against the Raiders (after being traded to the Chiefs in Week 9) sacks Carr again - sharing it with DE Chris Jones - for a 7-yard loss on 1st and 10 early in the 1st quarter (photo on right). The Raiders punted 3 plays later. The Chiefs won 48-9. Melvin finished the season with only 2 sacks in 15 games. He added 2 more in the Chiefs' 3 playoff games. <div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMIEg5bG-rErTr7WGGOwjaTd_FiWtGmn_zvnfxN93mkgpISUqLdA-f8SocJ9fEU1igE8pZkH4z71DhbnIbUzdZSJWTgNiItuIjqq6kj25I6uVM1zcZn4llUgIqjeYT2qBzdS9h_bDfl0cnlwDRQOJhxjQlQWCDYMZXzUt2Gb_XYYLTuzQYjb5tKhp/s1280/NFL21--JAN.%209--P5%20%20CIN-CLEVE.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMIEg5bG-rErTr7WGGOwjaTd_FiWtGmn_zvnfxN93mkgpISUqLdA-f8SocJ9fEU1igE8pZkH4z71DhbnIbUzdZSJWTgNiItuIjqq6kj25I6uVM1zcZn4llUgIqjeYT2qBzdS9h_bDfl0cnlwDRQOJhxjQlQWCDYMZXzUt2Gb_XYYLTuzQYjb5tKhp/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P5%20%20CIN-CLEVE.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBEvGKYSpkem7WO6rln4amsngo-rC-gPhs3Mrj4nDiOQfLNXRrsTvrmpgRTa279JrmyWU6B_iotW1R6-GkgEMUm1_HEXhT_BbCgMluw9HRHQ5_qfUXhXQfcu-c2yQgsPcSB1HrVySHsczer7IUngZHIMENK_0TZDbq0SqFAxMItZeuGKsYNw46F-4/s1280/NFL21--JAN.%209--P101%20%20CIN-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBEvGKYSpkem7WO6rln4amsngo-rC-gPhs3Mrj4nDiOQfLNXRrsTvrmpgRTa279JrmyWU6B_iotW1R6-GkgEMUm1_HEXhT_BbCgMluw9HRHQ5_qfUXhXQfcu-c2yQgsPcSB1HrVySHsczer7IUngZHIMENK_0TZDbq0SqFAxMItZeuGKsYNw46F-4/s320/NFL21--JAN.%209--P101%20%20CIN-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>135. With the Bengals resting their starters at Cleveland in Week 18, LB <b>Wyatt Ray</b> made his only start of the season and played a career high 50 defensive snaps, including this one that he'll never forget. Initially fooled on a bootleg by QB Case Keenum on 1st and 10, Ray runs him down and gets a hold of him 11 yards behind the line of scrimmage at the Browns' 23-yard line (photo above). But Keenum gets away; but only for a second and as he tries to throw Ray catches him again and grabs his arm, causing a fumble (photo on right). It was Wyatt's 1st sack of the season (2nd of career) and 1st career FF. Better yet, this was the fumble that was recovered by <b>Trayvon Henderson</b> and taken to the house that we saw in photo #17. The TD got the Bengals on the board for the first time, making the score 14-7 late in the 2nd quarter, but the Browns held on to win 21-16.<div><br /></div><div>. <br /><div><br /></div></div><div>And finally .......</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaXYXNVIVCPqrR2GojEIUBFcJdkVn8HGZ_XDp5o5JhwnJOn96dcxBRIPIaBgS1VEcLNvELaIbZehf_43eiHjp2VhgWKPkjO1P1OLig_SpyBIaenWIlCNAgo6t40PUS_tblotX54qFFmeVh3VAXl66O11nbLHbqT1ENqB692DbEdrVCeuFecUgDtME/s1726/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P22C%20%20GB-BALT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1726" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaXYXNVIVCPqrR2GojEIUBFcJdkVn8HGZ_XDp5o5JhwnJOn96dcxBRIPIaBgS1VEcLNvELaIbZehf_43eiHjp2VhgWKPkjO1P1OLig_SpyBIaenWIlCNAgo6t40PUS_tblotX54qFFmeVh3VAXl66O11nbLHbqT1ENqB692DbEdrVCeuFecUgDtME/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P22C%20%20GB-BALT.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2MqeJW3BzDKzHgCIcLs_42ymb6R4TfG4IhgNZkte5Vzck2sFeP1gDesbX0zr0ET86Dvd_6IGV33Xiko77auaOybD3G3vPcYAXLMEsm72cgaFNjJ9gWeuVmNFY3pos-ncfCjFB65MN5UNvHRm6KGZw1CeNFpXQ9GH3wU139bRb7FUXRPB267YxUt0/s935/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P22A%20%20GB-BALT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="731" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2MqeJW3BzDKzHgCIcLs_42ymb6R4TfG4IhgNZkte5Vzck2sFeP1gDesbX0zr0ET86Dvd_6IGV33Xiko77auaOybD3G3vPcYAXLMEsm72cgaFNjJ9gWeuVmNFY3pos-ncfCjFB65MN5UNvHRm6KGZw1CeNFpXQ9GH3wU139bRb7FUXRPB267YxUt0/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2019--P22A%20%20GB-BALT.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div><br /></div>136. The Ravens' 14-play opening drive in Week 15 ends with no points as LB <b>De'Vondre Campbell</b> gets his 2nd - and last - sack of the season. On 4th and goal from the 3-yard line the Ravens eschew the FG attempt; and Tyler Huntley, after having his path blocked on a QB draw, scrambles to the right sideline but finds nobody open and is driven into the turf by Campbell at the 7 for a turnover on downs. It was Campbell's 6th tackle of the drive. He finished the game leading the Packers with 10 (5-5). In a very exciting game the Packers defeated the Ravens 31-30. After playing 4 seasons for the Falcons and then 1 for the Cardinals, De'Vondre was sensational in his 1st season in a Packers uniform. He had a career high 146 tackles (in 16 games), 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 PBU, 2 INT, 2 FF, and 1 FR as he earned 1st team AP All-Pro honors.<br /><br /><div><br /></div>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-46642706428248972662022-09-11T07:23:01.084-05:002023-07-25T00:03:15.934-05:00Bills Due<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT_bWCMtzlz0erLwhzi8QxALe96ecLXjpXQLaawPDuHNZtqpMishy3F-rynBZjfN8EHvh1zA2kUN0X4D6zl-K11bCsSASUt2U-j6HCyQD6uUUJZPyVJJv1gMmZttJiQ7typZLvMMxv2NCGK1V89SzUehfjJkt808ylP-g7O76B-Zy4Iab2UiXVAOe/s2048/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P8%20%20DEN-BUFF.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirT_bWCMtzlz0erLwhzi8QxALe96ecLXjpXQLaawPDuHNZtqpMishy3F-rynBZjfN8EHvh1zA2kUN0X4D6zl-K11bCsSASUt2U-j6HCyQD6uUUJZPyVJJv1gMmZttJiQ7typZLvMMxv2NCGK1V89SzUehfjJkt808ylP-g7O76B-Zy4Iab2UiXVAOe/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P8%20%20DEN-BUFF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I guess it's too late for a spoiler alert. Sorry about that. So, now that you've seen the title of this post, you already know which team my crystal ball is predicting will rule the NFL during the 2022 season. No need to read any further. But if you must, go ahead and keep on reading anyway.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's always dicey when your pick to win the Super Bowl is a team that has never won the Super Bowl. But this time it just makes too much sense; and I'm sure <i>my</i> crystal ball, aka CB2, isn't the only one that thinks it's a no brainer that the Buffalo Bills will be the team celebrating underneath the confetti shower following Super Bowl 57, to be played 5 months from now on the home field of the Arizona Cardinals.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, as any longtime Bills fan will tell you, it's just not that simple when it comes to this team. Fans of other teams certainly have had their share of disappointment over the years; but to be a Bills fan is to truly know disappointment, the searing disappointment of some of the most gut-wrenching defeats in NFL postseason history.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Bills wouldn't be on the list of teams that have never won the Super Bowl had they made a simple, stinkin' field goal 32 years ago. After winning the franchise's only two championships in the AFL back-to-back in 1964-65, the Bills went the first 24 years of the Super Bowl era with no Super Bowl appearances. But then in 1990, after finishing 1st in the AFC with a 13-3 record and obliterating the Los Angeles Raiders 51-3 in the AFC championship game, they were a touchdown favorite to defeat the New York Giants in Super Bowl 25. And they were on the cusp of victory after driving from their own 10-yard line into FG range in the final 2 minutes. But the missed 47-yard kick on the last play of the game left them a 1-point loser. And it also seemed to put some sort of hex on the franchise.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few years later the Bills took the lead in a playoff game with only 16 seconds to play - and lost. And, of course, just last season the Bills took the lead in a playoff game with <i>13</i> seconds left - and lost. Yeah, that was some game between the Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2nd round of the playoffs back in January, with both teams scoring twice in the last 2 minutes before the Chiefs pulled it out in overtime. Indeed the Chiefs have been a serious pain in the Bulls' butt the last couple of seasons. But no more. If any other AFC team wants to go to the Super Bowl this season, they're going to have to win on the Bills' home field in January. And that ain't happening, according to CB2. Kiss the hex goodbye.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Bills were already great last year, as their league best +194 point differential indicates. And now, they could be even greater. If he's not the league's best quarterback, Josh Allen almost is. And the defense, which was the only one in the league to allow fewer than 300 points last year, will be solid again, led by LB <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> (photo above), who undoubtedly will be at his best this year because this year is a contract year. Edmunds made the Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2020 but not last season. Also, and it's a case of the rich getting richer, veteran LB Von Miller is now on the team. After already winning the Super Bowl with 2 different teams in his career (including last season with the Los Angeles Rams), he's not coming to Buffalo not expecting to win another one. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And just who will it be that will lose to the Bills in Super Bowl 57? Well, CB2 is predicting a Super Bowl Chris Berman certainly would love. The famous ESPN anchor always use to predict a Super Bowl between the Bills and San Francisco 49ers every year. He never was right, of course. But if that's his choice this year, CB2 guarantees he <i>will</i> be right this time. Yes, you're always apprehensive when you are a team with high expectations and an inexperienced quarterback. But lest you forget it was 10 years ago when a quarterback in his first season as a starter led the 49ers to the Super Bowl. And that's going to be the case again in 2022, with Trey Lance directing a high-scoring offense.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAxF7nh46rwr0Y2m4Nj5JSopH7zllFhajUIrLNhJ4F2xLb1hvaWz9TIi2_evRKwlfAqe5ngNtYHuqcTN5yl1MhmXKMbKLZ0o1E_-DohSfxixB1bllTtluaIouIPlLDlvlGDrEs12vgbIn632tvsIZ15JZpfvIK7-k48xFUtO_QGSErXTRJrzDr1YN/s1200/NFL22--AUG.%2014--P6%20%20LV-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAxF7nh46rwr0Y2m4Nj5JSopH7zllFhajUIrLNhJ4F2xLb1hvaWz9TIi2_evRKwlfAqe5ngNtYHuqcTN5yl1MhmXKMbKLZ0o1E_-DohSfxixB1bllTtluaIouIPlLDlvlGDrEs12vgbIn632tvsIZ15JZpfvIK7-k48xFUtO_QGSErXTRJrzDr1YN/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2014--P6%20%20LV-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Before the Bills and 49ers face off for the championship, CB2, as always, expects it to be a wild and crazy regular season. Last season's Super Bowl participants, the Rams and Cincinnati Bengals, will struggle but still will be able to get back into the playoffs - in the Bengals' case, just barely. But five other teams who were in the playoffs last year won't. In a loaded AFC there are just too many contenders and not enough playoff spots. Somebody's going to get left out - and that somebody, according to CB2, will be the Chiefs, eliminated after a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 18 in one of the most bizarre finishes in NFL history. CB2 believes the additions of WRs <b>Davante Adams</b> (photo above on left) to the Raiders and <b>Tyreek Hill</b> (with his dreads back!) to the Miami Dolphins will make those teams very formidable foes for the Bills. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2 doesn't expect much change in the NFC, predicting the New Orleans Saints as the only new playoff team, replacing the Cardinals. CB2 sees a particularly crazy race in the NFC South, with the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers both going from the driver's seat to out of the race in the final month of the season. Those two teams will leave their fans heartbroken (and disgusted), with both losing their last 4 games while the Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers both win their last 4 to get in. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2 doesn't expect much change at the bottom of the league either, predicting the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and both New York teams - the Giants and Jets - to be among the most awful teams. But the awful-est of them all will be the Houston Texans, whose bid to become the NFL's first ever 0-17 team will end when they beat the Jaguars in Week 17. Take heart though if you're a fan of one of those teams. At this time last year CB2 picked the Bengals to go 2-15 and they ended up in the Super Bowl.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In its forecast for the 2021 season CB2, the Bengals notwithstanding, picked the winner correctly in 160 of the 272 games. Since there were 16 more games to pick with the expansion of the schedule, total wins is no longer a valid comparison to previous seasons' predictions. So instead we'll go with winning percentage. The 160 wins computes to a win percentage of .588, which is significantly better than the .562 and .559 marks of the previous two seasons. What about 2022? Well, in the two scans below you can see CB2's picks for all 272 games of the 2022 season. And then, as always, we'll look at the forecast one division at a time, with CB2's exact words, as always, in <i>italics.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp_t6VhlLoX2gO21Pvhd5N88PQfK1vgxqRYOchrwKnteV6QkDmQMHIzjA8imRXXJ29lgcRG92py7xRT2sZNF5w_K5hBQTBvLTIUFYzw5UcNeM9spQZkPYIV05-3yVf1OzceX-XuN9da49ZE5W2309bimaf6B-iz1bCMWzGT9zCGI1BnYKlWDtIpXY/s3549/NFL22-PRED1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3549" data-original-width="2453" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp_t6VhlLoX2gO21Pvhd5N88PQfK1vgxqRYOchrwKnteV6QkDmQMHIzjA8imRXXJ29lgcRG92py7xRT2sZNF5w_K5hBQTBvLTIUFYzw5UcNeM9spQZkPYIV05-3yVf1OzceX-XuN9da49ZE5W2309bimaf6B-iz1bCMWzGT9zCGI1BnYKlWDtIpXY/s320/NFL22-PRED1.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn8gNk4v_cdepORirdzM6Oz_lIPCYaEMU0PovRjoKzfvHzIbMRbyUNgsO0Qud7kQ116ZD5tAYtTWXKriThhGwqMwPg7Ldikv57dXeT5yxyKDEIL6AKvaOlyoqkIkALcpJDIf-Z5dgDRf1aDyD6P7PAjuNf5jeDTqgl5mHS62MrJD2qUHj4QSvSGQQ/s3549/NFL22-PRED2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3549" data-original-width="2463" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn8gNk4v_cdepORirdzM6Oz_lIPCYaEMU0PovRjoKzfvHzIbMRbyUNgsO0Qud7kQ116ZD5tAYtTWXKriThhGwqMwPg7Ldikv57dXeT5yxyKDEIL6AKvaOlyoqkIkALcpJDIf-Z5dgDRf1aDyD6P7PAjuNf5jeDTqgl5mHS62MrJD2qUHj4QSvSGQQ/s320/NFL22-PRED2.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>AFC EAST</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>BUF 14-3</li><li>MIA 12-5</li><li>NE 7-10</li><li>NYJ 3-14</li></ol>CB2: <i>With division crown on the line in crucial Week 15 battle at Buffalo, <b>Tyreek Hill</b> takes punt return 98 yards to the house with 2:00 to play to give Dolphins 27-20 lead. But Bills drive 75 yards in 12 plays and score on last play of game on <b>James Cook</b>'s 4-yard reception for his 10th TD of season. Then Josh Allen scores on QB keeper for 2-point conversion to give Bills 28-27 victory and 2-game lead in division. 2 weeks later Bills clinch AFC East with Dolphins' loss at New England in snowstorm.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQue-ShqatUJbgTU_2M0438_sMaLH5RohHJO1PSB6dLSHpolHEARAdVaqi3ufWGm6DTSr5PGItj0NNHK42NvDhXLQG6rmXWnoQENZVJ3k_oz5WGxMfFq9frsvGZbDleLbhGRJT1rkEa-tGYNIXIyCfxFgi1n_FX-_G5k4BtGW2UF_03rJbxAVxP1e/s2524/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P7%20%20DEN-BUFF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1682" data-original-width="2524" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQue-ShqatUJbgTU_2M0438_sMaLH5RohHJO1PSB6dLSHpolHEARAdVaqi3ufWGm6DTSr5PGItj0NNHK42NvDhXLQG6rmXWnoQENZVJ3k_oz5WGxMfFq9frsvGZbDleLbhGRJT1rkEa-tGYNIXIyCfxFgi1n_FX-_G5k4BtGW2UF_03rJbxAVxP1e/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P7%20%20DEN-BUFF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Undaunted by last year's failed prediction that Zack Moss would be the first Bills player with dreads to reach double figures in TD scored, CB2 is making the same prediction again this season - except that it will be rookie <b>James Cook</b> (photo above), not Moss (who no longer has dreads) who will score the 10 TD and lead all NFL rookies with dreads in touchdowns. CB2 is also predicting a big first season with the Dolphins for <b>Tyreek Hill </b>(photo below). In his first season with dreads since 2019 Hill's 13 TD will be the most by an AFC East player with dreads.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqbMlipzk8EB7XrAj86CTJzh4BJ0QRzr0kY9QhL0nlrSZkzKDFkstqW_Jx68CljcpkVNOZ7LR56O3a1ApucKtq65U4EjZ0HFOmkXG4TaIGetHU8vVPeRZDaAYfp32N6xkDCKKwTvJ24jR9WR-6kt5pO87zFo6IoCA-LKgSQR01kPOl6AkqSHzvDQD/s4375/NFL22--AUG.%206--P1%20%20MIA%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2918" data-original-width="4375" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqbMlipzk8EB7XrAj86CTJzh4BJ0QRzr0kY9QhL0nlrSZkzKDFkstqW_Jx68CljcpkVNOZ7LR56O3a1ApucKtq65U4EjZ0HFOmkXG4TaIGetHU8vVPeRZDaAYfp32N6xkDCKKwTvJ24jR9WR-6kt5pO87zFo6IoCA-LKgSQR01kPOl6AkqSHzvDQD/s320/NFL22--AUG.%206--P1%20%20MIA%20TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>AFC NORTH</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>BAL 12-5</li><li>CIN 10-7</li><li>PIT 9-8</li><li>CLEV 8-9</li></ol></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">CB2: <i>With Bengals clinging to 28-24 lead over Ravens and needing win to keep playoff hopes alive in Week 18 thriller at Cincy, <b>Chidobe Awuzie</b> gets his 4th interception of season, picking off Lamar Jackson pass in end zone on 3rd and goal with 22 seconds to play to clinch victory for Bengals. Later in day Chiefs' loss in Vegas clinches final AFC playoff spot for Bengals.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JJNdm9R2_xJhGnLD8sZCt6N8bk4BIBIpluGkh6DARgBzztqgDNOqNRAZa7ohz61vLTdgSbP-YfVUHb4lWPLNJrkhBvg1KSwHdXx8ilolA0VP9YYS9G9i8PVo80Z3L2mbQCrPYOQ91c-UlZti6LxJl35izsfuEz20aDD2Ov5dri0ZPTrRH6tUWEkY/s1140/NFL22--AUG.%2028--P2%20%20DET-PITT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1140" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JJNdm9R2_xJhGnLD8sZCt6N8bk4BIBIpluGkh6DARgBzztqgDNOqNRAZa7ohz61vLTdgSbP-YfVUHb4lWPLNJrkhBvg1KSwHdXx8ilolA0VP9YYS9G9i8PVo80Z3L2mbQCrPYOQ91c-UlZti6LxJl35izsfuEz20aDD2Ov5dri0ZPTrRH6tUWEkY/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2028--P2%20%20DET-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Although CB2 doesn't have the Steelers making the playoffs, it does have them taking the team crown for the most TD scored by players with dreads, with <b>Najee Harris</b> (photo above) scoring 13 of their league leading total of 26 touchdowns by players with dreads. A safe pick - and totally opposite of its weird forecast that Browns rookie <b>Martin Emerson</b> (photo below) (who had all of 1 interception in 3 college seasons) will lead all NFL players (not just rookies) with dreads with 7 INT.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjIQjGssHJNk3wf9xDDLl_t4c62bIJngkFiH7tutQUAg2CgsLjKPMwJ4F43rnUPBICsJvZUwHElXoWRMWAghIqEEdE1xm0axYoC6Sq_yZ4lfhVFKuCunJjupYxLy-jgT2pmWywCJBAHfJFZZ1Bo33jJ18A5O9MQySxM23PjJnkUzVwZX-kCq_1Das/s1280/NFL22--AUG.%2012--P6%20%20CLEVE-JACK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjIQjGssHJNk3wf9xDDLl_t4c62bIJngkFiH7tutQUAg2CgsLjKPMwJ4F43rnUPBICsJvZUwHElXoWRMWAghIqEEdE1xm0axYoC6Sq_yZ4lfhVFKuCunJjupYxLy-jgT2pmWywCJBAHfJFZZ1Bo33jJ18A5O9MQySxM23PjJnkUzVwZX-kCq_1Das/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2012--P6%20%20CLEVE-JACK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>AFC SOUTH</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>IND 9-8</li><li>TENN 9-8</li><li>JAC 3-14</li><li>HOU 1-16</li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;">TIEBREAKER: Colts clinch 1st place due to head-to-head sweep of Titans (Weeks 4 and 7)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2: <i>With Colts - favored by 17 at home over pathetic Texans - trailing 27-14 and on brink of choking away playoff spot in Week 18 for 2nd straight year, Matt Ryan hits <b>Mo Alie-Cox</b> in end zone twice in last 4 minutes of game, including game-winning 3-yarder with :17 on clock, giving Colts division clinching 28-27 win and eliminating Titans from playoff race.</i><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06mTitrvnG2u7eHTr9ugRt06W__E-J98V5-NM8kk9WCRvF6JFqYWvScCzR5jHskhVggLeXiV0F2DfEKcuX7OMX8T7XUUymPHZBz4dFXg4cfw5XHqj8MPCVdERyMYa0to2JdaVr1YVHN4u4HDLvF2_y_LthJZX9Hut35HUShZPDFEXFF5w4fXEYXzk/s1200/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P10%20%20DET-IND.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06mTitrvnG2u7eHTr9ugRt06W__E-J98V5-NM8kk9WCRvF6JFqYWvScCzR5jHskhVggLeXiV0F2DfEKcuX7OMX8T7XUUymPHZBz4dFXg4cfw5XHqj8MPCVdERyMYa0to2JdaVr1YVHN4u4HDLvF2_y_LthJZX9Hut35HUShZPDFEXFF5w4fXEYXzk/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P10%20%20DET-IND.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP2IRVhdNgyY2iVixtpUkVOKTz3TXERErfxaCz-5r0_KqmgVtnTT4nIe--cbXbzhCC-4w0RkGHcB2WVXNUG5etwDBUxMPY28VtA39G57kA5UY50SRMB8IgYVFCwB3jocG0fNEQm_cYRIrisOFZpKoe8YNT9SpKqS4IxemB1OfCWEswQc5nc8JU3gr/s1333/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P9%20%20TENN-TB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP2IRVhdNgyY2iVixtpUkVOKTz3TXERErfxaCz-5r0_KqmgVtnTT4nIe--cbXbzhCC-4w0RkGHcB2WVXNUG5etwDBUxMPY28VtA39G57kA5UY50SRMB8IgYVFCwB3jocG0fNEQm_cYRIrisOFZpKoe8YNT9SpKqS4IxemB1OfCWEswQc5nc8JU3gr/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P9%20%20TENN-TB.jpg" width="235" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It remains to be seen if <b>Derrick Henry</b> (left photo) will keep his dreads unleashed once the regular season begins (they were that way the entire preseason, and I won't believe it 'til I see it), but according to CB2 you can count on this: Henry will regain his throne as the top-scoring player with dreads in the league, finishing with 17 TD. But it won't be enough to get the Titans into the playoffs. CB2 also has <b>Mo</b> <b>Alie-Cox</b> (right) repeating as the top-scoring TE with dreads (he shared the title with <b>David Njoku</b> last season), with his 2 late TD in Week 18 giving him a career high 7 as the Colts dethrone the Titans as division champs. </div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>AFC WEST</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>LV 12-5 </li><li>LAC 11-6</li><li>KC 10-7</li><li>DEN 6-11</li></ol>Wait a minute, CB2, aren't you selling the Broncos a little short?</div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2: <i>You sayin' Russell Wilson's staying healthy all year?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, so now you're predicting injuries too?</div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2: <i>6-11</i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2:<i> In winner-take-all battle for division crown at Vegas in Week 18, Chiefs lead Raiders by 3 in last minute when Tommy Townsend, punting from end zone, booms career long 81-yard punt, downed by gunner <b>Chris Lammons</b> at 9-yard line with :30 on clock. But play is reviewed and overturned, with Lammons ruled to have stepped on sideline on his way down field. Since he was first to touch ball, Chiefs are penalized 4 yards (half the distance to goal line) and down is replayed. Chiefs punt again on next play and <b>Davante Adams</b> makes fair catch at KC 49 with :22 on clock. Raiders elect to attempt free kick field goal, and Daniel Carlson nails 59-yarder to send game into overtime. Chiefs take 41-38 lead on first possession in OT and apparently clinch win on <b>Nick Bolton</b>'s 1st career INT on 6th play of Raiders' ensuing drive. But, while Chiefs' celebration is already underway on the field, play is reviewed and overturned, with Chiefs being penalized 5 yards for having 12 men on field. And on next play Adams' 36-yard catch and run to the house gives Raiders 44-41 victory for division crown. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Moments after craziness is over at Vegas, Chargers kick 61-yard FG at Denver to send their game into OT, and on 1st play of OT <b>Asante Samuel Jr.</b> scoops up fumble by <b>Javonte Williams </b>and races 26 yards to the house, giving Chargers' playoff-clinching 32-26 victory and eliminating Chiefs from playoff race.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Whew. If <i>that</i> actually happens, CB2, I'll give you an 'A' regardless of all the rest of your predictions.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclPSlJiRXXUvASL_-jTWUC39amlUPCFLIYbJYKs6bVc30dOCJKWkpDIMxwCUFWNOyzRr7Ji_e-wau7NOq3xo_NkoWqtUsZJfUZjtv0wwobLHqlgTkUyoE1ZDLTm9K6GaKawKEHFH26OCJJBeFWlix40oUYMh61_nG6qEwDVRsl8G8AG74sqSZLCt0/s2048/NFL22--AUG.%204--P1%20%20JACK-LV.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclPSlJiRXXUvASL_-jTWUC39amlUPCFLIYbJYKs6bVc30dOCJKWkpDIMxwCUFWNOyzRr7Ji_e-wau7NOq3xo_NkoWqtUsZJfUZjtv0wwobLHqlgTkUyoE1ZDLTm9K6GaKawKEHFH26OCJJBeFWlix40oUYMh61_nG6qEwDVRsl8G8AG74sqSZLCt0/s320/NFL22--AUG.%204--P1%20%20JACK-LV.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6bdB4picvpsRF0SP6bLmaYXn9GyMQ82_zhcij2qVAYK-_esO7EkRRNoMxnoAqYhRDcSzQJkaECfSoKZgbP8kJwymFChAk-zgyWnOzqSQ94SOkML_1W8JIjxRl2mhxpIiNXX2vqPfT72P4ND00k_XcXEC27KfhYpvSuM9KoLgosaEFphuFesUV6u9/s1173/NFL22--AUG.%201--P2%20%20DEN%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1173" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6bdB4picvpsRF0SP6bLmaYXn9GyMQ82_zhcij2qVAYK-_esO7EkRRNoMxnoAqYhRDcSzQJkaECfSoKZgbP8kJwymFChAk-zgyWnOzqSQ94SOkML_1W8JIjxRl2mhxpIiNXX2vqPfT72P4ND00k_XcXEC27KfhYpvSuM9KoLgosaEFphuFesUV6u9/s320/NFL22--AUG.%201--P2%20%20DEN%20TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 is certain that with the addition of <b>Davante Adams</b> (left photo) and others, the Raiders will end their 3-year drought of having no TD scored by players with dreads (their last one was <b>Dwayne Harris</b>' wild 99-yard punt return in Week 16 of 2018). With Adams leading all players with dreads in TD receptions with 14, the Raiders will top the 20 mark in total TD by players with dreads. But that'll only be good for 2nd best in the division. CB2 is confident that <b>Javonte</b> <b>Williams</b> (right photo), in his first full season with dreads, will score 9 TD as the Broncos lead the division with 24 TD scored by players with dreads.<div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NFC EAST </b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>PHIL 12-5</li><li>DALL 12-5</li><li>WASH 6-11</li><li>NYG 4-13</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Eagles clinch 1st place due to better record than Cowboys in games vs. division opponents (PHIL 5-1, DAL 4-2)</div><div><br />CB2: <i>After failed 2-pt. conversion by WFT - er, Commanders - with 47 seconds left leaves Cowboys with 27-26 lead in Week 18 thriller at FedEx Field, <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> recovers onside kickoff, apparently clinching victory for Cowboys. But instead of going down, Lamb returns kick 43 yards to the house with 40 seconds to go. Extra point is blocked and scooped up and taken 88 yards to the house by <b>Rachad</b> <b>Wildgoose</b> for defensive 2-point conversion, cutting Dallas' lead to 33-28. Then on last play of game <b>Cam Sims</b> outjumps three defenders to haul in Hail Mary pass for 50-yard TD, giving Commanders 34-33 win, costing Cowboys division title, and making it 18 years in a row without repeat champion in NFC East. </i></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_jdCpSAsnzjzqRj7JpKzQ-dRLx57A6jt5hwbiWGN0TXi9KNFLvBLiBYwXU7sXViYy65Ky3uGwojd0g1s8sVVuz_tPB-nJ9T6jjhPjXgIQg1CK0TupmVjGHh9hAk82pM7S1D_iAdilVXhQyVeupE_aHznt8RukD_qn_wqxrnp2O5KlBCgexGhcPPP/s1024/NFL22--AUG.%2012--P7%20%20NYJ-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_jdCpSAsnzjzqRj7JpKzQ-dRLx57A6jt5hwbiWGN0TXi9KNFLvBLiBYwXU7sXViYy65Ky3uGwojd0g1s8sVVuz_tPB-nJ9T6jjhPjXgIQg1CK0TupmVjGHh9hAk82pM7S1D_iAdilVXhQyVeupE_aHznt8RukD_qn_wqxrnp2O5KlBCgexGhcPPP/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2012--P7%20%20NYJ-PHIL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgSuGh2PPkvmjyuJKqqko0sbtXkgUVi7M1_4AP99Aky68vEFEBX_GldPlUFaYdy87nAIIIQwQHa4dRLvdRN6oGauI0nYrYA3i80QYAjmngT4V5FMhdfsjnj4d4NbkjFWBv7qdLAsj7Y3kN8Qt20fb3gQlQ0kUfbrkBDhwp5hZpbv2ewj8sQdFjxF6/s1024/NFL22--AUG.%2026--P4%20%20SEA-DALL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZgSuGh2PPkvmjyuJKqqko0sbtXkgUVi7M1_4AP99Aky68vEFEBX_GldPlUFaYdy87nAIIIQwQHa4dRLvdRN6oGauI0nYrYA3i80QYAjmngT4V5FMhdfsjnj4d4NbkjFWBv7qdLAsj7Y3kN8Qt20fb3gQlQ0kUfbrkBDhwp5hZpbv2ewj8sQdFjxF6/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2026--P4%20%20SEA-DALL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2 believes <b>Quez Watkins</b> (left photo) will score a career high 7 TD for the Eagles and give <b>CeeDee</b> <b>Lamb</b> (right photo) a run for his money as the NFC East's top scoring player with dreads. But ultimately Lamb will pull away and lead the division's players with dreads in TD for the 3rd straight year, finishing with 13 TD, including an NFC leading 12 TD receptions. CB2 also believes Giants S <b>Xavier McKinney</b> (sorry, no photo) will finish with 6 INT for the 2nd straight year and will dethrone Cowboys CB <b>Trevon</b> <b>Diggs</b> (sorry, no photo) as the NFC player with dreads with the most picks.</div><div style="text-align: left;">. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><b>NFC NORTH</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>GB 12-5</li><li>MINN 9-8</li><li>CHI 5-12</li><li>DET 5-12</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Bears clinch 3rd place due to head-to-head sweep of Lions (Weeks 10 and 17)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2: <i>Needing Week 18 win to clinch playoff spot Vikings turn ball over 4 times at frigid Soldier Field but still have chance to win after <b>K.J. Osborn</b>'s 17-yard TD catch on last play of game cuts Bears' lead to 17-16. But after <b>Dalvin Cook</b>'s run for successful, would-be game-winning 2-point conversion is nullified by holding penalty, Vikings instead attempt kick for game-tying extra point and sudden, severe gust of wind blows kick wide right, giving Bears win and eliminating Vikings from playoff contention.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliM9LsFf4wCK0jLI0IekFp3cT5UrpeKK4BV2FsDeA1tebmH2br2GYhn82LZfcfd-DuLw-2gXJkQkrZf-X2Lp6qWs3QJbK1Fq79ZXcps2Y2qDlCvf9wjA515O3e_CTHidAsScdEWJokYE0tZEpqtHqHPVVg8PF8QcsSqOsWKeXDzR853ryIGc5WsFv/s1061/NFL22--SEPT.%205--P1%20%20GB%20PRAC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1061" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliM9LsFf4wCK0jLI0IekFp3cT5UrpeKK4BV2FsDeA1tebmH2br2GYhn82LZfcfd-DuLw-2gXJkQkrZf-X2Lp6qWs3QJbK1Fq79ZXcps2Y2qDlCvf9wjA515O3e_CTHidAsScdEWJokYE0tZEpqtHqHPVVg8PF8QcsSqOsWKeXDzR853ryIGc5WsFv/s320/NFL22--SEPT.%205--P1%20%20GB%20PRAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 thinks Packers LB <b>Rashan Gary</b> (photo above) will take another big step forward in 2022 and will lead all the league's players with dreads in sacks with 14. And CB2 also thinks <b>Dalvin Cook</b> (photo below) will recover from last year's scoring slump and once again reach double figures in TD scored with 11, one more than his little brother scores for the Bills. But with Justin Jefferson no longer recognized as a player with dreads, the Vikings will be dethroned by the Steelers as the NFL team with the most TD scored by players with dreads.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbSfZsRJHcOAcdUR9l0pkkfJCeL_I_Ge9RnaU2WJHHC254EI25fDxP1myrpX2axLB13i-KM8-WLZ3Iq7xXGVBbDkq0bSpUKQu4jSz3-XeQsJ8j5URhLMk-Ua4skdK-GdWVZlzoEg2j7xQS0J6jG6SV3NrMhDzvI_7BJYGOV0da9a3GlQcwpMrP7i3/s1000/NFL22--P1%20%20D.COOK%20MC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbSfZsRJHcOAcdUR9l0pkkfJCeL_I_Ge9RnaU2WJHHC254EI25fDxP1myrpX2axLB13i-KM8-WLZ3Iq7xXGVBbDkq0bSpUKQu4jSz3-XeQsJ8j5URhLMk-Ua4skdK-GdWVZlzoEg2j7xQS0J6jG6SV3NrMhDzvI_7BJYGOV0da9a3GlQcwpMrP7i3/s320/NFL22--P1%20%20D.COOK%20MC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>NFC SOUTH</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>TB 10-7</li><li>NO 10-7</li><li>CAR 8-9</li><li>ATL 8-9</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Buccaneers clinch 1st place due to better record than Saints in games vs. common opponents (TB 9-5, NO 8-6)</div><div style="text-align: left;">TIEBREAKER: Panthers clinch 3rd place due to better record than Falcons in games vs. common opponents (CAR 6-8, ATL 5-9)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CB2: <i>With 4-way tie for division crown (which would give Panthers division crown and Falcons wild card berth) looming, Saints and Bucs come from behind incredibly in Week 18 to steal playoff berths. At Atlanta Tom Brady hits <b>Julio Jones</b> for 3 TD in 4th quarter, including 6-yarder with :06 remaining as Bucs wipe out 31-14 deficit in last 7 minutes to stun Falcons 35-31 and clinch division crown, eliminating Falcons from playoff contention. Moments later at Superdome, after <b>Alvin Kamara</b>'s 3rd TD of 4th quarter with 41 seconds remaining completes Saints' comeback from 27-6 deficit and ties game, Panthers' ensuing drive is almost in FG range when <b>Bradley Roby</b> intercepts pass that deflects off hands of <b>Robby Anderson</b> and returns it 80 yards to the house on final play of game for unbelievable 33-27 victory, sending Saints into playoffs and Saints fans into hysteria, and eliminating Panthers from playoff contention.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOfKRM9erMxvPGOaDUGFHe77gCX4HXAX_nFH38QXq7uAhb3sXW-1DNthiIa5LYx8No5v9l9btl1ypekas40rm15OOlkZCdsIlm3Z1NlmqqaYGtUDmKl-LnwZlHikW9600RF9S785dWF1-LkNxJ0anbsbRdRECfb2sM5k8JFhkthRXwzOQ-caGhksQ/s1200/NFL22--AUG.%2026--P5%20%20LAC-NO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOfKRM9erMxvPGOaDUGFHe77gCX4HXAX_nFH38QXq7uAhb3sXW-1DNthiIa5LYx8No5v9l9btl1ypekas40rm15OOlkZCdsIlm3Z1NlmqqaYGtUDmKl-LnwZlHikW9600RF9S785dWF1-LkNxJ0anbsbRdRECfb2sM5k8JFhkthRXwzOQ-caGhksQ/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2026--P5%20%20LAC-NO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 is trusting the reports that <b>Alvin Kamara</b> (photo above) will not be suspended this season for his offseason misbehavior and is predicting he will lead all NFC players with dreads in TD with 14 (dethroning <b>Cordarrelle</b> <b>Patterson</b>). And I don't know why but CB2 also is predicting the Panthers to be the NFC team with the most TD scored by players with dreads, with with 22, with <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> (photo below) celebrating with his teammates often while scoring a career high 10 and with <b>Andre Roberts</b> (sorry, no photo) taking at least one return to the house. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E_DaZSMiegDzf2IrjVReM7bT9WwrKDWYVAHYqdFoty_oqyPj5AfvJQLgVBVD_MLSxJ5Rwkhmgdr7w4cbyFe19TBKquNOykstHIVOAWARBC9yp0PjXGjjl4wStYsiF6ID6y_x3eGWH2pZTWmCFVNUl66M8EO9zRxPHfhhxvPaQgo2f1XWp_6AgMa0/s1500/NFL22--AUG.%2026--P6%20%20BUFF-CAR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E_DaZSMiegDzf2IrjVReM7bT9WwrKDWYVAHYqdFoty_oqyPj5AfvJQLgVBVD_MLSxJ5Rwkhmgdr7w4cbyFe19TBKquNOykstHIVOAWARBC9yp0PjXGjjl4wStYsiF6ID6y_x3eGWH2pZTWmCFVNUl66M8EO9zRxPHfhhxvPaQgo2f1XWp_6AgMa0/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2026--P6%20%20BUFF-CAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>NFC WEST</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>SF 13-4</li><li>LAR 10-7</li><li>SEA 6-11</li><li>ARIZ 6-11</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Seahawks clinch 3rd place due to better record than Cardinals in games vs. division opponents (SEA 2-4, ARIZ 1-5)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />CB2: <i>Playing on Saturday in Week 18 and needing win to assure playoff spot, Rams trail at Seattle 24-20 after blowing 17-0 halftime lead; but on 4th and 11 with 1:27 to play Rams burn blitz by Seahawks' D as <b>Darrell Henderson</b> takes screen pass 72 yards to the house. Rams hold on for playoff-clinching 27-24 victory.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfL55GPU96ytkoo9kyCOwunHESZJFsTmTGYrgs1SfGooRQ-hs9e2WK70svG8Oi0-vOGUDNKTjGc-Cmo-but23Gq6hGTaFEB1_-LlkUbBP9liPBxG_4PgBbeZGxEsrtvrOGa-VYRPwiySqsz6MhSHB_-_6zpXF0AcWWfn8mIWkMffb3Bbrp2DUgWKu/s2048/NFL22--AUG.%2025--P1%20%20SF-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfL55GPU96ytkoo9kyCOwunHESZJFsTmTGYrgs1SfGooRQ-hs9e2WK70svG8Oi0-vOGUDNKTjGc-Cmo-but23Gq6hGTaFEB1_-LlkUbBP9liPBxG_4PgBbeZGxEsrtvrOGa-VYRPwiySqsz6MhSHB_-_6zpXF0AcWWfn8mIWkMffb3Bbrp2DUgWKu/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2025--P1%20%20SF-HOU.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENMH_Cmpqx3HDWGWjMDFCOIXZQkuxpNlrGmEfPh91ss0wOMzYob-zdQrKt4F6UafHQuLTWegeZ7ea0tQjUpHPeajVBvP0i1qmwdsJ9AoREH13S75NTA1ssX-bGYanLz7HDfy_dg8A1Y49HkwWAe8RGVbsFUhohGvmMhU3uegsKPvqkgtlODcKAMT1/s1013/NFL22--JUNE%201--P1%20%20ARIZ%20PRAC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1013" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENMH_Cmpqx3HDWGWjMDFCOIXZQkuxpNlrGmEfPh91ss0wOMzYob-zdQrKt4F6UafHQuLTWegeZ7ea0tQjUpHPeajVBvP0i1qmwdsJ9AoREH13S75NTA1ssX-bGYanLz7HDfy_dg8A1Y49HkwWAe8RGVbsFUhohGvmMhU3uegsKPvqkgtlODcKAMT1/s320/NFL22--JUNE%201--P1%20%20ARIZ%20PRAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 is adamant that <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> (left photo) will be a major contributor to the 49ers success, finishing with a career high 10 TD. But he will have to share the title for the NFC West's top scoring player with dreads with <b>Marquise Brown</b> (right photo). With <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> suspended for the Cardinals' first 6 games, CB2 has Brown, in his first season on the team, picking up the slack and also scoring a career high 10 TD.</div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">OK, to make it a bit easier and so that you don't have to keep scrolling back and forth, here are all the predicted records again more condensed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>AFC</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">BUF 14-3 BAL 12-5 IND 9-8 LV 12-5</div><div style="text-align: left;">MIA 12-5 CIN 10-7 TENN 9-8 LAC 11-6</div><div style="text-align: left;">NE 7-10 PIT 9-8 JAC 3-14 KC 10-7</div><div style="text-align: left;">NYJ 3-14 CLEV 8-9 HOU 1-16 DEN 6-11 </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">AFC TIEBREAKER: Raiders clinch #2 seed due to better record than Ravens in games vs. common opponents (LV 4-1, BAL 3-2)</div><div style="text-align: left;">AFC TIEBREAKER: Bengals clinch #7 seed due to head-to-head win over Chiefs (Week 13)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>NFC</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">PHIL 12-5 GB 12-5 TB 10-7 SF 13-4</div><div style="text-align: left;">DAL 12-5 MINN 9-8 NO 10-7 LAR 10-7</div><div style="text-align: left;">WASH 6-11 CHI 5-12 CAR 8-9 SEA 6-11</div><div style="text-align: left;">NYG 4-13 DET 5-12 ATL 8-9 ARIZ 6-11</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">NFC TIEBREAKER: Eagles clinch #2 seed due to head-to-head victory over Packers (Week 12)</div><div style="text-align: left;">NFC TIEBREAKER: Rams clinch #6 seed due to head-to-head win over Saints (Week 11)</div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">PLAYOFFS</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ROUND 1</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>LV over CIN</li><li>BAL over LAC</li><li>MIA over IND</li><li>PHIL over NO</li><li>GB over LAR</li><li>DAL over TB</li></ul>ROUND 2</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>BUF over MIA</li><li>LV over BAL</li><li>SF over DAL</li><li>GB over PHIL</li></ul>CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>BUF over LV</li><li>SF over GB</li></ul>SUPER BOWL 57</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>BUF 29 SF 27 (MVP: Josh Allen)</li></ul>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">CHANGES FOR 2022</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">The House of Dread has now been refitted entirely with revolving doors - to speed things up a bit, allowing for entry and exit at the same time. And with the NFL - and all the other sports too - now having more players with dreads than ever, those doors certainly have been getting a workout in the last couple of seasons. Here are all the comings and goings, and all the other changes as of the beginning of the 2022 season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">EX-DREAD</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are all the players who went out that revolving door - all the ones that I know of who had dreads when last season began but have cut them off for now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Boogie Basham (BUF)</li><li>A.J. Brown (PHIL) (photo below)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilbUD0b3e484gwTpESCLDVIKqUGA0uXgZiEYluLqlpT68tksWpDHD9mvDVbjI6A5vqdPXJXJOObo-GIQOoSqBzrsJJWs2QjUcQzN286Z1AyOIQiVtOadinlcgeliq3c7IHYMc5x_H_v5m3XWsCUWik2VQDWnSfJzBOKLHJYMqLn1J4yC_Gg6ChmUu/s1400/NFL22--AUG.%207--P1%20%20PHIL%20TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilbUD0b3e484gwTpESCLDVIKqUGA0uXgZiEYluLqlpT68tksWpDHD9mvDVbjI6A5vqdPXJXJOObo-GIQOoSqBzrsJJWs2QjUcQzN286Z1AyOIQiVtOadinlcgeliq3c7IHYMc5x_H_v5m3XWsCUWik2VQDWnSfJzBOKLHJYMqLn1J4yC_Gg6ChmUu/s320/NFL22--AUG.%207--P1%20%20PHIL%20TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bryan Cook (KC) (rookie)</li><li>Michael Davis (LAC)</li><li>Elijah Hicks (CHI) (rookie)</li><li>Myles Jack (PIT)</li><li>Derwin James (LAC) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXRUNGwDie-EFs1_3EUr9y2Wi-vjw-emQ9_SRSpAnNEKRhkjGl_DYHeP9WYj8L2m4WW-TUv3_PlnQBTttFiqZ4zVgGj1YdNU-l0v5CAZmWkjvk8PyVkRhy5FxSVDPt5AfB93yMjF4SmVsvLkzI6ZBalP-70lQ7BsWNQVe-UbjBOlH8hikUHy88uhR/s1143/NFL22--SEPT.%207--P2%20%20LAC%20PRAC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1143" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXRUNGwDie-EFs1_3EUr9y2Wi-vjw-emQ9_SRSpAnNEKRhkjGl_DYHeP9WYj8L2m4WW-TUv3_PlnQBTttFiqZ4zVgGj1YdNU-l0v5CAZmWkjvk8PyVkRhy5FxSVDPt5AfB93yMjF4SmVsvLkzI6ZBalP-70lQ7BsWNQVe-UbjBOlH8hikUHy88uhR/s320/NFL22--SEPT.%207--P2%20%20LAC%20PRAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Derwin James, shown at practice on Sept. 7, had dreads all the way through the preseason until they suddenly disappeared at some point during the Labor Day weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jakob Johnson (LV)</li><li>Desmond King (HOU)</li><li>Christian Kirksey (HOU) (left photo below)</li><li>DeMarcus Lawrence (DAL) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu7PIuamTgEac8XXLqDMMSKZmUjv_6uYKKKyDZWddgqNee02Lo_kxlazn905RgenYkqmURFf1drfEMU7WtVZy77t2IduMfl9qDvxgbFxV3CBaM6vMK6CIFSNLfrvfU3PsmRmRmxTpjKLQ1VlURp3Zuq3RkJOe6q7iE3BrDpzCPeLHWbBgmN4tQryq/s683/NFL22--AUG.%2025--P1%20%20SF-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="491" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu7PIuamTgEac8XXLqDMMSKZmUjv_6uYKKKyDZWddgqNee02Lo_kxlazn905RgenYkqmURFf1drfEMU7WtVZy77t2IduMfl9qDvxgbFxV3CBaM6vMK6CIFSNLfrvfU3PsmRmRmxTpjKLQ1VlURp3Zuq3RkJOe6q7iE3BrDpzCPeLHWbBgmN4tQryq/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2025--P1%20%20SF-HOU.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXxZwKpNtvLCliHQLPHTVgqYTGJBhs4rJAo4cGC8-krn4JY4rYsZlK3XzEOvOU8tulMIuv712P1JmFAlP0v5cWmiRVVlXPqksGFPj9firBuUebbJiELMGB6BQxnrXndKTHSWzq6Hfwwx88UA_qIWFFzFsgb-ZzX0zTaYhtOIX_EdC3r-1Rvorm16q/s1024/NFL22--JUNE%201--P3%20%20DALL%20PRAC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXxZwKpNtvLCliHQLPHTVgqYTGJBhs4rJAo4cGC8-krn4JY4rYsZlK3XzEOvOU8tulMIuv712P1JmFAlP0v5cWmiRVVlXPqksGFPj9firBuUebbJiELMGB6BQxnrXndKTHSWzq6Hfwwx88UA_qIWFFzFsgb-ZzX0zTaYhtOIX_EdC3r-1Rvorm16q/s320/NFL22--JUNE%201--P3%20%20DALL%20PRAC.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Boye Mafe (SEA) (rookie)</li><li>Nicholas Morrow (CHI)</li><li>Zack Moss (BUF) (photo below)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-aS2LrjQSkKwoWQWz9BCtYAXQmHacE88P4rD10Utt5HXA0mpfRVHvIs04Us7nyrHIuOYgvaHN8YxxaWeOmZ36Th1vgrvHGLJzxWMSTgGwShtSzsvhXSM5Nq1PTJWY4kvEbttRMQ5JijIB9N0_lO3T87dq-WfBta-HM31jlH_80wChrm8ftJpagsJ/s1200/NFL22--JULY%2030--P1%20%20BUFF%20TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-aS2LrjQSkKwoWQWz9BCtYAXQmHacE88P4rD10Utt5HXA0mpfRVHvIs04Us7nyrHIuOYgvaHN8YxxaWeOmZ36Th1vgrvHGLJzxWMSTgGwShtSzsvhXSM5Nq1PTJWY4kvEbttRMQ5JijIB9N0_lO3T87dq-WfBta-HM31jlH_80wChrm8ftJpagsJ/s320/NFL22--JULY%2030--P1%20%20BUFF%20TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jalen Reeves-Maybin (HOU)</li><li>Elandon Roberts (MIA)</li><li>Wan'Dale Robinson (NYG) (rookie)</li><li>Marvell Tell (CIN) (PS)</li><li>Jaylen Waddle (MIA) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQMFRk59r18rDxLUwUYnzApgi2b4rZiZYEUBGPPEUs8bXY7_EuE8OysCts8oLUhqsCupihOL30izPhmoJRhTnprYv165BCZL721UC8Efcgpnf8FI-eV17AoSJ961iMlBntpCbTKBYIaJqUKJrPEa8D-xn265bZUF0MozFPZCe0cdaY4hpPLwQO9tE/s1024/NFL22--JULY%2030--P6%20%20MIA%20TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQMFRk59r18rDxLUwUYnzApgi2b4rZiZYEUBGPPEUs8bXY7_EuE8OysCts8oLUhqsCupihOL30izPhmoJRhTnprYv165BCZL721UC8Efcgpnf8FI-eV17AoSJ961iMlBntpCbTKBYIaJqUKJrPEa8D-xn265bZUF0MozFPZCe0cdaY4hpPLwQO9tE/s320/NFL22--JULY%2030--P6%20%20MIA%20TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jaylen Waddle and <b>Tyreek Hill</b> at training camp practice on July 30. No sooner had Hill brought back his dreads, Waddle cut his off - ending any chance the Dolphins had to lead the league in touchdowns scored by players with dreads before it even got off the ground.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jamaal Williams (DET)</li><li>Jabari Zuniga (SEA) (PS)</li></ul>Sheldrick Redwine, who finished last season with the Dolphins, and Jason Pierre-Paul, who played for the Buccaneers last season, also have cut off their dreads. They both are unsigned as of the start of the 2022 season.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that's not all. There are a few more names to be added to the ex-dread list. Names that I probably shouldn't have welcomed to the house in the first place. It's my bad that I did. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_uIcvCSmjd6I1tvU65dsKf2hlG2XkBpu4HRAAz4DWk-XI2PC7rgjYS52DZQ-PN549z4lwROEVO17pPFuOWyZSwG71YADs5TTLh4itZ1vh_luFXYiDP513tvkgUp78FJgyxbMjAr_-1bvSVXtncgRyB_fs_5dqUvocPbF3k4YUQ8kNR5yWZZ6gl2F/s600/NFL22--J.JEFF.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_uIcvCSmjd6I1tvU65dsKf2hlG2XkBpu4HRAAz4DWk-XI2PC7rgjYS52DZQ-PN549z4lwROEVO17pPFuOWyZSwG71YADs5TTLh4itZ1vh_luFXYiDP513tvkgUp78FJgyxbMjAr_-1bvSVXtncgRyB_fs_5dqUvocPbF3k4YUQ8kNR5yWZZ6gl2F/s320/NFL22--J.JEFF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Yes, it's time for a little, needed housecleaning - in the form of the dismissal of the players who have their hair in the semi-dreads/semi-braids style known as 2-strand twists. At least until those players decide to allow their hair to lock together. Many players have started with 2-strand twists and let them lock and become dreads - <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> of the 49ers, for example. But many others have shown they're just fine staying with the 2-strand twists. Exhibit A in this category is Justin Jefferson of the Vikings. I welcomed Justin to the house during his 2020 rookie season expecting his twists to turn into dreads - just like Aiyuk's. But after 2 years of waiting it's now obvious he's not going to let it happen - as you can see in the photos above (from the beginning of training camp on July 27 on the left and from the Vikings' preseason game vs. the Raiders on Aug. 14 on the right). So - and I'm sorry, Justin - you have to go. You and all the other players listed below, whom I've previously identified as having dreads, but not anymore. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Paulson Adebo (NO)</li><li>Cam Akers (LAR)</li><li>Quintez Cephus (DET)</li><li>Demetric Felton (CLEV)</li><li>Kristian Fulton (TENN) (left photo below)</li><li>Mike Hilton (CIN) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQwLTMAcw1yMWbnnm1SI72_i4vvPVTxsCXpq-ZUktmkvzbt_Km5gWwR_8XVIGblrH8rtk6-njI1arXXhgkd_Mf2omr7J65iwGpMCDHnhnUh3pRqtg5dKbEN-tflRMNk8e9WI9ESbH_rDc_yfFa4Y0xt3jrJYVfHrLOT3ywQwI8PahSlotXfeA771c/s613/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P12%20%20TB-TENN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQwLTMAcw1yMWbnnm1SI72_i4vvPVTxsCXpq-ZUktmkvzbt_Km5gWwR_8XVIGblrH8rtk6-njI1arXXhgkd_Mf2omr7J65iwGpMCDHnhnUh3pRqtg5dKbEN-tflRMNk8e9WI9ESbH_rDc_yfFa4Y0xt3jrJYVfHrLOT3ywQwI8PahSlotXfeA771c/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P12%20%20TB-TENN.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrqW_t4_gGKpoDZYp7UmX_qCHvx9G0zmbChPMmI-47eFS_s37VU7pjJ3CHzrqPZKTZl182DhE2hUzxqvSgbdKgy9Sj3avVd2fFy6Zirv7oFgIpN4UtRjqZjsuSYJMCGGJXLxsBIahCIzTLIbTIS40wsVkip9W59ywp05WwqPmVIdWqEQWEucZMcXl/s1400/NFL22--AUG.%204--P3%20%20CIN%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1130" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrqW_t4_gGKpoDZYp7UmX_qCHvx9G0zmbChPMmI-47eFS_s37VU7pjJ3CHzrqPZKTZl182DhE2hUzxqvSgbdKgy9Sj3avVd2fFy6Zirv7oFgIpN4UtRjqZjsuSYJMCGGJXLxsBIahCIzTLIbTIS40wsVkip9W59ywp05WwqPmVIdWqEQWEucZMcXl/s320/NFL22--AUG.%204--P3%20%20CIN%20TC.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Justin Jefferson (MINN)</li><li>Ifeatu Melifonwu (DET)</li><li>Amen Ogbongbemiga (LAC)</li><li>Janarius Robinson (MINN) (PS)</li><li>Mike Strachan (IND)</li><li>Patrick Taylor (GB) (PS)</li><li>Tracy Walker (DET)</li></ul>.</div><div><br /></div><div>NEW DREADS<br /><div><br /></div><div>These are the players I'm welcoming to the house (welcoming <i>back</i> a couple of them) this season after they did not have dreads at the beginning of last season.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Tutu Atwell</b> (LAR) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymwPG_AFlUbcaPtkhlysIUB7LCeubrz0Mnh8NmZ95tM4i_mBDIPNPavrCZglyk7M-IyxJ_w8P4ply1BLwG9KDtjkiVng45Ezi57c9INfwxdTa_pGrpzz0F2F7V9y_2_rGunWMg4CdKs6vOxBHYGwqjkixeJxkBWYOJ5dImX_hrENWnZVbEMT6MHfn/s1024/NFL22--AUG.%2013--P9%20%20LAC-LAR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymwPG_AFlUbcaPtkhlysIUB7LCeubrz0Mnh8NmZ95tM4i_mBDIPNPavrCZglyk7M-IyxJ_w8P4ply1BLwG9KDtjkiVng45Ezi57c9INfwxdTa_pGrpzz0F2F7V9y_2_rGunWMg4CdKs6vOxBHYGwqjkixeJxkBWYOJ5dImX_hrENWnZVbEMT6MHfn/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2013--P9%20%20LAC-LAR.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Coby Bryant</b> (SEA) (rookie)</li><li><b>Sam Franklin</b> (CAR)</li><li><b>Marquise Goodwin</b> (SEA)</li><li><b>Dre Greenlaw</b> (SF)</li><li><b>Tyreek Hill</b> (MIA)</li><li><b>Timmy Horne</b> (ATL) (rookie)</li><li><b>Lil'Jordan Humphrey</b> (NE) (PS)</li><li><b>Kelvin Joseph</b> (DAL)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi270lRWEiqIHkR-6doRcW-8oTVUiyTWs7lrl_rj3Vl3owQepGynrrrvanbRdzH8KUuKxZ_V8IQBWhV9-l1gtquRRSslBnxhXdi87BHxiK20w5BLfploCyT1wdMOp7HXO3QVaxT7XuoHF_LvEefURRc6CyqIytHdE1Hxiy1GzKwNgmqDhhaS02L53Fa/s720/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P6%20%20DEN-BUFF.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="493" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi270lRWEiqIHkR-6doRcW-8oTVUiyTWs7lrl_rj3Vl3owQepGynrrrvanbRdzH8KUuKxZ_V8IQBWhV9-l1gtquRRSslBnxhXdi87BHxiK20w5BLfploCyT1wdMOp7HXO3QVaxT7XuoHF_LvEefURRc6CyqIytHdE1Hxiy1GzKwNgmqDhhaS02L53Fa/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P6%20%20DEN-BUFF.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkf7_n3PAVY_eAC5QHx_xbMR2kiP0XAWHoK62jCQuP6pzAiCzsH6UV9Woz2a80WkrcGuw2pHKWOkiV85QNXTnIzqBoqTeUtZ5RjZtFtf5q8D_sSscRZlNzy3mGbKI_sXdh15oJjF1Fr2d_ENSrtYxchQMWoYw1OqeYZJl3gSmsIvv6DGm4_CBW_kp/s683/NFL22--JUNE%2016--P1%20%20CLEVE%20MC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkf7_n3PAVY_eAC5QHx_xbMR2kiP0XAWHoK62jCQuP6pzAiCzsH6UV9Woz2a80WkrcGuw2pHKWOkiV85QNXTnIzqBoqTeUtZ5RjZtFtf5q8D_sSscRZlNzy3mGbKI_sXdh15oJjF1Fr2d_ENSrtYxchQMWoYw1OqeYZJl3gSmsIvv6DGm4_CBW_kp/s320/NFL22--JUNE%2016--P1%20%20CLEVE%20MC.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Shaq Lawson</b> (BUF) (left photo above)</li><li><b>Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah</b> (CLEV) (right photo above)</li><li><b>Roy Robertson-Harris</b> (JAC)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpq6sQ2ZwRjPy3vG5K1WYaLYzTJnKi3_sK9sQ1HpXNKf3wW7tNLOLFwnRoJRN8xewJROFA26yTXxC_hXA-roYVSO57IlAG1ToVymVzy871Lp-jHeFEfLNNhxwEQI3tY3So16o9j6eL2GrQ7PrZKZF6r0UvVaZXWxQCxh5q4LJBqcQDblP1xF1874a/s1158/NFL22--AUG.%2013--P10%20%20SEA-PITT.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="871" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpq6sQ2ZwRjPy3vG5K1WYaLYzTJnKi3_sK9sQ1HpXNKf3wW7tNLOLFwnRoJRN8xewJROFA26yTXxC_hXA-roYVSO57IlAG1ToVymVzy871Lp-jHeFEfLNNhxwEQI3tY3So16o9j6eL2GrQ7PrZKZF6r0UvVaZXWxQCxh5q4LJBqcQDblP1xF1874a/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2013--P10%20%20SEA-PITT.jpeg" width="241" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcAQi-4DvqUJE9uODeiVvQtwTvLsLuglQwA8mc_Gtk5B_8FKGHuy4VTlLrgJbraulTuuUwlmTVlyBUuASDZAdj49JbvB3RzMVXOX4d-LNJxS2mF91x1J27wuA29g1t3k2rZnueLvEOfVoeZQuBrzYZN_WLgsBUQ9lqbBNOZk-bABU3a_EVRdUK9iF/s2048/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P7%20%20TB-TENN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcAQi-4DvqUJE9uODeiVvQtwTvLsLuglQwA8mc_Gtk5B_8FKGHuy4VTlLrgJbraulTuuUwlmTVlyBUuASDZAdj49JbvB3RzMVXOX4d-LNJxS2mF91x1J27wuA29g1t3k2rZnueLvEOfVoeZQuBrzYZN_WLgsBUQ9lqbBNOZk-bABU3a_EVRdUK9iF/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P7%20%20TB-TENN.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Darrell Taylor</b> (SEA) (left photo above)</li><li><b>Rachaad White</b> (TB) (rookie) (right photo above - it was a close call, but I'm going to welcome White, who is well on his way to converting from 2-strand twists to dreads)</li><li><b>Javonte Williams</b> (DEN)</li><li><b>Sammy Watkins</b> (GB) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-5RxM-f-IpMXyMwKafXDw3DaNhy1Ki67gfzNruldH3BIRYGhYqXJe211mxcr3KW7uJnvVlDurlbEMj5mhor89Bj_tA515PdHsRQ-h_Zi4v33If_dLkhwuUK7cr74JgizefNy2DRyMOx1jpHBcC2tHwWSgGBl6mV8K9h57TonTDIpGTDNiiZdc7wx/s1071/NFL22--AUG.%2025--P3%20%20GB-KC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1071" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-5RxM-f-IpMXyMwKafXDw3DaNhy1Ki67gfzNruldH3BIRYGhYqXJe211mxcr3KW7uJnvVlDurlbEMj5mhor89Bj_tA515PdHsRQ-h_Zi4v33If_dLkhwuUK7cr74JgizefNy2DRyMOx1jpHBcC2tHwWSgGBl6mV8K9h57TonTDIpGTDNiiZdc7wx/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2025--P3%20%20GB-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Sammy Watkins</b>, back <i>home</i> at Arrowhead Stadium for the Packers' preseason game at Kansas City on Aug. 25. After not having dreads during his three seasons with the Chiefs (2018-20) and his one season with the Ravens (2021) Sammy has decided to put his dreads back on this season. But unfortunately these aren't the same wonderful, awesome-looking dreads he had during his first 4 seasons in the league with the Bills and Rams. Their length is fine but they are far too reduced. But I guess it's better than no dreads at all. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Alex Armah</b>, who was let go by the Commanders after being injured midway through August, also has completed his conversion from 2-strand twists to dreads. But he remains unsigned as of the beginning of this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>SAME DREADS, NEW THREADS</div><div><br /></div><div>The dreads are the same, but the uniforms have changed for these players who are playing for different teams than they did last season. Last year's team is listed first, followed by this year's team, which will be <u>underlined</u>.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Ameer Abdullah</b> (CAR, <u>LV</u>)</li><li><b>Davante Adams</b> (GB, <u>LV</u>)</li><li><b>Mario Addison</b> (BUF, <u>HOU IR</u>)</li><li><b>Kwon Alexander</b> (NO, <u>NYJ</u>)</li><li><b>Anthony Averett</b> (BAL, <u>LV</u>)</li><li><b>Brandon Bolden</b> (NE, <u>LV</u>) (left photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKutRqC1JF_WA250GVSbl7k8Oll-RYEMDZ83Cawqml66G_aRef0rLC4KBapwWPTyp-pXc1a_dv8mWDxe093qKKwi3XA732QkvogxBzy3EnaiEf9_MbtVcqpmEo0BUcatHzG6JU_fgkAq54D83zEtOoTVf2wh1BkPXToUBW1VB1pf8F_Q0NiprRB4g8/s1298/NFL22--AUG.%204--P4%20%20JACK-LV.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="731" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKutRqC1JF_WA250GVSbl7k8Oll-RYEMDZ83Cawqml66G_aRef0rLC4KBapwWPTyp-pXc1a_dv8mWDxe093qKKwi3XA732QkvogxBzy3EnaiEf9_MbtVcqpmEo0BUcatHzG6JU_fgkAq54D83zEtOoTVf2wh1BkPXToUBW1VB1pf8F_Q0NiprRB4g8/s320/NFL22--AUG.%204--P4%20%20JACK-LV.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIZwVdBxc7DmLUIlasZTy3lhORos1aX5PIeG-42itoa6QwkINvT4uxGk1FtDIcm38qKr3ENMA6zxCbwWuNg7UAd3aVBVqFpg7Pp1c-LdewTvNqBKXD_PK1orGCHf0TYsQAwInn4wu24mUZIFczHBk7ZE2OvroqP06u5k-7BxE9IRzwbrLr7Wlkwdb/s2048/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P5%20%20LV-MIA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkIZwVdBxc7DmLUIlasZTy3lhORos1aX5PIeG-42itoa6QwkINvT4uxGk1FtDIcm38qKr3ENMA6zxCbwWuNg7UAd3aVBVqFpg7Pp1c-LdewTvNqBKXD_PK1orGCHf0TYsQAwInn4wu24mUZIFczHBk7ZE2OvroqP06u5k-7BxE9IRzwbrLr7Wlkwdb/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P5%20%20LV-MIA.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Teddy Bridgewater</b> (DEN, <u>MIA</u>) (right photo above)</li><li><b>Marquise Brown</b> (BAL, <u>ARIZ</u>)</li><li><b>Deon Bush</b> (CHI, <u>KC</u>)</li><li><b>Keion Crossen</b> (NYG, <u>MIA</u>)</li><li><b>Dennis Daley</b> (CAR, <u>TENN</u>)</li><li><b>Cody Ford</b> (BUF, <u>ARIZ IR</u>)</li><li><b>Mike Ford</b> (DEN, <u>ATL</u>) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I9Nr0fChCGUiOoTiNo0f6Wfb-6JKrIy1r0XXEopV4QKbRPoIQScFcMu9xh4e6LXD_DXOJpniK7WRKvbED5EKf-JKLwGIl7cqpqKm3B33ncj_jYAQc2J-LlBiJ5PHH1XtXfTKh6px4DOAkJf7mTTWUTMDG_-uw1UDJdGE7xQvmVNvUU4LgDfNJswq/s1024/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P5%20%20JACK-ATL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I9Nr0fChCGUiOoTiNo0f6Wfb-6JKrIy1r0XXEopV4QKbRPoIQScFcMu9xh4e6LXD_DXOJpniK7WRKvbED5EKf-JKLwGIl7cqpqKm3B33ncj_jYAQc2J-LlBiJ5PHH1XtXfTKh6px4DOAkJf7mTTWUTMDG_-uw1UDJdGE7xQvmVNvUU4LgDfNJswq/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P5%20%20JACK-ATL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>D'Onta Foreman</b> (TENN, <u>CAR</u>)</li><li><b>Dante Fowler</b> (ATL, <u>DAL</u>)</li><li><b>C.J. Gardner-Johnson</b> (NO, <u>PHIL</u>)</li><li><b>Stephon Gilmore</b> (CAR, <u>IND</u>) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmaNqbCVHe0I-CxfwA9QWSUX4jEdn0kB9uYFdNob4fT7vXx8OPofcwqWmQJ86auJdDmWxTHDq6nMzbQtFZDNfM3GKYOZisyfH2Aq7wGK4udodXF82_TuMNfEAJh79haaYzafMg6YJGeOHvEiwZAqVHEDPImaQAdFzKXoDkWvV-73X8dZRKNT28NLg/s2048/NFL22--AUG.%207--P2%20%20IND%20TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmaNqbCVHe0I-CxfwA9QWSUX4jEdn0kB9uYFdNob4fT7vXx8OPofcwqWmQJ86auJdDmWxTHDq6nMzbQtFZDNfM3GKYOZisyfH2Aq7wGK4udodXF82_TuMNfEAJh79haaYzafMg6YJGeOHvEiwZAqVHEDPImaQAdFzKXoDkWvV-73X8dZRKNT28NLg/s320/NFL22--AUG.%207--P2%20%20IND%20TC.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Randy Gregory</b> (DALL, <u>DEN</u>)</li><li><b>Marcell Harris</b> (SF, <u>NYJ</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>O.J. Howard</b> (TB, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>Melvin Ingram</b> (KC, <u>MIA</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NlKdakNFw38OeOYvEn7kBFZERbxlqE_AzUorQTK-9etxp0imcaXaJ6sbcmuJFWUyC2B4IVpXeROfDb5FLLJ1h5aQbAan_jCSDUiMQe0IWg26pkw995_dQ78mYY8sxB_e591u-8PR5CjkJTQX5nWbTGURToWUcWUL81_jBVk1_2v9C7AOab64U0sr/s600/NFL22--AUG.%2012--P8%20%20NYJ-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NlKdakNFw38OeOYvEn7kBFZERbxlqE_AzUorQTK-9etxp0imcaXaJ6sbcmuJFWUyC2B4IVpXeROfDb5FLLJ1h5aQbAan_jCSDUiMQe0IWg26pkw995_dQ78mYY8sxB_e591u-8PR5CjkJTQX5nWbTGURToWUcWUL81_jBVk1_2v9C7AOab64U0sr/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2012--P8%20%20NYJ-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTAnnz-BbquVw9frhSwLi6QBemtjjdWwDw0M5tFvwAf3XqXeawvqcaRfRF7MhVlCVUD5CUSRuI0r9tthzwEQD0WGpyD4rMIbkwrBvkm1osCbTlpi_aArj2QiRybAXKalUkGXh1PKVBKvndQfo4n3xD1tQ6n2qMddIcSA8EVd4wSNeODTcdwzSwPqp/s683/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P9%20%20PHIL-MIA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTAnnz-BbquVw9frhSwLi6QBemtjjdWwDw0M5tFvwAf3XqXeawvqcaRfRF7MhVlCVUD5CUSRuI0r9tthzwEQD0WGpyD4rMIbkwrBvkm1osCbTlpi_aArj2QiRybAXKalUkGXh1PKVBKvndQfo4n3xD1tQ6n2qMddIcSA8EVd4wSNeODTcdwzSwPqp/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P9%20%20PHIL-MIA.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Richie James</b> (SF IR, <u>NYG</u>)</li><li><b>Lonnie Johnson</b> (HOU, <u>TENN</u>)</li><li><b>Julio Jones</b> (TENN, <u>TB</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Ronald Jones</b> (TB, <u>KC</u>)</li><li><b>Cory Littleton</b> (LV, <u>CAR</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUR6IHcVhZlJ5ZGp3bXySPNcNH80JylzHYaZIWWwuu3km7xJlyziXmYFNtyIkLFS5cB1GhXnv72AtwW7MScQX_LHMEs74d52BfcSg1Uz0UULRxp0Oh7LVUYiBVaT7Q_mfqcVvAosbKwsUpFy0Lepub1IFMecQ6FqSvQAtAa-pMnebEsLQ0U03HZVdQ/s1500/NFL22--AUG.%2013--P1%20%20MIA-TB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUR6IHcVhZlJ5ZGp3bXySPNcNH80JylzHYaZIWWwuu3km7xJlyziXmYFNtyIkLFS5cB1GhXnv72AtwW7MScQX_LHMEs74d52BfcSg1Uz0UULRxp0Oh7LVUYiBVaT7Q_mfqcVvAosbKwsUpFy0Lepub1IFMecQ6FqSvQAtAa-pMnebEsLQ0U03HZVdQ/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2013--P1%20%20MIA-TB.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW8hmheSfiGzHVptBRuSjVUpSROpcIkbEsRbuLY9f5XPdmSSQ99FgW9akVT0b5UhqQxHZwA4X-puJIsYjkpHAmIE2I-h9JiTFBZ-QQb1jlPlg1uP2EISkl5Lautu29a_qDei2mOSrsizWM3zW2GedvlWevcJb99pd1tcEuqKkAEcs3ZoKJvWhcxbX/s1371/NFL22--AUG.%2017--P1A%20%20CAR-NE%20PRAC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="894" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW8hmheSfiGzHVptBRuSjVUpSROpcIkbEsRbuLY9f5XPdmSSQ99FgW9akVT0b5UhqQxHZwA4X-puJIsYjkpHAmIE2I-h9JiTFBZ-QQb1jlPlg1uP2EISkl5Lautu29a_qDei2mOSrsizWM3zW2GedvlWevcJb99pd1tcEuqKkAEcs3ZoKJvWhcxbX/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2017--P1A%20%20CAR-NE%20PRAC.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><b><div><b><br /></b></div></b><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Tyrann Mathieu</b> (KC, <u>NO</u>)</li><li><b>Ty Montgomery</b> (NO, <u>NE</u>)</li><li><b>Ifeadi Odenigbo</b> (CLEV, <u>IND</u>)</li><li><b>Dare Ogunbowale</b> (JAC, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>Larry Ogunjobi </b>(CIN, <u>PIT</u>) (left photo below, wearing jersey #65 during the preseason before switching to #99 for the regular season) </li></ul> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNJw6K1ViFndD7QtJH4IGJH0fQHku0kyksI1NgCWy8gE7KW4n12_Viv3LqWZyY2DOWgOpM3QWx0IjZvPyjMJz7FwVt_g6zkfWglPCw5egKnGsxtI696vlYtLdlPNqJW_ytpdboHB_lBTGLnCiUon5vvRIPgvWFjqevITskNtCvQ7zoEqmTv1uNMIN/s1200/NFL22--JULY%2027--P8%20%20PITT%20TC.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="822" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNJw6K1ViFndD7QtJH4IGJH0fQHku0kyksI1NgCWy8gE7KW4n12_Viv3LqWZyY2DOWgOpM3QWx0IjZvPyjMJz7FwVt_g6zkfWglPCw5egKnGsxtI696vlYtLdlPNqJW_ytpdboHB_lBTGLnCiUon5vvRIPgvWFjqevITskNtCvQ7zoEqmTv1uNMIN/s320/NFL22--JULY%2027--P8%20%20PITT%20TC.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxjYVQ0mVRKNJI22nWdqpLYHtIV9lkGJSIQjG2xE8Dk5WeKvLVqYQkUTiFoY7uCTHwUtRVyc5eMP80BP0XDbGj4ooWlg4-OIWs3B0ZGZfXZM_UbvsTuBMMe8KIpR2TXzLu6jFNQQMPEFDoWbZWxEvKQ__VQ1t268phDX9dVEXXZh3Ugibp-8u-GR_/s1365/NFL22--AUG.%2012--P9%20%20NYJ-PHIL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="872" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxjYVQ0mVRKNJI22nWdqpLYHtIV9lkGJSIQjG2xE8Dk5WeKvLVqYQkUTiFoY7uCTHwUtRVyc5eMP80BP0XDbGj4ooWlg4-OIWs3B0ZGZfXZM_UbvsTuBMMe8KIpR2TXzLu6jFNQQMPEFDoWbZWxEvKQ__VQ1t268phDX9dVEXXZh3Ugibp-8u-GR_/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2012--P9%20%20NYJ-PHIL.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><div><br /><b><br /></b><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Zach Pascal</b> (IND, <u>PHIL</u>) (right photo above)</li><li><b>Michael Pierce </b>(MINN, <u>BAL</u>)</li><li><b>Justin Reid</b> (HOU, <u>KC</u>)</li><li><b>Andre Roberts</b> (LAC, <u>CAR</u>)</li><li><b>Logan Ryan</b> (NYG, <u>TB</u>)</li><li><b>Laviska Shenault</b> (JAC, <u>CAR</u>)</li><li><b>Za'Darius Smith</b> (GB, <u>MINN</u>) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9X8YRZehDNz0E2lKM-Tv3JjvdmKcLicEUrnn-wTUpk3r4kfhPBPjtvgiEe2twi9xrFME0j5ex0a5SZVjAYw39zvn2lkUzSYG7R-CPRiIx9AuOUByQVcuPX4I_ivuuoWmQfgycgZZ4A7Cuw3KWOoD9LuhXNFkKj1RpPjvzaKLV_2zX8OwaGIwZJtxD/s1024/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P14%20%20SF-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9X8YRZehDNz0E2lKM-Tv3JjvdmKcLicEUrnn-wTUpk3r4kfhPBPjtvgiEe2twi9xrFME0j5ex0a5SZVjAYw39zvn2lkUzSYG7R-CPRiIx9AuOUByQVcuPX4I_ivuuoWmQfgycgZZ4A7Cuw3KWOoD9LuhXNFkKj1RpPjvzaKLV_2zX8OwaGIwZJtxD/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2020--P14%20%20SF-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>M.J. Stewart</b> (CLEV, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>Billy Turner</b> (GB, <u>DEN</u>)</li><li><b>Jordan Whitehead</b> (TB, <u>NYJ</u>)</li><li><b>Isaac Yiadom</b> (GB, <u>HOU</u>) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_EA_XdZt5meeGYryWZ4HcmBdkrMZ0do4BugV7FC3w88swLNOcdXpgTwS7p4PIhMZtJakF2dd-ulQ5GSlC1rq5Py8FGJbJL42RmntBjGgWPyuhNoD1fFgcGWThAeIf6uDVgW1CGJ8-vJseZsMQRVs4TaXNhdFv4-avRqASEGoNE0BUYQhf7DHWxWV/s1503/NFL22--AUG.%2025--P2A%20%20SF-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1503" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_EA_XdZt5meeGYryWZ4HcmBdkrMZ0do4BugV7FC3w88swLNOcdXpgTwS7p4PIhMZtJakF2dd-ulQ5GSlC1rq5Py8FGJbJL42RmntBjGgWPyuhNoD1fFgcGWThAeIf6uDVgW1CGJ8-vJseZsMQRVs4TaXNhdFv4-avRqASEGoNE0BUYQhf7DHWxWV/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2025--P2A%20%20SF-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>DAWG GONE</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv87plwYhUIyMTR1eUM2vfXyCvR3pyo0QQPycRkFbK4oYMbQakGT75f2YVvUb4UsMOoaYRHsHP7jEO1JTdx0-UDdahWYYqg4qoMXh6I5c2KVnP9eBkae7LzR5QRrmcjVN2F5_sta75g3EtMejqouqTwlFeX56C7zPS-3jNzOrIPytY0MlnTlnUZ2y2/s977/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P10%20%20PHIL-MIA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv87plwYhUIyMTR1eUM2vfXyCvR3pyo0QQPycRkFbK4oYMbQakGT75f2YVvUb4UsMOoaYRHsHP7jEO1JTdx0-UDdahWYYqg4qoMXh6I5c2KVnP9eBkae7LzR5QRrmcjVN2F5_sta75g3EtMejqouqTwlFeX56C7zPS-3jNzOrIPytY0MlnTlnUZ2y2/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P10%20%20PHIL-MIA.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>With their thrilling 33-18 victory over Alabama in the College Football Playoff championship game to conclude the 2021 season - a victory that avenged their 41-24 defeat to the Crimson Tide in the SEC title game 5 weeks earlier, the Georgia Bulldogs were officially crowned the new kings of college football. And not settling for just that, 15 weeks later the Bulldogs became the new kings of the NFL Draft too. No fewer than 15 Dawgs were gone from teams' draft boards by the end of the 2022 Draft on Apr. 30. Previously - and ever since the draft went to a 7-round format in 1994 - the most players picked from one college team in any one year had been 14.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The parade of Dawgs began immediately, with DE Travon Walker being taken by the Jaguars with the very first pick of the Draft. Of the other 14 UGA players picked 5 have dreads, two of whom who went in the 1st round. Massive 6-foot-6, 341-pound DT <b>Jordan</b> <b>Davis</b> (photo on right) was the first of the 5 picked, going 13th overall to the Eagles. Then with the last pick of the 1st round the Vikings selected S <b>Lewis Cine</b> (in the upper left in the photo below). The others are RB <b>James Cook</b> (upper right) in the 2nd round by the Bills, who as was mentioned earlier is the younger brother of Vikings RB <b>Dalvin Cook</b>; and then G <b>Justin Shaffer</b> (lower left) by the Falcons and CB <b>Derion Kendrick</b> (lower right) by the Rams - both in round 6.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGMwbDDwUPF8bw9Km2uQkuvpGVQh_oUABpZx6l8_p4-WqI8anKPtJN9v9XSeSXg0zIsDPU3hMLJm2DMJRU-hcDVujRnDHsO6L1jPuUJ7oEPLtQoDqva7LC5fIH726j-oD4JVA0_-vtEucl86IiNlRNE4pSGJs9v8xa_nLHVJD5MTP_Hj8toR6z7xX/s600/NFL22-DRAFTmosaic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGMwbDDwUPF8bw9Km2uQkuvpGVQh_oUABpZx6l8_p4-WqI8anKPtJN9v9XSeSXg0zIsDPU3hMLJm2DMJRU-hcDVujRnDHsO6L1jPuUJ7oEPLtQoDqva7LC5fIH726j-oD4JVA0_-vtEucl86IiNlRNE4pSGJs9v8xa_nLHVJD5MTP_Hj8toR6z7xX/s320/NFL22-DRAFTmosaic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Davis barely missed being the 1st player with dreads picked in this year's draft. One pick before he was taken the Lions took former Alabama WR <b>Jameson Williams</b> 12th overall, giving him the honor of being the 1st player with dreads selected. After Williams and Davis there were 45 more players with dreads picked, with the total of 47 falling 2 short of the record 49 picked in 2020. Along with the 47 players with dreads there were at least 35 picked with either braids or 2-strand twists. So there might be some players you <i>thought</i> had dreads that will not be included on the list below.<div><br /></div><div>The Seahawks lead the way with 5 players with dreads picked, followed by the Browns and Bears with 4 each (although one player from both the Bears and Seahawks had to be put on the ex-dread list already). With 5 players from Georgia, it's no surprise that the SEC was the conference that had the most players with dreads picked - a total of 10. 2nd place goes to the ACC with 8. And there's a 2-way tie between guards and cornerbacks for the position with the most players with dreads drafted - 8 of both. Only 6 of the league's 32 teams did not select at least one player with dreads - the Cowboys, Commanders, Saints, Patriots, Jets, and Bengals.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>2022 NFL DRAFT</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Here are the 47 players with dreads picked. They made their teams' opening day roster unless otherwise indicated.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>ROUND 1</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKWrH40USIMI_G0ghlfj40_N51wkuajc2a38m-Q0vl901PsSvvZownJ1EbzmZF4v60geXxqZNDa2gsSi_gjapHIeBBCtCYqbkpHBbXRBzr_V3-WUZdhj2iucM4DdFoQpDUmgJ2PvQpiPnay310R4lYS6Ftvo1xZPDPc6_ErEpLpD0STFZv4b7IBD6/s600/NFL22--JULY%2030--P3%20%20DET%20TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKWrH40USIMI_G0ghlfj40_N51wkuajc2a38m-Q0vl901PsSvvZownJ1EbzmZF4v60geXxqZNDa2gsSi_gjapHIeBBCtCYqbkpHBbXRBzr_V3-WUZdhj2iucM4DdFoQpDUmgJ2PvQpiPnay310R4lYS6Ftvo1xZPDPc6_ErEpLpD0STFZv4b7IBD6/s320/NFL22--JULY%2030--P3%20%20DET%20TC.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23Vark3bdCFr-oDW2oL1How-HyJcBU15IjPO6aXTPDA29VbgFIecm0jwouHRYwfnL29WwJRMY-2345LCp7fUsxmAVdLCd41wFtgw-VA8HpFPH3WzWdI5j-z35MwTRYkpbKrRQspB5QrG19RfJ4YjH0I0ZezesKzbG71dfHUemJ16BgXTE9VtgLTfs/s683/NFL22--AUG.%2013--P7%20%20LAC-LAR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="417" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23Vark3bdCFr-oDW2oL1How-HyJcBU15IjPO6aXTPDA29VbgFIecm0jwouHRYwfnL29WwJRMY-2345LCp7fUsxmAVdLCd41wFtgw-VA8HpFPH3WzWdI5j-z35MwTRYkpbKrRQspB5QrG19RfJ4YjH0I0ZezesKzbG71dfHUemJ16BgXTE9VtgLTfs/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2013--P7%20%20LAC-LAR.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><div><br /></div>12. WR <b>Jameson Williams</b> (DET) (NFI)* (left photo above)<div>13. DT<b> Jordan Davis</b> (PHIL)</div><div>15. G <b>Kenyon Green</b> (HOU) (left photo below)</div><div>17. G <b>Zion Johnson</b> (LAC) (right photo above)</div><div>27. LB<b> Devin Lloyd</b> (JAC) (right photo below)</div><div>32. S <b>Lewis Cine</b> (MINN)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHQC8a0JO10FkoU3zzpBz9ZfER9EBkMcOZIY2GLKBWdhwC2lx7bohz56Loc7hRUESKXCv8cdoBzK8nkJ8iwIFoiX8WWAQeE0j9wGt10VXjzrBhZdM6MtSy46yW_iXWTgxYdzPd3-U8Ew0uQBuGU9ktPW9EZgPbXd-DdM4g7XS5bLU0DTd7f7Dkn8t/s3348/NFL22--AUG.%2019--P1%20%20HOU-LAR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3348" data-original-width="2689" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHQC8a0JO10FkoU3zzpBz9ZfER9EBkMcOZIY2GLKBWdhwC2lx7bohz56Loc7hRUESKXCv8cdoBzK8nkJ8iwIFoiX8WWAQeE0j9wGt10VXjzrBhZdM6MtSy46yW_iXWTgxYdzPd3-U8Ew0uQBuGU9ktPW9EZgPbXd-DdM4g7XS5bLU0DTd7f7Dkn8t/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2019--P1%20%20HOU-LAR.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC585lhZ816DUYDfh-Vd5LhStOC7meabxUdM6QU1f2oiahT-iPqRSFHzpen8itHCJeRnYLQZnM-SVsXZg-OrqpZMlqzL27UoTCXSyUDiQPqwHPmNT338dUL8xZ9_q2xGgTI5irgNZangRFVhzxYPx8iFsxvg7GnT8LCph8otV7m-uI-Z2rdDLkZoAc/s3012/NFL22--JULY%2030--P4%20%20JACK%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3012" data-original-width="2246" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC585lhZ816DUYDfh-Vd5LhStOC7meabxUdM6QU1f2oiahT-iPqRSFHzpen8itHCJeRnYLQZnM-SVsXZg-OrqpZMlqzL27UoTCXSyUDiQPqwHPmNT338dUL8xZ9_q2xGgTI5irgNZangRFVhzxYPx8iFsxvg7GnT8LCph8otV7m-uI-Z2rdDLkZoAc/s320/NFL22--JULY%2030--P4%20%20JACK%20TC.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div><br /></div>*<b>Jameson Williams</b> was not in uniform at all during the preseason while recovering from the knee injury he suffered in that thrilling championship game between Alabama and Georgia. Since the injury did not occur in an NFL game, he landed on the NFI list instead of IR and, by rule, will not be allowed to play in the first 8 games of the season (even if he's healthy before then). Despite that, he's so sensational a player that the Lions picked him in the 1st round anyway.<div><br /></div><div><u>ROUND 2</u></div><div>40. LB <b>Boye Mafe</b> (**) (SEA)</div><div>41. RB <b>Kenneth Walker</b> (SEA) (left photo below, fiddling with his dreads during minicamp on June 7)</div><div>45. LB <b>David Ojabo</b> (BAL) (IR)</div><div>63. RB <b>James Cook</b> (BUF)</div><div>64. LB <b>Nik Bonitto</b> (DEN) (right photo below)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTauxh-nygR2Wpf0KFK4nv-fwzN00CJ0MhFSIAd1ltw-fKAEdB6vy4lMZuNstrRX65gUvb1qP-8CD50ghsGPfIkMziJjEHpEmT4V0bb-UzplCrHsF3KLICnJiJOuCM5BlD5RwxiuYnrUQFXUHdwMzXWAWs6z33bSAWNyuPWmQyyGO8klFW1vcioEQs/s1360/NFL22--JUNE%207--P1%20%20SEA%20MC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="995" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTauxh-nygR2Wpf0KFK4nv-fwzN00CJ0MhFSIAd1ltw-fKAEdB6vy4lMZuNstrRX65gUvb1qP-8CD50ghsGPfIkMziJjEHpEmT4V0bb-UzplCrHsF3KLICnJiJOuCM5BlD5RwxiuYnrUQFXUHdwMzXWAWs6z33bSAWNyuPWmQyyGO8klFW1vcioEQs/s320/NFL22--JUNE%207--P1%20%20SEA%20MC.jpg" width="234" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jeLYoJNK2qKIZBGOjKi_O-HFDSqIiA2CKtzJT3IKks5e3zJIYXGWaWfF_mpG339Af7qWkIKzgmb3VnlW8MyUy1_53aCYgbZLpLmUisaZd3akBCAZVW8lrxk0W5uXsslrQ_Sgy6RuYibtZBNUhM7CijjIMwRJ5nEgOpxZrpRHXacaHbTT-zMGyjnT/s641/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P6%20%20MINN-DEN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jeLYoJNK2qKIZBGOjKi_O-HFDSqIiA2CKtzJT3IKks5e3zJIYXGWaWfF_mpG339Af7qWkIKzgmb3VnlW8MyUy1_53aCYgbZLpLmUisaZd3akBCAZVW8lrxk0W5uXsslrQ_Sgy6RuYibtZBNUhM7CijjIMwRJ5nEgOpxZrpRHXacaHbTT-zMGyjnT/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P6%20%20MINN-DEN.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div><u><br /></u></div><u>ROUND 3</u></div><div>66. LB<b> Brian Asamoah</b> (MINN)</div><div>67. G <b>Joshua Ezeudu</b> (NYG)</div><div>68. CB <b>Martin Emerson</b> (CLEV)</div><div>71. WR <b>Velus Jones</b> (CHI) (right photo below, showing off his dreads at the Rookie Premiere on May 21)</div><div>73. TE <b>Jelani Woods</b> (IND) (left photo below)</div><div>78. DE <b>Alex Wright</b> (CLEV)</div><div>90. G <b>Dylan Parham</b> (LV)</div><div>91. RB <b>Rachaad White</b> (TB)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaR9jdhzli5QURd2FWRgCZWspqBzWltMKelNJG4oKdFF_SgzAEmPfGehG1VCPyTETqT2SW5uljjetjWZiPbs7p8zDL-13mEVeKKVydnKXW4ar4_V-5BXYxS16vf0gnA0HETlGKHveUgsLNmBv2WIT9gRCMdYJfsUkk0qhefl0nkRX4I9m3BSVPLg5/s833/NFL22--JUNE%201--P2%20%20IND%20PRAC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="617" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaR9jdhzli5QURd2FWRgCZWspqBzWltMKelNJG4oKdFF_SgzAEmPfGehG1VCPyTETqT2SW5uljjetjWZiPbs7p8zDL-13mEVeKKVydnKXW4ar4_V-5BXYxS16vf0gnA0HETlGKHveUgsLNmBv2WIT9gRCMdYJfsUkk0qhefl0nkRX4I9m3BSVPLg5/s320/NFL22--JUNE%201--P2%20%20IND%20PRAC.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvk2K5MOAEpu48SeLxOqE2AisZty8Yxs8W4hJKoYcAgAoqj1_FyJ9WuMBv4cOuEGvcaaZtJEboBcFQNMvh1tgwVrmKJxuk81P3K61wm0emE-m8wZO5_x8aoV-nkGsZKBCNVMcPhCn2-gi5u4dL-rGHsPnDhtNxRDU-M6Q7tGtybw0XW5V55bvCjjHp/s2048/NFL22--MAY%2021--P1%20%20ROOK%20PREM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvk2K5MOAEpu48SeLxOqE2AisZty8Yxs8W4hJKoYcAgAoqj1_FyJ9WuMBv4cOuEGvcaaZtJEboBcFQNMvh1tgwVrmKJxuk81P3K61wm0emE-m8wZO5_x8aoV-nkGsZKBCNVMcPhCn2-gi5u4dL-rGHsPnDhtNxRDU-M6Q7tGtybw0XW5V55bvCjjHp/s320/NFL22--MAY%2021--P1%20%20ROOK%20PREM.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>ROUND 4</u><div>108. DT <b>Perrion Winfrey</b> (CLEV) (#97 in left photo below, alongside 3rd round pick <b>Alex Wright</b>)</div><div>109. CB<b> Coby Bryant</b> (SEA)</div><div>116. DE <b>Eyioma Uwazurike</b> (DEN)</div><div>119. CB <b>Jalyn Armour-Davis</b> (BAL) (right photo below)</div><div>125. WR <b>Erik Ezukanma</b> (MIA)</div><div>138. WR <b>Calvin Austin</b> (PIT) (IR)</div><div>143. TE <b>Chigoziem Okonkwo</b> (TENN)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuFFPr4qXCFsEuqxQZ7p8AjW3zKRa9B0RGc_R2A1IrecuUZrfNUNZt4J5jcGWKna73gvsie-sL-XacTJQUaYK9Jn2-dJvVpAoV2o-ZzXPJsq6RxmfFCql16UFQP0_tkmDaKJNIVzT184Jhnv6IXvUzQdQcJ5DRGl941UBmX-oeJCWThRSttD-ximl/s814/NFL22--MAY%2013--P2A%20%20CLEVE%20ROOK%20MC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="731" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuFFPr4qXCFsEuqxQZ7p8AjW3zKRa9B0RGc_R2A1IrecuUZrfNUNZt4J5jcGWKna73gvsie-sL-XacTJQUaYK9Jn2-dJvVpAoV2o-ZzXPJsq6RxmfFCql16UFQP0_tkmDaKJNIVzT184Jhnv6IXvUzQdQcJ5DRGl941UBmX-oeJCWThRSttD-ximl/s320/NFL22--MAY%2013--P2A%20%20CLEVE%20ROOK%20MC.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjqIz1Kb_bon0kKcVqdscRALGOkU04MWIq0cEVAjx1YKOPHUVVEMVCNLBPrf5OHIY2gUH0emVxik1gZATcCX943mrWwbQEhhOMNWP7ft6ejTKqHE5jxxMERU4StTpPt-8yrBFIkDghhs6lrciojHOkr3NiND3oDix8UI4vK6VuMygzQyWRwlGYgeL/s600/NFL22--JULY%2030--P5%20%20BALT%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="388" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjqIz1Kb_bon0kKcVqdscRALGOkU04MWIq0cEVAjx1YKOPHUVVEMVCNLBPrf5OHIY2gUH0emVxik1gZATcCX943mrWwbQEhhOMNWP7ft6ejTKqHE5jxxMERU4StTpPt-8yrBFIkDghhs6lrciojHOkr3NiND3oDix8UI4vK6VuMygzQyWRwlGYgeL/s320/NFL22--JULY%2030--P5%20%20BALT%20TC.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>ROUND 5</u><div>153. CB <b>Tariq Woolen</b> (SEA) (left photo below, now wearing jersey #27 after he wore #39 during the preseason)</div><div>158. DE T<b>yreke Smith</b> (SEA) (IR) (right photo below)</div><div>168. OT <b>Braxton Jones</b> (CHI)</div><div>169. RB <b>Ty Chandler</b> (MINN)</div><div>173. G <b>Marcus McKethan </b>(NYG) (IR)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqg24j_rP9u01yjLTy6Xue0c47wn4O1eCsZUj3YLIs0iX3oiAUGz2AiobEFS2gSjxMoV7oaKWUzw4XtjQRig2sSVRoCJGo_fHjIDfjSyZKtUV9L0jyqvhbst7PFtpXYKe4FOLW93VIdqYxSVu1GhfXMg7ALCgpjPmCpKMaCelIiBLBd12UJN3uq9OG/s900/NFL22--AUG.%2013--P8%20%20SEA-PITT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="827" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqg24j_rP9u01yjLTy6Xue0c47wn4O1eCsZUj3YLIs0iX3oiAUGz2AiobEFS2gSjxMoV7oaKWUzw4XtjQRig2sSVRoCJGo_fHjIDfjSyZKtUV9L0jyqvhbst7PFtpXYKe4FOLW93VIdqYxSVu1GhfXMg7ALCgpjPmCpKMaCelIiBLBd12UJN3uq9OG/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2013--P8%20%20SEA-PITT.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThh3p-yTsQtBEDryMH2j6pk4dUvV6FHYO1BRj36YxYt6osqWyrzz-kg0GLYBWslgB6nVnoctD7I4HHfhO8m1sA6AhFtzNgkfmVPf6-JPMbctjufsV0SHd6I7gsM2XBnbI01BhkIEYYkjqUmrv1DzMnsgJtDIpRKBKkEbcPVXcjd65DTBFtUtWmNJs/s683/NFL22--AUG.%201--P2%20%20SEA%20TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="516" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThh3p-yTsQtBEDryMH2j6pk4dUvV6FHYO1BRj36YxYt6osqWyrzz-kg0GLYBWslgB6nVnoctD7I4HHfhO8m1sA6AhFtzNgkfmVPf6-JPMbctjufsV0SHd6I7gsM2XBnbI01BhkIEYYkjqUmrv1DzMnsgJtDIpRKBKkEbcPVXcjd65DTBFtUtWmNJs/s320/NFL22--AUG.%201--P2%20%20SEA%20TC.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>ROUND 6</u><div>190. G <b>Justin Shaffer</b> (ATL) (PS)</div><div>197. CB <b>Gregory Junior</b> (JAC) (PS)</div><div>201. RB <b>Keaontay Ingram</b> (ARIZ) (left photo below)</div><div>202. WR <b>Michael Woods</b> (CLEV) </div><div>212. CB <b>Derion Kendrick</b> (LAR)</div><div>214. CB <b>Ja'Sir Taylor</b> (LAC)</div><div>215. G <b>Lecitus Smith</b> (ARIZ) (right photo below)</div><div>216. DT <b>Curtis Brooks</b> (IND) (PS)</div><div>217. LB <b>James Houston</b> (DET) (PS)</div><div>220. DT <b>Kalia Davis</b> (SF) (NFI)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7x2-EKJPkz4BPfPEY4o3_KI1Dmo4roC79fJcykIbaKJbWP9pvcRW-xyLWdhIVMvAcIuQed_0TvKWHB5GobaRV2ODeCImhlvwCMBqVGzxBJEfXvO16uRT8fURHA8D1ieQbjDSJdj7W68NsqVrZhLN5e2v9yDShQo3t4ZD8T2jLvGT5hfgWXd-NRpe/s1813/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P7%20%20ARIZ-TENN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1813" data-original-width="1363" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7x2-EKJPkz4BPfPEY4o3_KI1Dmo4roC79fJcykIbaKJbWP9pvcRW-xyLWdhIVMvAcIuQed_0TvKWHB5GobaRV2ODeCImhlvwCMBqVGzxBJEfXvO16uRT8fURHA8D1ieQbjDSJdj7W68NsqVrZhLN5e2v9yDShQo3t4ZD8T2jLvGT5hfgWXd-NRpe/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P7%20%20ARIZ-TENN.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEf6V9ysLjHNnIoIgfy1MnzDI5TCvhdevD6zJTqxpGKdj0vKigmgo9xnimqU_Y5Jvqbllc1f5NdBHMGn1E-r2dHYKvrRh9hNZPi3sUIyocUzpyUUXCDe7pqENbw0T3O99w9n6KKXFUHjL6cfFbunpeBggS3e9BPJhQjMAI2ggU9TS7uJWp93rNktcr/s720/NFL22--MAY%2014--P1%20%20ARIZ%20ROOK%20MC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEf6V9ysLjHNnIoIgfy1MnzDI5TCvhdevD6zJTqxpGKdj0vKigmgo9xnimqU_Y5Jvqbllc1f5NdBHMGn1E-r2dHYKvrRh9hNZPi3sUIyocUzpyUUXCDe7pqENbw0T3O99w9n6KKXFUHjL6cfFbunpeBggS3e9BPJhQjMAI2ggU9TS7uJWp93rNktcr/s320/NFL22--MAY%2014--P1%20%20ARIZ%20ROOK%20MC.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div><u><br /></u></div><u>ROUND 7</u><div>226. G <b>Ja'Tyre Carter</b> (CHI)</div><div>234. DT <b>Jonathan Ford</b> (GB)</div><div>242. CB <b>Kalon Barnes</b> (CAR)</div><div>251. RB <b>Isaih Pacheco</b> (KC) (left photo below)</div><div>254. S <b>Elijah Hicks</b> (**) (CHI)</div><div>256. LB <b>Jesse Luketa</b> (ARIZ) (right photo below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nlzP2tpv4ZMJNTxpbN-iy7Ru0gOyf0mYcacrCJRhCIeyXbUN0b8PzrhDvvVT0b4arnITnqkhEN3zedjtDd029pX0Zd9sF5pb9lrO5p8xQkalMAGTVjjnpPzV7pEIxuqzDNC4IljRrOp9z7fqVD3O0VgQoKaeDIW3Y3UmUplGMsLmxIqy3lC18bqi/s2130/NFL22--MAY%2026--P1%20%20KC%20PRAC.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2130" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nlzP2tpv4ZMJNTxpbN-iy7Ru0gOyf0mYcacrCJRhCIeyXbUN0b8PzrhDvvVT0b4arnITnqkhEN3zedjtDd029pX0Zd9sF5pb9lrO5p8xQkalMAGTVjjnpPzV7pEIxuqzDNC4IljRrOp9z7fqVD3O0VgQoKaeDIW3Y3UmUplGMsLmxIqy3lC18bqi/s320/NFL22--MAY%2026--P1%20%20KC%20PRAC.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcT8W2SF4Ha2HunFRPkcnDJMqcZAiuj_HonJaWfV0aNpSO1NVurO1VvfG1u1tudzzsolu07Tc8R3lZvLLotGEUCaIDfIJwFHGQM3RQ_9sNqbN90PW2VUL4zc9gYryQgeNw51r6QLjLXIoj22MrfnLj29eXDoHeeHn4p8bA21WhP7TCDAaFWm6o-jH/s836/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P8%20%20ARIZ-TENN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="552" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcT8W2SF4Ha2HunFRPkcnDJMqcZAiuj_HonJaWfV0aNpSO1NVurO1VvfG1u1tudzzsolu07Tc8R3lZvLLotGEUCaIDfIJwFHGQM3RQ_9sNqbN90PW2VUL4zc9gYryQgeNw51r6QLjLXIoj22MrfnLj29eXDoHeeHn4p8bA21WhP7TCDAaFWm6o-jH/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P8%20%20ARIZ-TENN.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div><br /></div>(**) Boye Mafe and Elijah Hicks had dreads when they were drafted in April and still had them as late as the middle of August, but both have cut them off to start their rookie seasons.<div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>UNDRAFTED</div><div><br /></div><div>At least 19 rookies with dreads who were not picked in the 2022 Draft will begin their careers on the practice squads of various teams. But their were 3 who were impressive enough during the preseason to have beaten the odds and made their teams' opening day rosters:</div><div><br /></div><div>DT <b>Timmy Horne</b> (ATL)</div><div>RB <b>Jordan Mason</b> (SF) (left photo below)</div><div>LB <b>Luiji Vilain</b> (MINN) (right photo below)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIqV9DDb2m7U6wyb1tXtP3wvz6SJ8qHwz4IDLy94mcY4C0IS1FbfenGm34qJf5HERwJZ9N0Yb5Fp2kexLb_OGSWdcqCXTxYs9Ttbu81Jd44c7h2gySM7bRr9bz0bXBfxTO6nef18aqpk3aJHz5wXTPWBtCO5jq-f1bC-bfFn5UPspZ9BeeaBArVAQ/s1024/NFL22--SEPT.%201--P1%20%20SF%20PRAC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIqV9DDb2m7U6wyb1tXtP3wvz6SJ8qHwz4IDLy94mcY4C0IS1FbfenGm34qJf5HERwJZ9N0Yb5Fp2kexLb_OGSWdcqCXTxYs9Ttbu81Jd44c7h2gySM7bRr9bz0bXBfxTO6nef18aqpk3aJHz5wXTPWBtCO5jq-f1bC-bfFn5UPspZ9BeeaBArVAQ/s320/NFL22--SEPT.%201--P1%20%20SF%20PRAC.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJo70yb0a3MxHy2SECaVbHk-S8dyOKHm2iuBZdsGp_u2OTlQ8GTq8be_4Qao51tOtiEY71iRVJqo0nm1MHoiCjNw2RtZpfzrnetZpP7TPrZRL1ssQxruYoLv9Ocr8Y5phKzZxhlKcJjm8c7JHyti8672B7rY_fzCwfFYpuZxRI9wetdZmZOFbTAdE/s1024/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P4%20%20MINN-DEN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJo70yb0a3MxHy2SECaVbHk-S8dyOKHm2iuBZdsGp_u2OTlQ8GTq8be_4Qao51tOtiEY71iRVJqo0nm1MHoiCjNw2RtZpfzrnetZpP7TPrZRL1ssQxruYoLv9Ocr8Y5phKzZxhlKcJjm8c7JHyti8672B7rY_fzCwfFYpuZxRI9wetdZmZOFbTAdE/s320/NFL22--AUG.%2027--P4%20%20MINN-DEN.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-69679481709017785602022-08-07T19:19:00.013-05:002022-08-07T19:32:58.292-05:00Rambunctious<div class="separator"><p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYfcHSJw6GyNirw368EiS4ejEHQmFBEOdLzj9Awx-ZvufNJBxpdrfcr6KhXN9qS0JUEwKb6QtVmTdTDsh1szrF-5aZT-99jU367H39u0xrsOnpn3MXJap4m475mFLWjpRVu5UlS4jsc5_Q_Upe-AjM7KjVPcHF_9933DkABkeczDwQipMShSY6qD9/s1073/NFL21--FEB.%2013--P9%20%20CIN-LAR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1073" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYfcHSJw6GyNirw368EiS4ejEHQmFBEOdLzj9Awx-ZvufNJBxpdrfcr6KhXN9qS0JUEwKb6QtVmTdTDsh1szrF-5aZT-99jU367H39u0xrsOnpn3MXJap4m475mFLWjpRVu5UlS4jsc5_Q_Upe-AjM7KjVPcHF_9933DkABkeczDwQipMShSY6qD9/s320/NFL21--FEB.%2013--P9%20%20CIN-LAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"What the hell's going on out here?!"<br /><p></p><p>Coach Lombardi screamed it so eloquently all those years ago during one of those rare times when things weren't going the Packers' way. And today I'm the one screaming it, because something has gone amiss in the NFL over the past few seasons. I mean, whatever happened to the NFL I used to know? Certain things that used to be sure things <i>aren't</i> anymore. I'm talking about three things in particular that, before each season started, were given. Automatic. No matter what you knew you could depend on them to come through for you. But not anymore. Tom Brady-led teams took a hatchet to two of them.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Each and every year, for 24 straight years (1994-2017) the team that <i>lost</i> the Super Bowl the previous season failed to return to the Super Bowl for a 2nd straight season. But that streak ended in the 2018 season, when the New England Patriots, who lost to the Philadelphia Eagles the year before in Super Bowl 52, not only made it to Super Bowl 53 they won the thing, 13-3, over the Los Angeles Rams despite a less than vintage performance by Brady. Then two years later Brady was the quarterback for the team that was the first ever to play in a Super Bowl on their home field. In the first 54 seasons of the Super Bowl era (1966-2019) not a single one of the 108 participating teams played in their home stadium. That, of course, is no longer the case, as Brady and his friends showed us you <i>are</i> allowed to play (and win) the Super Bowl on your home field, with the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers pulling off the feat, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium. </p><p>A third used-to-be sure thing fell last season - the one regarding the final 4 playoff teams in a season. For every season since 1997 at least one (and often more than one) of the teams that played in its conference championship game one year missed the playoffs the next year. But it was no surprise at all when that streak ended in 2021. I mean, even my crystal ball knew the Bills, Chiefs, Packers, and Buccaneers would all be back in the playoffs after appearing in the 2020 conference title games (although it was starting to get a little dicey when the Bills dropped to 7-6 with 4 games to go).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAPVTCW_9ovacWdygr4jSN7UkuEKRCzR8ZqDcDZTP6oiy69gNumpFu0EiV9376tJLQcWpYWdlu6ZE2UW-RcgGviyAk6-UP5BThoBud7Ao4Ce6Sfbo9M1XJvGFGw5rhwIrf27wX9BXUzSAgLF76nSxKtlgduPoYXA1c-L4m_VC8qcO8pY83L4Y092C/s1024/NFL15--NOV.%201--P91%20%20NYJ-OAK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1024" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAPVTCW_9ovacWdygr4jSN7UkuEKRCzR8ZqDcDZTP6oiy69gNumpFu0EiV9376tJLQcWpYWdlu6ZE2UW-RcgGviyAk6-UP5BThoBud7Ao4Ce6Sfbo9M1XJvGFGw5rhwIrf27wX9BXUzSAgLF76nSxKtlgduPoYXA1c-L4m_VC8qcO8pY83L4Y092C/s320/NFL15--NOV.%201--P91%20%20NYJ-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Amid all this change it's nice to know that there are some givens that are still given. It's still a given that there will be at least 4 teams in the playoffs every season that that didn't make the playoffs the year before - as has been the case every year since the NFL switched to an 8-division format in 2002. That one is even more given now that (since 2020) there are 14 teams instead of 12 in the playoffs. And on the personal level it was always a given that - no matter what - <b>Brandon Marshall</b> and Ryan Fitzpatrick would never be on a team that made the playoffs. I used past tense because Fitzpatrick this offseason joined Marshall among the ranks of the retired. Amazingly Fitzpatrick (17) and Marshall (13) combined for 30 seasons of NFL football on 13 different teams, including when they were teammates on the New York Jets in 2015-16 (see photo above from 2015, the last year before Marshall started growing his hair out), without playing a single playoff game. <p></p><p>And oh, here's another one: Matthew Stafford will never be on a team that wins a playoff game. In 12 seasons of NFL football Stafford, the first player picked in the 2009 Draft, has played in only 3 playoff games and has lost all of them. 282 career TD passes, more than 45,000 career yards passing, and 0-3 in the playoffs. No other player picked first overall has played longer than Stafford without tasting any postseason success ........ Huh? .... What?! .... WHAT?!!! You say Stafford not only won a playoff game last season he won the Super Bowl?? NO WAY!! ..... Oh well, like I said before ..... <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocV5bGHdYag" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocV5bGHdYag</a> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UHzjpR7-Eganm7_ApmKOEi3cbMU1JuYud3rc7-V1pKYq6xvUrKOXwqwBbBmS5spz1MG-4ImLJ6HGyFzhHPQ9_doP77FvffeDwAOom6fRjyi4S79h5of0P1z2sR44yj981MyRj4t7q7-HPQorZXug1jFI3MQpIdB7CbJL4vMR9O3x_LoJ-Or4p7aD/s2048/NFL21--FEB.%2013--P18%20%20CIN-LAR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UHzjpR7-Eganm7_ApmKOEi3cbMU1JuYud3rc7-V1pKYq6xvUrKOXwqwBbBmS5spz1MG-4ImLJ6HGyFzhHPQ9_doP77FvffeDwAOom6fRjyi4S79h5of0P1z2sR44yj981MyRj4t7q7-HPQorZXug1jFI3MQpIdB7CbJL4vMR9O3x_LoJ-Or4p7aD/s320/NFL21--FEB.%2013--P18%20%20CIN-LAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yes way, it appears another NFL sure thing has bitten the dust. Unfortunately. In his 13th season - and not coincidentally his first <i>not </i>playing for the Detroit Lions - Stafford picked up not just his first but his first 4 postseason wins, the last of which coming in Super Bowl 56, with the Los Angeles Rams defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 at SoFi Stadium 6 months ago. After 54 Super Bowls without a team playing on its home field, the Rams' win makes it 2 years in a row that a team has played in - and won - the Super Bowl at home. I wanted to include a photo of star CB <b>Jalen Ramsey</b> holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the beginning of this post; but with his refusal to let his dreads be seen, you got one of LB <b>Travin Howard</b> instead. Jalen, with his dreads (needlessly) all covered up, is seen in the photo above on the left, shaking hands with WR and game MVP Cooper Kupp during the confetti shower after the game.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRyErQiUu0yzL4dAd_tp8KTIZcKVpzlMVNao0gySssEwwBv52nMtzJ3tfbv-VHS1MUF4jkkKN7JPH9BsA1XJakCNVjDzb98FbRfHRdomLr2FTucvpo9tOZj9w0GHmy8yrLEoZNXtY100chzGIT-RXpDFbx6NEMGQqeJvO9bzywq3I77e-O2XrYc1Q/s1071/NFL21--FEB.%2013--P6%20%20CIN-LAR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1071" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRyErQiUu0yzL4dAd_tp8KTIZcKVpzlMVNao0gySssEwwBv52nMtzJ3tfbv-VHS1MUF4jkkKN7JPH9BsA1XJakCNVjDzb98FbRfHRdomLr2FTucvpo9tOZj9w0GHmy8yrLEoZNXtY100chzGIT-RXpDFbx6NEMGQqeJvO9bzywq3I77e-O2XrYc1Q/s320/NFL21--FEB.%2013--P6%20%20CIN-LAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In his 1st season in a Rams uniform Stafford (photo on right, celebrating with cigar and trophy in the locker room after the game) was the same talented, often prolific, and occasionally mistake-prone quarterback he was all those years in Detroit. But with a far better supporting cast around him than he had in any of his seasons with the Lions, he can call himself a champion. That cast included Ramsey, superstar DT Aaron Donald, and Kupp, whose 2021 season was one of the best ever for a WR. <br /><p></p><p>It was the Rams' second ever Super Bowl victory and 4th ever NFL championship overall, and it did not come easily. Certainly the Rams did the majority of the heavy lifting themselves; but make no mistake, they got their fair share of help on the way to the title; and most of that help came - oddly enough - from two of their NFC West division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers. </p><p>Needing a win (or tie) in Week 18 to clinch the division themselves, the Rams blew a 17-0 lead and lost at home to the 49ers 27-24 in overtime - a game that ended with Stafford throwing an interception. But while the loss cost the Rams the #2 seed for the NFC playoffs, it did not cost them the division crown because the 2nd place Arizona Cardinals also lost at home, 38-30, to the last-place and 6-10 Seahawks. That allowed the Rams to play their 1st round playoff game - against the Cardinals - at home instead of on the road. And then the 49ers, the Rams' most hated rival, stepped up big time - not once, not twice, but three times - to help the Rams' cause. </p><p>In their 1st round playoff game the 6th seeded 49ers knocked off the 3rd seeded Dallas Cowboys 23-17 and in the process spared the Rams from having to go to Green Bay for the 2nd round. The Rams' 2020 season ended with a playoff loss in Green Bay, and they also lost to the Packers there during Week 12 in 2021; so a trip to Tampa was much more desirable than having to go back to Lambeau Field again - even if the Buccaneers were the defending champs.</p><p>In the 2nd round the 49ers eliminated the top-seeded Packers 13-10, once again saving the Rams from having to travel to Green Bay; and after defeating the Buccaneers 30-27 in a thriller - despite blowing a 27-3 lead and despite a minus 2 turnover margin - the 4th seeded Rams suddenly found themselves hosting the NFC Championship game. Yes, they did lose twice to the 49ers during the regular season; but playing them a 3rd time was still way more desirable than going to Green Bay in the dead of winter.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe6BVb_2Liv64MkPMtAsDImHsw9og26qjL-uchHQB8aBO168NBGUycIo6Gk7VEQGPiAMtUjToeLBwTQAi9FY6xupmtNsGLl7XLcmjojiMiB08DTF3P8HJNjn-1tviSvjpgMbIG7OeRPmAC2z3PdoOgceOIgAle4_GsGeB2nawlyHS1Shg8d1Domg4/s1024/NFL21--JAN.%2030--P4%20%20SF-LAR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe6BVb_2Liv64MkPMtAsDImHsw9og26qjL-uchHQB8aBO168NBGUycIo6Gk7VEQGPiAMtUjToeLBwTQAi9FY6xupmtNsGLl7XLcmjojiMiB08DTF3P8HJNjn-1tviSvjpgMbIG7OeRPmAC2z3PdoOgceOIgAle4_GsGeB2nawlyHS1Shg8d1Domg4/s320/NFL21--JAN.%2030--P4%20%20SF-LAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And in that conference championship game the 49ers came to the Rams' aid one more time. Clinging to a 17-14 lead with 10 minutes left to play in the game, the 49ers had just punted on the preceding play; but it looked liked they were going to get the ball right back after Stafford lofted a pass deep down the middle nowhere near any Rams receiver. Instead the ball was headed directly into the hands of 49ers S Jaquiski Tartt for an easy interception. And then ....... <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv1na9PSkNM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv1na9PSkNM</a> ... (also see photo on left)<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLtg9mfa-RJVP2B7vRdjWrx_24TvX9oC947teIZ8PwT5zcMQCJM9bm567hcgc2JlW30Z9MXkDyAB5MpcxrACb8DlZZ4RWjjyJVubpwpKmQ2hECeUjsMW6tlDPM6eNoRZvuEzB_BSBwfcBAqI2BYOKUHlei1NTcQR-3MfBv9amizKzXnLhe1f0PJ-5/s1000/NFL21--JAN.%2030--P3%20%20SF-LAR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLtg9mfa-RJVP2B7vRdjWrx_24TvX9oC947teIZ8PwT5zcMQCJM9bm567hcgc2JlW30Z9MXkDyAB5MpcxrACb8DlZZ4RWjjyJVubpwpKmQ2hECeUjsMW6tlDPM6eNoRZvuEzB_BSBwfcBAqI2BYOKUHlei1NTcQR-3MfBv9amizKzXnLhe1f0PJ-5/s320/NFL21--JAN.%2030--P3%20%20SF-LAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> ...... Yikes! What happened? That catch was so easy I think <i>I</i> could have caught it. No doubt Tartt, along with all of Niners Nation, are still having nightmares about that one. Had Tartt not dropped the ball, its reasonable to assume he would have returned it at least into Rams territory and maybe into field goal range. There's no telling what would have happened after that, and I'm not saying the 49ers would have won. But I sure would have liked their chances. Instead the Rams kept possession and tied the game with a FG 8 plays later. And they scored again on their next drive, kicking another FG with 1:46 remaining to take the lead. And then after the 49ers' ensuing possession ended 37 seconds later with an interception by Howard, it was time for Ramsey (bottom photo above on left, with dreads uncovered for a change), WR Odell Beckham (middle of photo), and Donald to celebrate with the George Halas Trophy, presented annually to the NFC champion.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qfRzJveSz6GVFS4ATpUYuaMdG0BgC-rUNBzwyt9ps6TOrXV59riZU6Y-dW9TCLMouNVKfJ11pOLJR7YsuJP0mZ9g-pbAf8xnfjenbh2hnW0KNvZNRJYozcrMdTnQZB-K5-04FBBVKfXFn-igYrJepm4BB3DnV4uwgW_y3JbwoVSvm9ugP_A-MS3O/s1073/NFL21--FEB.%2013--P12%20%20CIN-LAR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1073" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qfRzJveSz6GVFS4ATpUYuaMdG0BgC-rUNBzwyt9ps6TOrXV59riZU6Y-dW9TCLMouNVKfJ11pOLJR7YsuJP0mZ9g-pbAf8xnfjenbh2hnW0KNvZNRJYozcrMdTnQZB-K5-04FBBVKfXFn-igYrJepm4BB3DnV4uwgW_y3JbwoVSvm9ugP_A-MS3O/s320/NFL21--FEB.%2013--P12%20%20CIN-LAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The victory over the Bengals in the Super Bowl was no less dramatic. Down 20-16 in the 2nd half, the Rams had gone three-and-out 3 times in a row when they took possession with 6:13 to play. They did not go three-and-out again. 15 plays and 79 yards later they were in the end zone and in the lead, with Kupp making several clutch plays on the drive, including the game-winning 1-yard TD catch with 1:25 on the clock. Finishing with 92 yards and 2 TD on 8 receptions - and don't forget his 7-yard run to convert a 4th and 1 earlier in the game-winning drive - Kupp deservedly was named MVP of the game (photo on right). Everybody knew the ball was going to him, but the Bengals still couldn't stop him. Of course, they might have tried double-teaming him ...... <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxBcV4eOC-O56oHR2jmx8VphNRf0cJVdiEdKBZtq5eyF49D01SmQkDWkpHcZGIGHk6WBf_GLAGZbPKLJwEbsSRdlAMbrs5lWrQ2RDxHvDFy4Pb_dJDOV4l3p4zFn8wlAEmiZMevAK-qtWadN9r1jAoVajIwjbJfVIziPkY7zBaEONJRTLBWNdgbkn/s982/NFL21--DEC.%2020--P4A%20%20LV-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxBcV4eOC-O56oHR2jmx8VphNRf0cJVdiEdKBZtq5eyF49D01SmQkDWkpHcZGIGHk6WBf_GLAGZbPKLJwEbsSRdlAMbrs5lWrQ2RDxHvDFy4Pb_dJDOV4l3p4zFn8wlAEmiZMevAK-qtWadN9r1jAoVajIwjbJfVIziPkY7zBaEONJRTLBWNdgbkn/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2020--P4A%20%20LV-CLEVE.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>The Rams' championship was not predicted by my crystal ball (big surprise there). CB2 <i>was</i> correct in predicting that a team from Ohio would represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. But it picked the wrong one. In my post from last September titled "Brownie Points" CB2 assured you the team from northern Ohio, the Cleveland Browns, would win it all. Hope you didn't waste your money on that one. Beset by injuries, bad timing, and bad luck, the Browns not only didn't win the Super Bowl, they didn't even make the playoffs, finishing 8-9 despite beating the Bengals twice. TE <b>David Njoku</b>'s glassy-eyed reaction to the Browns' killer, last-second loss to the Las Vegas Raiders (photo on left) in Week 15 was typical in a season in which a really talented team really struggled and just could never get over the hump.</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2 struck out on its pick for NFC champion too as the Packers - after another excellent regular season - laid an egg in their first game in the playoffs, scoring only 10 points at home in the loss to the 49ers, their fewest ever scored in a playoff game with Aaron Rodgers as their quarterback. But despite getting a grade of 'F' for its Super Bowl pick, CB2 had one of its better years picking the regular season. Now I didn't say it was a successful year, just better than most. There were actual signs of competence.<br /><p>CB2 correctly picked 5 division winners, its most ever in 14 years of doing predictions, and had the exact order of finish right for 2 divisions. CB2 picked the correct division placement for 15 teams, up from 11 for its 2020 forecast. And CB2 correctly picked the exact record for 4 teams, one more than in 2020 (It would have been 6 exactly right if the 0-8 Lions had lost to the Steelers in Week 10 like they were supposed to instead of tying them). On the down side 4 teams that the CB2 picked to finish in last place in their divisions made the playoffs. Those 4 were part of the group of 7 teams for which CB2 earned an 'F' grade (for missing its predicted record by 4 games or more). Still, that number of 7 was an improvement over the 9 F's from the 2020 predictions.</p><p>So, although CB2 won't be taking any bows, the overall 2021 report card is a little more encouraging than usual ......<br /><br /><br /><b>AFC EAST </b></p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>BUF 13-4 1. BUF 11-6</li><li>MIA 10-7 2. NE 10-7</li><li>NE 7-10 3. MIA 9-8</li><li>NYJ 2-15 4. NYJ 4-13</li></ol>Dolphins first team in 25 years to miss playoffs in a season during which they had a 7-game winning streak and first team <i>ever</i> to have 7-game winning streak and 7-game losing streak in same season. Patriots better than expected ..... GRADE: <b>C</b> ... L13Y (the grade for the last 13 years, beginning with 2020 and going back to 2008): <b>D,C,D+,C-,C-,D,D,DC-,C,C-,B-,D</b><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7ZTKL1lUxzb3aAhKMxWCAgBg0iVv1fABEdopJRM5X1XFTkdhebS0lSZFjS39XY9cIqjH_rEMXfUqKPixC7Ea8XGwi4VvxcHvbFI1kjvd4HKS_RW0YBd0fTPG2vWzq_jaToEVOgoxWsZsU9Cw5aGNwKwpsq_-1zKaY4YpUTRU0k1GvLNwwb-zGALL/s1077/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P78%20%20BUFF-NYJ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1077" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7ZTKL1lUxzb3aAhKMxWCAgBg0iVv1fABEdopJRM5X1XFTkdhebS0lSZFjS39XY9cIqjH_rEMXfUqKPixC7Ea8XGwi4VvxcHvbFI1kjvd4HKS_RW0YBd0fTPG2vWzq_jaToEVOgoxWsZsU9Cw5aGNwKwpsq_-1zKaY4YpUTRU0k1GvLNwwb-zGALL/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2014--P78%20%20BUFF-NYJ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dWqk0DFpQCgwaA7uG7_-W560tdDXBQxNVuHVGefrgBIJ-sDKrFl_dLPMXy1kpMxR3qERMQIA0dBU1fPVj1ECIJmv1LCiHKaYeXfMC8jK3nhfXCAAkOACcgPk89otjvS9-dVvEEfNtSm7kXYwGSuuFdwGhCW1liOudTh-7gpq0PM6A05j1ckx-Zei/s1500/NFL21--DEC.%205--P35%20%20NYG-MIA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dWqk0DFpQCgwaA7uG7_-W560tdDXBQxNVuHVGefrgBIJ-sDKrFl_dLPMXy1kpMxR3qERMQIA0dBU1fPVj1ECIJmv1LCiHKaYeXfMC8jK3nhfXCAAkOACcgPk89otjvS9-dVvEEfNtSm7kXYwGSuuFdwGhCW1liOudTh-7gpq0PM6A05j1ckx-Zei/s320/NFL21--DEC.%205--P35%20%20NYG-MIA.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>CB2 thought RB <b>Zack Moss</b> (left photo) would score 10 TD to lead all AFC East players with dreads and become the Bills' first player with dreads to hit double figures in TD. And that prediction was looking good after he scored 4 TD in the first 4 games. But he had just 1 more after that to finish with 5, tying for 2nd place with Patriots RB <b>Rhamondre Stevenson</b>. WR <b>Jaylen Waddle</b> of the Dolphins led the division's players with dreads with 7 TD ...... CB2 also liked LB <b>Jerome Baker</b> (right photo, celebrating after the Dolphins' 5th straight victory, over the Giants in Week 13) to tie for the league lead in sacks by players with dreads. But he finished tied for 10th place among players with dreads, with his 5.5 sacks way less than the 13 predicted. It was someone else from the AFC East who had the most sacks by any player with dreads. In his first season with the Patriots LB <b>Matt Judon</b> had a career high 12.5 sacks. <br /><p>.</p><p><b>AFC NORTH</b></p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>CLEV 11-6 1. CIN 10-7</li><li>BAL 10-7 2. PIT 9-7-1</li><li>PIT 10-7 3. CLEV 8-9</li><li>CIN 2-15 4. BAL 8-9</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Browns clinched 3rd place due to better record than Ravens in games vs. division opponents (CLEV 3-3, BAL 1-5)<p></p><p>Classic CB2. Picks Browns to win Super Bowl and they finish with losing record; picks Bengals to have worst record in the league and instead they go to the Super Bowl ..... GRADE: <b>D+</b> ... L13Y: <b>C+,D,C,C,C+,D+,C,C,C+,B-,C-,C,F</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvvrr3n_WicdzXhQBNr_1ZkDN_NXw7M62hV4c7Fergz_XauFUUAlR4F3QoFuAN5ghYuIK1GiJ4HN1c8rQJXr4rHOYaz5DQGoSwC9py6A_iaJhsxn-yfX0kws3-yDVMfkHws3BOS86x2-gA7xmDddIA16X-POqBeHRY2g5RROnZw2vtxpU-uYqtTMm/s3200/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P27A%20%20CHI-CLEVE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2058" data-original-width="3200" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjvvrr3n_WicdzXhQBNr_1ZkDN_NXw7M62hV4c7Fergz_XauFUUAlR4F3QoFuAN5ghYuIK1GiJ4HN1c8rQJXr4rHOYaz5DQGoSwC9py6A_iaJhsxn-yfX0kws3-yDVMfkHws3BOS86x2-gA7xmDddIA16X-POqBeHRY2g5RROnZw2vtxpU-uYqtTMm/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P27A%20%20CHI-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 predicted that RB <b>Kareem Hunt</b> (photo above, scoring his 2nd TD of the season on a 29-yard run vs. the Bears in Week 3) would score 21 TD - 14 during the regular season to tie his career high and 7 more in the playoffs. Uh-uh. For the first time in his career Hunt missed games due to injury, a total of 9 games with two different injuries. He finished with 5 TD ....... CB2 also predicted DE <b>Jadeveon</b> <b>Clowney</b> (top photo below, getting 1 of his 2 sacks during the Browns' sack fest of Bears QB Justin Fields in Week 3) would score his 5th career TD sometime during the season. He did not, finishing with 2 FF but 0 FR and 0 INT ....... CB2 also suggested you put your money on RB<b> Najee Harris</b> to be named the NFL's offensive rookie of the year. Well, Harris (bottom photo below, finishing off his 8-yard TD run with a dive during the Steelers' Week 8 win at Cleveland) had an excellent season with 1,200 yards rushing (exactly), 467 yards receiving, and 10 TD. But he got no votes for rookie of the year. Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase (with braids not dreads) was the landslide winner ....... And CB2 saw the Steelers repeating as the AFC team with the most TD scored by players with dreads, with Harris scoring half (13) of their 26. Not quite. Instead Harris scored half of their 20 TD by players with dreads, good enough for 2nd place in the AFC. The Tennessee Titans had the most in the AFC with 24. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6QJJ8IidZfMYqBi_7xgNNlrATO823cm90f1vaXs-U4QS8iBhajDKHK1ssGTWTY8QD7lP6__NQQS0xuBn0UTsla39UtTh0ubCH9-2irGYbusD2vPdRvFoOZyUr7WYVUYETanDa_tn207YHnl0KrC8C9knMlj-f9s88QK1Kq7lnBBGCWmYi_0KYnFD/s2560/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P3A%20%20CHI-CLEVE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2118" data-original-width="2560" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6QJJ8IidZfMYqBi_7xgNNlrATO823cm90f1vaXs-U4QS8iBhajDKHK1ssGTWTY8QD7lP6__NQQS0xuBn0UTsla39UtTh0ubCH9-2irGYbusD2vPdRvFoOZyUr7WYVUYETanDa_tn207YHnl0KrC8C9knMlj-f9s88QK1Kq7lnBBGCWmYi_0KYnFD/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2026--P3A%20%20CHI-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSHQi8JXqyKjtJ5PhtEoUxNvfQm6IWJTPzoQ1i3cGETBwCvZ9MdFyCELctipKzjOM2RJT0uIM0kSa6eS5Cp9FfhKhYRzF-MQwagqlOt1CQIthWvW-nbY4lIpMGpSwH0tfEgqgydOi1Zt8g5SwduPf_2ZXyqyNfcoA4BP6c9gkO92rvoe1gmnp2mJq/s1100/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P9%20%20PITT-CLEVE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1100" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKSHQi8JXqyKjtJ5PhtEoUxNvfQm6IWJTPzoQ1i3cGETBwCvZ9MdFyCELctipKzjOM2RJT0uIM0kSa6eS5Cp9FfhKhYRzF-MQwagqlOt1CQIthWvW-nbY4lIpMGpSwH0tfEgqgydOi1Zt8g5SwduPf_2ZXyqyNfcoA4BP6c9gkO92rvoe1gmnp2mJq/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2031--P9%20%20PITT-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.<br /><p><b>AFC SOUTH</b></p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>TENN 14-3 1. TENN 12-5</li><li>IND 7-10 2. IND 9-8</li><li>JAC 7-10 3. HOU 4-13</li><li>HOU 2-15 4. JAC 3-14</li></ol>2 games off for everyone except hapless Jaguars, who clinched top pick in the Draft for the 2nd year in a row. At least CB2 correctly predicted the Titans would be the #1 seed in the AFC and lose to the AFC North champion in the playoffs (but again it was the Bengals not the Browns) ..... GRADE: <b>C-</b> ... L13Y: <b>C,B-,D-,D+,D,C+C,D+,D-,D,D-,D-,C-</b><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNPpKrTw3AC_4F_kMeNTClp7L5-MMQwpWxZXQOwgmmvlk3U4tb8DShE4zT1PN5OM4uVP44dWHm9ImUJMxq_9TX-BWD83i886FuqDEf3m3KBw5gs5af3O0atyksu1u3nOcgUT2fjWIjsO4IzeBF1IwfCbRnBXePlCMSV5MDy_4TP0iWIOVQd6-CTlI/s2040/NFL21--OCT.%2018--P2D%20%20BUFF-TENN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2040" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNPpKrTw3AC_4F_kMeNTClp7L5-MMQwpWxZXQOwgmmvlk3U4tb8DShE4zT1PN5OM4uVP44dWHm9ImUJMxq_9TX-BWD83i886FuqDEf3m3KBw5gs5af3O0atyksu1u3nOcgUT2fjWIjsO4IzeBF1IwfCbRnBXePlCMSV5MDy_4TP0iWIOVQd6-CTlI/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2018--P2D%20%20BUFF-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 was certain RB <b>Derrick Henry</b> would lead the league in rushing for the 3rd year in a row - with 1,776 yards. And he just might have if he hadn't missed the last 9 games of the regular season with the first serious injury of his career. Henry (photo above, with his dreads - as always - neatly wrapped together into one as he dives in for the game-winning 13-yard TD run vs. the Bills in Week 6) had 937 yards rushing before breaking his foot in the Week 8 game at Indianapolis. That opened the door for Jonathan Taylor of the Colts to lead the league by a mile with 1,811 yards. He averaged 106.5 yards per game, while Henry averaged a league best 117 per game ....... CB2 also predicted CB <b>Jackrabbit Jenkins</b>, in his first season with the Titans, would have 4 INT and return 2 of them to the house. But Jenkins (photo below, preventing teammate Breon Borders from getting an INT on a deep pass in the 4th quarter against the Bills) had only 1 INT and 0 TD and didn't play well enough to convince the Titans to bring him back for another season. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0sFj-1J2wC6icehhLU9_LqO_Q39OFscA2C1kJVmSixSKclkkRcYyePhlBwqaQx1TiatgU2UzNqGGAXAC7FsJCfpkAIyJTrEI16DOEP202hgaYAoFduqjaeadj9D_5KlLavgTYa4KKTJ69p-wU6NM0TcSRSfcn4yAHSMBvJpxJUn_Jr6JTYWox-8L/s4044/NFL21--OCT.%2018--P10%20%20BUFF-TENN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2274" data-original-width="4044" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0sFj-1J2wC6icehhLU9_LqO_Q39OFscA2C1kJVmSixSKclkkRcYyePhlBwqaQx1TiatgU2UzNqGGAXAC7FsJCfpkAIyJTrEI16DOEP202hgaYAoFduqjaeadj9D_5KlLavgTYa4KKTJ69p-wU6NM0TcSRSfcn4yAHSMBvJpxJUn_Jr6JTYWox-8L/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2018--P10%20%20BUFF-TENN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>AFC WEST</b></div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>KC 14-3 1. KC 12-5</li><li>DEN 11-6 2. LV 10-7</li><li>LAC 6-11 3. LAC 9-8</li><li>LV 3-14 4. DEN 7-10</li></ol>CB2 all wrong here except for the Chiefs, who won division for the 6th straight season ..... GRADE: <b>D </b> ... L13Y:<b> C-,D+,D-,C,C,C-,C,C,D,B,A-,B,B</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kb3c7N2blRWCxZRl9Sw-Hb3Ez8XyEk7xZeg7I71IsQOCSAM1z_IlQrbMIU-MR_6YwC8SnHJKbs58vmFGCtGKrKRxyRWS-2zDepKVjImd8QUFzQb7wadblxn_8iZahvkLewdVdkvVg6ZKwy2HLNqn2scNt5HxeIMK4hF2gWOEchzRGTQJYGNBtc_5/s1500/NFL21--DEC.%2016--P1%20%20KC-LAC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kb3c7N2blRWCxZRl9Sw-Hb3Ez8XyEk7xZeg7I71IsQOCSAM1z_IlQrbMIU-MR_6YwC8SnHJKbs58vmFGCtGKrKRxyRWS-2zDepKVjImd8QUFzQb7wadblxn_8iZahvkLewdVdkvVg6ZKwy2HLNqn2scNt5HxeIMK4hF2gWOEchzRGTQJYGNBtc_5/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2016--P1%20%20KC-LAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrHMiQVSfPgCPDgbgeaCa5F19_D0aCtc9rKczN-mlysOus2FspaHYy33x9FwHAj0OkcvPOatzAeW6PjsBZlrV8XPpBTqv-dNGUHplwxPLUUHlrh0Ao5toBcmyJyIJFU-bx_j0jsYpwOdnw8t5Soy5YQq-iReXXC0arV1RMuKNgJKXswVgyus74ZUw/s1333/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P73%20%20DET-DEN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="849" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrHMiQVSfPgCPDgbgeaCa5F19_D0aCtc9rKczN-mlysOus2FspaHYy33x9FwHAj0OkcvPOatzAeW6PjsBZlrV8XPpBTqv-dNGUHplwxPLUUHlrh0Ao5toBcmyJyIJFU-bx_j0jsYpwOdnw8t5Soy5YQq-iReXXC0arV1RMuKNgJKXswVgyus74ZUw/s320/NFL21--DEC.%2012--P73%20%20DET-DEN.jpg" width="204" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>According to CB2, WR <b>Jerry Jeudy</b> was going to have the most TD catches by any AFC player with dreads, with his 10 TD helping the Broncos' clinch their first playoff berth in 6 years. But this pick was a complete whiff, as Jeudy (left photo, on the run after a catch vs. the Lions in Week 14) suffered an ankle injury in Week 1, didn't make it back until Week 8, and wasn't much of a factor after that. He never had more than 77 yards receiving in a game and scored no TD at all. Steelers WR <b>Diontae Johnson</b>'s 8 TD catches were the most by any AFC player with dreads ....... And also according to CB2, LB <b>Nick Bolton</b> (right photo, corralling RB Austin Ekeler during the Chiefs' huge road win over the Chargers in Week 15) was going to be the upset winner for NFL defensive rookie of the year. But despite his impressive season, he got no votes for the award. The voters got it right in unanimously naming Cowboys LB Micah Parsons the defensive ROY. </div><div><br />.</div><div><br /></div><div>AFC TIEBRREAKERS<br /><br /><p>Titans clinched #1 seed due to head-to-head whipping of Chiefs in Week 7</p><p>Raiders clinched #5 seed due to better record than Patriots in games against common opponents (LV 5-1, NE 2-4)</p><p>.</p><p><b>NFC EAST</b></p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>NYG 11-6 1. DAL 12-5</li><li>DAL 10-7 2. PHIL 9-8</li><li>WASH 7-10 3. WASH 7-10</li><li>PHIL 5-12 4. NYG 4-13</li></ol>Yes, CB2 missed Bengals pick by 8 games; but picking the sorry Giants to win the division was its <i>worst</i> pick. Perfect WFT pick saves the grade from much worse ..... GRADE: <b>D+</b> ... L13Y: <b>D-,C,C+,C,C,D,C+,D,D+B-,D,C,C-</b><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB9iBNNWbyBIYED8pKCes1YUkpxgeZumuClfXWOa0aoNuUWRUHoWADsTTwOmYccdEuBPr3653tL6-Jc7KmiENGgoIH0LO064vXHeQhpEY_FAc3g2aPn4vMzgfwgzZ03leMf09NI-1L_3AtkkC67FfCYn9bAkpOK2zzrlEbIup2g_nP6uN7KRmlwhN/s1280/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P70%20%20LAR-NYG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicB9iBNNWbyBIYED8pKCes1YUkpxgeZumuClfXWOa0aoNuUWRUHoWADsTTwOmYccdEuBPr3653tL6-Jc7KmiENGgoIH0LO064vXHeQhpEY_FAc3g2aPn4vMzgfwgzZ03leMf09NI-1L_3AtkkC67FfCYn9bAkpOK2zzrlEbIup2g_nP6uN7KRmlwhN/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P70%20%20LAR-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 expected Cowboys WR <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> (photo below, scoring his 2nd TD of the season on a 49-yard reception vs. the Giants in Week 5) to repeat as the NFC East player with dreads with the most TD, and he did. He didn't have a choice, as nobody else had more than 2. Lamb's 6 TD were 2 less than the 8 predicted ...... And CB2 liked S <b>Xavier McKinney</b> to have more interceptions than any other player with dreads in the league. CB2 had that right idea here, as McKinney (photo above, returning his 1st INT of the season in the Week 6 home loss to the Rams) finished with 5 INT, 1 less than predicted. But that total was good only for 2nd place among players with dreads. Finishing 1st and leading the entire league in interceptions was CB<b> Trevon Diggs</b> of the Cowboys. In his amazing season Diggs had 11 INT - the most ever by a player with dreads (breaking the record of 10 set by <b>Asante Samuel</b> with the Patriots in 2006).</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXPeKC5lahfoh-_ub5uOnozfIqtOyIqYLplUTYBPK6CJL58zmmdHZGZ-zH3pxzjqcMNc3fqF58qKTkcfOMqn7Om1yBeVR8UlXKW7DM4ch51cYTNqVxvleYLJ8z6kcLB66Qdkcrhia6wFf4H5vJQdlM5uu_SljcBMQsUwuRUUBgcGwbuDdGMRbd08m/s1600/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P172%20%20NYG-DALL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXPeKC5lahfoh-_ub5uOnozfIqtOyIqYLplUTYBPK6CJL58zmmdHZGZ-zH3pxzjqcMNc3fqF58qKTkcfOMqn7Om1yBeVR8UlXKW7DM4ch51cYTNqVxvleYLJ8z6kcLB66Qdkcrhia6wFf4H5vJQdlM5uu_SljcBMQsUwuRUUBgcGwbuDdGMRbd08m/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P172%20%20NYG-DALL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NFC NORTH</b></div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>GB 15-2 1. GB 13-4</li><li>MINN 11-6 2. MINN 8-9</li><li>CHI 6-11 3. CHI 6-11</li><li>DET 3-14 4. DET 3-13-1</li></ol>CB2's highest graded division for 2021, and the best grade for this division since CB's 'B' in 2009. Only miss was Vikings, who failed to keep alive Coach Zimmer's streak of making the playoffs every other year ..... GRADE: <b>B</b> ... L13Y: <b>C+,D+,D-D,C,D,D+,C-,C-B-,C,B,C-</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB0NS7wAYJQRUnCdJOGLCfMdt3q4IDzXXLourJE_V-VFEuqXnWQZ6Ib9T6rSb5KsC5yKpSqNs1zQRqVRtxV4pLQVjHl3W-Q2vGOXhskii2BBRoSW_b-1w9ilipcJnhY48lcHZXhJquZXOkmwSSDYagV0fIPe7saToWve_3Om8D_8WzIruTYCnYeRX/s1024/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P73C%20%20MINN-CAR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB0NS7wAYJQRUnCdJOGLCfMdt3q4IDzXXLourJE_V-VFEuqXnWQZ6Ib9T6rSb5KsC5yKpSqNs1zQRqVRtxV4pLQVjHl3W-Q2vGOXhskii2BBRoSW_b-1w9ilipcJnhY48lcHZXhJquZXOkmwSSDYagV0fIPe7saToWve_3Om8D_8WzIruTYCnYeRX/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2017--P73C%20%20MINN-CAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9qhZibAc98IJ87AwnuA4HLeSBk-xKpXPPYLIafVwaAGiFaZmi4c-wPHXLsNdsQ5OhUYkKxatIbGkj_TcOUa6tdxYe3jMBr9BuQjoVRLq6CkpEzTZiLcony8uf0LJ5gJwsb38dHoLJzmBtKze2YTMpFP1ix-XeLmjU3q2C3rhOn27yqylQvuu7Vw3/s2856/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P46%20%20GB-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2856" data-original-width="2065" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9qhZibAc98IJ87AwnuA4HLeSBk-xKpXPPYLIafVwaAGiFaZmi4c-wPHXLsNdsQ5OhUYkKxatIbGkj_TcOUa6tdxYe3jMBr9BuQjoVRLq6CkpEzTZiLcony8uf0LJ5gJwsb38dHoLJzmBtKze2YTMpFP1ix-XeLmjU3q2C3rhOn27yqylQvuu7Vw3/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P46%20%20GB-MINN.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>CB was positive RB <b>Dalvin Cook</b> would lead the NFL in touchdowns with 22, but it was positively wrong about that. Cook surprisingly scored just 6 TD (his 2nd of the season in left photo above on a 16-yard run vs. the Panthers in Week 6), which left him tied for 54th place. In 1st place with 20 TD were two players without dreads, Austin Ekeler of the Chargers and Jonathan Taylor of the Colts ....... CB2 also was sure that for the 2nd straight year WR <b>Davante Adams</b> would lead all players with dreads in TD catches, and that pick was a winner; but despite a strong finish Adams (in the end zone for the 2nd time vs. the Vikings in Week 11 in right photo above) had only 11 TD receptions, 4 fewer than predicted ..... And CB2 had the Vikings edging the Packers 30-29 as the team with the most TD scored by players with dreads, denying the Packers a three-peat. Kinda close on that one. The Vikings did take team honors, finishing with 27 TD by players with dreads. The Packers finished in 3rd place with 22, and the Titans were 2nd with 24.<br /><div><br />. <br /><p><b>NFC SOUTH</b></p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>TB 16-1 1. TB 13-4</li><li>NO 10-7 2. NO 9-8</li><li>ATL 5-12 3. ATL 7-10</li><li>CAR 5-12 4. CAR 5-12</li></ol>CB2 pretty much on the mark here, except Buccaneers not as dominant as expected ..... GRADE: <b>B</b> ... L13Y: <b>D,D,B,C+,D+,C-,C,D,C-,D,B+,A,D</b><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVENVBqOBCBEDya7WzTOUUggV7M2h2TjjLKgYG4cP04-JwzcTgcWuKPkqP83rCRj35PZTXyT-FCpyNU3LwbnwbecKcxnF48Om0fwTq_NOis_5ebsAFwmYhZsSdWljoI_WTIpLuhlp5VzrsaHIrhhs9ZIXdemLOBkxFJivBlRbLiKPpZEuBEr3AnW_1/s3200/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P111%20%20NO-WASH.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2199" data-original-width="3200" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVENVBqOBCBEDya7WzTOUUggV7M2h2TjjLKgYG4cP04-JwzcTgcWuKPkqP83rCRj35PZTXyT-FCpyNU3LwbnwbecKcxnF48Om0fwTq_NOis_5ebsAFwmYhZsSdWljoI_WTIpLuhlp5VzrsaHIrhhs9ZIXdemLOBkxFJivBlRbLiKPpZEuBEr3AnW_1/s320/NFL21--OCT.%2010--P111%20%20NO-WASH.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 predicted that it would be WR <b>Marquez Callaway</b> - and not RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b> - leading the Saints in TD scored in 2021; but instead it was Kamara who led the team in TD for the 2nd straight season with 9, which was 1 less than CB2 expected. Callaway (photo above, in the end zone with his 2nd TD catch of the day vs. WFT in Week 5) was predicted to lead all NFC South players with dreads in TD with 11. But after being shut out the last 7 games of the season, he finished in 3rd place with only 6 TD - trailing Kamara and the surprise leader, RB <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> of the Falcons with 11 ....... CB2 also was confident DE <b>Jason Pierre-Paul</b> would have 13 sacks and tie <b>Jerome Baker</b> for the most by any player with dreads. But Pierre-Paul (photo below, celebrating his FR during the Buccaneers' big 2nd half comeback in their 2nd round playoff loss to the Rams) was not healthy for much of the season, missing 5 games and appearing on the injury report for 6 other games. He had only 2.5 sacks, his fewest since 2015, when he had only 1.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9QCaItDHBmB7gZ8OeLgCO8ft_uGw98iE_Nbk39yWiJ1ztHyxwnV57NC0J869w0j247RYn2wUGH5CfxhvC8OrdVKO6FIgM6qjsO7KRqYzgExSM2AamBRADHZF-8XB9fiH0LES8OlMajUwdXt2DZ5RO-Xz4bkjE-qBETjniYWiLASq5pWcvMEOqsUJ/s2560/NFL21--JAN.%2023--P1%20%20LAR-TB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9QCaItDHBmB7gZ8OeLgCO8ft_uGw98iE_Nbk39yWiJ1ztHyxwnV57NC0J869w0j247RYn2wUGH5CfxhvC8OrdVKO6FIgM6qjsO7KRqYzgExSM2AamBRADHZF-8XB9fiH0LES8OlMajUwdXt2DZ5RO-Xz4bkjE-qBETjniYWiLASq5pWcvMEOqsUJ/s320/NFL21--JAN.%2023--P1%20%20LAR-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.<div><br /></div><div><b>NFC WEST</b></div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>SF 13-4 1. LAR 12-5</li><li>LAR 12-5 2. ARIZ 11-6</li><li>SEA 9-8 3. SF 10-7</li><li>ARIZ 5-12 4. SEA 7-10</li></ol>CB2 correctly picked Rams' exact record for 3rd year in a row, but not close on other 3 teams. Seahawks had first losing season in 10 years and first last-place finish in their division in 25 years ..... GRADE: <b>D+</b> ... L13Y: <b>D,C,F,D+,C,B-,B+,C,B+,D,D-,D,D-</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNR-Lu0G6H4biS_tLXMkKU4_d_sdz9IxA00RljJq17uI5JdJ_8VI1I1auQSeQ5DVIDvcBYnv-zpAXG0EWBQVOL9SMDn5yCMhJeVpURRezsly9EK7ySlyJu8B0SwiaOz9oaOJ9f0tytdh07DSA1Y04sk9kiWSgaNYGq2ziuD9G2I8hMYSX9AwZYIavr/s2560/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P16%20%20SF-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1871" data-original-width="2560" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNR-Lu0G6H4biS_tLXMkKU4_d_sdz9IxA00RljJq17uI5JdJ_8VI1I1auQSeQ5DVIDvcBYnv-zpAXG0EWBQVOL9SMDn5yCMhJeVpURRezsly9EK7ySlyJu8B0SwiaOz9oaOJ9f0tytdh07DSA1Y04sk9kiWSgaNYGq2ziuD9G2I8hMYSX9AwZYIavr/s320/NFL21--SEPT.%2012--P16%20%20SF-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjCVlrVD3EoSAQgtx_dE3_8Iu1HMglEX0iVxJLvrkk3xeP2Ng8PTPIChEELGDs9tZrlFZNyo-D4AP39l34tBw7a9YIo0Tz8Iz96PpQUmgm0a8H2Y6ub2N6hKJEbCnmuAxSH_EKUwmUbRD5F5QwuQ1ALLmPJZWUDDfENLuAl5qmIOxo4oCVQ9I1aVD/s1200/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P49A%20%20SF-JACK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="858" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjCVlrVD3EoSAQgtx_dE3_8Iu1HMglEX0iVxJLvrkk3xeP2Ng8PTPIChEELGDs9tZrlFZNyo-D4AP39l34tBw7a9YIo0Tz8Iz96PpQUmgm0a8H2Y6ub2N6hKJEbCnmuAxSH_EKUwmUbRD5F5QwuQ1ALLmPJZWUDDfENLuAl5qmIOxo4oCVQ9I1aVD/s320/NFL21--NOV.%2021--P49A%20%20SF-JACK.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>Believing that CB <b>Jason Verrett</b> had finally shaken the injury bug after playing 13 games in 2020, CB2 boldly predicted he would tie his career high with 5 INT in 2021. But Verrett (left photo above, defending against TE T.J. Hockenson during the 49ers' road win over the Lions in Week 1) lasted only 60 snaps before the bug bit again, as he suffered a torn ACL and missed the final 16 games of the season, finishing with 0 INT ........ CB2 also expected WR <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> to improve on his rookie season and finish with over 1,000 yards receiving and score 10 TD, but that didn't happen either. Aiyuk (right photo above, scoring his 3rd TD of the season on a 6-yard reception vs. the Jaguars in Week 11) finished 40th in the league with 826 yards receiving and had 5 TD catches in 17 games after having 748 yards receiving, 5 TD catches, and 7 total TD in 12 games in 2020 ........ And CB2 thought RB <b>Darrell</b> <b>Henderson</b> of the Rams would score 13 TD to lead all NFC West players with dreads. Well, he finished as the co-leader among NFC West players with dreads, scoring 8 TD, tied with WR <b>DeAndre Hopkins </b>of the Cardinals.<div><p>.</p><p>NFC TIEBREAKERS</p><p>Packers clinched #1 seed due to better record than Buccaneers in games vs. conference opponents (GB 9-3, TB 8-4)</p><p>Cowboys clinched #3 seed due to better record than Rams in games vs. conference opponents (DAL 10-2, LAR 8-4)</p><p>Eagles clinched #7 seed due to head-to-head victory over Saints (Week 11)</p><p>.</p><p><b>DIVISION WINNERS</b></p><p>As mentioned earlier CB2 had its best showing ever in this category, picking 5 of the 8 division winners correctly ..... GRADE: <b>B-</b> ... L13Y: <b>C-,C-,D,D,C-,D-,C-,C-,C,C-,D,C-,F</b></p><p>.</p><p><b>PLAYOFF TEAMS</b></p><p>AFC</p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>TENN 1. <u>TENN</u></li><li>KC 2. <u>KC</u></li><li>BUF 3. <u>BUF</u></li><li>CLEV 4. CIN</li><li>DEN 5. LV</li><li>MIA 6. NE</li><li>BAL 7. PIT</li></ol>NFC<p></p><p> predicted actual</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>TB 1.<u> GB</u></li><li>GB 2. <u>TB</u></li><li>SF 3. DAL</li><li>NYG 4. <u>LAR</u></li><li>LAR 5. ARIZ</li><li>MINN 6. <u>SF</u></li><li>NO 7. PHIL</li></ol>A ho-hum 7 out of 14 right ..... GRADE: <b>C</b> ... L13Y: <b>B-,C-,D+,C-,C+,C-B-,C,CB,C-B-,C-</b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>SUPER BOWL</b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>predicted: CLEV over GB</li><li>actual: LAR over CIN</li></ul>GRADE: <b>F</b> ....... L13Y: <b>F,A-,F,D,F,F,D,D,A,F,F,A-,F</b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>OVERALL GRADE</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">On its last report card CB2 barely missed a C-. This time it barely misses a C. Once again going back to that Lions-Steelers tie in Week 10 ...... if the Steelers (who were favored by 6 points) had won, the average of the 11 grades would have been 1.81, which would have been a C. But with the tie, the average is 1.72, and that (by .03 points on my scale) is ....... GRADE: <b>C-</b> .... L13Y: <b>D+,C,D,C-,C-,D+,C,D+,C,C-,D+,B-,D</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">In the years that my crystal balls have gotten an F on the Super Bowl they have never graded higher than C- overall, so I really wanted that C. So close. Maybe next year. </p></div>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-5927093350441456462021-09-12T07:41:01.471-05:002021-10-29T06:58:13.939-05:00Brownie Points<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO8puPhkkG6n3sqXFaw_VDysFwD7aZrGq7Q7QRyy2WpSdDyfdgwReXkjloYl5JvfD-N-KEgKm_8WJuXUXpygtmUKfPSVIrf9JBm_ZLveLuE3qEGWvzxbq0mxR6bZWm4rScMXcvtifj10/s750/NFL21--AUG.+29--P1++CLEVE-ATL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVO8puPhkkG6n3sqXFaw_VDysFwD7aZrGq7Q7QRyy2WpSdDyfdgwReXkjloYl5JvfD-N-KEgKm_8WJuXUXpygtmUKfPSVIrf9JBm_ZLveLuE3qEGWvzxbq0mxR6bZWm4rScMXcvtifj10/s320/NFL21--AUG.+29--P1++CLEVE-ATL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div>The final game of Week 11 of the 2018 NFL season sure was one to remember; but unless you're a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs or Los Angeles Rams, you may have deleted it from your memory banks by now. That was the Monday night the Chiefs, in the middle of Patrick Mahomes' sensational first season as their starting quarterback, put a season high 51 points on the board at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, only to lose the game because the Rams scored 54. But here in the House of Dread the game is remembered more for something other than the one in which the Chiefs became the first team in league history to score 50 or more points and not win. And that something other is something that still bothers me today almost 3 years later. You see, that game was the last one (ever?) in a Chiefs uniform for RB <b>Kareem Hunt </b>(photo on right).</div><p></p><p>Ah yes, the Chiefs stuck gold twice in the 2017 Draft. Mahomes, picked in the 1st round (10th overall), seems headed for the Hall of Fame. And then midway through the 3rd round they picked Hunt, who did nothing but be a star for them from Day 1. Hunt led the league in rushing in his rookie season and scored 25 touchdowns in his first 27 career games. But everything came to a screeching halt before Game #28.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>A couple of days before the Chiefs played their Week 13 game vs. the Oakland Raiders (they had a bye in Week 12) a video came to light of an incident involving Hunt that had occurred during the previous offseason - an incident in which he kicked a woman. Yes, it was a half-hearted, way less than full force kick, but still it was a kick. When first asked about the incident, Kareem assured the Chiefs there was nothing to it; but when the video surfaced months later, it was evident that there most definitely <i>was</i> something to it and that he had lied to them about it hoping to keep it covered up. At that point the Chiefs really had no choice but to let him go, right in the middle of what was becoming a special season.</p><p>I had a bunch of different feelings when I found out he had been released - disgust, disappointment, frustration, and helplessness to name a few. I mean, you just don't ever want to let a player as talented as he is to walk out your door like that. Mostly though I was just pissed - because I knew that all that was going to happen was that some other team was going to sign him, and he was going to be great for that other team instead of for the Chiefs. And I feared that one day he was going to come back and haunt them. It <i>almost</i> happened last season.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJ1TemjBvsgUvmYm_p2Awe5zcYtdIjWPDNozHEHKPGu7XESaNY3VW4gZ1pEsimhBmEPAww7yLQ8hHEtiYQmVCtiFSJaich1s0_lFeuvjzdIHBW-8dhes-Ie6tMW3-O_grV822-G0twMU/s700/NFL20--JAN.+17--P9++CLEVE-KC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="700" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJ1TemjBvsgUvmYm_p2Awe5zcYtdIjWPDNozHEHKPGu7XESaNY3VW4gZ1pEsimhBmEPAww7yLQ8hHEtiYQmVCtiFSJaich1s0_lFeuvjzdIHBW-8dhes-Ie6tMW3-O_grV822-G0twMU/s320/NFL20--JAN.+17--P9++CLEVE-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Not even 3 months had passed following his release before Hunt signed with the Cleveland Browns; and after serving an 8-game suspension during the first half of the 2019 season, he returned to action pretty much without missing a beat. He hasn't been as prolific for the Browns as he was with the Chiefs mainly because he's sharing playing time with their other excellent RB, Nick Chubb.<p></p><p>The two combined for more than 1,900 yards rushing in 2020, helping lead the Browns to their first winning season (11-5) in 13 years; and when the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 for their first playoff victory since 1994, it meant that in the next round Hunt would be playing his first career game <i>against</i> the Chiefs. And when Kareem scored a 3-yard TD run (photo on left above) to bring the Browns to within 22-17 early in the 4th quarter at Arrowhead Stadium, I was like, uh-oh, here it comes, the Browns are going to get the ball back, and he's going to score the TD that knocks the Chiefs out of the playoffs.</p><p>Sure enough the Browns were still down 5 when they got the ball back with 8 minutes to play; but Hunt touched the ball just once on a 7-play drive that ended with a punt, and the Chiefs ended up hanging on. I'm probably not the only Chiefs fan who was breathing a huge sigh of relief after that game. The Chiefs dodged the bullet that time. But now a new season is here, and here comes that bullet again. This time, if my crystal ball is correct, the Chiefs won't be as lucky.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWe5-KJHDawlLhyf85nEq430ZjHqVa5eVhcx4IML1a4oQhffjKg7EOkC5oABc_NtaCd-oUN6UwRRXlv-VVlBa-tA690fYRxhvyBDJqA2MVR7W73sI7Td9xzTepOW7ufc68UKREgx56H94/s1023/NFL20--JAN.+17--P8++CLEVE-KC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWe5-KJHDawlLhyf85nEq430ZjHqVa5eVhcx4IML1a4oQhffjKg7EOkC5oABc_NtaCd-oUN6UwRRXlv-VVlBa-tA690fYRxhvyBDJqA2MVR7W73sI7Td9xzTepOW7ufc68UKREgx56H94/s320/NFL20--JAN.+17--P8++CLEVE-KC.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>Yes folks, it's the time of the year again that my crystal ball - or just CB2, for short - comes out with its forecast of the NFL season - which usually has me doing double takes, or slapping my hand up against my forehead, or shaking my head, or rolling my eyes, or all of the above. And it's no different this year. 6 days ago - on Labor Day to be precise - I got the forecast for the 2021 season, and CB2's pick to win the Super Bowl is ..... of course, a team that has never even played in a Super Bowl, let alone won one; the team that last won the NFL championship 57 years ago; and the team that - as I mentioned earlier - until last season last won a playoff game 27 years ago. That's right, according to CB2, all of the <i>long</i> suffering done by fans of the Cleveland Browns over the past half century (and then some) - as well as all of the tears shed by TE <b>David Njoku</b> (photo on right) after the Browns' season-ending loss to the Chiefs 9 months ago - will all be forgotten next February, after the Browns raise the Vince Lombardi Trophy following their victory in Super Bowl 56 at SoFi Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers. <p></p><p>After an incredible stretch of futility in which they won a total of only 4 games in 3 years (2015-17), the Browns were at least respectable the next two seasons before finally breaking through with a winning record last year. And the best is yet to come. Led by their strong RB duo and the competent - if not stellar - play of their quarterback, Baker Mayfield, there will be Brownie points galore this season; and with defense being much improved, the Browns are poised to have their best season in decades. Playing in the rugged AFC North, the Browns won't finish with a good enough record to enjoy the comforts of home come playoff time. But after their performance on the road in last season's playoffs, they certainly now know what it takes to get the job done and won't at all be afraid or intimidated when they hit the road twice in January. </p><p>After upsetting the top-seeded Tennessee Titans in the 2nd round and defeating the Chiefs in the 4th consecutive AFC Championship Game to be played in Kansas City, the Browns will then beat the Green Bay Packers in SB 56. CB2 thinks what likely will be QB Aaron Rodgers' final season in a Packers uniform will be his finest hour, as he leads them to a sweet-revenge road victory over the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship Game. But despite his heroics, the Browns will prevail in the Super Bowl. </p><p>At first I thought CB2 was out of its mind picking the Browns; but then later last week I found out that at least a couple of so-called experts are picking them too. So, go ahead and laugh at CB2, or put your money on the Chiefs and Buccaneers to repeat as conference champions. But do so at your own risk, because CB2 actually has a chance to get this right. </p><p>There will be 5 teams in the playoffs this year that weren't in 2020, headed by a return to greatness by the San Francisco 49ers. Also playing postseason football will be the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings (who make the playoffs every other year), Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. Undaunted by last season's disastrous forecast of the Seattle Seahawks to finish in last place in the NFC West (they were 1st), CB2 once again is picking the Seahawks to miss the playoffs. Joining the Seahawks on the outside looking in come playoff time will be these four teams who made the playoffs last year: the Chicago Bears, Washington FT (who are ineligible for the playoffs because Ryan Fitzpatrick is on their roster), Indianapolis Colts, and ...... after a bunch of bizarre finishes to games in Week 18 all conspiring against them, the Pittsburgh Steelers. </p><p>CB2 is not convinced rookie QB Mac Jones will live up to the hype and consequently is predicting the New England Patriots to finish with a losing record for the 2nd straight season. Ditto for rookie QB Zach Wilson with the New York Jets. CB2 expects the Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Detroit Lions to battle it out for the worst record in the league. </p><p>With the league expanding to a 17-game schedule this season, CB2 now has 272 games to predict instead of the usual 256. In its 2020 forecast CB2, with all games picked before the start of the season, correctly picked the winner in 144 of the games, a win percentage of .562. That was exactly one more win than the 143 it got right in 2019. </p><p>And now that I have finally gotten a new computer - and printer - I finally can join the 21st century. In the images below you'll be able to view a scan of all 272 of CB2's regular season picks.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dwV1QSBdIaY5-EvTV5GXMM2WIK49WwGHf6NzHJBHvKXymwEcbdorYiFxwRq_1iUDLVpmwvicZ1udQsyIIyVpwx_dhKb74TAkZHmqQLT0psB_QcCsm4O-AoNZuIeEGx01IgjgODMhRgs/s1024/NFL21--PRED1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="790" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dwV1QSBdIaY5-EvTV5GXMM2WIK49WwGHf6NzHJBHvKXymwEcbdorYiFxwRq_1iUDLVpmwvicZ1udQsyIIyVpwx_dhKb74TAkZHmqQLT0psB_QcCsm4O-AoNZuIeEGx01IgjgODMhRgs/s320/NFL21--PRED1.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xgfw9wjxw3AXFvMdo0vx1iT4-8PrkM3ec76upNAe8QbRs3rzuH5nTngokF1KO4fp4vea6TxTtZe3oDlvXDdQ_hPUvJYU5Uvg5tKDX97spW176wdOtOuKJc4E-iTNAQqxCEv1ZkthUpo/s1024/NFL21--PRED2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="790" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xgfw9wjxw3AXFvMdo0vx1iT4-8PrkM3ec76upNAe8QbRs3rzuH5nTngokF1KO4fp4vea6TxTtZe3oDlvXDdQ_hPUvJYU5Uvg5tKDX97spW176wdOtOuKJc4E-iTNAQqxCEv1ZkthUpo/s320/NFL21--PRED2.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />After tallying all of those W's and L's, here is how CB2 sees things playing out this season - along with its predictions for the playoffs and its usual not-likely-to-happen madness of Week 18, with CB2's exact words in <i>italics</i> (as usual). <p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>AFC EAST </b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>BUF 13-4</li><li>MIA 10-7</li><li>NE 7-10</li><li>NYJ 2-15</li></ol>CB2: <i>With playoff hopes seemingly dead after Patriots kick FG to take 32-30 lead with 5 seconds left in Week 18 thriller, Dolphins defeat Patriots on miraculous, last-play-of-the-game, multi-lateral TD for second time in last 4 years, 36-32, with rookie <b>Jaylen Waddle</b> covering last 17 yards of the 75-yard play, to clinch first playoff berth in 5 years. </i><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqs6ArfkC2y58NWkMPccGo9QkC8__F9nCN9gZbg8GOHiNod3C6vEFpObmq7ToPtO4_8ayCxayl3YfYGWic2auyG7vSaW6MBbnJWzqohWXXcWK8ioZOPxa5avz-tlWD_thjUuu1IQefzAU/s720/NFL21--JULY+28--P1++BUFF+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqs6ArfkC2y58NWkMPccGo9QkC8__F9nCN9gZbg8GOHiNod3C6vEFpObmq7ToPtO4_8ayCxayl3YfYGWic2auyG7vSaW6MBbnJWzqohWXXcWK8ioZOPxa5avz-tlWD_thjUuu1IQefzAU/s320/NFL21--JULY+28--P1++BUFF+TC.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdibIRTkSN_07v2wpnxSFdmQash0TAqVSrV75-K6tgfPqHmP8F1W3L9SlQGP9dTP3MAxKiU0dbVhxCA5cwpy5_0m6ifsDtvoRk3-xAiOOkzTBvUT6G7K4UQ-bTc7BcODBPgfKtjP4m8E/s2048/NFL21--AUG.+17--P1++MIA+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdibIRTkSN_07v2wpnxSFdmQash0TAqVSrV75-K6tgfPqHmP8F1W3L9SlQGP9dTP3MAxKiU0dbVhxCA5cwpy5_0m6ifsDtvoRk3-xAiOOkzTBvUT6G7K4UQ-bTc7BcODBPgfKtjP4m8E/s320/NFL21--AUG.+17--P1++MIA+TC.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div>CB2 thinks that <b>Zack Moss</b> (left photo) will become the Bills' first player with dreads to ever hit double figures in TD scored in a single season (<b>Sammy Watkins</b> in 2015 and <b>Marshawn Lynch</b> in 2008 both had 9), leading all AFC East players with dreads with 10 TD. And since Myles Garrett of the Browns can't be trusted to keep his hair in dreads all season, CB2 likes <b>Jerome Baker</b> of the Dolphins (right photo), who has made to switch from braids to dreads, to tie for the lead for the most sacks by any player with dreads with 13. <div>.<p><b>AFC NORTH </b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>CLEV 11-6</li><li>BAL 10-7</li><li>PIT 10-7</li><li>CIN 2-15</li></ol><p>TIEBREAKER: Ravens clinch 2nd place due to better record than Steelers in games against division opponents (BAL 4-2, PIT 3-3)</p>CB2:<b> <i>Kareem Hunt</i></b><i> rushes for career high 175 yards and 2 TD as Browns rout Bengals 40-7 in Week 18 to clinch division title ..... And in Week 18 heartstopper at Baltimore <b>Najee Harris</b> scores on 22-yard catch and run on final play of 4th quarter then runs in 2-point conversion to pull Steelers into 28-28 tie with Ravens. But with Steelers leading 31-28, <b>Marquise Brown</b> scores 5-yard TD reception, after pass deflects off hands off <b>Terrell Edmunds</b>, with :00 remaining in overtime to lift Ravens to 34-31 victory and into playoffs. </i><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVboXSCrKwrkpNOnsdi3wO9Ip9ctZ2chePYySfowO29WBufu2gsUU0P-sliC9IGX1VmUwWCDRY73nxhXfBTAoKp1wO2sCAXT7jJqnlwhVRymZlDoSWLSJDkbcHlWaF5_87pLb3kwfi-Y/s2048/NFL21--AUG.+29--P2++CLEVE-ATL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="2048" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVboXSCrKwrkpNOnsdi3wO9Ip9ctZ2chePYySfowO29WBufu2gsUU0P-sliC9IGX1VmUwWCDRY73nxhXfBTAoKp1wO2sCAXT7jJqnlwhVRymZlDoSWLSJDkbcHlWaF5_87pLb3kwfi-Y/s320/NFL21--AUG.+29--P2++CLEVE-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 predicts that the 2 TD that <b>Kareem Hunt</b> (photo above) scores in Week 18 will give him a career high-tying 14 TD for the season and that Hunt will add 7 more TD in the playoffs in the Browns' run to the championship; and CB2 predicts that sometime during the season <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> (first photo below), in his first season on the team, will score his 5th career TD ..... CB2 also suggests that you put your money on <b>Najee Harris</b> (second photo below), instead of on a QB, to win offensive rookie of the year. CB2 sees Harris scoring 13 TD to help the Steelers repeat as the AFC team with the most TD scored by players with dreads with 26 (they had 23 last season). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayPmamc_-sY_SC_GcCynBMytHQ5z4uowmJ8NCq2lag-BOXm2tIDHM2JANW_yhhZECb8hcKc9yJCoeSTEYCfon0hIFu3exDZorEbDzXzWF6op3XnU_uHyWP2Urlr8JjbJj6ZPHgdMpcvw/s2048/NFL21--JUNE+17--P1++CLEVE+MC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayPmamc_-sY_SC_GcCynBMytHQ5z4uowmJ8NCq2lag-BOXm2tIDHM2JANW_yhhZECb8hcKc9yJCoeSTEYCfon0hIFu3exDZorEbDzXzWF6op3XnU_uHyWP2Urlr8JjbJj6ZPHgdMpcvw/s320/NFL21--JUNE+17--P1++CLEVE+MC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbJPDOb3AU8YVVjTRZTp1SoZxu-wGJJHGb_Nav9-egHsQcgzdYziSYakA9g8r9za1_s1fDSkWQKgIyadmpPkpSLEekXef7A_NJxZLJuDCHFDnPxmKPQa28NB_-YfmureERTpk0lOS5l0/s1200/NFL21--AUG.+21--P4++DET-PITT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMbJPDOb3AU8YVVjTRZTp1SoZxu-wGJJHGb_Nav9-egHsQcgzdYziSYakA9g8r9za1_s1fDSkWQKgIyadmpPkpSLEekXef7A_NJxZLJuDCHFDnPxmKPQa28NB_-YfmureERTpk0lOS5l0/s320/NFL21--AUG.+21--P4++DET-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.<br /><p><b>AFC SOUTH</b></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>TENN 14-3</li><li>IND 7-10</li><li>JAC 7-10</li><li>HOU 2-15</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Colts clinch 2nd place due to better record than Jaguars in games against division opponents (IND 4-2, JAC 3-3)<p></p><p>CB2: <i>With QB Ryan Tannehill injured during 1st half, Titans struggle in Week 18 at Houston; but after <b>Derrick Henry</b> scores his 2nd TD of game with 1:22 remaining to break 26-26 tie, <b>Jackrabbit Jenkins</b> adds 20-yard pick six on next play from scrimmage as Titans fend off Texans' upset bid with 40-26 victory that clinches #1 seed for Titans in AFC playoffs.</i></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vsTPMCMn6sOcIF6MzpH95ZBcfFF-JhRrnRYFY2GDnIPZP6TCSSnMA3dqz9lu5JjsI5_K3zv0toGAuiduOtFfkmQW-wjZjZdwfnmzM4hPT_yKjSlZVbUobZMWJHNdOP9LbGZH_EqLX6w/s998/NFL21--JULY+31--P2++TENN+TC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="648" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vsTPMCMn6sOcIF6MzpH95ZBcfFF-JhRrnRYFY2GDnIPZP6TCSSnMA3dqz9lu5JjsI5_K3zv0toGAuiduOtFfkmQW-wjZjZdwfnmzM4hPT_yKjSlZVbUobZMWJHNdOP9LbGZH_EqLX6w/s320/NFL21--JULY+31--P2++TENN+TC.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JPIl_c0u2020-XJoTdHErc3H4DK6b4tlGnhN3l1wFZdFVj9OXK6C2GkK6Rp13EUGFy-LAJQtaW3Z1U5HOKNJC6C9dyOPtXItnM5dwKheOB88tryQnw_etHBz1DAT5UGe9BZaIOPb1a0/s1280/NFL21--AUG.+21--P6++TENN-TB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JPIl_c0u2020-XJoTdHErc3H4DK6b4tlGnhN3l1wFZdFVj9OXK6C2GkK6Rp13EUGFy-LAJQtaW3Z1U5HOKNJC6C9dyOPtXItnM5dwKheOB88tryQnw_etHBz1DAT5UGe9BZaIOPb1a0/s320/NFL21--AUG.+21--P6++TENN-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 is certain that <b>Derrick Henry</b> (photo above, shaking hands with former college teammate<b> O.J. Howard</b> after Aug. 21 game vs. Buccaneers in preseason Week 2) will lead the league in rushing for the 3rd year in a row, although he will rush for "only" 1,776 yards in 2021 after his career high 2,027 last season. CB2 also is predicting <b>Jackrabbit</b> (don't call me Janoris anymore) <b>Jenkins</b> (photo on right), who will turn 33 years old during the season, will enjoy a fine first season with the Titans, finishing the year with 4 interceptions, two of which he will return to the house, the 9th and 10th pick sixes of his career.<div>.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>AFC WEST</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>KC 14-3</li><li>DEN 11-6</li><li>LAC 6-11</li><li>LV 3-14</li></ol>Yo, CB2, aren't you selling the Chargers a little short?</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: <i>It's tough to play 17 road games</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Huh?</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: <i>Chargers fans outnumbered by opposing team's fans in every game at SoFi</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh.</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: <i>Week 18 victories by Dolphins and Ravens put Broncos' playoff hopes in jeopardy. But moments after Ravens' overtime victory over Steelers, <b>Jerry Jeudy</b> catches 50-yard TD pass on Hail Mary from <b>Teddy Bridgewater</b> on 4th and 5 with 10 seconds remaining in overtime to give Broncos 37-34 upset of Chiefs, lifting Broncos into playoffs, knocking Steelers out of playoff contention, and costing Chiefs #1 seed for AFC playoffs. </i></div><div><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8Aq-4vBv3m6fS1Ew4Gk8DLpz8Jw5YvgjuoyLSEokkX539rLtVa4p_ND3GWIgIzzKxhFS5f4f50daTBduLKdYTT3eRPjOAvtVdAtfvHZFcG9vgYACMZ8EhUNI3HgGXyv1dAamVSN7kTk/s720/NFL21--AUG.+21--P7++DEN-SEA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8Aq-4vBv3m6fS1Ew4Gk8DLpz8Jw5YvgjuoyLSEokkX539rLtVa4p_ND3GWIgIzzKxhFS5f4f50daTBduLKdYTT3eRPjOAvtVdAtfvHZFcG9vgYACMZ8EhUNI3HgGXyv1dAamVSN7kTk/s320/NFL21--AUG.+21--P7++DEN-SEA.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzrY_jN4Y4WGdzf9XiFslCxaJXwBw93wdBQ_QkXgAc7XEH1ra1G_1f8pDzkKz74NZKZbHz3V6cejaE-KUAZYra5JuCb2JIB5tF0Pq2UInbFAYcANRwuxKJOCIJjzhOnICbDwtYEGSbNI/s2048/NFL21--AUG.+20--P1++KC-ARIZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzrY_jN4Y4WGdzf9XiFslCxaJXwBw93wdBQ_QkXgAc7XEH1ra1G_1f8pDzkKz74NZKZbHz3V6cejaE-KUAZYra5JuCb2JIB5tF0Pq2UInbFAYcANRwuxKJOCIJjzhOnICbDwtYEGSbNI/s320/NFL21--AUG.+20--P1++KC-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>According to CB2, the miracle TD by <b>Jerry Jeudy</b> (photo on left) that clinches the Broncos' first playoff berth in 6 years will be his 10th TD catch of the season, the most by any AFC player with dreads. And also according to CB2, there will be an upset in the race for defensive rookie of the year, with Chiefs' 2nd round pick <b>Nick Bolton</b> (photo above) winning the award.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>AFC TIEBREAKERS</div><div><br /></div><div>Titans clinch #1 seed over Chiefs due to head-to-head victory (Week 7) </div><div>Dolphins clinch #6 seed over Ravens due to head-to-head victory (Week 10)</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NFC EAST</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>NYG 11-6</li><li>DAL 10-7</li><li>WASH 7-10</li><li>PHIL 5-12</li></ol>CB2: <i>After <b>Chase Young</b> scores on 90-yard INT return for his 2nd TD of game to stun crowd and give WFT 26-20 lead with 1:55 to play in Week 18 at MetLife, missed extra point keeps score at 26-20. Then on 4th and goal on ensuing drive, rookie <b>Gary Brightwell</b> scores his 1st career TD on 1-yard plunge with :17 on clock, and made extra point gives Giants division-clinching 27-26 win. Cowboys then fritter away wild card berth in snowstorm at Philly, as <b>CeeDee Lamb</b>, bidding for his 3rd TD of game, is stripped of ball by <b>Avonte Maddox</b> at 1-yard line while attempting to reach it over goal line and Eagles recover in end zone with :29 on clock to wrap up 23-19 upset.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bpwmw-H_mXayA1tDQNuH0j8a83rK7N_dgOu5nv268-pjM9TXpjrSvdMBlKQNnPrvX5fD3mlDcs3PwfOvBIy3kW8-zKiA_mPigvmAkOC5LyvGXcyVdq-ONLU7EAED9ryn8J928ag9WpA/s1280/NFL21--P1A++X.McKINNEY+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bpwmw-H_mXayA1tDQNuH0j8a83rK7N_dgOu5nv268-pjM9TXpjrSvdMBlKQNnPrvX5fD3mlDcs3PwfOvBIy3kW8-zKiA_mPigvmAkOC5LyvGXcyVdq-ONLU7EAED9ryn8J928ag9WpA/s320/NFL21--P1A++X.McKINNEY+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqejPQavZjVegLnVrtvhzdBO7-2tXsMVct-rHdPxgKZxXTtCnxoEHWbcZZwfSQA3yUmaIkwAsEn8vd91snFasmMDLPD5cy8XROwT2QbScmuIJ-Me8-Dl8DXlcts3AHLRFyloE_zqvmEGU/s800/NFL21--AUG.+13--P1++DALL-ARIZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqejPQavZjVegLnVrtvhzdBO7-2tXsMVct-rHdPxgKZxXTtCnxoEHWbcZZwfSQA3yUmaIkwAsEn8vd91snFasmMDLPD5cy8XROwT2QbScmuIJ-Me8-Dl8DXlcts3AHLRFyloE_zqvmEGU/s320/NFL21--AUG.+13--P1++DALL-ARIZ.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>CB2 thinks <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> (right photo above) will get no consolation from repeating as the leader in TD scored by any NFC East player with dreads. CB2 expects Lamb, who had 5 TD catches and 7 total TD during his 2020 rookie season, will finish with 8 TD receptions this season, but it will be his costly fumble that will cost the Cowboys a spot in the playoffs. CB2 also likes<b> Xavier McKinney</b> (left photo above) as the player with dreads with the most interceptions in the league, picking off 6 passes to help lead the Giants into the playoffs for the first time in 5 years.<div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NFC NORTH</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>GB 15-2</li><li>MINN 11-6</li><li>CHI 6-11</li><li>DET 3-14</li></ol>CB2: <i>With Vikings playoff hopes in jeopardy at home as Bears try for Week 18 upset,<b> Dalvin Cook</b> comes to the rescue, scoring 3 TD in 4th quarter, including game-winner with :33 to play as Vikings rally for 33-28 victory that clinches wild card berth.</i></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx0ktofk7js3YqHf7gfsM9JsY_4_S3QYdRFXVbjP8MPJBGEz9QUZz7x4O5j8Gn7F6s4UcFubGfJGwWYzVb_GJ0E8jsIXLuyFKE7h5fGombAw7IiTS906_qS_W_tJ7HhyYk05COG9kb7c/s613/NFL21--JUNE+9--P1++MINN+OTA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx0ktofk7js3YqHf7gfsM9JsY_4_S3QYdRFXVbjP8MPJBGEz9QUZz7x4O5j8Gn7F6s4UcFubGfJGwWYzVb_GJ0E8jsIXLuyFKE7h5fGombAw7IiTS906_qS_W_tJ7HhyYk05COG9kb7c/s320/NFL21--JUNE+9--P1++MINN+OTA.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq42JWQ2pA-IwPFD1iKuL7YVDscFalQsEAI26K_hLyMZPY5Z0GaS3xWD79E5DzjIakeEJNBoc8wXbmAE411gn6HdPk1SPi1atwA1fzS3iN3BXPQXa6eg-jrMi8gPrBpaDSBgEvOMZQTU/s720/NFL21--AUG.+18--P4++NYJ-GB+PRAC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="492" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRq42JWQ2pA-IwPFD1iKuL7YVDscFalQsEAI26K_hLyMZPY5Z0GaS3xWD79E5DzjIakeEJNBoc8wXbmAE411gn6HdPk1SPi1atwA1fzS3iN3BXPQXa6eg-jrMi8gPrBpaDSBgEvOMZQTU/s320/NFL21--AUG.+18--P4++NYJ-GB+PRAC.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div><br /></div>CB is positive <b>Dalvin Cook</b> (left photo above) will lead the NFL in TD scored this season, with the 3 he scores during the final quarter in Week 18 giving him a total of 22. CB2 also is sure that <b>Davante Adams</b> (right photo above) will have the most TD catches by any player with dreads for the 2nd year in a row, with his 15 (down from 18 last year) helping the Packers get to the Super Bowl for the first time in 11 years. CB2 has Cook's final TD of the season as the Vikings' 30th by a player with dreads, giving them the team crown for the most TD by players with dreads and denying the Packers, who will finish with 29, a 3rd straight crown. <br /><i>.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b>NFC SOUTH</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>TB 16-1 </li><li>NO 10-7</li><li>ATL 5-12</li><li>CAR 5-12</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Falcons clinch 3rd place due to better record than Panthers in games against conference opponents (ATL 4-8, CAR 3-9)</div><div><br /></div><div>CB2: <i><b>Alvin Kamara</b> scores winning TD on 15-yard screen pass with :41 on clock in Week 8 as Saints end Buccaneers' bid for perfect record with 27-23 home win. Then in Week 18 at Atlanta, after Saints blow 27-7 lead in final 4 minutes of game, <b>Marquez Callaway</b> makes 27-yard reception on 4th and 14 and gets out of bounds at ATL 40-yard line with :01 on clock. Saints kick 58-yard FG on next play for nail-biting 30-28 win. Loss by Cowboys later in day clinches final NFC playoff spot for Saints. </i></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9kiiOCxWL7lOdwfX7LFs4nLWWxyZB75cQ31qsuc7N88xFCHX4oqJASzXD3KZcWL6sbo-v40P1kZdk8HbvDa0UFTy9PBiYQi-zM5A2gO1hfcKpnVc77Eew94DG4g_9vBy9U8elaK8SD8/s990/NFL21--AUG.+23--P3++JACK-NO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="990" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9kiiOCxWL7lOdwfX7LFs4nLWWxyZB75cQ31qsuc7N88xFCHX4oqJASzXD3KZcWL6sbo-v40P1kZdk8HbvDa0UFTy9PBiYQi-zM5A2gO1hfcKpnVc77Eew94DG4g_9vBy9U8elaK8SD8/s320/NFL21--AUG.+23--P3++JACK-NO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 is predicting that a player with dreads will lead the Saints in TD for the 2nd straight year but that that player will not be <b>Alvin Kamara</b>. Instead <b>Marquez Callaway</b> (photo above) will finish with 11 TD, leading the Saints as well as all NFC South players with dreads, one more than Kamara's 10.<br /><div>CB2 also is confident that <b>Jason Pierre-Paul</b> (photo below), who will turn 33 near the end of the season, will finish tied for the most sacks by any player with dreads in the league with 13, his most since the 16.5 he had in 2011.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPd0Vf9cxfpkPwOoO2ov5BXHKDjH7Wzbkt2dNksTkJ9TeGWZXmQwKsexTD-jsQ5MT0wH1ojl9jZ_jxD75cjNj66e-oAWinL6K2xA9KYjY5yQzTcq08-8Xgxf7YGXC13JrEPP_eVDpbRg/s925/NFL21--AUG.+28--P1++TB-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="925" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPd0Vf9cxfpkPwOoO2ov5BXHKDjH7Wzbkt2dNksTkJ9TeGWZXmQwKsexTD-jsQ5MT0wH1ojl9jZ_jxD75cjNj66e-oAWinL6K2xA9KYjY5yQzTcq08-8Xgxf7YGXC13JrEPP_eVDpbRg/s320/NFL21--AUG.+28--P1++TB-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>NFC WEST</b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>SF 13-4</li><li>LAR 12-5</li><li>SEA 9-8</li><li>ARIZ 5-12</li></ol>CB2: <i>In winner-take-all showdown for division crown in Week 18 at SoFi, 49ers rally from 31-17 deficit against Rams in 4th quarter, as <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> scores 11-yard TD reception with 5:22 to play and <b>Jason</b> <b>Verrett</b> takes INT return 44 yards to the house on next play from scrimmage to tie game. Then after 49ers kick FG to take lead in OT, <b>Darrell Henderson</b>'s would-be game-winning 27-yard TD run is nullified by holding penalty; and two plays later Rams miss FG attempt, giving 49ers 34-31 victory that clinches division title.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgMEaAHqiXv9lL1OhvNhCxCL7HjsdX3XJphpIapVT165ijwyv7p6rfJndKbVCRAP5l6ZXF7ArvEZmkKXiSVf2EQmRLO9dnWjqwxp-IcXM9bTRWnwx8oVRgmHYSmL4WxnDINVM84cZpLI/s2048/NFL21--AUG.+14--P3++KC-SF.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="2048" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgMEaAHqiXv9lL1OhvNhCxCL7HjsdX3XJphpIapVT165ijwyv7p6rfJndKbVCRAP5l6ZXF7ArvEZmkKXiSVf2EQmRLO9dnWjqwxp-IcXM9bTRWnwx8oVRgmHYSmL4WxnDINVM84cZpLI/s320/NFL21--AUG.+14--P3++KC-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yNP1xbC1uIwQkfHsib5Zot6dbhRkzB2VXrQZf9MDHWALLsfC1uZ5VeSqgpU0NF_GSHnINqaWuYIwVMiW-t85wc3IGbXTjZ9YjBCLbXQt5huWZqIIq2S7nTJHZvjVYICYdxw4kHDrkOc/s2048/NFL21--JULY+31--P1++SF+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1yNP1xbC1uIwQkfHsib5Zot6dbhRkzB2VXrQZf9MDHWALLsfC1uZ5VeSqgpU0NF_GSHnINqaWuYIwVMiW-t85wc3IGbXTjZ9YjBCLbXQt5huWZqIIq2S7nTJHZvjVYICYdxw4kHDrkOc/s320/NFL21--JULY+31--P1++SF+TC.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>CB2 has the 49ers returning to the top in the NFC West after last year's disappointing 6-10 record, predicting that <b>Jason Verrett</b> (left photo above), back in the #2 jersey he wore in college, will tie his career high with 5 INT, including the 2nd pick 6 of his career, and that <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> (right photo above) will improve on his impressive rookie season, finishing with over 1,000 yards receiving and scoring 10 total TD. But CB2 thinks <b>Darrell Henderson</b>'s 13 TD for the Rams will be the most by any NFC West player with dreads.<div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>NFC TIEBRTEAKER</div><div><br /></div><div>Saints clinch #7 seed over Cowboys due to head-to-head victory (Week 13)</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>PLAYOFFS</div><div><br /></div><div>ROUND 1</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>KC over BAL</li><li>BUF over MIA</li><li>CLEV over DEN</li><li>GB over NO</li><li>SF over MINN</li><li>LAR over NYG</li></ul>ROUND 2</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>CLEV over TENN</li><li>KC over BUF</li><li>TB over LAR</li><li>GB over SF</li></ul>CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>CLEV over KC</li><li>GB over TB</li></ul>SUPER BOWL 56</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Browns 38 Packers 27 (MVP: <b>Kareem Hunt</b>)</li></ul><br />.</div><div><br /></div><div>CHANGES FOR 2021</div><div><br /></div><div>As always there are dozens of changes from the previous season involving the NFL's population of players with dreads; and - as has been the case in recent seasons - the majority of those changes have to do with players just getting their dreads started, leaving me to determine, or should I say, guess, which players have real dreads, which players are starting their dreads with braids, and which players just have plain braids. The numbers of players with dreads has swelled in the last couple of years, and so has the number of players with braids. This being the House of <i>Dread</i>, we only welcome those with dreads. But with many players now beginning their dreads with braided locks, for some of them it's not an easy decision to know to welcome them as a new member or not. My default position usually is to welcome anyone who doesn't obviously have braids; but this season there are at least two dozen players I'm not sure about - some of them I just haven't gotten a close enough look yet and others keep switching back and forth between having dreads and normal hair - and I'm keeping them on a wait-and-see list before I welcome them. But before we get to the players starting their dreads, we'll start with those I had to kick out of the house .....</div><div><br /></div><div>The following lists reflect the status of players at the start of the 2021 season.</div><div><br /></div><div>EX-DREAD</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm splitting the list in two this year. The first group includes players who had dreads at the start of the 2020 season but cut them off during the season. The second group are those who had dreads when last season ended then cut them off during the offseason.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jayon Brown (TENN)</li><li>Lil'Jordan Humphrey (NO)</li><li>Germain Ifedi (CHI)</li><li>Jordan Miller (NO) (played for ATL last year)</li><li>Demarcus Robinson (KC) (photos below)</li><li>Laquon Treadwell (JAC) (played for ATL last year)</li><li>Charvarius Ward (KC)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj94tPQqX9q-a6m5jwzxY0_fb9YU9KOxQXHu-76hbv6kNSVOpZZq2KkZ3z_Ylj2nIwYsNTyu8DCwKPmLQKnoMbSBb4na3NbDMp11USHizRBaHF7BKWXI8KBQquV1pSOG0HKENivnO-b-8XfBQZw28xmiBtqn0jkD5MsbQnsidWn8MLu8j14LFgbrob9=s1377" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1377" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj94tPQqX9q-a6m5jwzxY0_fb9YU9KOxQXHu-76hbv6kNSVOpZZq2KkZ3z_Ylj2nIwYsNTyu8DCwKPmLQKnoMbSBb4na3NbDMp11USHizRBaHF7BKWXI8KBQquV1pSOG0HKENivnO-b-8XfBQZw28xmiBtqn0jkD5MsbQnsidWn8MLu8j14LFgbrob9=s320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzE3hE2HzC1sEL976iMbyrlSa3aY7nTWSmuEtaywFAJmts9S5WZcYAAmKso0xVLyTgCFGPWMQhg14bjeaduMeFOrUR3_cXixgjJ98eTEEyyFsR6wIdu8C83WNJPK1KTDOuyje_VS390uv0vDIR7Q-WQqnZJRxitlc5t9g1knp1Qr_I16C5OdsKhbQi=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1507" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzE3hE2HzC1sEL976iMbyrlSa3aY7nTWSmuEtaywFAJmts9S5WZcYAAmKso0xVLyTgCFGPWMQhg14bjeaduMeFOrUR3_cXixgjJ98eTEEyyFsR6wIdu8C83WNJPK1KTDOuyje_VS390uv0vDIR7Q-WQqnZJRxitlc5t9g1knp1Qr_I16C5OdsKhbQi=s320" width="235" /></a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Demarcus Robinson</b>, being guarded by <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> (left photo) during Week 4 of 2020, and Demarcus Robinson (right photo) celebrating after the Chiefs' playoff victory over the Browns in Week 19.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Yodny Cajuste (NE) (was on IR last year) </li><li>Tyeler Davison (ATL) ..... <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRkaVFNMF26/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/p/CRkaVFNMF26/</a></li><li>Travis Etienne (JAC) (rookie) (IR)</li><li>Deshazor Everett (WASH) (left photo below)</li></ul></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdZClRDVNc9ban8akDUw6vWOswbIGtz6UDjwtziQouX5Cnenf8VX3Ts-AxX7HNbyB3Rdo0971EMulPiNvlIvZ1gHOjT8D5FwrYlaZkGwywAcXtrb7EDj-2nFLXYsXBs17AhBYN6ajDgNgqCvOSmgioMDhj_3i0BrWD7McrxBoYdMkJ82MG59-JR2Ld=s683" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="424" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdZClRDVNc9ban8akDUw6vWOswbIGtz6UDjwtziQouX5Cnenf8VX3Ts-AxX7HNbyB3Rdo0971EMulPiNvlIvZ1gHOjT8D5FwrYlaZkGwywAcXtrb7EDj-2nFLXYsXBs17AhBYN6ajDgNgqCvOSmgioMDhj_3i0BrWD7McrxBoYdMkJ82MG59-JR2Ld=s320" width="199" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpkOFYg2JRpA041aB8w3XD9V1sBHPa-wjbW-rosjelw0KTswkTBA1VmrIvuAIdzMswxjbDFsSk8lSHhBsVkyrLaLmzdnhSNL3xBzsnF7wTAgRdS-Sg9Y1dqduV5vv7i7yCWiYlZzUyCBBZlUbnxa9a9pgeqSuyfBHJZzx5Z__R83HMMHsiqfO4iWCE=s720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpkOFYg2JRpA041aB8w3XD9V1sBHPa-wjbW-rosjelw0KTswkTBA1VmrIvuAIdzMswxjbDFsSk8lSHhBsVkyrLaLmzdnhSNL3xBzsnF7wTAgRdS-Sg9Y1dqduV5vv7i7yCWiYlZzUyCBBZlUbnxa9a9pgeqSuyfBHJZzx5Z__R83HMMHsiqfO4iWCE=s320" width="232" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul></ul></div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Leonard Floyd (LAR) (right photo above)</li><li>Richie Grant (ATL) (rookie)</li><li>C.J. Henderson (JAC)</li><li>Jalen Hurd (SF) (IR)</li><li>Adrian Killins (DEN) (IR)</li><li>Chris Moore (HOU) (photo below, played for BAL last year)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSOqWrrfbLhgjVbt-MdihICHhTNz36IjMnNqjdquCGxaPS2dsLgnC6zinuJ3zPNnaCnFhhFhzIgUI9G2FQ-Tn8JcdqM63LYWLKwgy4DARp5Vax9mGm8I4M3y5a--SLihRaYnGkHauKcGqetJeFs1lTqdYk7RqhgccT3FrwpZqFk9HCx7JVEIqVHA0-=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSOqWrrfbLhgjVbt-MdihICHhTNz36IjMnNqjdquCGxaPS2dsLgnC6zinuJ3zPNnaCnFhhFhzIgUI9G2FQ-Tn8JcdqM63LYWLKwgy4DARp5Vax9mGm8I4M3y5a--SLihRaYnGkHauKcGqetJeFs1lTqdYk7RqhgccT3FrwpZqFk9HCx7JVEIqVHA0-=s320" width="213" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Jordan Phillips (ARIZ)</li><li>Jason Pinnock (NYJ) (rookie)</li><li>Jarran Reed (KC) (played for SEA last year)</li><li>Malcolm Roach (NO)</li><li>Dawuane Smoot (JAC) (photo on left below)</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgAG8DaOeXHwsIDsTlSkzfEPuVpmIk14UgGxGY1LEgGkzPn7e8XMcyEGRmYP-7UFeRYcC9zyE4OPGEyvskrWcu6jKEkwYP9v2wMnpbqCVf8sj085Q5JqPaSKDaGaMXBnsnZqud7GmMOLoFsQxyhNI4wKQiv__8DtVSLrCvT6IU903uCyyMG0_Epcdr=s495" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="335" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgAG8DaOeXHwsIDsTlSkzfEPuVpmIk14UgGxGY1LEgGkzPn7e8XMcyEGRmYP-7UFeRYcC9zyE4OPGEyvskrWcu6jKEkwYP9v2wMnpbqCVf8sj085Q5JqPaSKDaGaMXBnsnZqud7GmMOLoFsQxyhNI4wKQiv__8DtVSLrCvT6IU903uCyyMG0_Epcdr=s320" width="217" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5stn1NupdX79y3jfFydifq0n0FA0-UnAEGCH6Lxl8R-nM5pcc8U3KzdB1PDXD00lPmFMDqh5DEy8dIzhxod3_Xa3YA-UiK2pYtaOAz9XoOIov-sDXO-xqv3PYJ-GfMiNbLgXfRQXZf7DkARE6yOmrHN0LrTW90mQw_GY0RXne5oMw1OcMJO3lX-xe=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1649" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5stn1NupdX79y3jfFydifq0n0FA0-UnAEGCH6Lxl8R-nM5pcc8U3KzdB1PDXD00lPmFMDqh5DEy8dIzhxod3_Xa3YA-UiK2pYtaOAz9XoOIov-sDXO-xqv3PYJ-GfMiNbLgXfRQXZf7DkARE6yOmrHN0LrTW90mQw_GY0RXne5oMw1OcMJO3lX-xe=s320" width="258" /></a></div><br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Shaun Wade (NE) (rookie)</li><li>Mike Williams (LAC) (right photo above)</li></ul>Isaiah Wright (WASH last year) and Xavier Williams (CIN last year) also cut off their dreads. They are not on any team's roster at the start of the 2021 season.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV7frgxE9pco-06A_yMdSskp7Q5E26i-WVaZcdXRq_izEDK2H4m0pS3ayPbAHgBA-AU4FdAhcdU-XCfjKQa1pwSgfJNAo1E3VTsC-5Rzs6hqof6nCn5nyJz-f6UCF8gqd5NsLpPmx4f-qz_pWmYlcRDwp_J3wLMTT1PEuyVZcyLdbr6yXRwuJPggkV=s1057" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1057" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV7frgxE9pco-06A_yMdSskp7Q5E26i-WVaZcdXRq_izEDK2H4m0pS3ayPbAHgBA-AU4FdAhcdU-XCfjKQa1pwSgfJNAo1E3VTsC-5Rzs6hqof6nCn5nyJz-f6UCF8gqd5NsLpPmx4f-qz_pWmYlcRDwp_J3wLMTT1PEuyVZcyLdbr6yXRwuJPggkV=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Not included on the ex-dread list is Broncos RB<b> Melvin Gordon</b>, and that is because, as you can see, he does still have dreads. Sadly they are now way, way shorter than they were last year, but they are still dreads.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>NEW DREADS</div><div><br /></div><div>Again there are two groups - the first the list of players who had dreads at the beginning of the 2020 season that I somehow missed while doing last year's preview; and then after that a much longer list of players who started their dreads either during last season or during the offseason.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Ken Crawley</b> (NO) (IR) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Woodrow Hamilton</b> (TENN) (PS)</li><li><b>O.J. Howard</b> (TB) (right photo below)</li><li><b>Dontae Johnson</b> (SF)</li><li><b>Tyron Johnson</b> (JAC)</li><li><b>Nicholas Morrow</b> (LV)</li><li><b>Qadree Ollison</b> (ATL) (PS)</li><li><b>MyCole Pruitt</b> (TENN)</li></ul></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimox0rETC2nok1m863ESQD0IYmYaJTlOUWRhEAUKllDiBNMRHa19RTXOgYXKx9kPlJz8juJK95AcTRZnCE-mivs9Dy9lR0VJMBTN3T9DCMUVGALkyWGbLZ52UOOwPrwKzTWUs05bbnPh9zNPB1qY9BrmntIGj3rfuA4fmpaSxE3uBxsK9zFJZLUNBp=s1500" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="998" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEimox0rETC2nok1m863ESQD0IYmYaJTlOUWRhEAUKllDiBNMRHa19RTXOgYXKx9kPlJz8juJK95AcTRZnCE-mivs9Dy9lR0VJMBTN3T9DCMUVGALkyWGbLZ52UOOwPrwKzTWUs05bbnPh9zNPB1qY9BrmntIGj3rfuA4fmpaSxE3uBxsK9zFJZLUNBp=s320" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr1qhsp79XXrOJLG-VxiV5UErOtpWhR6nadtpgl6xun3oBd7A54i1bol7SweSkU3nr7HMW-kOw37R2DQT8vvl-T9uTJK1sTOvlFS6vjPeP55jn3W4QS_TxO0hRzjPJpQVTeLJi8AbDjqacEVTr_aB3Ug-KKRQN9AQFMlnWNymopuZLUHM0zSh5ahDW=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr1qhsp79XXrOJLG-VxiV5UErOtpWhR6nadtpgl6xun3oBd7A54i1bol7SweSkU3nr7HMW-kOw37R2DQT8vvl-T9uTJK1sTOvlFS6vjPeP55jn3W4QS_TxO0hRzjPJpQVTeLJi8AbDjqacEVTr_aB3Ug-KKRQN9AQFMlnWNymopuZLUHM0zSh5ahDW=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Saints CB <b>Ken Crawley</b> (beginning the season on IR), Buccaneers TE <b>O.J. Howard</b>, and the other 6 players listed above are playing their 2nd season with dreads. I should have had them in last year's preview. Sorry I missed you, fellas.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Now here are the players who didn't have dreads when last season began but do now.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Salvon Ahmed</b> (MIA) </li><li><b>Blessuan Austin </b>(SEA)</li><li><b>Jerome Baker</b> (MIA)</li><li><b>Eno Benjamin</b> (ARIZ)</li><li><b>Henry Black</b> (GB)</li><li><b>Teddy Bridgewater</b> (DEN) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibBZbapq7yVvniBe3hgAcRcECcFei9FWzb3Gqc6AvpGFD1zCAAjGSlvJz0S7-ZzSVtMrry6bAaEoipqP-CAHHKeCoH7kk_pRyoGJUJjYbAum5YqA_7nFgnh3zKnEHMPwxQG6HikMaGrcqKJXqTF2nT4pxHMsz7StoLMM2TDwmSc__fQ57NC6MwTGbv=s1400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibBZbapq7yVvniBe3hgAcRcECcFei9FWzb3Gqc6AvpGFD1zCAAjGSlvJz0S7-ZzSVtMrry6bAaEoipqP-CAHHKeCoH7kk_pRyoGJUJjYbAum5YqA_7nFgnh3zKnEHMPwxQG6HikMaGrcqKJXqTF2nT4pxHMsz7StoLMM2TDwmSc__fQ57NC6MwTGbv=s320" width="320" /></a></div>A handful of quarterbacks have braids, but <b>Teddy Bridgewater</b>, in his first season with the Broncos, is the only QB with dreads in the league at the start of the season. Surely (?) <b>Cam Newton</b> will join him at some point during the season. <div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Baron Browning</b> (DEN) (rookie)</li><li><b>Antonio Brown</b> (TB) (right photo below)</li><li><b>Marquise Brown</b> (BAL) (left photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_wU6lI4u786heVN9G2V3IAZ6r1IbP81R7sgNizAUXOdfw2tU-EjAVuTxOMV3_E7F3sDsipsp0dYaCzMFlrB0-UUu-tKjGBVtLh1iCdq-s-gefG1mP2GH8VbyeLgRS0ScJluLcr-rsh1789Z7rsBoA7aJECRIImb1r7nu0IX7Atr3_LQHY-MuUs4dY=s729" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="652" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_wU6lI4u786heVN9G2V3IAZ6r1IbP81R7sgNizAUXOdfw2tU-EjAVuTxOMV3_E7F3sDsipsp0dYaCzMFlrB0-UUu-tKjGBVtLh1iCdq-s-gefG1mP2GH8VbyeLgRS0ScJluLcr-rsh1789Z7rsBoA7aJECRIImb1r7nu0IX7Atr3_LQHY-MuUs4dY=s320" width="286" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAs9M6IwCt6pHO9Vwdlh_0kcYjqv16CBpta-bHnKikcSz80HHOlszHsQ6lvrQk3KYndHjBrFaxZbAt1-21DJ1v0VAKgTFQKDrkHPFL0hjsO111Q30WwNwN9e2H31A-KZYYtViTHSY7nmYWCgqsLQubm64GkIASWujqZyVYjb8iqHjAl0Ruc23INGyW=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAs9M6IwCt6pHO9Vwdlh_0kcYjqv16CBpta-bHnKikcSz80HHOlszHsQ6lvrQk3KYndHjBrFaxZbAt1-21DJ1v0VAKgTFQKDrkHPFL0hjsO111Q30WwNwN9e2H31A-KZYYtViTHSY7nmYWCgqsLQubm64GkIASWujqZyVYjb8iqHjAl0Ruc23INGyW=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Deon Bush</b> (CHI) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Jeremy Chinn</b> (CAR)</li><li><b>Keion Crossen</b> (NYG)</li><li><b>Tae Crowder</b> (NYG)</li><li><b>Michael Davis</b> (LAC)</li><li><b>Mario Edwards</b> (CHI)</li><li><b>Clyde Edwards-Helaire </b>(KC)<b> </b>(right photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz_sgOhjaba6K-QmcUcCrL5flWU2KsaNy1LM0axBRL8Gf62IaM-Te1eIdsp_c9Dkt9AzI9_WI6RvtzBTYa74qKG4_iYbpyfQuF9CI4Nq11xYVKIya9dCsUrFMu-i1BLMUISfJaEq3O1QNwJYFhoQrm-VqoKhTwSfmKM1XMUHjjbYaqqrDy23fxkzcM=s1400" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjz_sgOhjaba6K-QmcUcCrL5flWU2KsaNy1LM0axBRL8Gf62IaM-Te1eIdsp_c9Dkt9AzI9_WI6RvtzBTYa74qKG4_iYbpyfQuF9CI4Nq11xYVKIya9dCsUrFMu-i1BLMUISfJaEq3O1QNwJYFhoQrm-VqoKhTwSfmKM1XMUHjjbYaqqrDy23fxkzcM=s320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjttJCdR0TnMJdAiSENi8uuMRbCjpB2md5ZQMqGPeVpJt31bqGbTL6mnLa6wsBMoHrGMBWh3Hr8e2Tu8a0w4iWSxO1E17MhwurFoZiaqzrs2aOK6QzaS5yz2AglX1piLfCAqERPsT5NtdtDi7Dw2_w8U6A_8HRm99D_UUa8Ptq97W8ohkUo-Z0fWPPI=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjttJCdR0TnMJdAiSENi8uuMRbCjpB2md5ZQMqGPeVpJt31bqGbTL6mnLa6wsBMoHrGMBWh3Hr8e2Tu8a0w4iWSxO1E17MhwurFoZiaqzrs2aOK6QzaS5yz2AglX1piLfCAqERPsT5NtdtDi7Dw2_w8U6A_8HRm99D_UUa8Ptq97W8ohkUo-Z0fWPPI=s320" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Demetric Felton</b> (CLEV)</li><li><b>Dante Fowler</b> (ATL)</li><li><b>William Fuller</b> (MIA)</li><li><b>Michael Gallup</b> (DAL)</li><li><b>C.J. Gardner-Johnson</b> (NO)</li><li><b>Kemon Hall</b> (LAC)</li><li><b>Mike Hilton</b> (CIN)</li><li><b>Bryce Huff</b> (NYJ)</li><li><b>Jerry Hughes</b> (BUF)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvJAgm8Oq2TpuDKbU-XNxKumXblyCXZUq2CHLY8WEkyjvSSPxOziBfFBzCpz3iV9W1whXXc9vi2x9-1crG_mBE-SnGCRZb9ABZJYejFJnBWtJ_r9U9Vi8M1WpMPg_9jFX_sxWPXb7y4A3DdtCdIKxrlvz6a22rYUROng0RtnoA4Q_hvHZYCVLXGvBd=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvJAgm8Oq2TpuDKbU-XNxKumXblyCXZUq2CHLY8WEkyjvSSPxOziBfFBzCpz3iV9W1whXXc9vi2x9-1crG_mBE-SnGCRZb9ABZJYejFJnBWtJ_r9U9Vi8M1WpMPg_9jFX_sxWPXb7y4A3DdtCdIKxrlvz6a22rYUROng0RtnoA4Q_hvHZYCVLXGvBd=s320" width="213" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Myles Jack</b> (JAC) (photo above)</li><li><b>John Johnson</b> (CLEV) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Julio Jones</b> (TENN) (right photo below)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcY7vAZm-I0S3AGasxXoTBQLdP8B3lgB9gBcgZEJ8eYHPrUpcPYlnpV7svcBxDCsiVSyg4HV3TmIyF3g3fue0oRIVr8lk5YuYjX6hIqJDOpPwrld2eY2NuuAPsRN6B_3C2ZDXZuKbxDhWjGJc8e9umdHBjdp-Dgb2bTlZft2PKtqL54k8ZsObE1BpG=s2048" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcY7vAZm-I0S3AGasxXoTBQLdP8B3lgB9gBcgZEJ8eYHPrUpcPYlnpV7svcBxDCsiVSyg4HV3TmIyF3g3fue0oRIVr8lk5YuYjX6hIqJDOpPwrld2eY2NuuAPsRN6B_3C2ZDXZuKbxDhWjGJc8e9umdHBjdp-Dgb2bTlZft2PKtqL54k8ZsObE1BpG=s320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw_bhN9ElIqwTiBIe6r5DwOtTy7yDxTgE389Y2Hf9KHOtg3ixrfRQO_e15jQlUReCSp5WbyiMYK5LSzJr9ZN_ZDreto3VwMmIs2SKSi8z-8DwvpBbVr2c6ExS4_zu6aWBw4hCMOn9raKzFOi2zBfBzl-823RrEem9rafIH31CD-B2qKFjA9ZDsuoAL=s1365" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="702" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw_bhN9ElIqwTiBIe6r5DwOtTy7yDxTgE389Y2Hf9KHOtg3ixrfRQO_e15jQlUReCSp5WbyiMYK5LSzJr9ZN_ZDreto3VwMmIs2SKSi8z-8DwvpBbVr2c6ExS4_zu6aWBw4hCMOn9raKzFOi2zBfBzl-823RrEem9rafIH31CD-B2qKFjA9ZDsuoAL=s320" width="165" /></a></div><b>John Johnson</b> had braids while playing his first three NFL seasons with the Rams but has switched to dreads in his first season with the Browns. And I see <b>Julio Jones</b>, former Falcons WR now in his first season with the Titans, has dreads again. We'll see if he's actually going to keep them for a whole season. <div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Jacob Martin</b> (HOU) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDZfh3X85JIBX4tSFfC28LUHQgNy6Kjmmok_MWuLJsV42Fr39eoI6FpSrDpXPGC8NXWpFYeT9Zk1ExVICgL16FEG6B_kLpFtKWvZekz9k_KE67MaQ8AG7pdqRXd-ox3ICEznDDXRuoESVIQXDGXFO7EUETDM9se9BE0wjDINisfCz8s2hLhu8MbxdI=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDZfh3X85JIBX4tSFfC28LUHQgNy6Kjmmok_MWuLJsV42Fr39eoI6FpSrDpXPGC8NXWpFYeT9Zk1ExVICgL16FEG6B_kLpFtKWvZekz9k_KE67MaQ8AG7pdqRXd-ox3ICEznDDXRuoESVIQXDGXFO7EUETDM9se9BE0wjDINisfCz8s2hLhu8MbxdI=s320" width="320" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Jakobi Meyers</b> (NE) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Jalen Mills</b> (NE) (right photo below)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_S361Z81xJ41_1bVhYxRkUnhS9V8hRo7froRQ7Xzaoenr6dad21o8WLxIs_l_iEnES82IeVsTlKHizqbJkNe7zl1V1gH_cz1kPiNbjvgk_AbZJR856Y_BYnBreO-Izs8PP_2lYp8SeOM70lT2OChkTTsVztBH48wKq2ZG6_MI7AILQIMT6YigjA7B=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUaE9zOmK9XlOJ5Y1XM7dwjFLInzT27TypMcox4Tg37ZV4qAAwxUzzgM9RaOthq7hWONtHS14A7JcKhIz2UbXaAy4ooGlf2utDWC2yNMXszBUlWxu4DN6Q6_XSALCa1wsnVYZPF2VnAUnUzK3onGU4AYwtSq7Z-SYX6kzdf6RU5ZtmsrcWt6jXPwBo=s700" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUaE9zOmK9XlOJ5Y1XM7dwjFLInzT27TypMcox4Tg37ZV4qAAwxUzzgM9RaOthq7hWONtHS14A7JcKhIz2UbXaAy4ooGlf2utDWC2yNMXszBUlWxu4DN6Q6_XSALCa1wsnVYZPF2VnAUnUzK3onGU4AYwtSq7Z-SYX6kzdf6RU5ZtmsrcWt6jXPwBo=s320" width="229" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxov0Q8CyLSN_nIB-sS1-Veg7sBjt-qGZwj9dZxOocqGyDI9lrwDW_W1of-4YR__4saWAQNZDPo9WosUb7nJvttyO5WjiFJnGfkGn3n4t5DCS3OXOnifKTJcRhRsN-foWUmJS9YmgBX_VmGPzpySCcYASR8xQgkSGlq2qRO7U4IKvyLePsoDdSPWSn=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxov0Q8CyLSN_nIB-sS1-Veg7sBjt-qGZwj9dZxOocqGyDI9lrwDW_W1of-4YR__4saWAQNZDPo9WosUb7nJvttyO5WjiFJnGfkGn3n4t5DCS3OXOnifKTJcRhRsN-foWUmJS9YmgBX_VmGPzpySCcYASR8xQgkSGlq2qRO7U4IKvyLePsoDdSPWSn=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The green hair is nothing new for former Eagles CB <b>Jalen Mills</b>, but the dreads are. In his first season with the Patriots Mills has his hair in dreads for the first time since his freshman year in college at LSU way back in 2012.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Ty Montgomery</b> (NO)</li><li><b>Jaylon Moore</b> (BAL) (PS)</li><li><b>Rondale Moore</b> (ARIZ) (rookie)</li><li><b>Latavius Murray</b> (BAL)</li><li><b>Jojo Natson</b> (CLEV) (PS)</li><li><b>Michael Ojemudia</b> (DEN) (IR)</li><li><b>Qadree Ollison</b> (ATL) (PS)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXdFYMpUkvLTF2QmFsFGFJ-J1cw9M4TjhQDuMdD6IVD0zgmUtCbTUJWxKDPeGC1cgzT5zLTtDuRx5brlYN-YxuLS0GMbjaEOnqupBRN3UzFPxgyWD-Cq1XPTFsTgWNXGa2dHZQGbViQEbi9UsXrU_Hv85Rf3cPukBNCTO2Kwr3fZi-HbWUw2qFaALB=s1365" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1130" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXdFYMpUkvLTF2QmFsFGFJ-J1cw9M4TjhQDuMdD6IVD0zgmUtCbTUJWxKDPeGC1cgzT5zLTtDuRx5brlYN-YxuLS0GMbjaEOnqupBRN3UzFPxgyWD-Cq1XPTFsTgWNXGa2dHZQGbViQEbi9UsXrU_Hv85Rf3cPukBNCTO2Kwr3fZi-HbWUw2qFaALB=s320" width="265" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_SMgzI64V9zL-H-DJ7TC1vN1322imbIo50kzQfM7aM2zIXnDzq87y_AaA1V_EG3md1RADeNHNJLpyR_d2dqphA2zZEshlABVYb-qHllRxtPwiFT02_rM7OjHzg5rpmN02H2TzpW3Zwy7aqw1N4Oll66mZsgW55tkAGqVmTT0unfddMbqPK_UC-ZFH=s720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_SMgzI64V9zL-H-DJ7TC1vN1322imbIo50kzQfM7aM2zIXnDzq87y_AaA1V_EG3md1RADeNHNJLpyR_d2dqphA2zZEshlABVYb-qHllRxtPwiFT02_rM7OjHzg5rpmN02H2TzpW3Zwy7aqw1N4Oll66mZsgW55tkAGqVmTT0unfddMbqPK_UC-ZFH=s320" width="237" /><br /></a></div><br /><li><b>Jalen Ramsey</b> (LAR) (left photo above)</li><li><b>J.R. Reed (LAR)</b></li><li><b>Calvin Ridley</b> (ATL) (right photo above)</li><br />I tried to welcome <b>Calvin Ridley</b> to the house last year; but he decided he wasn't ready yet to commit to keeping his hair in dreads. Looks like he is now ..... And then there's <b>Jalen Ramsey</b>. He has changed his hair so many times over the years that I really hesitate to welcome him. But he has kept his hair like this for several months in a row now, so I guess I'll welcome him in - for now.</div><div><br /><li><b>Chauncey Rivers</b> (GB)</li><li><b>Elandon Roberts</b> (MIA)</li><li><b>James Robinson</b> (JAC) (photo below)</li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGlaEMhg7_vDvXA7lDZSCpFRFJFVLNm4eaDToIXQwxwQGHMZaWGHG8cWzdJ7RLweVKxjrq7QIUDJs9EYFXUPPjOn36kLjdDBo47SyGWOpzkZTe0MtDGDt0mSMzPxU9sBfrPP7tChk3szuq15iJ5gyc78NXbkB8HG774zKzFv7X4ofk_ckjZdesCgBh=s1500" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGlaEMhg7_vDvXA7lDZSCpFRFJFVLNm4eaDToIXQwxwQGHMZaWGHG8cWzdJ7RLweVKxjrq7QIUDJs9EYFXUPPjOn36kLjdDBo47SyGWOpzkZTe0MtDGDt0mSMzPxU9sBfrPP7tChk3szuq15iJ5gyc78NXbkB8HG774zKzFv7X4ofk_ckjZdesCgBh=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b>James Robinson</b> had dreads for most but not all of the games during his 2020 rookie season for the Jaguars. Hopefully he'll keep them full time this year.<br /> </div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Janarius Robinson</b> (MINN) (rookie) (IR)</li><li><b>Darnell Savage</b> (GB)</li><li><b>Andre Smith</b> (BAL) (PS)</li><li><b>Trey Smith</b> (rookie) (photo below)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYqSQta3lT4SYWVavUhRCqZMEK2D4JwWlIqYWcd5Hc8oSl6UGlhFHLOungfJbrBkjkOaFfn9xtwDWuM5q5XyOX88BaSAcm-XbKK9EIlxPTvP3nPsqT5gcjGeToF5dw0ZVaxVANwWGcyLfgCoPjjkBJPvQKGP2MiXCUw69ckYK5m-wSYN6VeBsoLdcn=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYqSQta3lT4SYWVavUhRCqZMEK2D4JwWlIqYWcd5Hc8oSl6UGlhFHLOungfJbrBkjkOaFfn9xtwDWuM5q5XyOX88BaSAcm-XbKK9EIlxPTvP3nPsqT5gcjGeToF5dw0ZVaxVANwWGcyLfgCoPjjkBJPvQKGP2MiXCUw69ckYK5m-wSYN6VeBsoLdcn=s320" width="213" /></a></div></div><br />Rookie <b>Trey Smith</b> (#65) on the sideline on Aug. 17 during the Chiefs' preseason game vs. the Vikings next to #67,<b> Lucas Niang</b>, a rookie last year who didn't play in 2020 after deciding to opt out.<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Patrick Taylor</b> (GB) (PS)</li><li><b>Carlos Watkins </b>(DAL)</li><li><b>Quez Watkins</b> (PHIL)</li><li><b>Deatrich Wise</b> (NE)</li></ul>.</div><div><br /></div><div>SAME DREADS, NEW THREADS</div><div><br /></div><div>There were 52 players with dreads who changed teams last year (43 at the beginning of the season and 9 more who signed after the season was already underway) and there are even more this year.</div><div>The first team next to a player's name is the one he played for in 2020, and then his current team is next to that and <u>underlined</u>. </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Montravius Adams </b>(GB, <u>NO</u>)</li><li><b>Ola Adeniyi</b> (PIT, <u>TENN</u>) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx9uOYKC-Xy0iwnDFF8Gn5_G5zN8DYrQkzK-UMiojNOvxTTETPpleklKTtqAngshEj7NYdgYeEQUQ5g47Fx4e5BH6FkDzOSNQ-lSyGB8dAC5VonglYnVV_BaZrMpS7VpZ13ohIqgtHZlg31CHlSSbwxICb-je76PXR-gkVQMhDo6C2qY0Wp8DJ9UC9=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgx9uOYKC-Xy0iwnDFF8Gn5_G5zN8DYrQkzK-UMiojNOvxTTETPpleklKTtqAngshEj7NYdgYeEQUQ5g47Fx4e5BH6FkDzOSNQ-lSyGB8dAC5VonglYnVV_BaZrMpS7VpZ13ohIqgtHZlg31CHlSSbwxICb-je76PXR-gkVQMhDo6C2qY0Wp8DJ9UC9=s320" width="213" /></a></div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Denico Autry </b>(IND, <u>TENN</u>)</li><li><b>Chidobe Awuzie </b>(DAL, <u>CIN</u>)</li><li><b>Kalen Ballage</b> (LAC, <u>PIT</u>)</li><li><b>Bashaud Breeland</b> (KC, <u>MINN</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Malcom Brown</b> (NO, <u>JAC</u>)</li><li><b>Adam Butler (NE, <u>MIA</u>)</b></li><li><b>De'Vondre Campbell </b>(ARIZ, <u>GB</u>)</li><li><b>Maurice Canady</b> (NYJ, <u>DAL</u>)</li><li><b>Corey Clement</b> (PHIL, <u>DAL</u>)</li><li><b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> (TENN, <u>CLEV</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHX3UU0OC290Ogp7BW7QgIlbkTfCOnSuC94qzxCI6he6i9BGvXI0Q_pnj-VBA4JIqokBv4fhWb6SAHHWee4G1WIvhUcFnimu53y92DoY1nNu5gmSiX736O66ikjBBafGzudx3ZRg392VCJHjWhHMxt_xbSuacUvVoNrFtdyQRz5Bu0UZXEjWd1eHyK=s950" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="950" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjHX3UU0OC290Ogp7BW7QgIlbkTfCOnSuC94qzxCI6he6i9BGvXI0Q_pnj-VBA4JIqokBv4fhWb6SAHHWee4G1WIvhUcFnimu53y92DoY1nNu5gmSiX736O66ikjBBafGzudx3ZRg392VCJHjWhHMxt_xbSuacUvVoNrFtdyQRz5Bu0UZXEjWd1eHyK=s320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdIhjm09XlXjoeDpwz3Qa85EePFN7Fpv0LQ0nopLRjvI7bX80Z_QVsPJC2zR6kEXxOdS4MjlfLS_Kh4IWdR_xCFmRW_FrvGdWUGBO1XDdBu-Te2kliUpk-mq6Qep321VJIs1jqhhZjoObNmZMBxAaSmzMgsYWxl844jFQOylkIxCa7C2fwMfk2zFZp=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdIhjm09XlXjoeDpwz3Qa85EePFN7Fpv0LQ0nopLRjvI7bX80Z_QVsPJC2zR6kEXxOdS4MjlfLS_Kh4IWdR_xCFmRW_FrvGdWUGBO1XDdBu-Te2kliUpk-mq6Qep321VJIs1jqhhZjoObNmZMBxAaSmzMgsYWxl844jFQOylkIxCa7C2fwMfk2zFZp=s320" width="229" /></a></div><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Adrian Colbert</b> (NYG, <u>NYJ</u>)</li><li><b>Chris Conley</b> (JAC, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>Rashaad Coward</b> (CHI,<u> PIT</u>)</li><li><b>Bud Dupree</b> (PIT, <u>TENN</u>)</li></ul><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOg_KEnrUK6oReYB_iaV-nHqqeF3EiHde68UamFYZZuE5UL_NqwP5fffHLYLEx8B5u3xy5UXQGU_ZAhHMrW1naj4yASW1dVPY1uc_IV6oncRuiVDP8jAJZ4B-ct8JuseJxY7jRsk_lhrP7-KhoNk76wOhXt2_FcZjLrh0U9HxFjCv-r7TwSQ7BF3fS=s2000" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1555" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOg_KEnrUK6oReYB_iaV-nHqqeF3EiHde68UamFYZZuE5UL_NqwP5fffHLYLEx8B5u3xy5UXQGU_ZAhHMrW1naj4yASW1dVPY1uc_IV6oncRuiVDP8jAJZ4B-ct8JuseJxY7jRsk_lhrP7-KhoNk76wOhXt2_FcZjLrh0U9HxFjCv-r7TwSQ7BF3fS=s320" width="249" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZvKZDZDwlu3jaz8aDCuo1vPJFrP_a3HoVLDV8fUFehuNSoanTlkTGrjxqI4Uf2YeJm72elhalroGhHMtM3n3jkKKhMHd8nKppoRg89tCxH-R0wFEqALi7Pz4TNbqBY91Bd5CXPutGOuOcpung3mu8UO1V1Yj7-DcE-PAx3lHsdxuJJy5PBVvBBWax=s998" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="878" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZvKZDZDwlu3jaz8aDCuo1vPJFrP_a3HoVLDV8fUFehuNSoanTlkTGrjxqI4Uf2YeJm72elhalroGhHMtM3n3jkKKhMHd8nKppoRg89tCxH-R0wFEqALi7Pz4TNbqBY91Bd5CXPutGOuOcpung3mu8UO1V1Yj7-DcE-PAx3lHsdxuJJy5PBVvBBWax=s320" width="282" /></a></div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Daurice Fountain </b>(IND, <u>KC</u>) (left photo above)</li><li><b>Shaquill Griffin</b> (SEA, <u>JAC</u>) (right photo above)</li><li><b>Anthony Harris </b>(MINN, <u>PHIL</u>) (photo below)</li><li><b>Davontae Harris</b> (BAL, <u>SF</u> IR)</li><li><b>Malik Hooker</b> (IND, <u>DAL</u>)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVPsw1LwXfqHx-E1fTXUOifLV77e5ylBg9fzoSb3XlgO97PbzQtynnGmrf1aqSv2p4lbaHZ2uwUNlim4-p90p3Pw9e2kFO5WaOZb28X5S_-fN0-E30Kyn9Sxp9Wj7MdDkmHBftWhhgiNrNdaeHNPOG6RkubFXYojIwVol1Jtchq_Agqxe7WGwfkLW4=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVPsw1LwXfqHx-E1fTXUOifLV77e5ylBg9fzoSb3XlgO97PbzQtynnGmrf1aqSv2p4lbaHZ2uwUNlim4-p90p3Pw9e2kFO5WaOZb28X5S_-fN0-E30Kyn9Sxp9Wj7MdDkmHBftWhhgiNrNdaeHNPOG6RkubFXYojIwVol1Jtchq_Agqxe7WGwfkLW4=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Melvin Ingram </b>(LAC, <u>PIT</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Jackrabbit Jenkins</b> (NO, <u>TENN</u>)</li><li><b>John Jenkins</b> (CHI, <u>MIA</u>)</li><li><b>Rayshawn Jenkins</b> (LAC, <u>JAC</u>)</li><li><b>Darryl Johnson</b> (BUF, <u>CAR</u>)</li><li><b>Marcus Johnson</b> (IND, <u>TENN</u> IR)</li><li><b>Sidney Jones</b> (JAC, <u>SEA</u>)</li><li><b>Matt Judon</b> (BAL, <u>NE</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHb13m5STQ5SHYQr27xPNpbDxm0rTNcjmWMYyUlFNbB4uV353izQlTXaEE2WVZ_9Y8c0InyaqmPjHB_jAyvt3xsB7LuINCInFSysIjSgAGwUBbxPRfx_aa4gYAKT6KIAe6ewEvu845w718K4yJNtD1Jxf792n6GftmTG57xkHMwreByV-bbhBsK-Dx=s954" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="954" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHb13m5STQ5SHYQr27xPNpbDxm0rTNcjmWMYyUlFNbB4uV353izQlTXaEE2WVZ_9Y8c0InyaqmPjHB_jAyvt3xsB7LuINCInFSysIjSgAGwUBbxPRfx_aa4gYAKT6KIAe6ewEvu845w718K4yJNtD1Jxf792n6GftmTG57xkHMwreByV-bbhBsK-Dx=s320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2K9d8atn7RKGyHfpyjgUXMNeih_2CbHs9X9FydtFrP1AwvbLp-srYqUJzVUiOPX4XpE2kwPaBBu2x2xUl0M6bQ81jJTD-zbR7qzRSwi4GBt9yGviOyYfZ_pOu8gBBLtjlqFKKSk_TnmDIlVWUUr8eoOlYjo9-J_eNnJ4JE0FLeZya_ky9XD47uQaH=s900" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2K9d8atn7RKGyHfpyjgUXMNeih_2CbHs9X9FydtFrP1AwvbLp-srYqUJzVUiOPX4XpE2kwPaBBu2x2xUl0M6bQ81jJTD-zbR7qzRSwi4GBt9yGviOyYfZ_pOu8gBBLtjlqFKKSk_TnmDIlVWUUr8eoOlYjo9-J_eNnJ4JE0FLeZya_ky9XD47uQaH=s320" width="227" /></a></div><br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Desmond King </b>(TENN, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>Christian Kirksey</b> (GB, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>Tanoh Kpassagnon </b>(KC, <u>NO</u>) (left photo below)</li><li><b>Kendall Lamm</b> (CLEV, <u>TENN</u>) (right photo below)</li></ul></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSac5r-G8ORzhii9wPDvv2RNO7VjBn7JdPUuMv-CebQQNhS5ovB2zc-HsxKW3X9uqAGrlSdAC5hi_3_vKKoM7JZAXFki1addT_XjAUNzX9qKQJeuOyd5hMgqTHHC2AGyTPnCcxmbLVocySHuDlrzHsMvU7PwCuHrDcKskhrvnXGU1R2mtF4WpjPqGX=s1500" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSac5r-G8ORzhii9wPDvv2RNO7VjBn7JdPUuMv-CebQQNhS5ovB2zc-HsxKW3X9uqAGrlSdAC5hi_3_vKKoM7JZAXFki1addT_XjAUNzX9qKQJeuOyd5hMgqTHHC2AGyTPnCcxmbLVocySHuDlrzHsMvU7PwCuHrDcKskhrvnXGU1R2mtF4WpjPqGX=s320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6C3JvIcmhR-OvclSKmXGOI9ynWHsAQk7COsxuqQkjdeBfMpHI_yJdUUnAgp_6lBSbPmh9eZPkFVQ8FL6oGvMIUnIHKD10U0tIrm0tW8hOaoHak5GGLt33YGZDclLxiPmjF_S1jP5yeXID5HAWNiqbZaptbYZ2ku6CmkUmWbWy8zWFfNN8YUoK8HrS=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6C3JvIcmhR-OvclSKmXGOI9ynWHsAQk7COsxuqQkjdeBfMpHI_yJdUUnAgp_6lBSbPmh9eZPkFVQ8FL6oGvMIUnIHKD10U0tIrm0tW8hOaoHak5GGLt33YGZDclLxiPmjF_S1jP5yeXID5HAWNiqbZaptbYZ2ku6CmkUmWbWy8zWFfNN8YUoK8HrS=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Harvey Langi</b> (NYJ, <u>NE</u>)</li><li><b>Trey Marshall</b> (DEN, <u>LAC</u>)</li><li><b>Bobby McCain</b> (MIA, <u>WASH</u>)</li><li><b>Gerald McCoy</b> (DALL IR, <u>LV</u> IR)</li><li><b>Bradley McDougald</b> (NYJ, <u>TENN</u>)</li><li><b>Takk McKinley</b> (ATL, <u>CLEV</u>)</li><li><b>Terrance Mitchell</b> (CLEV, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>Josh Norman</b> (BUF, <u>SF</u>)</li><li><b>Ty Nsekhe</b> (BUF, <u>DAL</u>)</li><li><b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> (CHI, <u>ATL</u>) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFc3NKZeeRU-9xER8Qru6-F4HN6kLGt0WPkwPM_9R6i1KhnDWHVx56tKHgVR3Ebi284HUlETumDx9Wak-bBThfvnOpOdfbLo9n3z-X83la3MIvN73HXMhD8cUdMrsyNJKqyxLv5OCQ-84K4fP2qUQ-DqO6EqKie1hwTid4X4g_5jKo1RsfCD_-tYJc=s769" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="769" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFc3NKZeeRU-9xER8Qru6-F4HN6kLGt0WPkwPM_9R6i1KhnDWHVx56tKHgVR3Ebi284HUlETumDx9Wak-bBThfvnOpOdfbLo9n3z-X83la3MIvN73HXMhD8cUdMrsyNJKqyxLv5OCQ-84K4fP2qUQ-DqO6EqKie1hwTid4X4g_5jKo1RsfCD_-tYJc=s320" width="320" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Brian Poole </b>(NYJ, <u>NO</u> IR)</li><li><b>Sheldrick Redwine</b> (CLEV, <u>NYJ</u>)</li><li><b>Sheldon Richardson</b> (CLEV, <u>MINN</u>)</li><li><b>Andre Roberts </b>(BUF, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>Darryl Roberts</b> (DET, <u>WASH</u>)</li><li><b>Bradley Roby</b> (HOU, <u>NO</u>)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEg-X7w1KDav2m1J1SjklIRDs5y2MpBMnk1occMyvxwJXU4EF3tDS-qUB90pJ7-37hUHdNXkd6ICtTYRnc8fD_Jxl-rGnUiJ_YtXdvgPS5A-m32t3oFg6HG9SuquU8SeYzuBL_DLUQjYyqS3I_SvQVZD1Lly6nuatddLZQKavCd-usiBzLcYb4l2pu=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhEg-X7w1KDav2m1J1SjklIRDs5y2MpBMnk1occMyvxwJXU4EF3tDS-qUB90pJ7-37hUHdNXkd6ICtTYRnc8fD_Jxl-rGnUiJ_YtXdvgPS5A-m32t3oFg6HG9SuquU8SeYzuBL_DLUQjYyqS3I_SvQVZD1Lly6nuatddLZQKavCd-usiBzLcYb4l2pu=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Tremon Smith</b> (IND, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>Vincent Taylor</b> (CLEV, <u>HOU</u>)</li><li><b>Tavierre Thomas</b> (CLEV, <u>HOU</u>) (photo above)</li><li><b>Desmond Trufant</b> (DET, <u>NO</u>)</li></ul></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1URKFmX-pFm7VCICvTN8cDESzSrBjgw9dz4oWd43rFCd6xzWDU1ooZWaOr1XS9O1FICcHzGkPs2VbUk96OAM6i9OV-WdzMxSbYoBJ5RhSE5fEbYFj9rbmSXkDRKXGilmvmfnp-vu2fQbgd82QztYrQVbwOoY_fGB_brizswL10fcN1_UqfeKcEKRJ=s1271" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1271" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1URKFmX-pFm7VCICvTN8cDESzSrBjgw9dz4oWd43rFCd6xzWDU1ooZWaOr1XS9O1FICcHzGkPs2VbUk96OAM6i9OV-WdzMxSbYoBJ5RhSE5fEbYFj9rbmSXkDRKXGilmvmfnp-vu2fQbgd82QztYrQVbwOoY_fGB_brizswL10fcN1_UqfeKcEKRJ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi31Xa-3gPutSIbzHlmyGbXbq_WRwh76BYLWDLQEzWrZ4syhXU6CvebhQYrUr50ojvVXHytAGTYWX8-xv8OJNPWeLxKt8IZ8KWnia2QRyuKmOH4Ic7Jsr9E0txa1Rmvy7U1qtJowX23G8Q6UYwhTNbOWiui7Kd3iNKBI8d2gSV6T5YzVXbz-J719Ki_=s774" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="583" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi31Xa-3gPutSIbzHlmyGbXbq_WRwh76BYLWDLQEzWrZ4syhXU6CvebhQYrUr50ojvVXHytAGTYWX8-xv8OJNPWeLxKt8IZ8KWnia2QRyuKmOH4Ic7Jsr9E0txa1Rmvy7U1qtJowX23G8Q6UYwhTNbOWiui7Kd3iNKBI8d2gSV6T5YzVXbz-J719Ki_=s320" width="241" /></a></div><br /><div><b><br /></b><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Nsimba Webster </b>(LAR, <u>CHI</u>)</li><li><b>Jamaal Williams</b> (GB, <u>DET</u>) (left photo above)</li><li><b>Quincy Williams</b> (JAC, <u>NYJ</u>) (right photo above)</li><li><b>Isaac Yiadom </b>(NYG, <u>GB</u>) (photo below)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Eitkd1NSbzhP_GNI_d3K0yZVvoZs26REYgeIjXPzgB9EB1VnzBFoBrBhHqNRHyAJDVYhUHnXaqUPjqUmJm5C3-8l9tShPVxXL7tFGAAyr5Ix-e4UG7qv9IKyZc7g_Ymtm6lMYhA5ODhzp_uqA4SWrhzEsG6fKMdYIv3edz_3zWv_UOYhXIiVdwEc=s976" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="976" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Eitkd1NSbzhP_GNI_d3K0yZVvoZs26REYgeIjXPzgB9EB1VnzBFoBrBhHqNRHyAJDVYhUHnXaqUPjqUmJm5C3-8l9tShPVxXL7tFGAAyr5Ix-e4UG7qv9IKyZc7g_Ymtm6lMYhA5ODhzp_uqA4SWrhzEsG6fKMdYIv3edz_3zWv_UOYhXIiVdwEc=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In addition to the 57 players listed above, here are three more that signed with new teams after the season had already begun.<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Dre Kirkpatrick</b> (ARIZ, <u>SF</u>)</li><li><b>Richard Sherman</b> (SF, <u>TB</u>)</li><li><b>Buster Skrine</b> (CHI, <u>SF</u>)</li></ul>.</div><div><br /><div>ROOKIES</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The 2021 class of rookies with dreads includes 40 players that were picked in the NFL Draft. 25 of the 32 teams picked at least one player with dreads, and there were 4 teams that picked three (Giants, Lions, Packers, Bills). Here are all 40 listed by the round in which they were selected. Unless otherwise noted, the player made his team's opening day roster.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>ROUND 1</u></div><div>6. WR <b>Jaylen Waddle</b> (MIA) (left photo below)</div><div>8. CB <b>Jaycee Horn</b> (CAR)</div><div>20. WR<b> Kadarius Toney</b> (NYG)</div><div>24. RB <b>Najee Harris</b> (PIT)</div><div>29. CB <b>Eric Stokes</b> (GB) (right photo below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSqrPIt8EwHGsCxFm_ymRFVA-i9hoQ_0rd92ZSSMY21Dd-9Ogk500zAHOacAD-igB5ChCyMk82hySOigwQkNUqTUiBAYIHOFvGnPQXXZzg1QybxeBidPHREyfB2Z461n57dWZ_Jgig07P1ZnsdYSz8hSMpwVM6yXsnCqltMVIHNwofYcNVH26schm-=s818" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="818" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSqrPIt8EwHGsCxFm_ymRFVA-i9hoQ_0rd92ZSSMY21Dd-9Ogk500zAHOacAD-igB5ChCyMk82hySOigwQkNUqTUiBAYIHOFvGnPQXXZzg1QybxeBidPHREyfB2Z461n57dWZ_Jgig07P1ZnsdYSz8hSMpwVM6yXsnCqltMVIHNwofYcNVH26schm-=s320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUYixaE6mGVSddfxonpjX9a1jKHoblLRJPGopVCNDauvcaWf5iiD1C_8ePVGE5KSkIC5xaFJM9NzPdelcsbHPgZ0vTKIROaAcPhShsKTpGG1I4YtFxbBp2SypZA4DfGcWrPEnzyw_zlbN7ymuFPOEL_pszs3cp6xtCgUibBMqj1kBI3s299306MFk0=s959" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUYixaE6mGVSddfxonpjX9a1jKHoblLRJPGopVCNDauvcaWf5iiD1C_8ePVGE5KSkIC5xaFJM9NzPdelcsbHPgZ0vTKIROaAcPhShsKTpGG1I4YtFxbBp2SypZA4DfGcWrPEnzyw_zlbN7ymuFPOEL_pszs3cp6xtCgUibBMqj1kBI3s299306MFk0=s320" width="214" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>ROUND 2</u><div>43. S <b>Trevon Moehrig</b> (LV) (left photo below)</div><div>47. CB <b>Asante Samuel Jr. </b>(LAC) (right photo below)</div><div>49. WR <b>Rondale Moore</b> (ARIZ)</div><div>58. LB <b>Nick Bolton</b> (KC)</div><div>61. DE <b>Boogie Basham</b> (BUF)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhscRBv2__1xcIqq3modfe98TO2Yh-UDdc_v-VpPJJkccQ7CEObr48e3o5EMou4GIJ2HAKCSURO9GWMoTBX5UbCWnGHF1d8beMdAEVtuHRLg4zk7jQ3i0ujFPhDDiXfaW4hXheQANmiFyRYlEhnDE11N8tmXQEzeKesiPK_Y9LhVtva_c8775DJpk4F=s2048" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1364" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhscRBv2__1xcIqq3modfe98TO2Yh-UDdc_v-VpPJJkccQ7CEObr48e3o5EMou4GIJ2HAKCSURO9GWMoTBX5UbCWnGHF1d8beMdAEVtuHRLg4zk7jQ3i0ujFPhDDiXfaW4hXheQANmiFyRYlEhnDE11N8tmXQEzeKesiPK_Y9LhVtva_c8775DJpk4F=s320" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH6kibcaiViwMhKg03qbQG8CKVFCrLRn680eA-_TP7RZIAmxpuGnzQUoetNpRxVIq8bUxf0nZtQBCoFjjKcCTiexESubo5Zt7J0YrPADGFeXtLgpT_N-u6OLrXOTXQPsp0lyg58fe5rqZz3pWKeOdMPcaC-ezyi3oHbdQTxx7QtaJpB7Ewn3ITfSeG=s560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH6kibcaiViwMhKg03qbQG8CKVFCrLRn680eA-_TP7RZIAmxpuGnzQUoetNpRxVIq8bUxf0nZtQBCoFjjKcCTiexESubo5Zt7J0YrPADGFeXtLgpT_N-u6OLrXOTXQPsp0lyg58fe5rqZz3pWKeOdMPcaC-ezyi3oHbdQTxx7QtaJpB7Ewn3ITfSeG=s320" width="302" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>ROUND 3</u><div>71. CB <b>Aaron Robinson</b> (NYG) (on PUP list, will miss at least first 6 games of season)</div><div>72. DT <b>Alim McNeill</b> (DET) (left photo below)</div><div>75. DT <b>Osa Odighizuwa</b> (DAL)</div><div>76. CB <b>Paulson Adebo</b> (NO)</div><div>88. RB <b>Trey Sermon</b> (SF) (right photo below)</div><div>90. DE <b>Patrick Jones</b> (MINN)</div><div>101. CB <b>Ifeatu Melifonwu</b> (DET)</div><div>105. LB <b>Baron Browning</b> (DEN)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRSxvgIHIxQo2D-2Pc3jgqicGr2oisMqURalFUWzGE968RhNOPP1aPrNuadX6at7vuZXeymv9yQhUqubhSlJ2NPdjePBtGoDANat46MdgcTkuGDqIFXWXIf7WpukKCee8MNRy88u51bUXoGNYpG24rejfo8iPCxWUA25-VFOBqcHcEdn-dxJVyrHea=s1170" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1170" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRSxvgIHIxQo2D-2Pc3jgqicGr2oisMqURalFUWzGE968RhNOPP1aPrNuadX6at7vuZXeymv9yQhUqubhSlJ2NPdjePBtGoDANat46MdgcTkuGDqIFXWXIf7WpukKCee8MNRy88u51bUXoGNYpG24rejfo8iPCxWUA25-VFOBqcHcEdn-dxJVyrHea=s320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheEvmdYPgBh8mLRxpEmNZAhI3bY2ak0cepyl41NKrK7QMnbVjuNZC3pg8S5NPJ1vGGZkbmZFmM7xLndUlMNZ3mC8U5jOF98YR6_-wyVcVAMP2l9ZGAjosBvOoajI5kjRmTr55WyC4suBN04ha5C1sI4iwcE2neex5SskOzQZmPqNadUN228jrmjEm0=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="943" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheEvmdYPgBh8mLRxpEmNZAhI3bY2ak0cepyl41NKrK7QMnbVjuNZC3pg8S5NPJ1vGGZkbmZFmM7xLndUlMNZ3mC8U5jOF98YR6_-wyVcVAMP2l9ZGAjosBvOoajI5kjRmTr55WyC4suBN04ha5C1sI4iwcE2neex5SskOzQZmPqNadUN228jrmjEm0=s320" width="201" /></a></div><br /><div><u>ROUND 4</u></div><div>110. OT<b> James Hudson</b> (CLEV) (left photo below)</div><div>120. RB <b>Rhamondre Stevenson</b> (NE)</div><div>121. DE<b> Jordan Smith</b> (JAC) (right photo below)</div><div>134. DE <b>Janarius Robinson</b> (MINN) (on IR list)</div><div>137. CB <b>Tre Brown</b> (SEA) (on IR list)</div><div>140. LB <b>Buddy Johnson</b> (PIT)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKCox6Ir09dLi2ywgxCV4ZquSviouEZMsMh5yljT85HQimN-Cvsgyq8EI9i18-by9kuTRI4oUzL8DLFkb2RM6jODrFVdOd0l6QcLZRZnTEIqcURWXa3T_JFsjUj5NHRkLvRxHZ6dw2oKLePhEaWP8E79C3ljpNs6MEimB-q4BHVGdwcMUhTSuLaP50=s939" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="939" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKCox6Ir09dLi2ywgxCV4ZquSviouEZMsMh5yljT85HQimN-Cvsgyq8EI9i18-by9kuTRI4oUzL8DLFkb2RM6jODrFVdOd0l6QcLZRZnTEIqcURWXa3T_JFsjUj5NHRkLvRxHZ6dw2oKLePhEaWP8E79C3ljpNs6MEimB-q4BHVGdwcMUhTSuLaP50=s320" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLLhyumVs0gAc1qVAvwuCe0Txmg56qZaXr8SSMMRBFmrdehm3B4OngPHLZPsGJZQG7IZHFIDMHThRwVmIA7LAX3wj1-blHjBmv6GXFueY07MYocNML4oBStcWR9empGghd57VOyWaYhZbWRDcd7LmhpCyYbBJT3JfePrBrreS8_yNgQ7vEdXBI7GJH=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLLhyumVs0gAc1qVAvwuCe0Txmg56qZaXr8SSMMRBFmrdehm3B4OngPHLZPsGJZQG7IZHFIDMHThRwVmIA7LAX3wj1-blHjBmv6GXFueY07MYocNML4oBStcWR9empGghd57VOyWaYhZbWRDcd7LmhpCyYbBJT3JfePrBrreS8_yNgQ7vEdXBI7GJH=s320" width="213" /></a></div></div><br /><div><u>ROUND 5</u></div><div>146. S <b>Jamien Sherwood</b> (NYJ)</div><div>148. DT <b>Ta'Quon Graham</b> (ATL) (left photo below)</div><div>164. S <b>Jamar Johnson</b> (DEN)</div><div>165. S <b>Shawn Davis</b> (IND) (right photo below) (signed to PS after being cut at end of preseason)</div><div>173. DT <b>T.J. Slaton</b> (GB)</div><div>177. LB <b>Cameron McGrone</b> (NE) (on NFI list - out for at least first 6 weeks of season)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrIdm47ivjEyQBy-tn_am4NMMW_j-42gllkQlXgbZb4BstP7v9KOmoZAbRq4Klw6CW6LXtsDyVmBlvBvaArt_z7-N-2JqvGu22q3eKKx9oxKyF79OZ8CXhl9Oq78D_qucXoUKAXGogLxZMIMx5uSe8IcXKXOILQDM-SM3QRdCSqx90_xxC-BBJhzDl=s1033" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1033" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrIdm47ivjEyQBy-tn_am4NMMW_j-42gllkQlXgbZb4BstP7v9KOmoZAbRq4Klw6CW6LXtsDyVmBlvBvaArt_z7-N-2JqvGu22q3eKKx9oxKyF79OZ8CXhl9Oq78D_qucXoUKAXGogLxZMIMx5uSe8IcXKXOILQDM-SM3QRdCSqx90_xxC-BBJhzDl=s320" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9nWwrG56PkRzAvddH-tPNSkgmv0kWE7DKnuC2JadRdYk7hSHFh40rauzhtocFu9e3cUAHNpjG_RWMxjzk-7uUADwMrcJL34evm0WRZHk7bO8uYeINyW_80Oo6kCMuzKz7fAQ27blbUaOew-XQuGkxbGvGcufNXFnC-0g6p7C36Bkp6GjsqK_BDz4Z=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9nWwrG56PkRzAvddH-tPNSkgmv0kWE7DKnuC2JadRdYk7hSHFh40rauzhtocFu9e3cUAHNpjG_RWMxjzk-7uUADwMrcJL34evm0WRZHk7bO8uYeINyW_80Oo6kCMuzKz7fAQ27blbUaOew-XQuGkxbGvGcufNXFnC-0g6p7C36Bkp6GjsqK_BDz4Z=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div><u>ROUND 6</u></div><div>186. S <b>Hamsah Nasirildeen</b> (NYJ)</div><div>196. RB <b>Gary Brightwell</b> (NYG) (left photo below)</div><div>211. RB <b>Demetric Felton</b> (CLEV)</div><div>212. S <b>Damar Hamlin</b> (BUF)</div><div>213. CB <b>Rachad Wildgoose</b> (BUF) (right photo below, #32, hanging out w/veteran DTs Ed Oliver and </div><div> <b>Vernon Butler</b> at practice on Aug. 10) (signed to PS after being cut at end of preseason)</div><div>226. G <b>Trey Smith</b> (KC)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQtv2Fi-w5PNd1IgHNTlyYqnp2YL-UZGS4eFLNPc9RlVXxSCuR1MhIy3e788vvgWSKP991T5THLv5k1Hlwnt53BrOGztuGII_sr9tKSMYqbJCJaNDqRa9HFS0mj2i_Tah27oZLYSi2MNRaGPh8N0ARO3rAE9iKBgxz9XWsTw7aGPgWwD0nrLPwoqo0=s720" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQtv2Fi-w5PNd1IgHNTlyYqnp2YL-UZGS4eFLNPc9RlVXxSCuR1MhIy3e788vvgWSKP991T5THLv5k1Hlwnt53BrOGztuGII_sr9tKSMYqbJCJaNDqRa9HFS0mj2i_Tah27oZLYSi2MNRaGPh8N0ARO3rAE9iKBgxz9XWsTw7aGPgWwD0nrLPwoqo0=s320" width="207" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSUVFB4Flfu482qu1Nd-ZlqcgQZBdNR5qFCG6Q9C4ci0WgzP6iwiAXP1UwfRQXs9YT7EytBwQx8LFsuPip8jktXnSgv5FHVAZxxQO1BnVPRPpAllmxiUiYn7U1wrYQfaDnTkuhMbapW6ARi8aa9aw0UEyWZbVwOPnFyU2LwNH_2d1thHujoL9-mLcI=s936" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="936" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSUVFB4Flfu482qu1Nd-ZlqcgQZBdNR5qFCG6Q9C4ci0WgzP6iwiAXP1UwfRQXs9YT7EytBwQx8LFsuPip8jktXnSgv5FHVAZxxQO1BnVPRPpAllmxiUiYn7U1wrYQfaDnTkuhMbapW6ARi8aa9aw0UEyWZbVwOPnFyU2LwNH_2d1thHujoL9-mLcI=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u>ROUND 7</u></div><div>229. WR <b>Mike Strachan</b> (IND)</div><div>252. LB <b>Chris Garrett</b> (LAR) (left photo below)</div><div>256. RB <b>Kylin Hill</b> (GB) (right photo below)</div><div>257. RB <b>Jermar Jefferson</b> (DET)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj_jVbBB1Mpo_a6K7Q51kGVHddpv6kWHQpS0ogdexfp8yELMowihEIX2VDaoPJkwNBPwMsuM1HVWBSPiiL2Ixh5Q__FSXA7HtLJ6NpuVjXLygLRjW8Ie09F97s80gnsGsKX8MNdmc7F2Z3lmTsprxgKVtVxxOUpwmOd-lM5WaO-9A8G9B5vu3-yZBj=s1365" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1255" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj_jVbBB1Mpo_a6K7Q51kGVHddpv6kWHQpS0ogdexfp8yELMowihEIX2VDaoPJkwNBPwMsuM1HVWBSPiiL2Ixh5Q__FSXA7HtLJ6NpuVjXLygLRjW8Ie09F97s80gnsGsKX8MNdmc7F2Z3lmTsprxgKVtVxxOUpwmOd-lM5WaO-9A8G9B5vu3-yZBj=s320" width="294" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMDLRu-gVhIgZC7y9Snr-WoDnWvaLP_epURFmRGMy3y5vLbVJn_seJMhdxhjxTHeJMkeJoWPeeb98F1FB6Agbb8Yc7iV4s1kDbRm-oFL2iI4YeBdUZYeN44kFKdpaleT0ri3CvB9hrE0us4BjMUkJDSIvclWo8fKeb1QktOpb6XhdNXGnszpNyAqEv=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMDLRu-gVhIgZC7y9Snr-WoDnWvaLP_epURFmRGMy3y5vLbVJn_seJMhdxhjxTHeJMkeJoWPeeb98F1FB6Agbb8Yc7iV4s1kDbRm-oFL2iI4YeBdUZYeN44kFKdpaleT0ri3CvB9hrE0us4BjMUkJDSIvclWo8fKeb1QktOpb6XhdNXGnszpNyAqEv=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /></div><div>.</div><div>UNDRAFTED</div><div><br /></div><div>Most undrafted rookies go to their first NFL training camp expecting to make the team but realizing that, more likely than not, at best they're going to begin the season on the practice squad. But each year a handful perform so well during the preseason that they actually do make the opening day 53-man roster. This year nearly 20 undrafted rookies with dreads begin the season on various teams' practice squads, and there are 5 more that are on opening day rosters. Here are the five ......</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQXziBdMy9orobFFKfj-nBHvg6rw4UDVmLJpxy2PX0jSETSXh2Ntn52MVwZ2r1j96g_UeweBaR4eonaCVkWs5FO3ts4MUzkssygeE_SIzbT_QKxlKTJbJ-grrhCuvC40Iy2uwhsYsmbN3uHAQDpmWJhYZBsLMWAbZIMpx9m2yq_JrfUq8WmggF4sv1=s1200" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQXziBdMy9orobFFKfj-nBHvg6rw4UDVmLJpxy2PX0jSETSXh2Ntn52MVwZ2r1j96g_UeweBaR4eonaCVkWs5FO3ts4MUzkssygeE_SIzbT_QKxlKTJbJ-grrhCuvC40Iy2uwhsYsmbN3uHAQDpmWJhYZBsLMWAbZIMpx9m2yq_JrfUq8WmggF4sv1=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih0WivO20X5URWAvkW3zg2rZwGD1-zJ5_fHCm_x0S82S9F7QqsISIC76SiKTPjeqjY0TeV-S9oP5Zc69JFHN_n9_XafLuDf0sf4iZ6fZMF3BNIkvy2RInApxONzne9LA-xxIC-f_kXz306rsijrXsIprUmTECd6UnxnsROhU6gvdNpqQNcOHqC9NOE=s1068" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1068" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih0WivO20X5URWAvkW3zg2rZwGD1-zJ5_fHCm_x0S82S9F7QqsISIC76SiKTPjeqjY0TeV-S9oP5Zc69JFHN_n9_XafLuDf0sf4iZ6fZMF3BNIkvy2RInApxONzne9LA-xxIC-f_kXz306rsijrXsIprUmTECd6UnxnsROhU6gvdNpqQNcOHqC9NOE=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>DE <b>Darius Hodge</b> (CIN) (photo above)</div><div>CB <b>Mac McCain</b> (PHIL)</div><div>LB <b>Andre Mintz</b> (DEN) (photo on right, wearing </div><div> jersey #91 in training camp on July 28 but</div><div> has since changed to #48)</div><div>LB<b> Amen Ogbongbemiga</b> (LAC)</div><div>CB <b>A.J. Parker</b> (DET)<br /> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>INJURIES/RETIREMENTS</div><div><br /></div><div>Once again this season the NFL has relaxed its rules regarding the injured reserve list, meaning players can be activated from the list after spending as little as 3 weeks on it. It used to be that if you were put on IR, you were out for the entire season. As far as I can tell, only four players with dreads have suffered season-ending injuries before the season began. They are DT <b>Gerald McCoy</b> (on LV IR), RB <b>Sewo Olonilua</b> (on DALL IR), RB <b>Gus Edwards</b> (on BAL IR), and CB <b>DeMarkus Acy</b> (cut by PIT after suffering torn ACL).</div><div><br /></div><div>And lastly .....</div><div>As we all know, sports retirements are often a temporary thing, so let's say that the following players with dreads have announced their retirements ... for now (the team listed is the team played for last year).</div><div> </div><div><b>Malcolm Butler</b> (TENN)<br /><b>Todd Davis</b> (MINN)<br /><b>Patrick Robinson</b> (NO)</div><div><b>Tramon Williams</b> (BAL/GB) </div><div><br /></div>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-79449292750495535192021-08-29T21:48:00.008-05:002021-08-30T07:35:25.699-05:00Fool's Steel<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYvCQTODCSstg0C5iJsfvAsRoANxj0gsggnkfAX-4vTu15-x2uJzZ3dB21DaqztOoGQOy8UeOXO4rPD2UCeqKBGhwpgSs19VNkdrXIGurqkhG5C7OatOKDeCBbACBsd7bthT-UH4micc/s1296/NFL20--DEC.+2--P3++BALT-PITT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1296" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYvCQTODCSstg0C5iJsfvAsRoANxj0gsggnkfAX-4vTu15-x2uJzZ3dB21DaqztOoGQOy8UeOXO4rPD2UCeqKBGhwpgSs19VNkdrXIGurqkhG5C7OatOKDeCBbACBsd7bthT-UH4micc/s320/NFL20--DEC.+2--P3++BALT-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Week 12 of the 2020 NFL season ended a couple of days later than scheduled; and after they defeated the Baltimore Ravens on a late Wednesday afternoon at Heinz Field, the Pittsburgh Steelers were 11-0, stood as the league's only remaining undefeated team, and seemingly were well on their way to the Super Bowl my crystal ball predicted it would win. But things certainly changed in a hurry, didn't they Steelers fans? What looked like was going to be a march to the championship turned out to be fool's gold - or in this case fool's <i>steel</i>, if you will. The Steelers suffered their first loss 5 days later and staggered to the finish line, dropping 4 of their final 5 regular season games (and needing to rally from 17 points behind in the one game they did win), barely hanging on to win the AFC North division title, and then exiting the playoffs far short of the Super Bowl with a wretched 48-37 first round home loss to the Cleveland Browns, a game in which they trailed 28-0 in the <i>1st quarter</i> and turned the ball over 5 times.<span><a name='more'></a></span><br /><div><br /></div><div>Cracks in the foundation could actually be found before the Week 13 home loss to Washington started their descent - specifically in the win over the Ravens. Originally scheduled to be played on Thanksgiving night, the game ended up being postponed 6 days to accommodate the Ravens, who were in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak. When the teams finally took the field, the Ravens were without 9 starters, including star QB Lamar Jackson, and were a 10-point underdog; and yet the Steelers struggled to win the game 19-14. Even worse, the Steelers lost one of their best players, as LB <b>Bud Dupree</b> suffered a torn ACL in his right knee (photo above of him on the bench after being injured), ending his season as well as his bid to make the Pro Bowl team for the first time. Surely it was only a coincidence that the Steelers' demise began with the loss of Dupree; but it makes you wonder what would have happened if he hadn't been injured. <p></p><p>The Ravens, of course, were not the only team to be affected/afflicted by the pandemic. But somehow, someway the NFL got all the games in without having to add an extra week for makeup games. Yes, it was a challenge. I mean, if you are an L.A. Chargers fan who picked up a pocket schedule before the season began, you probably found yourself tearing that thing up halfway through the season, as not one, two, or three, but four of their games (and their bye week) had to be switched from the original dates just to make everything work out. Tuesday, Wednesday, whenever. Teams played on every day of the week as the NFL bent over backwards and did cartwheels to try to keep things going. And keep on going they did, even with the stadiums empty for many teams and nearly empty for the teams that allowed a handful of fans to attend. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpw2thyMGd_oJVFoRRkr3wD4Qb57-7l2IUJk8y_7PriwHZp-f50r_6I8DpgLUE4e-5XOzo04FGD_scID6hm2sDUoPxUS3EyhP76ybVqjTQJNqNunIq3qhsu0JCGQuev6P85n9cVuekZE/s1400/NFL20--FEB.+7--P2++KC-TB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpw2thyMGd_oJVFoRRkr3wD4Qb57-7l2IUJk8y_7PriwHZp-f50r_6I8DpgLUE4e-5XOzo04FGD_scID6hm2sDUoPxUS3EyhP76ybVqjTQJNqNunIq3qhsu0JCGQuev6P85n9cVuekZE/s320/NFL20--FEB.+7--P2++KC-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And when the dust settled? ..... Ho-hum, Tom Brady won the Super Bowl. Again. Only this time it wasn't for the New England Patriots. Instead in his first season wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform Brady raised his record to 7-3 all time in Super Bowls. It's outrageous, isn't it? Most players would be thrilled to make it to <i>one</i> Super Bowl. Brady has been a starting quarterback in 10 of them and won 7. The Buccaneers hadn't even been to the playoffs in 13 years and hadn't won a playoff game in 18 before Brady arrived.<p></p><p>It was a struggle for much of the season. After 12 games the Bucs were 7-5 and not exactly looking like title contenders. But after trailing the Atlanta Falcons 17-0 at halftime in Week 15, their offense suddenly became nearly unstoppable, scoring at least 30 points in their final 3 games of the regular season and all 4 wins in the playoffs. </p><p>The first three of those playoff victories were on the road; and, fans or no fans, that's impressive. After surviving NFC East champion Washington 31-23 in Round 1, the Bucs went to New Orleans for Round 2 and knocked out the NFC South champion Saints, a team they had lost to twice earlier in the season. Next up, a trip to Lambeau Field for the NFC Championship game was made much less daunting by the pleasant weather (hey, a sunny, 29-degree day in Green Bay in January counts as <i>very</i> pleasant) and the fact that only about 8,000 fans were allowed inside the 80,000-seat stadium. Helped enormously by a blunder of major proportions by CB <b>Kevin King</b> (come on Kev, how can you give up a 39-yard touchdown 8 seconds before halftime?), the Bucs defeated the NFC North champion Packers 31-26. </p><p>After the 3 road wins, the Buccaneers became the first team ever to play in a Super Bowl on their home field (another feather in Brady's cap); and in Super Bowl 55 the Bucs' defense, which stood tall in Green Bay when Brady tried to give the game away with 3 interceptions in the 2nd half, stood even taller, completely stymieing the explosive offense of the Kansas City Chiefs - which they did not do when the teams met during the regular season. On the same field in Week 12 the Buccaneers surrendered 543 yards, including more than 200 yards receiving by WR Tyreek Hill in the 1st quarter alone, in a 27-24 L. But it was a different story the second time around. Hill (7 catches for 73 yards) didn't hurt the Bucs at all; and neither did anybody else as they rolled to a 31-9 victory, holding the Chiefs without a touchdown for the first time ever with Patrick Mahomes as their QB. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7RRyaYU4vcctIZi_sfuiZUz4LKT-zDG9nDX6isDJEj6Za_l_hdZQFDD9XmSQXNLzEjwRH_rRn-v-tTROxMZujJUnYV6I_MuYwK_YuuI-HCpmo8NKF90r58gM7lDIPPhG1i4uALSOpG0/s1024/NFL20--FEB.+7--P1++KC-TB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7RRyaYU4vcctIZi_sfuiZUz4LKT-zDG9nDX6isDJEj6Za_l_hdZQFDD9XmSQXNLzEjwRH_rRn-v-tTROxMZujJUnYV6I_MuYwK_YuuI-HCpmo8NKF90r58gM7lDIPPhG1i4uALSOpG0/s320/NFL20--FEB.+7--P1++KC-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You could hardly blame DT <b>Steve McLendon</b> (photo on right) for taking a moment to give thanks shortly after the celebratory confetti shower littered the field. 35 years old and in his 11th NFL season, time was running out for him to win a championship. And after starting the season 0-6 while a member of the New York Jets, the Super Bowl was probably the last thing on his mind. But then, like a gift coming down from heaven, the Jets, who had nothing but losing seasons in his 4 years with them before this one, traded him to the Buccaneers - and Brady. And just like that, two months later he earns his first Super Bowl ring. McLendon actually almost had a chance to play in a Super Bowl early in his career. After spending his 2009 rookie season on the Steelers' practice squad, he played for the 2010 Steelers' team that made it to (and lost) the Super Bowl. But he was inactive for the last 5 games of the regular season that year and didn't play at all in the playoffs either. This time he was in uniform for the Super Bowl - and on the field for 26 snaps, finishing with 1 tackle. Congratulations, Steve!<br /><p></p><p>My crystal ball (aka CB2) wasn't <i>too</i> far off in its forecast for the Buccaneers and Chiefs. In my post titled "Overruled" it had them both losing their respective conference championship games instead of winning them. Its forecast of a Steelers-Cowboys Super Bowl turned out to be a dud. The Steelers were Fool's Steel, and the Cowboys just flat awful. Although it should be noted that flat awful is the fate for many teams when they lose their starting QB to injury, as Dallas did. Even so, as bad as they were, the Cowboys still had a chance to make the playoffs on the final day of the regular season, only to blow that chance with a loss to the N.Y. Giants. Finishing 6-10, the Cowboys were a whopping 7 games worse than CB2's prediction of 13-3. That forecast tied for CB2's worst, as it was also 7 games off on the Browns (11-5 instead of 4-12). CB2 earned a grade of F (4 or more games off) for 9 teams, same as last year.</p><p>For the second straight season CB2 correctly picked the exact record for the Los Angeles Rams (10-6). That was one of three exact records predicted - the Buccaneers and Detroit Lions were the other two. CB2 correctly forecast in which place 11 teams would finish in their respective divisions, down one from the 12 it got right for 2019. CB2 was at its best in forecasting which teams would make the playoffs, getting 9 of the 14 right. Overall, it was another disappointing report card for CB2, but what else is new ......</p><p><br /></p><p><b>AFC EAST </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>BUF 10-6 1. BUF 13-3</li><li>MIA 7-9 2. MIA 10-6</li><li>NYJ 5-11 3. NE 7-9</li><li>NE 4-12 4. NYJ 2-14</li></ol>Ah, yes; you can't beat consistency. CB2 3 games off for all 4 teams ..... GRADE: <b>D</b> ... (L12Y - the grade for each of the previous 12 years, starting with 2019 and going back to 2008: <b>C,</b> <b>D+,C-,C-,D,D,D,C-,C,C-,B-,D</b>)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTR9aqQZOUCHyyGzM543YoRDNUhF2YkTmwbe9fWEcG2r-cEoI4lbPe6-SJJbHsmPZE_ThLnakjeI_c8K9r2mFzPfREzjk_mbphuarH973fnXpIqohKexY6WFH31cgsN3DlOGptvKww40/s1000/NFL20--JAN.+3--P17++MIA-BUFF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTR9aqQZOUCHyyGzM543YoRDNUhF2YkTmwbe9fWEcG2r-cEoI4lbPe6-SJJbHsmPZE_ThLnakjeI_c8K9r2mFzPfREzjk_mbphuarH973fnXpIqohKexY6WFH31cgsN3DlOGptvKww40/s320/NFL20--JAN.+3--P17++MIA-BUFF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2, not foreseeing the hamstring injury that plagued Bills CB <b>Josh Norman</b> and caused him to miss 6 games, picked Norman to have the most interceptions by any player with dreads with a career high 7. But he finished with only 1, in Week 17 against the Dolphins. Chiefs S <b>Tyrann Mathieu</b>'s 6 INT were the most by anyone with dreads. <br /><p>.</p><p><b>AFC NORTH </b></p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>PIT 13-3 1. PIT 12-4</li><li>BAL 13-3 2. BAL 11-5</li><li>CLEV 4-12 3. CLEV 11-5</li><li>CIN 3-13 4. CIN 4-11-1</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Ravens clinched 2nd place due to head-to-head sweep of Browns (Weeks 1 and 14).<p></p><p>CB2 not too bad here. Only bad miss was Browns and got the order of finish exactly correct ..... GRADE: <b>C+</b> ... (L12Y:<b> D,C,C,C+,D+,C,C,C+,B-,C-,C,F</b>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MWGkFM45BNkVSxxgdykaOSpxQAdJnW6RwzVDMbdz0OLmv_SN0sEponrC102z_-n5e0JvjpIYev5Svhtcop7XLqSwhh-MNCCIqBW4ABtF_FaSKRjlINzRLOt7nfX21B5VCyTBpPf2QRY/s1920/NFL20--SEPT.+20--P4B++DEN-PITT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MWGkFM45BNkVSxxgdykaOSpxQAdJnW6RwzVDMbdz0OLmv_SN0sEponrC102z_-n5e0JvjpIYev5Svhtcop7XLqSwhh-MNCCIqBW4ABtF_FaSKRjlINzRLOt7nfX21B5VCyTBpPf2QRY/s320/NFL20--SEPT.+20--P4B++DEN-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 was incorrect in its prediction that LB <b>Bud Dupree</b> (above) and CB <b>Joe Haden</b> (below) would make the Pro Bowl team. Dupree may have been on his way until suffering a torn ACL in Week 12. He finished with 8 sacks, which was 5 fewer than CB2 forecast. Haden finished with 2 INT, 4 fewer than the career high 6 CB2 expected. CB2 also expected the Steelers to allow the fewest points in the the league. But the Rams (296) and Ravens (303) allowed fewer than the 312 allowed by the Steelers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlBau2cKQkk2J4gUn-2mykyCUjbjdRdTxoO8c1COl6mYAh-4WlLn7NP68BzHgbus4R0qWvt-5MRMC78g9by900StViZ-if_0eePwdw8fbFGcLYhI84h2Qda90NSxIMX-QmOUt62Goz9M/s1024/NFL20--OCT.+18--P12++CLEVE-PITT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlBau2cKQkk2J4gUn-2mykyCUjbjdRdTxoO8c1COl6mYAh-4WlLn7NP68BzHgbus4R0qWvt-5MRMC78g9by900StViZ-if_0eePwdw8fbFGcLYhI84h2Qda90NSxIMX-QmOUt62Goz9M/s320/NFL20--OCT.+18--P12++CLEVE-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.<div><br /></div><div><b>AFC SOUTH</b></div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>IND 10-6 1. TENN 11-5</li><li>HOU 9-7 2. IND 11-5</li><li>TENN 9-7 3. HOU 4-12</li><li>JAC 2-14 4. JAC 1-15</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Titans clinched 1st place due to better record than Colts in games against division opponents (TENN 5-1, IND 4-2)</div><div><br /></div><div>Jaguars' only win - in Week 1 vs. Colts - cost Colts division crown ..... GRADE:<b> C</b> ... (L12Y: <b>B-,D-,D+,D,C+,C,D+,D-,D,D-,D-,C-</b>)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XTZQ6Ea1e5jYIUCTXG050_Lrkre0hQ8K-hMiKbL132AoJfwzpDgfDoUJ5Ruw6JbLd7s8xXNzZHTTxI1NComFeyD2QtXw1r-Xyh0jcyYjTou0PnpmVjLuhBSQpadurzoKV0wseJ1s2m4/s1023/NFL20--DEC.+13--P4++IND-LV.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1023" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XTZQ6Ea1e5jYIUCTXG050_Lrkre0hQ8K-hMiKbL132AoJfwzpDgfDoUJ5Ruw6JbLd7s8xXNzZHTTxI1NComFeyD2QtXw1r-Xyh0jcyYjTou0PnpmVjLuhBSQpadurzoKV0wseJ1s2m4/s320/NFL20--DEC.+13--P4++IND-LV.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 thought that with Philip Rivers as his new QB, Colts WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> would enjoy a stellar season, leading all NFL players with dreads with a career high 15 TD receptions. Didn't happen. Hilton barely had the most TD catches by a player with dreads on his own team. He didn't score his 1st TD until Week 12 and ended up tied with WR <b>Zach Pascal</b> for the team lead with 5 TD catches. Packers WR <b>Davante</b> <b>Adams</b> had the most TD receptions by a player with dreads with 18.<div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>AFC WEST</b></div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>KC 12-4 1. KC 14-2</li><li>LV 11-5 2. LV 8-8</li><li>DEN 9-7 3. LAC 7-9</li><li>LAC 8-8 4. DEN 5-11</li></ol>Strong finish by Chargers denies CB2's bid to get order of finish exactly right ..... GRADE: <b>C-</b> ... (L12Y: <b>D+,D-,C,C,C-,C,C,D,B,A-,B,B</b>)</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AAeFm5xP_Ekcgh_NC7HXSBx7HlaPE4h42lbycETQSfLWs89XCQe_IygCnK2rS63KHKZOWuO1xvI1BQhqzYf0s9rvYONXbwoplSJ1jluQVf3JE3SCMpS-q1HbquclxDPnpIFKoYcx0Lc/s1060/NFL20--OCT.+1--P3++DEN-NYJ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1060" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AAeFm5xP_Ekcgh_NC7HXSBx7HlaPE4h42lbycETQSfLWs89XCQe_IygCnK2rS63KHKZOWuO1xvI1BQhqzYf0s9rvYONXbwoplSJ1jluQVf3JE3SCMpS-q1HbquclxDPnpIFKoYcx0Lc/s320/NFL20--OCT.+1--P3++DEN-NYJ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 was sure that <b>Melvin Gordon </b>(photo above), after moving from the Chargers to the Broncos, would lead all NFL players with dreads with 17 TD and lead the Broncos to the crown for the team with the most TD scored by players with dreads with 27. But Gordon scored only 10 TD (ninth most by a player with dreads); and with WR <b>Jerry Jeudy</b> scoring only 3 TD in a slightly disappointing rookie season, the Broncos' total of 13 TD by players with dreads was only good enough for 8th place. The Packers were the team with the most TD scored by players with dreads with 33, and the Saints RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b> was the leader in TD by anyone (dreads and no dreads) with 21. <br /><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>AFC TIEBRREAKERS</div><div><br /><p>Ravens clinched #5 seed over Colts due to head-to-head victory (Week 9)</p><p>Browns clinched #6 seed over Colts due to head-to-head victory (Week 5)</p><p>.</p><p><b>NFC EAST</b></p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>DAL 13-3 1. WASH 7-9</li><li>WASH 9-7 2. NYG 6-10</li><li>PHIL 8-8 3. DAL 6-10</li><li>NYG 3-13 4. PHIL 4-11-1</li></ol>TIEBREAKER: Giants clinched 2nd place due to better record than Cowboys in games against division opponents (NYG 4-2, DAL 2-4)<p></p><p>CB2 proud to be one of the few to pick WFT to make the playoffs, but it came at the expense of Cowboys. This was CB2's worst predicted division - not close on any of the teams ..... GRADE: <b>D-</b> ... (L12Y: <b>C,C+,C,C,D,C+,D,D+,B-,D,C,C-</b>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12kbllPYVMqKZANjJQyEDEtcpeZk9Z4QdraUbAxPxPRrtx8N3e9rKiRPlNrF_ihRmDBDWt668x4y1RqbeFhsU2_utwBLKXT1DJrtsckQC78_t80tgDzpYfhJDbmHzOyOjDal0CMr4goM/s1600/NFL20--DEC.+13--P7++WASH-SF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12kbllPYVMqKZANjJQyEDEtcpeZk9Z4QdraUbAxPxPRrtx8N3e9rKiRPlNrF_ihRmDBDWt668x4y1RqbeFhsU2_utwBLKXT1DJrtsckQC78_t80tgDzpYfhJDbmHzOyOjDal0CMr4goM/s320/NFL20--DEC.+13--P7++WASH-SF.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 nailed its prediction that WFT DE <b>Chase Young</b> would be the league's defensive rookie of the year. He won the honor despite finishing with just 7.5 sacks, which were 6.5 fewer than the 13 CB2 expected. <br /><p>.</p><p><b>NFC NORTH </b></p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>CHI 9-7 1. GB 13-3</li><li>GB 7-9 2. CHI 8-8</li><li>MINN 6-10 3. MINN 7-9</li><li>DET 5-11 4. DET 5-11</li></ol>CB2 certainly was right when it said "<i>Packers not as good as last year's record indicates</i>" - they weren't as good, they were <i>better</i>. Accurate forecasts for the other 3 teams makes this CB2's highest graded division (barely better than AFC North) and its best grade for this division since 2011 ..... GRADE: <b>C+</b> ... (L12Y: <b>D+,D-,D,C,D,D+,C-,C-,B-,C,B,C-</b>)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7DCYyiQPAyIHzKchrL_FofK22YiCtoaXnbjNefSoTXCON1NrkbnFZusX6uSeC86GCM6xV_y3NN1OC4E9vUxRKiDAzQB6soVoCdoYe-9Vvhf2l07fhXZ8KQozf-YvIFukDfwBZcohpxg/s1140/NFL20--SEPT.+13--P17B++GB-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1140" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7DCYyiQPAyIHzKchrL_FofK22YiCtoaXnbjNefSoTXCON1NrkbnFZusX6uSeC86GCM6xV_y3NN1OC4E9vUxRKiDAzQB6soVoCdoYe-9Vvhf2l07fhXZ8KQozf-YvIFukDfwBZcohpxg/s320/NFL20--SEPT.+13--P17B++GB-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>CB2 expected WR <b>Davante Adams</b> (above) to have a big year, and it was even bigger than expected. Adams led the league with a career high 18 TD receptions, 5 more than the 13 CB2 predicted. 5 of the 18 came in the two games against the Vikings. And with RB <b>Aaron Jones</b> also hitting double figures in TD, Packers successfully defended their crown as the team with the most TD scored by players with dreads with 33, edging the Vikings, who had 29. <br /><p>.</p><p><b>NFC SOUTH</b></p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>TB 11-5 1. NO 12-4</li><li>ATL 8-8 2. TB 11-5</li><li>NO 8-8 3. CAR 5-11</li><li>CAR 2-14 4. ATL 4-12</li></ol>With point differential of -18 for the whole season, Falcons had no business being 8 games under .500. Incredibly they blew a 16-point lead, 17-point lead, and 20-point lead all in the same season ..... GRADE: <b>D</b> ... (L12Y:<b> D,B,C+,D+,C-,C,D,C-,D,B+,A,D</b>) <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhQwvDb592OJauBiaqM_PZzjdfJNixr4AoLPdXzHZJmdUle0QSRDyfEj6loSrA-INnOUQxaKTxpZvyKI4EYwlxYksnI_b4y4Tt9N95pVJHN0s5pA5g1m1IjP_25X8I6e0MqmaMI2DR4o/s2048/NFL20--OCT.+5--P4++ATL-GB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="2048" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhQwvDb592OJauBiaqM_PZzjdfJNixr4AoLPdXzHZJmdUle0QSRDyfEj6loSrA-INnOUQxaKTxpZvyKI4EYwlxYksnI_b4y4Tt9N95pVJHN0s5pA5g1m1IjP_25X8I6e0MqmaMI2DR4o/s320/NFL20--OCT.+5--P4++ATL-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> (above) had the least productive season in yards rushing and second least productive in touchdowns of his career. After Falcons dropped out of contention early, his playing time was limited late in the season, and he finished with 9 TD, 5 fewer than CB2 predicted. And with WR Calvin Ridley, who had his hair in dreads throughout the preseason, deciding it <i>wouldn't</i> be his first regular season with dreads (we'll try for next year), Falcons had no chance at the NFC-leading 26 TD by players with dreads CB2 predicted. Packers had the most in the NFC and the NFL with 33. DE <b>Takk McKinley</b> (below) got off to a good start with a sack on opening day; but after suffering an injury in Week 2, he played in only 2 more games (for only 29 snaps) and had no more sacks before being released after Week 10, not coming close to the double digits in sacks CB2 predicted.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4Fxdbvt1x8hOdP1kIpl9MFa7tJQGLj_7PxM6naZGV5VQSffrBCBbGGKKaIlS292MqAy7tdjROonAgv6NIlpu1-3DSuLGi7N32vnFIGMsGKYI_GJrjLKma-RarMbe2oxe6glSIKtO9Lk/s814/NFL20--SEPT.+13--P19++SEA-ATL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="814" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4Fxdbvt1x8hOdP1kIpl9MFa7tJQGLj_7PxM6naZGV5VQSffrBCBbGGKKaIlS292MqAy7tdjROonAgv6NIlpu1-3DSuLGi7N32vnFIGMsGKYI_GJrjLKma-RarMbe2oxe6glSIKtO9Lk/s320/NFL20--SEPT.+13--P19++SEA-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>.<br /><p><b>NFC WEST</b></p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>SF 11-5 1. SEA 12-4</li><li>ARIZ 11-5 2. LAR 10-6</li><li>LAR 10-6 3. ARIZ 8-8</li><li>SEA 6-10 4. SF 6-10</li></ol>CB2 gets special mention here for picking the teams in the exact <i>opposite </i>order in which they finished. But perfect Rams pick saved this from being a F ..... GRADE: <b>D</b> ... (L12Y: <b>C,F,D+,C,B-,B+,C,B+,D,D-,D,D-</b>)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW-Inp3muD0wvOxRGBmZx6nQ918FRMU303pSA9ceZ7aEpixqak3UVwm0so5M-c060c4RpCVXjtoiE7McpjMv3B8nElnLyxXF9S_akdthHFdOvZehyphenhyphen1BLF3Qjv2_lJJbE5FdNCZ7QDJpI/s2048/NFL20--DEC.+20--P5++PHIL-ARIZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="2048" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPW-Inp3muD0wvOxRGBmZx6nQ918FRMU303pSA9ceZ7aEpixqak3UVwm0so5M-c060c4RpCVXjtoiE7McpjMv3B8nElnLyxXF9S_akdthHFdOvZehyphenhyphen1BLF3Qjv2_lJJbE5FdNCZ7QDJpI/s320/NFL20--DEC.+20--P5++PHIL-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>WR <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> did not disappoint in his first season with the Cardinals, tying his career high with 115 receptions; but his 6 TD catches were way short of the 14 CB2 expected him to lead NFC players with dreads with. Hopkins was 5th among NFC players with dreads. In 1st place, of course, was <b>Davante Adams</b> with 18. Memo to Coach Kingsbury and QB Murray: Cardinals were 5-1 when Hopkins scored a TD. Need to find him in the end zone more often. ......... CB2 thought the Seahawks would slump because they would have the most player games lost due to COVID-19 in the league. But they were one of three teams that had <i>no</i> players miss games due to COVID, and they went 12-4, their second best finish under Coach Carroll. Way to call 'em, CB2!<br /><p>.</p><p>NFC TIEBREAKERS</p><p>Saints clinched #2 seed over Seahawks due to better record than Seahawks in games against conference opponents (NO 10-2, SEA 9-3)</p><p>Bears clinched #7 seed over Cardinals due to better record than Cardinals in games against common opponents (CHI 3-2, ARIZ 1-4)</p><p>.</p><p><b>DIVISION WINNERS </b></p><p>CB2 got 3 of the 8 correct (and is still mourning the two that got away - NFC East, AFC South - in Week 17) ..... GRADE: <b>C-</b> ... (L12Y: <b>C-,D,D,C-,D-,C-,C-,C,C-D,C-,F</b>)</p><p>.</p><p><b>PLAYOFF TEAMS</b></p><p>AFC</p><p> predicted actual</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>PIT 1. <u>KC</u></li><li>KC 2. <u>BUF</u></li><li>BUF 3. <u>PIT</u></li><li>IND 4. TENN</li><li>BAL 5. <u>BAL</u></li><li>LV 6. CLEV</li><li>HOU 7. <u>IND</u></li></ol><div>NFC</div><div><br /></div><div> predicted actual</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>DAL 1. GB</li><li>TB 2. NO</li><li>SF 3. SEA</li><li>CHI 4. <u>WASH</u></li><li>ARIZ 5.<u> TB</u></li><li>LAR 6. <u>LAR</u></li><li>WASH 7.<u> CHI</u></li></ol>That's 9 right out of 14 for CB2, not too bad ...... GRADE: <b>B-</b> ... (L12Y: <b>C-,D+,C-,C+,C-,B-,C,C,B,C-,B-,C-</b>)<br /><br /></div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>SUPER BOWL</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>predicted: PIT over DAL</div><div>actual: TB over KC</div><div><br /></div><div>GRADE: <b>F </b>... (L12Y: <b>A-,F,D,F,F,D,D,A,F,F,A-,F</b>)</div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>OVERALL GRADE</b></div><div><br /></div><div>In its picks for 2019 CB2 graded out just barely above a C-. For 2020 it's just below a C-. Averaging the 11 individual grades, the final number for 2020 is 1.46. My C- range begins at 1.50, meaning that if the Cowboys had beaten the Giants (and WFT had lost to the Eagles) in Week 17, CB2 would have gotten that C-. Instead ..... GRADE: <b>D+</b> ... (L12Y: <b>C,D,C-,C-,D+,C,D+,C,C-,D+,B-,D</b>)</div><div><br /></div><div>My switch from CB to CB2 a few years back isn't exactly paying dividends, but there's no use crying over spilled milk. Just turn the page and try again. </div><p></p></div></div></div>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-26553486038579101922021-08-28T08:48:00.010-05:002021-08-28T09:09:57.819-05:00Edge of Fame<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-DH51duvkL2jBg9f6-MfbZXIpL1uaGHRQT7B78CF7inKeyqbtqrn0Z4Cwtf1Nfi34V9rux4QtmT21vcTcAXkKZ_2Klci9_rp5TWGvy_XtjZGV2QgEJUyYgWFiIvdOtPiI5gRThpew7s/s1078/NFL21--AUG.+7--P6A++E.JAMES+HOF.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1078" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-DH51duvkL2jBg9f6-MfbZXIpL1uaGHRQT7B78CF7inKeyqbtqrn0Z4Cwtf1Nfi34V9rux4QtmT21vcTcAXkKZ_2Klci9_rp5TWGvy_XtjZGV2QgEJUyYgWFiIvdOtPiI5gRThpew7s/s320/NFL21--AUG.+7--P6A++E.JAMES+HOF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On more than one occasion over the years I have wondered out loud who would be the first player with dreads inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; and the two likeliest candidates that always came to my mind were <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> and <b>Marshawn Lynch</b>. Well, the final answer is ..... none of the above ... because someone else has beaten those two to it. While Fitzgerald - currently mulling retirement - and Lynch - recently retired (maybe) - are still years away from worrying about what to say during their induction speeches, three weekends ago it was none other than <b>Edgerrin James</b> with a microphone in front of him and his bust - with dreads - next to him while proudly accepting the honor of the first with dreads to be enshrined in Canton.<p></p><p>When I began this blog almost exactly 13 years ago in late August 2008, James, picked 4th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft, was in the latter part of his career; and it never occurred to me that he was Hall of Fame bound because (I'll admit it) I had forgotten how great he was during the prime of his career.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a>In case you had forgotten too ..... <p></p><p>James rushed for 1,533 yards and 13 TD, was named offensive rookie of the year, and made 1st team All-Pro in 1999 - not too bad a debut. He then followed that by rushing for 1,709 yards and 13 TD the next year, leading the league in rushing for the 2nd straight season. But it wasn't just the yards rushing. James was a serious weapon in the passing game too, totaling nearly 600 yards receiving in each of those first two seasons. And he was on pace to at least match those numbers in his 3rd year until he suffered a knee injury (torn ACL) in the 6th game of the season. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9FU_rPRtcsLieUnAF3LjHCiqOAK8ibuYv6wPO0vERPne_8dOMtLi_VMgEE1uvgh-gJLJDcdBkNHF0Qfsjwrxakpnm9W4CxrPTs-Y_BRBpbZlnyA0By7UpqQLvZnSP8iAqbhyphenhyphenayXvjuM/s1063/NFL21--AUG.+7--P8++E.JAMES+HOF.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1063" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9FU_rPRtcsLieUnAF3LjHCiqOAK8ibuYv6wPO0vERPne_8dOMtLi_VMgEE1uvgh-gJLJDcdBkNHF0Qfsjwrxakpnm9W4CxrPTs-Y_BRBpbZlnyA0By7UpqQLvZnSP8iAqbhyphenhyphenayXvjuM/s320/NFL21--AUG.+7--P8++E.JAMES+HOF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The injury slowed James' career for a while but certainly didn't end it; and in 2004 and '05 he added two more 1,500+-yard seasons to his resume. Of course, it should be noted that Edgerrin definitely benefitted from being in the right place at the right time. After all, for every game during all 7 of his seasons with the Colts his quarterback was one of the best of all time; some guy named Peyton Manning, who began his career in 1998. Lining up in the same backfield as Manning likely made James more prolific for the Colts than he would have been with any other team in the league. Coincidentally - and probably fitting - Manning was on hand in person for James' induction ceremony because he himself was to be inducted one day later. That's Peyton standing next to James in the photo above left, with 2016 inductee Marvin Harrison (Colts WR 1996-2008) to his left. James and the other members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2020 would have been inducted last summer had not the festivities been pandemic postponed. So this year, after the Class of 2020 was officially inducted on Aug. 7, Manning and his 2021 classmates were enshrined the very next evening.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PdTCQfg1GWczInqMXgiC3lfD5WcWbxnAkmUCDma6BUeBuWhyphenhyphen7b0QPm4nVEZwP3ptJg9IwgM4n9Kr7Y8r3shn0hkes9CGqY_Oo_WW01G-rADDgrVnCguweGZfaT7SIuH1AXy15sNbQn8/s1066/NFL21--AUG.+7--P2B++E.JAMES+HOF.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1066" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1PdTCQfg1GWczInqMXgiC3lfD5WcWbxnAkmUCDma6BUeBuWhyphenhyphen7b0QPm4nVEZwP3ptJg9IwgM4n9Kr7Y8r3shn0hkes9CGqY_Oo_WW01G-rADDgrVnCguweGZfaT7SIuH1AXy15sNbQn8/s320/NFL21--AUG.+7--P2B++E.JAMES+HOF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaxcslo9T8-vBCAI6lGiI2jjbpZHyFfXNccTDXOJIFlOX20bqaf9w4FvRIeWRuA8CsvBQzMk_UKtU57HZqsAWKW4z2z9kppLaGFjn_X46hS_HVw2UkTJQ3efg-O36rqv8zx5lQxBNgAk/s800/NFL21--AUG.+7--P2++E.JAMES+HOF+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaxcslo9T8-vBCAI6lGiI2jjbpZHyFfXNccTDXOJIFlOX20bqaf9w4FvRIeWRuA8CsvBQzMk_UKtU57HZqsAWKW4z2z9kppLaGFjn_X46hS_HVw2UkTJQ3efg-O36rqv8zx5lQxBNgAk/s320/NFL21--AUG.+7--P2++E.JAMES+HOF+%25282%2529.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><p>In 2016 James left the Colts and headed for greener pastures (that's green, as in more money green), signing as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals ..... and watched his former team, after enduring years of playoff frustration, win the Super Bowl without him. But a couple of years later Edgerrin finally made it to the Super Bowl himself. After rushing for more than 1,100 yards in both of his first two seasons with Arizona - only to finish 5-11 and 8-8 in those seasons - it was in year 3 that he nearly won it all. In a 2008 season in which he rushed for a career low 514 yards, the Cardinals (just 9-7 during the regular season) rose from the #4 seed in the NFC to get to the Super Bowl for the first time ever; and in Super Bowl 43 Edgerrin had all 33 of the Cardinals' rushing yards (on 9 carries) in their thrilling but heartbreaking 27-23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. </p><p>His appearance in the Super Bowl was pretty much the last hurrah for James' career. The death (leukemia) of his girlfriend during the 2009 offseason took a heavy toll on him mentally, and he was ineffective playing for the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of the '09 season. He was released after averaging just 2.7 yards per carry in 7 games and officially retired just before the start of training camp in 2011. </p><p>Toward the end of his induction speech James made sure to mention that when he first came into the league, the Colts (and probably 31 other teams as well) may have been excited about his talent but not so much his dreads and gold teeth. 20 years ago dreads were, to put it kindly, not as accepted as they are now. But he wasn't going to change who he was or the way he looked; and he showed to all the haters and doubters that having your hair in dreads doesn't automatically make you a bad person. And his refusal to conform helped pave the way for the many more football players with dreads that would follow, several of whom will be joining him in the Hall in the years ahead.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PwiLR3p6MRye0xSyC13tAJ8F8SaW8oT2yHd9VwH23egwczr_Ukmtz69BZgCHWxtGLUA8y4lH5CSrS-XiXT8mopH9aFWT3oRyUPuYrRD8fjobttqG_W7dSh06TZn0DL_gBJlTjN9J2xE/s2048/NFL99--DEC.+5--P1++IND-MIA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5PwiLR3p6MRye0xSyC13tAJ8F8SaW8oT2yHd9VwH23egwczr_Ukmtz69BZgCHWxtGLUA8y4lH5CSrS-XiXT8mopH9aFWT3oRyUPuYrRD8fjobttqG_W7dSh06TZn0DL_gBJlTjN9J2xE/s320/NFL99--DEC.+5--P1++IND-MIA.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwLv-ezvUuEw8-WJE3rUtkmxiAmGr-ynBTzoF8akgZhAuvz7CmcBZbko43DSaomFFLLYMrJmmpG_5wXEB5Th_IMUTX1KWQjHTte7zxwEZdpM4buP_ZmGOvXMP6CkSZh7hm1qx86N5LA4/s1525/NFL01--OCT.+25--P1++IND-KC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1525" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwLv-ezvUuEw8-WJE3rUtkmxiAmGr-ynBTzoF8akgZhAuvz7CmcBZbko43DSaomFFLLYMrJmmpG_5wXEB5Th_IMUTX1KWQjHTte7zxwEZdpM4buP_ZmGOvXMP6CkSZh7hm1qx86N5LA4/s320/NFL01--OCT.+25--P1++IND-KC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Pro Football Hall of Fame? Absolutely. But Edgerrin wouldn't get very many votes to be included in a dreads hall of fame. Only briefly during his time in the NFL did he let his dreads get very long. In the left photo above is how they looked late in his rookie season. It wasn't until his 3rd season (2011) that they started to become visible outside of his helmet (right photo above). They were at their longest at the start of the 2003 season (left photo below) when the Colts played the Browns in Cleveland on opening day. But after a Browns defender grabbed his dreads to make a tackle during the game, Edgerrin immediately did the sensible but less glamorous thing - deciding to cut his dreads shorter to make sure they would never be grabbed again; and in the photo on the right below was how he looked just a week later for the Colts' home opener. From then on his dreads never again got long enough to be seen with his helmet on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMrj7k8L4w66qkeMo0-IiHduSC9XyGoAQAEAMcJdOBkOY_ojxfy4ZKaMi2NhctOoPd_JeiYafDwOM95rbPHGq9DUZxETNiy_A1c81PMmfKhI7xOUWuvhqvtc-2kzfHZzbHwustDe2qeQ/s2000/NFL03--SEPT.+7--P2++IND-CLEVE.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1312" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMrj7k8L4w66qkeMo0-IiHduSC9XyGoAQAEAMcJdOBkOY_ojxfy4ZKaMi2NhctOoPd_JeiYafDwOM95rbPHGq9DUZxETNiy_A1c81PMmfKhI7xOUWuvhqvtc-2kzfHZzbHwustDe2qeQ/s320/NFL03--SEPT.+7--P2++IND-CLEVE.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63F90mzEHS1vE7TStBeHTvG4wULqhutRuyrlb089SZUa8lClIGdPYDihKwVORrO2-IzEGf9vV7NmR4S_x6pg_IIAWWjifEKZTfSRh0TBLQfUBNGUW4_gKu07oUOsqA4R2IF6t7FUq44o/s2048/NFL03--SEPT.+14--P1++TENN-IND.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1370" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63F90mzEHS1vE7TStBeHTvG4wULqhutRuyrlb089SZUa8lClIGdPYDihKwVORrO2-IzEGf9vV7NmR4S_x6pg_IIAWWjifEKZTfSRh0TBLQfUBNGUW4_gKu07oUOsqA4R2IF6t7FUq44o/s320/NFL03--SEPT.+14--P1++TENN-IND.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In the photo below James celebrates after the Cardinals defeated the 6th seeded Philadelphia Eagles 32-25 for the 2008 NFC Championship, a game in which he rushed for 73 yards on 16 carries.<br /><p>If you want, you can catch James' induction speech in the video on the first link below. The second link is to an Indianapolis Star columnist's article commenting on his speech. And below that is an article from the Pro Football History website that details Edgerrin's career.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxdVrqGDdWHoUm_vPIJRbuJjioUZKwTZyZqdKUUWMhNnzdM7AI1tbgjzrYDpy22Bwy4Lw2NFsRM5rv5zFl1Oket-h0p5FPNNOq-fhNeUioUXpBHo_OpK8sOO4QKn5USuU2f9Qo_0GSIc/s2048/NFL08--JAN.+18--P55++PHIL-ARIZ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxdVrqGDdWHoUm_vPIJRbuJjioUZKwTZyZqdKUUWMhNnzdM7AI1tbgjzrYDpy22Bwy4Lw2NFsRM5rv5zFl1Oket-h0p5FPNNOq-fhNeUioUXpBHo_OpK8sOO4QKn5USuU2f9Qo_0GSIc/s320/NFL08--JAN.+18--P55++PHIL-ARIZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orzygKuxvqY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orzygKuxvqY</a><br /><p><a href="https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2021/08/07/colts-edgerrin-james-steals-show-hall-fame-powerful-speech/5388717001/" target="_blank">https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2021/08/07/colts-edgerrin-james-steals-show-hall-fame-powerful-speech/5388717001/</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.profootballhistory.com/edgerrin-james/" target="_blank">https://www.profootballhistory.com/edgerrin-james/</a><br /></p><p></p><p></p>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-43156878072796702532021-08-01T19:13:00.003-05:002021-08-01T19:48:24.976-05:00Lovable Loser<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy5hIbQ3Q9c8Ly8GFmx1DfKcwQMTHlev1MS21Svykb7O1qptT_ialG-Uuu_2nI_MQssA5kdm_t_rSwFGQZX2dsEaQqqzk0S-0de7YBwn6unjzss7qDffkbmW0i3R6IYunnJjXHyv8PMk/s1142/UFC19--MAY+10--P16.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1142" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy5hIbQ3Q9c8Ly8GFmx1DfKcwQMTHlev1MS21Svykb7O1qptT_ialG-Uuu_2nI_MQssA5kdm_t_rSwFGQZX2dsEaQqqzk0S-0de7YBwn6unjzss7qDffkbmW0i3R6IYunnJjXHyv8PMk/s320/UFC19--MAY+10--P16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once upon a time ..... back in the early days of man ..... back when you couldn't watch TV shows on your phone or computer; heck, back when you didn't even have a portable phone or computer; back when there was no such thing as the internet; back when there was no cable or satellite TV to bring hundreds of channels into your home; yes (no sense denying it) back when I was a teenager ..... way back then there were only a precious few channels available in any particular area, and you needed to attatch this funny-looking thing called an antenna to the roof of your house to more clearly see those channels. In days such as these a sports fan like myself (from day 1 of my life) found the options for sports programming to be, to put it kindly, limited. So please forgive me that in days such as these if, in order to satisfy my need for sports, I turned to the wild and wonderful world of pro wrestling.<span><a name='more'></a></span> <p></p><p>I don't remember exactly when I was told that pro wrestling wasn't really real, all just an act; but when I was, I didn't care. It's the thought that counts, right? I was satisfied in the knowledge that although all those holds weren't actually causing as much pain as the wrestlers/actors were making it look, they <i>could</i> and <i>would</i> cause a tremendous amount of pain if they really wanted them to. <br /> </p><p>In this part of the world back then pro wrestling was brought to you by the AWA in the form of their weekly telecast of "All-Star Wrestling"; and even if it wasn't real, it was usually entertaining and often hilarious. Other than one feature match each week, almost all of the matches were total mismatches, with the promotion's roster of stars - good and evil - rolling to quick and easy victories over the also-rans, good and evil.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0Epf5nfe5qDqtZXlZoosg_9xQFK2Chs7Hp-6iR9Of_P4aU4DFJaiFAspi6l2JiiIwsasrOWxgKKFFsXXpw19rYuGlTlgX4E3XOBjrnfsQXrszx7hMq_pJ9hqUEV-mlQV1Zg0elka7rA/s640/W76--NOV.+14--P1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0Epf5nfe5qDqtZXlZoosg_9xQFK2Chs7Hp-6iR9Of_P4aU4DFJaiFAspi6l2JiiIwsasrOWxgKKFFsXXpw19rYuGlTlgX4E3XOBjrnfsQXrszx7hMq_pJ9hqUEV-mlQV1Zg0elka7rA/s320/W76--NOV.+14--P1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>But not all of the losers were completely incompetent. One of ASW's most lovable losers was a man known as George "Scrap Iron" Gadaski (photo on left of a YouTube screen shot from a match in 1976); and no matter which notoriously evil villain he had to face, whether it be Bockwinkel or Stevens, Rhodes or Murdoch, or Ivan Koloff, or the claw master himself, Baron von Raschke, ol' Scrap Iron usually put up a good fight and gave his opponent a run for his money before ultimately and <i>always</i> losing ...... Of course, by now you're probably asking what any of this has to do with dreads. And the answer would be ... nothing ... other than that I may have found the current-day version of the lovable loser ..... and he has dreads! <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5bWJuRXjb4AXEBbPa477e0tuLCICP6PG4VSZ6Q3mmfn8vcBMmyToDyZlMQYqizHI5elkBMRO_WjKqn1uFrHJe2qff2f2FHCpqbakKJWfhTLQkgOzrCLxQ6brfcp23OZLUzvC5f8iIVk/s2000/UFC19--OCT.+5--P4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1831" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5bWJuRXjb4AXEBbPa477e0tuLCICP6PG4VSZ6Q3mmfn8vcBMmyToDyZlMQYqizHI5elkBMRO_WjKqn1uFrHJe2qff2f2FHCpqbakKJWfhTLQkgOzrCLxQ6brfcp23OZLUzvC5f8iIVk/s320/UFC19--OCT.+5--P4.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>About 4 months or so ago I was searching for something on YouTube, and now I honestly can't remember what is was .... because once I got distracted I immediately ceased that search and never went back to it. It was a video of one of the matches of MMA fighter <b>Calvin Glover</b> (photo on right) that snatched my attention; and after viewing it, I just had to go back for more. So I looked up Glover's record on the Tapology.com website ... and what I found was almost impossible to believe ......<br /><p>Glover never wins ... literally, never. After each and every one of his pro fights Calvin has stood and watched the arm of his opponent raised in victory, as it was after his 2nd career fight, vs. Derik Scott on May 10, 2019, in the photo above at the top of the page. And this isn't pro wrestling either, where it is scripted for you to win or lose. There's nothing fake about MMA. The punches are real, the kicks are real, the submission holds are real, the pain is real. I mean, this is a sport where your opponent is at best trying to knock you out cold and at worst trying to put you in a hospital. Broken bones are not uncommon. Every time you go into the cage you're trying, if not expecting, to <i>win</i>. Like someone once said, "You play to win the game. Hello".</p><p>But Glover does not. In his 10 career professional fights Calvin is a perfect 0-10; and what was <i>really</i> amazing - and alarming - when I first saw his results was noticing that all 10 of his fights ended before the 1st round was over. Indeed Glover is no Scrap Iron Gadaski. Calvin goes down to his defeats barely breaking a sweat - and without making his opponents break a sweat either. And it is for this ineptitude that he is currently is ranked third from bottom of all the lightweight (155-pound division) fighters (more than 1,000 in all) in the United States. Actually the rankings change every day, and there have been many days where he has been dead last. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuN9b3lQWToEto1OdZj3q-VdEhoZ0wrOtbtQQpPa8boNtTm1ZT1AEnzEtqzyXZDc-8SzMf1_5jxusuNempTiO9G-6x6rQwA-InGLd7v3xbcb0BRPev_GmJG0nnvzyTgtic46kRAHHr2Y/s2048/UFC19--APR.+26--P11.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuN9b3lQWToEto1OdZj3q-VdEhoZ0wrOtbtQQpPa8boNtTm1ZT1AEnzEtqzyXZDc-8SzMf1_5jxusuNempTiO9G-6x6rQwA-InGLd7v3xbcb0BRPev_GmJG0nnvzyTgtic46kRAHHr2Y/s320/UFC19--APR.+26--P11.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M7pALcmytsf7UQLBc-pCXV5sR87RBEa0RIW-mvpyP3mDLK_sQoODZk-GM64512FFDS3T6nt4bpzKc76P9S3ldTDso5jC97-shJrSWOsOeQJupC5ZdMCnsejA_SW5ZGqAhBprtqyUOkM/s2048/UFC19--AUG.+23--P9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="2048" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M7pALcmytsf7UQLBc-pCXV5sR87RBEa0RIW-mvpyP3mDLK_sQoODZk-GM64512FFDS3T6nt4bpzKc76P9S3ldTDso5jC97-shJrSWOsOeQJupC5ZdMCnsejA_SW5ZGqAhBprtqyUOkM/s320/UFC19--AUG.+23--P9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Glover's matches have that familiar repetitiveness to them. Seemingly if you've seen one you've seen them all. Calvin starts out fine, getting in a couple of punches and/or kicks; but once his opponent gets his hands on him it's pretty much all over. Soon he gets taken down to the mat, and soon after that he gets mounted from the back - at which point he just covers his head (see photos on left, in his pro debut vs. Michael Aquila on Apr. 26, 2019, and right, against Landon Quinones on Aug. 23, 2019) and waits for the end to come. A couple of times the end has come with him being struck by a torrent of punches. But mostly - 7 of his 10 losses, in fact - it comes with his opponent's arms around his neck, a simple rear naked choke that causes him to quickly and helplessly tap out (photos below, vs. Scott on the left and Aquila on the right). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfak6g7CV74Ioo-vn4hexpxG8qOUITCodXfip2iel3XIH3del9SiFYH9zWbo09sIZn6w-fNM1k5Mxv1tSCdoxRSQ2SLEzBHLBfleMS_egnppPnWfCeQjFgYbYvPFXgrhglpAE7OzGDBo/s1080/UFC19--MAY+10--P10.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="747" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfak6g7CV74Ioo-vn4hexpxG8qOUITCodXfip2iel3XIH3del9SiFYH9zWbo09sIZn6w-fNM1k5Mxv1tSCdoxRSQ2SLEzBHLBfleMS_egnppPnWfCeQjFgYbYvPFXgrhglpAE7OzGDBo/s320/UFC19--MAY+10--P10.jpg" width="221" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3cOxU0oMrV5pn-JKCjVG_dORS2c55epElgPJpuaKRmHCUeOBtXaBDf7UD1oxx_sm9Em4346zR9YVVG2-psDFWx6WzfHPnKzTwBNFMGGQmgpNW1uEfjJ0XN5JguUb-mjN7eivaB2Pg2s/s2048/UFC19--APR.+26--P1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3cOxU0oMrV5pn-JKCjVG_dORS2c55epElgPJpuaKRmHCUeOBtXaBDf7UD1oxx_sm9Em4346zR9YVVG2-psDFWx6WzfHPnKzTwBNFMGGQmgpNW1uEfjJ0XN5JguUb-mjN7eivaB2Pg2s/s320/UFC19--APR.+26--P1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPg6wcYLFbglbIuifBL-NNobFnOT4gz5HHM_fkgGtjXa6x3yfm3pIvXUbFzVGmKrmc__ky7zI6XizATqioWdgBKBIsZI0PUmahfVIM7HkyvZZOArvmxbH1DzZ2ZSrW2s8RrodYaOBNpc/s1080/UFC19--MAY+10--P5A.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPg6wcYLFbglbIuifBL-NNobFnOT4gz5HHM_fkgGtjXa6x3yfm3pIvXUbFzVGmKrmc__ky7zI6XizATqioWdgBKBIsZI0PUmahfVIM7HkyvZZOArvmxbH1DzZ2ZSrW2s8RrodYaOBNpc/s320/UFC19--MAY+10--P5A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So, what is it that makes Glover a <i>lovable</i> loser and not just a loser? Need you even ask? It's those dreads (!) of course. Most boxers and MMA fighters with long dreads usually and massively reduce their dreads for their fights. For example, take a look at boxer Omar Douglas in his fight against Edner Cherry from 4 years ago (photo on left below). When you're putting your life on the line, it's a pretty good idea to do whatever it takes to make sure there's no chance of your dreads moving around all over the place and impairing your vision. But Calvin, bless his heart, is taking none of that good advice. Every time he goes into the cage he's got his dreads going all full blast - either barely restrained (photo on right below from his Feb. 29, 2020 match vs. Thiago Belo) or just flowing completely unleashed (photo on right above vs. Scott). Obviously this is not recommended; but it sure makes it a lot of fun watching him, even if it is only for a few seconds. I guess he figures he's not going to be fighting for long anyway, so why bother wasting all that time braiding them together. <p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizB0Ll1NZJD1MicHjF997QstLc-l3QFLnPdRzPMNH3LPUeFRgqUPPtN8rPbEOTbs-ogbEEaUaU_IH4EsvDgHfLB-L-pkxyJGJ04wRZjQvCZs8BeQjJk1zH4UOz4NQTH0yVl5nwXbkHk8/s1099/UFC20--FEB.+29--P8.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1099" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizB0Ll1NZJD1MicHjF997QstLc-l3QFLnPdRzPMNH3LPUeFRgqUPPtN8rPbEOTbs-ogbEEaUaU_IH4EsvDgHfLB-L-pkxyJGJ04wRZjQvCZs8BeQjJk1zH4UOz4NQTH0yVl5nwXbkHk8/s320/UFC20--FEB.+29--P8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79IPU0p2ukdbe_YzQVS8w0hT5Pjb74kCskkfZapN_nkZqHqKko8JI4TgPOjLQale14Texr-IC0eEmFh0KskTlGlQfuq4fMld6ZSQBpVwnu8bsF0KEp8-ct9dL9u6vN8arroQyKTNgtqA/s720/BX17--APR.+4--P7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79IPU0p2ukdbe_YzQVS8w0hT5Pjb74kCskkfZapN_nkZqHqKko8JI4TgPOjLQale14Texr-IC0eEmFh0KskTlGlQfuq4fMld6ZSQBpVwnu8bsF0KEp8-ct9dL9u6vN8arroQyKTNgtqA/s320/BX17--APR.+4--P7.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br /><p>Glover has not been totally winless throughout his career. Before he turned pro he was victorious on at least a couple of occasions as an amateur. In fact, there's proof of victory in this video (link below and left photo below) of a match from 8 years ago (when he was 21 years old, and his dreads maybe 3 years old) in which basically nothing happens until he suddenly explodes in closing seconds of round 1 to get the TKO. And before losing a 2017 match in the 2nd round, in the 1st round Calvin actually attacked his opponent from his back, trying to arm bar him into submission (right photo/screen shot below).</p><p></p><p> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZKwNjwmPrY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZKwNjwmPrY</a> </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjqVXP_ghKv1muq-QHb_KFCsR0KAA5P5PHXxNywekCEPHRS0yklky7zWm12a8GlTid1w_cTAsQ775Ednz8fuWr7EsmMHc-2cjQAWXPPTucugD9or_rAoilnIcTcO8Z9ieqaEXFHo4ovg/s1365/UFC13--DEC.+7--P1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="973" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjqVXP_ghKv1muq-QHb_KFCsR0KAA5P5PHXxNywekCEPHRS0yklky7zWm12a8GlTid1w_cTAsQ775Ednz8fuWr7EsmMHc-2cjQAWXPPTucugD9or_rAoilnIcTcO8Z9ieqaEXFHo4ovg/s320/UFC13--DEC.+7--P1.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNjZ_Yp04m9rU601ppu5wvIuf4cowlEcHJ-aIZZoZCWpSFHxqGzlFzVc2Ap9vRHsHfDWZ7FnH8XAJW9VAwwtsSTgmJOQosLAaLF0GMIikeVSHBavRtdRXoyTFSX7wo3xOHR0lBvZ4E5o/s1130/UFC17--JAN.+7--P3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1130" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNjZ_Yp04m9rU601ppu5wvIuf4cowlEcHJ-aIZZoZCWpSFHxqGzlFzVc2Ap9vRHsHfDWZ7FnH8XAJW9VAwwtsSTgmJOQosLAaLF0GMIikeVSHBavRtdRXoyTFSX7wo3xOHR0lBvZ4E5o/s320/UFC17--JAN.+7--P3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>But ever since beginning his pro career the losses have been coming fast and furious. In his debut against Aquila (video on first link below) Glover made it about halfway through round 1 before being choked out. None of his fights since that one have gone more than 100 seconds. His 2nd fight - 2 weeks after the first - only went 71 seconds; but go ahead and check out the video anyway (second link below) because this was one of the times his dreads were completely loose (photo below from the end of the match vs. Scott).</p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DynastyCombatSports/videos/331730377487401" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/DynastyCombatSports/videos/331730377487401</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um2m3YDji38" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um2m3YDji38</a> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99NA__qcqoRcAOybxFC3CLlJFW7pP5gTVNJCyrOWMbYwAJq3tQ7OYRXdKxFAQw8tHShpBRTeSu6Qvv-pc5GzNnuEW5GOr_NB3e6QVQiCLgdHOYE6PSL0vuZWw0mZ06FRFDgoNjnpVSLQ/s901/UFC19--MAY+10--P13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="901" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99NA__qcqoRcAOybxFC3CLlJFW7pP5gTVNJCyrOWMbYwAJq3tQ7OYRXdKxFAQw8tHShpBRTeSu6Qvv-pc5GzNnuEW5GOr_NB3e6QVQiCLgdHOYE6PSL0vuZWw0mZ06FRFDgoNjnpVSLQ/s320/UFC19--MAY+10--P13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Before falling to 0-5 five months later - also in 71 seconds - it was determined Calvin had his fingernails too long and they needed to be cut shorter before he was allowed inside the cage (left photo and first link below). In that match and also in his 8th pro fight (vs. Belo, right photo and second link below) Calvin had his dreads tied back at the start, but they were all loose by the time it was over.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP9CHbfjYj4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP9CHbfjYj4</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/100052607203288/videos/895190197566954" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/100052607203288/videos/895190197566954</a> (first match on the video)</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMdfcVW5BxCnsxtVM65aDZdMKjZJUQzOFDCeZWMsWjfOkfF4EHgujZV8KnxnPZwSATQHXNAV6MESidyjFYw0YY2sKGEX18omaj5uwaQUC5pQYstOQjaEJr1VYjHrQIrx8125Nu2Hb6eI/s2048/UFC19--OCT.+5--P3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMdfcVW5BxCnsxtVM65aDZdMKjZJUQzOFDCeZWMsWjfOkfF4EHgujZV8KnxnPZwSATQHXNAV6MESidyjFYw0YY2sKGEX18omaj5uwaQUC5pQYstOQjaEJr1VYjHrQIrx8125Nu2Hb6eI/s320/UFC19--OCT.+5--P3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddmu4hF3Fnnyt5ud3CVMw04veSzDO8V6Gp3dUUcVBzdJ69u0Ze6cRr71SQBuafx0-Izgtzmgbr7Vfern7ER1SKxWc_N9uRVvKqADxpwVoZOK1ZnZHF2lzT4Nw3orVZqI50j3liuLupeI/s1080/UFC20--FEB.+29--P7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1080" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddmu4hF3Fnnyt5ud3CVMw04veSzDO8V6Gp3dUUcVBzdJ69u0Ze6cRr71SQBuafx0-Izgtzmgbr7Vfern7ER1SKxWc_N9uRVvKqADxpwVoZOK1ZnZHF2lzT4Nw3orVZqI50j3liuLupeI/s320/UFC20--FEB.+29--P7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After 8 defeats in 10 months, the pandemic put a temporary halt to Glover's futility; but he was able to get in a couple more matches before 2020 was over. All has been quiet on the 2021 front so far. Maybe he has finally gotten the hint that he's not very good at this. The only result on his record for this year came from about 3 months ago, when he got his pro boxing career started. The fight ended - that's right, you guessed it - with him being TKO'd in the 1st round. But, of course, his dreads still looked great, even though they were tied back more than usual. <br /><p></p><p></p><p>Hopefully Calvin's career isn't winding down just yet. I mean, he can't go out without at least <i>one</i> W. Hopefully it won't be in vain, but I'll still keep waiting, keep hoping for that glorious moment when he survives the 1st round - and for the even more glorious day that he finally loses that '0'.<br /></p>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-25165675841105056422021-07-17T00:02:00.153-05:002021-07-18T18:38:49.934-05:00DG178 - Part 1<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDqsaL5WNhuRK25qIMKUJklXrXhAPL79XU_XFkMlMWrpVxFplhJCDVCrZWW9MtP4pcrPXD4uLzdvVjDKKXLgl3tgtexqc5qCGupdnXZicGTTtU6-RzIDqxmQ8vTO14k8VHb_1qmRpZpk/s1855/NBA21--FEB.+26--P57++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1855" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDqsaL5WNhuRK25qIMKUJklXrXhAPL79XU_XFkMlMWrpVxFplhJCDVCrZWW9MtP4pcrPXD4uLzdvVjDKKXLgl3tgtexqc5qCGupdnXZicGTTtU6-RzIDqxmQ8vTO14k8VHb_1qmRpZpk/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P57++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You are forgiven if you are unable to remember the contents of the first ever dread gallery I did featuring basketball players. Hastily prepared and posted a couple of weeks (or so) before Christmas in 2008, DG#30 covered the first month of the 2008-09 College Basketball season, and all I can recall about it is that I had to look high and low and far and wide just to find enough players to make a dread gallery. Of the handful of players with dreads that I did find, most played for the so called mid-major and low-major teams that you rarely see on television. Dreads were few and far between in the big, power conferences. And the story was the same in the NBA. You had to look even far-er and wider to find dreads in the Association. So small was the roster of NBA players with dreads back then that it could be tallied with just the fingers on your two hands.<p></p><p>But things are different nowadays. Just a bit. I mean, it seems like every team - pro, college, or wherever - has at least one player with dreads. Many teams have more than one. Dreads have become so commonplace on the basketball court that it's unusual - and disappointing - to see a game without any. Rather than a look at all the dozens of players with dreads currently on basketball teams, dread gallery #178 will focus mostly on a small number of players from a select few games.</p><p>But first .....<span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <br /> You probably noticed that it's been a while since I last posted anything; and maybe you've been wondering why. Well, I'm glad you asked, because I'm going to tell you why ..... the short version, at least. It certainly is <i>not</i> because I don't want want to do this blog anymore. Dreads are so common and so normal and so many now that seeing them really isn't as special as it was during the early days of this blog. But even all these years since I began I still very much want to do stuff about athletes with dreads.<p></p><p>After I finished DG177 in April 2020, I decided my next DG would be on baseball, which I've hardly done anything on in years. But instead of doing a DG with just a few photos of all the players with dreads, I thought it would be better to include photos of all the seasons I haven't covered since I did DG150 back in 2014. So I started going through the photos I had saved and searching for even more photos just to make sure I didn't miss anything.</p><p>In the meantime .... on May 8 of last year I quit my job. It's not something I wanted to do. Actually I enjoyed the work (mostly) as well as the company of my co-workers. But it just wasn't paying enough, and in the middle of a pandemic that seemed wasn't going to end anytime soon I knew it was going to be impossible to get a raise. So after 35 years at the same job, I said goodbye and headed into the great unknown. And after about 3 weeks I was able to land a better-paying, part-time job. Which was OK because it gave me more time to go through the hundreds of baseball pictures I still needed to go through. But then about a month after that I landed another part-time job, and that really took a big bite out of my free time. All of a sudden I was actually working more than I wanted. I wasn't complaining about it, especially considering how many people the pandemic has put out of work; but at that point it meant that the House of Dread needed to go to the back burner.</p><p>As the summer went on and football season approached, I ceased searching for baseball photos (after getting about halfway finished) and started looking at football pictures. I wanted to do my annual house calls report, but all I had time for was my report card for the 2019 season the and 2020 preview. Then all through the 2020 season I hardly did anything blog related at all. A lot of Saturdays I had to work, and (of course) I spent Sundays watching football (all day). I often was so tired that I spent more of my free time sleeping, and on <i>many</i> nights I was on the computer for less than an hour. I'm working a little less now - and (thankfully) not on Saturdays anymore - so<i> maybe</i> I'll get some stuff posted more frequently (but don't hold your breath). </p><p>You might find this hard to believe now but frequent posts were not an issue during this infancy of this blog. DG30 was the 30th dread gallery (duh) I did in my first 4 months. It included immortals such as <b>Josh Hunter</b> (Appalachian State), <b>Kevin Thomas</b> (Murray State), <b>Lakendrick Allen</b> (Mississippi Valley State), and <b>Jasper Williams</b> and <b>Jeremy Saffore</b> (both UT-Chattanooga). Remember them? There were photos of future NBA draft picks <b>DeMarre Carroll</b> and <b>Kenneth Faried</b>. And since at that point early in the season I hadn't yet heard of <b>Courtney Fortson</b> (Arkansas), the best dreads in DG30 were on the heads of <b>Raymond Sykes</b> (Clemson) and <b>Justin Carter</b> (Creighton).</p><p>Unfortunately DG30, along with most of the other stuff I did on the Yardbarker website during the first 4 years of the House of Dread, have apparently been forever lost to the far reaches of space. It's hard to believe that more than 12 years have passed since DG30. Time flies when you're having fun, I guess. Time flies .... and dreads change. Back in 2008 it was simple to tell the difference whether a player's hair was in dreads or in braids. But now, there are so many different styles of dreads; and I often have to look twice and think three times before deciding if I should welcome a player to the house.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDi9qjwN8HVwhZa4r-lREqQEc94CBbS3YxZBS26oj1e0kpLzbL6O7Nrg65otePrplMjifXhpL-Xu1s4MMl0iEyqe4XctDt7BHkWQ_sowD3xuCs9g3PM3TdoSRriLhUu6ODn508lwBNfE/s2048/NBA21--JAN.+22--P1++NY-SACR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDi9qjwN8HVwhZa4r-lREqQEc94CBbS3YxZBS26oj1e0kpLzbL6O7Nrg65otePrplMjifXhpL-Xu1s4MMl0iEyqe4XctDt7BHkWQ_sowD3xuCs9g3PM3TdoSRriLhUu6ODn508lwBNfE/s320/NBA21--JAN.+22--P1++NY-SACR.jpg" /></a></div>Although I'm tempted, DG178 will not be a redo of DG30. A good chunk of it will feature the dreads and smiling face of Sacramento Kings F/C <b>Richaun Holmes</b>, which greeted you at the beginning of this post and again here (photo on left). Still unknown to me after being picked in the 2nd round of the 2015 NBA Draft <i>and </i>after the first two seasons of his career, Holmes has slowly but surely become one of my favorite players to watch. I didn't even notice he was with the Philadelphia 76ers until his 3rd season (2017-18), when he first put his hair into braids. Then the next season he was traded to Phoenix and switched his hair to dreads, and that's when I really started paying attention. Holmes is a 6-10, 235-pounder who has improved by leaps and bounds since signing with the Kings as a free agent during the summer of 2019. A defensive specialist averaging a career high 1.6 blocked shots per game so far this season, he also has become more of a factor on offense since coming to Sactown, averaging double figures in scoring and shooting better than 64% from the field in both of his seasons.<p></p><p>Richaun is the feature attraction of dread gallery #178. He was one of 4 players with dreads in uniform in Detroit on the night of Feb. 26, when he had 19 points and a season high 17 rebounds and was a +19 in 33 minutes, helping the Kings end a 9-game losing streak with a 110-107 victory over the Pistons. Then, after looking at every single picture involving any players with dreads from that game (well, most of them), we'll check out a couple of other players I like whose dreads happen to be among the best in the league. <br /> .</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Cssptb2spvF9gpq655lgI9p22VP5U-s0XfLsLXl9-BI42Jp3Lpv1KRValnc7OMzNBfd91Nub7y6TSs7SpMIVrrRurYSOcrBzy-DnwyzxiesfaCEmCq3yMe7Fnwjggia-GI7AESbiDuE/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P29++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Cssptb2spvF9gpq655lgI9p22VP5U-s0XfLsLXl9-BI42Jp3Lpv1KRValnc7OMzNBfd91Nub7y6TSs7SpMIVrrRurYSOcrBzy-DnwyzxiesfaCEmCq3yMe7Fnwjggia-GI7AESbiDuE/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P29++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>1. After F Harrison Barnes misses the Kings' first shot of the game, <b>Richaun Holmes</b> tips in the first 2 points of the game. It looked like C Mason Plumlee would get the rebound for the Pistons; but the ball stayed on the rim longer than he expected, causing him to mistime his jump and allowing Holmes to get the chance for the easy putback. <br /><br />.<p></p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9RgOAFYrWb2DimGNQ7s1jHuaM1uNzUWCn2INOnjYoyPnrhoj8UUYn1j8g5DAoUZT6asJsTu3StDnlWCp9LAUXuDt_p19a8aj0cfoXQsKUQj6iMPtEOhOASXVGtdNlchNWuKYV4Yze34/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P30++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9RgOAFYrWb2DimGNQ7s1jHuaM1uNzUWCn2INOnjYoyPnrhoj8UUYn1j8g5DAoUZT6asJsTu3StDnlWCp9LAUXuDt_p19a8aj0cfoXQsKUQj6iMPtEOhOASXVGtdNlchNWuKYV4Yze34/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P30++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>2. F <b>Jerami Grant</b>, who had his dreads reduced for this game, looks to drive against <b>Richaun Holmes</b> from the right wing with 9:30 remaining in the 1st quarter. Instead he settled for a 17-foot jumper (the official game play-by-play calls it a 13-footer, but Grant was barely inside the 3-point line) and missed, keeping the Kings' lead at 9-3. <p></p><p>.</p><p></p><p></p><p><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfu9W2oaNlH0wmQhz4jN0zMFJabZiLeFXGMjs81iXdrMEVrDYfvZscw0vFL8YPpWRK5pPe3T8OM_yO-RfVbgYsyGXZwKsfTURBleoW6KOgcD1VGGgvls8AHlXP95MYuOcPdG0Jh_3GRO0/s1449/NBA21--FEB.+26--P7++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfu9W2oaNlH0wmQhz4jN0zMFJabZiLeFXGMjs81iXdrMEVrDYfvZscw0vFL8YPpWRK5pPe3T8OM_yO-RfVbgYsyGXZwKsfTURBleoW6KOgcD1VGGgvls8AHlXP95MYuOcPdG0Jh_3GRO0/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P7++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> 3. After driving into the lane, G Dennis Smith Jr. leaves his feet and decides to pass the ball rather than have his shot blocked by <b>Richaun Holmes</b> with 8:31 remaining in the 1st quarter. The pass went to Mason Plumlee, who then passed to G Wayne Ellington, who missed a wide open 3-pointer, with Holmes getting the rebound.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7iBjKKNYRRNAueWaDcI3qePOpvh0n1B907YnLQ4nlwgOgd1ECY4pvQ3Riy0kpzUrKek8rED9l5EhTgOt2ZRfWP5l31olGtIuIvHloCsthqQ0uGvZggBjnwCuxn8drmp453bjwTdGYuQ/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P31++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7iBjKKNYRRNAueWaDcI3qePOpvh0n1B907YnLQ4nlwgOgd1ECY4pvQ3Riy0kpzUrKek8rED9l5EhTgOt2ZRfWP5l31olGtIuIvHloCsthqQ0uGvZggBjnwCuxn8drmp453bjwTdGYuQ/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P31++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>4. With F Saddiq Bey on the floor (and out of the picture) under the basket after trying to draw an offensive foul, <b>Richaun Holmes</b> finds himself all alone in the middle of the lane and hits a hook shot to cap an 11-1 run and put the Kings ahead 16-4 less than 4 minutes into the game.<br /><p>.<br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5NthavgXdMpi6GLIaHKnlkNdONBPgqqWgTGQiBZkk0vsPVpL6I6UBtUKUyWVtG7u2OetFr7pEJwR4g_ILT6a8kf1s93TkNWlczO4PycDJNImyS-jjwrxtqhfzkL-E75ak8cd3VwNMjE/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+26--P25++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5NthavgXdMpi6GLIaHKnlkNdONBPgqqWgTGQiBZkk0vsPVpL6I6UBtUKUyWVtG7u2OetFr7pEJwR4g_ILT6a8kf1s93TkNWlczO4PycDJNImyS-jjwrxtqhfzkL-E75ak8cd3VwNMjE/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P25++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxT9fyP1BfWH3HeH5-j7g4Gz0JldsEpIUxxr3XQ8IYjuoqKld7cgmFma8yb-KLWmAjJr-qU92OF2K-3Sjj5WvNyKAmbwwW-vB6OkbzMr0eUga7q6cpO_2Hu7bniQKI92ie1kp_I7UzpAc/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+26--P24++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxT9fyP1BfWH3HeH5-j7g4Gz0JldsEpIUxxr3XQ8IYjuoqKld7cgmFma8yb-KLWmAjJr-qU92OF2K-3Sjj5WvNyKAmbwwW-vB6OkbzMr0eUga7q6cpO_2Hu7bniQKI92ie1kp_I7UzpAc/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P24++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>5. <b>Richaun Holmes</b> picks up Jerami Grant on a defensive switch (above) ... and Grant drives right past him, gets to the basket, and hits the layup (on right) with 7:12 to play in the 1st quarter. Jerami's first 2 points of the night capped a 5-0 run that brought the Pistons to within 19-9 .....<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXpkwClA25iXWjKEd5jaF9gzspvseQjbKs4UFz2ENru3NNrerNvdeENPrJ6o2lC4C_Yoou-xZiZYeitB1gEbf0M11ZxZ-zL4wfwQn9B8WbLy1tddGPAw_gLrkPzmW8St40YUJnj3liBA/s1440/NBA21--FEB.+26--P3++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1288" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXpkwClA25iXWjKEd5jaF9gzspvseQjbKs4UFz2ENru3NNrerNvdeENPrJ6o2lC4C_Yoou-xZiZYeitB1gEbf0M11ZxZ-zL4wfwQn9B8WbLy1tddGPAw_gLrkPzmW8St40YUJnj3liBA/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P3++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><p>6. ..... <b>Jerami Grant</b> takes the Pistons' next shot 23 seconds (and two possessions) later. After getting open on a screen, Grant launches a 20-footer as <b>Richaun Holmes</b> comes out too late to challenge him. The shot was no good, and G Buddy Hield got the rebound for the Kings.</p><p>.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm5O0rzqD5WLpq-IWD-iziJ4jvMHhMjcqQudqCfwwZwQONhgRCe80CU0PoXTKbZTQ5byElM4bhuWQIw1xhe9e9esJZFBOl0YSGc0c_3wLW_ADHOev5xJtm5A9ZL3UHAXMXaoDTOmkCIo/s1512/NBA21--FEB.+26--P6++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm5O0rzqD5WLpq-IWD-iziJ4jvMHhMjcqQudqCfwwZwQONhgRCe80CU0PoXTKbZTQ5byElM4bhuWQIw1xhe9e9esJZFBOl0YSGc0c_3wLW_ADHOev5xJtm5A9ZL3UHAXMXaoDTOmkCIo/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P6++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>7. After <b>Richaun Holmes</b> again switches to pick him up, <b>Jerami Grant</b> again tries to drive past Holmes; but this time Holmes denies him with 6:02 remaining in the 1st quarter. After Holmes got his hand on the ball on Grant's drive to prevent the shot, Grant falls backward and gives the photographer a great view of his dreads as he lets go of the ball so that he won't be called for traveling. While Grant ended up on his back out of bounds the Pistons recovered the loose ball .....</p><p>.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWZvZLQSGP81lFYyyeDJwTY7KJWmfDldIEfWsXwOpg1q9y746yVxUbi77kMx26OMv9Xq5-uUVLBm8_Sz4dqYpQk3aVPHLmKdCXBmEB4K4t-zQpew1aCn_my0DUjPgs2a7X7BOJCHXtPI/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+26--P23++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWZvZLQSGP81lFYyyeDJwTY7KJWmfDldIEfWsXwOpg1q9y746yVxUbi77kMx26OMv9Xq5-uUVLBm8_Sz4dqYpQk3aVPHLmKdCXBmEB4K4t-zQpew1aCn_my0DUjPgs2a7X7BOJCHXtPI/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P23++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>8. ..... but the possession ends scoreless 8 seconds later, as rookie G <b>Saben Lee</b> takes his first shot of the game and misses this driving layup. </p><p>. <br /></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8domYcF_oZJZaae_k-Pa0jK685QaMC3BbIv3c7w_TUSr9xL6yIQld9YgAOAjdP3W7-VXySZtyNFki-KhGxkt8Lq_AOiqKQzCqvGRb-jYCTDGXOYeW8FqtWhFeSXPZpJRFzW3-Wevx5OY/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P8B++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8domYcF_oZJZaae_k-Pa0jK685QaMC3BbIv3c7w_TUSr9xL6yIQld9YgAOAjdP3W7-VXySZtyNFki-KhGxkt8Lq_AOiqKQzCqvGRb-jYCTDGXOYeW8FqtWhFeSXPZpJRFzW3-Wevx5OY/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P8B++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpK40AB1KCq8R5QLbhQVpywt9wuzUMR99a8XWSHTCkNAzcomrVTBebU_3DWnKgBpYj9nsQ2W_J2XWrnIcmI-OzAjGdCO9RdULu6vo7Ft80vgyIY8H_vaRjcNfXvp6M3qMFwbZrML9RxU/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+26--P8A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpK40AB1KCq8R5QLbhQVpywt9wuzUMR99a8XWSHTCkNAzcomrVTBebU_3DWnKgBpYj9nsQ2W_J2XWrnIcmI-OzAjGdCO9RdULu6vo7Ft80vgyIY8H_vaRjcNfXvp6M3qMFwbZrML9RxU/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P8A++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>9. On Detroit's next possession G Josh Jackson gets to the basket against Buddy Hield (#24), but as he attempts his layup <b>Richaun</b> <b>Holmes</b> goes up and swats it away for his 1st blocked shot of the game. Just into the game seconds earlier and looking on is rookie F/C <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> (#28).<br />5 seconds later G De'Aaron Fox hit a fast break layup at the other end to up Sacramento's lead to 25-11.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXH13LswQj9VeqMHzvNQ4Qk4dQixshy2Nl0U4wSj4ywalIQYZUq_i3RXo6cS81XTG3-Erjka284aXHqW3NY5PxrupuY9UvEdcfzMfV03_urOotc7t6TXNchCUvQLVr5AHNipI1SlL2ic/s1440/NBA21--FEB.+26--P10++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1419" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXH13LswQj9VeqMHzvNQ4Qk4dQixshy2Nl0U4wSj4ywalIQYZUq_i3RXo6cS81XTG3-Erjka284aXHqW3NY5PxrupuY9UvEdcfzMfV03_urOotc7t6TXNchCUvQLVr5AHNipI1SlL2ic/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P10++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><p>10. After the Kings took their biggest lead a little later at 17 points, <b>Jerami Grant</b> begins the Pistons' comeback, here driving past F Marvin Bagley III in the lane and finishing with an easy layup to make it 31-15 with 3:13 remaining in the 1st. All throughout his career, starting back when he was college at Duke in 2018, Bagley has had his hair like this, where it's on the brink of being dreads without really being dreads - and that's fine. To each his own (style). But sorry, I can't welcome him to the house looking like this.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIgcbArEXNonWD1hGI234oVQSNTF4l_AdmyD_slhhWjcbmRv-SL_roDBK8ZCEjDQYNnWEH-j2rDJDk1E3GuDggq9Jd3keByQLtGh-GCXTIFFeFfebcUqTCel6q4UNSOG2_21yRLeUGc4/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P34++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIgcbArEXNonWD1hGI234oVQSNTF4l_AdmyD_slhhWjcbmRv-SL_roDBK8ZCEjDQYNnWEH-j2rDJDk1E3GuDggq9Jd3keByQLtGh-GCXTIFFeFfebcUqTCel6q4UNSOG2_21yRLeUGc4/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P34++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>11. With his jump shot not working yet (0 for 3), <b>Jerami Grant</b> takes it to the hoop again on the Pistons' next possession. Rather than let Grant make the layup, G DaQuan Jeffries committed the foul. Grant hit both free throws to make it 31-17.<br /><p></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYX6wpx_2V9MfNO9HAQ8aVjzI56FDcxbnKFJ2pRLjX9MN1euQXrwMpFfiSnPuiWvv-XT-zJBixPWGcYAYI755_TfjgBe4395Y1jue5VbusYNceNIvJU36hTlGPi0Z8ARVkNADZAP6iXI/s1440/NBA21--FEB.+26--P9++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1387" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYX6wpx_2V9MfNO9HAQ8aVjzI56FDcxbnKFJ2pRLjX9MN1euQXrwMpFfiSnPuiWvv-XT-zJBixPWGcYAYI755_TfjgBe4395Y1jue5VbusYNceNIvJU36hTlGPi0Z8ARVkNADZAP6iXI/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P9++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>12. On the Pistons' next possession <b>Saben Lee</b> makes it 0 for 2 on driving layups, as he is unable to hit this shot at the rim while De'Aaron Fox shows the "I didn't touch him" pose to the referees. Fortunately for Saben, <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> got the offensive rebound, and the possession ended with Josh Jackson making 2 free throws to make the score 31-19.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdZyizddTuDah2cxJtl2Eayq_r-G33nDNnR6zsuIklqm_evKtykUo6qnSAsK3NiZyzn3dqfKxoBP28yL1ciPLYSfKePCtc8DUG0ed9TZtt_mdRkyU17l5dVYYKJM6jzZIu-n_iiv3Qco/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P17A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdZyizddTuDah2cxJtl2Eayq_r-G33nDNnR6zsuIklqm_evKtykUo6qnSAsK3NiZyzn3dqfKxoBP28yL1ciPLYSfKePCtc8DUG0ed9TZtt_mdRkyU17l5dVYYKJM6jzZIu-n_iiv3Qco/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P17A++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>13. The 1st quarter wasn't a total washout for <b>Saben Lee</b>. Here with 34 seconds remaining he drives against G Cory Joseph, as Coaches Casey (left) and Walton (right), both dressed in black, look on. This time he finished with success, hitting the layup over Marvin Bagley, who came over but couldn't block the shot. Lee's first 2 points of the night were the final 2 of the quarter .....<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEM6jsKhP1DJixtjNZquvt0dKU6oohwNmBn_vEpQ3Y19HvmWTYXw_bGFKFFrPV08_blPF-ThB3Ys7lM8lqEWgJ7tXyMgtxyN1I5xakqwwIDb3Fxu1lTtTz58gyEr9At7CuvlZTddhvSYM/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+26--P18++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEM6jsKhP1DJixtjNZquvt0dKU6oohwNmBn_vEpQ3Y19HvmWTYXw_bGFKFFrPV08_blPF-ThB3Ys7lM8lqEWgJ7tXyMgtxyN1I5xakqwwIDb3Fxu1lTtTz58gyEr9At7CuvlZTddhvSYM/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P18++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>14. ..... But before the quarter is over Lee misses another short shot, as this one to the left of the basket over Marvin Bagley is no good with 3 seconds to play. Saben actually had another chance to score; but after getting his own rebound, time ran out just before his attempted layup, and the quarter ended with the Kings leading 35-25.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TB18945enq0Oj-RbBnf9V1f1JiIknAtVfk8CFJtZW1t5erWMrPIt9X74Gx2_j8_gDJmhcOtNCQDbuIJtLFzu8J_-y6827ic_TJVGx-V44Eyl7QnjCqc01RY5KPOWKDbwBoKU23AkR5g/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P39A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TB18945enq0Oj-RbBnf9V1f1JiIknAtVfk8CFJtZW1t5erWMrPIt9X74Gx2_j8_gDJmhcOtNCQDbuIJtLFzu8J_-y6827ic_TJVGx-V44Eyl7QnjCqc01RY5KPOWKDbwBoKU23AkR5g/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P39A++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>15. On this play early in the 2nd quarter the hand of <b>Saben Lee</b> reaches from behind but neither fouls nor distracts Marvin Bagley, and Bagley gets the 2-hand slam dunk to make the score 39-27 ..... <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3DaQnB0cRD0DeJVbUmz9vvgpaXMYTzopOf0msZMrk43-6OY4TK-keyrI1abSfg0N1vM2ja0ITM9U8sq1tTDvJYqLy2wsy1nSbfxCu7Q_3cQUF7ES4QLJxPi70Blqm7LlVDagtGOxSyw/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P11A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3DaQnB0cRD0DeJVbUmz9vvgpaXMYTzopOf0msZMrk43-6OY4TK-keyrI1abSfg0N1vM2ja0ITM9U8sq1tTDvJYqLy2wsy1nSbfxCu7Q_3cQUF7ES4QLJxPi70Blqm7LlVDagtGOxSyw/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P11A++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6Risu1kOnLnX6aI7qj6lWnK7a4eMPL2GoVyGuVzr5H9mpUF1UIj13xmEcR1xZRQU1T5KdXPMxKbNVDoeUjUTgZyt1z35WIhY-uoJVlcxQr2GtTSpqjltlA47wGermLEtW-5RPXfkR80/s1440/NBA21--FEB.+26--P11++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6Risu1kOnLnX6aI7qj6lWnK7a4eMPL2GoVyGuVzr5H9mpUF1UIj13xmEcR1xZRQU1T5KdXPMxKbNVDoeUjUTgZyt1z35WIhY-uoJVlcxQr2GtTSpqjltlA47wGermLEtW-5RPXfkR80/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P11++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>16. <b>Saben Lee</b> gets Bagley's two points back 15 seconds later, as he drives against G Kyle Guy and hits the short shot off the glass to make it 39-29.<br /><p></p><br />.<p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_FJXkIECsfrAgnWEoCtYsN3cVZbDSB-79EQWPdrHHHp5odKR9m1euTBAZyVB1zanthoqtHBD7eOAsWmlXij-AViSjK9UPd7xBpukAi9xoLORz5naNYXI6YCwKRX1xgg8AArJHMEIrAI/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P36++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_FJXkIECsfrAgnWEoCtYsN3cVZbDSB-79EQWPdrHHHp5odKR9m1euTBAZyVB1zanthoqtHBD7eOAsWmlXij-AViSjK9UPd7xBpukAi9xoLORz5naNYXI6YCwKRX1xgg8AArJHMEIrAI/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P36++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><p>17. On Detroit's next possession <b>Saben Lee</b> was fouled by Cory Joseph twice in a span of 7 seconds. After the second of those fouls Lee here eyes the rim before shooting one of his 2 free throws with 9:20 on the clock. On his only trip to the line in the game Lee, not a good FT shooter at 67%, missed both shots, keeping the Kings' lead at 10. <br />Saben got his dreads started during his sophomore college season for Vanderbilt in 2018-19; but with his large number of locks being so short and so close together it was hard to see them. But now that they're in their 3rd year and getting longer, they're much more noticeable. <br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8FDEO4J-Rc5gRz2eiq1CBfkswk4f-5qfuDQAPr4VCHCI7dbqUk1wSJ9MvRKM5Ziu1pLJ6Ux_ygXSaFZiQJk9oGzb6Ju-kVh0qSdTScV4Ex3MiwyD7G6CyN9kTzZ1mW-p20f-b8_g7hw/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P62++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8FDEO4J-Rc5gRz2eiq1CBfkswk4f-5qfuDQAPr4VCHCI7dbqUk1wSJ9MvRKM5Ziu1pLJ6Ux_ygXSaFZiQJk9oGzb6Ju-kVh0qSdTScV4Ex3MiwyD7G6CyN9kTzZ1mW-p20f-b8_g7hw/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P62++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>18. After a pass by DaQuan Jeffries was deflected by Josh Jackson, <b>Saben Lee</b> beats Harrison Barnes to the loose ball with 8:48 to play in the 2nd. Jackson got credit for the steal on the Kings' 3rd turnover of the game, but the Pistons turned the ball right back over 6 seconds later. <br /><p>.<br /></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmBu9WIlrMg8sQLJ8VilOEyvsTHlufMP_lVSwR4pGqVIQKAEhYVzLfSCgzW8ssXcna0jfYYTMkJKgzaEedKQ7pFnOP646Qfeutp5tqyQ5I5eJD8z_U6UNaGrb50mZ9KVVB2FzpnDAWRw/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P22C++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmBu9WIlrMg8sQLJ8VilOEyvsTHlufMP_lVSwR4pGqVIQKAEhYVzLfSCgzW8ssXcna0jfYYTMkJKgzaEedKQ7pFnOP646Qfeutp5tqyQ5I5eJD8z_U6UNaGrb50mZ9KVVB2FzpnDAWRw/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P22C++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5M9Wjvz-7-rDAL1laP_Tf9sXJpLTs_h6W9_KiK1GIjAgq3lqsrbva27v_BjwlLFcXr4hZ42xB_oYLeo1tHoK5DE_O84UvaNWHL3Iu4fdfggmK96NrQrH68FwTSgEpbSG5BkDTCW9UkE/s1440/NBA21--FEB.+26--P22++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5M9Wjvz-7-rDAL1laP_Tf9sXJpLTs_h6W9_KiK1GIjAgq3lqsrbva27v_BjwlLFcXr4hZ42xB_oYLeo1tHoK5DE_O84UvaNWHL3Iu4fdfggmK96NrQrH68FwTSgEpbSG5BkDTCW9UkE/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P22++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>19. After taking a pass from Wayne Ellington while cutting to the basket, <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> displays excellent agility for a 250-pounder, as he hits this double-clutch layup in front of Buddy Hield to bring the Pistons to within 8 at 39-31. These were Isaiah's first 2 points of the game on a night he shot 3 for 3 from the field. Although you'd never know it from this game, Hield actually is in his 1st season with dreads. He had his hair in dreads for every game this season until untwisting them before the Kings' game at Brooklyn 3 days earlier. After playing that game, the game at New York the next night, and then this one, Buddy brought the dreads right back for the next game after the Kings returned home from their road trip ..... and he's had them for every game since.<br /></p><p>.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBKaBNeAvO3SAOkW93ir_qZ5Cj-FzLD8qXwzFUzl7_oCjzFcq-T8qlvV0RAFHgcph84OExpcvXz0S8OhcydKdC1k7-ikYkax4LBkD9nKuMF7oGjpjayu1wN9u1qnS1maq_t8GXzEHA5w/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P42A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBKaBNeAvO3SAOkW93ir_qZ5Cj-FzLD8qXwzFUzl7_oCjzFcq-T8qlvV0RAFHgcph84OExpcvXz0S8OhcydKdC1k7-ikYkax4LBkD9nKuMF7oGjpjayu1wN9u1qnS1maq_t8GXzEHA5w/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P42A++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>20. <b>Richaun Holmes</b>' dreads go vertical as he grabs this offensive rebound against Wayne Ellington after a missed shot by De'Aaron Fox with 7:17 remaining in the 2nd. This photo is a bit of an optical illusion, because it looks like <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> is in on the action too. But if you notice Stewart's feet, they're right by the dotted line in the lane, while Holmes and Ellington are next to the basket ..... <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05X7YsIn9D1ncn-xIHNBl6t0t0FoOntWbmyLcgs2jhIxk5DQWvQJ0EinK4S1UWal4Mxts3rYsQ0FF3VZ04TUs5ODlxh4cve5VqO2s3QQfQoiMKUEPbfnmF-kjWQdK7QARDfcpFf_gNT4/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P40A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05X7YsIn9D1ncn-xIHNBl6t0t0FoOntWbmyLcgs2jhIxk5DQWvQJ0EinK4S1UWal4Mxts3rYsQ0FF3VZ04TUs5ODlxh4cve5VqO2s3QQfQoiMKUEPbfnmF-kjWQdK7QARDfcpFf_gNT4/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P40A++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>21. ..... A couple of seconds later and <b>Isaiah Stewart</b><i> is</i> in on the action now. After coming down with his 9th rebound of the game and gathering himself, <b>Richaun Holmes</b> goes back up for the shot between Stewart and Wayne Ellington. He missed, but Ellington was called for a foul. Richaun hit both FT to make the score 41-31.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCDZxoqvSZ1OdzofCTG8If9aVMFw0ZQ014cASGQ7scwNaPV625e4zABYjkJTDQKjK2Yx9YvuWPHetgjG0xjB91QZalwCi3YdvAnsNBJ-omm2K723cI0GHAW5lG2VlOqZ85UxySnWvdZs/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P41A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRCDZxoqvSZ1OdzofCTG8If9aVMFw0ZQ014cASGQ7scwNaPV625e4zABYjkJTDQKjK2Yx9YvuWPHetgjG0xjB91QZalwCi3YdvAnsNBJ-omm2K723cI0GHAW5lG2VlOqZ85UxySnWvdZs/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P41A++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>22. On the Kings' next possession De'Aaron Fox, after backing <b>Saben Lee</b> from the sideline down into the low post, turns and shoots a short fadeaway jumper over Lee ... and misses, with <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> getting the rebound, his 4th of the game.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OG7Q3awI88U1NhJbdAzRW5dAU_9qK0S1KDhPX-Lw0qJe6jX_p-xz9SxyeLicjIo3xND7aq1fCeocQrbj54X6dh22Idgx7vZbUarHaGyIH8YHxNNos9a5yxdxkPJ7Lhfez6PKF62tGdc/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+26--P21++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OG7Q3awI88U1NhJbdAzRW5dAU_9qK0S1KDhPX-Lw0qJe6jX_p-xz9SxyeLicjIo3xND7aq1fCeocQrbj54X6dh22Idgx7vZbUarHaGyIH8YHxNNos9a5yxdxkPJ7Lhfez6PKF62tGdc/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P21++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>23. After taking a pass from Dennis Smith to the left of the lane (thanks to a poor defensive switch by the Kings), <b>Jerami Grant</b> goes to the basket and scores against <b>Richaun Holmes</b> to cut the Kings' lead to 46-38 with 4:43 remaining until halftime. It looked like Holmes at first tried to get into position to draw an offensive foul; and when he realized he was too late to do that, he tried to challenge Grant's shot, and he was too late to do that too. He's lucky he wasn't called for a foul. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibSMBrYXEhdf0ZKzszg_XTgOwNLSW78QQv9_3KBhtEeujw9ObLKZX2lVSQwG-1SBqvmTPdcOnmXFw1DpRSijtjDs0-4yFYMc5dwXTW0wabS05sTDm8B_s9HeEcKBtyqCFqS00Sj37PpM/s1440/NBA21--FEB.+26--P20++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibSMBrYXEhdf0ZKzszg_XTgOwNLSW78QQv9_3KBhtEeujw9ObLKZX2lVSQwG-1SBqvmTPdcOnmXFw1DpRSijtjDs0-4yFYMc5dwXTW0wabS05sTDm8B_s9HeEcKBtyqCFqS00Sj37PpM/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P20++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFLCREVr72fbNzivmDBAp8lwIxOO13MdknA0GYKCoVdqlQ0Vqk0zLo-_n7BA8U-W3R6H3JwwvF6udMj3k9EgYe1h1VDWtsCOOkIz33eUsQ4gA9unaIJVkv_023uoFCLQBAxU9__wfG_Q/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P43A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFLCREVr72fbNzivmDBAp8lwIxOO13MdknA0GYKCoVdqlQ0Vqk0zLo-_n7BA8U-W3R6H3JwwvF6udMj3k9EgYe1h1VDWtsCOOkIz33eUsQ4gA9unaIJVkv_023uoFCLQBAxU9__wfG_Q/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P43A++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>24.<b> Richaun Holmes</b> and <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> have a close encounter late in the 2nd quarter. As they both go up to rebound a missed 3-pointer by Buddy Hield, they get tangled, and Holmes appears to have no chance as the ball caroms off the rim closer to Stewart ..... <br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpeunAjW2bWtN_vK1J4CClfiOeUKfTcJ3_1HOTbi72S8fMZZv-LN_LQjm1AwORjOB9av2f1M3C9HntcIN_rk33fsQbK_fHT-X1ybS51F6G_m9b6Kuts1vypxQSfAfOA6V-GILxyi-NuM/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P27++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpeunAjW2bWtN_vK1J4CClfiOeUKfTcJ3_1HOTbi72S8fMZZv-LN_LQjm1AwORjOB9av2f1M3C9HntcIN_rk33fsQbK_fHT-X1ybS51F6G_m9b6Kuts1vypxQSfAfOA6V-GILxyi-NuM/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P27++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>25. ..... Stewart wins the battle for the ball; but instead of getting credit for his 5th rebound, he's called for his 2nd foul. To say the least it was a questionable call. Holmes gladly accepted the gift, hitting both FT to up the Kings' lead to 53-46 with 1:40 remaining.<br /><p>.<br /></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH7H3JAT59FWzA-yNSxB-wYTwDqUnsjmY2WFmcIyJTISiGSnLfOGQfFP1YeTKvqhayMAZLBVHIGAXVjweBaLHrxxtkShUkCgPVL_7zR9a50fEFHwuj7EYE-Pmxb5YYu-Ydxpin_K35s4/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P44++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH7H3JAT59FWzA-yNSxB-wYTwDqUnsjmY2WFmcIyJTISiGSnLfOGQfFP1YeTKvqhayMAZLBVHIGAXVjweBaLHrxxtkShUkCgPVL_7zR9a50fEFHwuj7EYE-Pmxb5YYu-Ydxpin_K35s4/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P44++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8JWP0Bqb4t4AG3-KPP_JKy7jbRap7ytvyaR7_YRJWKWj652o3va2xeBpwA445tUgTywVFG0NRffjvHHEPmNBY9bLIi_GwcUzmvwBGdDBhVUBfZaMRGvj9wOcBunCnYvUl1xcGBhnHJg/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P44B++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8JWP0Bqb4t4AG3-KPP_JKy7jbRap7ytvyaR7_YRJWKWj652o3va2xeBpwA445tUgTywVFG0NRffjvHHEPmNBY9bLIi_GwcUzmvwBGdDBhVUBfZaMRGvj9wOcBunCnYvUl1xcGBhnHJg/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P44B++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>26. <b>Richaun Holmes</b> howls in frustration and disgust as he runs back down the floor after being called for goaltending on the Pistons' next possession. Holmes swatted away a 4-foot left-handed hook shot by <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> above the rim; but the officials ruled the ball was on its way down. Another questionable call, this one not going in Richaun's favor. Stewart's 6th (and last) point of the game made it 53-48. </p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfTjRChdVTaHDa8XuFEF0Tq8pj2hZ60FAPftdFHbHnQt5hxdl7k88TDARnNwjlIdua0TEao-IUdPvNEzEjfg6jditjf0IVgE0D_YQJjSlv9lU8Dv5S5ykhnunvE0EXUOAvcvWAkjbKhM/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P26++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfTjRChdVTaHDa8XuFEF0Tq8pj2hZ60FAPftdFHbHnQt5hxdl7k88TDARnNwjlIdua0TEao-IUdPvNEzEjfg6jditjf0IVgE0D_YQJjSlv9lU8Dv5S5ykhnunvE0EXUOAvcvWAkjbKhM/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P26++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>27.<b> Isaiah Stewart</b> nearly gets a taste of Harrison Barnes' elbow on the Kings' next possession, as Barnes tries to get control of the ball near the basket after a pass intended for him near the FT line was deflected by Dennis Smith. Barnes eventually lost the ball out of bounds, but Stewart was called for his 3rd foul, a call that had him, several of his teammates, and Coach Casey in disbelief ..... <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZwDa8apTwu3VNTIMS3c__VgHDvya_5K70k5jlSpo4tMGUmbihNQoP9Rrh3DTndJjpWUHSQaYZV2kE35vE6F9TxkrwZFF6xWGmtdDxdUIYUCLKe11X8LeYQysO4uvXJJdkyy34B0iDJU/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P37++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZwDa8apTwu3VNTIMS3c__VgHDvya_5K70k5jlSpo4tMGUmbihNQoP9Rrh3DTndJjpWUHSQaYZV2kE35vE6F9TxkrwZFF6xWGmtdDxdUIYUCLKe11X8LeYQysO4uvXJJdkyy34B0iDJU/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P37++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>28. ..... After Barnes makes his first FT to make the score 54-48, he misses the second, and Stewart, still in the game despite his 3 fouls, gets the uncontested rebound. This photo is unusual in that it shows all 10 players on the court in the same shot, with <b>Richaun Holmes</b> by himself way back at the other end. <br /><p>.</p><p></p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cCjSH2HbZHxBa_q64zUclhGHjzqB-qaV_vZuZHr6AYR0q6sd3HWwLfpEykVqCmj-6wqXqGyGK6pF5ppcpKi-_VosUiAO8awJrqnqcLSKVPpK5OBfojh4Aay2loiZAl8mydKQkWq_OBY/s1819/NBA21--FEB.+26--P2A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1819" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cCjSH2HbZHxBa_q64zUclhGHjzqB-qaV_vZuZHr6AYR0q6sd3HWwLfpEykVqCmj-6wqXqGyGK6pF5ppcpKi-_VosUiAO8awJrqnqcLSKVPpK5OBfojh4Aay2loiZAl8mydKQkWq_OBY/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P2A++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiCJ0lyo9sgayClrdvvXL2KTnkSOWkEx0S9BFIGrNmZH4FFHNpKxDoai4A25euZ4ZnjKmET-HRpg8HQsYFwAZvZJJjYER-CcYPCd_diUDI6wzGGkwBlEPTfSW-b6_heqBnCcGh9LuOd8/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P2C++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiCJ0lyo9sgayClrdvvXL2KTnkSOWkEx0S9BFIGrNmZH4FFHNpKxDoai4A25euZ4ZnjKmET-HRpg8HQsYFwAZvZJJjYER-CcYPCd_diUDI6wzGGkwBlEPTfSW-b6_heqBnCcGh9LuOd8/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P2C++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>29. On the Pistons' next possession 10 seconds later Dennis Smith adds another one to his highlight reel. After driving past De'Aaron Fox (thanks in part to a screen set by <b>Jerami Grant</b>), Smith lifts off in the middle of the lane, soars to the rim, and slams it home between <b>Richaun Holmes</b> and Marvin Bagley to cut Detroit's deficit to 4 with 1:07 remaining. Holmes put his arm up to contest the shot but then pulled it back, otherwise it might have ended up in the basket along with the ball. Here is the video of the dunk: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW4YQXNhV7I" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW4YQXNhV7I</a><br /><p></p><p>.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5PCyqiWsySbvG_qkOXkptYWkBSpEDvKVRxK91BbE6EcjtVBesUuBnAtEq702WTP3sgbzMMd1P6O4nM-HsOiBqGQBbQ02bsTQANcrJDNTBcghTJiGREPpXWPaiYmGxF3Sp2doNbpC3O0/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P38A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5PCyqiWsySbvG_qkOXkptYWkBSpEDvKVRxK91BbE6EcjtVBesUuBnAtEq702WTP3sgbzMMd1P6O4nM-HsOiBqGQBbQ02bsTQANcrJDNTBcghTJiGREPpXWPaiYmGxF3Sp2doNbpC3O0/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P38A++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>30. On the Pistons' next possession penetration by Dennis Smith causes the Kings' defense to break down and leave <b>Jerami Grant</b> wide open, and <b>Richaun Holmes</b> can only watch helplessly as Grant launches his 3-point attempt with 32 seconds to play. The shot missed, but Saddiq Bey tipped in the rebound to cut the Kings' lead to 54-52, their smallest since the score was 5-3.<br /><p>Another Harrison Barnes 1 for 2 trip at the FT line on the Kings' next possession made it 55-52 at the half. <b>Jerami Grant</b> led all scorers with 15 points in the 1st half. <b>Richaun Holmes</b> topped everyone with 12 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> led the Pistons with 7 rebounds.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCQAX7sFy_iSJVDlLpJ99aYKjfUn-yjv2VxQffZ4O0GG3erOte4wytO_mTR8HX_qEi7ddayHoUYihhwTqPgxFVEamqzdeSXDvibIswQuFOEJX7fW-AsoYpFEk2Ff3xHfdo6MftMk7QSA/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P33++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCQAX7sFy_iSJVDlLpJ99aYKjfUn-yjv2VxQffZ4O0GG3erOte4wytO_mTR8HX_qEi7ddayHoUYihhwTqPgxFVEamqzdeSXDvibIswQuFOEJX7fW-AsoYpFEk2Ff3xHfdo6MftMk7QSA/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P33++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1zbfTfA3SYtkvYLQqHKyybLZZHRFPDW8uxi1GTeVOMdZZuwx8Z-D-xnkFMwAqv3l4dbfrHN8J7e5v0HejIVHTAUAV-WxFgm8c0vpneHSbeqLRqX15uNlRbBdOGiMf6lzD65Nlt_9qjM/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P52++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1zbfTfA3SYtkvYLQqHKyybLZZHRFPDW8uxi1GTeVOMdZZuwx8Z-D-xnkFMwAqv3l4dbfrHN8J7e5v0HejIVHTAUAV-WxFgm8c0vpneHSbeqLRqX15uNlRbBdOGiMf6lzD65Nlt_9qjM/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P52++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><p>31. Before we move to 2nd half action, here are a couple of photos of <b>Jerami Grant</b> from the game. The captions don't indicate at which points of the game they were taken, as he tries to box out Harrison Barnes (left) and bends over to catch his breath (right). Grant, who was drafted in the 2nd round by the 76ers in 2014 (a year earlier than <b>Richaun Holmes</b>) first put his hair into baby dreads at the beginning of his 3rd season (2016-17). But I didn't know that then. Then, after he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder early that season, I never welcomed him to the house during his 3 seasons with the team while he alternated between dreads, braids, and natural hair. Last season though, after he was traded to Denver Nuggets, he switched to dreads with the two strand twist locks at the start of the season, and they been growing longer ever since. <br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUM4Rkkv29FOhu2d3ANRnIc8tzOuPpfVX01ZGF_kPjpJ6dKrKWe82jxgZ1nCfqhtQarrrMCSb1KelHVGlogEdbhfsA97Aem7YFhqjZYcqQgshXnchYBEEpgMLcsh20nl1c7zMUFPB3Ck/s1365/NBA21--FEB.+26--P56++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="989" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUM4Rkkv29FOhu2d3ANRnIc8tzOuPpfVX01ZGF_kPjpJ6dKrKWe82jxgZ1nCfqhtQarrrMCSb1KelHVGlogEdbhfsA97Aem7YFhqjZYcqQgshXnchYBEEpgMLcsh20nl1c7zMUFPB3Ck/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P56++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURy2YYvyFvsXtuwtospYtcvqQyFDy_TcYg6OtZw3_YeVcCXgIMBPFP0qOHrn8u_U9qDimNeSy8v-UNCJ6qgUBt57wAgx2lOYF4Mr885OYyrWsU8cDes6Lh9rSXeYEKEAx5hnmE52dj0o/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+26--P15++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURy2YYvyFvsXtuwtospYtcvqQyFDy_TcYg6OtZw3_YeVcCXgIMBPFP0qOHrn8u_U9qDimNeSy8v-UNCJ6qgUBt57wAgx2lOYF4Mr885OYyrWsU8cDes6Lh9rSXeYEKEAx5hnmE52dj0o/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P15++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>32. The captions for these photos at least indicated which quarters they were taken. On the left <b>Richaun Holmes</b> sets to shoot a free throw in the 2nd quarter - either with 7:15 or 1:40 remaining. He hit both FT on both trips and finished the game 7 for 7. On the right <b>Jerami Grant</b> eyes the basket before shooting one of his 5 FT in the 3rd quarter - either with 11:11, 5:20, or 1:57 on the clock. Jerami hit all 5 and was 14 for 15 on the night.<br /><p>Now, just for fun .....</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCooUgLA1OuswJruljKWFfxduMPXAViN1qrbYMNkAK4ekzc3Y7gbHboAdarH5pGm48lAwp1hcuD_ksX9WmTa9Hed8Zqc1LNnHey-Q_zM6So3j3h4N_us-1RcDTWwFCbjqXleYQy-G2y8/s850/NBA16--JAN.+24--P1++BOST-PHIL.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheCooUgLA1OuswJruljKWFfxduMPXAViN1qrbYMNkAK4ekzc3Y7gbHboAdarH5pGm48lAwp1hcuD_ksX9WmTa9Hed8Zqc1LNnHey-Q_zM6So3j3h4N_us-1RcDTWwFCbjqXleYQy-G2y8/s320/NBA16--JAN.+24--P1++BOST-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDJNzmC_IdN_cSAwWkt65j0-JASOqG4bxIxFGnBv2HuzQhSqnIJHQQb1LnGULR6Ythma-8RcPHvfJMZVulwJsMkG3eS5soekxVbhyphenhyphenVSyb5-QHMCf67KYn1_UkyMxlT4trqy-mz96M0Kw/s800/NBA16--MAR.+26--P5++PHIL-PORT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDJNzmC_IdN_cSAwWkt65j0-JASOqG4bxIxFGnBv2HuzQhSqnIJHQQb1LnGULR6Ythma-8RcPHvfJMZVulwJsMkG3eS5soekxVbhyphenhyphenVSyb5-QHMCf67KYn1_UkyMxlT4trqy-mz96M0Kw/s320/NBA16--MAR.+26--P5++PHIL-PORT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Here are what Richaun Holmes and Jerami Grant looked liked in 2016 during their only season as teammates with the 76ers, defending the drive of Celtics G Isaiah Thomas on Jan. 24 (above) and the shot of Blazers G Damian Lillard on Mar. 26 (on right). The two are proof - and there have been many other examples in the past, of course - that you can star in the NBA even if you're not a 1st round draft pick. Holmes, as mentioned earlier, is having a career year; and so to is Grant, who after never averaging more than 13 points per game before this season, is averaging 22 so far in his first season with Detroit. And both seem to still be getting better. <br /><p>Now back to the game.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7O1byVLoFXspOwga0HOBDxpPzpQ-gi0RxKZ0blp402OAvniBn2wnAaBHyPBcxqXHZ2sOexjMZjIVNGC3P3NBUfX4rdhjssS5x7VHu15aS_D65hhnq2xbVwxXB1a01ljREJqLHYMN5NP8/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P53++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7O1byVLoFXspOwga0HOBDxpPzpQ-gi0RxKZ0blp402OAvniBn2wnAaBHyPBcxqXHZ2sOexjMZjIVNGC3P3NBUfX4rdhjssS5x7VHu15aS_D65hhnq2xbVwxXB1a01ljREJqLHYMN5NP8/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P53++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>33. The 3rd quarter starts off on the wrong foot for <b>Richaun Holmes</b>, as he gets whacked in the face on the Pistons' first possession. After Holmes tried to stop his drive to the basket, <b>Jerami Grant</b> stumbled off balance and hit Holmes in the face first with the ball and then with his left hand. The officials checked replay for a possible flagrant foul on Grant, but none was called. Adding insult to injury, Holmes was called for a blocking foul on the play. Richaun was OK though and stayed in the game.<br /><p></p><p>.</p><p> </p><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL_GERMpgVJLJQnLvB0wrU1al88quDMMKe-pwBLLZw1y19tmB_NTBlqBBdmexGm5pJuQxzB2uTgtnespN5GYNm8mZpcv1ToH1utmgXfyIYHzsgmTnu9Qxz-DYIr5EX450NpIl3G1jQ5I/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P45++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL_GERMpgVJLJQnLvB0wrU1al88quDMMKe-pwBLLZw1y19tmB_NTBlqBBdmexGm5pJuQxzB2uTgtnespN5GYNm8mZpcv1ToH1utmgXfyIYHzsgmTnu9Qxz-DYIr5EX450NpIl3G1jQ5I/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P45++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CcAblRvYY8anuviwXH5nuE9_d6u1mxF5jedwkEY1OZsMElQjFUyZLc-Qiefj-VwLQ1TyI9nwuflY6LYGKxcNUYVaQ0oT52vIvp5qs0L2gfv0oDe3zVxZ2tKMCy_A7MEfcS5kq7Ecc4U/s1363/NBA21--FEB.+26--P45B++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="1032" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CcAblRvYY8anuviwXH5nuE9_d6u1mxF5jedwkEY1OZsMElQjFUyZLc-Qiefj-VwLQ1TyI9nwuflY6LYGKxcNUYVaQ0oT52vIvp5qs0L2gfv0oDe3zVxZ2tKMCy_A7MEfcS5kq7Ecc4U/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P45B++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><p>34. Having already been called for 2 fouls in the quarter, <b>Richaun Holmes</b> decides not to challenge this shot by Mason Plumlee but still manages to bump him a little bit with 9:50 remaining. It looked like Plumlee would attempt a short hook shot but then held onto the ball and moved closer and took a layup instead - and missed .....<br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI69CxVyD-ISP3kt1lgga011fi8f6pWah8GdcEhy9eP-6cOQZfueV__QTqmuJSgbN87Wns6gUez1UHlJCmnxCiizNi4JBnMi5mOsDyrqf2hBbq98-W7O6hBeFq2Ft1yD9jG5mtSvCj6a8/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P54++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI69CxVyD-ISP3kt1lgga011fi8f6pWah8GdcEhy9eP-6cOQZfueV__QTqmuJSgbN87Wns6gUez1UHlJCmnxCiizNi4JBnMi5mOsDyrqf2hBbq98-W7O6hBeFq2Ft1yD9jG5mtSvCj6a8/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P54++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>35. Plumlee tries to get his own rebound, but Marvin Bagley beats him - and Holmes - to it. 15 seconds later a dunk by Bagley upped the Kings' lead to 62-56.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmVN7fgustJvGrR1E2UvYmUzwSRZJ9zW_xjXkCUTvIthhSw6quSfFpEaWja_hlpA4kqu6-Y8EnWgm_fCX-Iv3vQOwoOFJBUar4dFUFAtoFbyUc6foDCC0JclSjEMo-bfFCU68FJDr0Iw/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P46B++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmVN7fgustJvGrR1E2UvYmUzwSRZJ9zW_xjXkCUTvIthhSw6quSfFpEaWja_hlpA4kqu6-Y8EnWgm_fCX-Iv3vQOwoOFJBUar4dFUFAtoFbyUc6foDCC0JclSjEMo-bfFCU68FJDr0Iw/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P46B++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXY6hzIgUUTMxWpz_JKKKgFox594Dn02remk8sXXoFen2h_OdLq0g1AN7qsIlMNbgI1mryzdE5QYV3pSNK6k26JjPF9cgps9tTbgAlpV244vkaO6pXi49MbVYvO7Ng0nG4QouSQkFcAc/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P46C++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXY6hzIgUUTMxWpz_JKKKgFox594Dn02remk8sXXoFen2h_OdLq0g1AN7qsIlMNbgI1mryzdE5QYV3pSNK6k26JjPF9cgps9tTbgAlpV244vkaO6pXi49MbVYvO7Ng0nG4QouSQkFcAc/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P46C++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>36. After a 3-pointer by <b>Jerami Grant</b> made it 62-59, the Kings get those 3 points back on their next possession. After faking to the right against Mason Plumlee in the lane, <b>Richaun Holmes</b> goes up and under to the left and hits this short shot with his left hand while being fouled by Plumlee. The ensuing FT upped Holmes' total for the game to 15 points .....</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPtwmEXRl__-kcOlE6SecqWppnr2Yo9_wD_BO8eXlWxP6XHzfHxD2C-D6MX37edeypveZSBD234CJgMgH5Y0oZ8UFFFZRW6P82ZnqWosBaUkqFHfq-8aBZZmo0BfcE6XfZjzSKOxIjHE/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P47++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPtwmEXRl__-kcOlE6SecqWppnr2Yo9_wD_BO8eXlWxP6XHzfHxD2C-D6MX37edeypveZSBD234CJgMgH5Y0oZ8UFFFZRW6P82ZnqWosBaUkqFHfq-8aBZZmo0BfcE6XfZjzSKOxIjHE/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P47++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>37. ..... But 13 seconds later <b>Richaun Holmes</b>' participation in the 3rd quarter comes to a premature end, as he is called for his 3rd foul in a span of 2 minutes 53 seconds on this shot in the lane by Mason Plumlee. Richaun was hopping in anger and disbelief after the call, probably because he made no more contact with Plumlee than he did than on the earlier play in photo #34 on which he wasn't called for a foul. After Plumlee missed his first FT, Holmes, now with 4 fouls in the game, headed to the bench for the rest of the quarter. The Kings would not fare well without him. At the lower right in the photo and seated in front of the scorer's table waiting to enter the game is <b>Isaiah Stewart</b>. But with the player he was subbing in for, Plumlee, shooting free throws, Stewart had to remain on the sideline until the next break in play, which didn't come until the 7:27 mark.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVrKWhCFAZKiuWdkSJCRV1KaeKtRwUtNczgnsEpZpfTf4CN1fxuW8jL4LJTDrMj4nDiUkghZCv5BeEvS4tju0li0-w7Wak2RGKL9UJcHpWiCouF_YHpUNfPxzU3usYtFSzRPKHLwtBJg/s1919/NBA21--FEB.+26--P13++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1919" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRVrKWhCFAZKiuWdkSJCRV1KaeKtRwUtNczgnsEpZpfTf4CN1fxuW8jL4LJTDrMj4nDiUkghZCv5BeEvS4tju0li0-w7Wak2RGKL9UJcHpWiCouF_YHpUNfPxzU3usYtFSzRPKHLwtBJg/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P13++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>38. With 7:00 remaining in the 3rd, <b>Jerami Grant</b> rejects this layup by Harrison Barnes. But instead of getting credit for a blocked shot, all Grant did was prevent a 3-point play - because before Grant went up, Dennis Smith, hidden behind Barnes in the photo, reached in and was called for a foul. Barnes made both FT, and the Kings led 67-60.<br /><p>.<br /></p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPxOdUDxbOF3GbPHHhkMISC_AO1c3_xe9jHsBR7FkKtjHcwEFjzfbDi_WjDVDLsNYNxjeakDe2oc2SKaOE3yy6AminLU5iRYGyE07hoL8kGHofmCLfyb5C79mz8NiHYVlEByPGZmIl-o/s1439/NBA21--FEB.+26--P14++SACR-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="693" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPxOdUDxbOF3GbPHHhkMISC_AO1c3_xe9jHsBR7FkKtjHcwEFjzfbDi_WjDVDLsNYNxjeakDe2oc2SKaOE3yy6AminLU5iRYGyE07hoL8kGHofmCLfyb5C79mz8NiHYVlEByPGZmIl-o/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P14++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcjLnnOXd8JMzzfkl6wrTkujMA5tXfEJnh7MNnUgmZUnDzQWnDOebKYLkiRVFKQIA2tif1pcV6OgeTDm2hdiSbH7B-ZZM4sU05ae9KViFH6PUB56up0DIRFkOolYreujL1cCaPEJnfsk/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P55++SACR-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1038" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcjLnnOXd8JMzzfkl6wrTkujMA5tXfEJnh7MNnUgmZUnDzQWnDOebKYLkiRVFKQIA2tif1pcV6OgeTDm2hdiSbH7B-ZZM4sU05ae9KViFH6PUB56up0DIRFkOolYreujL1cCaPEJnfsk/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P55++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6oxYMl7sM0kyUiFS88ESMmUaxy7rd2fqVq03K78PHw6ZqYu_D349NHpoHEEjY_PQ978A_FA5qeofYxBoSmyoI-uL9FjdEhbeBKuOXG0Ykdq1Ko4arrmuVdawv4GsPGO8vQ5rwRIh9Y8/s2046/NBA21--FEB.+26--P55A++SACR-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="896" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6oxYMl7sM0kyUiFS88ESMmUaxy7rd2fqVq03K78PHw6ZqYu_D349NHpoHEEjY_PQ978A_FA5qeofYxBoSmyoI-uL9FjdEhbeBKuOXG0Ykdq1Ko4arrmuVdawv4GsPGO8vQ5rwRIh9Y8/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P55A++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>39. After switching over to cover the drive by De'Aaron Fox, <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> can't get back in time after Fox dishes the ball to Marvin Bagley, and Bagley dunks for the second straight possession to give the Kings a 71-65 lead with 5:37 remaining in the 3rd. In the photo on the left you can see that Stewart illegally reaches from inside the rim trying to block the shot. There was no whistle by the officials. I wonder what would have happened if Bagley had missed the dunk. <br /><br /><p>.<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcuehNX3XGzbGwNKIj3b7lZBcZZyK8yPoyhxcORvP4MjXUlemz8HT3FZsJs6_IBDKIJhWtTjSyyAJG2nCY9pvJ1kjRkSWMnXUnGgS6Jdz4S2mMU3A0PGNSHHraoMP9r7tU95Ni14tHQU/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+26--P4++SACR-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcuehNX3XGzbGwNKIj3b7lZBcZZyK8yPoyhxcORvP4MjXUlemz8HT3FZsJs6_IBDKIJhWtTjSyyAJG2nCY9pvJ1kjRkSWMnXUnGgS6Jdz4S2mMU3A0PGNSHHraoMP9r7tU95Ni14tHQU/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P4++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoEqqs3oUbv-Xd7wOSSX6__wTR3HyPXoCryJg_tVIoOReKgUQGc45pQbUbAyYRm53OPggb2vvYADR5cgoaEcd3JwBoF0HQK3p_QV5bdI5t2JYMRgeqCKO1ab37X7cq0hF-CYh-cbG3RQ/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P4B++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoEqqs3oUbv-Xd7wOSSX6__wTR3HyPXoCryJg_tVIoOReKgUQGc45pQbUbAyYRm53OPggb2vvYADR5cgoaEcd3JwBoF0HQK3p_QV5bdI5t2JYMRgeqCKO1ab37X7cq0hF-CYh-cbG3RQ/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P4B++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><p>40. After catching the pass at the FT line, Marvin Bagley gets to the middle of the lane after two dribbles, then turns and hits this short shot against <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> with 3:31 to play in the 3rd. The shot brought to an end an 8-0 run by the Pistons and tied the game at 73.<br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIVrDAgcQ9NMDQjLuVYLqKYjiRw-Vi5T4F_1F05WSxdXcRK6-zLRf2GKdIvniYkq1_uIN4o98w_2fqd69NM1VhKj4PVwBcLY4frA6nGPJ34BPhgsDCRqLfq6q9j3XXkOFqjt-kEsfX_U/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P48A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIVrDAgcQ9NMDQjLuVYLqKYjiRw-Vi5T4F_1F05WSxdXcRK6-zLRf2GKdIvniYkq1_uIN4o98w_2fqd69NM1VhKj4PVwBcLY4frA6nGPJ34BPhgsDCRqLfq6q9j3XXkOFqjt-kEsfX_U/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P48A++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>41. None of the Pistons' men with dreads, neither <b>Jerami Grant</b> nor <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> nor <b>Saben Lee</b> (halfway in the photo at lower left) can deny Harrison Barnes as he drives from the 3-point line to the basket and hits a reverse layup with 31 seconds to play in the 3rd. The shot brought to an end a 7-0 run by the Pistons and brought the Kings to within 5 at 80-75.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_B1yW9v08bRzyIjvLfqZEjQG8INwmfmOI8t8XZ63RFXVkbQrOBuBBtEHRrgQscZUAKlTUbPBOHh-fvDtmLTPewVbUbZyNu6IovxlJ7bOg0n_BVoj-oK2p6ngdyUK_wJk2xl5UaKz1gM/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+26--P16++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_B1yW9v08bRzyIjvLfqZEjQG8INwmfmOI8t8XZ63RFXVkbQrOBuBBtEHRrgQscZUAKlTUbPBOHh-fvDtmLTPewVbUbZyNu6IovxlJ7bOg0n_BVoj-oK2p6ngdyUK_wJk2xl5UaKz1gM/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P16++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>42. On the Pistons' next possession <b>Saben Lee</b> dribbles in the center circle as he waits for his teammates to get into position to run a play. A couples of seconds later Lee hit <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> with a pass on a pick and roll but Stewart, after dribbling the ball, lost control of it, and it ended up being a jump ball.<br /><p>There was no further scoring in the 3rd, and the quarter ended with the Pistons on an 18-6 run to give them the lead 80-75. </p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5NTTjwYEPGXxH000tkFgG1P0C8VLJh96wjjT83P0dFAJrqZAvRofkIjuyXUbuBPT-e7lTrh3iSYg3REqSXufp8D2689cIC4pq7B8NgYQQgq2IOotyiFmjUyuLIYHrhpWNreVe6_u5pg/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+26--P12++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5NTTjwYEPGXxH000tkFgG1P0C8VLJh96wjjT83P0dFAJrqZAvRofkIjuyXUbuBPT-e7lTrh3iSYg3REqSXufp8D2689cIC4pq7B8NgYQQgq2IOotyiFmjUyuLIYHrhpWNreVe6_u5pg/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P12++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>43. <b>Richaun Holmes</b> re-entered the game at the start of the 4th quarter, and here with 9:59 to play, despite his best effort, Mason Plumlee scores against him on a short shot to up the Pistons' lead to 87-79. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21QlyNcweFylZFYJAFEuw_4RTHyef87PWVUCMi-LVV_Vj_TArXfMniZCsYwDrKHJu2yvOZHrSxM3zmiG4MhigCt1R24-EHRwZNdpIwFw_Cm1LLAEqvn901Q_0oESzVSMb__iqRJEnlf4/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P49A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21QlyNcweFylZFYJAFEuw_4RTHyef87PWVUCMi-LVV_Vj_TArXfMniZCsYwDrKHJu2yvOZHrSxM3zmiG4MhigCt1R24-EHRwZNdpIwFw_Cm1LLAEqvn901Q_0oESzVSMb__iqRJEnlf4/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P49A++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>44. 9 seconds later <b>Richaun Holmes</b> congratulates De'Aaron Fox after Fox scored on a driving layup and was fouled by <b>Saben Lee</b>. Fox missed the FT, however, keeping the score at 87-81. Fox would finish the night leading the Kings with 27 points. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0NQWyRs7CuATt5ce6A0SetgDdUWk5V6V5dcYWfOlKowmaXbHqWW3Wzy-CGU14FgjVivKLky3TT1MOLDu1II-Pkesx2Cv9NZzoekAgnMseqI3p4MKhzQk-vLPcLKg1odHliGwTX5v7z4/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P60++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0NQWyRs7CuATt5ce6A0SetgDdUWk5V6V5dcYWfOlKowmaXbHqWW3Wzy-CGU14FgjVivKLky3TT1MOLDu1II-Pkesx2Cv9NZzoekAgnMseqI3p4MKhzQk-vLPcLKg1odHliGwTX5v7z4/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P60++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div>45. 10 seconds after play resumed following a Pistons timeout, <b>Saben Lee</b> drives past De'Aaron Fox and into the lane and catches <b>Richaun Holmes</b> retreating as he lofts a shot from about 7 feet away. Lee made the shot for his only 2 points of the 2nd half, giving Detroit a 91-85 lead with 7:42 to play. Saben finished the game with 8 points (4-9 FG), 4 rebounds, 0 assists, and 2 turnovers in 21 minutes. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxOeEZVakrr_9CjjKoX5eHFJx5UgFZyQhqTa4kbsnU1Pm2A-623tK10djkH-diWOhdx2QhedV_kPxYjvAtaWQ6t4IWuO_LQJY4hi94GrBJFG58mNJd8SMG3nzR2Dc-bzx3a-Yi5Jmnf8/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P59++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxOeEZVakrr_9CjjKoX5eHFJx5UgFZyQhqTa4kbsnU1Pm2A-623tK10djkH-diWOhdx2QhedV_kPxYjvAtaWQ6t4IWuO_LQJY4hi94GrBJFG58mNJd8SMG3nzR2Dc-bzx3a-Yi5Jmnf8/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P59++SACR-DET.jpg" /></a></div><p>46. About a minute later <b>Saben Lee</b> again drives to the left of the lane; but this time he can't get past De'Aaron Fox, and the possession ended with him glaring at an official after a foul was not called against Fox while he missed a tough 5-foot shot and Fox got the rebound. <br /></p><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_pCjGL3N-WP-5o1K6WTwypiKubrqvWYP8xl3e1QzLykU07aq05MIqjXIyBrUvP5q7Pc6JbdRzhsTr7_tZmahPVjM7_Q8Brq2HcEhBsA0HeoLpwJHk39_H6sc98Q4qmKI4rMXiIDnZL4/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+26--P1++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9_pCjGL3N-WP-5o1K6WTwypiKubrqvWYP8xl3e1QzLykU07aq05MIqjXIyBrUvP5q7Pc6JbdRzhsTr7_tZmahPVjM7_Q8Brq2HcEhBsA0HeoLpwJHk39_H6sc98Q4qmKI4rMXiIDnZL4/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P1++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>47. Although this might look like a shot of <b>Richaun Holmes</b> blocking a shot by <b>Jerami Grant</b>, that's not it at all. Holmes and Grant actually are on the way down here and end up with their hands on the ball simultaneously after Holmes a second earlier knocked the ball out of Grant's hand on a drive to the basket. Holmes was called for his 5th foul, prompting a reaction so strong that he could have been called for a technical foul too. Coach Walton challenged the play; but the call stood, as Holmes ever so slightly bumped into Grant and jarred the ball loose. Grant hit both FT, and the Pistons led 96-93 with 5:15 to play.<br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKfGMbw3xzOQTgxA2lrkgxajwLvK3fDU9zVFwB6y7fsCW5LTx8lMf4eUxqJ7g1Y6HEN0r8RotyJeZekqDodC45m9mTT0890lZd22o3rlhpo6UOb-0cADCtC08ycEvvxpcRAC7_mjj1a4/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+26--P50++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKfGMbw3xzOQTgxA2lrkgxajwLvK3fDU9zVFwB6y7fsCW5LTx8lMf4eUxqJ7g1Y6HEN0r8RotyJeZekqDodC45m9mTT0890lZd22o3rlhpo6UOb-0cADCtC08ycEvvxpcRAC7_mjj1a4/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P50++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>48. After penetration by Saddiq Bey (#41) causes <b>Richaun Holmes</b> to come over and cover him, all Holmes can do is watch helplessly as Bey dishes to Mason Plumlee for an easy dunk, putting the Pistons back in front 98-97 with 3:37 to play. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkGh_sTUpTp7iHtkLsBw0S6HutGhgGuEIW1b2ZgcPUiKQUnqoR5zwnvHVXlhxo-U_PYuz0SSzGSScIt7Xupdz4dPVGsir1JATM3gVQbHcqcHWNdI-2_gsrO_7mHst6Vnvs8dsu4xlCV0/s1200/NBA21--FEB.+26--P51A++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkGh_sTUpTp7iHtkLsBw0S6HutGhgGuEIW1b2ZgcPUiKQUnqoR5zwnvHVXlhxo-U_PYuz0SSzGSScIt7Xupdz4dPVGsir1JATM3gVQbHcqcHWNdI-2_gsrO_7mHst6Vnvs8dsu4xlCV0/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P51A++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>49. Playing with 5 fouls, Richaun Holmes chooses not to challenge the shot in the lane by Jerami Grant with 1:32 to play; and he gets lucky, as Grant misses the 5-footer. Dennis Smith got the rebound but had his shot blocked by De'Aaron Fox and the game remained tied at 101. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3BEDcfWdc-4lBCGWpD5vUUpW23lCBpvPTpL9ziDCTjmQ5YaccwQdWLFBnZOkQwotg_8PfNrwxQoOTIZum3wsoZ28G7Kuc-hgImAAJ8yVpQaTUG72x01TT3yTjKuoP2QnpC8pdU0sVLA/s1140/NBA21--FEB.+26--P28++SACR-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3BEDcfWdc-4lBCGWpD5vUUpW23lCBpvPTpL9ziDCTjmQ5YaccwQdWLFBnZOkQwotg_8PfNrwxQoOTIZum3wsoZ28G7Kuc-hgImAAJ8yVpQaTUG72x01TT3yTjKuoP2QnpC8pdU0sVLA/s320/NBA21--FEB.+26--P28++SACR-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>50. One last questionable call has <b>Jerami Grant</b> holding his head and the rest of his teammates also in disbelief with 11.3 seconds remaining. With the Pistons down 2, Josh Jackson, after missing his first FT, intentionally missed the second. Then after F Nemanja Bjelica got the rebound for Sacramento, Jackson stole the ball from him; but instead of it being Pistons ball, Jackson was called for a foul, which apparently brought a great pain to Grant's head. The play was in the middle of a wild and hectic final 13 seconds, at the end of which Grant shot an air ball on a 3-point attempt that would have tied the game with 1.4 seconds left. The Kings won 110-107. Grant led all scorers with 30 points (7-17 FG, 14-15 FT) and had 7 rebounds in 39 minutes.<b> Isaiah Stewart</b> finished with 6 points (3-3 FG) and 11 rebounds and tied <b>Richaun Holmes</b> for a game-best +19 in 21 minutes. Holmes had 19 points (6-8 FG, 7-7 FT) and 17 rebounds in 33 minutes and managed to not foul out. In snapping their 9-game losing streak the Kings improved to 13-20, while the Pistons dropped to 9-24. <br /><p>.</p><p>Remember the time the great (well, maybe he wasn't so great) Josh Smith said, "I don't respond to nobody with dreadlocks who plays basketball"? After the 2014-15 season opener between the Pistons and Denver Nuggets was over, <b>Kenneth Faried</b> noted rather harshly that Smith's propensity to frequently take - and miss - outside shots was the main reason the Pistons lost to the Nuggets 89-79 that evening. And then Smith took out his anger on Faried's dreads, as if having dreads disqualifies you from being able to play. Among other things Smith said, "He's a clown, quote me on that." If that was his way of <i>not</i> responding, I wonder what would have come out of his mouth if he actually would have responded. <br /></p><p>Anyway I also wonder what ol' Josh has to say about all the dreads in the NBA today. I suppose there'd be a whole not of not responding going on. Even with his own teammates. I mean, if Smith - who last appeared in an NBA game in 2017 - had still been with the Pistons at the start of this season, he wouldn't have been to talk to half of his teammates. That's right, in their 2020-21 season opener the Pistons could have started a lineup consisting entirely of players with dreads. Along with <b>Jerami Grant</b>, <b>Isaiah Stewart</b>, and <b>Saben Lee</b>, also on the team were G <b>Derrick Rose</b>, and C <b>Jahlil Okafor</b> ..... and ...</p><p><br /></p><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsaIb-ilH5ZiJFd242GkBC9TB2kf65-6nZxOgm9Mffu0ORJaKx7N2y5Rv8LdHOQAmxtipvSlYl-8YgfxhrXd42p7CTDf7jOra5AzbYogqjCEmP4msdp4Foy7hRAWlDD0-G0eoNuZaM-s/s1440/NBA21--DEC.+29--P1++GS-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsaIb-ilH5ZiJFd242GkBC9TB2kf65-6nZxOgm9Mffu0ORJaKx7N2y5Rv8LdHOQAmxtipvSlYl-8YgfxhrXd42p7CTDf7jOra5AzbYogqjCEmP4msdp4Foy7hRAWlDD0-G0eoNuZaM-s/s320/NBA21--DEC.+29--P1++GS-DET.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iGs9Zru7eB4ZRqaJ7WyD5uxFEsGTPLiATNRg4dvIeXzH1k-4HBZ7XCJkmX2kat-ECI90-A5hsEnknp9XuIq7Tw7y0Ue1Nv_e5nc5QqO-Eo1uvWNOeopUqiRzxyAc9mkm3SxBW8nc_Bg/s1440/NBA21--JAN.+23--P2++PHIL-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1034" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iGs9Zru7eB4ZRqaJ7WyD5uxFEsGTPLiATNRg4dvIeXzH1k-4HBZ7XCJkmX2kat-ECI90-A5hsEnknp9XuIq7Tw7y0Ue1Nv_e5nc5QqO-Eo1uvWNOeopUqiRzxyAc9mkm3SxBW8nc_Bg/s320/NBA21--JAN.+23--P2++PHIL-DET.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>51. ..... Let's not forget about <b>Sekou Doumbouya</b>, the 6-8, 2nd year forward from France (that is, he moved to France as an infant after being born in the African nation of Guinea) who often - but not always - has his hair in short dreads. In the Pistons' 4th game of the season on Dec. 29 Doumbouya drives between F Eric Paschall and G <b>Damion Lee</b> (left photo) late in the 1st quarter at Detroit. At the ready is <b>Isaiah Stewart</b> (far right in photo), just in case Doumbouya is thinking about passing the ball (he wasn't). A foul was called against Paschall, and Sekou made both FT to up the Pistons' lead to 25-21. He finished with 9 points and 2 rebounds in 10 minutes. In a game the Pistons lost by 10 Stewart was a +10, finishing with 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots in 23 minutes. Lee had 8 points and 3 rebounds in 19 minutes to help the Warriors defeat the Pistons 116-106. 3 weeks later on Jan. 23 (right photo) Doumbouya tries to dunk on 76ers C Joel Embiid during the 2nd quarter at Detroit .... and fails miserably. But it's the thought that counts, right? He knew he had to go to the basket strong against Embiid. The dreads hiding behind Embiid in the photo belong to rookie G <b>Tyrese Maxey</b>, who got the rebound after Doumbouya's dunk attempt went straight ahead instead of down and caromed off the glass and back out to the free throw circle. Maxey finished the game with 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals in 13 minutes. Doumbouya took 10 shots (second most on his team) in 19 minutes and had 13 points and 4 rebounds as the Pistons dropped to 3-13, losing to the 76ers 114-110.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmDKWWPj6qL9qJA-fykQ0XDPtmsPBpbWxweDXle3d2Rg-IH6HC9DBFtUvQXuZ2QX_KOhs02p64STl71vknertc8UlSrpTThAzthCIIsGT2f2GJWg-19LURHqhcZu-mDNcFkdIstsRFW0/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+28--P2++NY-DET.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmDKWWPj6qL9qJA-fykQ0XDPtmsPBpbWxweDXle3d2Rg-IH6HC9DBFtUvQXuZ2QX_KOhs02p64STl71vknertc8UlSrpTThAzthCIIsGT2f2GJWg-19LURHqhcZu-mDNcFkdIstsRFW0/s320/NBA21--FEB.+28--P2++NY-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJeyb_j02HwVKX4-msw2KS-JTmL42zejcUKVpndUaZqCOr6wXLxr-dZjISjm6ek2EAkjtAFtFP9kWBLZ0UUZrPXBI8WLxW0Q2KeKtIjlTUoR3KV1r8OA0VolpEuT4PuALYBh6OMEJR6E/s1920/NBA21--FEB.+28--P3++NY-DET.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJeyb_j02HwVKX4-msw2KS-JTmL42zejcUKVpndUaZqCOr6wXLxr-dZjISjm6ek2EAkjtAFtFP9kWBLZ0UUZrPXBI8WLxW0Q2KeKtIjlTUoR3KV1r8OA0VolpEuT4PuALYBh6OMEJR6E/s320/NBA21--FEB.+28--P3++NY-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>52. When<b> Derrick Rose</b> first came into the NBA in 2008, he hardly had any hair at all, and back then I never would have thought he would look like this a decade later. But times change, and here he is now in his 4th season with dreads. After beginning the season a teammate of <b>Jerami Grant</b>, Rose has these close encounters against Grant in the Knicks' game vs. the Pistons on Feb. 28. After playing the first 7 years of his career for the Bulls in his hometown of Chicago, Rose has been with the Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, Pistons, and the Knicks again after being traded to them for Dennis Smith (who's guarding him in the photo above) on Feb. 8. In his first game against the Pistons since the trade Derrick was one of three players with dreads that started for New York, and he had 14 points and 5 assists in the Knicks' 109-90 road victory.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVHv4xnouitHvgUnbEhA5ws1frp2r-TB6MJhtPpksu-1RPROjDkPDnPE5AxHjWyFv-uDOfyC9lUtkJhnfrYx56PnAGFHCA366J5NLUF_j5rZygFcc4sHm0prXy5SnwhwwiXh43e8VZHM/s640/NBA21--DEC.+23--P2++DET-MINN.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVHv4xnouitHvgUnbEhA5ws1frp2r-TB6MJhtPpksu-1RPROjDkPDnPE5AxHjWyFv-uDOfyC9lUtkJhnfrYx56PnAGFHCA366J5NLUF_j5rZygFcc4sHm0prXy5SnwhwwiXh43e8VZHM/s320/NBA21--DEC.+23--P2++DET-MINN.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dGdCnYoMPIkkBGPdHr4ZbzOpqjiHUZjsnhugNErzYSQpqPomnLpEXWpaqcmodZSZ3rR6zghAVhOXuBpqspplNxkmwlgxH8QeO23AeruPmuH_FuN61X-SIIqTQCtIqcbWZygR1H7cGpk/s2048/NBA21--DEC.+23--P7++DET-MINN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dGdCnYoMPIkkBGPdHr4ZbzOpqjiHUZjsnhugNErzYSQpqPomnLpEXWpaqcmodZSZ3rR6zghAVhOXuBpqspplNxkmwlgxH8QeO23AeruPmuH_FuN61X-SIIqTQCtIqcbWZygR1H7cGpk/s320/NBA21--DEC.+23--P7++DET-MINN.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>53. It was two nights before Christmas when the Pistons opened their season in Minneapolis against the Timberwolves. And although centers <b>Jahlil Okafor</b> and <b>Naz Reid</b> didn't play much, they saw a lot of each other during their time on the court. Reid misses a shot to the left of the basket (left photo) after being fouled by Okafor late in the 1st quarter. Naz (short for Nazreon) made both FT to cut the Pistons' lead to 27-23. Then early in the 4th quarter - at almost the exact same spot on the floor - Okafor gets past Reid along the baseline (right photo) before finishing with a layup to up Detroit's lead to 87-83. Okafor, in his 6th NBA season and his 2nd with dreads, had 8 points and 7 rebounds in 15 minutes in his first game in a Pistons uniform. Reid, in his 2nd season, had 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots in 18 minutes. After increasing their lead to 91-83, the Pistons were outscored 28-10 in the final 9 minutes as the Timberwolves came back to win 111-101. </p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykF5_e0vnOd5XjcF7O72SM_q8WVl7wI5Qn8wazeJ3_i1Pz_ZiHpkQNBqjeUi8AqTXOgW3VY2BCQDOEvF2whCTJpuNBoUR9FjjVbxHmlVWRB5AuWj5D2oHbJlR4HPMBbNczgK3FV3OXkE/s2048/NBA21--MAR.+25--P1++PHIL-LAL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykF5_e0vnOd5XjcF7O72SM_q8WVl7wI5Qn8wazeJ3_i1Pz_ZiHpkQNBqjeUi8AqTXOgW3VY2BCQDOEvF2whCTJpuNBoUR9FjjVbxHmlVWRB5AuWj5D2oHbJlR4HPMBbNczgK3FV3OXkE/s320/NBA21--MAR.+25--P1++PHIL-LAL.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR2lB9s15YNxI145ggN4FzeZlyHxs0TZTsZ09EgFdwK0C3T3Ux_hxV57FB_fG8azaMuMUxtY3KtI8Q7Lc4N_EmZwvadKwPN5nCeLffH-9n2_Mk1hoTev6zjnmEkWAKyE_jHHmKC8XVLU/s2048/NBA21--MAR.+25--P2++PHIL-LAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR2lB9s15YNxI145ggN4FzeZlyHxs0TZTsZ09EgFdwK0C3T3Ux_hxV57FB_fG8azaMuMUxtY3KtI8Q7Lc4N_EmZwvadKwPN5nCeLffH-9n2_Mk1hoTev6zjnmEkWAKyE_jHHmKC8XVLU/s320/NBA21--MAR.+25--P2++PHIL-LAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>54. <b>Montrezl Harrell</b>, the 6-7, 240-pound C in his 6th NBA season and his first season with the L.A. Lakers, was just getting his dreads started when he was last mentioned in this blog in DG159 during 2015, when he was a junior in college at Louisville. Now look at them. They are in the running for the longest dreads in the NBA. And they were almost completely unleashed when the Lakers hosted the 76ers on Mar. 25. With 2:34 remaining in the 3rd quarter Harrell tries to shake G Shake Milton (right photo) as he goes to the basket, but the play was interrupted by a whistle, and the 76ers were hit with a technical foul for illegal defense. Then about a minute later Harrell is denied a dunk by F Ben Simmons (left photo) but catches a break as Simmons is called for a foul. Harrell went 1 for 2 at the line to cut Philadelphia's lead to 84-70. The Lakers went on to lose 109-101, with Harrell finishing with 20 points and 8 rebounds in 33 minutes.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUv9qhPD6Pk19vgUr3zgieiDAzVbLQviTXezMv9uPn3PKCKuPlMPzNoXck5RTxtlVzDiax06_8pdgFPSJJtd9nlSW46tnAOVhQh4RTcVxSev7l0NlxCMFzAvW1zA8hjwzYAuP4_9aQj4o/s1367/NBA21--MAR.+3--P9++LAL-SACR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1043" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUv9qhPD6Pk19vgUr3zgieiDAzVbLQviTXezMv9uPn3PKCKuPlMPzNoXck5RTxtlVzDiax06_8pdgFPSJJtd9nlSW46tnAOVhQh4RTcVxSev7l0NlxCMFzAvW1zA8hjwzYAuP4_9aQj4o/s320/NBA21--MAR.+3--P9++LAL-SACR.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKtaACyOq21U9hnMg0OK85HKcJNaww8kZx3vZyGDhsyyOUK1-MN2EdbdQ202BbbqR5nF8PYmXa9CfjdMeW8XJln0b7TphIJRu1eT-pybute36QhIT2aJsxOWoGJx6myAMB7ZXYedR58Q/s2048/NBA21--MAR.+3--P6++LAL-SACR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1606" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKtaACyOq21U9hnMg0OK85HKcJNaww8kZx3vZyGDhsyyOUK1-MN2EdbdQ202BbbqR5nF8PYmXa9CfjdMeW8XJln0b7TphIJRu1eT-pybute36QhIT2aJsxOWoGJx6myAMB7ZXYedR58Q/s320/NBA21--MAR.+3--P6++LAL-SACR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>55. No doubt <b>Montrezl Harrell</b> has had many close encounters with players with dreads on opposing teams. These two with <b>Richaun Holmes</b> came late in the game at Sacramento on Mar. 3. Montrezl takes and hits a short shot off the glass over Holmes (left photo) to tie his season high with his 26th point and tie the game at 115 with 2:05 to play. Notice the dreads of <b>Buddy Hield</b> as he looks on from under the basket. Then Holmes tries to give the Kings the lead back 20 seconds later; but as he goes up for the shot his right elbow smacks Harrell on the chin, and he's called for an offensive foul (right photo). Montrezl was down all all fours for a minute as he regained his senses. The officials checked replay for a potential flagrant foul on Holmes, but none was called. Neither Harrell, Holmes, or Hield scored in the final 1:43. Harrell had a great chance to give the Lakers the lead but rushed - and missed - a layup after getting an offensive rebounds with 5 seconds remaining. The Kings held on to win 123-120. Montrezl finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds in 33 minutes. Holmes had 16 points and 9 rebounds in 30 minutes. And Hield, who hit 7 for 11 from 3-point range, had a game high 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in 42 minutes.<br /><p>.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dtjPmCU3X0Z8BZN0JWSuvhqdvLMYDajhDlx6hQrpqI2Wrj57sTCi8W_wCXar0M_dCL92_QELhUWPJoHjG9NSm8Ch8VOq8iXZPSvnOR-Jkv6NvGfesqyePIpKLwWanZTmLHSGtSArr1E/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+28--P21++GS-LAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dtjPmCU3X0Z8BZN0JWSuvhqdvLMYDajhDlx6hQrpqI2Wrj57sTCi8W_wCXar0M_dCL92_QELhUWPJoHjG9NSm8Ch8VOq8iXZPSvnOR-Jkv6NvGfesqyePIpKLwWanZTmLHSGtSArr1E/s320/NBA21--FEB.+28--P21++GS-LAL.jpg" /></a></div>56. <b>Montrezl Harrell</b> has some serious competition for the ball but somehow catches a pass from G Alex Caruso between Warriors defenders <b>Damion Lee</b> and Eric Paschall early in the 2nd quarter at LA on Feb. 28. Montrezl then missed the layup, keeping the Lakers' lead at 20. Maybe it was because the Lakers led by 30 or more points for the entire 2nd half, but Harrell did not play at all in the 2nd half. He finished with 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals in 11 minutes. Lee (0-4 FG) had 1 point in 22 minutes. The Lakers won 117-91. Lee, similar to Harrell, had very short dreads during his time in college at Louisville. They were never teammates though, as Lee transferred there for his senior year in 2016, which was Harrell's rookie year in the NBA. Another thing about Lee, something you rarely see in sports: one of his teammates is his brother-in-law, as he is married to the sister of superstar G Stephen Curry.<br /><p>.</p><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTrqykyB0cI0aRLyFLWyDhTQqfyPKAOo4A_We1ky3z1Ram0MPNwE1UnaJHRju66TMKRmKgtsPBe9-4Q2-akgSxg9P_TkVFfD66ilKp6ViVo95VMlhTdcWYcvX3iAVVIIF0Qz1hS6QLf0/s2048/NBA21--FEB.+20--P6++MIA-LAL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTrqykyB0cI0aRLyFLWyDhTQqfyPKAOo4A_We1ky3z1Ram0MPNwE1UnaJHRju66TMKRmKgtsPBe9-4Q2-akgSxg9P_TkVFfD66ilKp6ViVo95VMlhTdcWYcvX3iAVVIIF0Qz1hS6QLf0/s320/NBA21--FEB.+20--P6++MIA-LAL.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlwUtkcq9k_a9w90fndYvXOLJy-jE7JekfY_6pMZX1H_Q2escAJqDvPQJhhj2N_x0OXaS9iFZZXGZSxeO5NUYRQ3muc623RPCMxtrcgKFZx3usTSJq7gh_77irM0ueMrrM16WuMNapNM/s1300/NBA21--FEB.+20--P5A++MIA-LAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="1300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlwUtkcq9k_a9w90fndYvXOLJy-jE7JekfY_6pMZX1H_Q2escAJqDvPQJhhj2N_x0OXaS9iFZZXGZSxeO5NUYRQ3muc623RPCMxtrcgKFZx3usTSJq7gh_77irM0ueMrrM16WuMNapNM/s320/NBA21--FEB.+20--P5A++MIA-LAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>57. <b>Montrezl Harrell</b> and rookie F <b>Precious Achiuwa</b> take turns missing shots against each other during the 1st half of the Lakers' home game vs. the Miami Heat on Feb. 20. On his driving layup over Achiuwa late in the 1st quarter (left photo) Harrell's shot rims out, keeping Miami's lead at 28-19. Then with 3:16 remaining in the 2nd quarter (right photo) Achiuwa settles for a fadeaway 17-footer over Harrell and shoots an air ball, keeping Miami's lead at 53-42. Achiuwa, with his dreads reduced for this game, finished with 4 points and 4 rebounds in 13 minutes. Harrell had 18 points and 10 rebounds in just 24 minutes. The Heat, who led almost the entire game, held on to win 96-94. Achuiwa, who was drafted by the Heat in the 1st round (20th overall) last year, has been brought along slowly and has mostly been a minor contributor as a rookie, averaging about 5 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes per game. <br /><p></p><p>.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLa5osuVH7Jtc_gRPV6K-iQILIHh-1ThPNjhC9r-0zQ9CgIfFwzXWkPUEY6gilUXwLwTlXh3he-81BVIHQO-f0VnWwCe0aH5Po_kiIxYK0e6qjbBD1-vrg36-Igeh08jDROXC-rKhrfgA/s2048/NBA21--MAR.+15--P3++LAL-GS.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLa5osuVH7Jtc_gRPV6K-iQILIHh-1ThPNjhC9r-0zQ9CgIfFwzXWkPUEY6gilUXwLwTlXh3he-81BVIHQO-f0VnWwCe0aH5Po_kiIxYK0e6qjbBD1-vrg36-Igeh08jDROXC-rKhrfgA/s320/NBA21--MAR.+15--P3++LAL-GS.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWEKDbdEmBAwlUGDhnp_p4hMcUw0HZwrHyC2pbpUzw7fhI6FswAguyCe7NqNGmfov0Cm5mvuaQ4vBTPrrG6dXifCb-01EuLt189mQXpoZdv6Q166VGgDmD1dj8ywRxsc5q-dhGajwlrs/s2048/NBA21--MAR.+15--P5++LAL-GS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWEKDbdEmBAwlUGDhnp_p4hMcUw0HZwrHyC2pbpUzw7fhI6FswAguyCe7NqNGmfov0Cm5mvuaQ4vBTPrrG6dXifCb-01EuLt189mQXpoZdv6Q166VGgDmD1dj8ywRxsc5q-dhGajwlrs/s320/NBA21--MAR.+15--P5++LAL-GS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>58. The obvious reason <b>Montrezl Harrell</b> has shot higher than 61% from the field for his career (and never less than 58% in a season) is that almost all of his shot attempts are close to the basket. And he had a dunk party in the Lakers' 128-97 romp over the Warriors on Mar. 15 at San Francisco. After F Draymond Green leaves him to stop the penetration of G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Harrell takes the pass and soars to the hoop for an easy slam (left photo) to put the Lakers ahead 50-42 in the 2nd quarter. Then early in the 4th quarter after missing a shot in the lane a couple of seconds earlier, Montrezl doesn't miss this time (right photo), slamming home his 5th dunk of the night after taking a pass from F Kyle Kuzma to put the Lakers up 98-76. This was Harrell's last shot of the game. He finished 11 for 14 from the field and scored a season high 27 points in 25 minutes.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsFBsa0sUICbJG0Ox5yB6wuLh95mYwpCpMVzk8fhV9leUfZyzlElzc47Iy7vZclubhuKtpXN_Ka98dtQ8aS7-tGs7V-vgtYwsD42ed_VVpQDDlF6a6ezTaYqJfTRb1EM_yxcZ5RO46dc/s2048/NBA21--MAR.+26--P15++CLEVE-LAL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsFBsa0sUICbJG0Ox5yB6wuLh95mYwpCpMVzk8fhV9leUfZyzlElzc47Iy7vZclubhuKtpXN_Ka98dtQ8aS7-tGs7V-vgtYwsD42ed_VVpQDDlF6a6ezTaYqJfTRb1EM_yxcZ5RO46dc/s320/NBA21--MAR.+26--P15++CLEVE-LAL.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o9GljVP3TMG3AC_CYMCU1Jsdg1iFYTC7VJmSWURAFDDg3YZKbu_9ORJ75Jabz4fxVmumOjo8wGyAswM3mXEn_TKc5A71xQe5bBMMezxrkQ3fgD2c9MMFh0h4tx4Qq_LDAqjyqtH4QAg/s1024/NBA21--MAR.+26--P16++CLEVE-LAL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o9GljVP3TMG3AC_CYMCU1Jsdg1iFYTC7VJmSWURAFDDg3YZKbu_9ORJ75Jabz4fxVmumOjo8wGyAswM3mXEn_TKc5A71xQe5bBMMezxrkQ3fgD2c9MMFh0h4tx4Qq_LDAqjyqtH4QAg/s320/NBA21--MAR.+26--P16++CLEVE-LAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>59. If you don't know by now, shame on you, but when you pronounce <b>Montrezl Harrell</b>'s first name, you have to pretend that the "L" at the end isn't there, because it is silent. Not surprisingly Montrez - oops, I mean Montrezl - is in the top 10 in the NBA in dunks made this season. Against the Cavaliers on Mar. 26 he hangs on the rim (left photo) after finishing a fast break with his 1st dunk of the game to give the Lakers a 20-18 lead late in the 1st quarter. Then with 4:51 remaining in the 3rd quarter Harrell, after catching a long pass from G Dennis Schroder, dunks one on his dreads (right photo) to give LA an 8-point lead at 61-53. Montrezl finished with a game high 24 points and 10 rebounds in 30 minutes in the Lakers' 100-86 home win. Here are his highlights from the game, including all 7 of his dunks: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVUnysbdFRg" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVUnysbdFRg</a><br /><p>.<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUA-O8svTTC1logzc0K9NUNLCX8kgY6ZDGa10S31zT3J0j7wbkws7QwK3tQTokUCZNAXH-eQ3XupEinVFSbTitG9bhcvqWPl_d9OB-cXsO29-gyHdtB3KvTCn5W6aUh6-hthgWRD8em6E/s640/NBA21--FEB.+23--P4++SACR-BRK.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwq_MkkkTbAwSNG9P_X-Q0bfcFOSfFPUqDSy-OQ6cQlNGHUxcKjDjg22Fs5sIVOfsJ_aNDY1bR78hkrl7n-jlAcxTZzeYwQojREU79SsaCJbxhuyNa1ffwrt_4N_Y1EegAbKR-ujzYZg/s640/NBA21--FEB.+23--P4A++SACR-BRK.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwq_MkkkTbAwSNG9P_X-Q0bfcFOSfFPUqDSy-OQ6cQlNGHUxcKjDjg22Fs5sIVOfsJ_aNDY1bR78hkrl7n-jlAcxTZzeYwQojREU79SsaCJbxhuyNa1ffwrt_4N_Y1EegAbKR-ujzYZg/s320/NBA21--FEB.+23--P4A++SACR-BRK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexx2Pp2VRwOYNY-sCmxMh7hkghnPxsvb0M1iXfICMaKqAuwble9N_8VtABRHeNcaFa13um70nOrya4uEXA_RydcVdypIlfPgc7kg1oT1xVd2MSbzAiHoWJcxzF0Wpk_xr4mJkoY5eNCg/s1400/NBA21--FEB.+23--P3++SACR-BRK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1038" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexx2Pp2VRwOYNY-sCmxMh7hkghnPxsvb0M1iXfICMaKqAuwble9N_8VtABRHeNcaFa13um70nOrya4uEXA_RydcVdypIlfPgc7kg1oT1xVd2MSbzAiHoWJcxzF0Wpk_xr4mJkoY5eNCg/s320/NBA21--FEB.+23--P3++SACR-BRK.jpg" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oEV5omZU4BmFEOqFTJBK7S1qgpExjrzT3hqm8TFnexyjnoog6tj9PSMQbjkt3v0ThY_bVQDMg4lPyq5w9JZyoxgXId84uiNk7IofWSlf7awjnvu5ZvrEYOJCCY-SP8xbo-v4HT6r9IM/s640/NBA21--FEB.+23--P4++SACR-BRK.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oEV5omZU4BmFEOqFTJBK7S1qgpExjrzT3hqm8TFnexyjnoog6tj9PSMQbjkt3v0ThY_bVQDMg4lPyq5w9JZyoxgXId84uiNk7IofWSlf7awjnvu5ZvrEYOJCCY-SP8xbo-v4HT6r9IM/s320/NBA21--FEB.+23--P4++SACR-BRK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p>60. <b>Nicolas Claxton</b> was the first pick of the 2019 NBA Draft - uh, the first pick of the 2nd round, that is. And after splitting his rookie season between the Brooklyn Nets, Long Island Nets (G-League), and the injured list, he decided to change things up for this season, dyeing his dreads entirely blond. But those dreads weren't seen on the court until here in the Nets' home game against the Kings on Feb. 23, after he had missed the first 32 games of the season while recovering from a knee injury. In the two photos on the right Claxton and <b>Richaun Holmes</b> go the floor in pursuit of the loose ball after Holmes, noticing that Claxton was dribbling the ball nonchalantly, poked it away from him. De'Aaron Fox recovered the ball and went in for a layup to cut the Nets' lead to 52-46 in the 2nd quarter and cause Coach Nash to call timeout. Holmes was credited with a steal and Claxton picked up his 1st turnover of the season. Early in the 4th quarter (left photo) Claxton finds himself dribbling the ball between the center circle and the free throw circle, looking to get the ball to a teammate, as Marvin Bagley defends. The possession ended with G Tyler Johnson hitting a 3-pointer 5 seconds later to up Brooklyn's lead to 106-100. Claxton finished his 2021 debut with 5 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 blocked shot in 14 minutes. Holmes had 18 points and 11 rebounds as the Kings lost their 8th in a row, 127-118. <br /><br />.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihfZCpIVmI9o4pKKsvG4O3XEwwkFy004nyHgda_4SXvuI-dhD3GFacIFyyaEzKqoTVq7oe6NkEUFdOmemVHfXgYY3EBA6ELvv6__D89IoxZS6H2cGV7vsnguVlMi_RmDVq3EOMsAej6hE/s2047/NBA21--MAR.+3--P8++BRK-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl8Ow7eSHYSdZ2dlAhAJFCQrQHaPyacINOeBE5zummjy7FCQmTbUcPBULGtCK0LxXcnvjxLhc5B48Xag6ME4JHoEciais3bRRn2FL2LJXrn9zG2SOd6pHBkb184w71jSqxGyGIjcam98/s2047/NBA21--MAR.+3--P8++BRK-HOU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="1475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl8Ow7eSHYSdZ2dlAhAJFCQrQHaPyacINOeBE5zummjy7FCQmTbUcPBULGtCK0LxXcnvjxLhc5B48Xag6ME4JHoEciais3bRRn2FL2LJXrn9zG2SOd6pHBkb184w71jSqxGyGIjcam98/s320/NBA21--MAR.+3--P8++BRK-HOU.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08Wxs39729CuH4tUqO4HlWC-t8J2KwjaUjeAi5-BhrMln_h35hCd2OwSSqWR046BjQHsv_veFZmh4ib0aH3VoE_GjCCJOpKz2-SR6xZdFUZuLpJR_dMgIFjKnB2gAzRsayARVLkGxtDA/s1920/NBA21--MAR.+13--P6++DET-BRK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08Wxs39729CuH4tUqO4HlWC-t8J2KwjaUjeAi5-BhrMln_h35hCd2OwSSqWR046BjQHsv_veFZmh4ib0aH3VoE_GjCCJOpKz2-SR6xZdFUZuLpJR_dMgIFjKnB2gAzRsayARVLkGxtDA/s320/NBA21--MAR.+13--P6++DET-BRK.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>61. <b>Nicolas Claxton</b> tries and fails to block the shot (left photo) on a drive to the basket by G John Wall midway through the 2nd quarter at Houston on Mar. 3. Tyler Johnson was called for a foul on the play, and Wall hit 1 of 2 at the line to cut the Nets' lead to 50-40. Claxton had no blocks in the game but had arguably his best performance of the season, finishing with 16 points (7-8 FG) and 8 rebounds in 16 minutes in the Nets' 132-114 win over the Rockets. Early in the 2nd quarter on Mar. 13 (right photo) neither Claxton nor F Jeff Green can block a shot in the lane by <b>Jerami Grant</b>, but they do cause him to miss - but Grant got the rebound and hit a layup a couple of seconds later to cut the Nets' lead to 28-26. Grant led the Pistons with 22 points. Claxton had 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocked shots in the Nets' 100-95 home win.<br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ61tKrpK6BI2859D8bobqCa767bkWOr0ZCRF6pEkZVNHUM3x4-Ut9QSr_h3Al8iTVfbg-NRipNR6v9d4NeTti9cvQhFAgAAfQYLtu0-P4TVlqoQGlU67K5l-YNqG3u5fAkrbRRFILMs0/s1878/NBA21--MAR.+26--P5++BRK-DET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1878" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ61tKrpK6BI2859D8bobqCa767bkWOr0ZCRF6pEkZVNHUM3x4-Ut9QSr_h3Al8iTVfbg-NRipNR6v9d4NeTti9cvQhFAgAAfQYLtu0-P4TVlqoQGlU67K5l-YNqG3u5fAkrbRRFILMs0/s320/NBA21--MAR.+26--P5++BRK-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>62. This time <b>Nicolas Claxton</b> successfully gets the blocked shot on a drive by <b>Saben Lee</b> early in the 2nd quarter at Detroit on Mar. 26 - and I have to apologize for Lee's hand partially obscuring Claxton's dreads. The ball landed out of bounds, and the Pistons kept possession. It was the only block of the game for Claxton, who also had 3 points and 7 rebounds as the Nets won 113-111. Very agile at 6-11 at 215 pounds, Nicolas averaged 1.2 blocked shots per game during the regular season, which is outstanding considering he played less than 20 minutes per game.<br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG93kBE61NZGVD6kbKrdz0Ehl2JSAQNRhLsYcDfhCsRNpeaekefg3Z03KzibFVG38eztV0uS34xmraYSpV9CIQk_woV7CQIAlFZMNbmjztTthUrDZt9henu8gqVuvt3ropsJhFfzOLV0/s1359/NBA21--MAR.+23--P7B++BRK-PORT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="963" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG93kBE61NZGVD6kbKrdz0Ehl2JSAQNRhLsYcDfhCsRNpeaekefg3Z03KzibFVG38eztV0uS34xmraYSpV9CIQk_woV7CQIAlFZMNbmjztTthUrDZt9henu8gqVuvt3ropsJhFfzOLV0/s320/NBA21--MAR.+23--P7B++BRK-PORT.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLiTVzT5xRrbtxcozwu96G1rMBY4P2c8vIhUUNVdBkg2XvkhXFVLmHyVxYnDRw5h-k-WsBV6FC7c5P2VDlFi6Nx7OYEB8PPsHjVk9XO4mZkfA1RiS5-TRlGdvwWp4fFE07t1emtPYKf8/s1400/NBA21--MAR.+23--P7++BRK-PORT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLiTVzT5xRrbtxcozwu96G1rMBY4P2c8vIhUUNVdBkg2XvkhXFVLmHyVxYnDRw5h-k-WsBV6FC7c5P2VDlFi6Nx7OYEB8PPsHjVk9XO4mZkfA1RiS5-TRlGdvwWp4fFE07t1emtPYKf8/s320/NBA21--MAR.+23--P7++BRK-PORT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>63. Early in the 4th quarter in front of the crowd of fake fans at Portland on Mar. 23 no foul is called on F Carmelo Anthony despite his two handed shove as <b>Nicolas Claxton</b> flips up an off-balance shot in the lane. The shot missed, but Claxton tipped in the rebound to increase Brooklyn's lead to 98-93. <br />There were a bunch of great photos of Claxton from this game. Here are a couple more .....<br /><br /><p></p><p>.<br /></p><p> </p><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg2o22OI0vpxMCfePGlXBWBxo25m5tYjlLoLAvck_4QSfJ7fYdVQsPwdlmHG7jNSyoxaWKLTRjfNUzV__40q3DREPGAVPol_tFO_3IpimIC8PowHcaIjeHt06QKhH-_kYmKsXvW8S2pM/s1359/NBA21--MAR.+23--P9++BRK-PORT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1359" data-original-width="973" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDg2o22OI0vpxMCfePGlXBWBxo25m5tYjlLoLAvck_4QSfJ7fYdVQsPwdlmHG7jNSyoxaWKLTRjfNUzV__40q3DREPGAVPol_tFO_3IpimIC8PowHcaIjeHt06QKhH-_kYmKsXvW8S2pM/s320/NBA21--MAR.+23--P9++BRK-PORT.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJ3FpfN11Yhvx8dQfAChKA_JZGOgW73nf_yxcpfMzIGSQJ6aqwT0fv7dR8LQQN_bgnmpDLLtOclFuyFPxb2MibkG8r1RB5Pyb8Gkh6OkMqevrOwJKYeJkRjRc-4ifUYNDXh_TJ2S11j8/s2048/NBA21--MAR.+23--P8++BRK-PORT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJ3FpfN11Yhvx8dQfAChKA_JZGOgW73nf_yxcpfMzIGSQJ6aqwT0fv7dR8LQQN_bgnmpDLLtOclFuyFPxb2MibkG8r1RB5Pyb8Gkh6OkMqevrOwJKYeJkRjRc-4ifUYNDXh_TJ2S11j8/s320/NBA21--MAR.+23--P8++BRK-PORT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>64. On his 1st shot of the game (left photo) Claxton can't score against the defense of C Enes Kanter with a minute remaining in the 1st quarter, but he tips in the rebound to cut the Blazers' lead to 35-32. Nicolas missed only 2 shots in the game, but got the offensive rebound and scored after both of them. Claxton sets to slam home the final points of the 3rd quarter (right photo) after catching an alley-oop pass from G Hames Harden (#13), as Damian Lillard goes down in vain trying to draw a charging foul on Harden. Claxton's 3rd dunk of the game came with 4.1 seconds remaining and gave Brooklyn a 92-91 lead after 3 quarters.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFyO29LWM8v1ajiu8lCmPSFgV7WsI3zz0zzX4AP6p_PFiLjWeEqT2wfR2nNhR_Zs4seBVlV_EvUaWwN0YIPML25ArlGin5y5AMomPquynYxuaUGv5zx5UeoIFHLE0z4tQEoZ77vCf1dw/s1396/NBA21--MAR.+23--P1B++BRK-PORT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFyO29LWM8v1ajiu8lCmPSFgV7WsI3zz0zzX4AP6p_PFiLjWeEqT2wfR2nNhR_Zs4seBVlV_EvUaWwN0YIPML25ArlGin5y5AMomPquynYxuaUGv5zx5UeoIFHLE0z4tQEoZ77vCf1dw/s320/NBA21--MAR.+23--P1B++BRK-PORT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>65. <b>Nicolas Claxton</b> and G <b>Gary Trent</b> are featured in the best hair-raising shot of Part 1 of DG178. Although you can't see the ball, this actually is a photo of Claxton tipping in his miss of the shot seen in photo #64, as Trent reaches from behind too late to prevent it. Trent finished with 11 points. Claxton had great numbers with 16 points and 9 rebounds in 21 minutes, helping the Nets defeat the Blazers 116-112.<br /><p>When I heard that Claxton is the son of a former NBA player, at first it didn't make any sense - because the only Claxton I knew of was Craig "Speedy" Claxton, who played in the NBA from 2001 to 2010; and since he was 5-foot-11, how did his son get to be 6-11? Then after doing some simple investigating, I discovered that Speedy Claxton isn't Nicolas' father. Instead it's Charles Claxton, a 7-footer, who is Nicolas' dad, a player whose NBA career lasted for all of 3 games, with the Boston Celtics in November 1995. No wonder I had never heard of him. But even if Speedy, who averaged 9 points and 4 assists during his career, isn't his dad, Nicolas is already well on his way to surpassing him as the greatest Claxton ever to play in the NBA. </p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwsouVa-0OMyXUbsS2Er_w71FB0fK-zQNCgEe9MZpUqm0lDvBHALsIIiTenK7o5DZAWogSOKVhy4I7jWTSKaA4ZhdxcyIWy-Mkg1DDgAoURDOEk-LIGxFP7tvXSGCdp4wXbT6dqkOkCw/s1024/NBA21--APR.+1--P1++BUSAN-KT-INCH+ET.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwsouVa-0OMyXUbsS2Er_w71FB0fK-zQNCgEe9MZpUqm0lDvBHALsIIiTenK7o5DZAWogSOKVhy4I7jWTSKaA4ZhdxcyIWy-Mkg1DDgAoURDOEk-LIGxFP7tvXSGCdp4wXbT6dqkOkCw/s320/NBA21--APR.+1--P1++BUSAN-KT-INCH+ET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>66. In case you were wondering what happened to <b>Johnathan Motley</b> ..... here's a shot of the 6-8 forward from Apr. 1 (no joke), slamming home two in the KBL. After spending the last three seasons splitting time between the NBA and G-League on two-way contracts, Motley was released by Phoenix before the start of this season. At the end of February he began his overseas career and has been hanging out in Incheon, South Korea, playing for the team called the ET Land Elephants. These were 2 of his 30 points - he also had 14 rebounds - in a 99-85 home win over Busan KT Sonicboom. Not surprisingly Johnathan dominated in the KBL, leading the team at 20.7 PPG and 8.9 RPG in the Elephants' final 24 games of the season. They were eliminated in the semifinals of the playoffs. Here's hoping we see Motley back in the NBA next season. But for now, here's how he did (not so great) in his debut on Feb. 26: </p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrd1jiVKEO8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrd1jiVKEO8</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOsOsr9ulfI" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOsOsr9ulfI</a><br /></p><p></p><p>.</p><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2__jZo5F1h8WlnYXA5TL6Bt5y7VX0-PIR0N4EY1tQda-d2FAx5ZRMdxqLeWWaNh5XwcGwX6Se4_xGQVdcdKLC8lyy8HJkqK9F-fwJ2VILuIX2_DiyAi90JAp9rlxs289WoPO2-oGz_0/s1140/NBA21--APR.+1--P2++ORL-NO.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="1140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2__jZo5F1h8WlnYXA5TL6Bt5y7VX0-PIR0N4EY1tQda-d2FAx5ZRMdxqLeWWaNh5XwcGwX6Se4_xGQVdcdKLC8lyy8HJkqK9F-fwJ2VILuIX2_DiyAi90JAp9rlxs289WoPO2-oGz_0/s320/NBA21--APR.+1--P2++ORL-NO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKeZZL3MMYRQ_jLOb3YODPYds6V0GDicsWeY4VJ2I7ZmCDVAQMsJhTIdTFg0V4U0d0Cqyxo_cr1tSQ1NDlnaepuCCsdAJzqVQGBm-_0VzUdaIfpUhbrVkj2zo7xhtkLS7eLr_WnaBMHo/s839/NBA21--APR.+2--P1++ATL-NO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="637" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKeZZL3MMYRQ_jLOb3YODPYds6V0GDicsWeY4VJ2I7ZmCDVAQMsJhTIdTFg0V4U0d0Cqyxo_cr1tSQ1NDlnaepuCCsdAJzqVQGBm-_0VzUdaIfpUhbrVkj2zo7xhtkLS7eLr_WnaBMHo/s320/NBA21--APR.+2--P1++ATL-NO.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATo0BniUmHQK_B3HWYQfY97qL49lCptdeoM2hBnNrkKQRmik3pDZIWRjTX7WKc8X8D0WS5HoTk_jnwI1pWy2_j6epxTGQww2k5NaiNKJkz-Mak_Dm_Yur_gpmDtyNY8KwqOdkWeEw9AA/s1200/NBA21--APR.+2--P2++ATL-NO.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATo0BniUmHQK_B3HWYQfY97qL49lCptdeoM2hBnNrkKQRmik3pDZIWRjTX7WKc8X8D0WS5HoTk_jnwI1pWy2_j6epxTGQww2k5NaiNKJkz-Mak_Dm_Yur_gpmDtyNY8KwqOdkWeEw9AA/s320/NBA21--APR.+2--P2++ATL-NO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /> 67. I mentioned at the top of this post that it's not unusual anymore for teams to have more than one player with dreads. Well, here are the three that are on the roster of the New Orleans Pelicans. 6-6 F <b>Wesley Iwundu</b>, who played his first 3 NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic after being drafted by them in the 2nd round in 2017, is about to score his first career points <i>against</i> the Magic (upper left photo), as he finishes a baseline drive with a reverse layup and is fouled by C Mo Bamba (#5) early in the 2nd quarter at New Orleans on Apr. 1. The 3-point play put the Pelicans in front 31-29. Iwundu finished with 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals in 20 minutes but suffered his first career loss to the Magic 110-105 (Note: Iwundu began this season with the Dallas Mavericks before being traded to the Pelicans; and the Mavericks defeated the Magic twice before the trade; but he didn't score in the first game and didn't play in the second one). On the same floor one night later 6-3 rookie G <b>Kira Lewis</b>, the Pelicans' 1st round draft pick (13th overall and maybe that's why he wears jersey #13) drives past C Onyeka Okongwu (right photo) and beats the clock, scoring on a layup with 0.5 seconds remaining in the 3rd quarter to cut the Pelicans' deficit to 94-79 against the Atlanta Hawks. Earlier in the game in the 2nd quarter (lower left photo) F<b> Wenyen Gabriel</b>, after running from the middle of the lane out to the 3-point line and jumping right past G Bogdan Bogdanovic, reaches back to try to challenge the shot, but Bogdanovic isn't bothered and hits the 3-pointer to put the Hawks in front 41-40 with 7:32 remaining until halftime. Gabriel, a 6-9, 205-pounder who was not picked in the 2018 NBA Draft, played his rookie season in the G-League and has played very little in his two NBA seasons since then. In this game, which was only his 7th appearance of the season, he played 12 minutes, which at that point was his season high. He finished with 3 rebounds and 3 assists but no points. Lewis scored a season high 21 points; and Iwundu had 10 points, his first game of the season scoring in double figures. But the Pelicans, outscored 71-49 in the 2nd half, fell to the Hawks 126-103. </p><p>.<br /> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrci6RVMGkhRKpmqQAkGcFZXgBssxSjQVwMRKLfmWvb_K1FBXTGVHNGuJVQkmGRbEBkncaxofRIZTznYRor5IZXYecrLyEmh7aG8x8Y_fqfzgHmcGkDmJmU2nms6fs4gAomALYzcFdm4/s2048/CB21--JAN.+3--P2++MONM-SIENA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrci6RVMGkhRKpmqQAkGcFZXgBssxSjQVwMRKLfmWvb_K1FBXTGVHNGuJVQkmGRbEBkncaxofRIZTznYRor5IZXYecrLyEmh7aG8x8Y_fqfzgHmcGkDmJmU2nms6fs4gAomALYzcFdm4/s320/CB21--JAN.+3--P2++MONM-SIENA.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA2uFBJspP5CrOfKB_2Mi3gqx_OgGIgbNJ34wuUjjG_twCDEk2w8naZqWNDg5lHtuuJVYguL55Dr_zAm0Q8-ijnLtRWg_QZ8oNDgZ2H78HI_7JNq83ZMMZac-MeUVzChWx5CS2I3pByA/s1600/CB21--JAN.+3--P1++MONM-SIENA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA2uFBJspP5CrOfKB_2Mi3gqx_OgGIgbNJ34wuUjjG_twCDEk2w8naZqWNDg5lHtuuJVYguL55Dr_zAm0Q8-ijnLtRWg_QZ8oNDgZ2H78HI_7JNq83ZMMZac-MeUVzChWx5CS2I3pByA/s320/CB21--JAN.+3--P1++MONM-SIENA.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuWQba4UKMLdvEclo1bLRZsh2MAndesvCvO2xgF2ds8HDa8QkiSn_6loXBZyVSiyi8NoCR08fBJE4zmQLe9petQlA9YMh4iV8u3VhI3fcy1PamoaNmlSfY8_-R9NkWU0bc6aup1uCqEM/s2048/CB21--JAN.+3--P3++MONM-SIENA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuWQba4UKMLdvEclo1bLRZsh2MAndesvCvO2xgF2ds8HDa8QkiSn_6loXBZyVSiyi8NoCR08fBJE4zmQLe9petQlA9YMh4iV8u3VhI3fcy1PamoaNmlSfY8_-R9NkWU0bc6aup1uCqEM/s320/CB21--JAN.+3--P3++MONM-SIENA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><p>68. If <b>Gob Gabriel</b> is planning on joining his brother in the NBA some day, he has a whole lot of improving to do. Even skinnier than Wenyen at 6-7, 175, Gob has not started a single game in his first two seasons for the Monmouth Hawks, who play in the mid-major MAAC. And although he plays almost every game, he averaged just 1.6 PPG as a freshman in 2020 and 3.2 PPG during his 2021 sophomore season. Come on, Gob, if you're going to wear jersey #1, you <i>have</i> to do better than that. He is shown in all three photos here from the Hawks' game at Siena on Jan. 3, handling the ball (upper left), hitting a floater in the lane in the 2nd half (lower left), and watching F Manny Camper finish a fast break with a layup in the 1st half (right). Those are braids that Camper has, by the way, not dreads. Gabriel scored a season high 8 points in this one in 15 minutes, but Monmouth lost to Siena 78-77.</p><p>.<br /></p><p>And now for many more photos of college action from 2021, please go to Part 2 of dread gallery #178.<br /></p>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-35729733441427263412021-07-16T23:58:00.015-05:002021-07-18T07:58:52.712-05:00DG178 - Part 2<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvt-WxsFKyLJmfRwEGxjIpRbs8i2rST2B2SIddiufhg7Rt4JGDfAIhOsHz8BwcP_ifgcuwZJdbyV2UA2a1J0sc_OXIHlnyNClyrm7LVVb0VU3iC3wUEMcNx9fOpNgb_bszJkzyKSLXP0/s1024/CB21--FEB.+12--P2++ILL-NEBR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvt-WxsFKyLJmfRwEGxjIpRbs8i2rST2B2SIddiufhg7Rt4JGDfAIhOsHz8BwcP_ifgcuwZJdbyV2UA2a1J0sc_OXIHlnyNClyrm7LVVb0VU3iC3wUEMcNx9fOpNgb_bszJkzyKSLXP0/s320/CB21--FEB.+12--P2++ILL-NEBR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You have arrived at the College Basketball section of dread gallery #178; and we'll lead off Part 2 with a player I was finally able to welcome to the house this season, his 3rd and final collegiate season. Chicago native <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b> made a lot of Illinois fans happy (including this one) when he decided to stay home and play for the Fighting Illini. And after thrilling those fans with several late clutch baskets to help win games, the 6-5, 200-pound baby-faced assassin is moving on to what hopefully will be a long and successful NBA career. Dosunmu, who goes by his nickname Ayo instead of his real first name Quamdeen, went the freeform route with his dreads; and he stayed the course, resisting his family's desire for him to cut his hair, even though it sure took its time forming into dreads. Finally in his junior season (see photo above from the game at Nebraska on Feb. 12) it started to look enough like dreads for me to welcome him to the house, and we're glad to have him.<p></p><p>On Feb. 23, three nights before and about 88 miles northwest of where the NBA game between the Pistons and Kings, featured in Part 1, was played, Dosunmu was one of four players with dreads in uniform as Illinois faced Michigan State at East Lansing. This is the first of 4 games to be featured in Part 2 of DG178. I was unable to find a video of the whole game, but I'm cautiously confident of the parts of the game that most of the photos happened.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p><p>. </p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtU0t8c6wELkD6Nl8DUsUJuNt7U-DS59njaCE5T5B6k_3pBplmdmUABkkyFJ0Se4uP04-p5Ssp5KPVDPvzgUTQfnGM1hvnSl9ozebGA3RhBChFMowIzLspozQ_prCVd9lzapqDOTbnioI/s2048/CB21--FEB.+23--P38A++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtU0t8c6wELkD6Nl8DUsUJuNt7U-DS59njaCE5T5B6k_3pBplmdmUABkkyFJ0Se4uP04-p5Ssp5KPVDPvzgUTQfnGM1hvnSl9ozebGA3RhBChFMowIzLspozQ_prCVd9lzapqDOTbnioI/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P38A++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>1. 6-5 junior G <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b> picks up his dribble as he drives into the lane between 6-6 junior F <b>Aaron Henry</b> and 6-3 freshman G <b>A.J. Hoggard</b> with 12:54 remaining in the 1st half. After going up for the shot and finding Henry all over him, Dosunmu changed his mind and tried to pass the ball and ended up turning it over .....<br /> <p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>.</p><p> <br /><br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhfr5m4Mw1A38WeFYmo8kX2Ni7XkNBgUMGQ3HYiWAlPX_cnqQIqO_79ZmuRXkYb2XWoTHuVIt8puw3xs7e0A7Y67bZWwHVVzBWuG78ZkBCyu9K08mGqUEEWjUf6aWUHzwxOorLkK5F1A/s1420/CB21--FEB.+23--P16A++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1420" data-original-width="1057" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhfr5m4Mw1A38WeFYmo8kX2Ni7XkNBgUMGQ3HYiWAlPX_cnqQIqO_79ZmuRXkYb2XWoTHuVIt8puw3xs7e0A7Y67bZWwHVVzBWuG78ZkBCyu9K08mGqUEEWjUf6aWUHzwxOorLkK5F1A/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P16A++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NNgEiXw9s41L6oYP0JD35oW15xDjBtID8NQTQD5ZaTo_-hn7YFhBcPSe1FMK7Q8i7z1Ta_BKWQ10zdBiMa4PZGse1yo4Jf0Gt8XAbF947LmgXW1MvSlPwgcjZE9gA4BFRo3NudsO91Q/s1920/CB21--FEB.+23--P16++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NNgEiXw9s41L6oYP0JD35oW15xDjBtID8NQTQD5ZaTo_-hn7YFhBcPSe1FMK7Q8i7z1Ta_BKWQ10zdBiMa4PZGse1yo4Jf0Gt8XAbF947LmgXW1MvSlPwgcjZE9gA4BFRo3NudsO91Q/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P16++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a><p>2. ..... After the loose ball deflects off a couple of players' hands, Hoggard picks it up and speeds into the frontcourt, with Dosunmu in hot pursuit but unable to knock the ball away from behind. Hoggard stopped his drive when he got to the middle of the lane and passed to the left of the lane to F Joey Hauser, who hit an easy 8-footer to cap a 10-0 run and give MSU a 10-5 lead. <br /></p>.<p></p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz2O4Dvf-EQAPeX6YhgB3oqSY4IE4RGdHZZaUruBFyrc0VQ9icPzGVFf_vd4TRkVzEuKhc7KkTNtCVinHOQaJ9-PxdYQd7LomrupwJlfQmpUqAGMIiB6XzpmCf6DMJpDKGAvpb9knjWc/s2048/CB21--FEB.+23--P39++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz2O4Dvf-EQAPeX6YhgB3oqSY4IE4RGdHZZaUruBFyrc0VQ9icPzGVFf_vd4TRkVzEuKhc7KkTNtCVinHOQaJ9-PxdYQd7LomrupwJlfQmpUqAGMIiB6XzpmCf6DMJpDKGAvpb9knjWc/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P39++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>3. Finding himself trying to cover <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b> after a defensive switch, Joey Hauser comes out late to challenge Ayo's 17-foot jumper with 10:54 to play in the 1st half. The shot missed, but C Kofi Cockburn got the offensive rebound and dunked to bring Illinois within 14-12.<br /> <p></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar2x6rpeTNGRM9jjtry_5br6yUs4KYV0lfEW72FbP6VBm6RzGUHXoKGMIEzWIbiCxc_HjXgQfpu6qcwINTB4D7H-NGeiWjaiwCYOH5tEHGweJy2QKqRneuxWJEb11-NYZpreIYV0gu_I/s2048/CB21--FEB.+23--P28++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1680" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar2x6rpeTNGRM9jjtry_5br6yUs4KYV0lfEW72FbP6VBm6RzGUHXoKGMIEzWIbiCxc_HjXgQfpu6qcwINTB4D7H-NGeiWjaiwCYOH5tEHGweJy2QKqRneuxWJEb11-NYZpreIYV0gu_I/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P28++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>4. 6-8 sophomore F <b>Julius Marble</b> and <b>A.J. Hoggard</b> welcome G Joshua Langford back to the bench as Langford emphatically celebrates after his 10-foot jumper gives the Spartans their largest lead of the game (to that point) at 24-16, which caused Illinois to take a timeout with 8:03 remaining until halftime.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfMDeNa9pscVrRARWBgWInSXW8q7lBaHXUVv8kXRHP_dArhdqfaEDuNEo45XArQpOVaxBwZAOAEjq_DyQnmWnQKBUS4Ckfk2jkUTPX9B1LmHm-kGl1Mn2Lj285Bm3d-WTVKJwuIdROmo/s2048/CB21--FEB.+23--P40++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfMDeNa9pscVrRARWBgWInSXW8q7lBaHXUVv8kXRHP_dArhdqfaEDuNEo45XArQpOVaxBwZAOAEjq_DyQnmWnQKBUS4Ckfk2jkUTPX9B1LmHm-kGl1Mn2Lj285Bm3d-WTVKJwuIdROmo/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P40++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>5. As Ayo Dosunmu drives to the basket, G Rocket Watts retreats and tries to avoid contact, but 6-11 F Marcus Bingham comes over in time to barely get a piece of Dosunmu's attempted 3-footer in front of the basket. It was the 2nd of Bingham's 3 blocked shots in the game and it kept the score at 30-21 with 5:22 to play. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv7iomHRCPS5BJmLLPT_KPw8QKXsAefO28ZogJlmYw_7shNv3VtZOfRo6Pa3IIhub8p_ajEJ5FmYMpdxB415k1zlU6h9YE_QXUMIsbx-zqHY90bMMJiJbtJNYzQlTbjiFDtE-KFJLVRc/s1200/CB21--FEB.+23--P23++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv7iomHRCPS5BJmLLPT_KPw8QKXsAefO28ZogJlmYw_7shNv3VtZOfRo6Pa3IIhub8p_ajEJ5FmYMpdxB415k1zlU6h9YE_QXUMIsbx-zqHY90bMMJiJbtJNYzQlTbjiFDtE-KFJLVRc/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P23++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO5xXlGC8NmM7rI5dq-Cl7y6W-tjZQzypNAOhE7I3nOgBXO-ZI5gRyBQelxZ53RljObNWc9R6JiUrnY14OWxSIHmFCYARPm_xuIWqpQL82pPtoggui7RBDCRQw2RMSE-ysGjL3FXpVNM/s1920/CB21--FEB.+23--P14++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO5xXlGC8NmM7rI5dq-Cl7y6W-tjZQzypNAOhE7I3nOgBXO-ZI5gRyBQelxZ53RljObNWc9R6JiUrnY14OWxSIHmFCYARPm_xuIWqpQL82pPtoggui7RBDCRQw2RMSE-ysGjL3FXpVNM/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P14++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>6. It's easy to see why <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b> was upset after this play when a foul wasn't called. After driving into the lane Dosunmu tries to go up for a shot (photo above) but is tied up by <b>A.J. Hoggard</b>. As Ayo comes down the ball gets away from the two #11's (right photo) and the whistle blows with 1:09 to play in the half. A jump ball was called instead of a foul of Hoggard, even though Hoggard clearly has a hold of nothing but Dosunmu's hands. And since the possession arrow was pointing MSU's way, Dosunmu was charged with a turnover, with the score remaining 32-26. Hoggard had 2 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal in 6 minutes in the 1st half before hardly playing at all (3 minutes) in the 2nd half.<br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1M-KBI4PPqMO5nHFhthUupbEXnZFTgIzqefrjzTWRCmGH9lSDh8sfOd1v2No0R2f1ehZUfZJ10Ykmyo3umBfHqf3loKrKidez2dDP_odmLSb_o8Uq9_170iU2J-GIXkJGz8MMZP3TGg/s1920/CB21--FEB.+23--P8A++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1425" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1M-KBI4PPqMO5nHFhthUupbEXnZFTgIzqefrjzTWRCmGH9lSDh8sfOd1v2No0R2f1ehZUfZJ10Ykmyo3umBfHqf3loKrKidez2dDP_odmLSb_o8Uq9_170iU2J-GIXkJGz8MMZP3TGg/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P8A++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mcD0q8goV-KeDB_YoLhZpbVedYmcxq0GSqZ7HVGeIQWk8iP-4WZTO4t1A000LUZZm2pdMGUi2wQ8zX3j7GnKd7jv_JnXep6-4f6dlH-LdfFTAO-X1Bf7oOvL2I6jLoHpwZYI13CDGq8/s1440/CB21--FEB.+23--P8++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1062" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mcD0q8goV-KeDB_YoLhZpbVedYmcxq0GSqZ7HVGeIQWk8iP-4WZTO4t1A000LUZZm2pdMGUi2wQ8zX3j7GnKd7jv_JnXep6-4f6dlH-LdfFTAO-X1Bf7oOvL2I6jLoHpwZYI13CDGq8/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P8++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>7. <b>Aaron Henry</b> tries some hands-on defense against <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b>, and it works, as Dosunmu drives to the basket and misses this shot from 3 feet away with 32 seconds to play in the half. No foul was called. Ayo got the rebound and missed an even easier shot a couple of seconds later. He finished the 1st half 2 for 9 from the field. And his teammates were no better, combining to go 5 for 20, as the Illini shot 24.1% in the 1st half compared to 53.3% for Michigan State .....<br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC-85uaMq3cBFje-50LygzizqXrCfba5B_YFJjKnQWeIdK2qlaCUhgaWqbCgKDhYwO9RwX6k_cyQk0K2dFXbPp7K0K-X1xZq0BuKXTWFdPU4YaikpleN5uwTtP97qxZWU0HZiup9nijs/s1920/CB21--FEB.+23--P15++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirC-85uaMq3cBFje-50LygzizqXrCfba5B_YFJjKnQWeIdK2qlaCUhgaWqbCgKDhYwO9RwX6k_cyQk0K2dFXbPp7K0K-X1xZq0BuKXTWFdPU4YaikpleN5uwTtP97qxZWU0HZiup9nijs/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P15++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>8. ..... After Dosunmu's 2nd miss, <b>A.J. Hoggard</b> leads the way as the Spartans express their disapproval of F Giorgi Bezhanishvili's (#15) overaggressive pursuit of the rebound. Bezhanish was called for a foul, no fisticuffs ensued, and after the players calmed down Joey Hauser made 1 of 2 at the line to give MSU a 36-26 lead at the half.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34yPzetxGUzH8icQH94F43VqOCkH4jOgjx-IiNis0_jAD9T3sHViBLuSUgA4UWc327MdNrJVjLEtRcaJRMpuba2MldfgPlvjKCundwVkLyjYDYmsw7yBGKqCLyYtrcDuLqvk-NAcynIQ/s1200/CB21--FEB.+23--P24++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34yPzetxGUzH8icQH94F43VqOCkH4jOgjx-IiNis0_jAD9T3sHViBLuSUgA4UWc327MdNrJVjLEtRcaJRMpuba2MldfgPlvjKCundwVkLyjYDYmsw7yBGKqCLyYtrcDuLqvk-NAcynIQ/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P24++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6IMdJqOuWLUQJhoYeV6kKZxNilPceiozN6McHJACMi3ju25PO9sFRPl4OiBcZaYeZYeTKHWN-7sVCJRB2QDuURbdYEu5UIQRduuI0nivLHJ6GwzkP8T2dY0BbQr4WnRd4P9CycvO-gI/s2048/CB21--FEB.+23--P26++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6IMdJqOuWLUQJhoYeV6kKZxNilPceiozN6McHJACMi3ju25PO9sFRPl4OiBcZaYeZYeTKHWN-7sVCJRB2QDuURbdYEu5UIQRduuI0nivLHJ6GwzkP8T2dY0BbQr4WnRd4P9CycvO-gI/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P26++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>9. <b>Aaron Henry </b>once again makes it known he has no qualms about putting his hands on <b>Ayo</b> <b>Dosunmu</b> while playing defense, in this case (right photo) just flat out grabbing his wrist near midcourt with (I think) 15:00 remaining in the 1st half. In the photo above Henry briefly defends legally on Dosunmu's drive before shoving him on the play seen in photo #7. Henry played nearly the entire game (39 minutes) and was called for 0 fouls. Dosunmu committed 1 in his 36 minutes.These were two of the several close encounters the two had .....</p><p> </p><p>. <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJO-x-cY_ugdOjJuH3eH9sYsJknhoqRMeFoOH2HwRg8rIg8rJhtc-9X7S0t_2o3iOMX5FdH61fIsN0QSEwD695hRhkfRGeXCUNurdPQ5A1GjC7t-6WsbHbtQNBRdLZBJtTmx6xKXK4vc/s1920/CB21--FEB.+23--P17++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJO-x-cY_ugdOjJuH3eH9sYsJknhoqRMeFoOH2HwRg8rIg8rJhtc-9X7S0t_2o3iOMX5FdH61fIsN0QSEwD695hRhkfRGeXCUNurdPQ5A1GjC7t-6WsbHbtQNBRdLZBJtTmx6xKXK4vc/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P17++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYxVe9jCYNBzFXh-IzreH7-EujK9gLFIOyQTP3vUtSEZMBZPcoIozCP2lADpTLn-dD-DGwAAdK87M__ktVtwGBCPY1lFlewFrCoUYNbMBL6TH9iPjsT1ZaOKFKHo0eBib8K6hACEANCk/s2048/CB21--FEB.+23--P44++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYxVe9jCYNBzFXh-IzreH7-EujK9gLFIOyQTP3vUtSEZMBZPcoIozCP2lADpTLn-dD-DGwAAdK87M__ktVtwGBCPY1lFlewFrCoUYNbMBL6TH9iPjsT1ZaOKFKHo0eBib8K6hACEANCk/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P44++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>10. ..... And here are a couple more, these two with Henry on offense. Early in the 1st half Henry dribbles toward the lane with Dosunmu on him (photo above) before passing the ball to the waiting hands of C Mady Sissoko at the top of the 3-point arc. The possession eventually ended with the Spartans' first 2 points of the game. Then with 5:00 remaining in the 2nd half Henry sets to go up for a short shot to the left of the lane (right photo) on a play that resulted in Dosunmu's 2nd blocked shot of the game. These two photos give you a good look at Henry's dreads done in the 2-strand twist. I was unable to welcome Aaron to the house this season because he kept changing his hair all season, switching between dreads, braids, and normal hair.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAjWLAB2guh4CWQvvDIpDGTYdpzAJJfWr1343I_C7pHJWsZkfh-HD4vlRNdrfAZe3-2VPXqZVSU6JJMuAEDYb4mD67-dCqGqGq5eY6C5lAnF6Ki3e5hnsLxRXzcIjPovRYA_c8fqUrRI/s2048/CB21--FEB.+23--P42++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAjWLAB2guh4CWQvvDIpDGTYdpzAJJfWr1343I_C7pHJWsZkfh-HD4vlRNdrfAZe3-2VPXqZVSU6JJMuAEDYb4mD67-dCqGqGq5eY6C5lAnF6Ki3e5hnsLxRXzcIjPovRYA_c8fqUrRI/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P42++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>11. This encounter involving <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b> and<b> Aaron Henry</b> also includes <b>Julius Marble</b>, as he attempts to set a screen on Dosunmu. I think this was from the 2nd half, but I don't know for sure; but I wasn't going to pass up a photo where three players with dreads are the only people in the shot.</p><p>. </p><p> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgXkhwG0jByWOUQoVT0kxOGkhXGKgq8aj_Wwqa5B9AwqNcJ_17dbt3NylwsL2ig0W6Sqehau6VINqfgQ21llJUZEgf7S3ctAGnee1asuRMNz_SApOOMde1xdJsbio-j3AkNFILLqFsqU/s1200/CB21--FEB.+23--P22++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgXkhwG0jByWOUQoVT0kxOGkhXGKgq8aj_Wwqa5B9AwqNcJ_17dbt3NylwsL2ig0W6Sqehau6VINqfgQ21llJUZEgf7S3ctAGnee1asuRMNz_SApOOMde1xdJsbio-j3AkNFILLqFsqU/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P22++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>12. I also have no idea when this shot was taken or what it is a shot of; but it looks like <b>Julius Marble</b> and Joshua Langford trying to keep Kofi Cockburn, Illinois' 285-pound C, from getting to the basket, which is easier said than done, especially when Cockburn has his elbows out like this.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-HMIs0_z63JJ7Y2FaD5MI3v28TCIfS0svRMVgiHDClEdlgzHxm62r2Zi3sdZiNwI2Pbax66tEsqizLh2h0gf7jjMrEgC7VoBKnkoqSiiRjmdhn3JRq4u1TWF60cLlfEg0Ek9Ro6WVHc/s1200/CB21--FEB.+23--P19++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-HMIs0_z63JJ7Y2FaD5MI3v28TCIfS0svRMVgiHDClEdlgzHxm62r2Zi3sdZiNwI2Pbax66tEsqizLh2h0gf7jjMrEgC7VoBKnkoqSiiRjmdhn3JRq4u1TWF60cLlfEg0Ek9Ro6WVHc/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P19++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>13. <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b> tries to get Illinois on the board first in the 2nd half, and Joshua Langford makes sure it's going to be on free throws only. After Dosunmu is fouled by Rocket Watts on a drive to the basket, Langford emphatically blocks his layup to prevent any chance for a 3-point play, as <b>Julius</b> <b>Marble</b> looks on from in front of the basket. Ayo made 1 of 2 at the line to make the score 36-27 with 19:52 to play. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6ZjHPfdPP0X-Lb5SMT5p6fWBE0mobPjYjcx2fvGW-1TtkFDBjIXzlt-fpRobO859PWjjVQXbqyDb-cNwdBtO76SkXeKtz-YNwRATvqV4j7F5Vfr8YiV3Ri7E2oDo3__2ZJ8lhyphenhyphen7OBOk/s1019/CB21--FEB.+23--P31B++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6ZjHPfdPP0X-Lb5SMT5p6fWBE0mobPjYjcx2fvGW-1TtkFDBjIXzlt-fpRobO859PWjjVQXbqyDb-cNwdBtO76SkXeKtz-YNwRATvqV4j7F5Vfr8YiV3Ri7E2oDo3__2ZJ8lhyphenhyphen7OBOk/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P31B++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" /></a></div>14. After penetration by F Gabe Brown causes Kofi Cockburn to leave him wide open in the middle of the lane, <b>Julius Marble</b> takes the pass from Brown and goes up for an easy one between <b>Ayo</b> <b>Dosunmu</b> and F Jacob Grandison (no, those are not dreads he has) ... and misses early in the 2nd half .....<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFBVyxSvka1BE2JUIdXVrPmuht75mvZUgPWCG_RZxClDw4IiAwMVRdUe866ewlwneT4YQcNL2YcoYpwhhpOFRsl6VFvEyWhgCejZHi5YPTXsv-0gBFzkkBIIHpnd7tshzHY_e2tdpCcs/s1024/CB21--FEB.+23--P31A++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFBVyxSvka1BE2JUIdXVrPmuht75mvZUgPWCG_RZxClDw4IiAwMVRdUe866ewlwneT4YQcNL2YcoYpwhhpOFRsl6VFvEyWhgCejZHi5YPTXsv-0gBFzkkBIIHpnd7tshzHY_e2tdpCcs/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P31A++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>15. ..... but Marble beats Grandison to the rebound and tips it in (it went in, take my word for it) for his first 2 points of the night and the Spartans' first 2 of the 2nd half, giving them their largest lead of the game at 38-27 with 19:06 to play. Marble played just 7 minutes in the game but certainly got his money's worth, taking 6 shots and finishing with 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 fouls. He fouled out with 7:15 to play, one second after he subbed into the game at 7:16.<br /><p>.<br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qWFb2McFL_uAkoWPYJIKmD98um48SLW69CplVUdaRtrMGFMyuMsJrmMIKex9FFxAbcvyYi57KZyX2d3XlfJmtKLur-LxZUJHUCWr7Fxi9Dh0TeEX-wqN4ZpZVWKMTZBCc1mRjan3kU4/s1200/CB21--FEB.+23--P20++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qWFb2McFL_uAkoWPYJIKmD98um48SLW69CplVUdaRtrMGFMyuMsJrmMIKex9FFxAbcvyYi57KZyX2d3XlfJmtKLur-LxZUJHUCWr7Fxi9Dh0TeEX-wqN4ZpZVWKMTZBCc1mRjan3kU4/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P20++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0alLpyuvmZ4V_CwBGb2EKqxHlV_1KKeKoLJQGRG9DpaZ_6rf3UC06Ep4LvPfKnHCeFA_r6QcFJGk-TY_qeEr_wY41YNTLiFpXMBixN7qYTf1EVVKD9j9NJGg6HFWzSjtPzdp_DqmdZ4/s1024/CB21--FEB.+23--P20A++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="705" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0alLpyuvmZ4V_CwBGb2EKqxHlV_1KKeKoLJQGRG9DpaZ_6rf3UC06Ep4LvPfKnHCeFA_r6QcFJGk-TY_qeEr_wY41YNTLiFpXMBixN7qYTf1EVVKD9j9NJGg6HFWzSjtPzdp_DqmdZ4/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P20A++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" /></a></div><p>16. After catching a pass near the 3-point line and backing <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b> down into the low post, <b>Aaron Henry</b>, a natural lefthander, spins to the baseline and attempts a righthanded hook shot from about 5 feet away. He missed though, and Illinois got the rebound, keeping the score at 40-31 with 17:12 to play ... However .....<br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV6FT4yDMjd6eaJewZhNXws1M4HiKdmD_fC3nn6q_YYvghSThi6xUQed57HOgrI400ep6MLi9QxKUB4ZLU7RtDQGXZ1YIyE5Z47r-kd6JwCuIHK6UVIiCxSX0lG2vV7KeNpXKRdHrKR8/s2048/CB21--FEB.+23--P45++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmV6FT4yDMjd6eaJewZhNXws1M4HiKdmD_fC3nn6q_YYvghSThi6xUQed57HOgrI400ep6MLi9QxKUB4ZLU7RtDQGXZ1YIyE5Z47r-kd6JwCuIHK6UVIiCxSX0lG2vV7KeNpXKRdHrKR8/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P45++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie98ZHGQdJ8X4UFSssICd9ubsucE8u7R4VddA5NFXSbjkjBmL6BwmeWJcM7Z87PMWUV-0dnPMqeHyFuKvky0H_sAcfxHKqvDe7gDY2oFxGLanBt1VTrbZ8xvqYbT_ki9ZLrIhwghIcIvQ/s1440/CB21--FEB.+23--P4++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1137" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie98ZHGQdJ8X4UFSssICd9ubsucE8u7R4VddA5NFXSbjkjBmL6BwmeWJcM7Z87PMWUV-0dnPMqeHyFuKvky0H_sAcfxHKqvDe7gDY2oFxGLanBt1VTrbZ8xvqYbT_ki9ZLrIhwghIcIvQ/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P4++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>17. ..... <b>Aaron Henry</b> enjoys success on these two shots on back-to-back possessions later on in the 2nd half. After dribbling from the 3-point line to just left of the lane, Aaron fakes right then turns left and takes a 10-foot jumper over G Da'Monte Williams (left photo) and hits it with 4 seconds left on the shot clock to put MSU up by 16. Then after a Kofi Cockburn 3-point play cut to lead to 13, Henry uses his 3-inch height advantage over Williams to his advantage again, driving to the left baseline and shooting a 5-footer over Williams (right photo). This shot never made it to the basket, but Henry got credit for the 2 points because Cockburn was called for goaltending, making the score 64-49 with 7:43 remaining.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwo3mENJ7hwLjzE9hJdVW1Y2JzQlTFOsv2EpHCeY2Wfk9HDMTOVqc_oKAUwdrFLqNMsFrbSfz57xWZ6CuYxbGxhVPe4JpAe1xVrhRPaqGRYlDmQr2dzHlNPpry6o8DI0GTOPqjyJO_04U/s2048/CB21--FEB.+23--P32++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwo3mENJ7hwLjzE9hJdVW1Y2JzQlTFOsv2EpHCeY2Wfk9HDMTOVqc_oKAUwdrFLqNMsFrbSfz57xWZ6CuYxbGxhVPe4JpAe1xVrhRPaqGRYlDmQr2dzHlNPpry6o8DI0GTOPqjyJO_04U/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P32++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>18. The caption for this photo mentioned that it was from the 2nd half but not exactly when in the 2nd half; but <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b>'s reaction to a call by the officials kind of reflects the mood Illini fans had while watching this game - anger, unhappiness, frustration, you name it .....<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0d0QDrrJ4t3iW19NMD056RMPHAr2lDmGF9K7ClAVuJxVYGaW3-L552Fq26CoP1AMGfnUQnGjqMailDQJQAc7eSzFOUE3IYQXI2_nch2ADfbec_I89fR4NFV1gc0LUmR0Lz0fUnB-sok/s1804/CB21--FEB.+23--P9++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1804" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0d0QDrrJ4t3iW19NMD056RMPHAr2lDmGF9K7ClAVuJxVYGaW3-L552Fq26CoP1AMGfnUQnGjqMailDQJQAc7eSzFOUE3IYQXI2_nch2ADfbec_I89fR4NFV1gc0LUmR0Lz0fUnB-sok/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P9++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>19. ..... Probably <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b> was even angrier and more unhappy after this play with 4:08 to play. No doubt you noticed that Dosunmu was wearing a facemask while playing during the last two weeks of the season. Well, he has Mady Sissoko to thank for it. On a drive to the basket Dosunmu goes up without the ball after it gets stripped by Joshua Langford and gets absolutely hammered by the right arm of the 235-pound Sissoko. You Mady, this ain't football, man. Actually, even in football nowadays you can't even make a hit like this anymore ..... <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRT_qq13MNYteKCeDwlPBwmuoMKrB-n4NNNQeG3JF4nmnh-WelC0u86R4VC1FkQFEGNzyHBPt0Dpnyy09M01n1Dy-NkxlLhkhj8qmsy3m7VtlqYsBsSORBzCwvToh5SKIbGlLLJHOV_0/s1200/CB21--FEB.+23--P50++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRT_qq13MNYteKCeDwlPBwmuoMKrB-n4NNNQeG3JF4nmnh-WelC0u86R4VC1FkQFEGNzyHBPt0Dpnyy09M01n1Dy-NkxlLhkhj8qmsy3m7VtlqYsBsSORBzCwvToh5SKIbGlLLJHOV_0/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P50++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>20. ..... Dosunmu is tended to by a member of the training staff as he tries to regain his senses. Sissoko was called for a flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game. Here it is in slow motion: <a href="https://twitter.com/CBBSuperFan/status/1364398388817629185" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/CBBSuperFan/status/1364398388817629185</a><br /></p><p>..... <br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuZzdXAxH2tyv0GTsacc6U2za4CRVMIDizVIt5Zv9yIKtdn9EbG4LEeDfJJ7Y9eRDr_GVH1cmLkDYo8OrmIkS4h01S4eEFZlSlPrpSweW2ulZuVwJDx32gmApqcqv2gUoV9uZrfpCu4A/s1861/CB21--FEB.+23--P35++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1861" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuZzdXAxH2tyv0GTsacc6U2za4CRVMIDizVIt5Zv9yIKtdn9EbG4LEeDfJJ7Y9eRDr_GVH1cmLkDYo8OrmIkS4h01S4eEFZlSlPrpSweW2ulZuVwJDx32gmApqcqv2gUoV9uZrfpCu4A/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P35++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>21. Ayo remained in the game though, even with his nose broken. Here he stands dejected after (I think) missing his first FT following the flagrant foul. Shooting alone with no others players allowed alongside the lane, he missed <i>both</i> free throws, keeping the Illini down by 10 at 66-56. Ayo finished the rest of the game, but he didn't play again until Mar. 6 after missing Illinois' next 3 games.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclqTG1TrriM1RHbq7-OE7xaBP1bQLT6zxzMoV55luMW2utIpyG2e7hRkgUmMnaox84sg2C6osWEh4vTWOWxjPyav82sV7e7CEfOcQy4mV_uJuyr1MJ7XNZaVMZaYmgktRMfnWcsT7MMU/s1920/CB21--FEB.+23--P11++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclqTG1TrriM1RHbq7-OE7xaBP1bQLT6zxzMoV55luMW2utIpyG2e7hRkgUmMnaox84sg2C6osWEh4vTWOWxjPyav82sV7e7CEfOcQy4mV_uJuyr1MJ7XNZaVMZaYmgktRMfnWcsT7MMU/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P11++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>22. Any hopes for a miracle finish for Illinois diminished greatly following this play. After a Joey Hauser screen on <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b> caused a defensive switch, Henry <i>easily</i> drives past Kofi Cockburn and goes in for a righthanded layup with 5 seconds left on the shot clock for his final 2 points of the night, giving MSU a 73-61 lead with 1:56 to play. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-ufAKL83LO68svygb_BXkxTBTBej5cQkg-SmIrmLjLvTswnAkgyBuXBkMn_Kw2n62L_acQktAlU_ik7lQKfQlNP6F8rhqyVfekDXra9w-PWVbHsfSHPcVNZtcxRndzdNAy1vxP0WJuM/s1440/CB21--FEB.+23--P6++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1155" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-ufAKL83LO68svygb_BXkxTBTBej5cQkg-SmIrmLjLvTswnAkgyBuXBkMn_Kw2n62L_acQktAlU_ik7lQKfQlNP6F8rhqyVfekDXra9w-PWVbHsfSHPcVNZtcxRndzdNAy1vxP0WJuM/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P6++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" /></a></div>23. With Illinois still down 14 with under a minute remaining, it's garbage time now, and <b>Ayo</b> <b>Dosunmu</b> pads the stats a little as he dribbles the length on the floor and finishes with a layup against the look-ref-i've-got-my-hands-straight-up-and-i'm-not-touching-him defense of Rocket Watts. That made it 79-67 with :49 to go .....<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrJsMmfRTG6Ah9nH4WyQQXyY3UYmCLVKXj0_6nVmZFvFDjA0k0Zxnjm9dosTo5jmnSEuVa-ZARdwcsngnrPOkcsRvuPSXv0a166_XztZO9vizi_j-3blKEAm8FUb_gKiyPhn7N5YHnnU/s1440/CB21--FEB.+23--P7++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrJsMmfRTG6Ah9nH4WyQQXyY3UYmCLVKXj0_6nVmZFvFDjA0k0Zxnjm9dosTo5jmnSEuVa-ZARdwcsngnrPOkcsRvuPSXv0a166_XztZO9vizi_j-3blKEAm8FUb_gKiyPhn7N5YHnnU/s320/CB21--FEB.+23--P7++ILL-MICH+ST..jpg" /></a></div><p>24. <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b> tries the same thing on Illinois' next possession but runs into much heavier resistance this time, as he takes a knee to the crotch from <b>Aaron Henry</b> as he goes up to shoot <i>and</i> has the shot blocked by Henry with :39 on the clock. Dosunmu gained a very minuscule amount of revenge later, needlessly stealing the ball with 3 seconds left as Henry tried to run out the clock and going in for a so-what, buzzer-beating layup to make the final score 81-72. The loss stopped Illinois' 7-game winning streak and was their only L between Jan. 17 and Mar. 20. Dosunmu finished the game with 17 points (but was only 6 for 18 from the field), 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocked shots and 4 turnovers in 36 minutes. Henry led the Spartans with 20 points (9-19 FG) and had 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocked shots, and 2 turnovers.</p><p>Just like Dosunmu, Henry is forgoing his final college season and has declared himself eligible for the 2021 NBA Draft. It would be ironic (and is actually very possible) if they would be selected one right after the other with back-to-back picks. Both are expected to be picked either late 1st round or early 2nd round. Let's hope by this time next year that Dosunmu still has his dreads growing and that Henry is more serious about keeping his hair in dreads. <br /></p><p>.</p><p>.</p><p>If both teams had been at full strength this season, Oklahoma State and Iowa State could have played each other with 10 players with dreads on the court at the same time. But when the Cowboys traveled to Ames to meet the Cyclones on Jan. 25, neither team was at full strength, especially Iowa State. Having paused their season 2 weeks earlier due to pandemic protocols, the Cyclones were seriously shorthanded - down 4 starters - for their first game back after their previous 4 games were postponed. As a result there were only 7 players with dreads in uniform for the 8:00 PM CST tipoff. <br /></p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiOA_TtMyNbu-KCTFwOdRmzVXZPRYx1dZJ4c31GJVobz9O5W7AVgzRGx2ZigPdJm6PZcFhFW3XBkwDZB81jbYyvkBfnkJa5ARy8JFwoksC1-gICpjW6QEyiOFcRF6GppoyIyWRHA7ivs/s1920/CB21--JAN.+25--P8++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiOA_TtMyNbu-KCTFwOdRmzVXZPRYx1dZJ4c31GJVobz9O5W7AVgzRGx2ZigPdJm6PZcFhFW3XBkwDZB81jbYyvkBfnkJa5ARy8JFwoksC1-gICpjW6QEyiOFcRF6GppoyIyWRHA7ivs/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P8++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>25. The only 8 players available for Iowa State (two of whom were walk-ons) lock arms and contemplate the tall task that awaits them during the national anthem before the game. With 3 of their 5 players with dreads sidelined, the only two remaining are 6-6 freshman F <b>Dudley Blackwell</b> (long dreads, gold-colored shoes), who in ISU's first 9 games of the season had played a total of only 51 minutes and scored just 9 points; and 6-5 freshman G <b>Jaden Walker</b> (salmon-colored shoes) (65 minutes, 11 points). <br /> <p></p><p>. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZjrQyT3R3EvlaiZz2Tj8TG5WkCEL39Yf8o0GNuS0hvtZskpciPyPPDrfB_cYUfG9qpmpYuXckPaiqHRrZzjJ7c1Q_vGYrwgI0LpsQo74G_m1DxhNnVnd4bm6dkhP_KtagvsX42iJktk/s1200/CB21--JAN.+25--P2++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZjrQyT3R3EvlaiZz2Tj8TG5WkCEL39Yf8o0GNuS0hvtZskpciPyPPDrfB_cYUfG9qpmpYuXckPaiqHRrZzjJ7c1Q_vGYrwgI0LpsQo74G_m1DxhNnVnd4bm6dkhP_KtagvsX42iJktk/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P2++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>26. <b>Jaden Walker</b> and <b>Dudley Blackwell</b> team up to stymie F Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe with 11:39 remaining in the 1st half. As Moncrieffe attempts a layup, Walker comes over and blocks it (which we would have seen better had the photographer waited another tenth of a second or two) and gets credit for his 1st blocked shot of the season. Blackwell, who had subbed into the game for the first time 2 minutes earlier, got his 1st rebound, keeping Iowa State's lead at 16-10. </p><p>Walker was one of two players with dreads named Walker in uniform for this one .....<br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxwL-6o0HTAtghkpbu7SwLo06CueNcsYQfGKSa6Hbv0Vvi1ZAsWRRRwtr6eaLBG_9HADYLmUY_SMNdaM1EOwai0LtqROmYoDKMHTyrWCtrPF2yn_DazU0RUBonJ_ljpGdd2XL_p1NOfw/s1898/CB21--JAN.+25--P7++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxwL-6o0HTAtghkpbu7SwLo06CueNcsYQfGKSa6Hbv0Vvi1ZAsWRRRwtr6eaLBG_9HADYLmUY_SMNdaM1EOwai0LtqROmYoDKMHTyrWCtrPF2yn_DazU0RUBonJ_ljpGdd2XL_p1NOfw/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P7++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>27. <b>Rondel Walker</b>, 6-4 freshman G for Oklahoma State, after dribbling from 3-point range into the lane, has the ball knocked out of his hands by G Rasir Bolton (#45) as he goes up to shoot with 9:07 to play in the 1st half. Bolton thought he got all ball but was called for a foul. The OSU player reaching for the ball after the whistle is #13, 6-5 junior G <b>Isaac Likekele</b>. Walker made 1 of 2 free throws, giving him 5 points for the game (which led the team at that point) and cutting ISU's lead to 21-17. </p><p>After an early 11-0 run gave Iowa State a 13-2 lead, Oklahoma State slowly fought their way back and finally went ahead after a 12-0 run of their own, turning a 23-17 deficit into a 29-23 lead.<br /></p><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3JpnOjkdVFmSWWix3ViAc5Jj-9pmqyK6sj5aCN3-ljhL5PZyCOjBUfuHD4-DYSEHT0wB0PQzdZHY8SeCN2Ws9W8LbOH-B0XBxWDM8cgcNcpenL4ycyOfe2tBphlGi5-cDseyymlUsX4/s1125/CB21--JAN.+25--P1++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3JpnOjkdVFmSWWix3ViAc5Jj-9pmqyK6sj5aCN3-ljhL5PZyCOjBUfuHD4-DYSEHT0wB0PQzdZHY8SeCN2Ws9W8LbOH-B0XBxWDM8cgcNcpenL4ycyOfe2tBphlGi5-cDseyymlUsX4/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P1++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" /></a></div>28. After faking a 3-point shot to get past <b>Dudley Blackwell</b>, 6-3 sophomore G <b>Avery Anderson</b> encounters <b>Jaden Walker</b> as he drives to the basket, so he attempts a reverse layup with 8:14 remaining in the 1st half. The shot missed, but the Cowboys kept possession as the rebound deflected off of Rasir Bolton and out of bounds. Anderson had these beginner dreads for most of the season but then cut them off near the end, at around the time the calendar turned to March.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP4LycHSec-JUrjKUPOpGyWLROcu_lbAMdm5GOql4N9UX_EASQD8APzAhlUKoFkuWY3zeyutbxfFoYCU0ncS-pPecVUKdwlzQzI9DAfjh8mozO2nHlRroa0v7qIAFpLRvxtErOv9izZQ/s1920/CB21--JAN.+25--P6++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1277" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP4LycHSec-JUrjKUPOpGyWLROcu_lbAMdm5GOql4N9UX_EASQD8APzAhlUKoFkuWY3zeyutbxfFoYCU0ncS-pPecVUKdwlzQzI9DAfjh8mozO2nHlRroa0v7qIAFpLRvxtErOv9izZQ/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P6++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>29. After a missed layup by <b>Rondel Walker</b>, Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe beats <b>Dudley Blackwell</b> to the rebound with 2:59 to go until halftime. Moncrieffe hit the putback layup a couple of seconds later to give Oklahoma State their first 10-point lead of the night at 38-28. Moncrieffe was the only player in double figures in rebounds with 12, nearly outrebounding Iowa State all by himself. The Cowboys killed the Cyclones on the boards by a ridiculous 49-19 margin.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xswugkrsuYwaQO6aNQIMFhwnTKwxWsVoytupdc2cNjfw4r8YwR5bsiAOjFMvQGaTZvCgu6AnEpOI-IDvATehwCPjmfmI26SEHnmi8n0S21eJTgi5IoUW5FLa-Y2abIR84FESQxhDQ7w/s1713/CB21--JAN.+25--P11++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1713" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xswugkrsuYwaQO6aNQIMFhwnTKwxWsVoytupdc2cNjfw4r8YwR5bsiAOjFMvQGaTZvCgu6AnEpOI-IDvATehwCPjmfmI26SEHnmi8n0S21eJTgi5IoUW5FLa-Y2abIR84FESQxhDQ7w/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P11++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>30. After Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe misses a layup on the Cowboys' next possession, <b>Isaac Likekele</b> has his sights on the rebound, but G Nate Jenkins (#2) knocks the ball away from him. After brushing up against the net, the ball ended up back in the hands of Moncrieffe, but he had the ball stolen from him by Jenkins.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEQRFNcmbX0z4evxXfz-GHOB6SdsG-BH529_D9YE_0WS_R8bjSlCWFFkZiIBA-yh91e-K2PN3oKqHzzyEROtdeB_wSP8_2W6R0c8ADnoTtR-Tx32WzS-5pynYrtjC3q82Dn1m4WkqEBY/s1500/CB21--JAN.+25--P27++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEQRFNcmbX0z4evxXfz-GHOB6SdsG-BH529_D9YE_0WS_R8bjSlCWFFkZiIBA-yh91e-K2PN3oKqHzzyEROtdeB_wSP8_2W6R0c8ADnoTtR-Tx32WzS-5pynYrtjC3q82Dn1m4WkqEBY/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P27++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>31. As <b>Isaac Likekele</b> goes up to catch a pass from <b>Rondel Walker</b> to the right of the lane on Oklahoma State's next possession, so do his dreads. After taking a couple of dribbles, Isaac passed the ball back out to Walker, who was fouled by <b>Dudley Blackwell</b> on a 3-point attempt. Walker made only 1 of the 3 FT to make the score 39-29.<br /><p>Ever since joining the Cowboys in 2018-19 Likekele has been one of my favorite players to watch, mainly because he always has his dreads completely loose. But those dreads were a little less awesome this season because he had them reduced. As you can count for yourself in this photo, he has only about 30 locks or so, way less than he had during his freshman and sophomore seasons.</p><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3galZrQHJ7MX2e_uj5ko39wkT_Y-ghrUc7J-isduf1U75RT2ZKe-yOxTsWgZw0GMEXTe-fKz80AZKc7t1yC5p-aXBMUg_jbcEzwTTWfA-a84daEF7dbfWIxCcCNQBcEdwsD_BsM5o8E/s1200/CB21--JAN.+25--P15++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3galZrQHJ7MX2e_uj5ko39wkT_Y-ghrUc7J-isduf1U75RT2ZKe-yOxTsWgZw0GMEXTe-fKz80AZKc7t1yC5p-aXBMUg_jbcEzwTTWfA-a84daEF7dbfWIxCcCNQBcEdwsD_BsM5o8E/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P15++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" /></a></div>32. During the break while Walker was shooting his 3 FT, <b>Avery Anderson</b> subbed into the game for G Bryce Williams, giving the Cowboys an all dreads lineup for the next 72 seconds, with the Boone twins and Likekele joining Anderson and Walker. Here on Iowa State's next possession as the OSU defense - specifically Walker, Anderson and F <b>Kalib Boone</b> (#22) - collapses on him after he drives into the lane, Rasir Bolton passes the ball out to G Tyler Harris in 3-point range ..... <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zc7dUNg5iXvb9fuv9ogccEnyh1WsanMHEWyk8QPJ1xDnyMpXe1Sujtz2OqrlPsh12vgoaiFriI7NCMme_iE-v2Nlp1KYfWEUTfQHoUmK-m07iohkGmwgDzoQ9broKNyKYcmN1IjShmE/s1912/CB21--JAN.+25--P12++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1912" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Zc7dUNg5iXvb9fuv9ogccEnyh1WsanMHEWyk8QPJ1xDnyMpXe1Sujtz2OqrlPsh12vgoaiFriI7NCMme_iE-v2Nlp1KYfWEUTfQHoUmK-m07iohkGmwgDzoQ9broKNyKYcmN1IjShmE/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P12++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>33. ..... After faking a 3-pointer, Harris drives past <b>Rondel Walker</b>, only to find <b>Kalib Boone</b> blocking his path just before he gets into the lane, as<b> Isaac Likekele</b> (bottom right in photo) and F <b>Keylan Boone</b> (top right) look on. Harris picked up his dribble and passed back out to Bolton .....<br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf4TICUp6JXzBrSQef711OOlq0Gk5aBN95AXqydEwcGN-OtcPwV2PUe6idAWUmdtgMT7Ip9JFkwr15Zqqxx7FWO5l8UFyEDuSaP7EmVZevot7EuzOfp-cHPYvzJDYfJly47wKvJKoW_E/s1920/CB21--JAN.+25--P13++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf4TICUp6JXzBrSQef711OOlq0Gk5aBN95AXqydEwcGN-OtcPwV2PUe6idAWUmdtgMT7Ip9JFkwr15Zqqxx7FWO5l8UFyEDuSaP7EmVZevot7EuzOfp-cHPYvzJDYfJly47wKvJKoW_E/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P13++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>34. ..... and then Bolton passed to <b>Dudley Blackwell</b> at the left elbow, and he takes the jumper with 8 seconds left on the shot clock as <b>Kalib Boone</b> comes out to contest it. The shot missed, hitting the back of the rim, then up and off the top edge of the backboard and then down into the hands of Boone for his 4th rebound of the half. 12 seconds later .....<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38l_TauSesOEpSkI6UIIsK032raZSjrSQpTEWYtFP9DmY-zsKUAUXdcfWzz5giPze35K67zGejOLrMGDBRt100sqgBwalU0nb8PzfAavUid9fG2c668Bewviil62Skdbc-YFzFZZ9Ges/s1500/CB21--JAN.+25--P28++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38l_TauSesOEpSkI6UIIsK032raZSjrSQpTEWYtFP9DmY-zsKUAUXdcfWzz5giPze35K67zGejOLrMGDBRt100sqgBwalU0nb8PzfAavUid9fG2c668Bewviil62Skdbc-YFzFZZ9Ges/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P28++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" /></a></div>35. After a pass from his brother into the lane is deflected by Rasir Bolton, <b>Keylan Boone</b> has to jump a second time to make the catch at the right block. But in his haste to get to the basket, he ran over Bolton and was called for a offensive foul a couple of seconds later with 1:03 to play until halftime. Telling the Boone twins apart is no easy thing, but on this night it was simpler than usual because Kalib had tape on his right wrist and Keylan didn't. <br /><p>The half ended with Oklahoma State leading 41-31.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibb5s0uhrPYcFFenIKBwD6F7ga_8cs4tA0kuntQehWKhJ4vC3fNrtkJa-gaJi1nBsWKlA9d1lXwyCU1iAW-HYA3nc3wCiJt7E8fy8_d_9r4GpkJP-nHLyU4pMmS9SkRcKlan5-sCEdkdk/s1920/CB21--JAN.+25--P9++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibb5s0uhrPYcFFenIKBwD6F7ga_8cs4tA0kuntQehWKhJ4vC3fNrtkJa-gaJi1nBsWKlA9d1lXwyCU1iAW-HYA3nc3wCiJt7E8fy8_d_9r4GpkJP-nHLyU4pMmS9SkRcKlan5-sCEdkdk/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P9++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>36. The photo with the best view of <b>Jaden Walker</b>'s dreads is this one, but I don't know at which point of the game this was taken. The YouTube video of the game I've been watching joins the game in progress, missing the first 36 seconds, so this <i>might</i> be a shot of <b>Avery Anderson</b> driving to the basket - and missing a layup - in front of Walker on the Cowboys' first possession of the game with 19:33 remaining. What I do know for sure is this isn't any of Anderson's other 9 shot attempts in the game. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cAA7-9cnyMNVjtuAODLuGH9sDye6w997xdrI8hRP2aJPEvZ3KNLGCQbeOmVZyRtg5SsM-wYggND6LFbXQfCjBpcMIBNLD3UW70Q9xsZauP3UTBl4dn_vQsIefZnfp0cp-U16YRkbWUo/s1500/CB21--JAN.+25--P25++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cAA7-9cnyMNVjtuAODLuGH9sDye6w997xdrI8hRP2aJPEvZ3KNLGCQbeOmVZyRtg5SsM-wYggND6LFbXQfCjBpcMIBNLD3UW70Q9xsZauP3UTBl4dn_vQsIefZnfp0cp-U16YRkbWUo/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P25++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>37. With the left hand of <b>Isaac Likekele</b> failing to bother him, <b>Jaden Walker</b> uses a little tongue english as he takes and makes a 17-footer to the right of the key, making the score 45-36 with 17:39 remaining in the 2nd half.<br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvchCKrcLzfxodno8CYbR7uhq3fivjDbsbTBgdtRuJ-3j7RfQ4Yu1F1yUieBF6TL6H2KuL8s68BFyIwzWlpMBcrSsA5y0hsFqtJ_Czo1pBUoyF68FciykdGQRmui6XQfdOK17FTYEUhw/s1500/CB21--JAN.+25--P24++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvchCKrcLzfxodno8CYbR7uhq3fivjDbsbTBgdtRuJ-3j7RfQ4Yu1F1yUieBF6TL6H2KuL8s68BFyIwzWlpMBcrSsA5y0hsFqtJ_Czo1pBUoyF68FciykdGQRmui6XQfdOK17FTYEUhw/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P24++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>38. <b>Kalib Boone</b> hits a layup with 15:55 to play, but it doesn't count because the officials called him for traveling - much to his disbelief. After juggling a pass in the lane and then getting it under control, he took a tiny, quick extra step to gather himself. It's the kind of call not made in the NBA, but he's not in the NBA yet. Kalib headed to the bench for the TV timeout with OSU up by 10, 46-36. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHMczjqtctwxbkv-ZRFLD9NCAWbtcBiTBwX1FkvYZcEWhJW2ZK8BIMPzhzCE-p7-9SSrqsLyJNpswzs7HvVsp2j7ora0gh7YiKpM8lNaJ2aAuuZte4M68zwDfn5AAMbLINIofuQxPZM0/s1500/CB21--JAN.+25--P23++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHMczjqtctwxbkv-ZRFLD9NCAWbtcBiTBwX1FkvYZcEWhJW2ZK8BIMPzhzCE-p7-9SSrqsLyJNpswzs7HvVsp2j7ora0gh7YiKpM8lNaJ2aAuuZte4M68zwDfn5AAMbLINIofuQxPZM0/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P23++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>39. On the Cyclones' first possession after the timeout <b>Dudley Blackwell</b> shows us his version of a two-handed catch, making the catch with his right hand while holding off <b>Rondel Walker</b> with his left. Finding himself 30 feet from the basket, Blackwell immediately gave the ball back to Rasir Bolton. The possession ended with<b> Isaac Likekele</b> rebounding a missed, contested layup attempted by G Darlinstone Dubar.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRQuJEmn-QDyMUXDG06xpdt_OKiMEGndwavsqiKJWE6rsfDYF4QLQqDvP7U-3abN6XNXi8frJaVzlJVv8QEvtxBIQID7GEMe3geQTSt6IY3W9WhyNF5RCd6EqHDx_w3E4GLpFPrpZvuY/s1500/CB21--JAN.+25--P30A++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRQuJEmn-QDyMUXDG06xpdt_OKiMEGndwavsqiKJWE6rsfDYF4QLQqDvP7U-3abN6XNXi8frJaVzlJVv8QEvtxBIQID7GEMe3geQTSt6IY3W9WhyNF5RCd6EqHDx_w3E4GLpFPrpZvuY/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P30A++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIDuuwdZGSNiPcanH9keyaHFSvT8YYhfus-yIixx0kouR2MtkFWdu2b2RJAMcYP7W8uWZwQTFjAB2A1IgX53GsoKpVB4OQyzem4zvSkahPYMTEFSPXVLhrNkfzVZ5t6QvjxTMF3gr3hQ/s1500/CB21--JAN.+25--P30++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIDuuwdZGSNiPcanH9keyaHFSvT8YYhfus-yIixx0kouR2MtkFWdu2b2RJAMcYP7W8uWZwQTFjAB2A1IgX53GsoKpVB4OQyzem4zvSkahPYMTEFSPXVLhrNkfzVZ5t6QvjxTMF3gr3hQ/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P30++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>40. After <b>Rondel Walker</b> rebounds a missed Iowa State shot with 11:00 on the clock, the simple task of dribbling upcourt becomes a problem - for both Walker and Tyler Harris. As Rondel approaches midcourt, he dribbles the ball off his foot, and it speeds into the frontcourt. Rondel chases after it then dives for it, with Harris arriving at the same time (photo above), preventing him from gaining possession. Then as Harris tumbles over him and hits the deck Walker again attempts to get to the ball (photo on right), but it's going too fast for him and rolls over the sideline. Both players were OK, and Walker was charged with his 1st - and only - turnover of the game, keeping the score at 55-44.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUTRRKdaAuZorRrur4EbOMfmeaTkpTyUqwYKLyMG3MJTouAYjEep39t0DUusjzuqWn2piuFXJH9CSb2uE8oi44Qunb9JuaQf-A34nEauhZzjdp0-U9nyCfrsqeZ_1UV6sprh4R6XNrBA/s1500/CB21--JAN.+25--P21++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUTRRKdaAuZorRrur4EbOMfmeaTkpTyUqwYKLyMG3MJTouAYjEep39t0DUusjzuqWn2piuFXJH9CSb2uE8oi44Qunb9JuaQf-A34nEauhZzjdp0-U9nyCfrsqeZ_1UV6sprh4R6XNrBA/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P21++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>41. After rebounding a missed 3-pointer by <b>Avery Anderson</b>, <b>Keylan Boone</b> goes up to shoot a 5-footer right in front of the basket with 9:36 to play. But he misses too, and as he goes back up for the rebound, his brother comes flying in over his back and beats him to it for the tip-in, giving the Cowboys a 57-47 lead. This was Keylan's last chance to score in the game. He finished with 0 points in 13 minutes, missing all 4 of his shots.</p><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJExp1MexrdIOzpkQNALL0RMhUG8mONR1QyJBwdHQKsFlwXienxMYbOMczNhnsAChlUrPYYyBR1tEpvlxn3QrE6hh9_SCkrvg0-Fer35oPfpkCTSTWogoQLytbEwstWP3b1VNwiQ2Gu-0/s1500/CB21--JAN.+25--P20++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJExp1MexrdIOzpkQNALL0RMhUG8mONR1QyJBwdHQKsFlwXienxMYbOMczNhnsAChlUrPYYyBR1tEpvlxn3QrE6hh9_SCkrvg0-Fer35oPfpkCTSTWogoQLytbEwstWP3b1VNwiQ2Gu-0/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P20++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>42. After stealing an ill-advised pass by Tyler Harris near midcourt, <b>Rondel Walker</b> doesn't dribble the ball off his foot this time and goes in for the uncontested dunk for his final 2 points of the night, giving OSU a 67-55 lead with 6:10 remaining and giving him 20 points for the first time. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW3sr3qX-90U-xVsO2uw6uc3I94e3b1INx9acCRZP_FI7F4-oMbfemvAIXXQy6NxpH-4-XgUD7PGS8d-YXv137aqwrwEG1tfMFwk6cap7u4SFauWsLdOTCA_9_PsIdmc6AVbi84DgDOQ/s1920/CB21--JAN.+25--P5++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglW3sr3qX-90U-xVsO2uw6uc3I94e3b1INx9acCRZP_FI7F4-oMbfemvAIXXQy6NxpH-4-XgUD7PGS8d-YXv137aqwrwEG1tfMFwk6cap7u4SFauWsLdOTCA_9_PsIdmc6AVbi84DgDOQ/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P5++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>43. On Iowa State's next possession there are still 16 seconds left on the shot clock when Rasir Bolton turns and goes up for this short but ill-advised shot against the defense of <b>Avery Anderson</b> and <b>Kalib</b> <b>Boone</b>. Boone easily blocked the shot, and Anderson picked up the rebound and started a fast break that resulted in a Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe layup 7 seconds later to make it 69-55. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Dtzp5B8hNY9odDrErHhZW2Ztjf1f7v2yjp2FFBl95DVswspe8g6IM2R4epG4TSlx8SCE8Mf-YE68wBUpjGHTsyxZzX0Yo5vexPqXzDHL_FS8bZl5COMFFZtvmqdj_SHYYDq1jJ9gp1w/s1920/CB21--JAN.+25--P3++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Dtzp5B8hNY9odDrErHhZW2Ztjf1f7v2yjp2FFBl95DVswspe8g6IM2R4epG4TSlx8SCE8Mf-YE68wBUpjGHTsyxZzX0Yo5vexPqXzDHL_FS8bZl5COMFFZtvmqdj_SHYYDq1jJ9gp1w/s320/CB21--JAN.+25--P3++OKL+ST.-IOWA+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>44. After dribbling from the free throw line to near the left baseline, <b>Dudley Blackwell</b> takes his last FG attempt of the night, a 10-foot jumper, with 2:31 to play, as <b>Rondel Walker</b> and F Bernard Kouma defend ..... although this attempt wasn't included on the stats sheet. The shot ended up being an air ball because Kouma hit Blackwell's arm (which we would see better had the photographer waited another tenth of a second or two) and was called for a foul. Dudley missed his first FT and made the second for Iowa State's final point of the game, making the score 77-60. The final was 81-60. <br /><p>Blackwell played a season high 20 minutes, but they were a quiet 20 minutes, finishing with 4 points (1-4 FG, 1-1 3-pt. FG), 2 rebounds, and 3 fouls. (btw Dudley won't be back at Iowa State next season, as he is transferring to another school). <b>Jaden Walker</b> played 34 minutes (a total he would surpass twice in games later on in the season) and 8 points (3-6 FG, 1-3 3-pt.FG), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, a season high 2 blocked shots, a season high 3 steals, and 1 turnover.</p><p>With star G Cade Cunningham sidelined for Oklahoma State, players with dreads accounted for 53 of their 81 points. <b>Rondel Walker</b> finished with a season high 20 points (7-12 FG, 4-8 3-pt. FG, 2-5 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 turnover in 31 minutes. <b>Isaac Likekele</b> contributed 7 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in 28 minutes. <b>Kalib Boone</b> shot 100% (7-7 FG, 1-1 FT), finishing with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocked shots, and 3 turnovers in 21 minutes. In addition to his 0 points <b>Keylan Boone</b> had 4 rebounds, 2 turnovers, and 2 fouls. </p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0U41QugFtnQY7XxgOCJNVTYU6HR2MuEHMtwOstJNwDD2vJIXVIOcuV-LrEEtavU0PXEjxyXnbHJMXRdFpYIE3bpnoprQxWydBhBFrvVL4HFKKb_0r2f05KgpvvHhMLZHsEwM3SEDFubA/s1920/CB21--FEB.+16--P3++IOWA+ST.-OKL+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0U41QugFtnQY7XxgOCJNVTYU6HR2MuEHMtwOstJNwDD2vJIXVIOcuV-LrEEtavU0PXEjxyXnbHJMXRdFpYIE3bpnoprQxWydBhBFrvVL4HFKKb_0r2f05KgpvvHhMLZHsEwM3SEDFubA/s320/CB21--FEB.+16--P3++IOWA+ST.-OKL+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO05XQGdybQNj51HKcXtqzGaEDNz5GX0m-G0YvUAp0oOGptt0JPuZwpbPWQxNeaUC0vk3i5mv-q0H1YuHFQySB3JlmSX8280FiSozbWBK6WdeQglvyCySviQVOkHxRhSB8JE7qlk5pRuQ/s1500/CB21--FEB.+16--P10A++IOWA+ST.-OKL+ST..jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO05XQGdybQNj51HKcXtqzGaEDNz5GX0m-G0YvUAp0oOGptt0JPuZwpbPWQxNeaUC0vk3i5mv-q0H1YuHFQySB3JlmSX8280FiSozbWBK6WdeQglvyCySviQVOkHxRhSB8JE7qlk5pRuQ/s320/CB21--FEB.+16--P10A++IOWA+ST.-OKL+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>45. Iowa State's three other players with dreads were on the court for the second meeting vs. Oklahoma State on the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 16 at Stillwater; and here are two of them from action in the 2nd half, both with their dreads reduced. 6-6 junior F <b>Javan Johnson</b> looks on from the free throw line (photo above) and 6-8, 255-pound senior F <b>Solomon Young</b> looks on helplessly from under the basket as <b>Kalib Boone</b> goes up and hits an easy layup to put OSU up 46-35 with 17:12 remaining. Young had come out to double team Cade Cunningham and couldn't get back in time to stop Boone. Boone shot only 87.5% against ISU this time, missing 1 of his 8 FG attempts and finishing with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. The photo on the right shows one of the several times Young came away from the basket to help Johnson double team Cunningham, this occasion coming (I think) with 6:49 remaining near the right sideline, just before Cunningham threw an ill-advised pass that was intercepted by <b>Tre Jackson</b> ..... <br /><br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyI03y6oyox5oValz9GSvvASm-XrSYFfmpKNS2Rw1Q9R8-AyoHAskjGa2ucPerjNATKwiibF1KKBJbgz1NqWWSoDHRZHJv9CBGC1b9SU0nCqqYpmtewpwUIvtvn-OBC6dIlYqu5HUdM0/s1920/CB21--FEB.+16--P6++IOWA+ST.-OKL+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxyI03y6oyox5oValz9GSvvASm-XrSYFfmpKNS2Rw1Q9R8-AyoHAskjGa2ucPerjNATKwiibF1KKBJbgz1NqWWSoDHRZHJv9CBGC1b9SU0nCqqYpmtewpwUIvtvn-OBC6dIlYqu5HUdM0/s320/CB21--FEB.+16--P6++IOWA+ST.-OKL+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>46. And speaking of <b>Tre Jackson</b>, here is the 6-1 sophomore G taking and hitting a short baseline jumper over the arm of Bernard Kouma and under the watchful eyes of Cade Cunningham and <b>Solomon Young</b> on his first attempt of the game with 10:20 remaining in the 1st half, cutting the Cowboys' lead to 22-15. From there OSU went on an 8-0 run to lead 30-15 and led by at least 6 points for the rest of the game. Johnson (4-13) and Young (1-5) combined to shoot 22%, helping bring down the Cyclones' percentage for the game to 33%. OSU shot 48% and won 76-58. Johnson finished with 9 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocked shots, and 3 turnovers in 37 minutes. Young had 6 points and 2 rebounds in 26 minutes. Jackson (2-3) was the only ISU player to shoot over 50%. He had 7 points, 3 steals, and 3 turnovers in 21 minutes. We'll see about next season, but I couldn't welcome Jackson to the house this season. Similar to Michigan State's Aaron Henry, Tre didn't have his hair in dreads for the whole season and more often than not had them in braids. </p><p>This second loss to Oklahoma State was the Cyclones' 11th in a row, and they finished this season with an 18-game losing streak. Their 2-22 record (including 0-18 in Big 12 games) was their worst ever in the 114 years they've been playing basketball, and it cost Coach Prohm was job. <br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp2d-6BrRbszsS2VBMmEeRQGrV6RneONP6-aF4gfVTJS0QLyb43pNWgsr5ZRkzELoiHvMYNFlQZj33SIz_SmypLVJevRLYOEE4HsbJUDYCnjkqNHx78Kn57iZF1BYraISg9jiH5O7_oc/s1500/CB21--JAN.+12--P1++KANS-OKL+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp2d-6BrRbszsS2VBMmEeRQGrV6RneONP6-aF4gfVTJS0QLyb43pNWgsr5ZRkzELoiHvMYNFlQZj33SIz_SmypLVJevRLYOEE4HsbJUDYCnjkqNHx78Kn57iZF1BYraISg9jiH5O7_oc/s320/CB21--JAN.+12--P1++KANS-OKL+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJedT5RuI2lt7Oeq6Fu95ydl89hJ3fDRE1D0j-VlUH0s4t2paFnsL8kZnLx7u2mrbm8Ic3SSPCYkZAcsFVPdzzbwNqjOj72pD7pc2eR1fgpPwmzCotTdPhRbgSxNUb6qEeu6Cx8_GUYY/s1200/CB21--MAR.+11--P1++OKL+ST.-W.VIRG.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJedT5RuI2lt7Oeq6Fu95ydl89hJ3fDRE1D0j-VlUH0s4t2paFnsL8kZnLx7u2mrbm8Ic3SSPCYkZAcsFVPdzzbwNqjOj72pD7pc2eR1fgpPwmzCotTdPhRbgSxNUb6qEeu6Cx8_GUYY/s320/CB21--MAR.+11--P1++OKL+ST.-W.VIRG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>47. The Boone twins - 6-9 sophomore F Kalib and 6-8 sophomore F Keylan, from Tulsa - weren't on the court together a lot this season, mostly because Keylan played only 14 minutes per game (up from 9 his freshman season); but here are a couple of instances. On Jan. 12 (photo above) <b>Kalib Boone</b> and <b>Keylan Boone</b> celebrate (both the same way, of course, with fists clenched) and come over to help up <b>Avery Anderson</b> after Anderson forces Kansas G Bryce Thompson into a rare 5-second closely-guarded violation in the 1st half. Keylan got there too late, and it was Kalib and <b>Isaac Likekele</b> that got Anderson to his feet after the turnover with 58.8 seconds remaining and the Cowboys up by 13. The lead was 16 midway through the 2nd half before Kansas came roaring back - only to have OSU finish the game with an 8-0 run to win 75-70. Kalib and Keylan are double trouble for West Virginia F Derek Culver (photo on right) during the 1st half of a quarterfinal game in the Big 12 Tournament on Mar. 11. It was a struggle, but Culver was able to get the ball to a teammate without turning it over. Keylan outscored Kalib in this game 7-5; but Kalib had the better game, finishing with 10 rebounds and a season high 6 blocked shots in the Cowboys' 72-69 victory. The Cowboys upset Baylor in the semifinals before losing to Texas in the final. </p><p>Keylan had dreads first but then cut his off late in his senior season in HS, just as Kalib was getting his started. Keylan debuted the second edition of his dreads in February of his freshman season for OSU. The two had your typical improvement from your freshman to sophomore season. Keylan went from 2.7 to 4.4 points per game and from 2.3 to 4.1 rebounds per game. Kalib jumped from 4.7 points and 3.0 rebounds to 9.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He also shot 64.2% from the field this season - a new school record - and was 2nd in the Big 12 in blocked shots per game with 1.6. I'm looking forward to seeing them on the floor together much more often and continuing to improve in the seasons ahead ..... and maybe keep on playing after college. <br /></p><p>.</p><p>. <br /></p><p>Whenever there's a game on television with teams playing that I haven't seen before, I try to watch for at least a minute or two, just to see if anyone on the teams has dreads. That's why I tuned into the second semifinal game of the MAC Tournament at Cleveland on Mar. 12. And when I noticed that 2nd seeded Buffalo and 3rd seeded Akron both had multiple players with dreads, not to mention the importance of the game, I decided to watch almost all of the 2nd half. And then the next day when I checked the Cleveland Plain Dealer website for a photo gallery of the game, I found that nearly every photo had someone with dreads in it .....</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO1ZHivcUSO-jFBurZEb35qnYifNB2B1hdtBGXYNK2O64wjKrrBiwntdLr7nLnVQ-vabIjpBl_oWRK-EcJeq00WOpn4QfNxxxCcwwAFejMRyA2wzA6Q1C0YcZ2aCncQ-gQVVZKElcNqM/s707/CB21--MAR.+12--P5++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO1ZHivcUSO-jFBurZEb35qnYifNB2B1hdtBGXYNK2O64wjKrrBiwntdLr7nLnVQ-vabIjpBl_oWRK-EcJeq00WOpn4QfNxxxCcwwAFejMRyA2wzA6Q1C0YcZ2aCncQ-gQVVZKElcNqM/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P5++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" /></a></div>48. 6-5 junior F <b>Jeenathan Williams</b> of Buffalo and 6-1 sophomore G <b>Greg Tribble</b> began the game guarding each other, and on his first touch of the game Williams dribbles from the right sideline to the free throw circle before passing the ball out to G Jayvon Graves. A couple of seconds later Graves hit a short shot in the lane for Buffalo's first 2 points, making the score 3-2.<br /> <p></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT6Wm7IdtpcfdePpk-tZcSGI7mca2AqvUZmoKM9CSyvwRK_6URTAHysG1NiLLcaVZ7L4N_VwBwRXQ5za9YdRbHzTC1POVi3Vka1FEELtXQxuy6TEHbFzXQpT2t27eEBm0Wd5SRjF_j80/s644/CB21--MAR.+12--P2++AKRON-BUFF.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="644" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPT6Wm7IdtpcfdePpk-tZcSGI7mca2AqvUZmoKM9CSyvwRK_6URTAHysG1NiLLcaVZ7L4N_VwBwRXQ5za9YdRbHzTC1POVi3Vka1FEELtXQxuy6TEHbFzXQpT2t27eEBm0Wd5SRjF_j80/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P2++AKRON-BUFF.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv24z2dkQz0I_pQC8MBNH_1RxaqesIHSHmuyMtSywmxXiFWDgS-aYTew0EWRtwGpyAVXMfQUxhawHpVUv6JfmfacZmhg_S7EO7YqXRnuAm85IL6_12pTwCs4ZvI8vxBzMHVgmLASJcv0E/s700/CB21--MAR.+12--P2A++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv24z2dkQz0I_pQC8MBNH_1RxaqesIHSHmuyMtSywmxXiFWDgS-aYTew0EWRtwGpyAVXMfQUxhawHpVUv6JfmfacZmhg_S7EO7YqXRnuAm85IL6_12pTwCs4ZvI8vxBzMHVgmLASJcv0E/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P2A++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>49. On the Bulls' 3rd possession of the game 6-7 junior F <b>Josh Mballa</b> drives to the basket against <b>Greg Tribble</b> and F Enrique Freeman, and Tribble makes sure he doesn't get an easy two, whacking him upside his head for the first foul of the game. I guess Tribble didn't get him flush though because the officials didn't check replay for a possible flagrant foul. Mballa, the Bulls' leading rebounder and second leading scorer, missed both free throws, keeping Akron's lead at 8-4.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkUVna5Fn0YeD3mAQcf3JhSTTlRYSkJWv31a8zbfOENAp075Rn5HgIxIWLuQVg0HT7zsCUNruVwy6OYzntXPKEIjYRZFH_4OitnGERv5URgRNbLDsky531fDKclHVHyCPa5jK9Kvxlbk/s897/CB21--MAR.+12--P4++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkUVna5Fn0YeD3mAQcf3JhSTTlRYSkJWv31a8zbfOENAp075Rn5HgIxIWLuQVg0HT7zsCUNruVwy6OYzntXPKEIjYRZFH_4OitnGERv5URgRNbLDsky531fDKclHVHyCPa5jK9Kvxlbk/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P4++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" /></a></div>50. A minute later after <b>Josh Mballa</b> misses a contested layup, <b>Jeenathan Williams</b> tries to tip in the rebound, but the ball rims out. Williams then tried to grab the rebound of his own miss but knocked the ball out of bounds, keeping the score 8-4. Statistically speaking, Williams wasn't credited with either an offensive rebound or a missed FG attempt.<br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvgYTBtKybELdZ6OgR4cJ6aqdougA57_DIH_ppp7_2CSBB3Xd-fvpcArrK9xP9lr6eIFPCMWAbsOMjnEXEMeh3qO_Wa0zICbmQkHkrhPgTZOYngIJd1sri0Ozv0WtQBlXBxtlQFBkEv0/s866/CB21--MAR.+12--P3++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvgYTBtKybELdZ6OgR4cJ6aqdougA57_DIH_ppp7_2CSBB3Xd-fvpcArrK9xP9lr6eIFPCMWAbsOMjnEXEMeh3qO_Wa0zICbmQkHkrhPgTZOYngIJd1sri0Ozv0WtQBlXBxtlQFBkEv0/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P3++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" /></a></div>51. A couple of minutes later and with Buffalo leading for the first time at 11-10, 6-8 sophomore F <b>LaQuill Hardnett</b>, after taking a pass from <b>Jeenathan Williams</b>, fails to add to the lead as his layup is easily and cleanly blocked by Josh Freeman before the ball ever leaves his hands. Hardnett, in his first season with dreads (obviously) led the Bulls in FG% this season at 65.2% ... which ain't nothing compared to the 76.1% he shot from the field as a freshman. But he was only 3 for 7 in this one. <br /><p>.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L1ehZIqYr-oEvjF4qfo7CkIMJen3YH2-1HdJzprkD-P2TGDhHgNlQjVwlYDS-2CVk5u8lHsAAnqUKCvKE31bjMKPrtPEDP6UATOE50qznV_iDWlFA5LpaVBcFBzjuJgO_EwCOZ2Tm7s/s1036/CB21--MAR.+12--P1A++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L1ehZIqYr-oEvjF4qfo7CkIMJen3YH2-1HdJzprkD-P2TGDhHgNlQjVwlYDS-2CVk5u8lHsAAnqUKCvKE31bjMKPrtPEDP6UATOE50qznV_iDWlFA5LpaVBcFBzjuJgO_EwCOZ2Tm7s/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P1A++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWo2T2Dl5GSZmYtkt_YWKRkOxDBDL4VNbEtLOWvmlz7-vXONxOdL05cDUupbH7Gi1OGbnX-6NoewEjN7uPMQ5HF_AU4go4U5Ttj2DsbKVX0YvMQ3FqtRTOEsKL_aeI7XT29HisisZ3DE/s1123/CB21--MAR.+12--P1B++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQWo2T2Dl5GSZmYtkt_YWKRkOxDBDL4VNbEtLOWvmlz7-vXONxOdL05cDUupbH7Gi1OGbnX-6NoewEjN7uPMQ5HF_AU4go4U5Ttj2DsbKVX0YvMQ3FqtRTOEsKL_aeI7XT29HisisZ3DE/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P1B++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" /></a></div><p> </p><p>52. After missing an attempted putback dunk 8 seconds earlier, 6-7 senior F <b>Camron Reece</b> doesn't miss this time, slamming home his first official shot of the game to make the score 22-14 and put an end to a 9-0 Buffalo run. After shooting 60.5% from the field in 2019-20 in his first season with the Zips after transferring from junior college, Reece improved to 65.9% this season in his first season with dreads. He went 2 for 2 in this game, adding another dunk later in the 1st half. </p><p></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlYG2SuLRcLj46CX00wjkd-PFmoooEW5Fcvvvhi2vaUyVXfdv1ZPuI-a4iE3B4RjYEBqnYly2Ls1oruQtt50XGJLOY_T5m2tgpZrd4FAOz2l45x1UV8KtJNIILnHcimQ6tMcq3Da5Dt0/s640/CB21--MAR.+12--P19++AKRON-BUFF.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlYG2SuLRcLj46CX00wjkd-PFmoooEW5Fcvvvhi2vaUyVXfdv1ZPuI-a4iE3B4RjYEBqnYly2Ls1oruQtt50XGJLOY_T5m2tgpZrd4FAOz2l45x1UV8KtJNIILnHcimQ6tMcq3Da5Dt0/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P19++AKRON-BUFF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>53. On Buffalo's next possession <b>Josh Mballa</b> endures some more abuse, getting a facial from G Gavin Clarke with 11:05 to play in the 1st half. After grabbing an offensive rebound, Mballa had the ball knocked away by F Jermaine Marshall (on left in photo) only to get it back only to then have Clarke poke him in the face. Instead of a foul on Clarke a held ball was called, which left Mballa a bit perturbed. Buffalo kept the ball on alternate possession. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbZtewbWojnIMR1A2H_PLvB_DGdJjRUP7sX1sjgvjC6TbYMFqxqZkCokXwuzn4QQAOR9j-3P4RBdkju1wmTeqrfXzfDJff5AEtMFXNlRosb_XAVYGoHmRUalx14jGtJ-cC1Jqc8S3Vh0/s700/CB21--MAR.+12--P8++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbZtewbWojnIMR1A2H_PLvB_DGdJjRUP7sX1sjgvjC6TbYMFqxqZkCokXwuzn4QQAOR9j-3P4RBdkju1wmTeqrfXzfDJff5AEtMFXNlRosb_XAVYGoHmRUalx14jGtJ-cC1Jqc8S3Vh0/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P8++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaizsU7Ev1JYEJNcLlEMnfLAi290U0EmPTNsAIXesJ5HjEP3t8S_5Dcq5sgGKWgoTdWVd6bxinUkPUoaDK1WweJDyByqw1vnuZraUiUZ0IXcC2m-o9TMkouETquzaqsCUyOjmCUwEg_yo/s700/CB21--MAR.+12--P8A++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaizsU7Ev1JYEJNcLlEMnfLAi290U0EmPTNsAIXesJ5HjEP3t8S_5Dcq5sgGKWgoTdWVd6bxinUkPUoaDK1WweJDyByqw1vnuZraUiUZ0IXcC2m-o9TMkouETquzaqsCUyOjmCUwEg_yo/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P8A++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>54. <b>Greg Tribble</b>'s dreads touch the court as he tries to regain control of the ball after having it knocked away by F David Nickelberry with 7:23 remaining in the 1st half. After G Loren Christian Jackson stripped the ball from Buffalo G Ronaldo Segu in the lane, Tribble dove and recovered it out by the 3-point arc. Then before he could find a teammate to pass it to, Nickelberry dove on top of him trying for a held ball but instead was called for a foul. Even though Jackson got the strip, Tribble got credit for the steal, one of just 2 steals the Zips got all game. <br /></p><p>Upon close examination it looks like Nickelberry might have his hair in dreads; but at other points of the season he didn't, so I have not welcomed him to the house yet. </p><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVCctpTVfkXt8AMY5hx8UNJDXpAp7wMr1q0Sf-Y7F8yu6wXqGZDYuHvi-1bq_b_M1rOEP3uYyfX79WSh3dPjKVUVoMMtZqF4igyBj3GFveo29bbMvHZoKxWBeEVDlxmnhjRZBhV9mt9I/s1113/CB21--MAR.+12--P12++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVCctpTVfkXt8AMY5hx8UNJDXpAp7wMr1q0Sf-Y7F8yu6wXqGZDYuHvi-1bq_b_M1rOEP3uYyfX79WSh3dPjKVUVoMMtZqF4igyBj3GFveo29bbMvHZoKxWBeEVDlxmnhjRZBhV9mt9I/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P12++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" /></a></div>55. As mentioned earlier, all (4) of <b>Camron Reece</b>'s points came on dunks. Here's his other one. Open next to the basket Reece takes a bounce pass from F Ali Ali and throws it down before David Nickelberry can stop him, capping an 8-0 Akron run that cut Buffalo's lead to 26-24 with 6:20 to play until halftime. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGRLOHEzeK4DOKgFGqeCYRhF-JfmDaMsOVq87XgxsYvg81ozXWNf8GKXql3j739dtWqeRsjyuBGRlneIgTlHj90z4HH-9-vAKaKfSw_yLvVi9Ekusb-E_fbHGSbSD8bpfLlEGriXDA88/s1041/CB21--MAR.+12--P11++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGRLOHEzeK4DOKgFGqeCYRhF-JfmDaMsOVq87XgxsYvg81ozXWNf8GKXql3j739dtWqeRsjyuBGRlneIgTlHj90z4HH-9-vAKaKfSw_yLvVi9Ekusb-E_fbHGSbSD8bpfLlEGriXDA88/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P11++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" /></a></div>56. After <b>Josh Mballa</b> misses a layup that was contested by <b>Camron Reece</b>, Mballa and Reece go up again trying to get the rebound with 5:23 to play in the half. The ball deflected off their hands, and Loren Christian Jackson picked it up at the free throw line for Akron, keeping the score at 28-24. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb1ZhzGJKmxUB_rRq5AL_FZOIrAxJICadwDuqCUOTDJm-zh00sOEWE3mz2oHUggQlazhFUh30dN4KqeBBya-U7ZjCYvK-9S1QVlZeglvPwYVPiXsfsfgFUoNZjN2vJ2dejvovoJEEpAY/s865/CB21--MAR.+12--P10++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnb1ZhzGJKmxUB_rRq5AL_FZOIrAxJICadwDuqCUOTDJm-zh00sOEWE3mz2oHUggQlazhFUh30dN4KqeBBya-U7ZjCYvK-9S1QVlZeglvPwYVPiXsfsfgFUoNZjN2vJ2dejvovoJEEpAY/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P10++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" /></a></div>57. While dribbling past <b>Josh Mballa</b> to just to the right of the lane, Gavin Clarke loses the ball (Mballa may have stripped it - it's hard to tell on the video), and <b>LaQuill Hardnett</b> is in the right place at the right time to get his only steal of the game with 1:53 remaining in the 1st half. This play was in the middle of a span of 2:28 in which neither team scored. It was 33-26 Bulls at this point, and the half ended with the score 33-28. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCYpkTjn-kU5OHUX7OHQcCErgi-5al_mWJnpWAbaOYOlnYKlNdaaPMF0da3QTT9VNAlC9EKRuT34QEuS53XNJQ2ZS-_BgzIVefbsua4H_sqKY24Whhqe3nAZ06F6ZQi3qBq_BelqhReg/s700/CB21--MAR.+12--P13++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCYpkTjn-kU5OHUX7OHQcCErgi-5al_mWJnpWAbaOYOlnYKlNdaaPMF0da3QTT9VNAlC9EKRuT34QEuS53XNJQ2ZS-_BgzIVefbsua4H_sqKY24Whhqe3nAZ06F6ZQi3qBq_BelqhReg/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P13++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>58. After <b>Josh Mballa</b> goes up to deflect an alley-oop pass intended for <b>Camron Reece</b>, on their way down Reece, Mballa, and C Brock Bertram all battle for possession of the ball with 11:47 remaining in the 2nd half. None of them got it, as the ball bounced in the lane and into the hands of Jayvon Graves, who got credit for a steal, keeping Akron's lead at 46-43. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr35UZHfMd9ustKIClWNDgP_XzO1V-WdG1_d8X60Gkj8Lz8FjkvKyKjh3TiXvQhEeilqRQWVzYWD49XWBCZ5ZmjP_4yantACRdvMtypn4yVndTCI0aToy3F4Z5i7f0tR1PTjYGDkzWAs/s1041/CB21--MAR.+12--P14++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbr35UZHfMd9ustKIClWNDgP_XzO1V-WdG1_d8X60Gkj8Lz8FjkvKyKjh3TiXvQhEeilqRQWVzYWD49XWBCZ5ZmjP_4yantACRdvMtypn4yVndTCI0aToy3F4Z5i7f0tR1PTjYGDkzWAs/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P14++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" /></a></div>59. In a sequence the will not be included on <b>Josh Mballa</b>'s highlight reel he misses two shots on the same possession. After having his 8-footer in the lane blocked by Josh Freeman with 12 seconds left on the shot clock, Mballa gets another chance with 2 seconds left. But after catching a pass under the basket, he is off balance as he goes up, leaning backward, and this layup doesn't even hit the rim and is rebounded on the other side of the basket by F Mikal Dawson for Akron, keeping the Zips in front 55-52 with 6:49 remaining. 16 of Mballa's 17 FG attempts were in the paint, and he missed 9 of them, finishing the game 7 for 17 from the field. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYk65xrjQGgvUQlMbdxJyyRnmRZX3lfPOA66H0QfYUrZnPIZ04i1BNyHKXCBQMnbeFvogy0YXYW43YT_Da9okHwH772w0bUAYXVS-zgo8CybmufrlL8FNwD2zm886y56bt0LkydRaWe8/s1091/CB21--MAR.+12--P15++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYk65xrjQGgvUQlMbdxJyyRnmRZX3lfPOA66H0QfYUrZnPIZ04i1BNyHKXCBQMnbeFvogy0YXYW43YT_Da9okHwH772w0bUAYXVS-zgo8CybmufrlL8FNwD2zm886y56bt0LkydRaWe8/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P15++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" /></a></div><p>60. <b>Jeenathan Williams</b> celebrates with clenched fists as he goes back to play defense after hitting a long, NBA-range 3-point FG a couple of seconds earlier to bring the Bulls within 1 at 58-57 with 5:30 to play. Williams made up for Mballa's subpar shooting, finishing 10 for 14 from the field, including 3 for 4 from 3-point range.</p><p>For nearly the next 4 minutes neither team led by more than a point; and then after a 5-0 Bulls run put them ahead by 4, the Zips scored twice in the final minute, including a tip-in by Josh Freeman with 1.1 seconds left, to send the game into overtime tied at 68. <br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsdSVvs3WWl0AMMHXMl1AV-T8sa8hsSgJGWbf1tsA3f0AqXjnuUuCOPEb9ZhiUuPIrJuLTUkb2c0-vUKs0enO1UNxyV192edAqQcoVa9YgNpfDQcrER1QDn0UC3vDfxDNZef8mUYKyzQ/s700/CB21--MAR.+12--P18++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsdSVvs3WWl0AMMHXMl1AV-T8sa8hsSgJGWbf1tsA3f0AqXjnuUuCOPEb9ZhiUuPIrJuLTUkb2c0-vUKs0enO1UNxyV192edAqQcoVa9YgNpfDQcrER1QDn0UC3vDfxDNZef8mUYKyzQ/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P18++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>61. After going scoreless on their first two possessions of overtime, Akron comes away empty again on their third, as Josh Freeman misses a layup, and <b>Jeenathan Williams</b> denies him a second chance, first knocking the rebound out of Freeman's hands and then grabbing this carom off of his own arm to get his 5th and last rebound of the game, keeping Buffalo in front 72-68. Freeman fell down and was late getting back on defense, and Williams hit an open 3-pointer 6 seconds later to make it 75-68.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzirYUWowwYZX-WJSE2EjlZOXAl-BH9ESAxOdl0KTxO-Wy2ldlsK95_-aBJI3iZ4IrpZzdAujil6-Dgop6XgxWOekMmZ3nd2ChczuCofqQYbyZOJEg3X6qj0idSAgWib61OOjxbqXT0tE/s700/CB21--MAR.+12--P17++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzirYUWowwYZX-WJSE2EjlZOXAl-BH9ESAxOdl0KTxO-Wy2ldlsK95_-aBJI3iZ4IrpZzdAujil6-Dgop6XgxWOekMmZ3nd2ChczuCofqQYbyZOJEg3X6qj0idSAgWib61OOjxbqXT0tE/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P17++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>62. With the score 75-70 all eyes are Brock Bertram and Josh Freeman as they battle for the rebound after Bertram missed a tip-in of a missed shot by <b>Jeenathan Williams</b>. On either side of Freeman for Buffalo are Williams and <b>Josh Mballa</b>; and the other Akron players in the picture are Ali Ali (#24) and only the dreads of junior G <b>Bryan Trimble</b>. Unfortunately this was the only photo I could find where you can see Trimble's dreads. Bertram ended up getting the rebound, allowing the Bulls to run some time off the clock. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4gcTSDkKYJszs14MEeOfCJlcpsdeE9sF0ELv-4_RfFsMKodSXKinJzKtMuGiaberHaSfE7lXvaYNbgTob1ev7_L8qS8Z0zcqD65sPv_ftdkX4r1QssrlbnYoUyWSWCmN8uWkp9XQD4k/s1021/CB21--MAR.+12--P16++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4gcTSDkKYJszs14MEeOfCJlcpsdeE9sF0ELv-4_RfFsMKodSXKinJzKtMuGiaberHaSfE7lXvaYNbgTob1ev7_L8qS8Z0zcqD65sPv_ftdkX4r1QssrlbnYoUyWSWCmN8uWkp9XQD4k/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P16++AKRON-BUFF.JPG" /></a></div><p>63.<b> Jeenathan Williams</b> scores the last of his 10 FG - and drives another nail in Akron's coffin - as he hits this driving layup against Josh Freeman to increase Buffalo's lead to 78-70 with 45.9 seconds to play. Looking on from the side in jersey #12 (you can see his face but not his dreads) is <b>Bryan</b> <b>Trimble</b>. Not to be confused with <b>Greg Tribble</b>, whom we saw earlier, Trimble was a major contributor in his first season for Akron after a transfer from St. John's, finishing second on the team in scoring. Ranking 36th in the nation in 3-point FG% at 39.8%, Trimble was an ice cold 1 for 7 in this game.</p><p>Buffalo held on, winning 81-74 to improve to 16-7. Akron fell to 15-8, and with pandemic causing a scaled-back NIT and no CBI or CIT at all, their season was over. Williams led the Bulls with 26 points and added 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and a game high 4 turnovers in 39 minutes. <b>Josh Mballa</b> had 16 points and a MAC Tournament record 20 rebounds in 42 minutes. <b>LaQuill Hardnett</b> chipped in with 6 points and 3 rebounds in 27 minutes before fouling out with with 2:05 to go in OT, giving the Bulls 48 of their 81 points scored by players with dreads. For Akron Trimble had 9 points in 38 minutes, Tribble had 6 points and 3 assists in 25 minutes before fouling out with 1:29 left in OT, and <b>Camron Reece</b> had 4 points in 15 minutes. Buffalo lost the next night to Ohio in the MAC championship game and then a week later lost a heartbreaker to Colorado State in the 1st round of the NIT to finish at 16-9. <br /></p><p>.</p><p>.</p><p>Elsewhere .....</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqX4BOGYpGruH-P1fzd-XiwlNkSep38ukAMD04L04fD0yl89wtQize1z_kHdQ02XkNY4xvCDwueY0D200IrIw-y5yGd6Th06YucLKWRU_p6SV3z1R-F47IWkGtX9dSno-CSUwy_VFvcE/s990/CB21--DEC.+25--P2A++MICH-NEBR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="948" data-original-width="990" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqX4BOGYpGruH-P1fzd-XiwlNkSep38ukAMD04L04fD0yl89wtQize1z_kHdQ02XkNY4xvCDwueY0D200IrIw-y5yGd6Th06YucLKWRU_p6SV3z1R-F47IWkGtX9dSno-CSUwy_VFvcE/s320/CB21--DEC.+25--P2A++MICH-NEBR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9v5eCDStgGNmhMfA8Ld-xkNe4rdXoNu0nWc2l9QdSduRNj1TYS7YkqXC1_Qa3hlLKDq52Hdt9H0A8R19a52dsT2yM3eoLiUfm3p6GelJN3jZQPW4vYVfv7EEGugRuc-XmwWzmEQUMs4/s906/CB21--DEC.+17--P1++DOANE-NEBR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9v5eCDStgGNmhMfA8Ld-xkNe4rdXoNu0nWc2l9QdSduRNj1TYS7YkqXC1_Qa3hlLKDq52Hdt9H0A8R19a52dsT2yM3eoLiUfm3p6GelJN3jZQPW4vYVfv7EEGugRuc-XmwWzmEQUMs4/s320/CB21--DEC.+17--P1++DOANE-NEBR.jpg" /></a></div><p>64. We begin a very brief look at the dreads of a couple of players from overseas with a stop at Lincoln, Nebraska. <b>Yvan Ouedraogo</b>, 6-9, 245-pound sophomore from France, and his teammates spent Christmas Day on the court facing Michigan; and midway through the 2nd half Ouedraogo gets his only blocked shot of the game, rejecting F Terrance Williams (left photo). Yvan played a season high 30 minutes and finished with 6 points and 6 rebounds as the Cornhuskers lost to Michigan 80-69. A week earlier (right photo) Ouedraogo slams home Nebraska's final two of the night with 32 seconds to play against NAIA school Doane. The dunked capped his best game of the season as he finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds in 18 minutes in a 110-64 victory.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzdRIm9nv_xcRMHAZMUnBgGFgFmc1QSrI2zkBR6kkOkrQxyBMvZqKRJvhn92RqHvtML-MOS6lamvq-Rr8iHbzJ0hyUvykYpTZ_wRKf764ov8lAenV9pZaqx4iYgnTokqAIC-Yjjk3e04/s1613/CB21--FEB.+20--P1++PURD-NEBR.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1613" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzdRIm9nv_xcRMHAZMUnBgGFgFmc1QSrI2zkBR6kkOkrQxyBMvZqKRJvhn92RqHvtML-MOS6lamvq-Rr8iHbzJ0hyUvykYpTZ_wRKf764ov8lAenV9pZaqx4iYgnTokqAIC-Yjjk3e04/s320/CB21--FEB.+20--P1++PURD-NEBR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLzwSAVRiX-d0NsaxIQZK0amE2jOleo91ZcyTrG659IPpZ3_ww2DcUxjCme0au6oRLHB1RDi2oJWPOXkd-t5gLama0f4XdYeu-NIKhOGUVwZn54NX-jUhQERj3xsvueemIjhVQHfRfh4/s1440/CB21--FEB.+6--P9++NEBR-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLzwSAVRiX-d0NsaxIQZK0amE2jOleo91ZcyTrG659IPpZ3_ww2DcUxjCme0au6oRLHB1RDi2oJWPOXkd-t5gLama0f4XdYeu-NIKhOGUVwZn54NX-jUhQERj3xsvueemIjhVQHfRfh4/s320/CB21--FEB.+6--P9++NEBR-MICH+ST..jpg" /></a></div>65. Of course, <b>Yvan Ouedraogo</b> had his share of close encounters with some of the Big 10's other players with dreads. With his dreads reduced at Lincoln on Feb. 20 (left photo) he loses this encounter to 6-4 freshman G <b>Jaden Ivey</b> of Purdue. After driving the right baseline, Ivey goes up and draws contact from Ouedraogo then shoots in this shot off the glass with 1:53 remaining until halftime. Ivey completed the 3-point play to increase Purdue's lead to 38-27. Ivey, who at the end of the season was named to the Big 10 All-Freshman team, led the Boilermakers in this one with 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocked shots. Ouedraogo finished with 7 points and 8 rebounds in 20 minutes. Purdue won 75-58. Against Michigan State a couple of weeks earlier (Feb. 6, right photo) <b>Julius Marble</b>, after giving up a layup to Ouedraogo a minute and a half earlier, says "oh no, not this time" and is called for a foul trying to block his layup with 11:15 to play in the 2nd half ... a good idea, because Ouedraogo shoots less than 50% at the line for his career, and he missed both FT after this foul, keeping the Spartans' lead at 46-34 ..... <p></p><p>.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8Adr9XFbcgekhmH5m1FiEZlzK1AgGqNTERdB7Lo3i5WXXtEcz5OIGRhdmbwXsQ1JcemYCbSfMg8DavTLePvZFf6E4QRmCc3UbIUXCuYSAhCKdIVyOZ12p5Uk4yfQoqMKoGtTUdjW3JY/s1086/CB21--FEB.+6--P6B++NEBR-MICH+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1086" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8Adr9XFbcgekhmH5m1FiEZlzK1AgGqNTERdB7Lo3i5WXXtEcz5OIGRhdmbwXsQ1JcemYCbSfMg8DavTLePvZFf6E4QRmCc3UbIUXCuYSAhCKdIVyOZ12p5Uk4yfQoqMKoGtTUdjW3JY/s320/CB21--FEB.+6--P6B++NEBR-MICH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZUDbbxXrgfrKjP8wMbr1wg5XNBHSjIqkcxtOiQTUMbn4Hb7LhIQnifklMw_a9xHm0nytigJ6uiJdiGC-IdAJEY1EqwMu7F6Meprj-J5SCqT6CDuyI7-c4232NlhDlK7GlEKEz3C8FgQ/s1440/CB21--FEB.+6--P6++NEBR-MICH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZUDbbxXrgfrKjP8wMbr1wg5XNBHSjIqkcxtOiQTUMbn4Hb7LhIQnifklMw_a9xHm0nytigJ6uiJdiGC-IdAJEY1EqwMu7F6Meprj-J5SCqT6CDuyI7-c4232NlhDlK7GlEKEz3C8FgQ/s320/CB21--FEB.+6--P6++NEBR-MICH+ST..jpg" /></a><br /><p></p>66. ..... Earlier in the game <b>A.J. Hoggard</b>, after driving from the 3-point arc to the basket in one dribble, doesn't let Ouedraogo prevent him from finishing the play, as he hits the layup to give Michigan State a 9-4 lead. These were Hoggard's only 2 points of the game (he missed his other 4 shots), and he also had 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Ouedraogo finished with 4 points and 3 rebounds in 14 minutes. Nebraska fell to 0-6 in Big 10 play, losing at Michigan State 66-56. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLZzdcbeFA2txfE6lXCcQY9BuTHU3DZhgBYL9cES5XDZe8AsZFJ3wkDdef9O9wR6o4PBYFdJzj19MppDotLG-g6JKXSOTAYvvSTjx7QJfwZj4OHIotl5zFMvt030DMgoq-c7tUAI8heY/s1200/CB21--FEB.+12--P2A++ILL-NEBR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLZzdcbeFA2txfE6lXCcQY9BuTHU3DZhgBYL9cES5XDZe8AsZFJ3wkDdef9O9wR6o4PBYFdJzj19MppDotLG-g6JKXSOTAYvvSTjx7QJfwZj4OHIotl5zFMvt030DMgoq-c7tUAI8heY/s320/CB21--FEB.+12--P2A++ILL-NEBR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>67. With the Cornhuskers trailing Illinois by 3 midway through overtime on Feb. 12, <b>Yvan Ouedraogo</b> leaves the man he's covering (Kofi Cockburn) and tries to steal the ball from <b>Ayo Dosunmu</b> near midcourt, but Ayo ain't having that, keeping possession and keeping his dribble alive as well. 6 seconds later Ouedraogo fouled Cockburn under the basket. Cockburn made 1 of the 2 FT, the first points for the Illini in more than 10 minutes that weren't scored by Dosunmu. After Nebraska went on a 9-0 run to lead by 5 with 3:49 to play, Ayo scored his team's final 10 points of the 2nd half and the first 5 in OT, turning a 61-56 deficit into a 71-66 lead. With Dosunmu finishing with 31 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals in 43 minutes, Illinois, a 14-point favorite on the road, avoided the upset, winning 77-72. Ouedraogo played 11 minutes and had 1 point, 1 steal, and 3 fouls as the Huskers dropped to 0-9 in the Big 10. They finished in 14th place (yes, dead last) at 3-16 and at 7-20 overall.</p><p>In his 2019-20 freshman season Ouedraogo was a starter and averaged 5.7 points and 6.3 rebounds in 21 minutes and set the school record for most rebounds ever by a freshman. This season he was not a starter, and those averages dropped to 3.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 15 minutes ... and so, not surprisingly, Yvan has decided to transfer; and if everything goes according to plan, next season he'll be a prolific rebounder in the WAC while wearing the jersey of the Grand Canyon Antelopes. <br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZUBUrSp9iqpRHeXCfQ3Fu7Y9szXePlXRsJLjYn7YcMeLSUSotar3HD85eqSDRxJH2Db1cElZPCwmvpCvPVIvAdkDUreDL5ZOIDGSyrAamFP6HgJpQrO8ns-LhYhejndhIgBi4cBrRFs/s973/CB21--NOV.+25--P9++SAC+HEART-RUTG.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="701" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZUBUrSp9iqpRHeXCfQ3Fu7Y9szXePlXRsJLjYn7YcMeLSUSotar3HD85eqSDRxJH2Db1cElZPCwmvpCvPVIvAdkDUreDL5ZOIDGSyrAamFP6HgJpQrO8ns-LhYhejndhIgBi4cBrRFs/s320/CB21--NOV.+25--P9++SAC+HEART-RUTG.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBvHyvdqRj_KahVbORAZjQxZOO8YRUHlhNguG8XBq4IeE2o_QE96O9t4modnjXJchpaHLgnBkh0fNXL-uW-U-yGAQ-NB-aJSP74Q_Z0XoB1rS1MTJR9zsDLR4GqFtMy2Mzr2LtkyB3xw/s2048/CB21--NOV.+27--P26++FDU-RUTG.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBvHyvdqRj_KahVbORAZjQxZOO8YRUHlhNguG8XBq4IeE2o_QE96O9t4modnjXJchpaHLgnBkh0fNXL-uW-U-yGAQ-NB-aJSP74Q_Z0XoB1rS1MTJR9zsDLR4GqFtMy2Mzr2LtkyB3xw/s320/CB21--NOV.+27--P26++FDU-RUTG.jpg" width="320" /></a><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>68. Originally from Nigeria, <b>Cliff Omoruyi</b> didn't play basketball until he moved to New Jersey when he was in high school. But his late start in the sport didn't stop the 6-11, 240-pound center from becoming a highly-ranked recruit - so high, in fact, that it was surprising when he decided to stay home and play for Rutgers instead of signing with a more successful program. In the season opener on Nov. 25 Omoruyi knocks away a layup attempt by Sacred Heart F Kasparas Jonauskas (left photo) but is denied his 1st blocked shot in a Rutgers uniform because G Jacob Young is called for a blocking foul on the play with 5:40 remaining in the 1st half. Omoruyi debuted with a double-double, finishing with 14 points (6-6 FG) and 11 rebounds in 22 minutes as the Scarlet Knights rolled over Sacred Heart 86-63. Two nights later Omoruyi's dreads get full extension (right photo), although it's tough to see them in the arena's dark background, as he handles the ball against the defense of FDU F Pier-Olivier Racine late in the 1st half. Cliff had a tough act to follow in his 2nd game and settled for just 5 points and 4 rebounds as the Scarlet Knights defeated the Knights 96-75. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p>.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06T6LzwEGRv3tD6igfGb_c4XAk0oMSfWT8USUCnSqitF4UTiLBSZpDeYCDr2gIt0uEkjpkj9aDXPpzGuiSWyQXlmSG5yVpLQi4INtag6yqP0747rvvo4EfULamYuGlc9JC6WIPeD1BZM/s2048/CB21--DEC.+20--P2++ILL-RUTG.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06T6LzwEGRv3tD6igfGb_c4XAk0oMSfWT8USUCnSqitF4UTiLBSZpDeYCDr2gIt0uEkjpkj9aDXPpzGuiSWyQXlmSG5yVpLQi4INtag6yqP0747rvvo4EfULamYuGlc9JC6WIPeD1BZM/s320/CB21--DEC.+20--P2++ILL-RUTG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPWNl2-BI0wwOEuv6MbjFhyvc7aU097q0mKV5gIzSBxcuaD1lTuq_1D-cK6fjr_-9n_WdqcOQtMAAv8d6wSOWboDodjgU64yjFhRgDUbLfDpfEAv-UGOdbhgq8jOo3kcw3dcZ6G0mXsg/s2048/CB21--FEB.+4--P1++MINN-RUTG.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPWNl2-BI0wwOEuv6MbjFhyvc7aU097q0mKV5gIzSBxcuaD1lTuq_1D-cK6fjr_-9n_WdqcOQtMAAv8d6wSOWboDodjgU64yjFhRgDUbLfDpfEAv-UGOdbhgq8jOo3kcw3dcZ6G0mXsg/s320/CB21--FEB.+4--P1++MINN-RUTG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>69. On this play (photo above) in Rutgers' first Big 10 home game on Dec. 20 <b>Cliff Omoruyi</b> comes closer to getting a piece of Ayo Dosunmu's dreads than blocking his shot. Despite the presence of Omoruyi and G Paul Mulcahy, Dosunmu was able to hit the layup and increase Illinois' lead to 35-25 with 4:22 remaining in the 1st half. Ayo finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Omoruyi had 2 rebounds, 2 blocked shots, and 2 fouls in 10 minutes in the Scarlet Knights' 91-88 victory. Cliff played only 10 minutes because he suffered a knee injury early in the 2nd half (as a result of friendly fire) and ended up missing the next 5 games. When he returned in mid-January, he lost his place in the starting lineup and he no longer had his dreads completely loose. For the rest of the season they were either reduced or had a band around them, as they did on Feb. 4 (right photo) when he and Minnesota G Both Gach went to the floor in a battle for possession of the ball in the 1st half. Omoruyi scored 3 points in 12 minutes as Rutgers won at home over Minnesota 76-72. On a side note ... for the first month of the season Gach had his hair in baby dreads but then untwisted them just before Christmas and went back to normal hair for the rest of the season.</p><p>Not to be confused with and not related to Eugene Omoruyi, who played 3 seasons for Rutgers (2016-19) before transferring to and starring for Oregon this season, <b>Cliff Omoruyi</b> finished this season averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game and shot 63.2% from the field while playing 15 minutes per game. </p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26m27Bd89uJKazbWGkldWQjEC_97CfRVKwYAHldT2ZPe49dGco2YgX5ox7QXBhMDyy5vBTcYpfRKLeqxHPet6R-DI4YePaDaz8HlD0QYPYUzp285iUinXsx4KrM61qg0CA9dJm7lUOX0/s1247/CB21--DEC.+23--P1++SJ+ST.-UTAH+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26m27Bd89uJKazbWGkldWQjEC_97CfRVKwYAHldT2ZPe49dGco2YgX5ox7QXBhMDyy5vBTcYpfRKLeqxHPet6R-DI4YePaDaz8HlD0QYPYUzp285iUinXsx4KrM61qg0CA9dJm7lUOX0/s320/CB21--DEC.+23--P1++SJ+ST.-UTAH+ST..jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6GKcKww9BKvzm_cZ-hq5rYQeR88M3XYtSYAngSxO-q2ZjyYcnF4nT8mPerdR5Ew44LJOXVtRyXlkLezSLQ5zr8rNfpMa0Pt79siOn_vjpT4cuGcCF87gBFOXD9YEKtqa6ges1ZXZ2GI/s1500/CB21--JAN.+16--P7++SDSU-UTAH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6GKcKww9BKvzm_cZ-hq5rYQeR88M3XYtSYAngSxO-q2ZjyYcnF4nT8mPerdR5Ew44LJOXVtRyXlkLezSLQ5zr8rNfpMa0Pt79siOn_vjpT4cuGcCF87gBFOXD9YEKtqa6ges1ZXZ2GI/s320/CB21--JAN.+16--P7++SDSU-UTAH+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>70. Born and raised in Portugal, 7-0, 245-pound C <b>Neemias</b> <b>Queta</b> has starred for Utah State the last three seasons, making the MWC all-defensive team all three years ..... and the reason he has is that he's great at blocking shots. In those three seasons Queta has already set the school record for most most blocked shots in a career with 219. He gets these two before the ball even has a chance to get out of the shooters' hands. Queta had himself a block party in Utah State's back-to-back slaughters of San Jose State (Dec. 21 and 23), getting 12 (6 in both games) in just 35 minutes on the court. He emphatically stops the driving dunk attempt by G Sebastian Mendoza (left photo) early in the 2nd half on Dec. 23 and gets the rebound too. Neemias also had 9 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists in an 85-52 victory. The Aggies won the game two nights earlier 107-62. Picking on someone his own size on Jan. 16 (right photo), Queta denies 6-9 F Joshua Tomaic of San Diego State at the rim with 12:15 remaining in the 1st half, keeping USU's lead at 14-6. It was the 2nd of his 5 blocked shots, and he added 10 points and 10 rebounds as the Aggies beat the Aztecs for the second game in a row 64-59. <p></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13VuTANi4VNVu-_1Asdfv4EzyorbDyIfSgNeCE3FtuhQGexqgteI2YP2QMq78vbJ9Q_mxVkZ-RnJz5CUP7ktvE3I-zmdekxOaHHvvXOMrVs93ErC6jAzdckOgFGVHpyFaa0kx2xFpa6c/s2048/CB21--FEB.+17--P1A++UTAH+ST.-BOISE+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi13VuTANi4VNVu-_1Asdfv4EzyorbDyIfSgNeCE3FtuhQGexqgteI2YP2QMq78vbJ9Q_mxVkZ-RnJz5CUP7ktvE3I-zmdekxOaHHvvXOMrVs93ErC6jAzdckOgFGVHpyFaa0kx2xFpa6c/s320/CB21--FEB.+17--P1A++UTAH+ST.-BOISE+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TQO6_hyLnwDIJxNMBaGz4A5zNN57XpIra7A6bcKIM5EZ3ppnOPL5NdjrEZFDDFy3xVpYZrMSKG4ExpiKd97ecTLRxgRoE0LLLXev1djm1ljEH9FO5k8UMyHGkD3bWAGb25bKu03fX7Q/s1968/CB21--DEC.+5--P2++BYU-UTAH+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1968" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TQO6_hyLnwDIJxNMBaGz4A5zNN57XpIra7A6bcKIM5EZ3ppnOPL5NdjrEZFDDFy3xVpYZrMSKG4ExpiKd97ecTLRxgRoE0LLLXev1djm1ljEH9FO5k8UMyHGkD3bWAGb25bKu03fX7Q/s320/CB21--DEC.+5--P2++BYU-UTAH+ST..jpg" /></a></div><p>71. Not surprising for someone his size, <b>Neemias Queta</b> is pretty good at dunking too. After his right handed slam against BYU on Dec. 5 (right photo) Queta hangs on the rim (and avoids getting a technical foul) with 7:02 to play in the 2nd half. The dunk brought USU to within 57-52. From there the Aggies three times tied the game but could never get the lead. Queta finished with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals - but no blocked shots - in BYU's 67-64 road win. Neemias uses two hands (left photo) on the first of his 4 dunks at Boise State on Feb. 17, bringing Utah State to within 20-17 midway through the 1st half. He finished with a career high 32 points and had 10 rebounds, but the Aggies lost 79-70, the first of two losses back-to-back to Boise State that ended up costing the Aggies the MWC regular season championship. For the season Queta averaged career highs in points (14.9 per game), rebounds (10.1) and blocked shots (3.3) and was named MWC defensive player of the year. The 3.3 blocks were 3rd best in the nation. Neemias will not be adding to his school record for blocked shots next season because (hopefully) these dreads will be coming to an NBA arena near you. </p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80_OEkhEhN71PRRfHQlJknWXINid6OZM0Sy8UOYVFf7FYH24INzaxFn3Q8qx9FQFIbhFDfPbqXYaAS5Y1JZZGNSGkwUY2RuATY4Tausi-vaIdJCTxbUrhVUDmTEUuKp17im-U9uohm7U/s768/CB21--NOV.+27--P18++UTPB-UTSA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80_OEkhEhN71PRRfHQlJknWXINid6OZM0Sy8UOYVFf7FYH24INzaxFn3Q8qx9FQFIbhFDfPbqXYaAS5Y1JZZGNSGkwUY2RuATY4Tausi-vaIdJCTxbUrhVUDmTEUuKp17im-U9uohm7U/s320/CB21--NOV.+27--P18++UTPB-UTSA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0hLCH2pIpjT6kuu1F0ETvW_Z9mO7nj9ocQl0mLYEBbA1q-W0spRBl1lkSqKtNeeDoFcG57GVMSEAq8LO_OPgLZ0zEnLCCnQaqgBZJ3x2V_6LmKxNcOuCw0AMBek8yy1Hb-t78h11HZE/s800/CB21--NOV.+27--P22++UTPB-UTSA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0hLCH2pIpjT6kuu1F0ETvW_Z9mO7nj9ocQl0mLYEBbA1q-W0spRBl1lkSqKtNeeDoFcG57GVMSEAq8LO_OPgLZ0zEnLCCnQaqgBZJ3x2V_6LmKxNcOuCw0AMBek8yy1Hb-t78h11HZE/s320/CB21--NOV.+27--P22++UTPB-UTSA.jpg" /></a></div>72. After seeing his average minutes played per game drop from 18 during his freshman season for the Houston Cougars in 2019 to 9 last season, 6-6 F <b>Cedrick Alley</b> headed west - about 200 miles or so - transferring to UTSA (with the SA standing for San Antonio) in hopes of getting more playing time. Unfortunately UTSA fans were not able to get a look at Alley's awesome dreads at their best, as he kept them reduced all season. Here are a couple of shots of Alley on offense in his first game in a UTSA uniform on Nov. 27. Not wasting any time, Cedrick took a career high 11 shots in 25 minutes but made only 3 of them, finishing with 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in a 97-71 romp over UT-Permian Basin. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJk69rijtXWH2744lFN5GQwc-7u9odjZS2UEAaCeq6wi6ZAytkMG2vkA02W_ShlX9dfBgEf_bpbOhtLOnhGivuUHdsE1eH1ID-oVwf794QtSsznzN3XEgxLc0oP9PUdiIPOl-np2xw9Q/s2048/CB21--DEC.+16--P4++UTSA-OREG+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJk69rijtXWH2744lFN5GQwc-7u9odjZS2UEAaCeq6wi6ZAytkMG2vkA02W_ShlX9dfBgEf_bpbOhtLOnhGivuUHdsE1eH1ID-oVwf794QtSsznzN3XEgxLc0oP9PUdiIPOl-np2xw9Q/s320/CB21--DEC.+16--P4++UTSA-OREG+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NFMFM2cI-DumlEb2L3GkNfHD38Xg446nuJBPwrIPOMo3Uhjol-e_z-UIt5cNvr2zjJBWbdV_ugWqMyqD3ES1RKMVXI4XmdpvjBIhOKWlPbaw-TsCx_dWK5eq9x75OlQE7Orfofsy-Jo/s2048/CB21--DEC.+16--P6++UTSA-OREG+ST..jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NFMFM2cI-DumlEb2L3GkNfHD38Xg446nuJBPwrIPOMo3Uhjol-e_z-UIt5cNvr2zjJBWbdV_ugWqMyqD3ES1RKMVXI4XmdpvjBIhOKWlPbaw-TsCx_dWK5eq9x75OlQE7Orfofsy-Jo/s320/CB21--DEC.+16--P6++UTSA-OREG+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>73. In what was arguably his best performance of the season <b>Cedrick Alley</b> defends against Oregon State's star G Ethan Thompson on Dec. 16 at Corvalis. According to the captions the photo above is from the 1st half, and the photo on the right is Alley going up to swat away Thompson's shot in the middle of the lane with 8:42 to play in the 2nd half and the game tied at 46. From there UTSA moved out to a 51-46 lead; but it was short lived as Oregon State came back to win 73-61, with Thompson scoring 9 of his 22 points in the final 7 minutes. But in a game his team lost by 12 Alley was a +10, finishing with 14 points (1 less than his season high), 5 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots in 24 minutes.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiit1dn-Lpt9kcCc_LiCHHFUcw-skVKm_-WOK02pxIbZKBvfxz-Ossz9Ep3fUJd1nrSZMcwbq3fS_WE1Nlg6L4SXBYRvWwIp9YVPx6OCtehfvR5ysaIOGAEbkCbBXlhb0VfNVvQWggdnNs/s850/CB21--DEC.+22--P5A++LAM-UTSA.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="567" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiit1dn-Lpt9kcCc_LiCHHFUcw-skVKm_-WOK02pxIbZKBvfxz-Ossz9Ep3fUJd1nrSZMcwbq3fS_WE1Nlg6L4SXBYRvWwIp9YVPx6OCtehfvR5ysaIOGAEbkCbBXlhb0VfNVvQWggdnNs/s320/CB21--DEC.+22--P5A++LAM-UTSA.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJbRecoZ37dnbOob6O1HxxDmv_e4PA_b9-dm3oOpKeR3KYvU2JByCiR99F10F3aiNCh1QKBASaAsvjfmrUNz3JPzc0W6WnO-0nqJsxRELE8be9jWayiuXn7PibI9icix3Khtaho-0mJk/s2048/CB20--NOV.+15--P13++BYU-HOU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJbRecoZ37dnbOob6O1HxxDmv_e4PA_b9-dm3oOpKeR3KYvU2JByCiR99F10F3aiNCh1QKBASaAsvjfmrUNz3JPzc0W6WnO-0nqJsxRELE8be9jWayiuXn7PibI9icix3Khtaho-0mJk/s320/CB20--NOV.+15--P13++BYU-HOU.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>74. According to the shot chart included in the game book for UTSA's game against Lamar on Dec. 22 <b>Cedrick Alley</b> did not have any FG attempts from the right side of the basket (left photo); but it does show he was fouled by G Anderson Kopp with 18:12 remaining in the 1st half; so my guess is this is a shot of Alley going up to shoot after he was fouled even though the shot wasn't going to count. Cedrick finished the evening with 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 17 minutes as the Roadrunners won their final game of 2020, improving to 4-3 with an 88-66 home win over Lamar. The photo on the right is just a friendly reminder of how awesome Alley's dreads looked before he decided to keep them reduced, from early in his sophomore season as he tries to drive past BYU F Dalton Nixon midway through the 2nd half of Houston's 72-71 home loss in the battle of the Cougars on Nov. 15, 2019. Cedrick still has another season to go at UTSA, so maybe, hopefully for at least a couple of games he'll let his dreads loose. This season he played 21 minutes per game and averaged career highs with 6.3 points and 4.4 rebounds.<p></p><p>Alley was not the best player with dreads on the UTSA roster .....</p><p>.<br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrizPrd1npGDyQupuv0ylUGW01vHq7nrY3qQc5kpY4rr4sx5o-I0CJlHv6yXA0p2wlj2RGKbpz-ionzN6jLNc58CDuxGo0ZtmxqXEPj1y_OSfC7lLfuin7FRbO3fMTBPWS9L-6UFD1Sc/s2048/CB21--DEC.+16--P5++UTSA-OREG+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrizPrd1npGDyQupuv0ylUGW01vHq7nrY3qQc5kpY4rr4sx5o-I0CJlHv6yXA0p2wlj2RGKbpz-ionzN6jLNc58CDuxGo0ZtmxqXEPj1y_OSfC7lLfuin7FRbO3fMTBPWS9L-6UFD1Sc/s320/CB21--DEC.+16--P5++UTSA-OREG+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHg0C40lHmO-Ry81JWd12iKPm690I2-0q3XWttOtmdZyu6j5pSnANaUpnjBT69pZLvMok83delsYx3ectUvc9f4-MWD6OS7I2Stm2kCM6Vnfrr704ypCwWzgO9FArcRF0naITVxaYRYg/s850/CB21--NOV.+27--P27++UTPB-UTSA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="567" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHg0C40lHmO-Ry81JWd12iKPm690I2-0q3XWttOtmdZyu6j5pSnANaUpnjBT69pZLvMok83delsYx3ectUvc9f4-MWD6OS7I2Stm2kCM6Vnfrr704ypCwWzgO9FArcRF0naITVxaYRYg/s320/CB21--NOV.+27--P27++UTPB-UTSA.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">75. ..... That honor still belonged to 6-4, 195-pound senior G <b>Keaton Wallace</b>, the Roadrunners' best player with dreads ever ... so far. After averaging double figures in points for the 4th straight season, Wallace moved into 2nd place on the school's all-time scoring list. With Alley looking on, Wallace here plays a little defense on Dec. 16 (left photo), as he and C Jacob Germany try to stop Ethan Thompson in front of the basket. My guess is they failed, as this is probably a shot of Thompson hitting a layup and being fouled by Wallace with 2:19 to play in the 1st half. While Alley did well, Wallace had his worst game of the season, shooting 1 for 11 from the field and finishing with a season low 5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 turnovers, and 5 fouls in 27 minutes. Although he also usually had his dreads reduced, there were some games where he had them flowing at full blast, including the opener on Nov. 27 (right photo). Keaton finished with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in the 26-point victory over Division 2 team UT-Permian Basin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But even at full blast, Keaton's dreads ain't what they used to be. Unless I'm seeing things, they appear to be no longer than they were when he was a freshman 3 years ago, so at some point he got them cut a little shorter. Wallace averaged just 16.8 PPG this season, down from 18.8 as a junior and 20.2 as a sophomore; but he did have career high averages in rebounds (5.5) and assists (3.4) in 2021. With the NCAA offering everybody an extra year of eligibility (due to the pandemic), it'll be interesting to see if Wallace comes back for a second senior year or if he's going to get his pro career started. <br /></div><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9nfMMg63c3_5L-jqda1l2rt1fEIHGZvEi9Sfg6nerPdiOILl3Bv-bMigUia2tSWu24NrlGJ-e6mKVjJatMJlKYeuFrtRk641Ce8EYgQAdtC4RdkZGYbmJmLYE9rjrjaP5RoF_zw7X1E/s800/CB21--DEC.+23--P4++BYU-WEBER+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9nfMMg63c3_5L-jqda1l2rt1fEIHGZvEi9Sfg6nerPdiOILl3Bv-bMigUia2tSWu24NrlGJ-e6mKVjJatMJlKYeuFrtRk641Ce8EYgQAdtC4RdkZGYbmJmLYE9rjrjaP5RoF_zw7X1E/s320/CB21--DEC.+23--P4++BYU-WEBER+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDej_PGP3E4z1pwWalaJN3Bgm5K4874kRKH0aFvJlVavukIB4FUAJOZdl_CKZgudw8Vghw3iL1GY5ksiBGfJIsZdh_71uNpBjeDbZ4yA-DTbUeWiSy5wAThdY9RBMjOryes-oywSfUp8/s1233/CB21--FEB.+8--P1++GONZ-BYU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDej_PGP3E4z1pwWalaJN3Bgm5K4874kRKH0aFvJlVavukIB4FUAJOZdl_CKZgudw8Vghw3iL1GY5ksiBGfJIsZdh_71uNpBjeDbZ4yA-DTbUeWiSy5wAThdY9RBMjOryes-oywSfUp8/s320/CB21--FEB.+8--P1++GONZ-BYU.jpg" /></a></div>76. Historically BYU has seriously frowned on the idea of men having long hair. So I was kind of surprised when I found out that <b>Brandon Averette</b> had transferred there ... and even more surprised when I found they let him keep his dreads. Maybe history is changing. As many players with dreads as Oklahoma State has, they could have had one more had Averette decided to stay there. But after playing two seasons with the Cowboys, he played his junior season for Utah Valley and then transferred again, making the short, 8-minute trip from UVU to BYU for this season. But even though BYU let him keep his dreads, it wouldn't surprise me if they 'highly recommended' he tone them down. I mean, for every game this season he had them rubber banded into a bun, which he certainly never did at either of his two prior schools. Even so, I guess stifled dreads are better than no dreads at all. Two nights before Christmas Averette was on the floor - literally - of the NBA's Utah Jazz (left photo), battling for possession against Weber State F Dillon Jones. Brandon had 13 points, 5 rebounds, a season high 7 assists, and a season high 3 steals as BYU won 87-79. With several, not just one, bands keeping his dreads in place, Averette dribbles along the baseline against Gonzaga F Cory Kispert (right photo) on Feb. 8. Averette had 14 points and 6 assists, but the Cougars were no match for the #1 ranked Bulldogs, losing at home 82-71. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12CfUo3fWFShhSWdNrHRA6SLuioeNbk0U0A6ykLNZFVYQyOVk8iyHelr6O91IxMvk15tpPuOOZFsKiGcN9s6crp9DgiQ9-kX9bsJWJfxfBIyemchIz9ilxSkTMtgaFX8vqTNKooJ3RZU/s2048/CB21--MAR.+9--P1++BYU-GONZ.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1900" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12CfUo3fWFShhSWdNrHRA6SLuioeNbk0U0A6ykLNZFVYQyOVk8iyHelr6O91IxMvk15tpPuOOZFsKiGcN9s6crp9DgiQ9-kX9bsJWJfxfBIyemchIz9ilxSkTMtgaFX8vqTNKooJ3RZU/s320/CB21--MAR.+9--P1++BYU-GONZ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDlcAgpBT8hrKaHmE20GJLHZfvMfI-7Kl3zgM1y2IkLjqshoYDvm6ypKqgVgmA4z8U_0ySNvaJbnVBUHeEvao-9QWfljsxDa7rM86NODzvG6GGw1yePP5pVMCvMcPyTENLTvwTWcyGU4/s1218/CB21--MAR.+9--P2++BYU-GONZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDlcAgpBT8hrKaHmE20GJLHZfvMfI-7Kl3zgM1y2IkLjqshoYDvm6ypKqgVgmA4z8U_0ySNvaJbnVBUHeEvao-9QWfljsxDa7rM86NODzvG6GGw1yePP5pVMCvMcPyTENLTvwTWcyGU4/s320/CB21--MAR.+9--P2++BYU-GONZ.jpg" /></a></div><p>77. BYU contributed 3 times to Gonzaga's victory total of 31 (which certainly is no disgrace), the third of those coming in the championship game of the WCC Tournament at Las Vegas on Mar. 9. <b>Brandon</b> <b>Averette</b> drives and hits an uncontested layup (left photo) to give the Cougars a 33-21 lead with 8:32 remaining in the 1st half. Brandon was 4 for 5 from the field before halftime, helping the Cougars shoot 68% in the 1st half ... but things didn't go so well after that. With 6:00 to play in the 2nd half Averette drives to the basket (right photo) and has his layup swatted out of bounds by G Jalen Suggs, keeping Gonzaga's lead at 71-68. Brandon finished with 11 points and 4 assists in 30 minutes; but after leading by as many as 14 points late in the 1st half, BYU turned into a pumpkin in the 2nd half and lost 88-78. </p><p>In the Cougars' next game Averette got a chance to play in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since he was a freshman, but BYU lost that game to UCLA 73-62. After starting only 7 times in his two seasons for Oklahoma State, Averette started all 30 games for Utah Valley in 2019-2020 and all 27 for BYU this season. In 2020-21 he averaged 11.7 PPG (down from 12.8 last season) and a career high 3.7 assists. Brandon decided not to take the NCAA up on its offer of another season of eligibilty, choosing instead to begin his pro (minor league) career.<br /></p><p>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquuqlMHWfxA5SlfOPdbfOJfnCglF15aMeGRM0qZ2d2p3sbboLYmCyQAyad_TCzkALMY4_kCc1-qmETdQbT39Vip5qVo3ni-MnwOFpDeLjXlxojJy_OLOq-PhEIZNOn6msq8byWruuTDE/s1438/CB21--JAN.+21--P1++S.UTAH-WEBER+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQl_1aO9u1orOTc7v-0c8HdJGVH3BvpJy9e3WmrrtQTGj3RSqRMFAoNrlRINlzWQMSoQcSReOg3BKRi5l8ZXprs_yNiYWcS65AQX7Ul3EagVCsW_MH7YycEju1Lt9NPIPvfbL_3T2kz8/s2000/CB21--DEC.+13--P1++WEBER+ST.-BOISE+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQl_1aO9u1orOTc7v-0c8HdJGVH3BvpJy9e3WmrrtQTGj3RSqRMFAoNrlRINlzWQMSoQcSReOg3BKRi5l8ZXprs_yNiYWcS65AQX7Ul3EagVCsW_MH7YycEju1Lt9NPIPvfbL_3T2kz8/s320/CB21--DEC.+13--P1++WEBER+ST.-BOISE+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a2RXehbQHO3WiEHFSPdj29czeuaKkXH0PeaI5M50bhU5D3MNImgqyM2_5GmbBPxRZm0yFHrrfc-wljQC4DkpRBOzekqA9vGiObi8zFaYwq43bqYHhPgujJT61gT-yKTcOdN961pKAAA/s1438/CB21--JAN.+21--P1++S.UTAH-WEBER+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6a2RXehbQHO3WiEHFSPdj29czeuaKkXH0PeaI5M50bhU5D3MNImgqyM2_5GmbBPxRZm0yFHrrfc-wljQC4DkpRBOzekqA9vGiObi8zFaYwq43bqYHhPgujJT61gT-yKTcOdN961pKAAA/s320/CB21--JAN.+21--P1++S.UTAH-WEBER+ST..jpg" /></a></div>78. Staying in Utah ..... to find the longest dreads on any of the state's 6 Division 1 teams you needed to visit Ogden, about a half hour north of Salt Lake City. After playing three seasons in the SEC for Florida and averaging less than 3 PPG in all three, <b>Dontay Bassett</b> sought his greener pastures at Weber State, the same school that brought you the great Damian Lillard. Like Lillard, Bassett is a native of Oakland ... and that's where the similarities end. While Lillard is a guard, Bassett is a 6-9, 245-pounder; and, of course, he's nowhere near the player Lillard is. In his first game with the Wildcats (left photo) on Dec. 13 Bassett operates in the low post with just under 4 minutes to play in the 1st half, looking to score against Boise State F Abu Kigab. Dontay ended up taking and missing a fadeaway jump hook in the lane, keeping Boise State's lead at 29-24. He played 12 minutes, didn't score (0-3 FG) and had 1 rebound as the Wildcats lost 70-59. Against Southern Utah on Jan. 21 (right photo) Bassett turns and gets past F Maizen Fausett on his way to the basket early in the game. He ended up hitting a reverse layup while being fouled by Fausett, making the FT to give Weber State a 6-0 lead. Dontay played only 12 minutes; but he sure made them count, finishing with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and a season high 4 blocked shots before fouling out (on a technical foul he somehow got between shooting his first and second free throws on a trip to the line with 5:10 left in the game) in the Wildcats' easy 91-67 win. <br /><p></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtoT9LbOLE8t9LROtlAlzN5HXryTCPZ8XdSepKly4JiMqUBRiaK-vnddnZjqTBJJBSHEGNKP3UzJoSCqJVclV5cExe6wLcMdq9XXazmdd6VitFC8-NxWjbWV9zExPWmp5kPumI9SPVbo/s1440/CB21--FEB.+6--P2++MONT+ST.-WEBER+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="961" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtoT9LbOLE8t9LROtlAlzN5HXryTCPZ8XdSepKly4JiMqUBRiaK-vnddnZjqTBJJBSHEGNKP3UzJoSCqJVclV5cExe6wLcMdq9XXazmdd6VitFC8-NxWjbWV9zExPWmp5kPumI9SPVbo/s320/CB21--FEB.+6--P2++MONT+ST.-WEBER+ST..jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh704hKYZf7z6OqYVGXnIBpQSqF0YuzyrTDX1IyEY5DTMaHXLRnsSEvDFjwjF3UMEQ_UWjGFVu6sdXoTZrePKa_ggCo3uQeTJrzBUJrx54XpdV3LOYv9MrC8ucCTYWNPLPqpE4zdvbtiL8/s929/CB21--FEB.+6--P3++MONT+ST.-WEBER+ST..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="929" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh704hKYZf7z6OqYVGXnIBpQSqF0YuzyrTDX1IyEY5DTMaHXLRnsSEvDFjwjF3UMEQ_UWjGFVu6sdXoTZrePKa_ggCo3uQeTJrzBUJrx54XpdV3LOYv9MrC8ucCTYWNPLPqpE4zdvbtiL8/s320/CB21--FEB.+6--P3++MONT+ST.-WEBER+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p>79. <b>Dontay Bassett</b> scored in double figures 9 times this season - or 7 times more than he did in his three years at Florida - including a career high 17 points twice, coming in back-to-back home games against Montana State on Feb. 4 and 6. In the Feb. 6 game Bassett had these close encounters with 6-9 junior F<b> Jubrile Belo</b>. Bassett gives the follow-through pose (right photo) as he and Belo watch his shot from the corner go through the basket. The caption says that this was a 3-pointer, but Bassett made only one 3-pt. FG and this wasn't it. Most likely this is one of the two jump shots he hits in the 2nd half. Also likely the left photo is a shot of Bassett fouling Belo just before Belo's dunk that gave Montana State a 62-59 lead with 5:56 to play. Dontay had 2 blocked shots in the game, but neither came on an attempt by Belo. Belo also had 2 blocked shots, along with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and (ouch) 5 turnovers. Bassett finished with 17 points (5-8 FG) and 5 rebounds in a season high 35 minutes. Montana State came to Ogden with a shiny 6-0 record in the Big Sky. They left 6-2 and tied with Weber State after the Wildcats' 96-88 (Feb. 4) and 82-74 (Feb. 6) wins. </p><p>After finishing tied for 2nd in the Big Sky, the Wildcats' season ended (at 17-6) with their upset loss to 6th seeded Montana in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament. After career high averages of 8.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 19.8 minutes per game, Bassett decided he would take up the NCAA's offer of another year of eligibility and will be back for a second senior season with the Wildcats. <br /></p><p>.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Without <b>Dontay Bassett</b> around anymore, the title of the Florida Gators player with the longest dreads this season was held by <b>Anthony Duruji</b>. After two good but not great seasons playing for Louisiana Tech, the 6-7, 220-pound Duruji nevertheless decided he was ready for tougher competition than Conference USA can provide; and so he transferred to Florida, where he proved to be an important role player and was in the Gators' starting lineup for 17 of their 25 games. A better athlete than a basketball player, Duruji is no stranger to slam dunks; and after noticing that photo galleries of the Gators' game at Kentucky on Feb. 27 included several shots of him dunking, I knew they all couldn't be the same dunk. Well, it turned out that Anthony had himself a regular dunk fest that afternoon at Rupp Arena. His 4 dunks during a 12-minute span of the 1st half sparked the Gators and kept Kentucky from pulling too far ahead. Eventually the Gators won, getting a little payback for the 18-point whipping the Wildcats put on them in Gainesville 7 weeks earlier ..... But Duruji wasn't the only player with dreads on court that day ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7TWWXTPHan2K25pVifmligSkcObIgnzc2tSPLKwGiXUCPhVayZEFQMYiY9r9MewW6dluiYmS5NDpouNpF8DGDZXOc-_lFTkb-q8rQEJqHKDar9T-wEecWdD2Nc58ttLXIHQCtGlOGLA/s1440/CB21--FEB.+27--P21++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="973" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7TWWXTPHan2K25pVifmligSkcObIgnzc2tSPLKwGiXUCPhVayZEFQMYiY9r9MewW6dluiYmS5NDpouNpF8DGDZXOc-_lFTkb-q8rQEJqHKDar9T-wEecWdD2Nc58ttLXIHQCtGlOGLA/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P21++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div>80. On his first touch of the late afternoon and on the Gators' first possession of the game <b>Anthony Duruji</b> has no intention of settling for a 15-foot jumper. Instead he dribbles right into the lane; but with his path to the basket blocked, he stops and turns and shoots a jump hook from the middle of the lane, only to have it rejected by ..... the player with the longest dreads to ever wear a Kentucky uniform - in the person of 6-10, 206-pound freshman F <b>Isaiah Jackson</b>. But it was a case of all's well that ends well for Florida, because almost immediately after Kentucky got the rebound, Duruji stole the ball (knocking it away from G Riley Welch from behind) and the Gators took the lead on their second possession, with Duruji picking up his 1st assist of the game. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrr2rEaqUJr77MVQTeUzv5R9JC3cAutfIjea9EmoygGokOzE0y3ecF-PZc2jlFyH0m6enMrJFWLFpm0JVCMMLO_E9bDEHut3YqNcbnpjSeHGuByyr2XqBBkEqrE_cZW5oUPuQksXd80Os/s1024/CB21--FEB.+27--P28++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrr2rEaqUJr77MVQTeUzv5R9JC3cAutfIjea9EmoygGokOzE0y3ecF-PZc2jlFyH0m6enMrJFWLFpm0JVCMMLO_E9bDEHut3YqNcbnpjSeHGuByyr2XqBBkEqrE_cZW5oUPuQksXd80Os/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P28++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div>81. Wearing shoes of a different color,<b> Isaiah Jackson</b> gets credit for his 1st rebound and first 2 points of the game, going up a just little higher than <b>Anthony Duruji</b> to tip in a missed reverse layup by G Brandon Boston. Of course, he wouldn't have gotten credit for either if the officials had called him for basket interference. Quite clearly the ball was in the cylinder above the rim when he touched it, but there was no whistle. Jackson's only 2 points of the 1st half cut Florida's lead to 5-4. <br /><p></p><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8w-nHiybCxswsvbZ137282xPVPrq6v3xjDbM83JikOuRfJjyEJnzqG7Lk5bzdrh-R0jGbxpmYwTQ8c7fRvzrkab4wquoKQpclHS77SvBatLubcjk98T5yskEA_KArKwaXO-WotUltT8/s1024/CB21--FEB.+27--P29++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8w-nHiybCxswsvbZ137282xPVPrq6v3xjDbM83JikOuRfJjyEJnzqG7Lk5bzdrh-R0jGbxpmYwTQ8c7fRvzrkab4wquoKQpclHS77SvBatLubcjk98T5yskEA_KArKwaXO-WotUltT8/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P29++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div>82. In transition offense following a Florida turnover<b> Isaiah Jackson</b> finds himself guarded by 6-1 junior G <b>Tyree Appleby</b> in the low post; but the pass to him from G Devin Askew is underthrown, allowing Appleby to jump up and knock it away (to a teammate) and get credit for the steal, keeping Kentucky's lead at 10-5 with 16:25 remaining in the 1st half. More than once during the season Appleby changed his hair back and forth between dreads and a midsize afro; so he hasn't officially been welcomed to the house yet. We'll see about next season. <br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2NaK-zd4haPUHCNAQPkH92KmKfB4QNKhrL5x6ksOTul1QGfnCDwWfe02lwuAyf-pV1HM6nND1zyeMr4pePfDlKWgMoA0kHQXimNNwqGeaz0jaIVhAyK9nxuShoG9JKzy0r_JDCCLnGo/s1920/CB21--FEB.+27--P16++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2NaK-zd4haPUHCNAQPkH92KmKfB4QNKhrL5x6ksOTul1QGfnCDwWfe02lwuAyf-pV1HM6nND1zyeMr4pePfDlKWgMoA0kHQXimNNwqGeaz0jaIVhAyK9nxuShoG9JKzy0r_JDCCLnGo/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P16++FLOR-KENT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>83. After catching an alley-oop pass <i>off the glass</i> from <b>Tyree Appleby</b> on a fast break, <b>Anthony</b> <b>Duruji</b> prepares to throw down the first of his slam dunks, cutting Kentucky's lead to 13-10 with 14:38 to play until halftime. Definitely a highlight reel play, but play continued without a break for several more possession after it, and by the time there finally was a break at 12:18 it was pretty much forgotten. I don't think CBS ever showed a replay of it. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhet1luv134oPwR2NMnsafSxZDekKE-ytGpCXPhbwyWP7T07XoaGHmA6RzszTiObIEv8pBkxbrF_tAIVKvbWyyOlex5nxGhrqwqsWq6fc-4Mw8kifHErnqhnqNa2Byp-GUrI6vAdy6DwBM/s1500/CB21--FEB.+27--P26++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhet1luv134oPwR2NMnsafSxZDekKE-ytGpCXPhbwyWP7T07XoaGHmA6RzszTiObIEv8pBkxbrF_tAIVKvbWyyOlex5nxGhrqwqsWq6fc-4Mw8kifHErnqhnqNa2Byp-GUrI6vAdy6DwBM/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P26++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div>84. After driving from 3-point range and coming to a jump stop on the left block,<b> Anthony Duruji</b> goes up but can't hit this shot off the glass challenged by F Keion Brooks, keeping Kentucky's lead at 20-14 with 11:55 to go until halftime. In the 1st half Duruji was 4 for 5 on dunk attempts and 1 for 3 on shots that weren't dunks.<br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTFJjDU3biTdOfW3KP3brHG3bwvPyhJhpjuJKRklliTUus98YOO646Kg1JPjeguBmng9B_tNUlOGtM5Oj0myUQ3-i3zzCTvV68qR7-77RGr6oT894VtwbcqmC_KTrYmlfIwdoAki1VSk/s1920/CB21--FEB.+27--P19++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTFJjDU3biTdOfW3KP3brHG3bwvPyhJhpjuJKRklliTUus98YOO646Kg1JPjeguBmng9B_tNUlOGtM5Oj0myUQ3-i3zzCTvV68qR7-77RGr6oT894VtwbcqmC_KTrYmlfIwdoAki1VSk/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P19++FLOR-KENT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAWlDenWt_fD0_ipfs-kqtLS4XBKROhGEFzkihr0_7QFXcp3urR4VhWs9rdBugZwbEHhWilCAaOxwddKmiCcjFrgszts1NrZg0F1yf5F9VE4tJnFFmOnFHB6Z1mCfKeIVzALJRIhQ1wE/s1600/CB21--FEB.+27--P19CC++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAWlDenWt_fD0_ipfs-kqtLS4XBKROhGEFzkihr0_7QFXcp3urR4VhWs9rdBugZwbEHhWilCAaOxwddKmiCcjFrgszts1NrZg0F1yf5F9VE4tJnFFmOnFHB6Z1mCfKeIVzALJRIhQ1wE/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P19CC++FLOR-KENT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>85. This time Keion Brooks can't do anything to make <b>Anthony Duruji </b>miss. After getting past Brooks at the free throw line, Anthony lifts off in the middle of the lane, soars to the rim, and slams home his 3rd dunk of the half. That brought the Gators to within 3 at 31-28. Having an excellent view of the dunk are G <b>Davion Mintz</b> (under the basket), whom I welcomed to the house after he debuted his dreads early in the season in mid-December, and G <b>Brandon Boston</b> (#3), whom I'm still deciding whether or not to welcome after he had his dreads done with the two-strand twist for roughly the final two months of the season.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbxXcWlx6A00s6k_eDZb_Rq7mY7th6CQ_NPaniogvjztynP_GlisTzMIMM0hvtKrAwoQ9SsmqaB3vTac1DejSDWpIDIAciqu-lP8KkmY_2sSfKEF2ShoIJ6-H4XTkjskazRIz2bf1cBM/s1024/CB21--FEB.+27--P20A++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="734" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbxXcWlx6A00s6k_eDZb_Rq7mY7th6CQ_NPaniogvjztynP_GlisTzMIMM0hvtKrAwoQ9SsmqaB3vTac1DejSDWpIDIAciqu-lP8KkmY_2sSfKEF2ShoIJ6-H4XTkjskazRIz2bf1cBM/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P20A++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4kwmh9u-UUnqNPyCxv6S9aRG4Vwl16CrZWAzLRxGzVQgC_NQqSJOl-oYNMJB1ZBWubDervC5GSbodqOm9guNmhu8NRhayndqopslWrcejdSQ9fl24d15cB7IGzZthPj7irWf8DqL_og/s1024/CB21--FEB.+27--P20C++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4kwmh9u-UUnqNPyCxv6S9aRG4Vwl16CrZWAzLRxGzVQgC_NQqSJOl-oYNMJB1ZBWubDervC5GSbodqOm9guNmhu8NRhayndqopslWrcejdSQ9fl24d15cB7IGzZthPj7irWf8DqL_og/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P20C++FLOR-KENT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>86. Once again, this time with 2:56 remaining in the 1st half, the UK defense looks on helplessly as <b>Anthony Duruji</b>, after cutting to the basket and taking the pass from F Colin Castleton, goes up, winds up, and ...... </p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxsuTlNPTSlY25EUNl_5zcdOK222YD7A2U0Wz_4zCb0O-1kIjW8obrRMwhcL46jLTxf9xrCxCepci74VOdI9jpy-RmXpQnkxJO4o6s_Aph7m1jDz3N2RU3wWEBKW-2IClRNk9h-0iKj8/s1024/CB21--FEB.+27--P20B++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="719" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxsuTlNPTSlY25EUNl_5zcdOK222YD7A2U0Wz_4zCb0O-1kIjW8obrRMwhcL46jLTxf9xrCxCepci74VOdI9jpy-RmXpQnkxJO4o6s_Aph7m1jDz3N2RU3wWEBKW-2IClRNk9h-0iKj8/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P20B++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgsyxF4R3KtX9xXF9TF9GNllZfkUxEf0u4NSnc35AadddEfqkBMZJRcOiFWOVd7kF5iesKbIyesldVQnwLAyjR8wTD6__4V2Wn2FY1v2hgqj4_EY5ao2XYpgep7J9tjd-9FIVH3-DSPw/s1440/CB21--FEB.+27--P20++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="948" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgsyxF4R3KtX9xXF9TF9GNllZfkUxEf0u4NSnc35AadddEfqkBMZJRcOiFWOVd7kF5iesKbIyesldVQnwLAyjR8wTD6__4V2Wn2FY1v2hgqj4_EY5ao2XYpgep7J9tjd-9FIVH3-DSPw/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P20++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>87. ..... dunks in two more points for the Gators. After failing to dunk an alley-oop pass from <b>Tyree</b> <b>Appleby</b> a couple of minutes earlier, Duruji makes no mistake this time, getting his 4th dunk of the game to cut to Kentucky's lead to 3 again at 35-32. After trailing by as many as 10, Florida actually went ahead by 3 before going in at halftime down by 1 at 39-38. With his 10 points, Duruji led the Gators in scoring at the break. <br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_bZynmy7cX5WUwCZviOkduibnu3fZ_A7-NJU9s9j90kUOANQXQZcjHZr9gKyg0ojkZrJE0irtPb9efQSzSscl31NyRYzazo_cUxyukZMyDGePZMVNg1KfAtz6a6fyyqsvRJPVfDQlMc/s1024/CB21--FEB.+27--P31++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_bZynmy7cX5WUwCZviOkduibnu3fZ_A7-NJU9s9j90kUOANQXQZcjHZr9gKyg0ojkZrJE0irtPb9efQSzSscl31NyRYzazo_cUxyukZMyDGePZMVNg1KfAtz6a6fyyqsvRJPVfDQlMc/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P31++FLOR-KENT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>88. After a rebound battle between<b> Isaiah Jackson</b>, <b>Anthony Duruji</b>, and Florida G Tre Mann results in the ball deflecting back up into the air, Jackson goes up again and this time has to deal with F Omar Payne on his 2nd attempt to get the ball. Then, after wrestling the ball from Payne ..... <p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4hhCY0Au6vrW9-jxb8NLFKM9BpNeIHzUcTZPzF-tBm3yhr2mG5S2XggYyYw1-8WwWAfi5YBtMpU39rXxvTYuT535kFzd_hR2hDisUIR_7kCjFmvsAUINGNelAEVdvbtN3cKH1nZk8yY/s1200/CB21--FEB.+27--P23++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4hhCY0Au6vrW9-jxb8NLFKM9BpNeIHzUcTZPzF-tBm3yhr2mG5S2XggYyYw1-8WwWAfi5YBtMpU39rXxvTYuT535kFzd_hR2hDisUIR_7kCjFmvsAUINGNelAEVdvbtN3cKH1nZk8yY/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P23++FLOR-KENT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>89. ..... Jackson takes one dribble and lifts off a long way from the basket, actually with one foot outside the lane. Isaiah may have long arms, but they're not long enough to reach the rim on this one, and he misses the dunk attempt. Of course, maybe they <i>would</i> have been long enough had he not been fouled by Duruji. Anthony thought about challenging the shot but knew he couldn't get up in time and instead stayed on the ground; but he was too close to Jackson to avoid contact and was called for his 1st foul of the game. After hitting 2 free throws on Kentucky's previous possession, Jackson went 1 for 2 this time to give Kentucky a 46-44 lead with 17:09 to play. </p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rdMjLTepdbFD08H9kXwV02D4QiJ5kuCIO9YrYKQw202YjPr29w-ooQXN73DzKCp_KPBxfgCDfFaadPIKh4A9ql0KZ-x943GsWN5KNRC-LLN1s__TRX1PiZGz-lv-b4_X4ajVRsUZiiI/s1024/CB21--FEB.+27--P32++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="728" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rdMjLTepdbFD08H9kXwV02D4QiJ5kuCIO9YrYKQw202YjPr29w-ooQXN73DzKCp_KPBxfgCDfFaadPIKh4A9ql0KZ-x943GsWN5KNRC-LLN1s__TRX1PiZGz-lv-b4_X4ajVRsUZiiI/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P32++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div>90. After driving to the basket on Florida's next possession, <b>Tyree Appleby</b> tries a layup but is denied by <b>Davion Mintz</b> before the ball ever leaves his hands. For Mintz, a 6-3 senior, it was his 5th blocked shot of the season, surpassing his previous career high of 4, which he had in two of the three seasons he played for Creighton before he transferred to Kentucky. For Appleby, there was more futility to come on this play. After having Mintz knock the ball out of his hands, he got the rebound under the basket and a second or two later went up again ... only to have <b>Isaiah Jackson</b> swat his 2nd attempt out of bounds. Jackson, of course, is no stranger to blocked shots. His 2.6 average per game ended up leading the SEC and was 15th best in the nation. Appleby finished the game 3 for 10 from the field (30%), while the rest of his teammates combined to shoot 58%.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WqECcvBem5zUAaABwIf6nxyESpC1-wzKZepFdSPh6qlrsctNzuuoO8XbAABruREUCLFtxoGenTyOzIA0LqQJuXmIt8Z1OHn_0EXwXo-_BRSZA95JzuGZ7LCJ7RCNbs394pi8SsvnppE/s1440/CB21--FEB.+27--P13++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1088" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WqECcvBem5zUAaABwIf6nxyESpC1-wzKZepFdSPh6qlrsctNzuuoO8XbAABruREUCLFtxoGenTyOzIA0LqQJuXmIt8Z1OHn_0EXwXo-_BRSZA95JzuGZ7LCJ7RCNbs394pi8SsvnppE/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P13++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div>91. After getting past <b>Tyree Appleby</b> on the left baseline, Keion Brooks doesn't get the clear path to the basket he was hoping for, as <b>Anthony Duruji</b> drops off the man he was covering (F Olivier Sarr, #30) to heavily contest his layup attempt, which misses. The rebound caromed right back to Brooks, but he missed the putback too, keeping UK in front 46-45 with 15:05 remaining. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwfK_E_QyTLNVzpIhVpNAcJTUTwz2ch2nRJLbwvzWitmItSu11GDnYw696-2hSYKZ146jrXTfwGYqwmUUv5nF03J0a9xF0FAdWFl2gAh9nHci2vF3QukjLeCZaFrMqklws-9f2zY8lLE/s1762/CB21--FEB.+27--P24++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1762" data-original-width="1175" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwfK_E_QyTLNVzpIhVpNAcJTUTwz2ch2nRJLbwvzWitmItSu11GDnYw696-2hSYKZ146jrXTfwGYqwmUUv5nF03J0a9xF0FAdWFl2gAh9nHci2vF3QukjLeCZaFrMqklws-9f2zY8lLE/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P24++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div>92. Taking advantage of some poor defense by Colin Castleton, <b>Isaiah Jackson</b> gets from the free throw line to the basket on one dribble, and <b>Anthony Duruji</b> can do nothing but watch him as he hits the left handed layup to tie the game at 51 with 11:16 remaining. Jackson finished 4 for 4 from the field, the last of 4 games this season in which he shot 100%. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadS___ad4LE0mN6tsyxuCoyr1x7LIUg1vov266IsRJNOtVrCJyBCAWYRxLcf_hvF3u82JS6ZIWgvGtGU2AsoGer_kQdvNOJUbrR4CEiNcX5Qx-EdZqCs-A4ruDLm_ZtMH94CXE9QRNX4/s2048/CB21--FEB.+27--P33++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1413" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiadS___ad4LE0mN6tsyxuCoyr1x7LIUg1vov266IsRJNOtVrCJyBCAWYRxLcf_hvF3u82JS6ZIWgvGtGU2AsoGer_kQdvNOJUbrR4CEiNcX5Qx-EdZqCs-A4ruDLm_ZtMH94CXE9QRNX4/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P33++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div>93. The last of <b>Anthony Duruji</b>'s 3 fouls in the 2nd half was actually a phantom foul. As F Jacob Toppin tries to convert a turnover into a fast break dunk, Duruji goes up to challenge him and makes no contact <i>at all</i> as Toppin goes past him. Toppin missed the dunk and crashed to the floor, and the officials decided to blame Anthony for it. Toppin made 1 of 2 at the line to increase Kentucky's lead to 59-57 with 6:30 to play. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAahKHq8VSETkfLTKTyyVPR74PmprowybZB6ifEKdGfftUy9q7BkmyUz8Cof1mQUDotA_5bcJsmV9XaAmWoU4pKVQu1Ii_nC5Ldn-3h3OcuKMulBvSAV4TlcugG4P7noVI9Y3fytcoJc/s1440/CB21--FEB.+27--P6A++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="989" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAahKHq8VSETkfLTKTyyVPR74PmprowybZB6ifEKdGfftUy9q7BkmyUz8Cof1mQUDotA_5bcJsmV9XaAmWoU4pKVQu1Ii_nC5Ldn-3h3OcuKMulBvSAV4TlcugG4P7noVI9Y3fytcoJc/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P6A++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAD2LMi77QBVHmYTng0pyzw0mZ1LiUvvaOJAcFTddcocrkMPrvuP33FvXbHa4cyVUce4PdWPX9xCzSLE94LSVuJVAChDLuhAjylVEHEvezlGDjMtHNn0etfawnvIoc0qSLz3Ck3s6u48/s1440/CB21--FEB.+27--P6++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1018" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAD2LMi77QBVHmYTng0pyzw0mZ1LiUvvaOJAcFTddcocrkMPrvuP33FvXbHa4cyVUce4PdWPX9xCzSLE94LSVuJVAChDLuhAjylVEHEvezlGDjMtHNn0etfawnvIoc0qSLz3Ck3s6u48/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P6++FLOR-KENT.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>94. Over the next 5 minutes Florida outscored Kentucky 10-6 to grab a 2-point lead of their own, and with 1:05 on the clock <b>Tyree Appleby</b> tries to make it 4. But instead, after getting past <b>Isaiah Jackson</b> at the free throw line and driving to the basket, he has his shot blocked for the 4th time in the game. You get a great look at the dreads of both Appleby and Jackson in these shots as Olivier Sarr comes over and knocks Appleby's attempt off the glass and then comes down with the rebound himself, keeping the score at 67-65. </p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh-4zexXf2EVFHzhqbokE2jHhgF0fcHAVukacMJk8JqHAYSbiR1gqM0yndUNaAA7hs6_tnuongi6oVqXBlqn_b84AySZMz-fFtPOAT9SGzIKDE9b45BGv2wIQTS85SReYzyrxpHc9KkM/s1920/CB21--FEB.+27--P11++FLOR-KENT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh-4zexXf2EVFHzhqbokE2jHhgF0fcHAVukacMJk8JqHAYSbiR1gqM0yndUNaAA7hs6_tnuongi6oVqXBlqn_b84AySZMz-fFtPOAT9SGzIKDE9b45BGv2wIQTS85SReYzyrxpHc9KkM/s320/CB21--FEB.+27--P11++FLOR-KENT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>95. Kentucky had two chances to take the lead on their next possession; but <b>Davion Mintz</b> missed a wide open 3-pointer with 52 seconds to go, and Olivier Sarr missed a difficult, contested 3-pointer with :31 on the clock. After Tre Mann got the rebound for the Gators, he got the ball to <b>Tyree Appleby</b>, and Appleby here gets intentionally fouled, with<b> Brandon Boston</b> making the attempted tackle with 23 seconds remaining. An 82% FT shooter, Appleby made both shots to make it 69-65, and the Gators went on to win 71-67 to improve to 13-6. Kentucky, struggling through their worst season in 94 years, dropped to 8-14.</p><p>Mintz was the game's leading scorer with 21 points and led the Wildcats with 3 steals. Boston (3-10 FG, 6-6 FT) had 13. Isaiah Jackson scored 11 points and led the team with 5 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. For Florida Appleby finished with 11 points and 5 rebounds and led the Gators with 5 assists and 3 steals (and 5 turnovers too). After a strong 1st half, <b>Anthony Duruji</b> was very quiet in the 2nd half (no points or rebounds in 19 minutes). He finished with 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. To see a video of not only Anthony's 4 dunks, but also all 21 of the Gators' other field goals in the game, you can click on this link, with the dunks coming at 0:27, 0:41, 1:17, and 1:32: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=437390670804952" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=437390670804952</a> <br /></p><p>.</p><p> </p><p>Before we move on, we can't leave without one last slam dunk from <b>Anthony Duruji</b> .....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4vlUtAmUAJz-timRGpLhnrNKBDBPMKXzW8Ag1eCClG8qs4-V9NEVayiV6z8k2C_2jfuUXEMoOu2Na-g3VdY9XXra9a1vURmThPwcYUGyNKdc0ml102zYVf60_Y4z07a2NLfjsZ2-_fU/s1024/CB21--MAR.+19--P1D++VIRG+T-FLOR.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4vlUtAmUAJz-timRGpLhnrNKBDBPMKXzW8Ag1eCClG8qs4-V9NEVayiV6z8k2C_2jfuUXEMoOu2Na-g3VdY9XXra9a1vURmThPwcYUGyNKdc0ml102zYVf60_Y4z07a2NLfjsZ2-_fU/s320/CB21--MAR.+19--P1D++VIRG+T-FLOR.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEw8OfeF7Zwk0LQGY_HG7NHyau_QH_M27dcqIbdAMRNVbf6M60f6Ujuh-zP3vUL69ysjuQgFkm-GcTEQcQDCbNjjoI3EFVuWR-Jpd0O5F2Kdd-o2vQsGgpNuo61VamKcKHLPcFX7pHsM/s1200/CB21--MAR.+19--P1C++VIRG+T-FLOR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEw8OfeF7Zwk0LQGY_HG7NHyau_QH_M27dcqIbdAMRNVbf6M60f6Ujuh-zP3vUL69ysjuQgFkm-GcTEQcQDCbNjjoI3EFVuWR-Jpd0O5F2Kdd-o2vQsGgpNuo61VamKcKHLPcFX7pHsM/s320/CB21--MAR.+19--P1C++VIRG+T-FLOR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>96. I hope you were watching the last few minutes of the 1st round game in the NCAA Tournament between Florida and Virginia Tech. If you were, you probably remember<b> Anthony Duruji</b>'s first career dunk in the NCAA Tournament.</p><p>With 7 seconds remaining in the 2nd half and Florida leading by 3, Duruji failed to put the game away, missing 2 FT in a row, after which VT came down and hit a 3-pointer with 1.4 seconds to go to send the game into overtime. Then on the Gators' first possession of OT, Anthony takes out his frustration on the rim, slamming the ball hard in the face of 6-9 F Keve Aluma and drawing the foul: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2684xZw57I" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2684xZw57I</a> ..... Duruji missed the FT after the foul (of course), but at least he got the Gators off to a good start in overtime, and they never trailed in OT in a 75-70 victory. Their season ended, however, two days later with the upset loss to #15 seed Oral Roberts (the Gators were seeded 7th). If you like, you can click on the link below for a big photo gallery featuring Anthony's first season with Florida. Just as he improved as the season went along, so did his dreads, as they went from reduced early to full blast for the final two months.</p><p><a href="https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/gallery/anthony-duruji-florida-basketball-photo-highlights-2020-2021/" target="_blank">https://gatorswire.usatoday.com/gallery/anthony-duruji-florida-basketball-photo-highlights-2020-2021/</a><br /></p><p>. </p><p>As for Duruji's former team ....</p><p>As usual, there was no shortage of dreads at Louisiana Tech this season. For years, as far back as the 2011-12 season, back when it wasn't normal to see dreads in basketball and when basketball shorts were hanging down below everyone's knees, much more often than not the Bulldogs' roster has included at least one player with dreads - and usually two or more. During Duruji's final season on the team (2018-19) he had Amorie Archibald as a fellow dreadhead. Now, even with Duruji gone and Archibald an ex-dread, the Bulldogs still had 5 players with dreads on their roster for the 2020-21 season and 3 others who had their hair in dreads for a couple of games. </p><p></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev0XdsVtU_5_EXU29rNFfoW3AzgZL-bQrwLDUt3D6I5FgNx_Fa1sAvL5MCvXmIzZh42NNue2B3H-Vu4Ep50X33l_8led2w_oiMJ1H7Y6_k1yPJI86UDq3_T1ut4hfxu-czsHOI5QARL4/s1024/CB21--JAN.+16--P3++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgev0XdsVtU_5_EXU29rNFfoW3AzgZL-bQrwLDUt3D6I5FgNx_Fa1sAvL5MCvXmIzZh42NNue2B3H-Vu4Ep50X33l_8led2w_oiMJ1H7Y6_k1yPJI86UDq3_T1ut4hfxu-czsHOI5QARL4/s320/CB21--JAN.+16--P3++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DVpo4b-kyc9RjM9JWADzCQN4rbRtO9TA67QZUIV6XpYRjFV1t2LTJklbUhvfKSqqk610iljZfqJdghYNT95nEYsKXiOqfOMlPaU7lHr8Mn7yJQQLsy6EIODjSDcKiQqoJXTs0Lh8kvU/s822/CB21--DEC.+6--P2++LA+TECH-LSU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DVpo4b-kyc9RjM9JWADzCQN4rbRtO9TA67QZUIV6XpYRjFV1t2LTJklbUhvfKSqqk610iljZfqJdghYNT95nEYsKXiOqfOMlPaU7lHr8Mn7yJQQLsy6EIODjSDcKiQqoJXTs0Lh8kvU/s320/CB21--DEC.+6--P2++LA+TECH-LSU.jpg" /></a> </p></div><p></p><p>97. If I had done a dread all-America team for this season, very likely these two Louisiana Tech players would have been on it. 6-5 senior G <b>Xaiver Armstead</b> (right photo, and that's how he spells his name) follows through on a 3-pointer that gives Louisiana Tech a 17-3 lead over UTSA with 12:35 remaining in the 1st half on Jan. 16. They were his first 2 points of the season. 0 for 6 from the field in his first 4 appearances of the season, Armstead for some reason didn't play in the Bulldogs' 6 games between Dec. 19 and Jan. 9. Then after going 0 for 1 on Jan. 15, he finally hits the target the next night. He scored the Bulldogs' next FG too, another 3-pointer to make it 20-7. He finished with 7 points in 13 minutes in Louisiana Tech's 82-66 home win. Unlike many players with long dreads these days, Armstead lets his dreads flow at full blast every game, with this single band around them being about as much as he ever restricts them. 5-11 sophomore G <b>Cobe Williams</b> (left photo) also prefers to keep his long dreads unleashed, and you just can't beat those red locks. On Dec. 6 at Baton Rouge Williams tries to get the ball into the frontcourt against the pressure of LSU F <b>Trendon Watford</b>. I did not welcome Watford to the house the season, as the 6-9 sophomore had his hair in 4 or 5 different styles throughout the season. In this game he lead LSU with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Williams finished with 5 points, 1 assist, and 3 turnovers in 24 minutes. <br /></p>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaClV0H8YGKV5RHY1DjdiO9MGftT0Aa44mr3kwM3Ub38boOfsrRAfaJrne_zj1-LW_xqZZMsKbbh3vfwz2wnc75SldncA6sx3E7hj3pvhixEXsBu8TT_fcRqFz0HvinrlMfBvTHldk8Xk/s1000/CB21--DEC.+6--P3++LA+TECH-LSU.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaClV0H8YGKV5RHY1DjdiO9MGftT0Aa44mr3kwM3Ub38boOfsrRAfaJrne_zj1-LW_xqZZMsKbbh3vfwz2wnc75SldncA6sx3E7hj3pvhixEXsBu8TT_fcRqFz0HvinrlMfBvTHldk8Xk/s320/CB21--DEC.+6--P3++LA+TECH-LSU.jpg" /></a></div><p>98. Although the Bulldogs' had 5 players with dreads when the season began, they unfortunately finished it with only 4. 6-3 junior G <b>Jace Bass</b>, shown here defending a shot by LSU freshman G<b> Eric</b> <b>Gaines</b> on Dec. 6, played in 9 of the Bulldogs' first 13 games in his first season on the team after transferring from junior college. But he missed the next 4 games after injuring his ankle on Jan. 9, and then near the end of January it was announced he was no longer on the team, with no reason why given. Bass, who is just about out of space for any more tattoos on his body, had 9 points in this game, his second highest scoring game of the season. Gaines, who had dreads for this game but didn't for most of the season, had 2 points and 2 rebounds. After starting the season 3-0, the Bulldogs hit the road for the first time for only their 4th game ever vs. LSU (the schools are 220 miles apart), and it wasn't pretty. The Tigers outshot the Bulldogs 54%-29% and cruised to an 86-55 victory.</p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Uv-bp9ip4u0sBBBxLoyRUGJVayDl0GCDj8WZDCYyQc-KnfNussrt3X-Po7Wf-R5cZBjHJqcLGI9jmZUYFl-508qEDWF4jcQrJf2cqwbTO0BY-Fh37fJlPsV405WAn9dqZLKJeK_mDT4/s1024/CB21--JAN.+15--P2++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Uv-bp9ip4u0sBBBxLoyRUGJVayDl0GCDj8WZDCYyQc-KnfNussrt3X-Po7Wf-R5cZBjHJqcLGI9jmZUYFl-508qEDWF4jcQrJf2cqwbTO0BY-Fh37fJlPsV405WAn9dqZLKJeK_mDT4/s320/CB21--JAN.+15--P2++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwQfukw5Nr8RwzIYpCufjrmesVvl6XhmzKqNQQ8yBRH_UkKtSGFSXHQ0kFLq61Y4PALkigEbgbzb8SKYp9ohnhr-4GejWJEcrdHaoTNFS-2W4Q43CAYJWSNj2-TLOOksuYgSUaI4L7OE/s1024/CB21--JAN.+15--P8++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwQfukw5Nr8RwzIYpCufjrmesVvl6XhmzKqNQQ8yBRH_UkKtSGFSXHQ0kFLq61Y4PALkigEbgbzb8SKYp9ohnhr-4GejWJEcrdHaoTNFS-2W4Q43CAYJWSNj2-TLOOksuYgSUaI4L7OE/s320/CB21--JAN.+15--P8++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>99. The Bulldogs' other two players with dreads are shown in these shots from their home game against UTSA on Jan. 15. 6-10 senior F <b>Andrew Gordon</b> (right photo) tries to drive closer to the basket against the defense of F Phoenix Ford, and 6-4 senior G <b>Exavian Christon</b> (left photo, with the freeform dreads) defends loosely as <b>Keaton Wallace</b> and his reduced dreads handles the ball. Wallace scored 18 points and led the Roadrunners with 9 rebounds and 4 assists in 37 minutes. Christon scored 5 points in 24 minutes; while Gordon, in his 2nd year with the Bulldogs after transferring from West Virginia, had a career high 12 rebounds and tied his career high with 14 points in just 20 minutes.<br /><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gVBzreU1hIbqlLuPPQ5RcVH68WXIIEGqGguY70x5bFWQynYWVBU59f9qZHImKEll-dLBr2AqGJqBOMcucjS6LKnN4Ye0AKHPLzagxEn52eG52ES4MugmnTGFpGw2xMSJNvtx5cYVNmw/s709/CB21--JAN.+15--P4++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gVBzreU1hIbqlLuPPQ5RcVH68WXIIEGqGguY70x5bFWQynYWVBU59f9qZHImKEll-dLBr2AqGJqBOMcucjS6LKnN4Ye0AKHPLzagxEn52eG52ES4MugmnTGFpGw2xMSJNvtx5cYVNmw/s320/CB21--JAN.+15--P4++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSgMKSRKvR98CYZNLMOW3fE7tNuh1QsGAv9ejMARhmwIE-1Gjk7oUHQkUb44w0p4ZKFhxwTNfJZHFymIVii6YllprhPYDrtaCQ3lX0FCk4OwwmLqnSfQ2Dc_oj_HVnT-TCEpPYFT8zHE/s1024/CB21--JAN.+15--P3++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSgMKSRKvR98CYZNLMOW3fE7tNuh1QsGAv9ejMARhmwIE-1Gjk7oUHQkUb44w0p4ZKFhxwTNfJZHFymIVii6YllprhPYDrtaCQ3lX0FCk4OwwmLqnSfQ2Dc_oj_HVnT-TCEpPYFT8zHE/s320/CB21--JAN.+15--P3++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj3VP7tW-Acbh0jzy6OvNc3U6dMxNrx8D19ABtvMQCz8Dbw_P5Ej6_UB_DR_XtA5PPCB1uszz1z3XtijXhCEiLyRD9im94vebEMHi8eenDS3PuRYnKNyixO2UggNgXbMwgXuiooaPEws/s709/CB21--JAN.+15--P4++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <p></p><p>100. Here's a better look at the colorful dreads of <b>Cobe</b> <b>Williams</b>, as he handles the ball under the watchful eye of G Jhivvan Jackson on Jan. 15, with both photos possibly taken seconds apart on the same possession. During his freshman season Williams had his locks entirely red, but this season he didn't dye the new growth they've had since then.<br /></p>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91KBrAYgYmz2-tP2ge0sPujW7-q642QRdWEBBstVkkxZPMmLFJdLs4OTMACTbUjYEeTbaVEGL_aW-aYw1U2AZwvbPqAz3Maib8P7_S0B7jH5eau0ag3co6xYgeK_6ZVtCO6StUsLEUoU/s1024/CB21--JAN.+15--P5++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91KBrAYgYmz2-tP2ge0sPujW7-q642QRdWEBBstVkkxZPMmLFJdLs4OTMACTbUjYEeTbaVEGL_aW-aYw1U2AZwvbPqAz3Maib8P7_S0B7jH5eau0ag3co6xYgeK_6ZVtCO6StUsLEUoU/s320/CB21--JAN.+15--P5++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNkBmxIyaMDDCqhQbur-O74b0835BMZBuJwNOdnn8bcZkRvxFrbjt38yOxdDGeIJaa5sBv75ESVvi0WpqQTqNGvVKmVMtUiXUMRzvP-YKMh5sVIWY7gIAh1gH1Iu1c0pOev2IrvOs-Lc/s1024/CB21--JAN.+15--P9++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNkBmxIyaMDDCqhQbur-O74b0835BMZBuJwNOdnn8bcZkRvxFrbjt38yOxdDGeIJaa5sBv75ESVvi0WpqQTqNGvVKmVMtUiXUMRzvP-YKMh5sVIWY7gIAh1gH1Iu1c0pOev2IrvOs-Lc/s320/CB21--JAN.+15--P9++UTSA-LA+TECH.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>101. In case you were wondering ..... yes, <b>Cedrick</b> <b>Alley</b> was on the court for UTSA on Jan. 15, and he had these close encounters with <b>Cobe Williams</b> and <b>Xaiver Armstead</b>, trying to stop Williams' drive to the basket (photo above) and defending against Armstead (right photo). I can't find videos of most of Louisiana Tech's games, so for the most part I have no idea at what parts of the game these photos were taken. <i>Maybe</i> the photo above is a shot of the layup Williams made with 12:20 to play in the 1st half. As mentioned earlier Armstead went scoreless in this game (before exploding - lol - the next night) but did have 4 rebounds in his 6 minutes on the court. Williams had 6 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in 31 minutes. Alley finished with 8 points and 5 rebounds in 18 minutes. The game was close until UTSA went scoreless for the final 4 minutes. Louisiana Tech scored the final 10 points of the game and won 77-66. And with the easier, aforementioned 82-66 victory the next night, the Bulldogs improved to 11-4. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zEFCf8IIXuqfXhL07S1UHNNYc_6WJdLQI-TSsHDgNApbXf9us7ALTgk8ztXvjsBap06YbVMa-kuwylwWL6yTUF9XJopQJeGSQbm2KsfYoq1lNnakAmpv9LuM1O9zJlVMHmnJ-eR5pJY/s1920/CB21--JAN.+23--P4++LA+TECH-UTEP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zEFCf8IIXuqfXhL07S1UHNNYc_6WJdLQI-TSsHDgNApbXf9us7ALTgk8ztXvjsBap06YbVMa-kuwylwWL6yTUF9XJopQJeGSQbm2KsfYoq1lNnakAmpv9LuM1O9zJlVMHmnJ-eR5pJY/s320/CB21--JAN.+23--P4++LA+TECH-UTEP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>102. G Jamal Bieniemy tries to get through a sea of players with dreads during Louisiana Tech's game against UTEP at El Paso on Jan. 23. In the middle, with his dreads fully extended, is <b>Exavian Christon</b>; on the right, halfway in the picture, is <b>Andrew Gordon</b>; and on the left? ..... That's 6-5 senior G <b>Jacolby Pemberton</b>, who has had dreads off and on the past couple of seasons. They were on for this game, and he finished with 10 points and 7 rebounds in 28 minutes. Christon scored 3 points in 21 minutes, and Gordon had 4 points and 5 rebounds in 10 minutes. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1BM2ulzIPpZiQM2fuMEYwHLcxvhXEx0QwU9BGWVGDfqJyyZ714bfpul5P5cz22ZwxMDjcWE4s_v2Mk5y8Iobr4wooq7P88dxYgKuj7GWcHIclLxV1xvUgN60vBu05-Q-YIcEffFRtVQ/s1920/CB21--JAN.+23--P9++LA+TECH-UTEP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1BM2ulzIPpZiQM2fuMEYwHLcxvhXEx0QwU9BGWVGDfqJyyZ714bfpul5P5cz22ZwxMDjcWE4s_v2Mk5y8Iobr4wooq7P88dxYgKuj7GWcHIclLxV1xvUgN60vBu05-Q-YIcEffFRtVQ/s320/CB21--JAN.+23--P9++LA+TECH-UTEP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiRKxx0BzOZdyHN4Ej5O7KXoQS32WAslYQKXJ4fhKsgq0DsPywIN-Esdga-vEXoMy4lOD8HhkM_c338z9q2aQkmGQTs-s4NtITnLxxJoyKWtn0m8WxyUq5Z81TCQLGbakNGZB5_ou0WM/s1920/CB21--JAN.+23--P7++LA+TECH-UTEP.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsiRKxx0BzOZdyHN4Ej5O7KXoQS32WAslYQKXJ4fhKsgq0DsPywIN-Esdga-vEXoMy4lOD8HhkM_c338z9q2aQkmGQTs-s4NtITnLxxJoyKWtn0m8WxyUq5Z81TCQLGbakNGZB5_ou0WM/s320/CB21--JAN.+23--P7++LA+TECH-UTEP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>103. At another part of the game (photo above) Jamal Bieniemy has another player with dreads to deal with, as he drives against <b>Cobe Williams</b>. Also in the shot are the braids of 6-6 sophomore F Isaiah Crawford; but since this photo isn't in 3-D, I can't tell if he's in on a double team or back away from the ball. Crawford, like a lot of other players, couldn't make up his mind what to do with his hair. He had games when it was in braids, in dreads, and normal. Also changing up, with a handful of games with his hair in dreads, was 6-7, 275-pound freshman Kenneth Lofton, shown here with dreads (right photo) defending, along with Williams, against G Souley Boum. </p><p>Lofton and Crawford were the team's top two scorers this season; and Lofton, Jacolby Pemberton, and Crawford were the top three rebounders. But there's no way I could welcome them to the house this year. Maybe, hopefully next season. </p><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNyuSIRnlNeRUMkVbNgzWDCbx7nO4H5S3B8wA_xLpwXIH9dYzefO-K3b0sH9PXOXMaUBNrhmmYLEU5k8OIqoigN5ZVn8KhJBRovP0RypO-Fi-tgPHErlrFhcOPeiOU6ZcgvzXCC9fgqQ/s1920/CB21--JAN.+23--P3++LA+TECH-UTEP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNyuSIRnlNeRUMkVbNgzWDCbx7nO4H5S3B8wA_xLpwXIH9dYzefO-K3b0sH9PXOXMaUBNrhmmYLEU5k8OIqoigN5ZVn8KhJBRovP0RypO-Fi-tgPHErlrFhcOPeiOU6ZcgvzXCC9fgqQ/s320/CB21--JAN.+23--P3++LA+TECH-UTEP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>104. The photo gallery I viewed of the game on Jan. 23 is from the El Paso Times website, so naturally most of the shots are of UTEP players on offense. Here's another one, with Souley Boum under pressure from <b>Cobe Williams</b>. This is a great view to see how much Cobe's dreads have grown in the 15 months (or so) since he first dyed them red. After not starting a single game as a freshman, Williams was in the starting lineup for every game during the regular season this year, increasing his minutes played average from 15 to 26 and scoring in double figures 9 times (just once last season). In this game he had 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.<br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijselmsKu6tLpdm-UsA79nQxpEdG7u5ql6GnUaxodPZcQVqaanFUJaq_tFqIvTsATuPgG1f-q3M03Lz59QGt6DxgO00-NPB2yAaGfzSeLkngG-f_n6PW6xfvn-2H0047ympmAq7AVgiJM/s1807/CB21--JAN.+23--P2++LA+TECH-UTEP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1807" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijselmsKu6tLpdm-UsA79nQxpEdG7u5ql6GnUaxodPZcQVqaanFUJaq_tFqIvTsATuPgG1f-q3M03Lz59QGt6DxgO00-NPB2yAaGfzSeLkngG-f_n6PW6xfvn-2H0047ympmAq7AVgiJM/s320/CB21--JAN.+23--P2++LA+TECH-UTEP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>105. I have no clue what's happening here, but it's sure a great look at <b>Xaiver Armstead</b>'s dreads, as they get whacked by F Tydus Verhoeven. Maybe it's a shot of the two going for a rebound - and Armstead did get credit for a rebound of a missed 3-pointer by F Kristian Sjolund (#12) with 12:54 to play in the 1st half - but who knows. Whatever it is, Verhoeven was not called for a foul (according to the game book, although he fouled out of the game, none of his fouls was committed against Armstead). After recording no steals in his first 7 games of the season, Xaiver got a career high 3 steals in 14 minutes in this game. He also had 5 points (2-2 FG) and 2 rebounds. After losing to the Miners the night before, the Bulldogs got out of El Paso with a split, leading by 10 or more for the final 10 minutes of the game in a comfortable 73-55 win. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NPkoaNtmBwVrtAk2Wo4L9N43gPLYa31C4096QBsf0yuQBpjX3zywvq__hRA9Eh0t8Em5rkGNeOBVjYFHeHDbWQMM6hyVmOcsTDDJ0UJwjpQIDT4zCgqBylhGTRZmwEOP8FECiI5uiLU/s1024/CB21--MAR.+11--P3++FAU-LA+TECH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NPkoaNtmBwVrtAk2Wo4L9N43gPLYa31C4096QBsf0yuQBpjX3zywvq__hRA9Eh0t8Em5rkGNeOBVjYFHeHDbWQMM6hyVmOcsTDDJ0UJwjpQIDT4zCgqBylhGTRZmwEOP8FECiI5uiLU/s320/CB21--MAR.+11--P3++FAU-LA+TECH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>106. For the Bulldogs' final 9 games of the season <b>Xaiver Armstead</b> discarded the rubber band and unleashed his dreads completely. Here he is trying to help Jacolby Pemberton (who had no dreads for this game) box out FAU F Jailyn Ingram on Mar. 11. After going 12-4 and finishing 1st in the CUSA West Division and getting a bye for the first two rounds of the conference tournament, the Bulldogs defeated the Owls in the quarterfinals. With Armstead contributing 3 points (1-4 FG), 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in 12 minutes, LA Tech eked out a 75-69 victory to advance to the semifinals. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnDVauOv8BcE_wyO9RAbCyyqMF5fBb_Nb17r4Tpl8LPv5qa8YrBUFVM2gyVfxMZqEXE58PbHxJ1efTS66EfG2MI7sKw4KOiiFUVKG4k5gph5KVE2MTsWTwgm0rn9uXaAJx09sgUyppE8/s682/CB21--MAR.+12--P21++N.TEX-LA+TECH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="498" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnDVauOv8BcE_wyO9RAbCyyqMF5fBb_Nb17r4Tpl8LPv5qa8YrBUFVM2gyVfxMZqEXE58PbHxJ1efTS66EfG2MI7sKw4KOiiFUVKG4k5gph5KVE2MTsWTwgm0rn9uXaAJx09sgUyppE8/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P21++N.TEX-LA+TECH.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeCBRVqLmiWUFZWoNUIiBVC7r-gIrWUGRPMEnbIcq9FaISgx5CcMHWCZMbUzbuUNyfFyx_oYZmB2Chw7GiFiKCkzHAKPmUIk7X1qFXR53VAB-QACvpbkbJUOmikYYEE-6YOt0yzFhZok/s1024/CB21--MAR.+12--P22++N.TEX-LA+TECH.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeCBRVqLmiWUFZWoNUIiBVC7r-gIrWUGRPMEnbIcq9FaISgx5CcMHWCZMbUzbuUNyfFyx_oYZmB2Chw7GiFiKCkzHAKPmUIk7X1qFXR53VAB-QACvpbkbJUOmikYYEE-6YOt0yzFhZok/s320/CB21--MAR.+12--P22++N.TEX-LA+TECH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>107. After breaking a finger on his left hand during the final game of the regular season and then watching the team struggle without him FAU, <b>Cobe Williams</b> tried to go in the semifinal game vs. North Texas. But he was able to play only 3 minutes, missing a 3-pointer (left photo) on his only FG attempt and dribbling upcourt (right photo) with senior G <b>James Reese</b> sneaking in from behind trying to poke the ball away. With the tournament being held at Frisco, TX, playing North Texas was like a road game for Louisiana Tech; and it did not go well. UNT led for almost the entire 2nd half and eliminated the Bulldogs. Reese who likely had the second longest dreads in Division 1 this season - although you can hardly tell from this photo - missed all 6 of his shots from the field (5 of them were 3-pointers) and finished with 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 blocked shot as the Mean Green advanced to the final, defeating LA Tech 54-48. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XCcNI5ylbo2llCl8bwISbkYfOHMPCD3cmP0U_JseUOjOFuRKhEGDVjj6nYsABoi1wFn0QflhGELhY3UhKLeB6zTtYbn2gUH9Oq6K9n4Wg4YpuP8Pl-xA8bEQrzl3oSNhX9r9JJ-0GqQ/s768/CB21--MAR.+19--P7++LA+TECH-MISS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="639" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XCcNI5ylbo2llCl8bwISbkYfOHMPCD3cmP0U_JseUOjOFuRKhEGDVjj6nYsABoi1wFn0QflhGELhY3UhKLeB6zTtYbn2gUH9Oq6K9n4Wg4YpuP8Pl-xA8bEQrzl3oSNhX9r9JJ-0GqQ/s320/CB21--MAR.+19--P7++LA+TECH-MISS.jpg" /></a></div><p>108. With their record at 21-7 following the loss to North Texas, the Bulldogs' next game was in the NIT, their first appearance in that tournament since the <b>Speedy Smith</b>-led team played in it 3 years in a row back in 2013-15. Here early in the 2nd half on Mar. 19, after shooting an air ball from the right baseline, Julius Pemberton ends up wrestling for the rebound along with <b>Andrew Gordon</b> and Ole Miss F Sammy Hunter. After the whistle blew and Pemberton was called for a foul, Gordon and Hunter got into a brief scuffle, with Gordon discreetly hitting Hunter with an elbow to the chest and Hunter responding angrily, shoving Gordon in the chest. Hunter, a sophomore who started to let his hair grow this season, was assessed a technical foul. Hopefully I'll be able to welcome him to the house next year. As for Gordon, this wasn't one of his better games. He had 3 points (1-4 FG, 1-2 FT) and 2 rebounds and was a -13 in his 10 minutes on the court.</p><p>Earlier in the game ..... <br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAt4tuQRxocvDvrsuGIgmW5eIIKBLVbXHG8KfhwCC9pBSs0Ui28lRZMqmi18C-idayh85MogWvUWhWydtK0jOopnSOr9eSy-MZhzyV0TGYQnA11i4fQZKuTz-2_X6A87zraIsaXI-UUA/s1366/CB21--MAR.+19--P6A++LA+TECH-MISS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRAt4tuQRxocvDvrsuGIgmW5eIIKBLVbXHG8KfhwCC9pBSs0Ui28lRZMqmi18C-idayh85MogWvUWhWydtK0jOopnSOr9eSy-MZhzyV0TGYQnA11i4fQZKuTz-2_X6A87zraIsaXI-UUA/s320/CB21--MAR.+19--P6A++LA+TECH-MISS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>109. As G Austin Crowley steals the ball from him, <b>Xaiver Armstead</b>'s dreads go so fully extended that you can almost count the number of locks he has. After Crowley knocked the ball away, it was picked up by G Jarkel Joiner, and he passed it to Crowley for an easy dunk to cut LA Tech's lead to 18-15 with 7:59 remaining in the 1st half. This was Armstead's only turnover of the game. He played only 6 minutes, also finishing with 3 points and 1 assist. Top-seeded in their quarter of the bracket, Mississippi was without two starters for this one, and the Bulldogs took advantage, defeating the Rebels 70-61 in the 1st round and advancing to the quarterfinals. But Armstead would play a total of only 6 more minutes and not score again in the Bulldogs' next 3 games. <br /><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILRvmtcH_VU-OQ_BwoM_a46TkblMoZHK8KzXK3nrdWme_YskgR0Ztqp_WJRk2SmsrIdDBNe0omJSI1OiKeHPJiQl396x1AKdfYXQR5VlyM7L28P8ZCsbJXTZa31BY__pCJr3SgZ1x1z8/s1023/CB21--MAR.+27--P1++MISS+ST.-LA+TECH.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1023" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILRvmtcH_VU-OQ_BwoM_a46TkblMoZHK8KzXK3nrdWme_YskgR0Ztqp_WJRk2SmsrIdDBNe0omJSI1OiKeHPJiQl396x1AKdfYXQR5VlyM7L28P8ZCsbJXTZa31BY__pCJr3SgZ1x1z8/s320/CB21--MAR.+27--P1++MISS+ST.-LA+TECH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMBSDsNjQZfbuROSL_5AWAYj0gFHSLhjdcZRNPQWTlIuOKOpPaNXThgH-4YeFJ05mQdN7Km_rH2S1AxwTZOU-C5kgTKPkgLUWELfNUjB2ECrGhT_7bVnAXuw7g7H3_8lfR3lLQusqHJM/s1024/CB21--MAR.+28--P1++LA+TECH-COLO+ST..jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMBSDsNjQZfbuROSL_5AWAYj0gFHSLhjdcZRNPQWTlIuOKOpPaNXThgH-4YeFJ05mQdN7Km_rH2S1AxwTZOU-C5kgTKPkgLUWELfNUjB2ECrGhT_7bVnAXuw7g7H3_8lfR3lLQusqHJM/s320/CB21--MAR.+28--P1++LA+TECH-COLO+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>110. After defeating Western Kentucky in the quarterfinals, LA Tech took on Mississippi State in the semifinals on Mar. 27. With 14:47 to play in the 2nd half (photo above), <b>Exavian Christon</b> drives to the basket but finds 6-11 F Abdul Ado in his way. Christon can't get the shot off and takes one in the crotch from Ado's leg for good measure as he loses control of the ball. With his dreads reduced a week after they weren't, <b>Andrew Gordon</b> has a chance to clean up Christon's fumble but can't, and the ball goes off him and out of bounds, with Christon being charged with the turnover. Looking on from behind the play with the dyed dread tips is 6-1 freshman G <b>Deivon Smith</b>. Gordon scored 2 points in 6 minutes, and Christon didn't score at all in 22 minutes. Smith had 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists for MSU. Mississippi State led by 10 at halftime and pulled away even further, winning the battle of the Bulldogs 84-62.</p><p>The next day, Sunday, Mar. 28, shortly after Mississippi State was defeated by Memphis in the NIT championship game, a new pair of nets were attached to the rims in Frisco, TX, and Louisiana Tech and Colorado State took the floor to meet in the 3rd place game; and with 8 minutes to play in the 1st half <b>Cobe Williams</b> (right photo), with his dreads reduced, draws two defenders to him as he drives along the baseline. The possession ended with a turnover, as Williams tried to hit Kenneth Lofton next to the basket but had his pass stolen easily by F David Roddy (#21), keeping the score at 22-18 in favor of CSU. The play came in the middle of a 100-second span of futility in which the teams combined for no points and 6 turnovers and also included Williams achieving a rare hat trick ... missing all 3 free throws after being fouled on a 3-point attempt. Cobe finished with 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 3 turnovers, and 3 fouls in 29 minutes. The Bulldogs won 76-74 on a layup by Lofton with 0.3 seconds on the clock. </p><p>Finishing 24-8 this season, the Bulldogs posted a winning record for the 10th straight year, in 8 of which they've won 20 or more games; but that bid to the NCAA Tournament remains as elusive as ever. Their last one was in 1991. Maybe next year. But if it is next year, it will be without Gordon (4.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG this season) and Armstead (3 PPG), who are not listed on the team's current roster but might end up playing on some other team. Williams (8.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 2.7 APG) and Christon (3.3 PGPG, 32.7 FG%) will be back along with <i>at least</i> one new player with dreads. So after not taking the time to watch any of their games this season, I'll make sure the 2021-22 Bulldogs make it to my television more often. <br /></p><p>.</p><p>A couple of photos ago I mentioned the name of <b>Speedy Smith</b>, as in <b>Kenneth "Speedy" Smith</b>. As you may or may not remember, he turned into one of Louisiana Tech's best players ever during his four seasons in Ruston. But what has he been up to since he starred for the Bulldogs from 2011-15 and was not picked in the 2015 NBA Draft? Well, the closest he has gotten to the NBA was for a handful of games in the NBA Summer League during the summers of 2018 and 2019. But he's still dreaming, still trying to make it.</p><p>Smith began his pro rookie season in the country of Latvia playing for VEF Riga. But after only 11 games he came back to the USA and was signed by the South Bay Lakers of the G-League. After finishing the season with them (averaging 13 minutes per game for a team that lost in the G-League finals) he actually went back to Riga for a couple of games before calling it a season. The next three 3 years he was in the G-League entirely, spending another season as a reserve with South Bay before being traded to the Grand Rapids Drive, where he was a part-time starter, averaging 8.0 points and 7.7 assists in 2017-18 and 9.2 and 7.5 in 2018-19. </p><p>Then it was back over to Europe, and the 2019-20 season was his best statistically, although the level of play might have had something to do with that. He began the season in the Hungarian League, averaging 11.4 PPG and 7 APG for Szolnoki Olaj. After 12 games with them, he moved to Belgium and starred for Spirou Charleroi, averaging 11.8 PPG and 8.4 APG and shooting a career best 48% from the field, only to have the last 3 months of the season wiped out by the pandemic. He finished the season in Israel, averaging 14.6 PPG and 7.6 APG for Maccabi Haifa in 8 games after the Israeli League resumed play last summer. For all three teams he played for last season Smith led his team in assists in nearly every single game. Which brings us to this season ..... <br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNK2pjhkaFVq3Pv-cN41umXU_2gcXJb4Bz0NVlPtZcMmY5ibJBEDdOLNFHri3xRGbd2fEd6IsvC6FZq2AXf62yX86Mfp5jISl4qd6nPTzrWVUXkMoB1bIXC0Ewqdj9NlCYjh9MdF4fk0/s1365/NBA21--MAR.+16--P1++LEVAL-LIMO.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="952" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNK2pjhkaFVq3Pv-cN41umXU_2gcXJb4Bz0NVlPtZcMmY5ibJBEDdOLNFHri3xRGbd2fEd6IsvC6FZq2AXf62yX86Mfp5jISl4qd6nPTzrWVUXkMoB1bIXC0Ewqdj9NlCYjh9MdF4fk0/s320/NBA21--MAR.+16--P1++LEVAL-LIMO.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBe-ow-lEJ2I22DtqW-EG6_34po9RSrTSico6Wv7SK4zlLDmeUlN5Yv05-0DpKIpPt34SZAMCYSIbPfrXLonC9RHwGTTO8pSPanpouwxLn4jIRvXgkoQ7x7nqOmvmE5QUUv0rWxtqyhI/s1500/NBA21--OCT.+27--P1++BOLOG-ANTW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBe-ow-lEJ2I22DtqW-EG6_34po9RSrTSico6Wv7SK4zlLDmeUlN5Yv05-0DpKIpPt34SZAMCYSIbPfrXLonC9RHwGTTO8pSPanpouwxLn4jIRvXgkoQ7x7nqOmvmE5QUUv0rWxtqyhI/s320/NBA21--OCT.+27--P1++BOLOG-ANTW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>111. Back in Belgium for the start of the season and now playing for the Antwerp Giants, <b>Speedy Smith</b> dribbles while being defended by former Wyoming star G Josh Adams (left photo) of Virtus Segafredo Bologna (from Italy) during a Eurocup game on Oct. 27. Smith had 16 points and 10 assists, but Antwerp was outshot 60%-37% and fell to 0-5 on the season, losing at home 95-76. Despite no success in Eurocup, Antwerp started 3-0 in the Belgian League; but a couple of weeks before Christmas Smith was off to France to play for Limoges CSP in the Pro A (and also known as the Jeep Elite) league, one of the best leagues in Europe. On Mar. 16 (right photo) he drives in for a layup against Boulogne-Levallois. Speedy had 16 points, 9 assists, and 4 steals to help Limoges to an 85-79 home win. <br /></p><p>.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0rgR_bSGJdp0v5d6PU_JinsNPubattERwtSC83RAYWJQBjFKMHkuh8dpEPe5Mq7hnl8-Bmn9UHXBrE_TrhRtcjdPxOe0wO-j8xawqq4FDCDbC3o54fCbB5CYyIMIhg-fQbHRzgYV-z4/s2048/NBA21--MAR.+13--P5++ASVEL-LIMO.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0rgR_bSGJdp0v5d6PU_JinsNPubattERwtSC83RAYWJQBjFKMHkuh8dpEPe5Mq7hnl8-Bmn9UHXBrE_TrhRtcjdPxOe0wO-j8xawqq4FDCDbC3o54fCbB5CYyIMIhg-fQbHRzgYV-z4/s320/NBA21--MAR.+13--P5++ASVEL-LIMO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6OXQtdRNU4oIA8D5nKiU5z7YPoUWnFt3GfQ4S0P9svPLvOBh3Zjzm-wFqh_nbk9XlZFPjzn06c78b1FIMTI18FAqee8F6fXT09Qt0PfBnZraFU_sFn6hYF3rhfY5GtkQs4oYNjiubs4/s1367/NBA21--MAR.+13--P1++ASVEL-LIMO.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="993" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6OXQtdRNU4oIA8D5nKiU5z7YPoUWnFt3GfQ4S0P9svPLvOBh3Zjzm-wFqh_nbk9XlZFPjzn06c78b1FIMTI18FAqee8F6fXT09Qt0PfBnZraFU_sFn6hYF3rhfY5GtkQs4oYNjiubs4/s320/NBA21--MAR.+13--P1++ASVEL-LIMO.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>112. Here are a couple of shots of Smith from Limoges' game against ASVEL on Mar. 13. Playing the hands-on defense in the left photo is G Matthew Strazel. Speedy had just 3 points and 3 assists in this one as Limoges lost at home - badly - 83-60. Back when he was at LA Tech Smith never had his dreads reduced; but they're so long now that he just keeps them reduced for every game.</p><p>.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77NMaRvDkYZ3Rp7KN7MTTHZiBS9hZcmKxWqhyphenhyphenKGMFtPalpFjrW4cpQFZ5SobFeGG5h4MDw32B3Adsa6DwGh1lQf0Bnh7vAo5LbGPd3EoBMTWv5nlTsCSuxgIwwCeg1-z03Tm76w-pqx8/s1000/NBA21--JAN.+26--P1++HAPO+JERU-LIMO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77NMaRvDkYZ3Rp7KN7MTTHZiBS9hZcmKxWqhyphenhyphenKGMFtPalpFjrW4cpQFZ5SobFeGG5h4MDw32B3Adsa6DwGh1lQf0Bnh7vAo5LbGPd3EoBMTWv5nlTsCSuxgIwwCeg1-z03Tm76w-pqx8/s320/NBA21--JAN.+26--P1++HAPO+JERU-LIMO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>113. In Jersusalem on Jan. 26 <b>Speedy Smith</b> finds himself in a tug of war for possession with his own teammate, 6-8 C <b>Jerry Boutsiele</b>. Whether the ball was in the hands of Smith or Boutsiele, it was a good thing for Limoges in this game. Smith had 10 points and 13 assists, while Boutsiele tied for the team lead with 19 points (8-12 FG) as Limoges picked up an 88-83 road win over Hapoel Jerusalem in the Basketball Champions League Europe. Boutsiele led Limoges in rebounds this season, averaging 7.4 per game and was second in scoring at 13.5 PPG. Limoges finished tied for 9th place in the Pro A league with a 17-17 record, missing the playoffs by 2 games. Smith was a starter in 25 of his 31 games for Limoges and averaged 7.1 PPG and 4.8 APG and also led the team in steals. Before that he was in the starting lineup for all 12 of his games for Antwerp and averaged 15 PPG and 6.5 APG. </p><p>In his first game for Limoges on Dec. 19 Smith already endeared himself to his new teammates, dishing out 8 assists and hitting this game winning basket: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXqTuqjtpMs" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXqTuqjtpMs</a></p><p>I like the way #23 disgustedly punts the ball into the air. Too bad there weren't any fans there. <br /></p><p>Will we ever see Speedy in the NBA? I'd have to say it's doubtful. But he will certainly improve his chances if he can impress in this year's NBA Summer League, which begins on Aug. 8. I don't know if he has been invited to play or not; but as well as he has played the last couple of seasons, you'd think he'd at least get a look. We'll see. <br /></p><p>.</p><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfEUdFgiOjcntJKPaJXqIUvtq_At4igKmUkl2CQUr01hTtROmdh3sTM28udxm14J4l5qQQGn3ZG-9kH55R3tXx3tcuyZLTJxRhngHfKz49ZBVcCD5kfB7zeO9OSx7Syw0Nwi1QFCUVSQ/s1600/CB20--NOV.+8--P34++N.TEX-VCU.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfEUdFgiOjcntJKPaJXqIUvtq_At4igKmUkl2CQUr01hTtROmdh3sTM28udxm14J4l5qQQGn3ZG-9kH55R3tXx3tcuyZLTJxRhngHfKz49ZBVcCD5kfB7zeO9OSx7Syw0Nwi1QFCUVSQ/s320/CB20--NOV.+8--P34++N.TEX-VCU.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25u1rsdwElSurDGYrq9zeXg0lDPCNOB_DTOpJvT4jA1nKf9miXK5DiwfpHnPBumPtcJAzyGIgdKG3MzxIpoPnWTglJWNNs34E_sB9h18IX3L9e7ONuKth2jUQyAl3_KQcovsn6ROwU_E/s1024/CB21--NOV.+28--P4++N.TEX-ARK.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25u1rsdwElSurDGYrq9zeXg0lDPCNOB_DTOpJvT4jA1nKf9miXK5DiwfpHnPBumPtcJAzyGIgdKG3MzxIpoPnWTglJWNNs34E_sB9h18IX3L9e7ONuKth2jUQyAl3_KQcovsn6ROwU_E/s320/CB21--NOV.+28--P4++N.TEX-ARK.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>114. A little while ago I mentioned that you couldn't tell that North Texas G <b>James Reese</b> had the second longest dreads in Division 1. Well, last season you <i>could</i>. Just take a look at the photo on the left. Reese already had long dreads when he was a freshman for Buffalo in 2017-18. Then, after a year in junior college, he showed up with his dreads this long for his first road game in a Mean Green uniform on Nov. 8, 2019, as he watches VCU G Issac Vann shoot a layup. Reese led his team in shots attempted that night with 12 but made only 3, finishing with 9 points and 2 blocked shots in 34 minutes as UNT lost to VCU 59-56. All good things came to an end however, this season, as James - sadly - kept his dreads folded into a bun - and often had them reduced too - for every game, including the Nov. 28 game at Arkansas (right photo) as he shoots against G <b>Jalen Tate</b>. Reese again led his team in shots attempted in the first road game of the season, going 2 for 12 from the field and finishing with 5 points and 5 rebounds in the Razorbacks' 69-54 win. Tate, by the way, cut his dreads off in the middle of January, and G JD Notae (#1) didn't have his hair in dreads for every game.</p><p>After defeating Louisiana Tech, North Texas went on and won the CUSA Tournament, making it 4 wins in 4 days with an overtime victory over Western Kentucky in the championship game, blowing an early 17-0 lead and then finishing the 2nd half on a 7-0 run to tie the score. Reese's 2 free throws with 2.5 seconds left iced the 61-57 win. James played at least 35 minutes in all 4 games. Seeded 13th in their region of the NCAA Tournament, the Mean Green in their next game picked up the school's first ever victory in the Tournament, with Reese scoring 13 points in the 78-69 overtime win over #4 seeded Purdue. But the party ended two days later with the loss to Villanova in the 2nd round. <br /></p><p>After averaging 8.6 and 10.9 PPG in his two seasons as a starter for UNT, Reese, a slender 6-4, 167-pounder, will be playing for his 4th team in 5 years next season. He's doing the <b>Anthony Duruji</b> move from CUSA to the SEC, transferring to South Carolina for his second senior season. <br /></p><p>.</p><p>Having mentioned that Reese had the second longest dreads in Division 1, I suppose it wouldn't be right if I finished this DG without letting you know whose dreads were the longest. So without any further delay ..... <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM_hidzW40MRhwYZqT4mxU3hTdTxppaX27EgGHwTw7o6B1g7ceTkDWg5rQ9gc_N3oG-IDPOMUB9jGoX0Kxvh8Q4-Z-ztlNINplzDVmoYCCVGKv60y2Rh08B3joI0gx1qVx9rfWTzh9WI/s1920/CB21--MAR.+6--P1++UC-IRV--LB+ST..jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFM_hidzW40MRhwYZqT4mxU3hTdTxppaX27EgGHwTw7o6B1g7ceTkDWg5rQ9gc_N3oG-IDPOMUB9jGoX0Kxvh8Q4-Z-ztlNINplzDVmoYCCVGKv60y2Rh08B3joI0gx1qVx9rfWTzh9WI/s320/CB21--MAR.+6--P1++UC-IRV--LB+ST..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVnkzMRp93qWLVlygtH8hnJ-Jf0S5AlShf8twP57AEkcDvF2IGN262fU8ymswBRCMBxA2LyKuWLR-GEj9G0tO-fA2E_Z-p7jhTxK4ulJsRPhjaKOx1FEvRmzrySYOInaTwEAFRuA6ceo/s930/CB21--MAR.+9--P1++LB+ST.--CS-NORTHR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="930" data-original-width="620" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVnkzMRp93qWLVlygtH8hnJ-Jf0S5AlShf8twP57AEkcDvF2IGN262fU8ymswBRCMBxA2LyKuWLR-GEj9G0tO-fA2E_Z-p7jhTxK4ulJsRPhjaKOx1FEvRmzrySYOInaTwEAFRuA6ceo/s320/CB21--MAR.+9--P1++LB+ST.--CS-NORTHR.jpg" /></a> <p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>115. First, a disclaimer/admission. I didn't see all of the teams in Division 1, so I can't say for sure that these were the longest dreads this season. But if you know of any that are longer than this, please let us know. You already got a taste of <b>Colin Slater</b>'s dreads in DG172, when he was a freshman at Tulane. And now here they are 4 years later. After playing his first two seasons for Tulane, Slater, a 6-1, 190-pound G, transferred to Long Beach State for his last two. And after he averaged a career high 10.2 PPG as a junior in 2019-20, it looked like we were going to have to wait until 2021-22 for his senior season. But after announcing he was opting out of the 2020-21 season, he suddenly opted back in about halfway through the season. And he opted back in with his dreads at <b>Reggie Nelson</b> length - I'm talking about the 2015 version of Nelson, during his final season with the Bengals before his dreads were slightly shorter after he signed with the Raiders. In Long Beach's final game of the regular season Slater (left photo) celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer for the second possession in a row vs. UC-Irvine. Slater entered the game for the first time at the 13:46 mark with the Beach trailing 10-2 and hit his first two shots, at 13:05 and 12:27, to make it 10-8. He ended up leading the team with 15 points, but UC-Irvine won easily 73-58. You can see highlights of the game on the link below. But if you don't have the patience to view the entire 3-minute, 19-second video, with the exception of a brief Slater sighting at the 0:22 mark (where Colin is standing next to another LBSU player with dreads who is fiddling with one of his locks), you can skip ahead to the 1:13 mark of the video, with his celebration in the photo above at 1:24 ......</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU8Hb7bdbU4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU8Hb7bdbU4</a><br /></p><p>In the right photo, you get a great look at Slater's awesome dreads as he attempts a shot from right in front of the photographer during the Beach's game in the 1st round of the Big West Tournament on Mar. 9. Slater scored 10 points in an easy 85-63 win over Cal State-Northridge. Two days later Colin tied his career high with 20 points as the Beach scared regular season champ UCSB in the quarterfinals. But LBSU fell short, losing 95-87 to end their COVID-ravaged season with a 6-12 record. Slater played in 9 of the 18 games and averaged 8.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. Having not played during the 2018-19 season due to his transfer, Colin has already been in college for 5 years; so it's doubtful he'll be back for another year.</p><p>While there are more basketball players with dreads than ever, it seems there are fewer than ever with really long dreads; so these days it's a rare treat when you get to see someone like Slater. Hopefully this won't be the last we see of him.<br /></p>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-49289597390917434792020-09-13T07:43:01.351-05:002020-10-03T18:45:24.568-05:00Overruled<div><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQn2HrDnNRB2SFhHa9j9NXxX_bT0ge80yU5VoNS5mp4CwxC1p1AM80T7ErpqliS0P1xyVTa6nn7Lp3Rij3UeOMaECLVNeNaFttUEJQQvqp_BSAILZnhiEIXJIUZimmifFHN9jXxqBN9I/s1706/NFL20--AUG.+11--P1++PITT+TC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1706" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQn2HrDnNRB2SFhHa9j9NXxX_bT0ge80yU5VoNS5mp4CwxC1p1AM80T7ErpqliS0P1xyVTa6nn7Lp3Rij3UeOMaECLVNeNaFttUEJQQvqp_BSAILZnhiEIXJIUZimmifFHN9jXxqBN9I/w320-h270/NFL20--AUG.+11--P1++PITT+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a>Pandemic? What pandemic? You didn't really think the National Football League was going to let a little old pandemic stop it, did you? No, sir. The calendar has rolled around to September again; and although we may remain locked in the grip of the worst health crisis of our lifetime, there's too much money to be made. So - pandemic be damned - the NFL is going full steam ahead with its 2020 season. Well, at least that's the plan. Indeed while the NFL is open for business, it certainly won't be business as usual. I mean, football (and the other sports too) with no fans in the seats? It just ain't right. But I guess it's better than no football at all.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
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Anyway, I waited until Labor Day (6 days ago) to consult my crystal ball, aka CB2, and get its forecast for the 2020 season. And, I don't know, maybe it got confused because there weren't any preseason games this year to get at least a glimpse of how all teams are going to look .... because its prediction for the two teams it expected to meet in Super Bowl 55 was so ludicrous that it was flat out unacceptable. So, like a 5th grade teacher unhappy with shoddily done homework turned in by a student, I instructed CB2 to "do over."<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
After CB2's original forecast of a Super Bowl between the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos caused me to scream "WHAT!?!", it tried to explain to me that the last time the Falcons started a season going 1-7 and ended up with a 7-9 record - as they did last year - was 1997, and the next year they went 14-2 and won their first NFC championship before losing to the Broncos in Super Bowl 33. It saw the same thing happening again in 2020, but I wasn't having it. So I overruled CB2 and told it to go back to the drawing board. And in its forecast 2.0 up came a picture of CB <b>Joe Haden</b> (photo above) along with a more plausible but still longshot matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys. And in what would be the 4th all time meeting of those two teams in a Super Bowl, CB2 sees the Steelers coming out on top to win what would be their 7th NFL title.<br />
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Like many so called experts also believe, CB2 thinks the return of QB Ben Roethlisberger, who missed the final 14 games of last season due to injury, will tremendously improve the Pittsburgh offense (which btw includes two RBs and two WRs with dreads), while the defense, with Haden and LB <b>Bud</b> <b>Dupree</b> enjoying Pro Bowl seasons, will continue to be very stingy. The Steelers went 8-8 last year and missed the playoffs for the 2nd straight season. It has been 20 years since they've missed 3 years in a row, and according to CB2, they ain't going to miss in 2020. A 2-game sweep of the Baltimore Ravens will propel to the Steelers to a tiebreaker AFC North division crown and the top seed for the playoffs, where they will dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs in an epic AFC championship game before going on to knock out the Cowboys in Super Bowl 55.<br />
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The Cowboys also went 8-8 last year, and that was after CB2 predicted them to win the NFC championship. So what's to keep that from happening again? The addition of rookie WR <b>CeeDee</b> <b>Lamb</b>? Don't bet on it. Rather it will be the better coaching they'll get this season than they've had in the past that will make the difference. Unceremoniously dumped by the Packers late in 2018 after a 2nd straight disappointing season (after 8 playoff seasons in a row before that), Coach McCarthy is raring to go and out for revenge this season, and some of the best work of his career will lead the Cowboys to their first NFC crown in 25 years (hard to believe, isn't it, that its been a quarter of a century since the Cowboys last played in the Super Bowl). Despite a magnificent performance by QB Tom Brady, the Cowboys will prevail over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Championship game (denying the Buccaneers the honor of becoming the first team ever to play in a Super Bowl on their home field), but only after Cody Parkey, the Bucs' 5th kicker of the season, clanks a would be game-winning, chip shot, 29-yard field goal attempt off the right upright on the final play of the game.<br />
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CB2's original forecast also included a big season for the Minnesota Vikings, but I nixed that too. In the Coach Zimmer era the Vikings have never made the playoffs 2 years in a row. CB2 is forecasting a terrible season for the New England Patriots (can you say "tanking for Trevor"?), which will be their first losing season since 2000 (which happens to be the last season Brady wasn't their starting quarterback). CB2 is forecasting 9 teams who missed the playoffs last year to make the expanded playoffs (an increase from 6 to 7 teams in each conference) in 2020, including a shocking appearance by the Washington Football Team (that's WFT, not WTF), the team formerly known as the Redskins. And if your favorite team plays in either NYC or the state of Ohio, you won't have to worry about the playoffs. The Jets, Giants, Bengals, and Browns will be among the teams vying for the coveted #1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.<br />
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At this time last year - in the sarcastically titled post "I'm With Stupid" - I published CB2's 2019 forecast. It picked the correct winner in 143 of the 256 regular season games (a .559 win percentage) in its picks made entirely before the season began, which was 3 games worse than in 2018. But it nailed its prediction that the Chiefs would win Super Bowl 54, and that helped it achieve the best overall grade for either of my two crystal balls in 8 years. After picking the winners of every game in 2020 - pandemic permitting they will all be played as scheduled - here's how CB2 sees it, with (as always) CB2's exact words in <i>italics</i>.<br />
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<b>AFC EAST</b><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li> BUF 10-6</li>
<li>MIA 7-9</li>
<li>NYJ 5-11</li>
<li>NE 4-12</li>
</ol>
</div>
CB2: <i>Making his first career start in place of the injured Devin Singletary, rookie <b>Zack Moss</b> rushes for 157 yards and his 4th and 5th TD of the season as Bills wrap up division title in Week 16 with 33-13 rout of Patriots.</i><br />
Hmm. After 19 straight winning seasons, you have the Patriots 4-12??<br />
CB2: <i>Their best players with dreads are opting out, and do you really believe the offense will be improved with <b>Cam Newton</b> at QB instead of Tom Brady? </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq4cQyeSgJP1XRG6hBdGojqn56BvwLhUYFJvlqlOrCfG5cRyfFzxatKSrVTo_YkMBcSOYxUIDumXX4fmeEaslj8xWqSY6H5l-gYfhzjpPEAeMcFSjA48b6Ef5eJ3fP5beq26QvURiAp4/s1200/NFL20--AUG.+XX--P2++J.NORMAN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIq4cQyeSgJP1XRG6hBdGojqn56BvwLhUYFJvlqlOrCfG5cRyfFzxatKSrVTo_YkMBcSOYxUIDumXX4fmeEaslj8xWqSY6H5l-gYfhzjpPEAeMcFSjA48b6Ef5eJ3fP5beq26QvURiAp4/s320/NFL20--AUG.+XX--P2++J.NORMAN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
CB2 is predicting that with teams trying to avoid All-Pro CB Tre'Davious White, CB <b>Josh Norman</b>, in his first season with the Bills, will have lots of opportunities for interceptions and will lead all NFL players with dreads with 7 INT this season. He'll have his work cut out for him because he's on IR to start the season and will miss at least the first 3 games.<br />
.<br />
<b>AFC NORTH</b><br />
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>PIT 13-3</li>
<li>BAL 13-3</li>
<li>CLEV 4-12</li>
<li>CIN 3-13</li>
</ol>
TIEBREAKER: Steelers finish in 1st place due to head-to-head sweep of Ravens (Weeks 7 and 12)</div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CB2: <i>Browns, trying for Week 17 upset, hold Steelers without a 1st down for the entire 2nd half, but <b>Diontae Johnson</b> takes punt return 81 yards to the house with 2:50 remaining in 4th quarter to give Steelers 17-13 lead in Cleveland. On ensuing drive, <b>Kareem Hunt</b>, going for his 3rd TD of the game, is stripped of ball by <b>Bud Dupree</b> at 2-yard line, and <b>Joe Haden</b> recovers in end zone for touchback with :23 on clock as Steelers hang on to win and take division crown.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuybBh4RuPKwti5r-dg9PL5Z7ehgkpNas93szOVGyfDda1fMnJ1M1b_EVSrL8VXH6MzsYKjJ46nOfkFgWbQM3qabgWHcxd-iUybgql04UxeHkdp0H0LcBgcb2stIZ0SwzMpcNNBtmi6UE/s2026/NFL20--SEPT.+4--P14++PITT+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuybBh4RuPKwti5r-dg9PL5Z7ehgkpNas93szOVGyfDda1fMnJ1M1b_EVSrL8VXH6MzsYKjJ46nOfkFgWbQM3qabgWHcxd-iUybgql04UxeHkdp0H0LcBgcb2stIZ0SwzMpcNNBtmi6UE/s320/NFL20--SEPT.+4--P14++PITT+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
CB2 thinks that LB <b>Bud Dupree</b> (above) and CB <b>Joe Haden</b> (below) both will make the Pro Bowl, helping Steelers allow the fewest points in the league. CB2 has Haden tying his career high with 6 INT and Dupree finishing with a career high 13 sacks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzp8_y8s_o2iWcgJUmsGXX_rz3FkBCB8xMf0Bgkp5el9NbrC-oNVU59F08n9o06Pn4OmTNHDfhwq-eGQHAYGX6YqUypI0C6-q6RTXyHvi7vi7QGmlqECvMTOtGRf34oLRQ6lwYg3R7aU/s1911/NFL20--SEPT.+4--P6++PITT+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1911" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzp8_y8s_o2iWcgJUmsGXX_rz3FkBCB8xMf0Bgkp5el9NbrC-oNVU59F08n9o06Pn4OmTNHDfhwq-eGQHAYGX6YqUypI0C6-q6RTXyHvi7vi7QGmlqECvMTOtGRf34oLRQ6lwYg3R7aU/s320/NFL20--SEPT.+4--P6++PITT+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>AFC SOUTH</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>IND 10-6</li>
<li>HOU 9-7</li>
<li>TENN 9-7</li>
<li>JAC 2-14</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
TIEBREAKER: Texans finish in 2nd place due to better record than Titans in games against division opponents (HOU 4-2, TENN 3-3)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CB2:<i> In Week 17 thriller at Houston <b>Derrick Henry</b> breaks 3 tackles on 4th and 1 and rumbles 37 yards to house with 22 seconds remaining in overtime to give Titans 33-30 victory, apparently knocking Texans out of playoffs. However, miracle victory by Raiders in Denver later in day allows Texans to back in to playoffs.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiF9BUF-qMTIUGVDMkQoiDfnxSNWRJeHb-RAlXWkZKTWJZdwdkecFqV8TyWWp50pbRkeI-fubGJqrxuYReXqAuPEYtxpwVyN7yxDm2nIzFFNyhgVYafWanBBb0WxKkMR8diDtNbcWLcOA/s1753/NFL20--SEPT.+9--P3++IND+PRAC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1753" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiF9BUF-qMTIUGVDMkQoiDfnxSNWRJeHb-RAlXWkZKTWJZdwdkecFqV8TyWWp50pbRkeI-fubGJqrxuYReXqAuPEYtxpwVyN7yxDm2nIzFFNyhgVYafWanBBb0WxKkMR8diDtNbcWLcOA/s320/NFL20--SEPT.+9--P3++IND+PRAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
According to CB2, DBs are going to be seeing the back of WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> often this season, as he leads all NFL players with dreads in TD receptions with 15.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>AFC WEST </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>KC 12-4</li>
<li>LV 11-5</li>
<li>DEN 9-7</li>
<li>LAC 8-8</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CB2: <i>With Broncos leading 35-10 and apparently cruising to victory in Week 17, Raiders score 4 TD in last 5 minutes of game. <b>Cory Littleton</b> intercepts pass that deflects off hands of <b>Jerry Jeudy</b> and returns it 42 yards to the house with 4:44 to play. Then as <b>Melvin Gordon</b> gains 11 yards on 3rd and 7 to pick up would-be game-clinching 1st down, he is stripped of ball by Littleton, and <b>Damon Arnette</b> recovers and returns it 77 yards to the house to make it 35-24 with 2:01 to play. Then <b>Henry Ruggs</b> takes punt return 92 yards to the house with 12 seconds left to make it 35-31. Then after Raiders recover onside kickoff, Ruggs catches Hail Mary in end zone for 49 yard TD on last play of game to give Raiders stunning 37-35 victory that knocks Broncos out of playoffs!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YJrW6p-AtbICIbnBOHooto_XKXxYPXZYwFauoS9-Ozhjrp7Dy8x6Wz5bbKusRm2Cjuva0BObn7AP2T4S2vvw8qaYDYaOrnjDvnF4f5bLhM6faYz_nKZiKkskK9zKLl8HaOtM-6k8x2w/s2048/NFL20--AUG.+18--P2++DEN+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YJrW6p-AtbICIbnBOHooto_XKXxYPXZYwFauoS9-Ozhjrp7Dy8x6Wz5bbKusRm2Cjuva0BObn7AP2T4S2vvw8qaYDYaOrnjDvnF4f5bLhM6faYz_nKZiKkskK9zKLl8HaOtM-6k8x2w/s320/NFL20--AUG.+18--P2++DEN+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
CB2 is sure that, despite his costly fumble in Week 17, <b>Melvin Gordon</b>, in his first season in a Broncos uniform, will lead all NFL players with dreads with 17 TD, helping the Broncos take the team crown for the most TD by players with dreads with 27. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
AFC TIEBREAKERS</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bills clinch #3 seed due to better record than Colts in games against conference opponents (BUF 8-4, IND 7-5)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Texans clinch #7 seed due to better record than Broncos in games against conference opponents (HOU 7-5, DEN 6-6)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>NFC EAST</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>DAL 13-3</li>
<li>WASH 9-7</li>
<li>PHIL 8-8</li>
<li>NYG 3-13</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CB2: <i>With Eagles and WFT tied in Week 17 nailbiter, phantom offensive PI penalty nullifies TD catch by <b>Cam Sims</b>, forcing WFT to settle for FG to tie game with 3:17 to play. Then on first play after 2-minute warning phantom roughing the passer penalty on <b>Chase Young</b> on 3rd and 10 keeps Eagles' drive alive. Eagles then kick FG on final play of game to win 23-20. But loss by Falcons later in day allows WFT to back in to playoffs.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggealzFKfO4OsYPY6lxXseaQnqKe0WtWN0uPjVfJd97-f-Lp5Eb6yWcp03tK6XpebNXuukptZ_GRRuC6pABvD9cSEIyT0geLyelPxyatfOY5yzdf9pP-SxJJYoucxC6L5Mrum7Wp89pLk/s937/NFL20--AUG.+31--P1++WASH+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="937" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggealzFKfO4OsYPY6lxXseaQnqKe0WtWN0uPjVfJd97-f-Lp5Eb6yWcp03tK6XpebNXuukptZ_GRRuC6pABvD9cSEIyT0geLyelPxyatfOY5yzdf9pP-SxJJYoucxC6L5Mrum7Wp89pLk/s320/NFL20--AUG.+31--P1++WASH+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
CB2 believes that with DE <b>Chase Young</b> recording 13 sacks and winning defensive rookie of the year honors, the WFT will be much better than a lot of the experts say.<br />
.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
NFC NORTH </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>CHI 9-7</li>
<li>GB 7-9</li>
<li>MINN 6-10</li>
<li>DET 5-11</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I see you're picking the Bears again. Why?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CB2: <i>With Akiem Hicks healthy, defense will be dominant, like it was in 2018, Packers not as good as last year's record indicates, Vikings have too many ??, Lions are still the Lions.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CB2: <i>With winner-take-all showdown in Week 17 at Soldier Field tied in closing seconds, Aaron Rodgers is hit as he throws, and as pass hits ground 10 yards downfield it apparently incomplete; but officials rule it a fumble, and while all other players stand around and do nothing <b>Buster Skrine</b> scoops up ball and scampers 63 yards untouched for winning TD with :24 on clock to give Bears 23-16 victory and division crown.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRy8-V9AVJBk3PHbmHkaHtCoHspbr-t7-9PtCfvGd1xsyXrvWJV50KMrMIuHS0Rxb1B6bXAChX9mIjZyxGcUwxAYx9UuH-ekcZnx1jrFKQzeXN_p7JbYDi3xclTdbyhaYoU3Udn1yUZw/s1606/NFL20--AUG.+18--P6++GB+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRy8-V9AVJBk3PHbmHkaHtCoHspbr-t7-9PtCfvGd1xsyXrvWJV50KMrMIuHS0Rxb1B6bXAChX9mIjZyxGcUwxAYx9UuH-ekcZnx1jrFKQzeXN_p7JbYDi3xclTdbyhaYoU3Udn1yUZw/s320/NFL20--AUG.+18--P6++GB+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
CB2 is forecasting a strong comeback for <b>Davante Adams</b> from his injury-slowed 2019 season, as he ties his career high with 13 TD receptions. But it won't be enough to help the Packers make the playoffs, and it won't be enough to keep the Packers from being dethroned as the team with the most TD scored by players with dreads. <br />
.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>NFC SOUTH</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>TB 11-5</li>
<li>ATL 8-8</li>
<li>NO 8-8</li>
<li>CAR 2-14</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CB2: <i>With Falcons needing a win to lock down final NFC playoff spot in Tampa in Week 17, 2-yard TD run by <b>Todd Gurley</b> followed by reception by Gurley for 2-point conversion with :05 on clock sends game into overtime. On first possession of OT, <b>Takk McKinley</b> strip sack of Tom Brady on 1st and goal gives Falcons ball at their 7-yard line. But on next play <b>Jason Pierre-Paul</b> sacks Matt Ryan in end zone for safety that gives Bucs 26-24 win and #2 NFC seed for playoffs, also keeping Falcons out of playoffs.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD91ZuwzoZ2qF8E9ixqRpMa1whuS4fIHPYxaigWogegbU9u6_tZrEQ0T-I0LfnL-bWkHnZTeNrCAmbyXRkTlm5hk1c4wZugKjBaBHqjB-xE0eji1FvIFEWJUuqLOuVYW9J8ucco4Fj7o/s853/NFL20--AUG.+XX--P3A++ATL+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="853" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD91ZuwzoZ2qF8E9ixqRpMa1whuS4fIHPYxaigWogegbU9u6_tZrEQ0T-I0LfnL-bWkHnZTeNrCAmbyXRkTlm5hk1c4wZugKjBaBHqjB-xE0eji1FvIFEWJUuqLOuVYW9J8ucco4Fj7o/s320/NFL20--AUG.+XX--P3A++ATL+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
CB2 is confident that with RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> (above) now on the team, and with WR <b>Calvin Ridley</b> now in his first season with dreads, Falcons, with Gurley leading the way with 14 TD, will lead the NFC with 26 TD by players with dreads, falling just short of the Broncos for the league crown. CB2 also is confident that a slimmed-down and more-focused <b>Takk McKinley</b> (below) (can you believe he actually shut down his Instagram and Twitter accounts?) will hit double digits in sacks for the first team in his career in what is a contract year for him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEzVfNVHnqq34QSzWHNyNArjoRgc2r_XOZ5yImvrrMThyyJAsx1_3E34d_LCofPou-TbAKxpB5i9E574xio7VXgiVaTXq1Ocbn9V5S0qDp_xKQz57d6y6DzHWbfc5SC38X3MvuA9fX-k/s1140/NFL20--AUG.+22--P1++ATL+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEzVfNVHnqq34QSzWHNyNArjoRgc2r_XOZ5yImvrrMThyyJAsx1_3E34d_LCofPou-TbAKxpB5i9E574xio7VXgiVaTXq1Ocbn9V5S0qDp_xKQz57d6y6DzHWbfc5SC38X3MvuA9fX-k/s320/NFL20--AUG.+22--P1++ATL+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
.<br />
<b>NFC WEST</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>SF 11-5</li>
<li>ARIZ 11-5</li>
<li>LAR 10-6</li>
<li>SEA 6-10</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
TIEBREAKER: 49ers finish in 1st place due to better record than Cardinals in games against division opponents (SF 4-2, ARIZ 3-3)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Oh, come on, CB2, the other three teams make the playoffs, and the Seahawks go 6-10? A lot of people think Seattle will win the NFC championship.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CB2: <i>Seahawks headed for worst record in Coach Carroll era.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But why??</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CB2: <i>Injuries and the most COVID positive cases in the league.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CB2:<i> After last-minute TD catch by <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> sends Cardinals-Rams Week 17 thriller into OT, <b>De'Vondre Campbell</b> intercepts Jared Goff on first play of OT and returns it 59 yards to the house to give Arizona 29-23 victory and apparent division title. But minutes later, with Seahawks one yard away from road upset of 49ers on first possession of overtime, <b>Marcell Harris</b> intercepts Russell Wilson in end zone on 2nd and goal and races 102 yards for TD to give 49ers 27-21 victory and division crown.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyW7bHGrfnOYPleZ1K0qAtzSBCrr038OrKWvooSQw2u74o5RwbyjOA5PTJdoWyJ7hCk_wxRlfBZhtt_b2EezM4rPMMsFhPES2O2ruZT7QZHZxKpQ7AoCYraOhyhViMeiuVzmjVhLYGHJ0/s1440/NFL20--AUG.+19--P1++ARIZ+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1027" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyW7bHGrfnOYPleZ1K0qAtzSBCrr038OrKWvooSQw2u74o5RwbyjOA5PTJdoWyJ7hCk_wxRlfBZhtt_b2EezM4rPMMsFhPES2O2ruZT7QZHZxKpQ7AoCYraOhyhViMeiuVzmjVhLYGHJ0/s320/NFL20--AUG.+19--P1++ARIZ+TC.jpg" /></a></div>
CB2 believes the trade of <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> from the Texans to the Cardinals will shake things up in the NFC West. CB2 is predicting Hopkins to have the most TD catches of any NFC player with dreads (14), helping the Cardinals move out of the NFC West basement and into the playoffs.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
NFC TIEBREAKER</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Buccaneers clinch #2 seed due to better record than 49ers in games against conference opponents (TB 9-3, SF 8-4)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
PLAYOFFS</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
ROUND 1</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>KC over HOU</li>
<li>BUF over LV</li>
<li>BAL over IND</li>
<li>TB over WASH</li>
<li>LAR over SF</li>
<li>CHI over ARIZ</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
ROUND 2</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>PIT over BAL</li>
<li>KC over BUF</li>
<li>DAL over LAR</li>
<li>TB over CHI</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>PIT over KC</li>
<li>DAL over TB</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
SUPER BOWL 55</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Steelers 30 Cowboys 27 (MVP: Big Ben, of course)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>CHANGES FOR 2020</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">As usual, I will use the abbreviations PS for practice squad, IR for injured reserve list, and PUP for physically unable to perform list in parenthesis after a player's name if he is not currently on a team's active roster. For the most part the following lists of players reflect team rosters as of the start of the 2020 season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">EX-DREAD</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">These are players that had dreads when the 2019 season ended but have cut them off since then.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Eli Apple (CAR) (IR) </li><li>Mike Boone (MINN) (photo below, helping <b>Dalvin Cook</b> during a drill at training camp)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmy4vnlZ0KVZ1jcDhGE5pomBlOJ7Dmh2_P4FdUN9Q8KP_2zDN5P57OmnHVZRLl25YcwNMKCsZwpG0t6vhTjuhw0tOxiErDpC_AcsPlfbIUNKiEn5c8Ko7r5kfCtWCZ1wPNP9hlVXXBX0/s1084/NFL20--AUG.+27--P2A++MINN+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1084" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmy4vnlZ0KVZ1jcDhGE5pomBlOJ7Dmh2_P4FdUN9Q8KP_2zDN5P57OmnHVZRLl25YcwNMKCsZwpG0t6vhTjuhw0tOxiErDpC_AcsPlfbIUNKiEn5c8Ko7r5kfCtWCZ1wPNP9hlVXXBX0/s320/NFL20--AUG.+27--P2A++MINN+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Michael Brockers (LAR)</li><li>Marqui Christian (CHI) ..... from his Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFTMoD3gsg5/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/p/CFTMoD3gsg5/</a></li><li>Ronald Darby (WASH) (photo below)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4isZEO_kf_y4SDZnl8GCB3n2L8iNi8XEQS6esPpFeHsWfq6u5ThbA432UKv5gSZ3WLm1JmIytiuNOKuODFHgqCGoiiyaexaHKMMiytA3yw-CMHAzn5t9sBUk0Lieb0a5bPFm2nLce9c/s824/NFL20--AUG.+XX--P5++R.DARBY.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="824" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4isZEO_kf_y4SDZnl8GCB3n2L8iNi8XEQS6esPpFeHsWfq6u5ThbA432UKv5gSZ3WLm1JmIytiuNOKuODFHgqCGoiiyaexaHKMMiytA3yw-CMHAzn5t9sBUk0Lieb0a5bPFm2nLce9c/s320/NFL20--AUG.+XX--P5++R.DARBY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sean Davis (PIT)</li><li>Cameron Erving (DAL) <br /></li><li>Will Fuller (HOU) (photo below)<br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUs-WAcNWpzJAMoXQIASuqaIowJm85xvtQZetPHw4VDwIaW_mXcxIW0OE6EJmOqB6-X16Nl8O0GirtDxSGaq04kiSm5A3oyvRVktkzUYPVzxC3p886tGOf-ATyu5pTz1VeC_QyRhvEMU/s1371/NFL20--AUG.+17--P4A++HOU+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1150" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUs-WAcNWpzJAMoXQIASuqaIowJm85xvtQZetPHw4VDwIaW_mXcxIW0OE6EJmOqB6-X16Nl8O0GirtDxSGaq04kiSm5A3oyvRVktkzUYPVzxC3p886tGOf-ATyu5pTz1VeC_QyRhvEMU/s320/NFL20--AUG.+17--P4A++HOU+TC.jpg" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Willie Gay (KC) (rookie)</li><li>Holton Hill (MINN) (photo below)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSxFnbIPBU13I9CfpTm_fzoMMrd-XPfnwt4Oro5VBoYmJVhsAqxW4JTw1zLpCF8YKKaafJRa_zztHwGdY3V99lMjx_ENuhJ4UX281fJn9CVDUC0HtCMpnMT-SWwgnvLcMUh16ms53gY4/s1024/NFL20--AUG.+28--P5++MINN+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSxFnbIPBU13I9CfpTm_fzoMMrd-XPfnwt4Oro5VBoYmJVhsAqxW4JTw1zLpCF8YKKaafJRa_zztHwGdY3V99lMjx_ENuhJ4UX281fJn9CVDUC0HtCMpnMT-SWwgnvLcMUh16ms53gY4/s320/NFL20--AUG.+28--P5++MINN+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bryce Huff (NYJ) (rookie)</li><li>Cameron Jordan (NO) </li><li>Justin March (DAL)<br /></li><li>Tim Patrick (DEN) </li><li>Bryce Perkins (LAR) (PS) (rookie) (photo below, ouch!)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8hrfGxIGBpxbyd-QGyO0vJD97yadNVdBZQ_L4gY9wPN8Y7eeFpK9C6IdHh-1mGedPSQaMxKwE3hCYM6EBvX-69rRUqSVskqHPPAkRsVGjl07SRVtmbTiD9vPgMgOy0C4Oc2JkTqTTAU/s2048/NFL20--AUG.+22--P1A++LAR+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8hrfGxIGBpxbyd-QGyO0vJD97yadNVdBZQ_L4gY9wPN8Y7eeFpK9C6IdHh-1mGedPSQaMxKwE3hCYM6EBvX-69rRUqSVskqHPPAkRsVGjl07SRVtmbTiD9vPgMgOy0C4Oc2JkTqTTAU/s320/NFL20--AUG.+22--P1A++LAR+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Roy Robertson-Harris (CHI) <br /></li><li>Malik Turner (DAL) </li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;">I almost included <b>Robby Anderson</b> (CAR) on the list. He had his dreads untwisted during training camp but has them going again; so I'll keep him in the house ... for now.<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">NEW DREADS<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">You know, way back in 2008 when I first started this blog the hardest part about knowing whether a player had begun growing dreads was actually seeing him with his helmet off. Almost all baby and beginner dreads had twisted locks, and it was easy to tell the difference between dreads and braids. But as dreads have evolved over the years things have become much trickier. These days most athletes start their dreads with either freeform locks or with braided (instead of twisted) locks; and this makes it way harder to determine when I need to welcome someone to the house or not. Specifically ..... with freeform dreads, which look like a mess while they're forming, at what exact point do they become dreads instead of a mess? And with braided locks, how is anyone supposed to know if that person is planning to let those locks actually lock together or to just keep them as braids? </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">And the pandemic we're in isn't make things any easier. With many people electing to avoid the barbershop and let their hair grow longer, it seems like half of all NFL players are conspiring to put me in this are-they-braids-or-dreads quandary. Well, I just call 'em as I see 'em. If they <i>look</i> like dreads, I'll add them to the house. If it turns out they're not, I can always kick them out of the house later. That's what I did with 11 of the 42 players I had in this category last year. Marquise Brown and Elandon Roberts landed on the ex-dread list during last season; Justin March is an ex-dread this year; and the rest I decided had braids not dreads: Jaire Alexander, Alex Armah, Kenjon Barner, Xavier Grimble, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Justin Jackson, William Jackson, and Chandon Sullivan. Also, in a comment I included early last season, I thought Peyton Barber and Sean Murphy-Bunting had dreads, but I was wrong about both.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Before I list the players who have just gotten their dreads started this year, here are the ones who started theirs last season that I didn't know about until after the season was underway. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Chidobe Awuzie</b> (DAL)</li><li><b>Christian Blake</b> (ATL) <br /></li><li><b>Shilique Calhoun</b> (NE)</li><li><b>Ashton Dulin</b> (IND) <br /></li><li><b>John Franklin</b> (TB) (IR)</li><li><b>Dontrell Hilliard</b> (CLEV) (PS)</li><li><b>Kareem Orr</b> (TENN) <br /></li><li><b>Cameron Sutton</b> (PIT) (on right in photo below, doing the non-handshake handshake with <b>Terrell Edmunds</b> during training camp) <br /></li><li><b>Vincent Taylor</b> (CLEV) (BUF in 2019)</li><li><b>Laquon Treadwell</b> (ATL) (PS) (MINN in 2019) <br /></li><li><b>Blidi Wreh-Wilson</b> (ATL)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrL5INvahNy2iW8IP3ThxEJQgAJ2Zz_jhMhQ9bzBI6bmShMSoCDFvBVBEEqxh68cXnitLe6Hc_1zTKPD94pOGEqIr6VbbH89-qSX2M2RyXM14hsbyyhc6jpvelLmcLzxMD_nA4wNmLag/s1500/NFL20--AUG.+24--P7++PITT+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrL5INvahNy2iW8IP3ThxEJQgAJ2Zz_jhMhQ9bzBI6bmShMSoCDFvBVBEEqxh68cXnitLe6Hc_1zTKPD94pOGEqIr6VbbH89-qSX2M2RyXM14hsbyyhc6jpvelLmcLzxMD_nA4wNmLag/s320/NFL20--AUG.+24--P7++PITT+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Now here are those I am welcoming to the house this year. No doubt I'll be wrong about some of them. Hopefully not too many.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Bruce Anderson</b> (IND) (IR)</li><li><b>Darius Anderson</b> (IND) (PS) <br /></li><li><b>Antoine Brooks</b> (PIT) (PS) (rookie) </li><li><b>Jayon Brown </b>(TENN) (photo below, welcome back)<br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYTvvKtxgd0PejhXwirBcWUK7XOye-_wPFAUBqyqbYQdmJgk7fSlzOkNQO5BizbM-Kac04SPtn82CKizFiGNfdIWntObNiR-HEXL9ZYl7IkXbD3Fn281f2ljuHJfsP-xDzpNomy_T6FY/s1880/NFL20--AUG.+14--P4++TENN+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1880" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYTvvKtxgd0PejhXwirBcWUK7XOye-_wPFAUBqyqbYQdmJgk7fSlzOkNQO5BizbM-Kac04SPtn82CKizFiGNfdIWntObNiR-HEXL9ZYl7IkXbD3Fn281f2ljuHJfsP-xDzpNomy_T6FY/s320/NFL20--AUG.+14--P4++TENN+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Malcolm Butler</b> (TENN)</li><li><b>Chris Conley</b> (JAC) (photo below, welcome back)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApgBzo3PEWqtPtdbpeg98kMLxwqAuaG0Ew01xaEanaH7HElRdQIJIElPV46j1LgLpXVMEoUP35ou7pxz-kVT74FBqNwX2Wx3yYHR30QFMi4DUh73NOD8diEXZ7JIkmPY_QcF58bCINH4/s1440/NFL20--AUG.+17--P3++JACK+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1144" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApgBzo3PEWqtPtdbpeg98kMLxwqAuaG0Ew01xaEanaH7HElRdQIJIElPV46j1LgLpXVMEoUP35ou7pxz-kVT74FBqNwX2Wx3yYHR30QFMi4DUh73NOD8diEXZ7JIkmPY_QcF58bCINH4/s320/NFL20--AUG.+17--P3++JACK+TC.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Jashon Cornell</b> (DET) (IR) (rookie)</li><li><b>Dennis Daley </b>(CAR)<br /></li><li><b>Cody Ford</b> (BUF)</li><li><b>Myles Garrett</b> (CLEV) (photo below, alongside <b>Larry Ogunjobi</b>, whose dreads are now long enough to easily be seen outside of his helmet. Garrett has his hair in the braided locks that are so popular now; hopefully he'll let them turn into dreads) </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5jRGnexkgbPiRts32b8v7BJMkZIa6KxSzfBTeHsBkebOoi29ZUhfjOv624iOg5-2QZGVxzJYHS6dcv564Ofmp4hawEz0d6TtqOFWWKULlenItxWX2xRrxOJrHfQG2cRzqnMlkWKic9A/s1500/NFL20--AUG.+14--P7++CLEVE+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5jRGnexkgbPiRts32b8v7BJMkZIa6KxSzfBTeHsBkebOoi29ZUhfjOv624iOg5-2QZGVxzJYHS6dcv564Ofmp4hawEz0d6TtqOFWWKULlenItxWX2xRrxOJrHfQG2cRzqnMlkWKic9A/s320/NFL20--AUG.+14--P7++CLEVE+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>C.J. Henderson</b> (JAC) (rookie) (photo below)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9H5Hg_siUUwo3Jxzemrvt4x3VrOLoeAgAZNXsoTh-343JnsXQMfhv5uiEzf940c8WacEaldUXr9SHFkCi90_EjS0zJ1QO8j4GR-nUakJDKnEusLIzG9U1LkE0f2PUqXZA_qs9yd3M6o/s1440/NFL20--AUG.+12--P9++JACK+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1126" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9H5Hg_siUUwo3Jxzemrvt4x3VrOLoeAgAZNXsoTh-343JnsXQMfhv5uiEzf940c8WacEaldUXr9SHFkCi90_EjS0zJ1QO8j4GR-nUakJDKnEusLIzG9U1LkE0f2PUqXZA_qs9yd3M6o/s320/NFL20--AUG.+12--P9++JACK+TC.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Jason Huntley</b> (PHIL) (rookie)<br /></li><li><b>Brandon King</b> (NE) (PUP)</li><li><b>Desmond King </b>(LAC) <br /></li><li><b>Justin Layne</b> (PIT) </li><li><b>D.J. Montgomery</b> (NYJ) (PS)</li><li><b>Eric Murray</b> (HOU)<br /></li><li><b>Cam Newton</b> (NE) (photo below) (I didn't welcome him to the house last year because I wasn't sure what he was doing with his hair. But now it looks like dreads (enough) and I guess this makes him the NFL's first quarterback with dreads)<br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfARv-WUgsl6pWmM3VXIXXIGExFNDsgCE-mQBjddeTZ0YFhr_HJ0PufeCrJw8ZKd2eGjxPc7t8khYMzo4GyV9aSNVJ5lsfhBf20jrKOYk-5l0Tf6ufBa2HgWGOCwB5c1yy5wIgGOJRyB8/s1486/NFL20--AUG.+21--P1++NE+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfARv-WUgsl6pWmM3VXIXXIGExFNDsgCE-mQBjddeTZ0YFhr_HJ0PufeCrJw8ZKd2eGjxPc7t8khYMzo4GyV9aSNVJ5lsfhBf20jrKOYk-5l0Tf6ufBa2HgWGOCwB5c1yy5wIgGOJRyB8/s320/NFL20--AUG.+21--P1++NE+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Derrick Nnadi </b>(KC)</li><li><b>Chris Orr </b>(CAR) (PS) (rookie) <br /></li><li><b>Logan Ryan</b> (NYG) <br /></li><li><b>Henry Ruggs</b> (LV) (rookie)<br /></li><li><b>Victor Salako </b>(BUF) (PS)</li><li><b>Isaiah Simmons</b> (ARIZ) (rookie) </li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-OdhG_sVvmby_1V7gdyo014NX43iOqo7Ao2NxIPiUeuKDqH1O3DbSXWQNOE5TVTw0baO5st1AzpJdPu-iyXN0OcFV-J6KTr2pzJn-bfaAA-gxQod-EwcSaooJ9Ksx4Ya7HQojKRWDVo/s1920/NFL20--AUG.+19--P2++ARIZ+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-OdhG_sVvmby_1V7gdyo014NX43iOqo7Ao2NxIPiUeuKDqH1O3DbSXWQNOE5TVTw0baO5st1AzpJdPu-iyXN0OcFV-J6KTr2pzJn-bfaAA-gxQod-EwcSaooJ9Ksx4Ya7HQojKRWDVo/s320/NFL20--AUG.+19--P2++ARIZ+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>LeShaun Sims</b> (CIN) </li><li><b>Saivion Smith</b> (DAL) (PS) </li><li><b>James Smith-Williams</b> (WASH) (rookie)<br /></li><li><b>Kevin Toliver</b> (DEN) (PS) </li><li><b>K'Von Wallace </b>(PHIL) (rookie) <br /></li><li><b>Darryl Williams</b> (KC) (PS)</li><li><b>Preston Williams</b> (MIA) (photo below)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DfLUKaqo4mJFEYowK1OH40koqT4Y3xAjARCtRNyz5YIr7rfN1Gbj4Sij4r-_bsV2BAkOfwu8KjVNnvBRWEd4hOiMdK2XKPcUSfSiL2VISBxb98W-E6JhdC4BMlamJeMFZUPRgcmcbWE/s2048/NFL20--AUG.+4--P1++MIA+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DfLUKaqo4mJFEYowK1OH40koqT4Y3xAjARCtRNyz5YIr7rfN1Gbj4Sij4r-_bsV2BAkOfwu8KjVNnvBRWEd4hOiMdK2XKPcUSfSiL2VISBxb98W-E6JhdC4BMlamJeMFZUPRgcmcbWE/s320/NFL20--AUG.+4--P1++MIA+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Chris Williamson</b> (NYG) (PS) (rookie)<br /></li><li><b>Brandon Wilson</b> (CIN)</li><li><b>Renell Wren</b> (CIN) (IR)<br /></li><li><b>Isaiah Wynn</b> (NE) (photo below)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwto5jANbQ_Zo5wpxOo7WDvJpjeYhYSymjliVgkfkydJoHTR7n2ClFoZAjB2W_XA9p8Ht-AvB0iNunchAkr549euVlewpVRuwjntxuGwJNxQPn0rgUdfK7FjesmJR_c21m7Wdeu3l6VQc/s1000/NFL20--AUG.+26--P1++NE+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwto5jANbQ_Zo5wpxOo7WDvJpjeYhYSymjliVgkfkydJoHTR7n2ClFoZAjB2W_XA9p8Ht-AvB0iNunchAkr549euVlewpVRuwjntxuGwJNxQPn0rgUdfK7FjesmJR_c21m7Wdeu3l6VQc/s320/NFL20--AUG.+26--P1++NE+TC.jpg" /></a></div><p>Two names that are not on this list (unfortunately) are WR Calvin Ridley of the Falcons and WR Chris Godwin of the Buccaneers. I was hoping to welcome them to the house this season; but after having dreads during training camp, they changed their minds and switched back to normal hair for the regular season. But I didn't find out until after CB2 had made its predictions. <br /></p><p>.</p><p>SAME DREADS, NEW THREADS</p><p>As usual, a large number of players with dreads have switched teams since last year. Here are those that are wearing the uniforms of different teams than they did at the end of 2019, with last year's team listed first followed by their current team, which will be <u>underlined</u>. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Mario Addison</b> (CAR, <u>BUF</u>)</li><li><b>Robby Anderson</b> (NYJ, <u>CAR</u>) </li><li><b>Kalen Ballage</b> (MIA,<u>NYJ</u>)<br /></li><li><b>Mark Barron </b>(PIT, <u>DEN</u>) (photo below)<br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4zc6YdvVXDLRypXNjkxpIrpKsLWE5t5_TlOTC15-m7Ol4dhzGd_EiZjAc967rC9LDZFK4Py0NgDzcA2qH7sVEp7-hXgcXmQYMXMgrPEdT22nolE2FYa1xuQB3gF-_IAeu3EOlyftK7g/s925/NFL20--AUG.+XX--P9++M.BARRON.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="925" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4zc6YdvVXDLRypXNjkxpIrpKsLWE5t5_TlOTC15-m7Ol4dhzGd_EiZjAc967rC9LDZFK4Py0NgDzcA2qH7sVEp7-hXgcXmQYMXMgrPEdT22nolE2FYa1xuQB3gF-_IAeu3EOlyftK7g/s320/NFL20--AUG.+XX--P9++M.BARRON.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Jamon Brown</b> (ATL, <u>PHIL</u>)<br /></li><li><b>Vernon Butler</b> (CAR, <u>BUF</u>) </li><li><b>Josh Bynes</b> (BAL, <u>CIN</u>) </li><li><b>De'Vondre Campbell</b> (ATL,<u> ARIZ</u>) (photo below)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW8Lz9gBZe8sPL9-pGaJrkfuG1iBCuJ1D4p-rwlfU8uhYjbat91K35kmPa_FfQ5Fy1_KM9QPS3gKugE5UzQmLXttOTDPAg_gtKf7by928zPvOa-HcX1iUGFcoxEIchwXlDu6FdoExZuE/s1747/NFL20--AUG.+12--P3++ARIZ+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1747" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW8Lz9gBZe8sPL9-pGaJrkfuG1iBCuJ1D4p-rwlfU8uhYjbat91K35kmPa_FfQ5Fy1_KM9QPS3gKugE5UzQmLXttOTDPAg_gtKf7by928zPvOa-HcX1iUGFcoxEIchwXlDu6FdoExZuE/s320/NFL20--AUG.+12--P3++ARIZ+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Adrian Clayborn</b> (ATL, <u>CLEV</u>)</li><li><b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> (SEA, <u>TENN</u>) (photo below)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvcqlTAeXtlNerZi6vsF9mjOgnJvy40Q7Ug0tWput2c6Ncs9V95dfRRRRYBjhVTBceqOC85svC76SzkdNf5LaILt0FB5yh8g93xaEJ3PMFY8bf3bvTOWaN8ofoVd4uhy-X_iNyt6HmZo/s2048/NFL20--SEPT.+9--P7++TENN+PRAC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1314" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwvcqlTAeXtlNerZi6vsF9mjOgnJvy40Q7Ug0tWput2c6Ncs9V95dfRRRRYBjhVTBceqOC85svC76SzkdNf5LaILt0FB5yh8g93xaEJ3PMFY8bf3bvTOWaN8ofoVd4uhy-X_iNyt6HmZo/s320/NFL20--SEPT.+9--P7++TENN+PRAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>D.J. Fluker</b> (SEA, <u>BAL</u>) <br /></li><li><b>Melvin Gordon</b> (LAC, <u>DEN</u>) </li><li><b>Todd Gurley</b> (LAR, <u>ATL</u>)<br /></li><li><b>P.J. Hall</b> (OAK, <u>HOU</u>) <br /></li><li><b>Ronnie Harrison</b> (JAC, <u>CLEV</u>) (photo below)<br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ6MdXkyWwJQpSFWlqlCipk8iEHlfVNiGk3TdUsYKfY6ACDiud3eihn717FTbDJpd01-nTBzcXLMEkUTWYkozuCIVMKfSlkOI4h4mTD-Gf2iYsmz0mAucTBJopqsT8HNCNV1X3B8J5y0/s1814/NFL20--SEPT.+7--P2++CLEVE+PRAC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1814" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ6MdXkyWwJQpSFWlqlCipk8iEHlfVNiGk3TdUsYKfY6ACDiud3eihn717FTbDJpd01-nTBzcXLMEkUTWYkozuCIVMKfSlkOI4h4mTD-Gf2iYsmz0mAucTBJopqsT8HNCNV1X3B8J5y0/s320/NFL20--SEPT.+7--P2++CLEVE+PRAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> (HOU, <u>ARIZ</u>) <br /></li><li><b>Germain Ifedi </b>(SEA, <u>CHI</u>) </li><li><b>Bruce Irvin</b> (CAR, <u>SEA</u>)<br /></li><li><b>John Jenkins</b> (MIA, <u>CHI</u>)<br /></li><li><b>Sidney Jones</b> (PHIL, <u>JAC</u>)</li><li><b>Linval Joseph</b> (MINN, <u>L</u><u>AC</u>) (photo on left below)<br /></li></ul><p></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbzGtQfSu_F2dc1ncFsoSRLJ1hDE465CwJKJqXdsKOjwCmP3OqbRcCaCugtFxOvyqt9s6uRFbf-ToQTI_uBhG3Fh50um6bPZzUK4tl0ZzdVchVKeOKabgE6KM2Z65REeI-T3uHIlyo4I/s1478/NFL20--SEPT.+9--P5++ARIZ+PRAC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbzGtQfSu_F2dc1ncFsoSRLJ1hDE465CwJKJqXdsKOjwCmP3OqbRcCaCugtFxOvyqt9s6uRFbf-ToQTI_uBhG3Fh50um6bPZzUK4tl0ZzdVchVKeOKabgE6KM2Z65REeI-T3uHIlyo4I/s320/NFL20--SEPT.+9--P5++ARIZ+PRAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEOf4nTg5nPn5AwwbE7mpt2QaTUdGw81uWJdVB-jH0znagY0ZkS9t69ZuHsRzQMw743s1BJOlKrsFjEwoDtI5BBwDPlW2LusJgLS86WGbQ-IfSIDtDYjPxNz97C0O8lEkPiLvA-NUGV8/s609/NFL20--AUG.+23--P4++LAC+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="442" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEOf4nTg5nPn5AwwbE7mpt2QaTUdGw81uWJdVB-jH0znagY0ZkS9t69ZuHsRzQMw743s1BJOlKrsFjEwoDtI5BBwDPlW2LusJgLS86WGbQ-IfSIDtDYjPxNz97C0O8lEkPiLvA-NUGV8/s320/NFL20--AUG.+23--P4++LAC+TC.jpg" /></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMCP57yIdiDWflr0mj7dlB6AN-pq1jIAST6VCdOrADJAbq3yfO01LrseU72QheRFPl8cyoTzxnyR_46m6t1ThsNuMyVNqY_Z3EGrYY6faIggyHgs5nYL0KiRAu5-kORj4PRg_o31J8Dc/s1500/NFL20--AUG.+27--P3++DALL+TC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Dre Kirkpatrick</b> (CIN, <u>ARIZ</u>) (photo on right above)<br /></li><li><b>Christian Kirksey</b> (CLEV, <u>GB</u>) (photo on left below)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxZ1NP_cdQUAzCZIC9Tn6aJVVWNnTP650viNfOKZiGWRUwhdSWWZFy0raLcytERuejAc9w8KAKOlfGGDu1pkQYyzYr4mM0jKx-t731yhqVL4f_ESQZD_SEdNOsx76JicjhvGc8iB3wnU/s800/NFL20--AUG.+16--P5++LV+TC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxZ1NP_cdQUAzCZIC9Tn6aJVVWNnTP650viNfOKZiGWRUwhdSWWZFy0raLcytERuejAc9w8KAKOlfGGDu1pkQYyzYr4mM0jKx-t731yhqVL4f_ESQZD_SEdNOsx76JicjhvGc8iB3wnU/s800/NFL20--AUG.+16--P5++LV+TC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="709" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxZ1NP_cdQUAzCZIC9Tn6aJVVWNnTP650viNfOKZiGWRUwhdSWWZFy0raLcytERuejAc9w8KAKOlfGGDu1pkQYyzYr4mM0jKx-t731yhqVL4f_ESQZD_SEdNOsx76JicjhvGc8iB3wnU/s320/NFL20--AUG.+16--P5++LV+TC.jpg" /></a></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwhIxyAxQrvKYRuZZWlvFmkscEEkd5cWMBtFTzdUgIi8r1BSLkiB1hIHClnchxe8o8YWh-cvrAzQTkSKDg0vZKWVMbybXWcV4bJlEHXTKsYeh2wbPZG6gEX39OhB9BhOeiR0B086C8Vw/s1440/NFL20--AUG.+15--P3++GB+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1015" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwhIxyAxQrvKYRuZZWlvFmkscEEkd5cWMBtFTzdUgIi8r1BSLkiB1hIHClnchxe8o8YWh-cvrAzQTkSKDg0vZKWVMbybXWcV4bJlEHXTKsYeh2wbPZG6gEX39OhB9BhOeiR0B086C8Vw/s320/NFL20--AUG.+15--P3++GB+TC.jpg" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxZ1NP_cdQUAzCZIC9Tn6aJVVWNnTP650viNfOKZiGWRUwhdSWWZFy0raLcytERuejAc9w8KAKOlfGGDu1pkQYyzYr4mM0jKx-t731yhqVL4f_ESQZD_SEdNOsx76JicjhvGc8iB3wnU/s800/NFL20--AUG.+16--P5++LV+TC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxZ1NP_cdQUAzCZIC9Tn6aJVVWNnTP650viNfOKZiGWRUwhdSWWZFy0raLcytERuejAc9w8KAKOlfGGDu1pkQYyzYr4mM0jKx-t731yhqVL4f_ESQZD_SEdNOsx76JicjhvGc8iB3wnU/s800/NFL20--AUG.+16--P5++LV+TC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Cory Littleton</b> (LAR, <u>LV</u>) (photo on right above)<br /></li><li><b>Bradley McDougald</b> (SEA, <u>NYJ</u>)</li><li><b>John Miller</b> (CIN, <u>CAR</u>) <br /></li><li><b>Parry Nickerson</b> (JAC, <u>GB</u>) <br /></li><li><b>Josh Norman </b>(WASH, <u>BUF</u>)</li><li><b>Dare Ogunbowale</b> (TB, <u>JAC</u>) </li><li><b>Senorise Perry</b> (BUF, <u>TENN</u>) (photo below)<br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajGsSbOSQmM8gwWA1tYpSpxL3uY64oYjvZXZ2ftJ0N6zCY9EmaJVViulnDBkoiS6D-Uz8xBb1zaABRW-3rtKvZl3B-8pl1e1ppW5Gi6WqK-aZQfu_SS0_FIXHLT8zSt9nYb8i1-YKAzE/s1440/NFL20--AUG.+14--P5++TENN+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1248" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajGsSbOSQmM8gwWA1tYpSpxL3uY64oYjvZXZ2ftJ0N6zCY9EmaJVViulnDBkoiS6D-Uz8xBb1zaABRW-3rtKvZl3B-8pl1e1ppW5Gi6WqK-aZQfu_SS0_FIXHLT8zSt9nYb8i1-YKAzE/s320/NFL20--AUG.+14--P5++TENN+TC.jpg" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Jordan Phillips</b> (BUF, <u>ARIZ</u>) <br /></li><li><b>Darryl Roberts</b> (NYJ, <u>DET</u>) </li><li><b>Seth Roberts </b>(BAL, <u>CAR</u>) (photo below)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJxiDDiRNEyyGT2aYfGv6ZK49Fb-BUnQp2i-DhCIyiN8K1l9miFgiCZKMXzxz5B_nZppZy7mV-enCr1zYLR5Cre-O1E-Z9xSjc9TZTvr195myNP94cB6mtPowxVYQfce9V3TQ-zbh3H4/s1707/NFL20--AUG.+10--P4++CAR+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="1707" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJxiDDiRNEyyGT2aYfGv6ZK49Fb-BUnQp2i-DhCIyiN8K1l9miFgiCZKMXzxz5B_nZppZy7mV-enCr1zYLR5Cre-O1E-Z9xSjc9TZTvr195myNP94cB6mtPowxVYQfce9V3TQ-zbh3H4/s320/NFL20--AUG.+10--P4++CAR+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Nickell Robey-Coleman</b> (LAR, <u>PHIL</u>)</li><li><b>Brandon Shell</b> (NYJ, <u>SEA</u>)<br /></li><li><b>Taylor Stallworth</b> (NO, <u>IND</u>) (photo below)<br /></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b3reP64ppxRIfHWCZvmN1QeoNNT0d8WLWFwwg3wQ6MX70elnW55j8tYEEjzSIay_Tio0vAcxFjItkqZVfD6RrjeWTwPEEwfYHcnY_lQ2Wpn0_5bh_8z21kYQBbi4KEEQ8ls5aPxrksY/s1440/NFL20--SEPT.+10--P1++IND+PRAC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1305" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b3reP64ppxRIfHWCZvmN1QeoNNT0d8WLWFwwg3wQ6MX70elnW55j8tYEEjzSIay_Tio0vAcxFjItkqZVfD6RrjeWTwPEEwfYHcnY_lQ2Wpn0_5bh_8z21kYQBbi4KEEQ8ls5aPxrksY/s320/NFL20--SEPT.+10--P1++IND+PRAC.jpg" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Julian Stanford</b> (BUF, <u>CAR</u>)<br /></li><li><b>M.J. Stewart</b> (TB, <u>CLEV</u>) <br /></li><li><b>Mike Thomas</b> (LAR, <u>CIN</u>) </li><li><b>Desmond Trufant</b> (ATL, <u>DET</u>) (photo below)<br /></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioL8ghQYjxu0TQihaC_xGopjCRa_yK7Q8SRk3jfyikCbV7YYbEIGLXuVUgbYSR2kv4DGv6SguhUzUM0Yni3TrOXBwG0yjWifj10GPMZIuQQFIMaa2ZHGYDWBHiWbNEjyJ3aIq4x99cHv8/s1706/NFL20--AUG.+6--P2++DET+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioL8ghQYjxu0TQihaC_xGopjCRa_yK7Q8SRk3jfyikCbV7YYbEIGLXuVUgbYSR2kv4DGv6SguhUzUM0Yni3TrOXBwG0yjWifj10GPMZIuQQFIMaa2ZHGYDWBHiWbNEjyJ3aIq4x99cHv8/s320/NFL20--AUG.+6--P2++DET+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Trae Waynes</b> (MINN, <u>CIN</u> (IR))<br /></li><li><b>Derek Wolfe</b> (DEN, <u>BAL</u>)</li><li><b>Isaac Yiadom</b> (DEN, <u>NYG</u>)</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOB9AyV_0L3a09xm8IJYfZOGc5kOy5lX1qIQsaRf6SD4Ct2teOltUoaIwPsfERLiUT6jQJ04L0xPXSZKAuVNLFr9dHqWKWmdmXsbUY7EaI_mTb1FRkETqHI-Ms4sgkaHbZ7Rt7-PtcxMQ/s1478/NFL20--SEPT.+9--P5++ARIZ+PRAC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">================ <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">UPDATE: 10/3/2020</div><div style="text-align: left;">Since the start of the season several more players with dreads have signed with teams for which they did not play last season. They are:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Ziggy Ansah</b> (SEA, <u>SF</u>)</li><li><b>Kalen Ballage</b> (MIA, <u>NYJ</u>) <br /></li><li><b>Jamon Brown</b> (ATL, <u>PHIL</u>) </li><li><b>Todd Davis</b> (DEN, <u>MINN</u>) <br /></li><li><b>Devonta Freeman</b> (ATL, <u>NYG</u>)<br /></li><li><b>Ryan Lewis</b> (MIA, <u>NYG</u>) </li><li><b>C.J. Prosise</b> (SEA, <u>HOU</u>) <br /></li><li><b>Curtis Riley</b> (OAK, <u>ARIZ</u>)</li><li><b>Tremon Smith</b> (GB, <u>IND</u>)<br /></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;">================= <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">IT'S BETTER TO RECEIVE ....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQCAU-REyAkv3IEhy1VW9Cfw7_PPeT5ycvOB3p7wZ0VD500nWaTPfKcP4UlUf_s3Qns16ffy95qAv-NmVdthc-fyW5LcfY-ldl2pB_9hllUDPTq1GdF_Y2tVuHcmrMnHNCENd2l-sgW0/s1200/NFL20--AUG.+18--P1++LV+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQCAU-REyAkv3IEhy1VW9Cfw7_PPeT5ycvOB3p7wZ0VD500nWaTPfKcP4UlUf_s3Qns16ffy95qAv-NmVdthc-fyW5LcfY-ldl2pB_9hllUDPTq1GdF_Y2tVuHcmrMnHNCENd2l-sgW0/s320/NFL20--AUG.+18--P1++LV+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Well, all the draft experts said there was an abundance of talent at the wide receiver position in this year's NFL Draft, and they weren't kidding. In all 37 WRs were picked in the 2020 Draft, including a record 13 in the first two rounds. And wouldn't you know, most of the very best of those have dreads. Of the six taken in round 1 five have dreads, starting with <b>Henry Ruggs</b> (photo on left) to the Raiders with pick #12 and ending with <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> to the 49ers at #25. Two more were picked in round 2 and two more after that, making it a total of 9 WRs with dreads picked. And in addition to that three WRs with dreads who signed as free agents after the Draft made their teams' final rosters. </div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This year's class of rookies with dreads is record setting in number. (Let's hope it is also record setting in the number of touchdowns they score this season.) Of the 255 total players picked 49 of them have dreads, including the 9 listed earlier that did not have them during their final college season in 2019. The 49 smashes the old record of 41 picked in 2018. 11 of the 49 were picked in the 1st round, also a new record. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are all 49, and they made their respective teams' rosters unless otherwise noted. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2020 NFL DRAFT </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ROUND 1 <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOwjmY_18qDwG_b0oDtoRHSyiqvqHylpnjY7EymrDmLNSqZaEiTh9_qGFiSL8Dak42fZTQ8MWHpFG3uRsc3agqRcPNOyz34qVjG0z5cy9GrponRuXBdd_Oj7anwo7KxZJxKvjffZSS7Q/s683/NFL20--AUG.+14--P2++DEN+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="553" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOwjmY_18qDwG_b0oDtoRHSyiqvqHylpnjY7EymrDmLNSqZaEiTh9_qGFiSL8Dak42fZTQ8MWHpFG3uRsc3agqRcPNOyz34qVjG0z5cy9GrponRuXBdd_Oj7anwo7KxZJxKvjffZSS7Q/s320/NFL20--AUG.+14--P2++DEN+TC.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FF9j3_pBASn_YoeSf2wp8MZkqZb6ySY9wMkqgNMOuXGQeXEg4JPypm5AXDq4I8HW20iME5HLrCC4Qysxq8f4CIvdxo_4h1dzomU6D42RCkD9lHD6Gb_2WdTdvYFnXhoDLd6CDUaRlvU/s1500/NFL20--AUG.+27--P3++DALL+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FF9j3_pBASn_YoeSf2wp8MZkqZb6ySY9wMkqgNMOuXGQeXEg4JPypm5AXDq4I8HW20iME5HLrCC4Qysxq8f4CIvdxo_4h1dzomU6D42RCkD9lHD6Gb_2WdTdvYFnXhoDLd6CDUaRlvU/s320/NFL20--AUG.+27--P3++DALL+TC.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">2. DE <b>Chase Young</b> (WASH))</div><div style="text-align: left;">8. LB <b>Isaiah Simmons</b> (ARIZ)</div><div style="text-align: left;">9. CB <b>C.J. Henderson</b> (JAC)</div><div style="text-align: left;">12. WR <b>Henry Ruggs</b> (LV)</div><div style="text-align: left;">14. DT <b>Javon Kinlaw</b> (SF)</div><div style="text-align: left;">15. WR <b>Jerry Jeudy</b> (DEN) (photo on right above)</div><div style="text-align: left;">17. WR <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> (DAL) (photo on left above)</div><div style="text-align: left;">19. CB <b>Damon Arnette</b> (LV)</div><div style="text-align: left;">22. WR <b>Justin Jefferson</b> (MINN) (photo on right below)</div><div style="text-align: left;">25. WR <b>Brandon Aiyuk</b> (SF) (photo on left below)</div><div style="text-align: left;">29. OT <b>Isaiah Wilson</b> (TENN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi_bX__GQkQZM4MTyxfVTVheWszrfAQCtUVsmQOHFaAUA3sWXdPP0A_GWtBuwVCaYikLylKJvFJxLd5dZijTj9y2rxeRDu4Ahzd48QEzb6DtDc1EqpyOH2WutcAD9EeeVg5Cjmic_PfM/s1697/NFL20--AUG.+18--P6++SF+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1697" data-original-width="1141" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi_bX__GQkQZM4MTyxfVTVheWszrfAQCtUVsmQOHFaAUA3sWXdPP0A_GWtBuwVCaYikLylKJvFJxLd5dZijTj9y2rxeRDu4Ahzd48QEzb6DtDc1EqpyOH2WutcAD9EeeVg5Cjmic_PfM/s320/NFL20--AUG.+18--P6++SF+TC.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKN3toZ-3HxWVOg86JjKeTeLSpERurt5OF_7xt3aJl-UdufQaecFe__5u5eIKvH4HMSQ-1A98yBbJ9zsDTzlWlV6hdOA-wy0GrLWny4emVHcgv8xWz-a3_9mzPHO0QUZBK7nRuW7_fS4/s1440/NFL20--AUG.+28--P7++MINN+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1149" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKN3toZ-3HxWVOg86JjKeTeLSpERurt5OF_7xt3aJl-UdufQaecFe__5u5eIKvH4HMSQ-1A98yBbJ9zsDTzlWlV6hdOA-wy0GrLWny4emVHcgv8xWz-a3_9mzPHO0QUZBK7nRuW7_fS4/s320/NFL20--AUG.+28--P7++MINN+TC.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">ROUND 2 <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">36. S <b>Xavier McKinney</b> (NYG) (IR)</div><div style="text-align: left;">37. S <b>Kyle Dugger</b> (NE)</div><div style="text-align: left;">39. G <b>Robert Hunt</b> (MIA)</div><div style="text-align: left;">42. WR <b>Laviska Shenault</b> (JAC) (photo on left below)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">49. WR <b>Chase Claypool</b> (PIT) (photo on right below)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">51. CB <b>Trevon Diggs</b> (DAL)</div><div style="text-align: left;">61. CB<b> Kristian Fulton</b> (TENN)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_f7d1ZuIe0iSTE-Wyby1n4XkseGrjOLjS2UNAqd7dEZB_nm4yfBbN6_UYzZKLqcnD8ReXhPwLlyV7gVcli-8Who7ri7P7pNLrkIDxfZ24QGjJFz6RLYkR96UTg9jSIppA9bbB-VFFY8/s582/NFL20--AUG.+17--P8++JACK+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="571" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_f7d1ZuIe0iSTE-Wyby1n4XkseGrjOLjS2UNAqd7dEZB_nm4yfBbN6_UYzZKLqcnD8ReXhPwLlyV7gVcli-8Who7ri7P7pNLrkIDxfZ24QGjJFz6RLYkR96UTg9jSIppA9bbB-VFFY8/s320/NFL20--AUG.+17--P8++JACK+TC.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9XPF6hNsO5TvF_OtGFfMU9IkngJpJwHxZXFbEpUisCGQSqZwGLpt4oVB3wiThF6oCCTiMIPeic3cblMTS3M9LhXGmc16PCF9BzzQWEiGQeLzD4mYe1eMP1fnvwbNZbI6deO69Yw23wY/s1440/NFL20--JULY+31--P3++PITT+TC.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1124" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9XPF6hNsO5TvF_OtGFfMU9IkngJpJwHxZXFbEpUisCGQSqZwGLpt4oVB3wiThF6oCCTiMIPeic3cblMTS3M9LhXGmc16PCF9BzzQWEiGQeLzD4mYe1eMP1fnvwbNZbI6deO69Yw23wY/s320/NFL20--JULY+31--P3++PITT+TC.jpg" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">ROUND 3 </div><div style="text-align: left;">69. G <b>Damien Lewis</b> (SEA)</div><div style="text-align: left;">73. DT <b>DaVon Hamilton</b> (JAC)</div><div style="text-align: left;">86. RB <b>Zack Moss</b> (BUF)</div><div style="text-align: left;">95. DT <b>McTelvin Agim</b> (DEN) (photo below)</div><div style="text-align: left;">96. OT<b> Lucas Niang</b> (KC) (opted out of 2020 season)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzNZ5lfjNqXFQVZH7LejH01H4c49Rbk56JZdWslRR1ObVDOPZysbgxlqxyFPVSifTELy1Unryqm6tTN8CmXBkIeeLguUaITx1C2P33v8D51eSIgD1j6OPqAItaq6w3dl6-PmzOdbEdyo/s2048/NFL20--AUG.+16--P2++DEN+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzNZ5lfjNqXFQVZH7LejH01H4c49Rbk56JZdWslRR1ObVDOPZysbgxlqxyFPVSifTELy1Unryqm6tTN8CmXBkIeeLguUaITx1C2P33v8D51eSIgD1j6OPqAItaq6w3dl6-PmzOdbEdyo/s320/NFL20--AUG.+16--P2++DEN+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">ROUND 4 </div><div style="text-align: left;">109. G <b>John Simpson</b> (LV)</div><div style="text-align: left;">111. G <b>Solomon Kindley</b> (MIA) (photo on left below)</div><div style="text-align: left;">124. RB<b> Anthony McFarland</b> (PIT) (photo on right below)</div><div style="text-align: left;">127. S <b>K'Von Wallace</b> (PHIL)</div><div style="text-align: left;">138. CB <b>L'Jarius Sneed</b> (KC)</div><div style="text-align: left;">144. RB <b>DeeJay Dallas</b> (SEA)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPrK-9Q_-gvNScXSpiufXu8xRGbaNo69UVf3PZ_22bHkYmMmgLeeZ4EmD4pH-lGqnP1sUFmVWYdfPUqLwzHarub64Ol8NCSfvwCqsf5H97kdKG4VKvXYKlpZJvkDoPqXrOQ3Kbf7-fYU/s960/NFL20--AUG.+18--P7++MIA+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPrK-9Q_-gvNScXSpiufXu8xRGbaNo69UVf3PZ_22bHkYmMmgLeeZ4EmD4pH-lGqnP1sUFmVWYdfPUqLwzHarub64Ol8NCSfvwCqsf5H97kdKG4VKvXYKlpZJvkDoPqXrOQ3Kbf7-fYU/s320/NFL20--AUG.+18--P7++MIA+TC.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia62o0tji5sQIZheZII9VwIzZ5vnG8l67Kd-_3LANwZdE3UXlmttVVln04hNLGj47L6KOFTzU2akz5Xh0pRRLdmckibgfFNRxgPQ2sYS2RCoYaAGZh_GaQbH2AoilO5OHaZtrBpBmx7mk/s1440/NFL20--JULY+31--P5++PITT+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1124" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia62o0tji5sQIZheZII9VwIzZ5vnG8l67Kd-_3LANwZdE3UXlmttVVln04hNLGj47L6KOFTzU2akz5Xh0pRRLdmckibgfFNRxgPQ2sYS2RCoYaAGZh_GaQbH2AoilO5OHaZtrBpBmx7mk/s320/NFL20--JULY+31--P5++PITT+TC.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">ROUND 5<br />155. LB <b>Trevis Gipson</b> (CHI)</div><div style="text-align: left;">169. CB <b>Harrison Hand</b> (MINN)</div><div style="text-align: left;">172. RB <b>Jason Huntley</b> (DET) (cut at end of training camp, but claimed on waivers by PHIL)</div><div style="text-align: left;">174. DT <b>Larrell Murchison </b>(TENN) (photo below)</div><div style="text-align: left;">176. WR<b> K.J. Osborn</b> (MINN)</div><div style="text-align: left;">177. LB <b>Mike Danna</b> (KC) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7twC_OfKMYe0gSgTG-Aw-2yPP7xMLIcGra41mk2vdi5Vxig8IO122n6yvpnWDL7ED4rPBa_0j75oTFGDYW9P-lFQSCphFtgdDCOu_PRmgLib4VpbUw5jtNUPLyt8XI8vNvP_Rj2wJA0/s640/NFL20--AUG.+21--P3++TENN+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7twC_OfKMYe0gSgTG-Aw-2yPP7xMLIcGra41mk2vdi5Vxig8IO122n6yvpnWDL7ED4rPBa_0j75oTFGDYW9P-lFQSCphFtgdDCOu_PRmgLib4VpbUw5jtNUPLyt8XI8vNvP_Rj2wJA0/s320/NFL20--AUG.+21--P3++TENN+TC.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ROUND 6</div><div style="text-align: left;">184. DT <b>Bravvion Roy</b> (CAR) (photo below)</div><div style="text-align: left;">194. DT <b>Khalil Davis</b> (TB) (*)</div><div style="text-align: left;">198. S <b>Antoine Brooks</b> (PIT) (PS)</div><div style="text-align: left;">205. S <b>Josh Metellus</b> (MINN) (PS)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BC0uLNaI8UWUCdXh2r1605qiP3SY9JikOFLFEAB0XQaYTb_lCFdznW1v0EV9YhNQ4tAKxGNUHjEH3R-YfeFraiAPt7as3LFQNB4ywKeUekj14KkPlGFUWecSFvJtj1vsxbyCJcb8jP4/s1000/NFL20--AUG.+21--P4++CAR+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BC0uLNaI8UWUCdXh2r1605qiP3SY9JikOFLFEAB0XQaYTb_lCFdznW1v0EV9YhNQ4tAKxGNUHjEH3R-YfeFraiAPt7as3LFQNB4ywKeUekj14KkPlGFUWecSFvJtj1vsxbyCJcb8jP4/s320/NFL20--AUG.+21--P4++CAR+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">ROUND 7</div><div style="text-align: left;">216. S<b> Kamren Curl</b> (WASH)</div><div style="text-align: left;">221. CB <b>Stantley Thomas-Oliver</b> (CAR) (photo below)</div><div style="text-align: left;">223. CB <b>Chris Claybrooks</b> (JAC)</div><div style="text-align: left;">227. OT <b>Lachavious Simmons</b> (CHI) (PS)</div><div style="text-align: left;">229. DE <b>James Smith-Williams</b> (WASH)</div><div style="text-align: left;">232. DT <b>Carlos Davis</b> (PIT) (*)</div><div style="text-align: left;">235. DE <b>Jashon Cornell</b> (DET) (IR)</div><div style="text-align: left;">242. DE/LB <b>Jonathan Garvin</b> (GB)</div><div style="text-align: left;">247. CB <b>Chris Williamson</b> (NYG) (PS)</div><div style="text-align: left;">252. WR <b>Tyrie Cleveland</b> (DEN)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpXWv1hx_JygJfK4x5SCs7cMlceg_GFWwufVNBbD07BhDAVEDayM0OC5Muh9ySRtEDjTbTHVgiP7OpcdhhuArDPukxgxmuUuNQlXVPD1G77R1J2h-3a89-r2VUO3vfHWD0hJ-0-h0NIM/s1440/NFL20--AUG.+XX--P6++CAR+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpXWv1hx_JygJfK4x5SCs7cMlceg_GFWwufVNBbD07BhDAVEDayM0OC5Muh9ySRtEDjTbTHVgiP7OpcdhhuArDPukxgxmuUuNQlXVPD1G77R1J2h-3a89-r2VUO3vfHWD0hJ-0-h0NIM/s320/NFL20--AUG.+XX--P6++CAR+TC.jpg" /></a></div> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">(*) <b>Khalil Davis</b> and <b>Carlos Davis</b> are identical twin brothers!<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">UNDRAFTED</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last year Rams WR <b>Nsimba Webster</b> (not Walker) was the only undrafted rookie with dreads to make any team's opening day roster; but this year there are 6! ......<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">LB <b>Asmar Bilal</b> (LAC)</div><div style="text-align: left;">WR <b>Marquez Callaway</b> (photo on left below)</div><div style="text-align: left;">RB <b>Rico Dowdle</b> (DAL)</div><div style="text-align: left;">WR <b>Trishton Jackson</b> (LAR)</div><div style="text-align: left;">CB <b>James Pierre </b>(PIT) (photo on right below)</div><div style="text-align: left;">WR<b> Isaiah Wright</b> (WASH)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_DcqXgPVJneCaLxHrUTy-jAdBLxFgAz1jXq5XG0EfQ48UXAe8aw8rv3e7yovySGRhUCu0HFrEj-_EtgPQrIojRHwDvolp-snW1RYSKAPfJLne1mP_YD3GCbLAVwrqq_nS9pXUGsOgs0/s1440/NFL20--SEPT.+2--P4++NO+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1165" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_DcqXgPVJneCaLxHrUTy-jAdBLxFgAz1jXq5XG0EfQ48UXAe8aw8rv3e7yovySGRhUCu0HFrEj-_EtgPQrIojRHwDvolp-snW1RYSKAPfJLne1mP_YD3GCbLAVwrqq_nS9pXUGsOgs0/s320/NFL20--SEPT.+2--P4++NO+TC.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8AtoVuqCV3e6HPJ2L1w3AMolf6rcQwADVvv2Mhl83VvsaPy-H192vwagUopYDzv4lqykMyr_zOkJ8b7RT5BdOMTBX0P_ATb3Orb_vl8_3jb_0mr4jrHIVW86EXVoGRkhd6GAEyMTUe8/s1363/NFL20--JULY+31--P7++PITT+TC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="1014" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8AtoVuqCV3e6HPJ2L1w3AMolf6rcQwADVvv2Mhl83VvsaPy-H192vwagUopYDzv4lqykMyr_zOkJ8b7RT5BdOMTBX0P_ATb3Orb_vl8_3jb_0mr4jrHIVW86EXVoGRkhd6GAEyMTUe8/s320/NFL20--JULY+31--P7++PITT+TC.jpg" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">INJURED RESERVE</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The NFL is handling the IR list much differently this season. The minimum time a player must spend on the list was reduced from 8 weeks to 3, and an unlimited number of players can be added back to the active roster after they get healthy instead of only two. So, for this year only the IR list is like a revolving door, and there are too many names on it to list them all. I'm going to list the players under the old, usual IR rules. These players with dreads all have injuries suffered before the season that will keep them out of action for all or most of the season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Alex Brown</b> (KC)</li><li><b>Jashon Cornell</b> (DET) (rookie) <br /></li><li><b>Duke Ejiofor</b> (HOU)</li><li><b>Reuben Foster</b> (WASH) </li><li><b>John Franklin</b> (TB)</li><li><b>Travin Howard </b>(LAR)</li><li><b>Jalen Hurd</b> (SF)<br /></li><li><b>Derwin James</b> (LAC)</li><li><b>Xavier McKinney</b> (NYG) (rookie) <br /></li><li><b>Kemoko Turay</b> (IND) <br /></li><li><b>Trae Waynes</b> (CIN) </li><li><b>Renell Wren</b> (CIN)</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ronald Blair</b> (SF) and <b>Brandon King</b> (NE) are on the PUP list and will be out for at least the first 6 games of the season. <b>Gerald McCoy</b> would have been on this list; but after signing with the Cowboys as a free agent and being injured during training camp, the Cowboys decided to release him instead of putting him on IR.</div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">OPT OUTS</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Any player uncomfortable or afraid of playing this season due to the pandemic was given the option by the NFL to opt out of playing, in which case he does not play at all this season and his contract is put on hold until next season, with $150,000 of next year's salary being paid in advance this year. A handful of players with dreads took the NFL up on its offer, so you won't see them in uniform this season:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Travis Benjamin</b> (LAC, <u>SF</u>) </li><li><b>Brandon Bolden</b> (NE)</li><li><b>Maurice Canady</b> (NYJ, <u>DAL</u>) </li><li><b>Patrick Chung</b> (NE)<br /></li><li><b>Dont'a Hightower</b> (NE)</li><li><b>C.J. Mosley</b> (NYJ) </li><li><b>Lucas Niang </b>(KC) (rookie)<br /></li><li><b>Michael Pierce</b> (BAL, <u>MINN</u>)</li><li><b>Shakial Taylor</b> (DEN, <u>NYG</u>) (*) <br /></li><li><b>Marvell Tell</b> (IND)</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;">(*) <b>Shakial Taylor</b> actually was released by the Giants before the start of training camp; but since they were the last team he was with when he decided to opt out, they're on the hook for his 150 grand.</div><div style="text-align: left;">.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">ONE LAST THING</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">LB <b>Jatavis Brown</b>, who after playing his first 4 NFL seasons with the Chargers signed as a free agent with the Eagles, decided instead to retire at age 26.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMJgweIYTnrLFO-2fcOsMlNuDZT1xX0D3PmdiYIR3B7ULVP3CLpPnjBb4xdeAXDGws1MsC8fWvf6GnRYAptPLlKndC3BRjiIN3D808X5pym0dS6tKmN1BAZQghZso1NIlNo-oS_CZCFk/s683/NFL20--AUG.+14--P2++DEN+TC.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div>House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-85322293575733214592020-09-07T08:41:00.000-05:002020-09-08T06:59:37.548-05:0010 Down, Victory To Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have to admit it was looking kind of bleak. It was just past the midway point of the 4th quarter of Super Bowl 54 and the Kansas City Chiefs were trailing the San Francisco 49ers 20-10. The Chiefs' normally explosive offense hadn't scored a touchdown since the 1st quarter, had turned the ball over on both of their possessions in the 2nd half (on the first 2 postseason interceptions of Patrick Mahomes' career) and was facing a 3rd and 15 from their own 35-yard line. But little did we know it (although we <i>should</i> have) the situation wasn't bleak at all. Actually the Chiefs had the 49ers right where they wanted them.<br />
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You remember what happened next. A blown coverage by the 49ers left WR Tyreek Hill open for a 44-yard reception to convert that 3rd and 15. And all of a sudden, like one light turning on and the one right next to it shutting off, the Chiefs could do no wrong, while the 49ers collapsed like a house of cards. Three Kansas City touchdowns in a span of 5:01 later it was S <b>Tyrann Mathieu</b> (not 49ers CB <b>Richard Sherman</b>) and teammates celebrating under a confetti shower (photo above) after the Chiefs had won 31-20 for the franchise's first Super Bowl victory in 50 years.<br />
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I say we should have know that a Chiefs comeback was imminent because they already had come back from 10-point deficits in both of their playoff games before the Super Bowl. They also had won twice after trailing by 10 during the regular season. It was their M.O. Of course, in all of those other victories the Chiefs had caught up and/or taken the lead before the 1st half was over. This last comeback, waiting until late in the 4th quarter in the Super Bowl to do their thing, was cutting it a bit too close for comfort.<br />
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I wouldn't exactly describe it as bleak, but for the first 3 months of the season the Chiefs' Super Bowl chances certainly weren't looking very good. After a disturbing 35-32 road loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 10 their record stood at 6-4. I remember the stunned look on Coach Reid's face on the sideline (I'm sure he was pissed too, but he hides his anger well) after losing a game they had no business losing, a game they somehow didn't win despite dominating the Titans in total yards (530-371) and time of possession (37:52 - 22:08). And as the Chiefs hit their lowest point of the season, the New England Patriots (8-1) and Baltimore Ravens (7-2) were both riding high and looking formidable, so I figured the Chiefs were going to have to win on the road to get to Super Bowl 54.<br />
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The season had gotten off to an ominous beginning in Jacksonville. The Chiefs went on to whip the Jaguars, but only after Hill, the offense's top big play threat, was injured during the 1st quarter. And sadly that would be the last we'd see of Tyreek's dreads (left photo above, signing an autograph for an excited fan before the game). In fact, I had to start this post with the photo of Mathieu instead of the one of Hill celebrating on the sideline during the 4th quarter (right photo above) because Hill shed his dreads way back in September, sometime before the Week 3 home opener ..... dreads he started growing early during his 2016 rookie season and had finally gotten just long enough that you could see them outside of his helmet.<br />
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No sooner had Hill returned to action in Week 6 the season saw its life flash before its eyes when superstar QB Mahomes suffered what looked like a serious knee injury during the 1st half in Week 7. Thankfully the injury turned out to be not too serious, and he was back for the Week 10 loss to the Titans. After that the Chiefs finally got their act together - especially the defense, which improved significantly - and then, unexpectedly, everything just fell into place.<br />
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The Chiefs won their last 6 games in a row and got the help they needed to clinch the #2 seed for the AFC playoffs thanks to the Patriots' (a 16-point favorite) shocking loss at home to the 4-11 Miami Dolphins in Week 17. And then less than 24 hours before playing their first playoff game the Chiefs got even more help when the top seeded, 14-2 Ravens were eliminated at home by the Titans. Just like that, instead of having to win twice on the road the Chiefs took the field against the Houston Texans knowing they were two home wins away from the Super Bowl .....<br />
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..... And promptly fell behind, not just by 10 points, but by 24-0. Wow. Things were looking pretty bleak then too. Sure, there was a lot of time left, but I was afraid the defense wouldn't be able to get enough stops for the offense to catch up. O me of little faith. The defense came through with flying colors, getting nothing but stops; special teams contributed three huge plays; and the offense (after finally doing away with the dropped passes) became unstoppable, scoring touchdowns on 7 straight possessions - the first six during a 41-0 run - and cruising to a 51-31 victory. <br />
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And they were on their way.<br />
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I'm proud to announce that my crystal ball correctly predicted the Chiefs' victory in Super Bowl 54. I guess CB2 isn't so stupid after all. Its forecast for the regular season turned out to be a bit shaky, but it still was a big improvement over its disastrous picks for 2018. For example, CB2 earned an F grade (wrong by 4 or more games) for 14 teams in 2018 and just 9 teams in 2019. And it picked the correct division finish for 12 teams, compared to 8 in 2018. CB2 correctly picked the exact record for 2 teams - the Chiefs (12-4) and Los Angeles Rams (9-7).<br />
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So even though the 2019 report card for CB2 is hardly worth bragging about, it's not nearly as ugly as 2018's.<br />
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<b>AFC EAST</b><br />
<br />
predicted actual<br />
1. NE 11-5 1. NE 12-4<br />
2. NYJ 10-6 2. BUF 10-6<br />
3. BUF 8-8 3. NYJ 7-9<br />
4. MIA 4-12 4. MIA 5-11<br />
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CB/CB2's best grade for this division since 2011 and might have been better if Sam Darnold hadn't missed 3 games due to injury ..... GRADE: <b>C</b> ... (L11Y - the grade for each of the past 11 years, beginning with 2018 and going back to 2008: <b>D+, C-, C-, D, D, D, C-, C, C-, B-, D</b>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovkn_I0UuN47iGQWoTy10dMtopUMh7GW63C-muICWIlkGWJrtEZiCKkP95FmeTO-3X9IX9Ssa1ZDEn_t99wEASpT3JseuiJkXL2n3GGv3EEKNsiMG9SlMXdG9rNyXyak_ApanUP8tleg/s1600/NFL19--NOV.+10--P3++BUFF-CLEVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovkn_I0UuN47iGQWoTy10dMtopUMh7GW63C-muICWIlkGWJrtEZiCKkP95FmeTO-3X9IX9Ssa1ZDEn_t99wEASpT3JseuiJkXL2n3GGv3EEKNsiMG9SlMXdG9rNyXyak_ApanUP8tleg/s320/NFL19--NOV.+10--P3++BUFF-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Although LB <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> (shown here sacking Baker Mayfield for a safety in Week 11) led the Bills in tackles with 115 (66-49), he did not lead the league in tackles, as CB2 predicted, nor was he named the league's defensive player of the year, as CB2 also predicted. Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner (159) led the league in tackles, and Cowboys LB <b>Jaylon Smith</b> (142) had the most tackles by a player with dreads. Edmunds finished in 20th place. Defensive player of the year honors went to a different AFC East player with dreads, Patriots CB <b>Stephon Gilmore</b>.<br />
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<b>AFC NORTH </b><br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. PIT 11-5 1. BAL 14-2<br />
2. CLEV 10-6 2. PIT 8-8<br />
3. BAL 9-7 3. CLEV 6-10<br />
4. CIN 3-13 4. CIN 2-14<br />
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Got the easy Bengals pick but whiffed on other 3 teams ..... GRADE: <b>D</b> ... (L11Y: <b>C, C, C+, D+</b>, <b>C, C, C+, B-, C-, C, F</b>) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlsoV6N0q-C0qFb97gYsXjZDF0Zrao38Ny1g1MsYKs1tgf8EaCCdDdCQ50GjYrUq-N-EVBZTk9SADZeqxeBuT9e7wI4UDsEe7R94GrjlS8WteB9r5WM0pNK9M3VBjGUhNy2Bn_G4E568/s1600/NFL19--SEPT.+8--P126++BALT-MIA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlsoV6N0q-C0qFb97gYsXjZDF0Zrao38Ny1g1MsYKs1tgf8EaCCdDdCQ50GjYrUq-N-EVBZTk9SADZeqxeBuT9e7wI4UDsEe7R94GrjlS8WteB9r5WM0pNK9M3VBjGUhNy2Bn_G4E568/s320/NFL19--SEPT.+8--P126++BALT-MIA.jpg" width="267" /></a><br />
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CB2 thought that Marquise Brown would lead all rookies with dreads with 6 TD. And it would have been right if Brown (shown after scoring 2 TD in Week 1 in left photo and at halftime in Week 16 in right photo) had kept his dreads all year. Marquise finished with 7 TD, 3 of which came before he cut off his dreads sometime during October. The rookie with dreads who scored the most TD was a different AFC North WR, <b>Diontae Johnson</b> of the Steelers, who had 6.<br />
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<b>AFC SOUTH</b><br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. TENN 10-6 1. HOU 10-6<br />
2. HOU 8-8 2. TENN 9-7<br />
3. IND 6-10 3. IND 7-9<br />
4. JAC 5-11 4. JAC 6-10<br />
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Bulletin: This was CB/CB2's best forecast ever for this division, the first time higher than a C ..... GRADE: <b>B-</b> ... (L11Y: <b>D-, D+, D, C+, C, D+, D-, D, D-, D-, C-</b>)<br />
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CB2 liked RB <b>Derrick Henry</b> to lead the NFL in rushing, lead all players with dreads in TD scored, and lead to the Titans to their first division title in 11 years ..... and it came very close to nailing all three picks. Henry did lead the league in rushing with 1,540 yards and scored exactly the 18 TD that CB2 predicted (the last of which in photo above on a 53-yard run against the Texans in Week 17). But those 18 TD were one short of the leader by a player with dreads, as <b>Aaron Jones</b> of Green Bay scored 19. And although the Titans advanced to the AFC Championship game, they still are looking for their first division crown since 2008.<br />
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<b>AFC WEST</b><br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. KC 12-4 1. KC 12-4<br />
2. LAC 9-7 2. DEN 7-9<br />
3. DEN 4-12 3. OAK 7-9<br />
4. OAK 4-12 4. LAC 5-11<br />
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TIEBREAKER: Broncos finished in 2nd place due to better record than Raiders in conference games (DEN 6-6, OAK 5-7) <br />
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On the money Chiefs pick kept this from being a disaster ..... GRADE: <b>D+</b> ... (L11Y: <b>D-, C, C, C-</b>, <b>C, C, D, B, A-, B, B</b>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrBOCBYMynn7-AvjVBl7it7ZT5GDnMIuaX0nzwBtoypRF9oV0zwmL6aSCCjxm1PVLJhIsBJVAeFx-pvDmfTfm1s4FH1kX00IoJcApUCvaCzvBLgXttuDEJPMX_GgvpJQihcWNX9Pmv2c/s1600/NFL19--OCT.+17--P1++KC-DEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrBOCBYMynn7-AvjVBl7it7ZT5GDnMIuaX0nzwBtoypRF9oV0zwmL6aSCCjxm1PVLJhIsBJVAeFx-pvDmfTfm1s4FH1kX00IoJcApUCvaCzvBLgXttuDEJPMX_GgvpJQihcWNX9Pmv2c/s320/NFL19--OCT.+17--P1++KC-DEN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
CB2 was sure Tyreek Hill would have the most TD catches (15) by anyone with dreads; but that pick was already on life support after Hill dislocated his collarbone in Week 1, and it had no chance at all after he cut off his dreads a couple of weeks later. He finished with 7 TD catches, including this 57-yard catch and run against Chris Harris and the Broncos in Week 7. Texans WR <b>DeAndre</b> <b>Hopkins</b> had the most TD catches by a player with dreads, finishing with 7.<br />
CB2 correctly picked that the Chiefs would be dethroned as the team with the most TD scored by players with dreads, but that was an easy pick. After leading the league with 33 TD by players with dreads in 2018, they had only 6 TD in 2019. Green Bay had the most in 2019 with 30. <br />
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AFC TIEBREAKER<br />
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Chiefs clinched #2 seed due to head-to-head victory over Patriots (Week 14)<br />
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<b>NFC EAST</b><br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. PHIL 13-3 1. PHIL 9-7<br />
2. DAL 9-7 2. DAL 8-8<br />
3. NYG 8-8 3. NYG 4-12<br />
4. WASH 4-12 4. WASH 3-13<br />
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The only division CB2 got the order of finish exactly correct, although Eagles and Giants much worse than expected ..... GRADE: <b>C</b> ... (L11Y: <b>C+, C, C, D, C+, D, D+, B-, D, C, C-</b>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8ZxfrxTjvliPXA7SGnp9iAPdiCVgMib0mtR_KAa-vXNKrn9tuAP-FbE9C11Ux6oYBrD5_P64OACkh2Lp2Zsbqm9nEjHjue2JCZynkRNVvk6gPGO5pHSWxH41X_qJAiBc2V_IKliawzo/s1600/NFL19--NOV.+17--P6++NYJ-WASH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8ZxfrxTjvliPXA7SGnp9iAPdiCVgMib0mtR_KAa-vXNKrn9tuAP-FbE9C11Ux6oYBrD5_P64OACkh2Lp2Zsbqm9nEjHjue2JCZynkRNVvk6gPGO5pHSWxH41X_qJAiBc2V_IKliawzo/s320/NFL19--NOV.+17--P6++NYJ-WASH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In his first (and likely only) NFL season RB <b>Derrius Guice</b> had the most TD by any NFC East player with dreads, just as CB2 predicted. He scored 3 TD (in 5 games) for the Redskins, two fewer than the 5 CB2 forecast. And also just as CB2 predicted, the NFC East - as usual and by far - finished as the division with the fewest TD scored by players with dreads with only 5. <br />
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<b>NFC NORTH</b><br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. CHI 9-7 1. GB 13-3<br />
2. GB 8-8 2. MIN 10-6<br />
3. MINN 8-8 3. CHI 8-8<br />
4. DET 7-9 4. DET 3-12-1<br />
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With only a +63 point differential for the season, Packers might have been the worst 13-3 team ever. CB2 had all 4 teams within 2 games of each other; instead all 4 teams finished with at least a 2-game gap between each other ..... GRADE: <b>D+</b> ... (L11Y: <b>D-, D, C, D, D+, C-, C-, B-, C, B, C-</b>) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOQDwb381qXAfFnG75oWGJ_XDRAy-uEo3tBhIB31yVUkjRjyNgR30GpabkEjct8QGF5QEaNqDgtJi4sgNsMV9e64I5tyKn3dS0Wk__5xdCqIsZJDIAFBDqSeqoZuzCRG0UmNS8CTnafI/s1600/NFL19--NOV.+10--P4A++MINN-DALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOQDwb381qXAfFnG75oWGJ_XDRAy-uEo3tBhIB31yVUkjRjyNgR30GpabkEjct8QGF5QEaNqDgtJi4sgNsMV9e64I5tyKn3dS0Wk__5xdCqIsZJDIAFBDqSeqoZuzCRG0UmNS8CTnafI/s320/NFL19--NOV.+10--P4A++MINN-DALL.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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CB2 was correct in forecasting the Vikings would lead the league in rushing TD scored by players with dreads, although they had to share the title with the Packers. With <b>Dalvin</b> <b>Cook</b> (left photo above, scoring a 2-yard TD on 4th down late in the 3rd quarter in Week 10, putting the Vikings ahead to stay in their victory over the Cowboys) contributing 13 TD (3 more than the 10 that CB2 forecast), Vikings finished with 17 rushing TD (4 fewer than than 21 forecast).<br />
Limited to 12 games due to a toe injury in Week 4, WR <b>Davante Adams</b> scored only 5 TD (the last of which in right photo above on a 20-yard reception against the Lions in Week 17), which was 9 fewer than the 14 forecast by CB2. However, CB2 was correct that the Packers would take the crown for the team with the most TD scored by players with dreads. With RB <b>Aaron Jones</b> contributing a league-leading 19 TD, the Packers finished with 30 TD by players with dreads, 2 more than the 28 forecast. <br />
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<b>NFC SOUTH</b><br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. ATL 11-5 1. NO 13-3<br />
2. NO 9-7 2. ATL 7-9<br />
3. CAR 8-8 3. TB 7-9<br />
4. TB 6-10 4. CAR 5-11<br />
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TIEBREAKER: Falcons finished in 2nd place due to better record than Buccaneers in division games (ATL 4-2, TB 2-4) <br />
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Weird Falcons got road wins over Saints and 49ers but still finished with losing record ..... GRADE: <b>D</b> ... (L11Y: <b>B, C+, D+, C-, C, D, C-, D, B+, A, D</b>)<br />
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CB2 was confident that CB <b>Donte Jackson</b> would repeat as the player with dreads with the most interceptions and that he would make the Pro Bowl. Not! Jackson (photo above, celebrating his FR vs. the Titans, with DT <b>Vernon Butler</b> alongside him, in Week 9) finished with only 3 INT for the Panthers, which were 4 fewer than the 7 CB2 predicted. <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> and Vikings S <b>Anthony Harris</b> had 6 INT each, tied for the most by players with dreads. CB2 also was wrong in picking the Panthers as the team with the most INT by players with dreads. They finished tied for 2nd place with 7, one fewer than the Chiefs, who had the most with 8. <br />
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<b>NFC WEST</b><br />
<br />
actual predicted<br />
1. SEA 12-4 1. SF 13-3<br />
2. LAR 9-7 2. SEA 11-5<br />
3. SF 7-9 3. LAR 9-7<br />
4. ARIZ 4-12 4. ARIZ 5-10-1<br />
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Exasperating loss by Seahawks to 49ers (they were stopped less than a foot away from the goal line on the final play) in Week 17 cost CB2 an exact record and a division winner ..... GRADE: <b>C</b> ... (L11Y: <b>F, D+, C, B-, B+, C, B+, D, D-, D, D-</b>) <br />
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DEs <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> (trying to knock down a pass by Teddy Bridgewater in Week 3 in left photo above) and <b>Ziggy</b> <b>Ansah</b> (#94 in left photo above) did not pressure the QB the way the Seahawks had hoped - and the way CB had predicted. They combined for only 5.5 sacks (Clowney 3, Ansah 2.5), way less than the 22 forecast by CB2. That being the case, the Seahawks were not by far the team with the most sacks by players with dreads, as CB2 also predicted. The Seahawks finished with 10 sacks by players with dreads. 12 teams finished with more, including the Panthers, who were the team that by far had the most with 36 by players with dreads.<br />
CB2 also liked rookie RB <b>Darrell Henderson</b> (right photo above) to tie Marquise Brown for the most TD by a rookie with dreads. Unlike Brown, Henderson kept his dreads; but he was no factor on the Rams offense, touching the ball only 46 times all season and finishing with 0 TD. As mentioned earlier, <b>Diontae Johnson </b>was the rookie with dreads with the most TD with 6.<br />
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NFC TIEBREAKERS<br />
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49ers clinched #1 seed due to head-to-head victories over Packers (Week 12) and Saints (Week 14)<br />
Packers clinched #2 seed due to better record than Saints in conference games (GB 10-2, NO 9-3)<br />
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<b>DIVISION WINNERS</b><br />
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CB2 picked 3 out of 8 winners correctly and barely missed out on a 4th (NFC West) ..... GRADE: <b>C-</b> ... (L11Y: <b>D, D, C-, D-, C-, C-, C, C-, D, C-, F</b>)<br />
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<b>PLAYOFF TEAMS</b><br />
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AFC<br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. KC 1. BAL<br />
2. NE 2. <u>KC</u><br />
3. PIT 3. <u>NE</u><br />
4. TENN 4. HOU<br />
5. NYJ 5. BUF<br />
6. CLEV 6. <u>TENN </u><br />
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NFC<br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. PHIL 1. SF<br />
2. SEA 2. GB<br />
3. ATL 3. NO<br />
4. CHI 4. <u>PHIL</u><br />
5. LAR 5. <u>SEA</u><br />
6. DAL 6. MINN<br />
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CB2 correctly picked 5 of the 12 teams to make the playoffs, one more than in 2018 ..... GRADE: <b>C-</b> ... (L11Y: <b>D+, C-, C+, C-, B-, C, C, B, C-, B-, C-</b>)<br />
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<b>SUPER BOWL</b><br />
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predicted: KC over DAL<br />
actual: KC over SF<br />
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For the 3rd time in its 12 years of picks CB/CB2 predicted the correct winner of the Super Bowl, although this time it missed on the loser ..... GRADE: <b>A-</b> ... (L11Y: <b>F, D, F, F, D, D, A, F, F, A-, F</b>)<br />
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<b>OVERALL GRADE</b><br />
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Using my secret formula (lol), the final grade, which is an average of the 11 individual grades, comes out to a 1.82, which is a <b>C</b> (barely above a C-) ..... L11Y: <b>D, C-, C-, D+, C, D+, C, C-, D+, B-, D</b><br />
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CB2 is now removed from double secret probation and earned its shot at another year of predictions.House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-53696493727921165352020-04-12T00:02:00.000-05:002020-04-12T00:02:47.479-05:00DG177 - Part 1Never mind that the 2019 NFL season is already finished, here in the House of Dread my calendar says that it's still 2018. So now - finally and better late than never (right?) - are some of the photos I saved of the NFL's players with dreads from the 2018 season, all crammed into one mega dread gallery. Part 1 of DG177 focuses more on the dreads themselves, and then in Part 2 we'll look at some of the accomplishments and happenings and highs and lows involving the players. There are so many photos available (close to a thousand) for every NFL game; and although I'd love to, there's no way for me to view all of them. So I apologize if there are no photos of your favorite players or dreads. I'm only including the best of the few that I saved.<br />
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When I said mega dread gallery, I meant it. There are even more photos than usual. But hey, a lot of us have a lot of time on our hands these days, so there's no reason for you rush through it. Take your time, and hopefully you'll enjoy.<br />
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And away we go.<br />
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1. We begin the "Helmets Off" section with a look at Saints RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b> with his dreads flowing at full blast for a change as he stretches before the preseason Week 3 game against the L.A. Chargers. Once the regular season began though more often than not he kept his dreads reduced, which unfortunately has been his custom throughout his career (although I am happy to report he finally broke that custom in 2019). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzmLWmIXyetLFlads8Ay7VjAvtxWO5jBoA68MOEEDq38oy6qCJoNg0R32X5jAQhM8T8aCrHDYxa7tJFpyMjcuCKqrgAKqG6xzkZJkMiM6KK6fjHkJetmi6t8CcGKcL4ZU_ud8cDdyYbE/s1600/NFL18--SEPT.+16--P60A++LAC-BUFF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzmLWmIXyetLFlads8Ay7VjAvtxWO5jBoA68MOEEDq38oy6qCJoNg0R32X5jAQhM8T8aCrHDYxa7tJFpyMjcuCKqrgAKqG6xzkZJkMiM6KK6fjHkJetmi6t8CcGKcL4ZU_ud8cDdyYbE/s320/NFL18--SEPT.+16--P60A++LAC-BUFF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
2. Chargers WR <b>Geremy Davis</b> shows off his long, but not longest on the team, dreads before the Week 2 road game against the Bills. (Of course later there'll be some photos of the Chargers' longest dreads.) Playing his 4th NFL season in 2018, Davis played a career high 14 games; but only 74 of the 247 snaps he played were on offense, and he finished the season with 0 receptions on 1 target.<br />
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3. RB <b>Melvin Gordon</b> (#28) and WR <b>Mike Williams</b> have their dreads in buns and their fingers performing their favorite gestures before the game at home against the Raiders in Week 5. After unleashing their dreads once the game began, Gordon made the dread stars list, gaining 120 total yards on 23 touches, and Williams had 3 catches for 45 yards. The two combined for 25 of the Chargers' 27 TD scored by players with dreads in 2018, but only one of them was in this game, which the Chargers won 26-10.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cCqaDK2q_i315XTcudkzp3-VtWgoEAlvtl2MBb5AUum9qg9DSgSP2ukw0ikmf6f4VJjYe_DLski4iG-idWF35fX-FdIlHQ0DugbAS4znCEBy4pZKL1aLPsvLQ71boNweaw_IRe2w49k/s1600/NFL18--OCT.+14--P38++JACK-DALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1218" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cCqaDK2q_i315XTcudkzp3-VtWgoEAlvtl2MBb5AUum9qg9DSgSP2ukw0ikmf6f4VJjYe_DLski4iG-idWF35fX-FdIlHQ0DugbAS4znCEBy4pZKL1aLPsvLQ71boNweaw_IRe2w49k/s320/NFL18--OCT.+14--P38++JACK-DALL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
4. No doubt if you had a body like DE <b>Demarcus Lawrence</b>, you'd be on the field for early warmups in a cut off T-shirt too. Lawrence also features a Hot Boyz medallion - the moniker the Cowboys' D-linemen go by - before playing the Jaguars at home in Week 6. Although he finished with only 1 tackle, the Cowboys' D held the Jaguars to just 204 total yards in an easy 40-7 Dallas victory.<br />
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And, speaking of bodies .....<br />
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5. Every year you see it, some player feels the need to warm up with no shirt on <i>at all</i> - just to prove that he ain't afraid of the cold; although a 37-degree night with no wind in Green Bay in October hardly qualifies as cold. No dreads here, but WR Marquise Goodwin is that player before the 49ers face the Packers in Week 6. Of course, after the game he had (see Part 2), he probably warms up topless for every game now.<br />
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The next few photos are of players that <i>need</i> to be in the Helmets Off section, because if their helmets weren't off, you wouldn't be able to see their dreads. <br />
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6. RB <b>Ameer Abdullah</b> checks himself in the mirror - or is that mirrors - to make sure he looks right before the Vikings' home game against the Dolphins in Week 15. After cutting off his dreads following his freshman college season at Nebraska in 2011, Abdullah remained on the ex-dread list for his final 3 seasons with the Cornhuskers and his first 3 NFL seasons (with the Lions) before finally bringing them back in 2018. Playing in 3 games with the Lions and then 7 for the Vikings, Ameer played only 17 snaps on offense but had 14 kickoff returns for a 26.1 average on special teams. <br />
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7. LB <b>Tre'von Johnson</b> tapes his wrists before the Chargers' home game in Week 12, a game in which he played 16 snaps on special teams and finished with his only 3 tackles (2-1) of the season in a 45-10 blowout victory over the Cardinals. After spending most of his 2017 rookie season on the Cowboys' practice squad, Johnson spent most of his first season with dreads on the Chargers' practice squad in 2018 but did get on the field for 4 games.<br />
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8. It wasn't until he scored his 1st NFL TD in Week 12 of the 2019 season that I found out that WR <b>Malik Turner</b> had started going dreads. So I went back and found this photo of him during the Seahawks' home game against the Packers in Week 11 of 2018. After signing as an undrafted free agent, Turner spent the first half of his rookie season on the practice squad before playing 42 offensive snaps over 6 games in the second half and finishing with 2 catches for 20 yards. <br />
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9. 2018 was the 6th NFL season for 340-pound G <b>D.J. Fluker</b>, his 3rd with dreads, and his first in a Seahawks uniform, shown here on the bench during the 33-31 home loss to the Rams in Week 5. It also was his first season with his dreads dyed brown. They were difficult to see, but Fluker's dreads were just long enough to start creeping out from under his helmet for the first time during 2019.<br />
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10. Rookie S <b>Derwin James</b> is the feature attraction in this shot from a happy locker room after the Chargers' big come-from-behind 33-30 road win over the Steelers in Week 13. James is the one holding the football he earned for being named one of the players of the game on Sunday Night Football. Derwin played all but one defensive snap and had 3 tackles (2-1), 2 PBU, and his 3rd INT of the season. The other three players with dreads in the photo are S <b>Jahleel Addae</b> (to the right of James), rookie DT <b>Justin Jones</b> (to the left), and CB <b>Michael Davis</b> (behind James, with the funny face) .....<br />
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11. The Chargers' next road win was even bigger. <b>Derwin James</b> runs onto the field (photo above) after the final play of the game, and <b>Jahleel Addae</b> taunts the crowd (photo on right) after a come-from-behind 29-28 victory in Kansas City in Week 15, a result that left the Chargers and Chiefs tied for 1st place in the AFC West at 11-3. The Chargers had trailed 28-14 midway through the 4th quarter. James (5 tackles) and Addae (3 tackles) both played all 60 snaps as the Chargers' D held the Chiefs to a season low 294 total yards and forced them to punt 4 times.<br />
While 2018 was the last season for Addae in a Chargers uniform, James got his career off to a sensational beginning. Derwin, who started his dreads shortly after being selected in the 1st round (17th overall) of the 2018 Draft, played so well in his rookie season that he was named to the AP All-Pro 1st team, starting all 16 games and finishing with a team-leading 105 tackles along with 3.5 sacks, 3 INT, and 10 PBU.<br />
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12. Playing only 1 snap on offense in the game can't take the smile off the face of RB <b>Kapri Bibbs</b> during the Redskins' 20-13 road win over the Giants. He was on the field for 10 snaps on special teams and had 1 tackle (1-0) and 1 kickoff return for 20 yards. After rushing for 101 yards and catching 13 passes for 102 yards in 10 games for Washington, Bibbs was released 10 days before Christmas and then finished his first season with dreads - and 5th season overall - playing 2 games with the Packers.<br />
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13. It's no surprise that CB <b>Joe Haden</b> is smiling after the Steelers' home game in Week 15. You'd be smiling too if you had the kind of performance he had in a 17-10 victory over the Patriots. Haden had a game high 12 tackles (8-4), 1 PBU, and got his 2nd INT of the season - coming on a Tom Brady pass with the Patriots in the red zone and with the Steelers leading by 4 midway through the 4th quarter. The Steelers held on to win 17-10, and a couple of days later Haden was named AFC defensive player of the week. A 1st round draft choice by the Browns in 2010, Haden played all 7 of his seasons in Cleveland and then his first one in Pittsburgh without dreads before finally starting to grow them in 2018. Damn, Joe, what took you so long?<br />
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14. Undrafted in 2013, S <b>Bradley McDougald</b> waited until his 6th NFL season - and his 2nd with the Seahawks - before getting his dreads started. Here McDougald celebrates a missed 45-yard FG attempt by the Cardinals with 1:50 remaining in the game in Week 4. 7 plays later the Seahawks made a 52-yard FG on the final play of the game to win 20-17. Bradley started all 16 games in his first season with dreads, finishing with 78 tackles, 4 TFL, 6 PBU, 1 FR, and a career high 3 INT.<br />
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15. S <b>Curtis Riley</b> shows off a dance move to new teammate <b>Janoris Jenkins</b> at Giants training camp practice on Aug. 2. Undrafted in 2015, Riley started his dreads in 2017 and then signed with the Giants after not doing much in his 3 seasons with the Titans. But he certainly did much in what would be his only season with the Giants. Playing more than 1,000 snaps on defense, he was 3rd on the team with 75 tackles and 2nd on the team with 4 INT. Those 4 interceptions tied for the most by any player with dreads in the league. As for Jenkins .....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9W-GvcSqvypkT_58FUrnuuDqkpisUnNsHmD7NjPMI07o_Ui73ATZCY9HxNMd5H_8TBJFhtFtg81nkwvRhhxclQeJonvmsMM7d-_3hOz9pZJ8C5UxCGoxfyW1G3lTZG-jOQaSPn9S1GU/s1600/NFL18--AUG.+9--P13++CLEVE-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="742" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9W-GvcSqvypkT_58FUrnuuDqkpisUnNsHmD7NjPMI07o_Ui73ATZCY9HxNMd5H_8TBJFhtFtg81nkwvRhhxclQeJonvmsMM7d-_3hOz9pZJ8C5UxCGoxfyW1G3lTZG-jOQaSPn9S1GU/s320/NFL18--AUG.+9--P13++CLEVE-NYG.jpg" width="231" /></a><br />
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16. CB J<b>anoris Jenkins</b> has his long dreads mostly in double buns while standing on the sideline near CB Eli Apple (#24) and QB Eli Manning (#10) during the Giants' preseason opener vs. the Browns on Aug. 9. Jenkins folded up his dreads after calling it a night after playing 11 snaps on the Browns' first 3 possessions of the game. Janoris' dreads consist of a lot fewer locks than he had in college after he decided to reduce them permanently shortly after being drafted by the Rams in 2012. But reduced or not, they've grown so much since then that they're now among the longest in the league - which you can't tell from these shots but will be able to in Part 2.<br />
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17. And speaking of dreads being permanently reduced, here's another player who long ago (circa sometime during the 2014 season) turned his many locks into just a few. Former Clemson WR <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> takes a selfie with a Clemson fan - or maybe he's a former Clemson teammate - at MetLife Stadium before the Texans' game against the Jets in Week 15. Hopkins made the last 2 of the 11 TD catches he had in 2018 in this game to help the Texans to a 29-22 win.<br />
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18. Falcons DE <b>Takk McKinley</b> never met a camera he didn't like, especially his own. This selfie was taken after the Falcons' 23-20 home victory over the Giants in Week 7. McKinley had 4 tackles (3-1) in the game, including a sack on 3rd and 10 that ended a Giants' drive in the 2nd quarter and increased his total to 5.5 sacks in the first 7 games. But the well went dry after that, and he finished the season with only 7.<br />
I was worried when Takk cut his dreads shorter near the end of the 2017 season; but that turned out a be a false alarm. They've been coming back nicely since then. More troubling, however, was the vow he made last March to cut off his dreads if he didn't reach double figures in sacks in 2019. Takk lost that bet badly, finishing with a career low 3.5, and now we'll find out if he's a man of his word or if (hopefully) he loves his dreads too much to lose them.<br />
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19. DE <b>Melvin Ingram</b> walks alongside RB<b> Melvin Gordon</b> following the Chargers' 26-10 'home' win over the Raiders in Week 5 and then shoots a selfie on his way into the locker room. Ingram and Gordon starred as the Chargers moved over the .500 (for good) at 3-2. Gordon finished with 120 total yards (58 rushing, 62 receiving) and 1 TD; while Ingram led the team with 7 tackles (5-2), including 2 TFL and 1 sack, and got the 1st INT of his career. The two share more than the same first name and that they've both got dreads. They're also among the best players on their team. In the informal list of the league's top 100 players (voting done by players) after the season was over Gordon was rated the 34th best player in the league (first link below) and Ingram the 48th best (second link below). QB Philip Rivers and <b>Derwin James</b> were the only Chargers voted higher.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh4Ih3qgdSw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh4Ih3qgdSw</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A-ACYcR7sk" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A-ACYcR7sk</a><br />
Unfortunately I couldn't find a larger version of the left photo above, but ......<br />
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20. ..... Here's one from after the game in which you can see Gordon's dreads just fine, as he celebrates with James in the locker room. Derwin contributed 5 tackles (4-1), including 1 TFL, to the victory. While James' dreads are just getting started, Gordon's reach almost halfway down the number on his jersey nearly 8 years after he started growing them during his senior year in high school (2010-11). <br />
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21. <b>Melvin Ingram</b>'s helmet is off during Week 2 of the preseason (photo above) as he celebrates WR <b>Mike Williams</b>' highlight reel 25-yard TD catch during the 3rd quarter. It was the first ever NFL touchdown for Williams, who had none - preseason or regular season - during his 2017 rookie season. Of course, nothing in the preseason really counts; but the play served as a rehearsal for the real thing, which occurs 4 weeks later, as Ingram greets Williams (photo on right) after he scores his 1st regular season NFL TD, a 10-yard reception on 2nd and 7, completing a 3-play, 38-yard drive and giving the Chargers a 7-0 lead over the Bills in the 1st quarter. It was the first of 6 TD scored by players with dreads in the game .....<br />
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22. Later in the 1st quarter Williams gets a chance to show off <i>his </i>dreads, as a tackle by CB Tre'Davious White (#27) leaves his helmet rolling around on the turf. Williams gets up and celebrates after his 17-yard catch on 3rd and 12 keeps the Chargers' drive alive. On the next play <b>Melvin Gordon</b> took a carry 20 yards to the house to up LA's lead to 14-0. After the 2 catches for 27 yards, Williams had a very quiet afternoon from then on, as no other passes were thrown to him. After losing at home to the Chiefs in Week 1, the Chargers improved to 1-1 with a 31-20 road win over the Bills.<br />
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23. An encounter with Rams S <b>Marqui Christian</b> has the helmet of 340-pound G <b>Denver Kirkland</b> heading for the turf late in the 2nd quarter of the Raiders' 19-15 loss during Week 2 of the preseason. Kirkland was in pursuit of LB Bryce Hager after he recovered and was returning a fumble by QB E.J. Manuel until Christian clobbers him so hard that it knocks his helmet off. Marqui was very pleased with himself after knocking down someone who outweighs him by 130 pounds; but that was only until he got flagged for an illegal blindside block penalty, moving the ball from the 10-yard line back to the 25 (but with this being the preseason, he probably was still pleased even after the penalty).<br />
This was a rare 2018 sighting of Kirkland. He spent most of the regular season on the practice squad and played a total of only 8 snaps all year (in 2 games). Christian played all 16 games for a total of 708 snaps before dyeing his dreads brown for the 2019 season.<br />
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24. LB <b>Demario Davis</b> welcomes <b>Alvin Kamara</b> back to the sideline after one of his two 4th quarter touchdowns against the Giants in Week 4, most likely the second one, a 49-yard run that upped the Saints' 8-point lead to a more comfortable 33-18 margin with 2:06 remaining. While Kamara scored 3 TD in the game, Davis had a team high 11 tackles (9-2), including 2 sacks, as the Saints picked up a road win over the Giants for the first time since 2006. Since beginning the 2nd edition of his dreads in 2016 Demario has become one of the better LBs in the league.<br />
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25. DT <b>Robert Nkemdiche</b>'s dreads go every which way as he congratulates QB Josh Rosen after the Cardinals defeat the 49ers 18-15 in Week 8. Rosen threw 2 TD passes in the 4th quarter, including the game winner with 34 seconds left as the Cardinals came back from a 15-3 deficit. Nkemdiche had 2 tackles (1-1) and 1 PBU as the Cardinals picked up what would be their only home win of the season. Nkemdiche's 3rd season with the Cardinals in 2018 was his best (32 tackles, 4.5 sacks), but it would be his last. A pair of offseason arrests didn't exactly endear him to the new coaching staff; and the team decided to dump him just before he would have received a $400,000 bonus if he was still on the roster on the 5th day of training camp. <br />
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26. With the 2nd edition of his dreads already this long just 3 years after getting them started, LB <b>Mason Foster</b> celebrates on his way to the locker room after the Redskins, a 2.5-point underdog at home, defeat the Packers 31-17 in Week 3. Foster had a team high 10 tackles (2-8) in the win. The first edition of Foster's dreads disappeared following his 2011 rookie season with the Buccaneers, and 2018 might have been the last we'll see of the second. Despite leading the Redskins with a career high 131 tackles in 2018, he was released just before the start of 2019 training camp. And since he did not sign with any other team, it's possible his career is over.<br />
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27. A couple of players who are no strangers to the Commissioner's bad boy list pose together following the game in Kansas City. LB <b>Reuben Foster</b> had 7 tackles (6-1) and 1 PBU for the 49ers, and RB <b>Kareem Hunt</b> rushed for 2 TD for the Chiefs in KC's 38-27 victory. 49ers fans will remember the game as the one in which QB Jimmy Garoppolo tore his ACL, causing him to miss the rest of the season. As a result of their off-the-field problems, both Foster and Hunt would be released by their respective teams later in the season.<br />
The two are not exchanging their jerseys because .....<br />
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28. ..... Foster wants to swap his for LB Reggie Ragland's. After signing the jersey, the shot above in which you get a great look at his 3-year old dreads, Reuben exchanges it with Ragland, his teammate in college at Alabama for 2 seasons (2014-15).<br />
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29. After another sign and swap following the game between 49ers and Chiefs, S <b>Ron Parker</b> and CB <b>Richard Sherman</b> pose together. Parker played all 68 defensive snaps for the Chiefs and finished with 7 tackles (6-1), while Sherman played about half of the snaps for the 49ers' D and had 2 tackles (1-1) and 1 PBU. Sherman (5th round draft pick) and Parker (undrafted) were teammates as rookies in 2011 with the Seahawks and for a bit in 2012 as well before Parker found a home with the Chiefs in 2013. He started for them for 5 seasons (2014-18) before being released. After not playing for anyone in 2019, it was recently announced that he has retired, finishing his career with 11 INT, 8 sacks, and 1 TD in 105 games. Sherman, as you know, has failed in his quest to be the league's best CB ever, but he wasn't that far away, was he?<br />
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30. <b>Richard Sherman</b> and WR Doug Baldwin share hugs and each other's jerseys following the Seahawks' 43-16 victory over the 49ers in Seattle in Week 13 in Sherman's first career game <i>against</i> the Seahawks. Sherman played all but two of the 49ers' 58 defensive snaps and finished with no stats, mainly because he missed the tackle of one of Baldwin's receptions. The two were rookies with the Seahawks in 2011 and teammates for 8 seasons - <i>and </i>for 4 years before that in college at Stanford. Here's an article from the Seahawks website describing Baldwin's feelings on his first game against Sherman (it also has a video of that missed tackle, lol): <a href="https://www.seahawks.com/news/doug-baldwin-seahawks-receivers-pay-tribute-to-my-brother-richard-sherman-with-t" target="_blank">https://www.seahawks.com/news/doug-baldwin-seahawks-receivers-pay-tribute-to-my-brother-richard-sherman-with-t</a><br />
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31. Also in Week 13, RBs <b>Todd Gurley</b> and <b>LeGarrette Blount</b> exchange jerseys after their teams meet for the 3rd straight year. Blount came out on the winning end in 2016 (Patriots over Rams) and 2017 (Eagles over Rams), but Gurley got bragging rights this time, rushing for 132 yards and 2 TD as the Rams clinched the NFC West title (already) with a 30-16 road win over the Lions. Gurley (21) and Blount (5) scored 26 touchdowns between them in 2018. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZ7Z7twQ6cfMpq8paj2NiCfSkjwWRTlhLVidy-m4E9_iivE7WGPwcFtw_HjcFhkl-CBtUoF68tWW8TK2mr3jB8r8NgDfskpDHBdD6baPyBOaLZkIMG3jxOGacdkTM1vd39FFEjSS2BNU/s1600/NFL18--NOV.+5--P1++TENN-DALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZ7Z7twQ6cfMpq8paj2NiCfSkjwWRTlhLVidy-m4E9_iivE7WGPwcFtw_HjcFhkl-CBtUoF68tWW8TK2mr3jB8r8NgDfskpDHBdD6baPyBOaLZkIMG3jxOGacdkTM1vd39FFEjSS2BNU/s320/NFL18--NOV.+5--P1++TENN-DALL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
32. CB <b>Treston Decoud</b> was in uniform for only one game all season for the Cowboys, but that was enough for him to find a trading partner. After playing 5 snaps on special teams in a 28-14 home loss to the Titans on Monday night in Week 9, Decoud signs his jersey before swapping it for S <b>Kendrick Lewis</b>' jersey. Lewis, back in action after sitting out all of the 2017 season, played a season low 11 snaps in the game, and neither he nor Decoud had any stats in it. As far as I can tell the two were never teammates; but both are Louisiana natives - Lewis from New Orleans and Decoud from Covington, which is on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain opposite from New Orleans.<br />
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33. RB Troymaine Pope was in uniform for only one game all season for the Chargers; but since it was against the Chiefs, he was able to find a trading partner. Pope had no say in the Chargers' big 29-28 road win in Week 15 (he played 0 snaps), but after it he meets up with CB <b>Tremon Smith</b>, who had 1 tackle (0-1) and 5 kickoff returns in the game, one of which went for 51 yards. If you look close enough, you'll see that both have signed 256 on their jerseys, the area code in eastern Alabama they represent. Before becoming college stars in the FCS, Smith (Central Arkansas) and Pope (Jacksonville State) played at high schools 4 miles apart in Anniston (Pope) and Saks (Smith).<br />
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34. It took me a while to identify the players in this shot from after the Packers' Week 16 victory over the Jets 44-38 in overtime. Obviously the Jets' player is CB <b>Rashard Robinson</b>; but who is that for Green Bay? Well, by the process of elimination, those dreads have to belong to LB <b>James Crawford</b>. The two South Florida natives sign their jerseys after making minor contributions in a game in which other players with dreads made huge contributions. Those others combined to gain 367 total yards from scrimmage plus another 218 on kickoff and punt returns and scored 4 TD. Both playing exclusively on special teams, Crawford finished with 2 tackles (1-1), while Robinson's only stat was a FR of a GB kickoff return. The two grew up in Broward County cities right next to each other - Robinson in Pompano Beach and Crawford in Deerfield Beach.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaGhW8NASjIp-OUjiu2lQHGLwJgEBrxjWlw72bibnrEclY-tblfugINwMTvjg-sfqdoEg6_UALw7iohyphenhyphenk57TAz0VIK932MtrjEp551f9BgLwEetKD6O470Wld9TzQmBnci6wx17_SZPI/s1600/NFL18--AUG.+18--P16AA++SEA-LAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaGhW8NASjIp-OUjiu2lQHGLwJgEBrxjWlw72bibnrEclY-tblfugINwMTvjg-sfqdoEg6_UALw7iohyphenhyphenk57TAz0VIK932MtrjEp551f9BgLwEetKD6O470Wld9TzQmBnci6wx17_SZPI/s320/NFL18--AUG.+18--P16AA++SEA-LAC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQhfgLUc-h-iF_4gnribgI0Wz6Rd1etTsY7xpE3g7hwQFAUB9hnPPStOcojOGIlo7LolDwUxVmmLRIs584dDZq-I7QnYOhpQ662XXZHX4wjJ_aSFEgaqoENRSifPj6O5vuTDfkBQCQMs/s1600/NFL18--AUG.+18--P16A++SEA-LAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1061" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQhfgLUc-h-iF_4gnribgI0Wz6Rd1etTsY7xpE3g7hwQFAUB9hnPPStOcojOGIlo7LolDwUxVmmLRIs584dDZq-I7QnYOhpQ662XXZHX4wjJ_aSFEgaqoENRSifPj6O5vuTDfkBQCQMs/s320/NFL18--AUG.+18--P16A++SEA-LAC.jpg" width="226" /></a><br />
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35. From the East Coast of Florida we move over to a couple of natives of the Gulf Coast, specifically St. Petersburg. S <b>Rayshawn Jenkins</b>, 4th round pick of the Chargers in 2017, and rookie LB <b>Shaquem Griffin</b>, 5th round pick of the Seahawks in 2018, meet after their game in Week 2 of the preseason. In 49 snaps Griffin had 4 tackles (2-2), and in 52 snaps Jenkins finished with 1 tackle (0-1) and 2 PBU as the Chargers won 24-14. The two played at high schools about 10 miles apart in St. Petersburg before going on to star in college - Griffin at UCF and Jenkins at the U.<br />
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36. <b>Shaquem Griffin</b> joins his teammate and twin brother, Shaquill, to hold up the jersey of Rams DE Dante Fowler, who strangely is absent from this shot following the Rams' thrilling 36-31 victory at the Coliseum in Week 10. Shaquem, as you know, has no hand on his left arm, so that has to be Shaquill on the right here. Shaquill played all 65 snaps on defense and had 4 tackles (4-0) and 1 PBU; while Shaquem only played on special teams, finishing with no stats in 18 snaps. Fowler's highlight in the game was his key strip sack and FR in the 4th quarter to set up a short TD drive that put the Rams ahead 36-24. Fowler was a teammate of the Griffins at Lakewood HS in St. Pete. <br />
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37. Rookie LB <b>Jacob Martin</b> signs his jersey alongside LB Haason Reddick, a former college teammate of his at Temple, following the Seahawks' last-second 20-17 road victory over the Cardinals in Week 4. Both finished the game with 1 tackle (1-0) and both were TFLs, with Reddick's being a sack. Martin finished his rookie season - and his 1st season with dreads - with 10 tackles and 3 sacks; but unfortunately he didn't keep his dreads for the 2019 season, cutting them off before landing in Houston as part of the <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> trade.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wULoaUD5GZ4td_9p94zp6T3OvV2V0sRyHi4weerNNYO_H4loT_MH8qe20hWpc4Je_6D-f9cftzI9FpHjBFf8UUA5SaaiU9o2NMN5gCMJW8VXHwbPRJKUmnLnOqJRnLVYr8LrPGBxhSw/s1600/NFL18--AUG.+9--P23++DALL-SF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1500" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wULoaUD5GZ4td_9p94zp6T3OvV2V0sRyHi4weerNNYO_H4loT_MH8qe20hWpc4Je_6D-f9cftzI9FpHjBFf8UUA5SaaiU9o2NMN5gCMJW8VXHwbPRJKUmnLnOqJRnLVYr8LrPGBxhSw/s320/NFL18--AUG.+9--P23++DALL-SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
38. There are dreads aplenty in this shot from after the 49ers' 24-21 victory over the Cowboys in their preseason opener. On the left, DT <b>Sheldon Day</b> and LB <b>Jaylon Smith</b>, former college teammates at Notre Dame hold up each other's jersey; and on the right it's LB <b>Reuben Foster</b> and RB <b>Bo Scarbrough</b>, former Alabama teammates, posing with each other's jersey. Only Scarbrough doesn't have his dreads reduced, and he's also the only rookie among the four. While Smith, Day, and Foster combined for 3 tackles (what did you expect, it's the preseason opener), Scarbrough led the Cowboys in rushing with 33 yards and 1 TD on 9 carries. Little did he know it then, but Bo's 1st regular season TD would come <i>against</i> the Cowboys.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJew89oFgVRIC4JllR_Ntnyiff_S0ZfXnLiG5yrtfUFR75b2EGZfy78sbe_aZHIZAQnA5L3vzcLYT95KaPEhGHPQaOFbSpH4wfp3YpT_MZHbsjF3M8GUoxiFmFJwaoHJcvWSyffVqj18/s1600/NFL18--DEC.+15--P18D++HOU-NYJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1032" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJew89oFgVRIC4JllR_Ntnyiff_S0ZfXnLiG5yrtfUFR75b2EGZfy78sbe_aZHIZAQnA5L3vzcLYT95KaPEhGHPQaOFbSpH4wfp3YpT_MZHbsjF3M8GUoxiFmFJwaoHJcvWSyffVqj18/s320/NFL18--DEC.+15--P18D++HOU-NYJ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
39. It's hardly a rarity when two former LSU players swap jerseys after an NFL game. S <b>Tyrann</b> <b>Mathieu</b> and S Jamal Adams pose with each other's jersey after both finishing with 4 tackles in the Texans' 29-22 road win over the Jets in Week 15. The two were never teammates, as Mathieu left LSU following his tumultuous 2012 season (in which he didn't play at all), while Adams' first season was in 2014; but .....<br />
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40. ..... CB <b>Donte Jackson</b> and LB Deion Jones <i>were</i>, spending time in the same huddle in 2015 when Jones was a senior at LSU and Jackson a freshman. Donte, who certainly was in the running for the best dreads of anyone taken in the 2018 Draft, swaps jerseys with Jones after losing to Jones for the 2nd time in his rookie season. Jackson who got his 1st career INT in the Panthers' Week 2 loss to the Falcons, played all 48 snaps on defense and finished with 3 tackles (2-1) in the Panthers' 24-10 loss in Week 15. Jones played all but 1 of the Falcons' 92 defensive snaps and had a game high 14 tackles. Jackson (2018) and Jones (2016) were both picked in the 2nd round of the Draft.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszDdvP26IQZxyOQdzq48gd8D74xkX4ERjqsrVw8OAcsKny2cR_0uD2vsFLdUleWgA50VP6_BwDzSLGF8tKBdNS75PmvQqVooarnbCQ4J4hjsCqJsGZh400o_wuUVNh6eI1TJhrSToWj0/s1600/NFL18--OCT.+28--P51++PHIL-JACK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="772" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszDdvP26IQZxyOQdzq48gd8D74xkX4ERjqsrVw8OAcsKny2cR_0uD2vsFLdUleWgA50VP6_BwDzSLGF8tKBdNS75PmvQqVooarnbCQ4J4hjsCqJsGZh400o_wuUVNh6eI1TJhrSToWj0/s320/NFL18--OCT.+28--P51++PHIL-JACK.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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41. As he signs his jersey at Wembley Stadium following the Eagles' 24-18 victory over the Jaguars in Week 8, CB <b>Ronald Darby</b> gives us a painful reminder of how awesome his dreads would look if he didn't have them so severely reduced. He then swaps his jersey with CB Jalen Ramsey, his teammate in college (Florida State) for two seasons (2013-14). Ronald kept his dreads like this for every game he played in 2018. Unfortunately that was a total of only 9 games, as his season came to a halt in the Eagles' next game, after his tore his ACL against the Cowboys in Week 10.<br />
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Speaking of reduced dreads, simply ignoring the problem won't make it go away. And since braiding your dreads has become a very popular style - not just in the NFL - but life in general - it's impossible to accurately tell the story of the NFL in 2018 without mentioning the dozens of players who prefer that style. So here are a few (and <i>only</i> a few) photos of some of those players.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDl6S9iAuVVnmAI3j-ybDbPNXX2x_kwhPUyvd6N-Dxsr118pakCoJPYM4M4MygehCHmf2eqkp9mXxNOKAm4ocd3dg_g72r8pm9lCTdsG6H2UpVInHPpMV8NBdt6cEaBfUCGb4yuXCAaI/s1600/NFL18--AUG.+10--P7++ATL-NYJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDl6S9iAuVVnmAI3j-ybDbPNXX2x_kwhPUyvd6N-Dxsr118pakCoJPYM4M4MygehCHmf2eqkp9mXxNOKAm4ocd3dg_g72r8pm9lCTdsG6H2UpVInHPpMV8NBdt6cEaBfUCGb4yuXCAaI/s320/NFL18--AUG.+10--P7++ATL-NYJ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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42. It doesn't take very long to count the number of locks on the head of LB <b>De'Vondre</b> <b>Campbell</b>, shown here warming up before the Falcons' preseason games vs. the Jets (photo above, on Aug. 10) and the Jaguars (photo on right, Aug. 25). Campbell last had his dreads at full blast during the Falcons' loss to New England in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2016 seasons. They've been permanently reduced for every game since. That includes all 16 games in 2018, a season in which he led the Falcons in tackles with 94.<br />
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43. I don't know if it was intentional or not, but <b>Kendrick Lewis</b>' pregame warmup includes a little yoga before the Titans face the Colts in Week 11. This is a better look at Lewis' dreads than in photo #32; and they are only slightly reduced, so they don't look too bad. But they just don't have the awesome look they would have if they were completely unleashed. Kendrick played 26 snaps, almost all of them on special teams, and had no stats in the Titans' 38-10 road loss to Indianapolis.<br />
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44. OT <b>Desmond Harrison</b> has very few locks to begin with, so he doesn't really need to reduce them; but that doesn't stop him. Here he takes a seat on the bench while the Browns' defense is on the field against the Chargers during the 4th quarter in Week 6. It was a tough afternoon for Harrison and his fellow O-linemen. He played all 74 snaps on offense, and the Browns gained just 317 total yards and scored only 1 TD in their 38-14 home loss to LA. An undrafted rookie, Harrison started the first 8 games before the Browns decided to bench him for the rest of the season. <br />
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45. Technically I don't think that S <b>Neiko Thorpe</b> has reduced dreads; they just look that way. Thorpe, I think, started his dreads like this, with just a few, very wide locks; and they've been getting longer since their beginning in 2016, which coincides with the beginning of his time with the Seahawks (he was with the Raiders and Chiefs before that). Shown here before facing the Rams in Week 5 (right photo) and the 49ers in Week 15 (left photo), Neiko has become a very important special teams player for Seattle (notice the captain's "C" on his jersey). In 2018 he played 266 snaps in 12 games on special teams (just 29 on defense) and finished the season with 7 tackles and 1 FR.<br />
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46. The awesome dreads that CB <b>Denzel Rice</b> had when he entered the league in 2015 have now turned into this. Shown here in July at practice early in his first training camp with the Browns, Rice played a career high 12 games in 2018 (after appearing in none in 2017) and got his 1st career INT - off of Patrick Mahomes, no less. But we're going to have to put an * next to that pick because it made no impact on the game. It came on a Hail Mary on the final play of the 1st half in Week 9 on a pass that was 10 yards short of the end zone and almost out of bounds. In fact, after he made the catch, his momentum carried him over the sideline, and he had no chance to return it. After finishing the season with the Bills Denzel didn't play at all in 2019, spending most of the year on the Ravens' practice squad. <br />
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47. I know you've heard me cry about it before; but, I mean, it's impossible to hide my disappointment about the way RB <b>Derrick Henry</b> wears his dreads. I guess these too <i>technically</i> can't be considered reduced - the locks aren't braided. But they are folded and curled and wrapped every which way until there's just one massive lock coming down the back of his jersey. Here Henry celebrates with an unidentified man (left photo) and is interviewed by Fox's Erin Andrews (right photo) following his huge 238-yard, 4-TD performance during the Titans' 30-9 romp over the Jaguars on Thursday night in Week 14. Derrick is his usual humble self as he answers the questions: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycPv_6KyKOo" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycPv_6KyKOo</a><br />
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48. If anyone can make reduced dreads look awesome, Ravens RB <b>Alex Collins</b> would be the guy. Of course, they'd be even more awesome if he had them going full blast; but then they'd be even easier for defenders to grab than they are in this shot. Here Collins hugs former Ravens RB Ray Rice before the Week 11 home game vs. the Bengals. Little did he know it, but this would be Collins' final game for the Ravens. <b>Gus Edwards</b> rushed for 115 yards in the game and pretty much took the starting job away from Collins from then on. Alex went on IR two weeks later. And after the season he became a former Ravens RB, just like Rice, thanks to some off-field trouble, just like Rice.<br />
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49. Earlier in the season <b>Alex Collins</b> greets Ravens fans in the front row after the game in Nashville in Week 6. Most of the Titans fans had evacuated the stadium long before the end of the Ravens' 21-0 victory. In a game dominated by the Ravens' D (they had 11 sacks, including 3 by LB <b>Za'Darius Smith</b>) Collins was the leading rusher with 54 yards on 19 carries; and he had his only 2-score game of the season, scoring the 4th and 5th of his 8 TD. <br />
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50. RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> has the shorter reduced dreads of the two as he greets a fan of his after the Rams' 30-22 victory over the Cowboys in round 2 of the playoffs at the Coliseum on Jan. 12. Gurley (115) and C.J. Anderson (123) combined to shred the Cowboys' D for 238 yards rushing on 6.1 yards per attempt. But it would be Todd's last hurrah for the season, as he rushed for only 45 yards total in the Rams' next two games. <br />
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51. CB <b>Darryl Roberts</b> has his dreads flowing at full blast as he stops to sign fans' gear before the Jets' game vs. the Texans in Week 15. On the facing of the top deck at MetLife Stadium hangs the banner boasting the Jets' only championship - way back in Super Bowl 3. Roberts finished with 2 tackles (2-0) as the Jets fell to 4-10 with the 29-22 loss to Houston. Darryl, who added the red tips to his dreads in 2017, played all 16 games for the first time in 2018, including a career high 10 starts, finishing with 48 tackles, 1 INT, and 6 PBU.<br />
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52. Rookie CB <b>Shaquem Griffin</b>, the first of 4 players the Seahawks picked in the 5th round of the 2018 Draft, deals with the slew of autograph seekers after a training camp practice on Aug. 6, including one fan holding up a giant picture of him alongside his twin brother, Shaquill. That picture was taken 8 months earlier, when the two met just before the Seahawks' Week 14 road game at Jacksonville. While Shaquill was in the middle of his rookie season with the Seahawks, Shaquem was still in college, helping lead UCF to an undefeated season.<br />
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53. As they do before every game, <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> and <b>Shaquem Griffin</b> embrace and say a prayer in the end zone, with Shaquem on the left in the photo above (from the Week 17 home game vs. the Cardinals) and Shaquill on the left in the photo to the right (Week 16 home game vs. the Chiefs). <br />
At this point I was going to encourage you to watch (if you hadn't already seen it) the feature done on the Griffins by the CBS News program 60 Minutes that aired about halfway through the season. But apparently that video is now only available on something called CBS All Access, which requires a subscription. I'll still post the link to the video, where you can read a transcript of the feature if you want. Included in the videos on the two links below that are a couple of excerpts from the feature.<br />
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<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shaquem-griffin-seattle-seahawks-linebacker-talks-to-60-minutes-on-his-hand-amputation-and-pact-with-his-brother-shaquill/" target="_blank">https://www.cbsnews.com/news/shaquem-griffin-seattle-seahawks-linebacker-talks-to-60-minutes-on-his-hand-amputation-and-pact-with-his-brother-shaquill/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK5bcDN6JXk" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK5bcDN6JXk</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whvCXa9WeOY&t=1s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whvCXa9WeOY&t=1s</a><br />
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54. One of the most pleasant surprises of the season was the reemergence of the dreads of Jaguars S <b>Jarrod Wilson</b>. After keeping them reduced throughout the 2017 season, Wilson had them going at full blast most of the time in 2018, including here in Week 8, as he takes a breather during the game against the Eagles in London. Jarrod played mostly on special teams until moving into the starting lineup for the last 2 games of the season (and all of 2019). <br />
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55. 12 players with dreads saw action for the Houston Texans in 2018, and 5 of them were rookies (which <i>might</i> be the record for the most ever on one team). Here are three of the rookies. LBs <b>Peter Kalambayi </b>(#58) and <b>Duke Ejiofor</b> (#53), both drafted in the 6th round, and 3rd round S <b>Justin Reid</b> walk off after the 29-22 road win over the Jets in Week 15. Ejiofor (12 snaps) and Kalambayi (20) finished with no stats in the game. Reid, who played all 16 games and started 12, played all 75 snaps on defense and had 6 tackles (5-1).<br />
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56. DE <b>Cameron Jordan</b> enjoys a turkey leg after the Saints' 31-17 home victory over the Falcons on Thanksgiving night (Week 12). And why not? He finished with 4 tackles (3-0) and 3 TFL, including 2 of the Saints' 6 sacks of QB Matt Ryan. It was the first of 3 games in a row in which he recorded 2 sacks. Jordan kept alive his perfect attendance record in 2018, playing all 16 games for the 8th straight season. He finished with 12 sacks, which were the most by any player with dreads in the league. <br />
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57. Usually pleasantries are exchanged when players meet after the game. But not this time. CB <b>Josh Norman</b> was in the middle of a perfectly good pout after the Redskins' NFC East title hopes ended with a 25-16 road loss to the Titans in Week 16, but it was interrupted when OT Taylor Lewan wandered over to the Redskins bench to taunt him. An enraged Norman threw his helmet at Lewan and wanted to fight him; but since Lewan probably would have picked him up and body slammed him, Josh could only fight with his words. Lewan, who had no business starting the ruckus, apparently was under the impression that Norman had intentionally tried to injure RB <b>Derrick Henry</b> during the game. After the two were separated Norman continued his pout in the locker room. About 24 hours later the Redskins (7-8) were eliminated from the NFC Wildcard race as well.<br />
<a href="https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/video/josh-norman-we-will-not-tolerate-disrespect" target="_blank">https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/video/josh-norman-we-will-not-tolerate-disrespect</a><br />
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58. Members of the Colts' D-line and their various styles fill up this shot as they rest while the Colts' offense operates during the Week 8 game at Oakland. The featured player in the middle is rookie DE <b>Kemoko Turay</b>, with DEs Al-Quadin Muhammad (braids) and <b>Jabaal Sheard</b> (long, brown dreads) on either side of him. On the far right, talking with Sheard is DT <b>Denico Autry</b>. Autry finished with 2 tackles (1-1) in his first game against his former team, while Sheard and Turay both had 1 tackle (1-0) as the Colts defeated the Raiders 42-28. For the season between them Autry (9 sacks), Sheard (5.5), and Turay (4) accounted for about half of the Colts' total of 38 sacks. <br />
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59. There are also three players with dreads in this shot, as DT DeForest Buckner (#99) conducts a sideline meeting of 49ers D-linemen during their Week 5 home game vs. the Cardinals. Listening in are DE <b>Ryan Delaire</b> (#92, with dreads fully unleashed), DT <b>Sheldon Day</b> (long, reduced dreads) and DE <b>Ronald Blair</b> (short dreads needlessly reduced). Obviously that is not LB <b>Fred Warner</b> in jersey #54. Warner wore #48 during his rookie season before changing to 54 in 2019. Between them Blair, Day, and Delaire played 39 snaps on defense and finished with just 1 tackle (Blair) as the 49ers lost to Arizona 28-18.<br />
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60. CB <b>Trae Waynes</b> (left to right), rookie CB <b>Holton Hill</b>, and S<b> Anthony Harris </b>display their various levels of interest as the national anthem is played before the Vikings' home game against the Bills in Week 3. Neither of them played very much in this game, so you can't blame them as the Vikings, a 16-point favorite, suffered an embarrassing 27-6 loss to the previously woeful Bills. The trio combined for all 5 of the Vikings' interceptions by players with dreads in 2018, with Harris leading the way with 3.<br />
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61. I wanted to caption this long (dreads), longer, and longest ..... but rookie WR <b>Javon Wims</b>' dreads really aren't very long yet. Wims, along with fellow WRs <b>Kevin White</b> and <b>Marlon Brown</b>, TE Trey Burton, and RB Jordan Howard hook arms during the anthem before the Bears take on the Chiefs at Soldier Field during Week 3 of the preseason. You can tell it's the preseason by the number of empty seats. Wims and White each had a TD catch in the game, raising hopes that the Bears' long streak of regular season games without an offensive TD by any players with dreads would end. But it didn't happen. Brown didn't make the team, as expected. Wims, a 7th round pick, made the team but was inactive almost every week. White finally stayed healthy for a whole season; but he, too, often was inactive and finished the season with 4 receptions and 0 TD in 9 games. I am happy to report that the streak finally did end in 2019.<br />
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62. <b>Todd Gurley</b> and <b>Melvin Gordon</b> shake hands after their first ever career regular season meeting in the battle of LA in Week 3. Gurley no doubt would have dreads just as long as Gordon's if he had just left them alone; but as we have seen he is fully committed to keeping them the same length every year. In 2018 Gordon led the AFC with 8 appearances on the weekly dread stars list, and Gurley led the entire NFL with 10. Gurley was the only player to make it from this game, as he finished with 156 total yards (105 rushing, 51 receiving) and 1 TD. Gordon (84 total yards, 1 TD) and WR <b>Mike Williams</b> (4 catches for 81 yards, 2 TD) just missed. The touchdowns by Gordon and Williams were the only ones the Chargers scored in their 35-23 loss to the Rams.<br />
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63. RB <b>Brandon Bolden</b> (#38) is greeted by RB <b>Senorise Perry</b> as he returns to the sideline after one of the two touchdowns (I can't verify which one) he scored in the 2nd quarter against the Patriots in Week 14. Perry and Bolden, mainstays on special teams, had no TD and only 3 snaps on offense between them in the Dolphins' first 12 games before Bolden scored on runs of 54 and 6 yards against his former team, each time giving Miami a 1-point lead. Of course, those touchdowns were mostly forgotten after the Dolphins scored a 69-yard TD on the final play of the game to knock off New England 34-33. Brandon finished with 3 TD in his only season with the Dolphins, while Perry, whose career began in 2014, is still in search of his 1st NFL TD.<br />
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64. <b>Brandon Bolden </b>and LB <b>Dont'a Hightower</b> have their dreads flowing full blast as they hug and visit with each other after playing against each other for the first time since they were in college. After wrapping up their college careers in 2011 - Hightower at Alabama and Bolden at Mississippi - they were teammates with the Patriots for 6 years before Bolden signed with Miami as a free agent in 2018. In Week 4 the Patriots whipped the Dolphins 38-7, with Hightower finishing with 2 tackles (1-1) in his 26 snaps on defense and Bolden recording no stats in his 18 snaps on special teams.<br />
Bolden, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, earned a career total of $5.5 million through 2018 and didn't earn $1 million in a single year until his 4th year in the league. Hightower, on the other hand, a 1st round draft pick, earned his first million - actually his first 4 million, the moment he signed his rookie contract (Bolden's signing 'bonus' was $12,673) and earned $35 million in his first 7 NFL seasons.<br />
After their one year on opposing teams, the two were teammates again in 2019 after Bolden signed back with New England. Here's an article from the Patriots' website heralding his return: <a href="https://www.patriots.com/news/brandon-bolden-from-undrafted-rookie-to-100-game-veteran" target="_blank">https://www.patriots.com/news/brandon-bolden-from-undrafted-rookie-to-100-game-veteran</a> <br />
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65. CB <b>Stephon Gilmore</b>, along with his son Sebastian, meets the Vince Lombardi Trophy - held by former Patriots DT Vince Wilfork - for the first time in his career after the Patriots' 13-3 victory over the Rams in Super Bowl 53. After playing no playoff games at all while with the Bills for the first 5 years of his career, Gilmore made it to the Super Bowl in each of his first two seasons with the Patriots, losing to the Eagles the previous year before playing a big role in the win over the Rams. He finished with 5 tackles (5-0), 1 FF, 2 PBU (one of which Rams fans will tell you should have been a PI penalty) and a huge INT in the 4th quarter with New England up by 7 ..... <br />
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66. ..... A little earlier the celebration begins after the Patriots defeat the Rams in the Super Bowl with the traditional Gatorade drenching of the head coach. And it also has become traditional that it is a player with dreads who participates in the drenching. Here WR <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b>, with an assist from WR Matthew Slater, drowns Coach Belichick after the final play of the game - and splashes a little on <b>Dont'a</b> <b>Hightower</b> as well. Patterson had 7 yards rushing on 2 carries, 2 catches for 14 yards, and went 38 yards on his only kickoff return in the 6 snaps he played.<br />
Patterson, like <b>Stephon Gilmore</b>, had no playoff success (1 game, no wins) in his first 5 seasons before joining the Patriots and reaching the Super Bowl in his 6th year. As long as Cordarrelle's dreads are, Gilmore's actually are even longer; but it doesn't look like it because Stephon has kept his dreads reduced for nearly every single game since joining the Patriots. Patterson's first and only season with the Patriots was also the first time he and Gilmore, both from the Rock Hill, SC, football factory, were teammates. On the first link below is a short article from NESN.com about their rivalry in high school. And the second link is to a video from Patriots.com (yes, they do more than just film opposing teams' sidelines) on the two from about midway through the season.<br />
<a href="https://nesn.com/2018/08/stephon-gilmore-cordarrelle-patterson-bonded-by-football-city-rivalry/" target="_blank">https://nesn.com/2018/08/stephon-gilmore-cordarrelle-patterson-bonded-by-football-city-rivalry/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZQonlD16Co" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZQonlD16Co</a><br />
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67. Eagles RB <b>Jay Ajayi </b>hugs RB <b>Devonta Freeman</b> of the Falcons after the first game of the regular season. Freeman picked up 50 total yards on 9 touches before injuring his knee in the 4th quarter. Ajayi had 62 yards on 15 carries and scored both of the Eagles' touchdowns in their 18-12 Thursday night home victory. Little did they know it, but 2018 would turn out to be the worst year of both of their careers. Both would be on injured reserve before the season was half over, with Ajayi appearing in a career low 4 games and Freeman in a career low 2. <br />
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68. We'll finish the helmets off section with dreads that are arguably the NFL's longest, as S <b>Tre Boston</b> jokes with WR Stefon Diggs following the Cardinals' 27-17 road loss to the Vikings in Week 6. Dreads like these should never be reduced; and Tre gets it. Not only does he never reduce his, he always has them completely unleashed as well, making him the perfect example of what every player should strive to have his dreads look like. Unfortunately most players don't share my opinion.<br />
In his only season in a Cardinals uniform Boston ranked 3rd on the team with 79 tackles and led the team with 3 INT before moving on (and back) to Carolina.<br />
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Now let's take a look at some of the players with the best dreads in action. <br />
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69. And we lead off with <b>Tre Boston</b>. Maybe one day I'll do a DG with all of the photos featuring Boston; but as for DG177 you'll have to settle for a couple of plays from the Cardinals' road game against the 49ers in Week 5. After the pass on 2nd and 11 midway through the 1st quarter deflects off the hands of WR Pierrre Garcon and Boston makes the diving interception, Tre gets back on his feet right in the middle of the 49ers logo at midfield (left photo) and brings the return back 9 yards (right photo) to the SF 43-yard line. It was his 2nd INT of the season. But the Cardinals went three-and-out on the ensuing possession and punted.<br />
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70. Then in the 4th quarter <b>Tre Boston</b>'s dreads crash into the back of his helmet as he attempts to strip the ball from WR Kendrick Bourne after a reception on 3rd and 5. Bourne hung on and gained 9 yards to pick up the 1st down at the SF 44-yard line. The drive ended with a TD 9 plays later, but the Cardinals kept the lead 14-12 after the 49ers' 2-point conversion attempt failed. Boston had 6 tackles (6-0) and 2 PBU in addition to his INT as the Cardinals got their 1st W of the season 28-18. <br />
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71. S <b>Jahleel Addae</b> is flying all over the place and so are his dreads during these two plays during Week 2. On the 5th play of the Bills' 2nd half opening drive QB Josh Allen avoids the sack on 2nd and 6 and scrambles for a 14-yard gain before being knocked off his feet by Addae (photo above) at the 6-yard line. 3 plays later <b>Chris Ivory</b> scored the Bills' 1st TD of the season, cutting the Chargers' lead to 28-13. Then on the Bills' final drive it's Addae who gets knocked off his feet (right photo) as he tries to avoid picking up an unnecessary roughness penalty after a diving catch by WR Robert Foster on 3rd and 11. Addae got credit for the tackle, but the 19-yard reception kept the drive going. 3 plays later <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> scored his only TD of the season. Jahleel finished tied for the team lead with 7 tackles (6-1) and had 1 PBU as the Chargers got their 1st W of the season 31-20. <br />
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72. <b>Jahleel Addae</b> gives away 45 pounds in this encounter with the tight end on 1st and 10 in Week 3 but gets the job done, tackling Gerald Everett for a 3-yard gain at the Chargers' 32-yard line and keeping him inbounds with 1 minute remaining in the 1st half. 4 plays later the Rams missed a 46-yard FG attempt. Jahleel finished the afternoon with 6 tackles (4-2) as the Chargers dropped to 1-2 with the 35-23 loss to the Rams.<br />
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73. OT <b>LaAdrian Waddle</b> joins WR Chris Hogan (#15) and QB Tom Brady on the congratulating committee after RB James White scores his 2nd TD of the game, giving the Patriots a 14-point lead with 8:40 remaining in the 4th quarter at Soldier Field in Week 7. The Patriots held on to defeat the Bears 38-31. For the first time in his career Waddle played in all 16 games, and in 3 of those - including this one - he played every snap on offense. With most of the other O-lineman with sick dreads no longer in the league, Waddle's dreads were arguably the longest of any NFL O-linemen in 2018.<br />
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74. From arguably the longest O-lineman dreads we go to arguably the longest D-Lineman dreads, hanging down the back of 49ers DT <b>Sheldon Day</b> as he takes on the double team block by C Spencer Pulley (#77) and G Will Hernandez (left photo) on 3rd and 6 midway through the 1st quarter against the Giants on Monday night in Week 10. 3 plays later Day dives but fails to get his 1st career INT (right photo) after a pass intended for RB Saquon Barkley on 3rd and 5 gets deflected back toward the line of scrimmage. CB K'Waun Williams (#24) made the catch, but after he hit the ground Pulley (also reaching for the ball) tried to rip the ball away from him, and a simultaneous possession was ruled. Pulley got credit for the catch, but it was for a 2-yard loss, and the Giants punted on the next play. Day played 22 snaps and finished with no stats in the game; and for the season he had 11 tackles, including tying his career high with 2 sacks, in 12 games.<br />
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75. After an <b>Aaron Jones</b> TD run on the first play of the 2nd quarter in Week 10 upped the Packers' lead to 14-3, LB <b>James Crawford</b> makes his only tackle of the game on the next play, taking advantage of a missed block by S <b>Walt Aikens</b> and stopping WR Jakeem Grant at the 15-yard line after a 13-yard kickoff return. The Packers went on to defeat the Dolphins 31-12. After making the team as an undrafted rookie, Crawford saw extensive duty on special teams, playing 333 snaps in 16 games and finishing the season with 9 tackles (8-1) and 1 FR.<br />
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76. Another undrafted rookie for an NFC North team, RB <b>Mike Boone</b> carries the ball for the Vikings against the Jets in Week 7. After taking the handoff on a sweep right on 1st and 10 on the game's second play from scrimmage, Boone cuts up the middle before getting to the sideline and eludes both S Jamal Adams (#33) and LB Darron Lee just past the line of scrimmage and gains 9 yards before being tackled at the Jets' 37-yard line. The Vikings scored a TD two plays later. Boone's other 3 carries went for 4, -6, and -3 yards, giving him 4 yards on 4 carries for the day in 8 snaps. The Vikings won 37-17. Mike had a very quiet rookie season, playing only 62 snaps all year (36 offense, 26 special teams) and rushing for 47 yards on 11 carries. But he was heard from a lot more in 2019.<br />
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77. S <b>Reshad Jones</b> (#20) and DE Andre Branch are in pursuit as RB <b>Chris Ivory</b> crosses the 15-yard line and heads for the end zone on the 8th play of the game's opening drive in Week 17. Originally assigned to block on 3rd and 16, Ivory had nothing else to do while QB Josh Allen was scrambling away from pressure, so he went out for a pass and was all alone as he made the catch 10 yards downfield at the Miami 37-yard line. After cutting toward the middle of the field, he finally was tackled from behind by Jones at the 1 after a gain of 46. The Bills took a 7-0 lead on the next play. Chris finished the game with 91 total yards, as he also carried 14 times for 45 yards rushing in the Bills' 42-17 blowout of the Dolphins. <br />
Hopefully not, but this might have been the final game of Ivory's career. The Bills released him 3 months after the season was over after signing Frank Gore, and nobody else signed him, meaning his 9-year NFL career might be over.<br />
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78. One week after after being violently dragged down by his dreads, Chiefs rookie CB <b>Tremon Smith</b> is undeterred, keeping his dreads exactly the same as the week before - slightly reduced and still very easy to grab - as he returns a kickoff against the Rams (right photo) on Monday night in Week 11. With the Rams scoring 7 TD and 2 FG, Tremon had a busy night and racked up an NFL season high 207 yards on 7 kickoff returns in the Chiefs' 54-51 loss at the Coliseum. In the regular season finale Smith has his dreads going at full blast (left photo) as he goes for 26 yards on his only kickoff return of the game in a 35-3 victory over the Raiders. For the season Tremon played 270 snaps (74 defense, 196 special teams) and finished with 5 tackles (4-1) and 1 PBU and was 4th in the league in kickoff returns with a 26.8 average (886 yards on 33 returns) .....<br />
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79. ..... Smith was one of 5 players with long dreads to rank in the top 11 in kickoff return average in 2018. <b>Andre Roberts</b> was 2nd, <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> was 3rd, <b>Dwayne Harris</b> was 10th, and ..... here's Ravens WR <b>Chris Moore</b>, reaching out to make the catch before bringing back one of his 4 returns against the Buccaneers in Week 15. He gained a total of 92 yards on the return and also scored his only TD of the season on a 5-yard reception as the Ravens defeated Tampa Bay 20-12. Moore finished 11th in the NFL with a 22.3 kickoff return average .....<br />
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80. ..... While Moore <i>finished</i> the season as the Ravens' kickoff returner, the player who <i>began</i> it has dreads even longer than his. Before being sent to the practice squad after just 2 games, rookie WR <b>Janarion Grant</b> had 2 kickoff returns and 7 punt returns. This was the best of them, coming early in the 2nd quarter in Week 1. After going nowhere on his first 2 punt returns, Grant has plenty of running room on his next return early in the 2nd quarter after fielding a line-drive punt; and after eluding the first 5 Bills defenders downfield, he eludes a sixth, LS Reid Ferguson, at the Buffalo 43-yard line (left photo). He then tries to break a tackle at the 25-yard line (right photo), but LB Lorenzo Alexander hangs on and gets him down to the ground at the 20 after a return of 51 yards: <a href="https://www.baltimoreravens.com/video/highlight-janarion-grant-shakes-tackles-returns-punt-51-yards" target="_blank">https://www.baltimoreravens.com/video/highlight-janarion-grant-shakes-tackles-returns-punt-51-yards</a> .....<br />
Janarion was upset that he didn't score, and he should be. Three blockers had Alexander sealed inside. All he had to do was keeping running down the sideline. Why did he cut back inside??? The Ravens settled for a FG 4 plays later to up their lead to 17-0.<br />
After Grant fumbled on his first punt return against the Bengals in Week 2, the Ravens must have lost confidence in him. He was cut before the next game and spent the rest of the season on the practice squad. Janarion then spent 2019 in a league that more appreciates his dangerous return ability, the CFL; and he took 3 punt returns to the house for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers during their Grey Cup championship season.<br />
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81. CB <b>Maurice Canady</b> is all in on the reduced dreads craze on Opening Day, all the way down to - what is that - about 20 locks extending in every direction (left photo) as he finishes his weekly pregame prayer in the end zone at M&T Bank Stadium. After recording 4 tackles (4-0) in 35 snaps in the Ravens' 47-3 rout of the Bills, Canady went on IR to fully recover from the thigh injury he suffered during a training camp practice in mid-August. The next time he was in uniform was in Week 12, and he has his dreads right for that one, as he escorts CB Cyrus Jones into the end zone (right photo) at the end of a 70-yard punt return for the Ravens' 1st TD of the day, giving them the lead (for good) 10-7 over the Raiders early in the 2nd quarter. The Ravens went on to win 34-17. The appearance on IR made it 3 years in a row Maurice has done time on IR, a streak he happily ended in 2019.<br />
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82. RB <b>Marshawn Lynch</b> gives us a rare treat - a look at his dreads completely unleashed - during a drill at an OTA practice (left photo) on May 29. With his dreads now this long, it's no surprise that he now keeps them reduced for every game, including in Week 2, as he leaps into the end zone for a 1-yard TD (right photo), upping the Raiders' lead over the Broncos to 12-0 late in the 2nd quarter. Lynch finished with 65 yards rushing on 18 carries, but the Raiders blew their lead and lost 20-19.<br />
Marshawn's 2nd season with the Raiders lasted only 6 games, as he went on IR for the first time in his career after suffering a groin injury. After rushing for a career low 376 yards, he retired for a 2nd time after the season was over. But that didn't last long, did it?<br />
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83. Bills LB <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> had his long dreads completely unleashed for only a handful of games during his rookie season. One of those was the last game of the season vs. the Dolphins, as he celebrates his INT on the 3rd play of the Dolphins' opening drive (right photo) and tackles of WR Danny Amendola (left photo) for a 10-yard gain on 2nd and 6 during the 3rd quarter. Edmunds finished with 12 tackles (11-1), including 1 sack, as the Bills won 42-17 to end the season with a 6-10 record.<br />
As mentioned in the article on the link below, Tremaine was the youngest player in the league in 2018 as he began what potentially will be a Hall of Fame career. In 15 games he led the Bills with 121 tackles (80-41) and 10 PBU and also had 5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 FF, and 2 INT. With dreads this long at age 20, I can't wait to see them when he's 30.<br />
<a href="https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2019/01/29/tremaine-edmunds-nfl-youngest-player-buffalo-bills-virginia-tech/2709934002/" target="_blank">https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2019/01/29/tremaine-edmunds-nfl-youngest-player-buffalo-bills-virginia-tech/2709934002/</a><br />
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84. A college teammate of <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> for three seasons at Virginia Tech, CB <b>Adonis Alexander</b> entered the NFL with much less fanfare than Edmunds, but his dreads were every bit as impressive. While Edmunds was picked on Day 1 of the Draft, Alexander entered the Supplemental Draft in July after it became apparent he wasn't going to be eligible for his senior season at VA Tech. After the Redskins picked him in the 6th round, he played only 9 games and almost exclusively on special teams. Against the Eagles in Week 13 Alexander sets to take on S <b>Deiondre Hall</b> (left photo), the gunner on one of the Eagles' 2 punts in the game. Then in the second meeting with the Eagles in Week 17, Adonis is congratulated by S Jeremy Reaves (right photo) after tackling RB Darren Sproles and holding him to 2 yards on a punt return midway through the 1st quarter, one of the few things to celebrate during a 24-0 home loss. That was the 4th and final tackle of the season for Alexander, who did not play at all in 2019 while spending time on the practice squad with the Redskins and then the Rams.<br />
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85. It isn't clear which player selected in the 2018 Draft has the longest dreads, but S <b>Marcell Harris</b> of the 49ers certainly was a contender. After spending the first half of the season on IR, Harris was in the starting lineup and played every defensive snap for the final 5 games, including these two. Midway through the 4th quarter against the Seahawks in Week 15 after making G J.R. Sweezy miss his block on a screen pass, Harris tackles RB Mike Davis (left photo) and holds him to a 9-yard gain on 2nd and 15. The Seahawks settled for a FG two plays later. Harris had 6 tackles (6-0) in the game, stopping Davis on three of those, in San Francisco's 26-23 home victory in overtime. One week later Harris makes his 5th and final tackle of the game in a 14-9 home loss to the Bears, as QB Mitchell Trubisky goes down before Marcell can hit him (right photo) after scrambling for 3 yards on 2nd and 7 late in the 4th quarter.<br />
Harris finished his rookie season with 34 tackles (24-10), including 4 TFL.<br />
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86. S <b>Jarrod Wilson</b> has a chance for his 1st career INT but can't quite make the over-the-shoulder catch on a deep pass intended for WR Josh Doctson that was overthrown on the first play of a Redskins drive midway through the 1st quarter in Week 15. The Redskins kicked a FG 8 plays later to take a 3-0 lead. Playing a career high 56 defensive snaps, Wilson had a career high 5 tackles (4-1), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU as the Jaguars lost 16-13. The next week Jarrod moved into the starting lineup and has been there ever since. Unfortunately this was the last home game in which Jaguars fans were able to see his dreads, as he decided to cut them off during the offseason.<br />
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87. After missing the first 4 games of the season with an ankle injury, Rams LB <b>Mark Barron</b> returned to action in Week 5 - and returned with a great big surprise. For the first time since the last game of the 2014 season Barron played a game without his dreads reduced. So for one game (and unfortunately only one game) we got to see how awesome his dreads are when they're unleashed. Mark led the Rams with a season high 9 tackles (5-4) in their 33-31 road win over the Seahawks; but despite that much action, sadly I couldn't find any really good shots of his dreads. These were the 'best' two, as he reacts just after a snap (photo above) and a blurry shot of him chasing RB Chris Carson (photo on right) before knocking him out of bounds at the 6-yard line on an 11-yard catch and run early in the 3rd quarter.<br />
After recording 60 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF, and 1 PBU in 12 games, Barron played in the Super Bowl for the first time before moving on to Pittsburgh for 2019.<br />
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88. Throughout his career any discussion of the league's best dreads would be considered nonsense if it did not include the name of <b>Dwayne Harris</b>. But even he has joined the ranks of those with reduced dreads in the last couple of seasons. In his first season with the Raiders Harris' hair was arguably the longest in the league but just didn't have as many locks as it should have.<br />
After starting forward on a punt return against the Ravens midway through the 4th quarter in Week 12, Harris gets greedy, stopping and making a right turn to try to get to the outside (left photo). But he's brought down for a return of -3 yards. In the 45-42 win over the Browns in Week 4 Dwayne went for 98 yards on 5 punt returns, the first of which was a 12-yarder (right photo) following a Browns' opening drive three and out.. For the season he ranked 10th in the league in kickoff returns (22.9 average) and 2nd in punt returns (14.1), barely behind <b>Andre Roberts</b>.<br />
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89. As went <b>Travis Benjamin</b>, so went the Chargers' offense in 2018. Well, not exactly. But it sure seemed like it in the two games against the Chiefs. On 2nd and 14 late in the 2nd quarter in Week 1 Benjamin has S <b>Ron Parker </b>beaten deep, but the WR with sick dreads has the perfectly thrown pass go right through his hands (photo above), off his lap, and onto the ground at the KC 33-yard line. It would have been at least a 50-yard gain and maybe a 79-yard TD. Instead the Chargers punted two plays later and remained 5 points behind at halftime. Then with the Chargers down 10 just after the 2-minute warning in the 4th quarter, a would-be 28-yard TD pass bounces off Benjamin's hands (photo on right) in the middle of the end zone on 1st and 10. 3 plays later the Chargers, who still had 3 timeouts left, missed a 48-yard FG attempt. On 5 targets Travis had 1 catch for 1 yard. He also finished with 19 yards rushing on a reverse in the 1st quarter and with 1 punt return for -1 yard. The Chargers lost 38-28 .....<br />
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90. Then in the second meeting, the big showdown at KC in Week 15, WR <b>Mike</b> <b>Williams</b> got all the glory, and deservedly so. But Williams' 3rd TD of the night and ensuing catch for the game-winning 2-point conversion might never had happened if not for Benjamin's contributions earlier in the drive.<br />
After the drive began with a holding penalty with 2:33 remaining, Benjamin picks up 31 yards on 1st and 20, making the catch over the middle and hanging on despite getting drilled by <b>Ron</b> <b>Parker</b> and S Eric Murray (photo above) at the KC 39-yard line. Then 4 plays later, with the Chargers facing a 4th and 7, Benjamin, after lining up in the slot, beats CB Kendall Fuller and makes the catch at the 20-yard line (photo on right), eludes him and keeps going until he's tackled at the 10 for a 26-yard gain. 4 plays later the TD by Williams with 4 seconds remaining followed by his 2-point catch gave the Chargers a 29-28 win that moved them into a tie for the lead in the AFC West. Benjamin's 57 yards receiving in the game were a season high. <br />
Plagued by a foot injury during the first half of the season, Travis played only 301 total snaps all year and scored only 1 TD, both totals his lowest since 2013 (when he missed half the season with a knee injury). At least there was nothing wrong with his dreads.<br />
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91. For about a month during the first half of the season (roughly Weeks 3-7) CB <b>Janoris Jenkins</b> was the easy winner in the category of most different-colored locks. There's at least four different colors there in addition to his black majority in this Week 4 game, as he makes the tackle at the 4-yard line on a key 11-yard reception by WR Michael Thomas on 3rd and 6 midway through the 3rd quarter. <b>Alvin Kamara</b>'s 2nd TD of the game on the next play upped the Saints' lead to 26-10. Jenkins finished the game with 6 tackles (5-1), stopping Thomas 3 times and Kamara the other 3. Janoris helped hold Thomas, who had 38 receptions in the first 3 games, to 4 catches for 47 yards. But with the Saints rushing the ball for 170 yards, they didn't need to throw it as much as usual in their 33-18 road win over the Giants .....<br />
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92. ..... Jenkins' dreads were back to all black by the time the Giants faced the 49ers on the road on Monday night in Week 10, as he tries to tackle RB Matt Breida (photo above) and WR Dante Pettis (photo on right) ..... Oh, wait a minute. That's <i>not</i> Jenkins in the photo on the right. It's the Giants' other starting CB with long dreads, <b>B.W. Webb</b>.<br />
At first glance it was hard for announcers to differentiate between the two. But if you look carefully enough, you can tell the difference in their dreads. They're both reduced, but Webb's are reduced <i>more</i>. In this game they both finished with 5 tackles (5-0), with Jenkins adding 1 PBU to his stats line, as the Giants improved to 2-7 with a 27-23 victory over the 49ers.<br />
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93. And here are <b>B.W. Webb</b> and <b>Janoris Jenkins</b> in the same shot, which rarely happened since they usually lined up on opposite sides of the field. Blitz pressure on 3rd and 8 in the 4th quarter in Week 5 causes QB Cam Newton to throw a pass wide of the intended receiver, TE <b>Ian Thomas</b>, and into the hands of Jenkins. On the return Jenkins dashes all the way across field and passes by Webb, who's trying to find somebody to block and stay out of Janoris' way, near the 50-yard line. The 29-yard return to the 34-yard line sparked the Giants, who trailed 27-16 at the time. They eventually took a 31-30 lead, only to lose when the Panthers made a 63-yard FG with :01 on the clock.<br />
The Webb-Jenkins partnership lasted only one season. But it caused a season full of double takes and headaches among the Giants trying to tell who was who. Details in this NJ.com article from just before Thanksgiving: <a href="https://www.nj.com/giants/2018/11/are_janoris_jenkins_bw_webb_really_twins_giants_in.html" target="_blank">https://www.nj.com/giants/2018/11/are_janoris_jenkins_bw_webb_really_twins_giants_in.html</a><br />
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The Giants weren't the only team with a pair of CBs with long dreads on the field at the same time. There were at least a couple more that played on Saturdays with dreads even better than Jenkins and Webb, just because they weren't reduced. I saved only a very few College Football photos from the 2018 season. In the final section of Part 1 of DG177 here's a look at some of the best dreads from those few.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKPYb2rjN8uPbI6q60MLliiLVnAm_BWlgoVNGvNNIjawGsq4tCNx7-xbnpen9joBW7OXPvYNAuOsbnMLoooqpbaxKcyvg2MRaGKrrrHBIkuThdgBumBpD1V3nGzWOR6VxqOuDxXBB6Dw/s1600/CF18--NOV.+3--P13++IOWA+ST.-KANS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1024" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKPYb2rjN8uPbI6q60MLliiLVnAm_BWlgoVNGvNNIjawGsq4tCNx7-xbnpen9joBW7OXPvYNAuOsbnMLoooqpbaxKcyvg2MRaGKrrrHBIkuThdgBumBpD1V3nGzWOR6VxqOuDxXBB6Dw/s320/CF18--NOV.+3--P13++IOWA+ST.-KANS.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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94. The Kansas Jayhawks posted a 3-9 record in 2018, astonishingly their 9th straight season with 3 wins or fewer. But if you wanted to see some great dreads, there weren't many places better to be on Saturdays than when their defense was on the field. Freshman CB <b>Corione Harris</b>, with dreads already almost down to the bottom of the #2 on the back of his jersey, was one of three DBs with sick dreads who were on the field often when the Jayhawks' opponents had the ball. In these shots Harris, 6-1 and 180 pounds, tries to stop 6-6, 225-pound WR Hakeem Butler of Iowa State (left photo, Week 10) and 6-6, 220-pound WR Collin Johnson of Texas (right photo, Week 13). Butler, a 4th round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2019, had TD catches of 83 and 51 yards in the 1st quarter - neither of them with Harris covering him - to help Iowa State to a 27-3 road win. Johnson caught a 1st quarter TD pass against Harris, but the Jayhawks held Texas to 154 yards passing in the Longhorns' 24-17 road win. A starter in 11 of Kansas' 12 games, Corione finished his 1st college season with 43 tackles (tied for 5th most on the team), 6 PBU, and 1 INT.<br />
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95. Also on the field in Week 10 with their dreads obscuring the numbers on their jerseys were senior CB <b>Shakial Taylor</b> (photo above) and sophomore S <b>Ricky Thomas</b> (#24, photo on right). Taylor finished with 3 tackles, and Thomas had 2, and neither of them had the coverage either on those touchdowns by Butler. Thomas was a starter in 3 of the 8 games he played and had 11 tackles for the season. Taylor started all 12 games, finishing with 33 tackles and tying for the team lead with 3 INT. Surprisingly this would not be the last we'd see of Taylor's dreads. In case you didn't notice it, in 2019 he was on the field for a total of 60 defensive snaps in 5 different game as a rookie with the Colts before ending the season (but not appearing in any games) with the Broncos.<br />
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96. It did not take too long for <b>Corione Harris</b> to get his 1st INT in a Kansas uniform. During the 3rd quarter of KU's 3rd game of the season the Rutgers QB thought Harris would cover the receiver running a short crossing route to the right flat on 2nd and 6. He thought wrong. When the pass went to WR Everett Wormley (#14) on the right sideline 15 yards downfield, Harris dropped off the short route, moved backed in front of Wormley, jumped up and made the catch for an easy interception (left photo) at the RU 25-yard line. Corione might have taken the return to the house; but before he could land on his feet he was hit and knocked down by a teammate who also was trying to break up the pass. Instead the Jayhawks got the TD 5 plays later to up their lead to 38-14, and they went on to win 55-14. It would take much longer for Harris to get his 2nd career INT. In fact, he hasn't gotten it yet.<br />
Then in Week 13,<b> Shakial Taylor</b> ends Oklahoma's 2nd half opening drive, going way up to pick off a pass (right photo) on 1st and 10 from Heisman winner-to-be Kyler Murray intended for WR <b>CeeDee Lamb</b> 20 yards downfield on the left sideline in front of the OU bench. After landing on his feet, Taylor brought the return back 10 yards to the OU 45-yard line; and 7 plays later the Jayhawks scored a TD to pull within 21-17. The Sooners then proceeded to score touchdowns on their next 4 possessions. A 35-point underdog, Kansas kept it kind of close, scoring their most points against OU in 22 years in a 55-40 road loss to the #6 ranked Sooners.<br />
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97. It was only Central Michigan, but .....<br />
Not wanting to take a sack on 3rd and 8 on the first play of the 4th quarter in Week 2, the Central Michigan QB tosses one up for grabs 15 yards downfield near the left sideline ... and he pays for it. Two CMU players, including RB <b>Jonathan Ward</b>, think they are the intended receiver, but <b>Shakial Taylor</b>, with two bands around his dreads, beats both of them to it, making his 1st ever INT in a KU uniform (left photo) and then eluding several CMU players on the return before breaking into the clear at the 15-yard line (right photo) on his way to the end zone, escorted by S Mike Lee. <b>Ricky</b> <b>Thomas</b>, who would get his 1st career INT later in the 4th quarter, trails Taylor and Lee by 10 yards but catches up to them in the end zone to join the celebration. The 55-yard pick 6 increased the Kansas lead to 28-7. Earlier in the 2nd half Taylor got credit for a FF that KU recovered on his only tackle of the game. It was a long time coming - 9 years - but the Jayhawks <i>finally</i> ended their preposterous 46-game road losing streak, getting their 1st road W since 2009, 31-7 over Central Michigan.<br />
This was the 1st of 3 interceptions for Taylor, who had only 1 during his first 3 college seasons (and that was in junior college in 2016). If you want to, you can see all three of them, and his FF, and all his other 2018 highlights in this video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j1uAtmAatc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9j1uAtmAatc</a><br />
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98. 2018 was the first season for UCF in 6 years without one of the Griffin twins on the team; but there still were plenty of sick dreads in the Knights' secondary. Here in Week 10 junior CB <b>Nevelle</b> <b>Clarke</b> and sophomore CB <b>Aaron Robinson</b> do an air bump to celebrate Clarke's INT on Temple's first possession in the 2nd half. Did I mention it was a highlight-reel INT? See for yourself: <a href="https://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=25150741" target="_blank">https://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=25150741</a><br />
It was the 2nd - and last - INT for Clarke in 2018, and I guess we'll have to forgive him for having his dreads reduced while making it. Robinson, playing his first season for UCF after transferring from Alabama, wouldn't get his 1st career INT until 2019. Temple racked up a school record 670 total yards against the UCF D, but the Knights still won, improving to 8-0 as they defeated the Owls 52-40. <br />
If you watched that video, you probably noticed that try as they might Clarke and Robinson weren't even close to having to longest dreads in the UCF secondary .....<br />
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99. ..... That honor went to senior CB<b> Keenan Johnson</b>, whose dreads are so long they don't entirely fit in this shot of him (left photo) from before UCF's game against LSU in the Fiesta Bowl. Johnson, who played 11 games in two seasons for the Knights after transferring from JC, finished with 0 INT, 2 PBU, and 19 tackles. His career high in one game was 3 tackles, which he had twice, including the game against Temple. Here (right photo) he hangs on and drags down WR <b>Isaiah</b> <b>Wright</b> at the Temple 27-yard line after a reception for a gain of 6 on 3rd and 3 during the 3rd quarter for one of the Owls' 35 first downs. Wright, who hopefully will be playing on Sundays later this year, had 5 catches for 40 yards in the game. As for Johnson, I doubt we'll be hearing from him again. As far as I can tell, he wasn't with any pro team in 2019. <br />
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100. Over in the FCS Murray State was one of the teams with more than one player with sick dreads on the field at the same time. A couple of south Florida juniors with super long dreads and wearing uniforms #5 and #6 no doubt had a lot of people in confusion as to who was who when the Racers defense was in action. The one thing that made it a bit easier to tell the two apart was that LB <b>Kendrick Catis</b> (#6, from Pompano Beach) weighs 30 pounds more than S <b>Jason</b> <b>Johnson</b> (#5, Pahokee). In the Week 3 game at Kentucky Catis is the only defender with a chance to stop sophomore QB <b>Terry Wilson</b> on 2nd and 2 on the 8th play of the game's opening drive; but all he can do is get a hand on him (photo above) as Wilson gets past him just beyond the line scrimmage and speeds untouched the rest of the way for a 42-yard TD. Wilson carried 3 times for 58 yards on the 91-yard drive. Catis finished the game with 7 tackles (3-4). Then on UK's first drive of the 2nd half Johnson sets to make one of his 4 tackles (4-0) on a reception on 2nd and 6 by TE Justin Rigg (photo on right) for a 5-yard gain to the Murray State 29. The drive ended with a FG 5 plays later to make the score 20-3. Kentucky went on to win 48-10. For the season Catis had 74 tackles (5.5 TFL) and Johnson 29. Both had 1 INT and 1 PBU. Johnson scored a TD on a FR in the end zone in the Week 5 win over Tennessee-Martin. The Racers finished 5-6.<br />
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101. The combined length of the dreads of two members of Bethune-Cookman's secondary arguably was longer than any two from any other team. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of junior CB <b>Trevor Merritt</b> with his dreads flowing at full blast to better support the argument. With his dreads reduced, Merritt begins his 49-yard INT return to the house (left photo) against Mississippi Valley State in Week 6, the last of 4 unanswered touchdowns in the 2nd quarter by B-C that turned a 14-0 deficit into a 28-14 halftime lead. The Wildcats went on to win 41-27. With his dreads spilling out all sides of his helmet for the Florida Classic in Week 12, junior S <b>Vernon Walker</b> arrives in the backfield a bit late as teammates Kevin Thompson (#91) and Marquis Hendrix (#19) tackle FAMU WR Azende Rey for an 8-yard loss on a reverse on 2nd and 1 late in the 1st quarter. Walker had only 1 tackle in the game but made a play in the 3rd quarter, scooping up a blocked extra point and racing 92 yards to the house for 2 points to tie the game after a TD by FAMU had put them ahead 19-17. You get a great look at Vernon's great dreads beginning at the 1:46:57 mark of this video of the whole game: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRnKBZ3TH9A" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRnKBZ3TH9A</a> ..... The Wildcats scored 2 touchdowns in the 4th quarter to win 33-19 and finish the season at 7-5. Walker was 9th on the team with 41 tackles and had 4 PBU. Merritt had 38 tackles, 4 PBU, and tied for the team lead with 4 INT. <br />
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102. Here are a couple of linebackers who probably would have made my dread all-America team if I had done one, although in this shot (left photo) it's harder to focus on the dreads of Texas Tech senior <b>Dakota Allen</b> than it is the way he's tackling Lamar RB Myles Wanza. Assuming Wanza didn't break the tackle, then this was the play Allen stopped him for no gain early in the 2nd quarter in Week 2. Allen finished with 6 tackles (6-0), including 2 TFL as Tech annihilated Lamar 77-0. With his dreads already this long in his freshman season, LB Dwayne Boyles of South Florida (right photo) heads to the locker room with the Bulls trailing Illinois 16-7 at halftime at Soldier Field in Week 3. According to the box score, Boyles played but didn't have any stats as the Bulls rallied in the 4th quarter to win 25-19. Boyles finished with 20 tackles in his freshman season before moving into the starting lineup and leading the Bulls in tackles in 2019. After finishing 2nd on the team in his senior season, Allen was picked in the 7th round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Rams. During his rookie season he also spend time with the Giants and Raiders before finishing the season with the Jaguars.<br />
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103. Cincinnati sophomore DE <b>Michael Pitts</b> combines with LB Bryan Wright to sack South Florida QB Chris Oladokun for a 4-yard loss (photo above) on 2nd and 11 during the 3rd quarter in Week 11. But Oladokun got up and completed a pass for 24 yards on the next play, and the drive ended with a TD, cutting UC's lead to 28-23. You get an even better look at Pitts' dreads in the photo on the right, most likely taken after his solo sack on the final play of the 3rd quarter. Pitts finished the game with 3 tackles (2-1) and 2 PBU and also blocked the extra point after South Florida's first touchdown of the night. There'll be more from this game a little later. For the season Pitts started all 13 games for the Bearcats, finishing with 34 tackles, 7.5 TFL, and 4 sacks. The Bearcats went 11-2.<br />
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104. Who was the quarterback with the longest dreads in 2018? Well, I'm sure I didn't see all the QBs with dreads; but of those I did see sophomore <b>Jett Duffey</b> of Texas Tech (left photo) and junior <b>Bryce Perkins</b> of Virginia (right photo) were the top two. And in addition to having great dreads, they were productive players too. Duffey played in 8 games, including 3 starts, and passed for 1,221 yards and 8 TD on 154 attempts. He also scored 4 rushing TD and led the team with 369 yards rushing. Jett upped his passing totals to 2,840 yards and 18 TD in 2019 but won't be back with the Red Raiders for next season. He's still looking for a new home after announcing he was transferring, but off-field trouble might keep him out of action for 2020.<br />
Perkins was not just a productive player .....<br />
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105. ..... He was a star player, doing well enough to earn honorable mention All-ACC honors in his first season in a Virginia uniform after transferring from junior college. Although no slouch as a passer, what really made him especially dangerous was his running ability - which isn't all that surprising since his older brother, Paul, is a running back in the NFL. And in Week 4 against Louisville his running ability included some highlight-reel hurdling ability as well. After Perkins made a touchdown-saving tackle at the 3-yard line on an INT return on Virginia's 2nd half opening drive (the INT was a head-high pass that the receiver should have caught instead of having it deflect off his hands), Louisville settled for a FG to cut UVA's lead to 6-3. Then on the 4th play of the Cavaliers' next drive Perkins, after dropping back and eluding the blitz, runs through a big opening down the middle of the field untouched until encountering S Dee Smith 25 yards past the line of scrimmage. As Smith tries to stop him, Perkins, running at full speed, goes right over him, lands on feet and keeps going for 10 more yards until finally being tackled by DE Tabarius Peterson at the 15-yard line for a gain of 36. 3 plays later a TD pass by Perkins upped the lead to 13-3. This was one of two plays in the game that Bryce hurdled a defender .....<br />
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106. ..... Here's the other. On 1st and goal from the 8-yard line midway through the 4th quarter Perkins starts up the middle on a QB draw; and at the 2-yard line he tries to hurdle S TreSean Smith. Bryce doesn't quite get high enough this time, and Smith hits him in the leg; but he has enough forward momentum going to fall into the end zone for a TD and a 27-3 lead. Virginia dominated Louisville in total yards 401-214, winning their ACC opener 27-3 to improve to 3-1. Here's the link to the video of Perkins' two leaping runs and the second of his 2 TD passes: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IvYW0mO0a8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IvYW0mO0a8</a><br />
For the season Perkins set the school record for total offense (that's yards rushing and passing combined) with 3,603 yards, going 225 for 349 for 2,680 yards passing with 25 TD and 9 INT; and, despite being sacked 31 times, he still finished with 923 yards and 9 TD rushing on 4.4 yards per carry. The Cavaliers went 8-5 and improved on that in 2019.<br />
There'll be several more photos of Bryce near the end of Part 2 of this DG. <br />
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107. No disrespect to <b>Bryce Perkins</b> (or <b>Todd Gurley</b> either), but the king of the hurdles on a football field in 2018 had to be Alabama sophomore RB <b>Najee Harris</b>. Harris is big and strong enough to run over defenders, but on several occasions he got his 230 pounds up off the ground and <i>jumped</i> over them.This one is from the 3rd quarter of the Crimson Tide's game at Tennessee in Week 8, as he leapfrogs S Nigel Warrior 5 yards past the line of scrimmage, lands on his feet and ends up picking up 14 yards on the play. This was the 3rd of 6 consecutive plays that Harris carried the ball, as he accounted for 37 of the 70 yards on the TD drive that upped the Tide's lead to 58-21. The video (link below) contains all of Harris' plays in the game. The first of his 6 carries in a row is at the 2:37 mark, and this play begins at 3:06.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PXe2gvlQVE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PXe2gvlQVE</a><br />
If you watched that whole video, you might have noticed that Harris had his dreads unleashed in the 1st half; but obviously that was unacceptable, because in the 2nd half he had a rubberband around them. Even after all these years Coach Saban is still in control of your dreads if you play for Alabama.<br />
Najee rushed for 783 yards in 2018 before having a breakout junior season in 2019, finishing with 1,224 yards rushing and 304 yards receiving to earn 2nd team All-SEC honors. And he scored 20 TD in 2019, tying him for 10th most in the FBS. The only player with dreads with more was Clemson RB <b>Travis Etienne</b>, who had 23. Somewhat surprisingly both Harris and Etienne decided to return for their senior college seasons instead of entering the 2020 NFL Draft. No doubt it wouldn't be surprising at all if they were on opposing sidelines for next season's championship game.<br />
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And now, as was advertised in photo #103, we go back to Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati for the Week 11 game between Cincinnati and South Florida.<br />
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108. No doubt South Florida WR <b>Ryeshene Bronson</b> did not have as productive a career as he wanted. During the time that his dreads grew from barely visible outside the helmet in 2014 to easily visible for his 2018 senior season he made a total of only 55 catches for 812 yards - not even a good season for many receivers. But the last of his 4 career TD catches is one he'll never forget - and one he'll never let his kids and grandkids forget either. On the Bulls' 2nd offensive snap of the night in their coldest game in program history (gametime temperature was 28 degrees) Bronson runs a deep route on 2nd and 9, and CB Tyrell Gilbert is all over him. But Gilbert turns back too late to find the pass, which is on target from QB Chris Oladokun, and Bronson is able to make the catch 35 yards downfield, gaining control with his left hand as the ball deflects off of Gilbert's back .....<br />
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109. ..... Unaware that Bronson has the ball, Gilbert doesn't start pursuing him until it's too late. Ryeshene sticks his tongue out at him as he crosses the 15-yard line and cruises into the end zone for a 72-yard TD and and a quick 6-0 lead. You can see a slow-motion video of the play from field level on the first link below and also at the end of the video of Bronson's career highlights (second link).<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Laxe30s49Ro" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Laxe30s49Ro</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9wIwwdGMWY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9wIwwdGMWY</a><br />
Bronson finished the night with 3 catches for a season high 89 yards, but the Bulls lost to the Bearcats 35-23. The 89 yards were the second most of his career. His career high came in his junior season in 2016, when he had 3 catches for 113 yards, including a 73-yard TD in a 48-17 win over Northern Illinois. That was the only time he made the dread stars list.<br />
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110. Maybe I wouldn't vote for <b>Felton Davis</b> as the WR with the best dreads ever; but he'd make my top 5, if for no other reason than that he always had his long dreads completely unleashed. But by his senior season Davis had become more than just a player with great dreads. He was Michigan State's best WR and an NFL prospect. Here on 2nd and goal late in the 3rd quarter in Week 6 he makes the grab on a fade against the coverage of Northwestern CB Cameron Ruiz for a 3-yard TD, giving the Spartans a 19-14 lead. On MSU's preceding possession Davis scored their only other TD, taking a reverse 48 yards to the house. For the game he led the team in receiving (7 catches for 96 yards) <i>and</i> rushing (50 yards on 2 carries), but the Spartans lost their homecoming game to Northwestern 29-19. Here are Felton's highlights from the game: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncn2hephOlc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncn2hephOlc</a> .....<br />
One play that unfortunately was not included in the video was the play 2 plays prior to his 2nd TD. Davis would have had the TD on that play on 3rd and 8 had not the beaten Northwestern DB grabbed his dreads to prevent him from getting open in the end zone. An interference penalty was called, moving the ball from the 18-yard line to the 3. I've tried almost every Google search imaginable but have been unable to find either a video or photo of the play. So if you know where one is available, please let us know. <br />
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111. Let's wrap up Part 1 with a couple more shots of the awesome dreads of <b>Felton Davis</b>. In MSU's Big 10 opener vs. Indiana in Week 4 Davis made 3 catches in a span of 5 plays late in the 2nd quarter. This was the second of them. After reaching for a pass thrown behind him on 1st and 10, the ball and CB Andre Brown arrive at the same time; but Felton makes the catch (right photo) and hangs on as he goes down at the 30-yard line for a gain of 16. Three plays later the Spartans scored a TD to increase their lead to 21-7. Davis had 3 catches for 51 yards on the drive and 5 for 79 for the game as the Spartans improved to 2-1 and handed the Hoosiers their 1st loss of the season 35-21. Then late in the 4th quarter in Week 7 and with the Spartans one play away from having to settle for a game-tying FG attempt, Davis beats Penn State CB and NFL draft pick to be Amani Oruwariye on a fade stop route and, after making the catch at the 3-yard line, leans forward and into the end zone (left photo) for a 25-yard TD with 19 seconds to play. Felton, who had a career high 181 yards in the Spartans' 2017 win over Penn State, finished with 8 catches for 100 yards as MSU upset Penn State again, this time at Beaver Stadium, 21-17.<br />
You can see the catch vs. Indiana at the 2:17 mark and the TD vs. Penn State at 7:16 of this video of Davis' 2018 highlights: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwQdF6u712A" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwQdF6u712A</a> <br />
With 31 catches for 474 in the first 6 games, Davis was on track for a season that would earn him All-Big 10 honors; but that all came to a crashing halt when, sadly, he suffered a devastating Achilles tendon injury in the 2nd quarter of the Spartans' next game in Week 7 game vs. Michigan.<br />
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That's all for Part 1 of DG177. If you haven't had enough already, there'll be even more photos in Part 2. <br />
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House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-60658890377000523552020-04-11T23:58:00.000-05:002020-04-14T08:16:38.080-05:00DG177 - Part 2Now for the rest of Dread Gallery #177, and we'll continue our look at the 2018 NFL season with some of the plays where players with dreads on opposing teams encountered each other.<br />
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1. CB <b>Lafayette Pitts</b> gets credit for the Bills' 1st tackle of the season - and picks up their first penalty of the season as well - as he gives rookie WR <b>Janarion Grant</b> a rude welcome to the NFL at the 20-yard line on the opening kickoff of the Bills-Ravens game. Pitts' facemask penalty was offset by an unnecessary roughness penalty on the Ravens, so the ball remained at the 20. This was his only tackle of the game. It was the only kickoff return for Grant, who also had 54 yards worth of punt returns - 51 on the punt return featured in Part 1 and just 3 yards combined on his 5 other returns. The Ravens opened the season with a 47-3 slaughter of the Bills.<br />
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2. One week later <b>Lafayette Pitts</b> now has his dreads reduced for the Bills' home opener vs. the Chargers. Working at a 60-pound deficit on this play, he has his mouthguard jarred loose as he tries to make the tackle after a reception by TE <b>Virgil Green</b> at the Buffalo 43-yard line in the 4th quarter. Lafayette ended up flat on his back as Green broke away and picked up 3 more yards for a total gain of 7, just enough to get the 1st down on 2nd and 7. The drive ended with a punt 4 plays later. Pitts played 27 snaps on defense, which at that point was a career high, and finished with 1 tackle. Green, who had receptions of 25 and 23 yards on TD drives during the 1st half, finished with 3 catches for a season high 55 yards to help the Chargers defeat the Bills 31-20.<br />
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3. S <b>Reggie Nelson</b>, his dreads sadly just a shell of their former greatness, tries to stop a speeding <b>Todd Gurley</b> at the Oakland 42-yard line midway through the 4th quarter on Monday night in Week 1. Gurley barely slowed down as he ran through Nelson but was stopped at the 35 by S Marcus Gilchrist after a run of 23 yards, his biggest gain of the night. 8 plays later the Rams settled for a FG to increase their lead over the Raiders to 26-13. Beginning his 12th NFL season, Nelson played all 63 snaps on defense and finished with 4 tackles (4-0). Gurley made the first of his many appearances on the dread stars list, rushing for 108 yards and 20 carries and catching 3 passes for 39 yards and 1 TD to help the Rams defeat the Raiders 33-13.<br />
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4. On the 6th play of the opening drive of the Rams-Raiders game and after a false start penalty moved the ball back to the 12-yard line, RB <b>Marshawn Lynch</b> makes the catch in the left flat on 1st and goal; but as he turns and tries to go forward, hit is wrapped up by LB <b>Cory Littleton</b> at the 11-yard line and goes out of bounds at the 10. It was the 2nd of 3 times (2-1) Littleton tackled Lynch in the game. On the 7th play of the drive Lynch scored the Raiders' 1st TD of the season on a draw play up the middle. Marshawn finished with 49 total yards (41 rushing, 8 receiving) on 13 touches. Littleton began his first season as a full-time starter by setting a new career high with 13 tackles (11-2) and getting his 2nd career INT (on a gift from Derek Carr) as the Rams improved to 2-0 on their way to 13-3. <br />
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5. <b>Marshawn Lynch</b> and <b>Melvin Ingram</b> bumped into each other more than once during the first meeting between the Raiders and Chargers in Week 5. Lynch had 11 touches in the game (9 rushes, 2 catches) for 41 yards and on 5 of them he was tackled by Ingram. This is their first encounter, on Lynch's 1st carry of the day on the Raiders' 2nd offensive snap. On a run off right tackle on 2nd and 5 Ingram tries to make the stop at the 33-yard line, but Marshawn twists forward and drags Melvin to the 36 before going down for a gain of 6. I did not include Ingram on the Week 5 dread stars list, but maybe I should have. Melvin tied for the team lead with a season high 7 tackles (5-2), including 2 TFL and 1 sack, and got his 1st career INT as the Chargers defeated the Raiders 26-10. <br />
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6. CB <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> played all 60 snaps on defense in the Seahawks' game against the Raiders at Wembley Stadium in Week 6, and his stats included a pair of tackles of <b>Marshawn Lynch</b> - one in each half. After catching a short pass in the middle of the field on 1st and 10 late in the 1st quarter, Lynch cuts toward the right sideline and picks up 10 yards before finding Griffin in his path (left photo) at the 22-yard line. Shaquill pretty much got pancaked on the play, but with a little help from S <b>Bradley McDougald</b> (#30) was able to get Lynch down at the 25. The 13-yard reception was Oakland's 1st first down of the evening, but the drive ended with a turnover 5 plays later. Then with the Seahawks way ahead in the 4th quarter, Marshawn again tries to run Shaq over on a carry on 1st and 10, but Griffin grabs onto Lynch's leg (right photo) and brings him down at the Seattle 17 after a gain of 5. After sacks on the next two plays, the Raiders kicked a FG on 4th and 12 to break up the Seahawks' shutout. Griffin finished with 3 tackles (3-0). Lynch had 59 total yards (45 rushing, 14 receiving) in his first game against the Seahawks since 2008. The Raiders fell to 1-5, getting embarrassed by the Seahawks 27-3. It turned out to be Marshawn's last game of the season. He went on IR before the next game with a core muscle injury.<br />
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7. Ravens CB <b>Brandon Carr</b> finds himself face-to-face with RB<b> Melvin Gordon</b> in the left flat as Gordon runs after the catch on the 2nd and 7 during the 1st quarter in Week 16. Carr was no match for Gordon's stiff-arm at the LA 44-yard line, but he was able to stay on his feet and delay Gordon's advance long enough for help to arrive, and DT <b>Michael Pierce</b> came over near the sideline and got credit for the tackle after only a 3-yard gain. The Chargers had penalties on the next 2 plays before punting on 4th and 19. Earlier in the game - on the first play from scrimmage, in fact - Carr got his 2nd INT of the season. He also had 2 tackles (1-1). Gordon, playing for the first time since injuring his knee in Week 12, finished with 54 total yards (41 rushing, 13 receiving) and 1 TD on 15 touches. The Ravens won 22-10 to move into 1st place in the AFC North and ruin the Chargers' chance to get the #1 seed for the AFC playoffs.<br />
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8. LB <b>Jaylon Smith</b> tackled RB <b>LeGarrette Blount</b> one time during the Lions-Cowboys game in Week 4, but it wasn't on this play. Here in the 2nd quarter after taking the handoff on 1st and 10 and eluding DE <b>Demarcus Lawrence</b> 3 yards behind the line of scrimmage, Blount finds Smith in his way 2 yards behind the line. Blount breaks the tackle, but Smith slows him up enough that DE Taco Charlton can make the stop at the Lions' 26-yard line for a gain of 1. The drive ended with a FG 13 plays later, upping the Lions' lead to 10-6. Blount wasn't much of a factor in this one. He didn't pick up a 1st down on any of his 7 carries, finishing with just 12 yards. Smith had 7 tackles (5-2). The Cowboys kicked a FG on the final play of the game to get the home win 26-24 .....<br />
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9. Here's another close encounter between a RB and an NFC East LB, as <b>Mason Foster</b> sets to stop <b>Jacquizz Rodgers</b> in the 4th quarter at Raymond James Stadium in Week 10. On 3rd and 5 with 4:20 remaining Rodgers makes the catch in the right flat and gets the 1st down then tries to elude Foster at the Redskins' 25-yard line ... and does; but instead of cutting back inside and only getting a couple of more yards, Jacquizz goes out of bounds to stop the clock, with Foster getting credit for the tackle at the 22 after a 9-yard gain. 5 plays later the Buccaneers turned the ball over on 2nd and goal. Earlier Foster tackled Rodgers 3 times in a row in the final 20 seconds of the 1st half as the Buccaneers tried but failed to get into FG range. I included Jacquizz on the dread stars list because he topped the 100-yard mark with 8 catches for 102 yards; but he also had one of of Buccaneers' 4 turnovers - a costly red zone fumble with the Bucs down 13 early in the 4th quarter. Foster finished with a team-leading 10 tackles (8-2) as the Redskins, despite allowing 501 yards, defeated the Buccaneers 16-3.<br />
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10. CB <b>Dre Kirkpatrick</b> consoles WR <b>Julio Jones</b>, his teammate in college for 2 seasons (2009-10) at Alabama, after the final play of their first NFL meeting against each other in Week 4 at Atlanta. I included both photos because the one on the left is larger and gives you a better look at Jones' dreads. After an A.J. Green TD catch with 7 seconds to play gave the Bengals a 1-point lead, Jones needed to go 60 yards on the final play of the game but was tackled at the 11-yard line just after making the catch. The 49-yard gain further padded Julio's stats, and he finished with 9 catches for 173 yards. Kirkpatrick played 68 of the Bengals' 70 defensive snaps and finished with 1 tackle (1-0) as the Bengals beat the Falcons in Atlanta for the first time since 1987, 37-36.<br />
In his only season with dreads before I had to kick him out of the house again, Jones led the NFL in yards receiving for the 2nd time in his career, finishing with 1,677 on 113 receptions.<br />
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11. WR <b>Brandon Marshall</b> waited until his 12th NFL season before getting his dreads started, and here in the 4th game of his 2nd season with dreads they are just barely visible as LB <b>Josh Bynes </b>moves in to tackle him at the 20-yard line for a gain of 5 on 3rd and 9 in the 1st quarter. The Seahawks missed a FG attempt on the next play and failed to increase their 7-0 lead. It was Marshall's only catch in the game on 3 targets. Bynes finished with 5 tackles (5-0). The Seahawks made a 52-yard FG on the final play of the game to defeat the Cardinals 20-17.<br />
Marshall's stellar and turbulent career ended very quietly in 2018. After catching 11 passes for 136 yards and 1 TD in 7 games in his first season for the Seahawks, he was released after Week 8. The Saints then signed him, but he did not play at all in his 4 weeks with them. But you can still see Brandon's dreads these days (usually banded together) as he continues to appear as one of the hosts on the TV show Inside the NFL on Showtime .....<br />
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12. In another instance of a player with long dreads tackling one with his dreads barely visible, here in Week 14 LB <b>De'Vondre Campbell</b> dives to bring down RB <b>Aaron Jones</b> at the Atlanta 36-yard line on the run after a catch for a 14-yard gain early in the 3rd quarter. The drive ended with a TD 5 plays later as the Packers upped their lead to 27-7. Jones accounted for 55 of the Packers' 76 yards on their next drive, finishing it with a 29-yard TD, for the Packers' final points of the day. Campbell's 5 tackles (3-2) in the game included 1 sack and 3 tackles of Jones. Aaron made the dread stars list, finishing with 78 yards rushing on 17 carries and 3 catches for 28 yards in Green Bay's 34-20 home win.<br />
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13. With almost all of the O-lineman with really long dreads apparently not good enough to play in the NFL, dread duels in the trenches were rare in 2018; but they were less rare when the Jets were playing than any other team. Players with dreads combined to make a league-leading 32 starts for the Jets' O-line, and OT <b>Brandon Shell</b> accounted for 14 of those before going on IR for the last 2 games of the season. Shell played every offensive snap before his injury, including a season high 71 against the Colts here in Week 6, when he went up against DE <b>Jabaal Sheard</b>. One of Sheard's 3 tackles (3-0) in the game was a sack, but Shell was not assigned to block him on that play. The Jets gained 374 total yards (their second highest of the season) as they improved to 3-3 with a 42-34 home victory over the Colts.<br />
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14. Down 3 at home with less than 3 minutes to play in Week 6, the Texans were in a bit of trouble after a sack on 1st down. But then on 2nd and 15 WR <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> gets them out of trouble. After catching a pass in stride over the middle at the 30-yard line, Hopkins gets to the 34, where LB <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> tries to stop him. But Edmunds can only get a hand on him and winds up biting the dust as Nuk spins away from him and keeps on going. Hopkins ended being tackled at the Texans' 44 after gaining 24 yards. Two plays later an interference penalty in the end zone moved the ball to the 1, but the Texans ended up settling for a FG. Hopkins finished with 5 catches for 63 yards and 1 TD. Edmunds led the Bills with 9 tackles (7-2), including 1 TFL. 11 seconds after tying the game with that FG, the Texans took the lead on a Jonathan Joseph pick 6 and then held on to win 20-13.<br />
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15. It's Week 16 and there's a lot of sunshine on the field, so this must have been in the 1st half, and video confirms it. <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> catches the pass on a slant on the 3rd play of the Texans' 2nd drive of the day, and rookie CB <b>Avonte Maddox</b> does well to tackle him at the 49-yard line and hold him to a 9-yard gain on 1st and 10. Hopkins caught passes for gains of 12 and 18 yards on the next 2 plays, and then on the next play Maddox got his only sack of the season (a half sack). The drive ended with a FG, cutting the Eagles' lead to 7-3. Both Hopkins and Maddox played all 65 snaps the Texans' offense was on the field. Maddox had 4 tackles (3-1) and his 3rd PBU of the season. Hopkins finished with 9 catches (on 12 targets) for 104 yards. The Eagles kicked a FG on the final play of the game to win a thriller 32-30.<br />
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16. <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> was clutch all day on the road against the Colts in Week 4; and on 3 of his 10 catches he was tackled by S <b>Clayton Geathers</b>, including these two in overtime. The Colts took the lead with a FG on the opening possession of OT, and on the 4th play of the ensuing possession Hopkins is tackled by Geathers immediately after making the catch (photo above) at the Indy 37-yard line; but the 11-yard gain on 2nd and 8 is enough for a 1st down. 2 plays later DeAndre nearly made a great catch that would have been the game winner, but as he hit the ground in the end zone he had control of the ball with only one hand, and he couldn't hang on. The drive ended with a FG with 1:50 to play.<br />
Then after the Colts rolled the dice and lost, failing to convert a 4th and 4 from their own 43-yard line, the Texans got the ball with :24 left; but they weren't in FG range until .....<br />
Hopkins runs the same route as in photo #14 on 1st and 10 and easily beats LB Darius Leonard, making the catch in stride at the 37-yard line. He then encounters Geathers at the 30 and their dreads almost get tangled (photo on right) as he throws out a stiff-arm. Geathers eventually gets Nuk on the ground, but not until he gets all the way to the 19-yard line for a 24-yard gain with :18 on the clock. The Texans then ran the clock down to :04 and kicked a FG on the final play to win it 37-34 and snap their 9-game losing streak (including the final 6 games of 2017).<br />
Geathers and Hopkins both played all 86 snaps that the Texans' offense was on the field. Geathers, who also got 6 snaps on special teams, finished with 7 tackles (7-0). Hopkins finished with 169 yards (one yard short of his season high) on his 10 catches; and incredibly ALL 10 catches went for 1st downs, including three 3rd down conversions and his 5-yard TD late in the 2nd quarter.<br />
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17. Going for it on that 4th and 4 in Week 4 instead of punting and settling for a tie haunted the Colts all year as they battled the Texans and Titans for the division crown. It eventually led to them having to go on the road to face the Texans for their 1st round playoff game. And that's when <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> and <b>Clayton Geathers</b> had one more close encounter. After Hopkins catches a short pass at the 24-yard line on 2nd and 10 late in the 2nd quarter, Geathers is in pursuit until he and Darius Leonard hit Hopkins at the 20 and get him down at the 18. Hopkins gained 10 yards on the play but as he was tackled his right shoulder slammed hard into the turf, and this was probably the play he injured it. 4 plays later the Texans, down 21, went for it on 4th and 1 and a pass to Hopkins in the end zone was off target and incomplete.<br />
Nuk toughed it out in the 2nd half and eventually played all 71 snaps; but he was ineffective, catching only 2 passes for 11 yards in the 2nd half and 5 for 37 yards for the game. Geathers also played all 71 snaps and had 9 tackles (5-4) and 1 PBU as the Colts advanced to Round 2 with a 21-7 win over the Texans. <br />
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18. Down 17 with under 5 minutes to play in Week 7, the Jets need points in a hurry; but on 1st and 10 QB Sam Darnold's right sideline pass 30 yards downfield intended for WR <b>Andre Roberts</b> is knocked away by CB <b>Trae Waynes</b> at the Minnesota 35-yard line. It was the 3rd PBU of the game for Waynes, tying his career high. Then on the very next play Trae got his 1st (and only) INT of the season, capping one of the best games of his career. With two other Jets WRs injured and not in uniform, Roberts was on the field for 31 snaps on offense and had a season high 6 targets; but he made only 2 catches for 21 yards. And with the Vikings scoring so often (4 TD, 3 FG), Roberts also had a career high 6 kickoff returns. He took them 193 yards, also a career high until he surpassed it later in the season. Andre also had 2 punt returns for 8 yards and 2 fumbles (neither of which was a turnover) in the Jets' 37-17 loss to the Vikings. It was the Vikings' 1st road win over the Jets<i> ever</i>, snapping a streak of 5 losses.<br />
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19. Now here's a rarity: Bears WR <b>Kevin White</b> with the ball in his hands during an actual game. One week after losing to the Vikings the Jets were in Chicago, and after making the catch on 3rd and 7 in the final minute of the 1st half, Kevin covers up and holds on tight as he is tackled by CB <b>Darryl Roberts</b> at the Jets' 35-yard line for a 20-yard gain. But as was typical for White, who seemed to have nothing other than bad luck while with the Bears, this play didn't count - thanks to an unnecessary roughness penalty against an O-lineman that offset a roughing the passer penalty on the Jets. Instead of being in FG range, the Bears punted 2 plays later. On the Bears first drive of the 2nd half Kevin made a reception that did count (for 6 yards), one of 4 he had all year in 170 snaps on the field. Roberts finished the afternoon with 5 tackles (5-0) and 1 PBU. The Bears won 24-10, their first of 5 wins in a row. <br />
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20. Late in the 2nd quarter at New Orleans in Week 9 Rams CB <b>Nickell Robey-Coleman</b>, who for some reason prefers to play with his mouthguard dangling from his helmet instead of in his mouth, reaches for RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b> after getting beat by him on an out route on 3rd and 6 and then tackles him just inbounds at the 13-yard line; but not before Kamara gains 11 yards and picks up the 1st down. The Saints scored a TD on the next play to up their lead to 28-14. 40 seconds after that Kamara scored his 3rd TD of the game to make it 35-14. This was the only tackle of the game for Robey-Coleman, who would make a much bigger splash in the Rams' next visit to New Orleans 2 months later for the NFC Championship game. For Kamara it was the 3rd time in the Saints' first 8 games that he scored 3 TD. He finished with 116 total yards (82 rushing, 34 receiving) on 23 touches. After blowing their 21-point lead, the Saints scored the final 10 points of the game to win 45-35, a victory that allowed them to clinch the tiebreaker with the Rams, which allowed them to get the #1 seed for the NFC playoffs (not that it did them any good).<br />
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21. Earlier in the season <b>Nickell Robey-Coleman</b> was part of this dread duel, one of several in the battle of LA between the Chargers and Rams at the Coliseum in Week 3. Late in the 3rd quarter Robey-Coleman, one play after blanketing WR Tyrell Williams on a deep pass on 1st and 10, gets beat by WR <b>Mike Williams</b> in the middle of the field and tackles him at the Rams' 35-yard line after a 16-yard gain. 8 plays later the Chargers settled for a FG, cutting the Rams' lead to 35-23. <br />
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22. On the 5th play of the Chargers' next drive <b>Mike Williams </b>runs a short crossing route on 3rd and 10 and, after making the catch at the Rams' 20-yard line, slams on the breaks and tries to cut back to the outside; but Robey-Coleman, sans mouthguard, grabs the back of his helmet (photo above) trying to stop him at the 19. Perhaps NRC should have grabbed Williams' dreads instead, because Mike stays on his feet and begins to get away (right photo). Help was on the way though, and LB <b>Cory Littleton</b> and CB Troy Hill combined to make the tackle at the 19 after a gain of only 3 yards. One play later the Chargers were stopped on 4th down, ending their last realistic hope of catching up. Williams, who scored touchdowns on his first 2 receptions of the day, finished with 4 catches for 81 yards. Robey-Coleman, playing 35 snaps on defense, had 3 tackles (2-1).<br />
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23. After making the catch 2 yards behind of the line of scrimmage on 1st and 10 late in the 1st quarter, RB <b>Melvin Gordon</b> slams on the breaks to elude LB Samson Ebukam charging at him but then immediately winds up in the arms of LB <b>Ramik Wilson</b>, who drags him to the ground after only a 1-yard gain. The Chargers punted 3 plays later. Wilson, his dreads sadly now just a shell of their former greatness, and Gordon got very well acquainted on this afternoon. Playing only 35 snaps on defense, Ramik finished with a season high 9 tackles (6-3), and 7 of the 9 were tackles of Gordon, including 1 TFL. He also had 1 PBU. Gordon finished with 84 total yards (80 rushing, 4 receiving) and 1 TD on 17 touches. <br />
Wilson, in his first (and only) season with the Rams, started the first 4 games; but after Mark Barron returned to the lineup in Week 5, Ramik played almost exclusively on special teams for the rest of the season.<br />
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24. On 1st and goal from the 3-yard line in the 3rd quarter RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> takes the handoff looking for his 2nd TD of the day; but the Rams' O-line misses the block on DT <b>Darius Philon</b>, and Philon breaks into the backfield and crushes Gurley for a 3-yard loss. Unfortunately for Darius a Robert Woods TD catch on the next play made his play meaningless, as the Rams upped their lead to 35-20. Gurley never did get his 2nd TD, but he easily made the dread stars list, finishing with 195 yards rushing on 23 carries and 5 catches for 51 yards. Playing a season high 53 snaps, Philon had a season high 5 tackles (4-1), including 2 TFL. Racking up 521 total yards and 33 first downs, the Rams won 35-23.<br />
In case you missed it ..... After his rookie contract expired at the end of the season, Philon signed as a free agent with the Cardinals. But he never played for them. He was released early in the preseason after an off-field 'incident' in which he was accused of some seriously illegal misbehavior. Apparently the case is still pending because I can't find any recent info on it. But unless he can find a way to prove he's innocent of the allegations, he'll never play in the NFL again. <br />
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25. It was a challenge to figure out which play this was because Lions rookie CB <b>Mike Ford</b> made almost identical diving tackles of <b>Todd Gurley</b> on the same left sideline on back-to-back plays during the 1st quarter in Week 13. But after closely looking at the video, I'm pretty sure this was not Gurley's 19-yard gain to the 12-yard line on a screen pass but instead was the play before, where Gurley, after taking the handoff on 2nd and 10 and breaking a tackle at the line of scrimmage, goes untouched until Ford grabs at his legs 13 yards past the line of scrimmage. Gurley fell forward for another couple of yards for a gain of 15. The drive ended with a FG, the only points by either team in the 1st quarter. Ford, undrafted out of FCS school Southeast Missouri State and activated from the practice squad in mid-November, played a team high 77 total snaps in the game and had 4 other tackles in the game for a total of 6 (6-0), tying his season high. Gurley finished with 165 total yards and 2 TD as the Rams wrapped up the NFC West title with 4 weeks to spare with a 30-16 road win over the Lions. <br />
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OK. Let's take a break from the dread duels for a while. There'll be plenty more later on in this DG.<br />
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26. On the 1st play after the Eagles were stopped on 4th and 1 during the 2nd quarter in Week 15, <b>Todd Gurley</b> takes the handoff and gains 21 yards, hurdling S Corey Graham at the 38-yard line and landing and stumbling forward to the 30. 7 plays later the Rams kicked a FG to up their lead to 10-6. This was Gurley's biggest gain of the night, as he finished with 48 yards and 2 TD rushing on 12 carries and 10 catches for 76 yards in the Rams' 30-23 home loss to the Eagles.<br />
The 124 total yards put Gurley on the dread stars list for the 11th (and last) time during the regular season, the most of anyone. Rounding out the top 5 in dread stars appearances were <b>Julio Jones </b>(10), <b>Alvin Kamara</b> and <b>Melvin Gordon</b> (8), and <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> (7). Gurley's 1,251 yards rushing also were the most by any player with dreads (and 3rd most in the league) as were his 1,831 total yards from scrimmage (4th in the NFL).<br />
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27. On a sweep left on 1st and 10 late in the 2nd quarter at the Coliseum in Week 3 <b>Melvin Gordon</b> spins away from a tackle attempt by S Lamarcus Joyner at the 4-yard line, keeps his balance, and dives sideways into the end zone for a highlight reel 11-yard TD run, pulling the Chargers within 21-13. It was Melvin's 4th TD of the season and the 3rd of 4 touchdowns scored by players with dreads in the game, which the Rams won 35-23.<br />
The LA Memorial Coliseum takes house of dread award for the whole season. In the Rams' 8 games at the Coliseum in 2018 there were a total of 20 TD scored by players with dreads, the most of any stadium. Of course, that wouldn't have been the case had not the Rams' Week 11 home game scheduled for Mexico City been moved to LA. There were 3 TD by players with dreads in that game. Next up was Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City with 19 TD by players with dreads. And in 3rd place was MetLife Stadium, which, even with two tenants and 16 games, couldn't finish 1st. There were 17 TD by players with dreads in the games hosted by the Jets (12) and Giants (5 - none of which were scored by the Giants). Lambeau Field was 4th with 16.<br />
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28. As for the stadium where the fewest touchdowns by players with dreads were scored ..... that would be TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. In the Jaguars' 7 games there the Jaguars didn't have anybody with dreads score (of course), and the Jaguars would have shut out all opposing players with dreads if not for this 10-yard TD catch right on the goal line by <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b>, beating the coverage of CB Jalen Ramsey to increase the Texans' lead to 20-0 in the 3rd quarter in Week 7. That was the only one.<br />
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29. In my House Calls post for 2018 we saw which players and teams had the most TD <i>scored</i> by players with dreads. Which team <i>allowed</i> the most TD by players with dreads?<br />
Well, <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> again is included in the answer. His 16-yard TD catch against a blown coverage by the Broncos' defense (I mean, how can you <i>not</i> cover <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b>?) on 3rd and 4 in the 2nd quarter in Week 9 not only upped the Texans' lead to 13-3, it marked the 9th straight week to start the season that the Broncos had at least one TD scored against them by a player with dreads. By the end of the season they had allowed 15, most in the league. Second most were the 14 allowed by the Rams. And in 3rd place were the Cardinals, Seahawks, and Dolphins with 13.<br />
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30. As for the team that had the fewest TD scored against them by players with dreads? ..... That would be the Baltimore Ravens. They allowed two - an <b>Alvin Kamara</b> 2-yard run in the 4th quarter in Week 7 and this one early in the 3rd quarter in Week 16, as <b>Melvin Gordon</b> scores easily on a 1-yard plunge up the middle behind good blocking on 2nd and goal, giving the Chargers' a very short-lived 10-6 lead. The Ravens came back to win 22-10. It was the last of Melvin's 14 TD during the regular season. He also scored one against the Ravens in the playoffs. <br />
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31. RB <b>Derrick Henry</b> shoves aside the first obstacle in his path - Jaguars CB A.J. Bouye - at the 20-yard line (left photo) before going another 80 on his NFL record-tying 99-yard TD run in the 2nd quarter in Week 14. Then in the 3rd quarter Derrick has nothing but green in front of him as he cruises toward the end zone (right photo) and a 54-yard TD, his 4th TD of the night, to up the Titans' lead to 30-2.<br />
Henry rushed for 238 yards in the game, the most yards rushing by anyone (with or without dreads) in a single game in 2018. The 238 were also the most total yards from scrimmage by anyone with dreads all year.<br />
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32. RB <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> rushed for only 685 yards (in 13 games) in his only season with the Jets, his fewest since his rookie season in 2014. But what a season it was! Here in Week 5 the Broncos were enjoying a 7-0 lead until the first play after they punted early in the 2nd quarter. WR <b>Robby Anderson</b> looks on about halfway through Crowell's 77-yard TD run that ties the game. It was the second longest TD run in Jets history: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KGBbXcph-M" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KGBbXcph-M</a> ..... Anderson, who had a couple of gentle but helpful blocks on that play, scored on a 76-yard catch 3 minutes later, and the Jets never looked back on their way to a 34-16 victory. In his 25 snaps on the field Crowell rushed for 219 yards on 15 carries and 1 catch for 12 yards. The 219 yards rushing and 231 total yards from scrimmage both were new Jets records. The 231 were also the second most by anyone with dreads in a game in 2018, just 7 behind Henry.<br />
There'll be plenty more on Isaiah coming up.<br />
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33. Taking the bronze medal for most scrimmage yards in a game by a player with dreads, and the gold for the most yards receiving by anyone with dreads, were the 215 put up by WR <b>Tyreek Hill</b> on Monday night in Week 11. In the game that was supposed to be played in Mexico but ended up happening in LA the Chiefs and Rams could not stop each other. And one of the many reasons why was the Rams' decision to assign CB Sam Shields to Hill. They thought that Shields, with his great speed, would be able to cover Hill one-on-one; but it was a mismatch and a very long night for Shields. Hill finished with 10 receptions, gaining 20, 25 (TD), 26 (left photo, on 3rd and 2 early in the 2nd quarter, as Shields tackles him at the LA 41-yard line), 17, 6, 8, 11, 73 (TD), 3, and 26 yards. All but the 6 and 3-yarders went for 1st downs. But as he carried his pads off the field (right photo) after the game, Tyreek had a bittersweet feeling (mostly bitter), because the Chiefs, despite scoring 51 points, didn't win. The Rams did 54-51, with the 105 points making it the third highest scoring NFL game ever.<br />
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34. Falcons fans got that deja vu feeling on this play, as the Falcons' 2018 season begins almost exactly the way the 2017 season ended, with WR <b>Julio Jones</b> unable to make a leaping catch in the north end zone at Lincoln Financial Field that would have given the Falcons a win over the Eagles. In the 2nd round of the 2017 playoffs it was on the right sideline with CB Jalen Mills covering him, and there were still 58 seconds to play. Here in the Thursday night 2018 season opener it's the final play of the game from the 5-yard line, as Jones leaps above CB <b>Ronald Darby</b> to make the catch on the left sideline. But as he comes down, Julio's momentum carries him out of bounds, and Darby makes sure he lands out of bounds. Darby didn't get a PBU on the play because there's no way Jones would have come down inbounds even if Ronald hadn't shoved him. Darby finished with 6 tackles (5-1), including 1 TFL and 4 tackles of Jones. He also had 3 PBU, all on passes intended for Jones. Julio, who had 9 catches (on 16 targets) for 101 yards in the 15-10 loss that ended the 2017 season, finished with 10 catches (on 19 targets) for 169 yards and also 10 yards rushing on 1 carry as the Falcons began 2018 with another tough loss to the Eagles, 18-12.<br />
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35. A WR can't have a feeling much worse than the one <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> had on this play. Back in photo #14 I mentioned something about a Jonathan Joseph pick 6, and here it is. As if he had been in the Bills' huddle and knew exactly what the play was, Joseph jumps Benjamin's short route near the left sideline on 2nd and 10 and intercepts the pass <i>in stride</i> already 2 yards in front of KB at the Bills' 28-yard line. Benjamin gives chase even though he knows there's no way he'll catch Joseph. Any pick 6 intended for you is sickening enough for a WR. But this one was even worse, because it came with the game tied and only 1:23 remaining in the 4th quarter. The Bills' final possession also ended with an INT 1 minute later. In another one of his several disappointing games in 2018, Benjamin finished with 2 catches (on 6 targets) for 43 yards as the Bills lost to the Texans 20-13.<br />
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36. Through Week 15 of his 15th NFL season WR <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> had amassed 115 career TD catches, but he had never thrown a TD <i>pass</i>. Well, here in the 2nd quarter in Week 16 he checked that box on his to-do list. On a 1st and 10 play that looked like would be a WR screen but was actually a backward pass to Fitzgerald, instead of running with the ball Larry stops and lofts a deep pass, fooling LB <b>Mark</b> <b>Barron</b> (#26) and the rest of the Rams' defense. The pass isn't bad, barely underthrown, but RB David Johnson has his defender so badly beaten (5 yards) that it doesn't matter, and he easily makes the catch for a 32-yard TD: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ussV71bf-Yo" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ussV71bf-Yo </a><br />
By the way, the O-lineman whose dreads are partially visible in the photo on the right is <b>Joe</b> <b>Barksdale</b>, who was signed by the Cardinals immediately after being released by the Chargers in early December and started the last 4 games of the year.<br />
Fitzgerald finished with 6 catches for 53 yards, but his TD pass was just about all there was for Cardinals fans to cheer for as the Rams cruised to a 31-9 victory.<br />
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37. On the 3rd play of the Ravens' opening drive in Week 15 and his 1st snap on the field Buccaneers S <b>Josh Shaw</b>, with a little help from CB Ryan Smith, tackles TE Hayden Hurst for an 8-yard gain on 3rd and 13, as the Ravens go three-and-out and punt on the next play. It was the first of 4 tackles for Shaw (3-1) in the game. He also had a FR on special teams in the 3rd quarter when Ravens CB <b>Cyrus Jones</b> stupidly tried to field a punt that was bouncing on the ground and muffed it. The Buccaneers got a FG after that turnover, making the score 17-12; but the Ravens held on to win 20-12.<br />
Little did he know it on that day, but Shaw was playing his last game in the NFL .... probably. He was inactive for the final 2 games of the season; and after signing with the Cardinals during the offseason and suffering an injury during the 2019 preseason, he was placed on IR. Apparently bored with not being able to play, Shaw then made the worst decision of his life (even worse than that lie he got caught in that caused him to be suspended while he was in college at USC). Just after Thanksgiving it was announced that Josh would be suspended for the entire 2020 season for betting on NFL games. So that makes it two giant black marks on his career bio. Maybe he'll be back in 2021, but more likely than not he'll get blackballed from the league. Betting on games in the league you play in is a huge no-no. Just ask Pete Rose.<br />
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38. DE <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> was flagged for 14 penalties during the season, including a roughing the passer call in the 1st quarter of this game against the Jets in Week 15. But this illegal use of hands to the face of G Spencer Long on 3rd and 16 late in the 3rd quarter went undetected by the officials - most likely because they were busy calling a holding penalty on OT Brent Qvale instead. Also, Clowney's infraction came after the pass was thrown, so maybe the officials stopped looking. The Jets punted on the next play. Jadeveon finished with 3 tackles (2-1), 2 of which were TFL, including his 8th sack of the season, in the Texans' 29-22 road win over the Jets.<br />
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39. <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> finished the season with a career high 115 receptions for a career high 1,572 yards; but his best highlight of the season came on a play that didn't count due to offsetting penalties. Midway through the 3rd quarter in Week 8 against the Dolphins the pass on 3rd and 8 is too far off target for Hopkins to get hands on. But that's no problem for Nuk. He goes up and catches the ball with one hand (photo above) and, as he's falling down backward, brings it between his legs and pins it against the back of his thigh (photo on right) until he can get his other hand it. Then he hangs on after he hits the ground for a 34-yard gain. The play was nullified, however, because Hopkins shoved CB Xavien Howard before going up and was called for offensive PI. This game was on Monday night, so you probably have already seen it; but if you haven't ..... <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhmzEZbZdX0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhmzEZbZdX0</a><br />
Just another routine spectacular catch for Hopkins, who was voted 1st team All-Pro for the 2nd year in a row after the season was over. The Texans punted 2 plays later. DeAndre had 6 catches for 82 yards and 2 TD as the Texans defeated the Dolphins 42-23.<br />
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40. Here's another WR who's no stranger to spectacular catches. I know Odell Beckham doesn't have dreads; but after seeing this photo, I just had to include it. On 3rd and 5 early in the 4th quarter in Week 11, despite having Buccaneers S Isaiah Johnson grabbing his hand/wrist trying to break up the pass, Beckham somehow hangs on <i>and</i> at the same time gets both feet down inbounds in the back of the end zone for an 8-yard TD and a 31-14 Giants lead. It was the first of 5 touchdowns by the two teams in a wild 4th quarter as the Giants hung on to defeat the Buccaneers 38-35 and finally get their 1st home W of the season.<br />
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41. Yes, Odell Beckham and <b>Josh Norman</b> <i>can</i> get along. After that crazy game late in the 2015 season in which the two looked like they were trying to kill each other - resulting in Norman being fined and Beckham suspended - I was curious about what would happen in future engagements. And when Norman signed with the Redskins in 2016, I was like ... uh-oh, now they'll be meeting twice every season. Fortunately though, cooler heads have prevailed, as they do after this play in Week 8 in 2018. Except for a very brief, tiny scuffle they had during the second meeting between the Redskins and Giants in the last game of 2016 hostilities never rekindled between the two. With Norman on the field for every defensive snap but 1 in the 6 games against the Giants from 2016 to 2018, the two teams split the 6 meetings. In this game Josh finished with 4 tackles (1-3) and 1 PBU in a 20-13 Redskins road win. <br />
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42. What is this, synchronized celebrating? S <b>D.J. Swearinger</b>, CB <b>Josh Norman</b>, and LB <b>Mason</b> <b>Foster</b>, all in a line and spaced equally apart, and all with their dreads the same length (kind of), run to the other end of the field together after Swearinger forced and recovered a fumble by Cowboys QB Dak Prescott on a QB sneak on 4th and 1 midway through the 1st quarter in Week 7. The three and all the rest of Redskins Nation were celebrating even more lustily at the end of the game, after the Cowboys missed a FG attempt (off the upright) on the final play of the game to give Washington the 20-17 victory, their first home win against the Cowboys since 2012.<br />
Foster, Norman, and Swearinger started every game for the Redskins' D in 2018 until D.J. got released before the final game of the season. Foster was 7th in the league and led all players with dreads with 131 tackles. He also had 2 INT, with Norman getting 3 and Swearinger 4, as the Redskins finished as the team that had the most interceptions by players with dreads (10).<br />
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43. G <b>Adam Gettis</b>, in the running for the award for the O-lineman with the best dreads ever, taps fists with K Chandler Catanzaro after his short FG with 23 seconds remaining in the game gives the Buccaneers a 26-24 road win over the Dolphins in their preseason opener. It looked like Gettis had made the Buccaneers roster for 2018; but after being inactive for Week 1, he was released by the Bucs 2 days later and then spent the rest of the season waiting for somebody else to sign him.<br />
Ever since he was drafted in the 5th round in 2012 we have watch his dreads grow from long to extremely long; but in 7 seasons he has played in only 17 career games - and only 4 since 2014. He's one of several O-lineman with awesome dreads with some NFL experience I've seen playing minor league football lately (the AAF in 2019, the XFL this year). Although it's good to see them still playing, their dreads have been sorely missed on Sundays in the fall. It's really a shame they aren't quite good enough to stick in the NFL. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR9bJRdhrdkgzwr9Hc2n8wkdG_ILzOJamvprsvFJ4b1H3pUM1PuJ-6vx2oG8cH2VRdjaUrRH46pVay4mZaEiK9sxwmbyz6C17LudISOtQsSS8fm2Oduz5gd3dbIth8QzVpNOINEoMiSM/s1600/NFL18--AUG.+18--P9E++SEA-LAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIR9bJRdhrdkgzwr9Hc2n8wkdG_ILzOJamvprsvFJ4b1H3pUM1PuJ-6vx2oG8cH2VRdjaUrRH46pVay4mZaEiK9sxwmbyz6C17LudISOtQsSS8fm2Oduz5gd3dbIth8QzVpNOINEoMiSM/s320/NFL18--AUG.+18--P9E++SEA-LAC.jpg" width="213" /></a>44. Before DE <b>Melvin</b> <b>Ingram</b> comes onto the field to greet him during the 3rd quarter in Week 2 of the preseason (see photo #21 in Part 1), WR <b>Mike Williams</b> goes <i>way</i> up to catch a jump ball pass from QB Geno Smith above the coverage of CB Akeem King (left photo) for a 25-yard TD on 1st and 10, upping the Chargers' lead over the Seahawks to 21-6. Williams then gets nearly as high for his celebration (right photo), doing an air bump with WR <b>Geremy Davis</b> far above the ground before being mobbed by Ingram and other teammates. Everybody was happy for Williams because it was his 1st TD in a Chargers uniform. After being drafted in the 1st round in 2017, he came up empty during his rookie season, missing the first 6 games due to injury and then scoring no touchdowns on only 23 targets in the 10 games he played. Even though this was the preseason, this TD got him off the schneid, and he would finish the regular season with 11 TD scored.<br />
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45. Three players with dreads come together to celebrate a special teams TD by the Jets midway through the 3rd quarter in their Monday night season opener at Detroit. CB <b>Darryl Roberts</b> (#27) and CB <b>Parry Nickerson</b> (#43) threw their blocks that helped, but WR <b>Andre Roberts</b> did a lot of the work himself to get his 1st TD in a Jets uniform on a 78-yard punt return that gave the Jets a 3-touchdown lead at 38-17: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knx9OvFwD0E" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knx9OvFwD0E</a><br />
Roberts finished the night with 184 all-purpose yards (1 carry for 2 yards rushing, 2 kickoff returns for 45 yards, 3 punt returns for 137 yards) as the Jets, a 7-point underdog, rolled over the Lions 48-17. Andre ended up leading the league in punt return average (14.1) and was 2nd in kickoff return average (29.4), earning 1st team All-Pro honors as a KR.<br />
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46. What probably was my most favorite celebration of the year was done by a player without dreads. WR Marquise Goodwin, after going topless during his early warmups (photo #5, Part 1), made TD catches of 67 and 30 yards in the 1st half at Green Bay in Week 6; and after the second one Marquise, who represented the USA in the 2012 Summer Olympics in the long jump, celebrates by performing a truncated version of his specialty, flying through the air with the greatest of ease. Of course he couldn't do the real thing because, with no sand pit to land in, he needed to make sure he landed safely on his feet.<br />
<a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/2018/10/18/17993792/marquise-goodwin-touchdown-celebration-long-jump-video-49ers-vs-packers" target="_blank">https://www.ninersnation.com/2018/10/18/17993792/marquise-goodwin-touchdown-celebration-long-jump-video-49ers-vs-packers</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/i/events/1052014716241948672" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/i/events/1052014716241948672</a><br />
Goodwin finished with 4 catches for a career high 126 yards, but the 49ers, a 9-point underdog, lost a game they should have won, 33-30 on a last-second FG.<br />
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47. Now we have reached the lewd and vulgar portion of the section on celebrations ..... although in this shot Ravens LB <b>Za'Darius Smith</b> isn't actually grabbing his crotch, he's only pretending to, after getting his 2nd sack of the day on 3rd and 13 midway through the 2nd quarter at Nashville in Week 6, with DT Willie Henry joining in on the fun. After Smith had a team-leading 5 tackles (4-1) and 3 sacks in the Ravens' 21-0 victory over the Titans, he was named AFC defensive player of the week.<br />
This wasn't the only time Za'Darius celebrated in this manner; but he's never been fined for it, so I guess in the eyes of the NFL it must be kosher. <br />
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48. Now this, on the other hands, the NFL didn't have a very high opinion of. There's no pretending of grabbing the crotch here. If you were still tuned in near the end of the 2nd game of the Week 1 Monday night doubleheader at Oakland, you've already seen this. And don't look for any dreads here, because Marcus Peters doesn't have any. As he scores the final TD of the game late in the 4th quarter, Peters, an Oakland native playing his 1st game in a Rams uniform, decides to pay homage to another Oakland native and noted crotch grabber, <b>Marshawn Lynch</b>. With Lynch looking on from the Raiders sideline, Peters takes an INT return 50 uncontested yards to the house, slowing up and turning around just before reaching the goal line, and leaping in backward with his hand right on his crotch - just the way Lynch has done several times during his career. I wonder what Marshawn's reaction was when he saw this: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cmu5dJ6YuE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cmu5dJ6YuE</a><br />
Peters was not flagged by the game officials but certainly was a few days later by the league office, which fined him $13,369 (the 4th fine of his career) . Marcus' reaction to the news he had been fined: "Yeah, it's a lot of money, but it was worth it."<br />
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49. 10 days later <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> put in his bid for the award for most disgusting TD celebration of the year. In the Week 3 Thursday night game at Cleveland, Crowell, playing his 1st game in Cleveland in an enemy uniform after having played the first 4 years of his career for the Browns, lets Browns fans know what he thinks of them here in the 2nd quarter. After giving the Jets a 14-0 lead with his 2nd TD of the game, Crowell decides to celebrate by pretending wipe his ass with the football and then throwing the ball into the crowd: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAjJsZTXhkM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAjJsZTXhkM</a><br />
For his trouble Crowell got the same $13,369 fine that Marcus Peters did; and he also got a tongue lashing from Coach Bowles, because the game officials threw the flag this time, and it cost the Jets 15 yards. After the game Isaiah claimed his celebration was a spur of the moment thing and was not anything malicious directed at the Browns and their fans. But I don't think I'm buying that: <a href="https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2018/09/21/jets-todd-bowles-not-amused-isaiah-crowells-td-celebration/1377183002/" target="_blank">https://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/nfl/jets/2018/09/21/jets-todd-bowles-not-amused-isaiah-crowells-td-celebration/1377183002/</a><br />
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50. After his first 2 NFL seasons CB <b>Parry Nickerson</b> is still looking for his 1st NFL interception; but he came oh, so close to opening his account in his very first game. Very late in the 1st half of the first game of the Week 1 Monday night doubleheader pressure by the Jets' D-line on 3rd and goal forces Lions QB Matthew Stafford to throw the ball away. But his pass doesn't have enough juice to make it out of the end zone, so Nickerson, whom the Jets picked in the 6th round of the 2018 Draft after he recorded 16 career INT in his college career at Tulane, drops back and makes this leaping catch and then makes a great effort to land with both feet inbounds, only to have the officials rule his second foot down was out of bounds. This video of the play, taken from someone's television set, isn't the clearest, but it's clear enough to make the argument that Parry got robbed, and it also has some nice slow-motion shots of his dreads: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owYSgLkzfIo" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owYSgLkzfIo</a><br />
They didn't spend much time reviewing the play; but even if they had, it wasn't conclusive enough to change the ruling made on the field. So the Lions kept the ball and settled for a FG on the next play, cutting the Jets' lead to 17-10 at halftime. This was one of just 3 defensive snaps (and 6 total) Nickerson had in his NFL debut. He finished with 1 tackle (1-0) in the Jets' 48-17 rout of the Lions.<br />
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51. Rookie TE <b>Ian Thomas</b> didn't score his 1st NFL touchdown until the Panthers' Week 15 home game against the Falcons; but he surely <i>should</i> have opened his account on this play in the first meeting with the Falcons in Week 2. On 1st and 10 from the 17-yard line early in the 4th quarter Thomas has S Jordan Richards beaten, but Cam Newton's perfect pass goes through his hands, bounces off his arm and falls to the ground incomplete. Thomas redeemed himself a bit two plays later with an 8-yard reception to convert a 3rd and 4, and the Panthers scored on the next play to cut the Falcons' lead to 24-17. He finished with 2 catches for 10 yards as the Panthers lost their road game against the Falcons for the 4th year in a row, 31-24.<br />
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52. After the Seahawks go three and out on their opening possession in Week 5 and punt on 4th and 6, Rams S M<b>arqui Christian</b> finds himself in an unfamiliar position - with the ball in his hands and heading for the end zone. LB <b>Cory Littleton</b> didn't get credit for blocking the punt because after he blocked it, it went past the line of scrimmage by 5 yards. That's where Christian catches it on the fly at the Seattle 23-yard line - the first time in his NFL career that he officially has touched the ball. In his first 2 seasons with the Rams he had no INT or FR, no kickoff or punt returns, and no plays on offense before this one. Catching the ball near the sideline as he did, you'd think he'd have a good chance of taking it to the house; but LB <b>Jacob Martin</b> immediately and quickly headed toward the sideline and stopped him at the 12-yard line after an 11-yard return, Martin's only tackle of the game. 4 plays later the Rams came away empty went a pass intended for <b>Todd Gurley</b> on 2nd and goal was intercepted. Playing 33 total snaps (22 on special teams), Christian had only one other stat, 1 tackle (0-1), as the Rams improved to 5-0 with a 33-31 road win over the Seahawks.<br />
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53. When <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> was drafted in the 1st round in 2013, it was pretty much a given that he was going to be a great kickoff returner - and he has been. But once it became evident he wasn't going to cut it as an every-down NFL WR, it was disappointing to me that he wasn't used as a RB more often. In his only season with the Patriots he <i>did</i> get more snaps at RB than ever before, but he still had only 42 carries all season. In Week 9 Patterson got a chance to show off his RB skills, especially on a drive late in the 2nd quarter when, for the first time in his career, he had rushing attempts on 4 consecutive plays. This was the first of them. After starting up the middle on 1st and 10 then cutting to the right, Cordarrelle stiff-arms CB <b>Bashaud Breeland</b>, only to have Breeland grab onto his undershirt. Breeland hangs on for dear life as CP drags him across the 50-yard line (left photo) until help arrives. With Breeland back on his feet and still on his shirt, LB Blake Martinez grabbing at his legs, and S Kentrell Brice grabbing his facemask (right photo) (no penalty was called), Patterson is stopped at the Green Bay 45-yard line after a gain of 10, with a personal foul penalty after the play moving the ball to the 30 .....<br />
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54. ..... On the next play Patterson follows his blockers on a run off left tackle and picks up 17 yards, with S <b>Tramon Williams</b> getting a faceful of Cordarrelle's dreads (photo above) while making the tackle at the 13-yard line. Two plays later on 2nd and 2 Patterson again gets good blocking and, after bouncing off a hit by CB Jaire Alexander (#23) at the 3-yard line, dives for the end zone (photo on right). CP gets hit again, by CB Josh Jackson (on the far left in the photo) just before the goal line but spins off of it and into the end zone. The 5-yard TD gives New England a 17-10 lead on the first play after the 2-minute warning, with Patterson accounting for 40 yards on the last 4 plays of the 69-yard drive. The first link below is to a video focusing on the ejection from the game of Packers S Jermaine Whitehead; but in between that talk you can see the first 3 of Patterson's carries on the drive (skip ahead to the 2:30 mark, if you want, for the 2nd carry). Then in the second link you can see the TD.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGJGhtdp1Z0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGJGhtdp1Z0</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY5v_oqmZmQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY5v_oqmZmQ</a><br />
For the night Patterson finished with 61 yards rushing on a career high 11 carries. He also had 1 catch for 7 yards and 2 kickoff returns for 64 yards as the Patriots improved to 7-2 with a 31-17 home win over the Packers.<br />
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55. After giving up 29 points in the 1st half in Week 10, the Jaguars shut out the Colts in the 2nd half and were about to make it all the way back from a 16-point deficit ..... until this play with 1:30 remaining in the 4th quarter. After making the catch at the Colts 25-yard line for a gain of 10 on 3rd and 1, WR Rashad Greene loses control of the ball as he is tackled by S <b>Clayton Geathers</b> (left photo). Geathers didn't get credit for the FF, as CB Kenny Moore (with the camouflage sleeve on his left arm) was the one who ripped the ball from Greene's grasp; but had Geathers not been there, Greene likely would have regained control before hitting the ground or would have recovered the fumble himself. Instead the fumble was recovered by S <b>Malik Hooker</b>; and after the play is reviewed and the ruling on the field (that Greene was down before fumbling) is reversed, Hooker celebrates (right photo) the play that saves the day for the Colts: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoBQAKBQqng" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoBQAKBQqng</a><br />
Had the Jaguars kept the ball, they would have been in FG range and still had plenty of time to score a TD that would have given them the win. Hooker and Geathers both played all 75 snaps on defense. Hooker had 4 tackles (4-0) in addition to his FR, while Geathers tied for the team lead with 10 tackles (5-5). In a battle between two 3-5 teams that turned out to be the turning point in their seasons, the Colts hung on for the 29-26 home win over the Jaguars. It was the Jaguars' 5th straight L, and they went on to lose 5 of their last 7 games. The Colts went on to win 6 of their last 7 and made the playoffs.<br />
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56. TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville is one of the few places in the league where there's still plenty of sunlight on the field at the end of a game in December. And here in Week 13 the sunlight is on WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> - a stunned and dismayed <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> - after the final play of the second meeting between the Colts and Jaguars. After TE Eric Ebron is ruled tackled inbounds (he was hit inbounds by CB Jalen Ramsey then landed out of bounds) at the Jaguars' 25-yard line, the final 5 seconds tick off the clock, the Colts don't get one final play to try to win the game, and Hilton drops to one knee in disbelief .<br />
After being shut out by the Jaguars' D in the 2nd half of their first meeting, the Colts were shut out for all 4 quarters in the rematch 3 weeks later. On 13 passes intended for him, Hilton finished with 8 catches for only 77 yards. The Colts drove into Jaguars territory on 5 of their 11 possessions, including the red zone twice, but could not score. The Jaguars crossed the 50-yard line on only 2 of their 11 drives but came away with field goals on both of them. Despite gaining only 211 total yards, the Jaguars, a 4-point underdog at home, defeated the Colts 6-0 to end their 7-game losing streak and the Colts' 5-game winning streak. <br />
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57. This is what life is like when you don't control your own destiny in Week 17. After the Steelers defeat the Bengals 16-13, RB <b>Trey Edmunds</b> and teammates watch the Heinz Field video board helplessly as their playoff hopes are decided by the Browns-Ravens game in Baltimore. From the looks of this shot, that game has just been decided, and the news from Baltimore is not good, as the Ravens win to improve to 10-6 and clinch the AFC North title and leave the Steelers' (9-6-1) hopes barely alive. The Steelers still could clinch a wildcard playoff berth, but only if the Sunday night game between the Colts and Titans ended in a tie. The Colts won to clinch the final AFC playoff spot, ending the Steelers' streak of having made the playoffs 4 years in a row.<br />
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58. A little earlier I mentioned the bad luck that has plagued WR <b>Kevin White</b>. Well, it was just his luck that his best play in a Bears uniform still resulted in the Bears losing. With the Bears trailing the Patriots by 7 in Week 7 and needing a miracle on the the final play of the game, they <i>almost</i> get it. White goes up to catch the Hail Mary pass against several defenders, including WR Josh Gordon (#10); but as he comes down, he's not in the end zone and still has more work to do ......<br />
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59. ..... White turns forward at the 2-yard line and immediately runs into a brick wall, as three defenders smother him. Despite the optimism of TE Trey Burton (#80) Kevin still isn't in the end zone, and he never does get there, stopped at the 1: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5Zr8mDSFd4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5Zr8mDSFd4</a><br />
The 54-yard reception was by far the biggest gain of his career and gave him a career high 64 yards on 2 catches for the game. But it didn't mean a thing. The Bears, who haven't beaten the Patriots since Drew Bledsoe was their QB, lost to them again 38-31, the only time all season they allowed more than 22 points in a home game.<br />
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60. The loss to the Patriots was the Bears' only loss at Soldier Field during the regular season; and their only other home loss, to the Eagles in the 1st round of the playoffs, was even more painful. No need to add the video; you've probably already seen it a hundred times. After failing to block the Bears' game-winning 43-yard FG attempt, CB <b>Avonte Maddox</b> watches from the turf as the attempt is no good, deflecting off both the left upright and then the crossbar before harmlessly falling to the ground in the end zone. Maddox, the Eagles' 4th round draft pick in 2018, played all 64 snaps on defense, finishing with 5 tackles (5-0) and 3 PBU. The Eagles began the defense of their 2017 championship, barely beating the Bears 16-15.<br />
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61. On the road again one week later the Eagles get off to a great start against the Saints. After barely tripping up RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b> and causing him to go out of bounds, preventing Kamara from going much farther than the 27 yards he went on the opening kickoff return, CB <b>Cre'von LeBlanc</b> makes a bigger and better play on the first play from scrimmage. Speedy WR Ted Ginn has LeBlanc beaten on a deep post route, but the pass from QB Drew Brees is underthrown. LeBlanc, who had no interceptions in 11 games during the regular season, makes a nice leaping catch while falling backward and maintains control of the ball after colliding with the ground at the Eagles' 26-yard line: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nb4_eJqDQQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nb4_eJqDQQ</a><br />
The Eagles drove 76 yards for a TD on the ensuing drive and then 75 yards on their next drive to go up 14-0 but never scored again. Cre'von played 68 snaps (57 defense, 11 special teams) and had 4 tackles (3-1) and 1 PBU in addition to his INT; but the Eagles were officially dethroned, their season ending with a tough 20-14 loss to the Saints.<br />
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62. In the play-by-play section of the NFL's official game summary this play is described "R.Fitzpatrick pass deep left intended for D.Jackson INTERCEPTED by D.Jackson." Indeed in this duel of the D.Jacksons at Charlotte in Week 9, Donte was greater than DeSean. Starting at their own 39-yard line after a punt and down 14 with just 3:45 to play, the Buccaneers go for the quick strike, but rookie CB <b>Donte Jackson</b> has blanket coverage on WR DeSean Jackson's out-and-up route on the left sideline. They both go up, and Donte, with DeSean's towel brushing up against his dreads, comes down with the ball and with all of his body inbounds at the Panthers' 20-yard line. It was the 4th INT of the season for Donte, who had only 4 INT during his entire 3-year college career at LSU.<br />
This was the Bucs' last offensive snap of the game, as the Panthers picked up 2 first downs on the ensuing possession and ran out the clock. Donte had 5 tackles (5-0) in addition to his pick as the Panthers, scoring the second most points they've ever scored against the Buccaneers, won 42-28.<br />
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63. <b>Donte Jackson</b> had one other interception in 2018, but it didn't count on his official stats because it occurred on a 2-point conversion attempt. It sure counted on the scoreboard though. After the Saints take their first lead of the game on an <b>Alvin Kamara</b> TD run early in the 4th quarter on Monday night in Week 15, Jackson, who had a bad PI penalty on 2nd and 18 early in the TD drive, makes up for it - a bit. On the conversion attempt Jackson jumps in front of Kamara and WR Michael Thomas in the right front corner of the end zone, makes the leaping INT (photo above) and returns it 97 yards, showing off his blazing speed as he passes by the Panthers logo at midfield (photo on right) on his way to the house. The pick two was a huge play because instead of the Panthers trailing 12-7 or 14-7, they were down by only 3 at 12-9. But they came up empty on their their final two possessions of the game. Jackson finished with 3 tackles (2-1), including 1 TFL, and 1 PBU; but the Panthers' free fall continued. They lost their 6th straight, 12-9 at home to the Saints, dropping their record to 6-8. This play is up first on this video full of the best highlights from Jackson's rookie season: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3aWMXuzVII" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3aWMXuzVII</a> <br />
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And now, here's the occupational hazard section of DG177, containing photos reminding you of just how hazardous playing football can be to your health.<br />
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64. As he tries to tackle RB Saquon Barkley during the 3rd quarter in Week 4, Saints DT <b>Tyeler Davison</b> instead finds himself in a sumo face-off with teammate <b>Cameron Jordan</b>. Nobody was injured, and Davison helped up Jordan after the play. Jordan and LB <b>Demario Davis</b> (#56, at bottom of pile, dreads not visible) got credit for the tackle, stopping Barkley for no gain at the Saints' 49-yard line on 1st and 10. The drive ended with a FG 6 plays later, cutting the Saints' lead to 19-10. Davis led the Saints with 11 tackles (9-2), including 2 sacks; Davison had 3 tackles (1-2), including a strip sack; and Jordan had 2 tackles (1-1), including 1 TFL. The Saints defeated the Giants 33-18, the 3rd win during their 10-game winning streak. <br />
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65. I don't get it. In the interest of safety the NFL deems all away-from-the-ball contact to the front of an opposing player's helmet as unsafe and illegal, payable in the form of either a 5 or 10-yard penalty. But when a player has the ball or is trying to tackle the player with the ball? What? Now it's safe and OK to touch the front of the helmet? ..... After getting beat deep on the first play of the 2nd half on Sunday night in Week 7 and watching WR Sammy Watkins make the catch at the Bengals' 38-yard line, CB <b>Dre Kirkpatrick</b>, who prefers to tackle opponents by the neck, reaches for Watkins, only to have him exhibit some <i>legal</i> hands to the face. Sammy's stiff-arm knocks Kirkpatrick away from him and down to the ground, after which Watkins goes another 13 yards before being tackled at the 25 for a gain of 50 yards. 6 plays later a <b>Kareem Hunt</b> TD upped the Chiefs' lead to 31-7. Dre was on the field for all 70 snaps on a very tough night for the Bengals' D and had 4 tackles (2-2). The Chiefs racked up 551 total yards. Patrick Mahomes passed for 358 yards and 4 TD on 28 completions and a passer rating of 123.7. The Chiefs improved to 6-1, smashing the Bengals 45-10, with the 45 being the most points they've ever scored against the Bengals and the 35-point margin of victory being their largest ever against Cincinnati. <br />
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66. We all know how difficult it is to stop RB <b>Kareem Hunt</b> one-on-one; but on this play his elusiveness works against. As he makes a move to get past LB Telvin Smith on a run around right end early in the 3rd quarter in Week 5, all Hunt does is make Smith lunge at him and try to grab his private parts to make the tackle. But no damage was done. Smith thankfully never got a good grip and instead latched on to Kareem's left ankle to make the tackle for no gain on 1st and 10. 3 plays later the Chiefs punted. This was one of 8 times that Smith tackled Hunt in the game and one of his game high 13 tackles. Hunt barely missed making the dread stars list, rushing for 87 yards and 1 TD on 22 carries and catching 1 pass for 7 yards. The Chiefs beat the Jaguars for the 4th time in a row, 30-14.<br />
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67. <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> closes his eyes, holds on tight, and hopes for the best after being wrapped up by four players, including a teammate, early in the 2nd quarter in Week 6. After Hopkins caught a sideways screen pass on 2nd and 8, his blockers failed him, and he quickly found himself in a swarm of Bills, with S Micah Hyde (sleeve on left arm) getting credit for the tackle for no gain. Although he was not slammed down to the turf, DeAndre seemed perturbed about something after the play. Two plays later the Texans punted. Despite finishing with just 63 yards receiving, Hopkins was by far the game's leading receiver .....<br />
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68. Then early in the 4th quarter, after making his 1st catch of the day, WR <b>Will Fuller</b> tries to spin away from CB Phillip Gaines, only to have Gaines try to yank his head off at the Texans' 41-yard line. Fuller gained 16 yards on the play, but no penalty was called against Gaines. The Texans punted 4 plays later.<br />
Late in the 4th quarter Fuller began the Texans' game-tying drive with his only other reception of the game, good for 17 yards. 5 plays later Gaines was called for PI on a pass to Fuller in the end zone, a 41-yard penalty that led to the Texans' game-tying FG.<br />
There'll be more from this game a bit later in the occupational hazard section.<br />
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69. While <b>Will Fuller</b> survived the game against the Bills, he didn't make it to the end of the Texans' next home game against the Dolphins in Week 8. As he tries to get under a deep pass on 2nd and 7 in the 4th quarter, Fuller is bumped off balance by CB <b>Bobby McCain</b> (left photo), who is called for pass interference, then lands awkwardly on his right leg at the 3-yard line, bringing a grimace to his face (right photo). Will can't make the next step with his right leg and goes tumbling into the end zone .....<br />
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70. ..... where he immediately grabs his knee (left photo), knowing that this ain't good. After the trainers come on the field to check on him (right photo), Fuller walks off and to the medical tent on the sideline, never to be heard from again for the rest of the season. Here's the play: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uG5d2vb3C8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uG5d2vb3C8</a><br />
Up until this play Will was having his best game of the season. He finished with catches 5 for 124 yards, including a 73-yard TD, as the Texans won their 5th straight after an 0-3 start, defeating the Dolphins 42-23. The next day it was confirmed that Fuller had torn the ACL in his tight knee, ending his season. He was on the way to having his best season, with 32 catches for 503 yards and 4 TD in the Texans' first 8 games.<br />
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71. After making his big 14-yard TD catch to give the Texans a 26-22 lead over the Jets with 2:15 to play, <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> realizes he is unable to get up off the turf at MetLife Stadium. Instead of waiting for the trainers to tend to him, Hopkins, who said he twisted his ankle early in the game and aggravated it on the TD catch, gives a thumbs down as he is helped to the sideline by RB Alfred Blue and QB Deshaun Watson. But he was back on the field for the Texans' next possession, although he wasn't needed as they ran the ball 3 straight plays to burn time off the clock.<br />
You'd have had a hard time convincing the Jets that Hopkins was hurting. He finished with 10 catches (on 11 targets) for a season high 170 yards in the Texans' 29-22 win.<br />
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72. The Week 4 game vs. the Texans was a particularly painful one for Colts WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b>. On the game's opening drive he suffered a chest injury on the tackle of his 40-yard catch and run that set up a TD. He was back in the lineup before the end of the 1st quarter; but here in the 4th quarter a hamstring injury, suffered while he was running a route with about 9 minutes remaining, puts him down for the count.<br />
Earlier (photo #16) I mentioned that all of <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b>' catches in the game went for first downs. Well, so did all of Hilton's. After his 40-yarder, he had a 15-yard catch on 3rd and 10, an 18-yard catch on 3rd and 13, and a 42-yard catch on 3rd and 10 that helped start the Colts' comeback from a 28-10 deficit. There's no telling how much more damage he would have done had he stayed healthy. He finished with 4 catches for 115 yards in the Colts' 37-34 loss. T.Y. also missed the Colts' next 2 games, both of which they lost. <br />
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73. What a shame. If LB <b>Dont'a Hightower</b> hadn't dropped an easy INT on the first play of the 2nd half in Super Bowl 53, S <b>Patrick Chung</b> wouldn't have broken his arm while trying to tackle <b>Todd Gurley</b> two plays later. Chung insisted that he walk off the field, not be carted off, and here gets a pat on the head from OT <b>LaAdrian Waddle</b> on his way to the locker room. In his 26 defensive snaps played, the Patriots' D held the Rams to 73 total yards, 3 first downs, and 0 points. He finished with 4 tackles (2-2) and 1 PBU. The Patriots didn't exactly fall apart in his absence, holding the Rams to 260 yards in their 13-3 victory.<br />
In his 1st season with dreads, Chung was pretty much the same player he was in his 9 previous seasons without dreads, finishing with 84 tackles, a half sack, 2 PBU, and 1 INT. This was the 3rd time he has won the Super Bowl. <br />
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74. In the same Week 15 game that <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> injured his ankle, Jets OT <b>Brandon Shell</b> plays his last game of the season. While blocking DE J.J. Watt on 2nd and 10 earlier in the 3rd quarter, Shell was hit from behind by teammate Spencer Long and DE D.J. Reader, both of whom fell on the back of his leg. Had this occurred early in the season, Shell's knee injury would have kept him out of action for 2 months. Since there were only 2 games left in the season, he was placed on IR. Prior to the injury he had played every single offensive snap all season, all 850 of them.<br />
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75. I wonder if <b>Earl Thomas</b> would have done this had he been carted off in front of his own sideline rather than the Cardinals'..... After failing to prevent the game-tying TD catch by WR <b>Chad Williams</b> with 8:59 remaining in the game in Week 4 <i>and</i> breaking his leg on the play too, Thomas shows the Seahawks' sideline - and presumably Coach Carroll in particular - the back of his raised middle finger as the truck wheels him off the field. Already involved in a bitter contract dispute with the team and realizing that this injury has just ruined his chance to get the money he wanted, Thomas makes an exit Seahawks fans will never forget: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rro-H5HgQvc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rro-H5HgQvc</a><br />
Thomas finished with 4 tackles (3-1) and 1 PBU in his 125th and last game in a Seahawks uniform, which Seattle won 20-17 on a last-second FG. Playing his 1st full season with the 2nd edition of his dreads, Thomas already had 3 INT on the season, and he finished the year tied for the team lead in picks even though he missed the last 12 games. During the offseason he signed a very nice new contract with the Ravens on the first day of the free agent signing period, one that will pay him $55 million if he makes it through all 4 years of the deal - and I hear he had a pretty decent first season with his new team.<br />
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76. Talk about the thrill of victory and the agony of ... injury .....<br />
Just one week after making the game-winning TD catch in Michigan State's road win over Penn State, WR <b>Felton Davis</b> was grabbing his leg in agony and his head in frustration and disappointment after suffering one of the most devastating injuries of any college player with dreads in 2018. Not only did the torn Achilles end Davis' senior year in Week 8, it ended his hopes of being picked in the 2019 NFL Draft. If you want, you can check out this article from the Detroit News about Davis and his recovery written during last year's Combine: <a href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state-university/2019/03/01/former-michigan-state-spartans-star-felton-davis-refuses-let-ruptured-achilles-derail-nfl-dream/3027730002/" target="_blank">https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state-university/2019/03/01/former-michigan-state-spartans-star-felton-davis-refuses-let-ruptured-achilles-derail-nfl-dream/3027730002/</a><br />
After not hearing his name called in the Draft, it was the Chiefs - much to my delight - that were the team that signed him as a free agent. And he showed enough during the preseason that they decided to stash him on IR all year, allowing him to be fully recovered for 2020. So just maybe we haven't seen the last of him and those awesome dreads.<br />
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77. Maybe it hurts more when a defender grabs your dreads, but it ain't no picnic when you get your facemask grabbed either. On this play during the 4th quarter in Week 6 <b>Melvin Gordon</b> has his facemask grabbed <i>twice</i>, the first while running through DE Emmanuel Ogbah's attempted tackle just past the line of scrimmage at the Cleveland 31-yard line; and then here as he gets to the 21, S Damarious Randall grabs on and drags him down at the 17 after a 15-yard run on 2nd and 1. Both penalties should have been enforced, but by rule only one was, moving the ball to the 8-yard line. The drive did <i>not</i> end with Gordon scoring his 4th TD of the day. Instead on 3rd and goal he had a high but catchable pass that hit him in stride that he probably would have scored on bounce of his hands and be intercepted. Here's a video of Melvin's highlights from the game. The double facemask play is at the end, beginning at the 2:40 mark: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy12MQe4cs0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy12MQe4cs0</a><br />
This play was the 9th and last 1st down recorded by Gordon in the game. He finished with an even 150 total yards, 2 catches for 18 yards and a season high 132 yards and 3 TD rushing on 18 carries, as the Chargers whipped the Browns 38-14. And by the way, Ogbah and Randall both were fined $10,026. <br />
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78. On this play early in the 2nd quarter in Week 4 CB <b>Janoris</b> <b>Jenkins</b>, as he makes the tackle at the Saints' 21-yard line for a gain of 6 on 1st and 10, doesn't grab RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b>'s dreads nor the inside of his jersey either. It looks like a clean tackle; but the officials, after a quick conference, still decide to call him for a horse collar penalty. Giants players, coaches, and fans were angry with a lot of bad calls by the officials in the game, and this one was up there near the top of the list. But for real, the way Jenkins is yanking down Kamara from behind is very similar to a horse collar tackle and just as dangerous; and I remember reading something (which I can no longer find) that mentioned that throwing the flag here actually was the right call - and I can understand that.<br />
Jenkins had a good game, holding star WR Michael Thomas in check (mostly); and Kamara played well too, scoring 3 TD and rushing for over 100 yards for the only time also season, as the Saints defeated the Giants 33-18. Little did they know or expect it then, but Jenkins and Kamara would be teammates in 2019.<br />
While a penalty was called on this play .....<br />
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79. ..... <i>No</i> penalty was called - incredibly - on this one in Week 13. As <b>Alvin Kamara</b> runs after the catch on a screen pass on 3rd and 17 in the 4th quarter, Cowboys LB <b>Jaylon Smith</b> zeroes in and lowers the boom, lunging at Kamara and nailing him with a clear and obvious illegal helmet-to-helmet tackle. Kamara survived that tackle by <b>Janoris Jenkins</b> in good shape; but things were kind of dicey after this play. While Smith celebrated, Alvin staggered to his feet and a little later was seen with some good old-fashioned smelling salts under his nose.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPQY64MwzQE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPQY64MwzQE</a><br />
I mean, field judge #43 had a clear view of Smith practically taking a flying leap at Kamara, and yet neither he or any of the other officials threw a flag? Mercy. It turned out to be a huge missed call. Instead of the drive staying alive and the Saints being in range for the game-tying FG, they punted on the next play. Although it didn't cost him 15 yards, the hit did cost Jaylon a $26,739 fine.<br />
Kamara and Smith had a close encounter on another key play in this game, which we'll look at a little later.<br />
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While wearing your dreads long while uniform may make you look good, there's always some risk. Because every time you get the ball there may be a defender out there with evil intentions. While most NFL players accept that it is taboo to tackle a player by his dreads, not all do, and a few players found that out during the season .....<br />
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80. As he tries to make the tackle for a loss on 1st and 10 in the 1st quarter in Week 6, bald-headed Titans LB Rashaan Evans reaches for <b>Alex Collins</b>' dreads - and nearly gets them. But Collins moves just fast enough on a run around left end on his 3rd carry of the day to get his hair out of harm's way. Instead of being tackled for a loss, Alex goes out of bounds at the Baltimore 41-yard line for a gain of 3. The 94-yard drive ended 13 plays later with a Michael Crabtree TD catch that made it 7-0 and put the Ravens ahead to stay. I don't imagine Collins made it through the whole season without getting his dreads grabbed at least once; but I didn't find any photos of it (I didn't look very hard) and I don't have time to view the video of every single one of his carries. Sorry.<br />
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81. When I saw LB <b>Matthew Judon</b> reaching for WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> on the 3rd play of the Chargers' opening drive of their 1st round playoff game, I was like ... uh-oh, Travis' dreads are in trouble. But Judon does the honorable thing, wrapping up Benjamin around his chest and shoulder rather than going for his dreads. After gaining 8 yards on a jet sweep pass on the previous play, Benjamin tries to outrun Judon after catching a pass in the right flat on 3rd and 2; but Judon isn't having it, dropping Benjamin for a 1-yard loss as the Chargers go three and out. This was the first of 4 tackles (3-1) for Judon, including 2 TFL. Benjamin played 16 snaps on offense and finished with 3 catches for 11 yards in the Chargers' 23-17 victory.<br />
You know, all through his college and NFL career over the past decade, I can't remember seeing Travis ever have his dreads tackled. It certainly helps to be as fast as he is., huh?<br />
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82. Every time 49ers DT <b>Sheldon Day</b> takes the field with his dreads flowing at full blast he's at risk of having this happen, and I doubt this was the only time this happened during the season. On 3rd and 8 late in the 1st quarter on Monday night in Week 10 Day rushes from the outside (after doing a stunt with LB Cassius Marsh) and is blocked by OT Chad Wheeler, who inadvertently gets a hold of his dreads while keeping him away from QB Eli Manning. This play ended with WR Odell Beckham dancing in the back of the end zone after making a 10-yard reception for the Giants' first points of the game. Day played 22 (out of 59) defensive stats and finished with no stats. In the highly-anticipated (not!) showdown of the teams with the two worst records in the NFC, the 1-7 Giants scored a TD with 53 seconds to play to defeat the 2-7 49ers 27-23.<br />
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83. On Sunday of Week 10 there was another minor case of a player having his dreads grabbed caught on camera. As RB Kenyan Drake plunges ahead for a 3-yard gain on 4th and 1 midway through the 4th quarter, Packers S <b>Tramon Williams</b> is hindered in his attempt to help make the tackle, with the mystery hand holding his dreads in the far left side of the photo belonging to WR Danny Amendola. The drive ended with a sack on 4th down as the Packers maintained their 19-point lead. In the first year of his second tour of duty with the Packers Williams played 1,059 defensive snaps - nearly 100% but not quite - including all 68 in this one. He finished with 1 tackle (1-0) in the Packers' 31-12 home win over the Dolphins.<br />
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84. There was certainly nothing minor about this one, as we have another example of where having your dreads reduced doesn't always keep them safe from defenders. RB <b>Isaiah Crowell</b>, who scored on a 77-yard run in the 2nd quarter against the Broncos in Week 5, might have gone 88 yards on his first carry of the 3rd quarter had not S Justin Simmons gotten a hold of his dreads at the Denver 37-yard line and pulled him down at the 34 (He also might have scored if WR Quincy Enunwa had done a better job of blocking Simmons). The drive ended three plays later with an INT on 3rd and 11.<br />
When Crowell went 15 yards on his 1st carry of the day, little did anyone know that it was the start of a record-setting performance. I mean, if you look at his highlights from this game, you wonder why Isaiah isn't one of the best RBs in the league. In addition to his 77-yard TD and this 54-yard run, he added a 36-yard run on his final carry of the day midway through the 4th quarter that upped his rushing total for the game to 219 yards, a new Jets record, helping the Jets get their 1st home win of the season, 34-16. Here's his highlight video, with this play starting at the 1:13 mark: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUDRLpW-kwU" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUDRLpW-kwU</a><br />
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85. Here in Week 10 <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> gets dragged down by his dreads again on a carry off left tackle on 1st and 10 midway through the 2nd quarter. Thanks to a poor block by TE Chris Herndon, DE Jerry Hughes is in the backfield, forcing to Crowell to try to go around him. Isaiah almost eluded Hughes, but at the last second Hughes reached out and got a hold of his dreads, stopping him in his tracks at the NY 23-yard line for a loss of 7. Deservedly Hughes injured his leg while doing his dastardly deed and missed the next few plays. On the next play Crowell went 18 yards on a screen pass to pick up the Jets 1st first down of the game, but the drive ended with an INT 6 plays later, keeping the Bills' lead at 24-0. Later he scored his 6th - and last - TD of the season in a dismal 42-10 home loss to the 2-7 Bills.<br />
Crowell signed a 3-year contract with the Jets before the 2018 season; but during the 2019 offseason he was released right after the Jets signed Le'Veon Bell. Isaiah then signed a 1-year deal with the Raiders, but you never heard from him during the season because he suffered an Achilles injury during a team workout early in May a couple of weeks before the start of OTA practices. Hopefully he'll recover enough and be back on the field in 2020, but as of now he remains unsigned.<br />
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86. WR <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> decided to unleash his dreads for his first career Super Bowl, and it did not take long for somebody to tackle them. With the Rams scoring only 3 points, Patterson didn't have many opportunities to shine on kickoff returns. The game's opening kickoff was the only one he returned, and he certainly shined, returning it 38 yards to the 39-yard line. Actually though it looked like he might take it all the way to the house. The last man in his path was the kicker, Greg Zuerlein, who first tried to wrap up Patterson around his chest. But when CP started to break that tackle, Zuerlein decided he'd better make sure, using his left hand to grab onto a bunch of Cordarrelle's locks and dragging him out of bounds and hanging on well after he was out of bounds. The Patriots could have used that touchdown too, because 5 plays later their opening drive ended with an INT; and their other first half possessions resulted in 2 punts, one made FG, one missed FG, and a failure to convert a 4th and 1.<br />
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87. Chiefs CB <b>Tremon Smith</b> got dragged down much more violently than <b>Cordarrelle</b> <b>Patterson</b> on this kickoff return in Week 10. Tremon was tremendous on kickoff returns during his rookie season, with his 26.8 average good enough for 4th best in the league. But of all of his returns the one he probably remembers the most was this 7-yarder midway through the 3rd quarter. After the Cardinals scored a TD on their 2nd half opening drive to pull within 20-14, Smith started up the middle; but when he stopped and made a right turn and started going sideways he was in trouble. LB Deone Bucannon was running through unblocked and zeroing in oh him; and when Tremon tried to stiff-arm him, Bucannon responded by grabbing onto his dreads and yanking him down, bringing his return to a very painful end at the 13-yard line. Fortunately Tremon's legs didn't get trapped underneath him as he went down or this would have been even more painful: <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneDaleAZ/status/1061721893059751936" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/ShaneDaleAZ/status/1061721893059751936</a><br />
Smith finished with 2 returns for 22 yards, by far his worst game of the season; but the Chiefs won anyway, as expected, improving to 5-0 all time against the Cardinals at Arrowhead Stadium with a 26-14 victory.<br />
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88. RB <b>Chris Ivory</b> has been violently dragged down by his dreads more probably than anyone else throughout his career; but this one in Week 6 of 2018 may have been the worst of them all - and, adding insult to insult, it came at the hands of a fellow dreadhead. With the Bills trailing 10-6 but in the red zone early in the 4th quarter, Ivory takes the handoff on 2nd and 8 for a run around left end but is immediately in trouble after LT Dion Dawkins misses his block on DE <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b>. Left to fend for himself, Ivory throws out a stiff-arm and it works; but because his dreads are hanging so far down, Clowney still has something to grab onto and does, and the pain has him wincing .....<br />
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89. ..... Either Chris loses a couple of his locks or he goes down, and his hair is strong enough to remain attached to his skull. Fortunately and the same as with <b>Tremon Smith</b>, his legs don't get caught underneath him and he lands flat on his back. Ivory is usually very angry when someone tackles his dreads (obviously he's willing to deal with it because he hasn't cut them off), but this time not so much. Clowney helped him back to his feet but was unapologetic after the game.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g642fIkA4eM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g642fIkA4eM</a><br />
<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/10/14/jadeveon-clowney-tackles-chris-ivory-hair-texans-bills" target="_blank">https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/10/14/jadeveon-clowney-tackles-chris-ivory-hair-texans-bills</a><br />
<a href="https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-Jadeveon-Clowney-tackles-Chris-Ivory-by-13306650.php" target="_blank">https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-Jadeveon-Clowney-tackles-Chris-Ivory-by-13306650.php</a><br />
The play went for a 3-yard loss but was rendered moot when on the next play the Bills took the lead on a (no kidding) Nathan Peterman TD pass. This was Clowney's only tackle in 57 snaps on the field. Ivory played 16 snaps, finishing with 5 yards rushing on 6 carries and 1 catch for 4 yards. The Texans won 20-13.<br />
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If you like or if you haven't already seen it, you can join the more than 2.5 million people that have seen this 5-minute video titled "NFL Hair Tackles," most of which I've mentioned in various posts in this past: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK__Cbff2zk" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK__Cbff2zk</a><br />
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And now here's another NFL Hair Tackles video, which was done 2 years earlier than the one on the link above. Some of the plays in this one weren't included in the other video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuLBUx8KpcU" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuLBUx8KpcU</a><br />
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You know, in that second video, it just drives me nuts to hear (at the 0:28 mark) Troy Aikman say "there's nothing illegal about that" as <b>B.W. Webb</b> has his dreads grabbed while trying to run down field on a punt. Yes, it is too illegal! I mean, you hear it over and over: the hair is part of the uniform. And since that's the case, it is legal to grab someone's hair <i>when he's carrying the ball</i>. But when it happens away from the ball, if you grab a player's hair/jersey, it's supposed to be a holding penalty. On that play if Webb's jersey had been grabbed that blatantly instead of his hair, a flag certainly would have been thrown. So if the hair truly is part of the uniform, then that's a penalty too. That play happened in 2013. Hopefully by now Aikman is more enlightened and isn't giving out incorrect information like that anymore.<br />
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OK. We're not quite done with all the hair pulling yet. Welcome now to the <b>Bryce Perkins</b> section of DG177. There were a couple of photos of him in Part 1, and here are a few more that focus more on his dreads. The rare quarterback with dreads and the really rare outstanding QB with dreads, Perkins was already a redshirt junior when he arrived at the University of Virginia in 2018. He redshirted as a freshman at Arizona State, did not play in 2016 due to injury, and spent his 2017 sophomore season in junior college. Perkins was a bit more cautious with his dreads in 2019, but during his junior season he wanted nothing to do with holding his dreads back while he was on the field. That made him a lot of fun to watch, but it put him at risk of having his dreads grabbed on every single play. Call him stubborn if you want, but no matter how many times they got grabbed, he was right back for the next game with them still flowing at full blast. And they got grabbed more than once ..... <br />
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90. Had N.C. State DE Deonte Holden grabbed only the dreads of <b>Bryce Perkins</b> he would have gotten credit for a sack on this play in Week 5. After DT<b> Larrell Murchison</b> recorded his 2nd and 3rd sacks of the day on 1st and 10 and 3rd and 19 late in the 4th quarter, Holden sacks Perkins again on 4th and 22; but in addition to a couple of Perkins' locks Holden also has a grip on his facemask and pulls his helmet all the way off as he goes down. Instead of a sack it was a personal foul penalty, and the drive continued. But it didn't matter. The drive ended 6 plays later when Perkins threw his 2nd INT of the game and 4th of the season. Bryce went 20 for 35 for 258 yards and 2 TD passing and, despite being sacked 4 times, finished with 24 yards rushing on 14 carries. Virginia dropped to 3-2 with a 35-20 road loss to North Carolina State.<br />
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91. WTF? North Carolina DT Jalen Dalton shouldn't have been allowed to get away with this in Week 9, but he was. After Dalton gets pressure up the middle on 2nd and 10 in the 2nd quarter, <b>Bryce Perkins</b> tries to escape, only to have Dalton grab his facemask (photo above). Then after letting go Dalton reaches from behind and grabs Perkins again, this time by his dreads (photo on right), to keep him from moving up in the pocket and pulls him down at the UNC 27-yard line. All of the officials missed the facemask grab, so instead of a personal foul penalty it was a sack for a 5-yard loss. Two plays later the Cavaliers kicked a FG to increase their lead to 17-7. Perkins passed for 217 yards and 3 TD and led the Cavaliers in rushing with 112 yards and 1 TD on 21 carries. UVA won their 3rd straight and improved to 4-0 at home, defeating North Carolina 31-21.<br />
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92. After Virginia Tech missed a FG on their opening drive in Week 13, Virginia could do no right on their first possession, culminating with this happening to <b>Bryce</b> <b>Perkins</b>. After a dropped pass on 1st down, an illegal low block on 2nd down, and a 3-yard pass on 2nd and 23, the 3rd and 20 play begins with the ball being (shotgun) snapped before Perkins is ready. At least two UVA players think the play is going to be a false start penalty and blown dead; but it isn't. Perkins muffs the snap but gets a good bounce, quickly recovers the ball and rolls to his right. But neither the right tackle nor the tight end bother to block DE <b>Tyjuan Garbutt</b>, who goes right between them and is in Perkins' face almost immediately. Perkins slams on the brakes, trying to escape; but Garbutt ain't having it, grabbing Bryce's dreads (left photo) to keep him right there. Tyjuan doesn't let go either and still has a good grip as Bryce tries to get rid of the ball (right photo), eventually throwing it incomplete but at least in the direction of a receiver in the right flat and avoiding both the sack and an intentional grounding penalty. And just to add injury to insult, after Garbutt finally let go of his dreads, he still took Perkins to the ground, causing Bryce to aggravate a previous ankle injury and limp off. The Cavaliers at least successfully executed their punt on 4th and 20, and Perkins didn't miss any snaps.<br />
After a disastrous 1st half (5 punts, one of which was blocked for a TD, and a questionable red zone fumble by Perkins), Virginia had 3 75-yard TD drives and an 85-yard TD drive on their first 4 possessions of the 2nd half, eventually taking a 31-24 lead. But after Tech tied the game on a lucky fumble recovery in the end zone with 1:51 to play, the game went into overtime. After Tech kicked a FG on their possession, UVA had a chance to win the game. But on 1st and 10 from the 14-yard line, an unblocked blitzing LB caused Perkins to keep the ball rather than hand it off, and the RB knocked the ball out of his hands as he went by, with Tech recovering the fumble to end the game: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQbZ1dSESnI" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQbZ1dSESnI</a> ..... And so UVA's more-than-a-decade-long losing streak to Virginia Tech continued for one more year.<br />
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93. UVA's other star player named Bryce, CB Bryce Hall, consoles a dejected <b>Bryce Perkins</b> (left photo) after the 34-31 loss to Virginia Tech. Even on a bad ankle Perkins went 14 for 29 for 259 yards and 3 TD passing and rushed for 112 yards on 24 carries. But those two turnovers were killers. And with everything that went wrong for the Cavaliers in the game that allowed VA Tech to escape with the win, UVA fans were probably wondering if they were <i>ever </i>going to beat Tech again.<br />
It was much happier times for Perkins after the Week 4 win over Louisville. After he passed for 2 TD and rushed for 1 and accounted for 275 yards of total offense, young fans battle to catch his gloves (right photo) after he tosses them to them as he heads in toward the tunnel and back to the locker room. I thought I'd include this shot so you could get a great look at Perkins' dreads, which certainly have no shortage in the number of locks. You don't see many players with this many locks anymore these days, and I wish we did.<br />
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94. It was even happier times after Virginia's season ended with a victory in a bowl game for the first time in 13 years. <b>Bryce Perkins</b> passed for 208 yards and 3 TD and rushed for 81 yards and the UVA defense pitched a shutout in the 28-0 victory over South Carolina. On the podium for the postgame celebration Perkins discarded the rubberband he had around his dreads during the game and gives them a little shake, which the Virginia Facebook photographer was alert enough to catch (photo on right). You can also see Bryce's dreads in motion briefly at the very end of this video of Virginia's highlights from the game: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfKzC2djtKs" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfKzC2djtKs</a><br />
After the fans in the stadium clear out the celebration is still on as Perkins, with trophy in hand, poses with senior WR Olamide Zaccheaus (photo above), who decides not to display the smaller trophy he won for being named the game's MVP. Zaccheaus caught 12 of the 22 passes Perkins completed for 100 yards and all 3 TD. Zaccheaus, by the way, scored 2 TD in his 2019 rookie season for the Falcons.<br />
As for UVA in 2019, their 9-5 record was only slightly better than their 8-5 mark in 2018. But that's very deceptive. The 2019 season was so much more satisfying because it included the Cavs' first victory over Virginia Tech in 16 years, their first ever appearance in the ACC championship game, the first ever appearance in the Orange Bowl, and their first appearance in a major bowl in 29 years. After Perkins passed for 22 TD and a school record 3,538 yards and rushed for 769 yards and 11 TD to earn 2nd team All-ACC honors, NFL scouts reacted with a collective yawn. He was not invited to the Senior Bowl nor the NFL Combine. So if he's going to join his brother, Paul, in the league and become the first quarterback with dreads in the league, he's got his work cut out for him. My opinion? Well, his throwing motion is kind of funny looking, and he certainly doesn't have a rocket for an arm. But still, it will be a huge disappointment if he doesn't get picked in the upcoming NFL Draft. Mobile quarterbacks are more in demand in the NFL now than they have been in the past, and Perkins should at least be able to earn a backup position somewhere. His college coach thinks so, which is mentioned in these two recent articles about his preparation for the Draft.<br />
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<a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/04/02/nfl-draft-former-virginia-footall-qb-bryce-perkins-wants-shot-nfl/5111714002/" target="_blank">https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/04/02/nfl-draft-former-virginia-footall-qb-bryce-perkins-wants-shot-nfl/5111714002/</a><br />
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<a href="https://jerryratcliffe.com/perkins-had-superstar-written-all-over-him-from-the-first-time-he-set-foot-at-uva/" target="_blank">https://jerryratcliffe.com/perkins-had-superstar-written-all-over-him-from-the-first-time-he-set-foot-at-uva/</a><br />
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Remember that last quote from that article ..... "I know I will be a great quarterback for someone in the league." Well, Bryce, talk is cheap. SHOW US! ..... And while you do, don't ever let anybody talk you into cutting off your dreads.<br />
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We're coming into the home stretch of Part 2 of DG177. From here on it's back to nothing but photos of dread duels ..... starting with the section on <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> .....<br />
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95. Due to injuries and the inconsistencies of the NFL schedule WR<b> Larry Fitzgerald</b> and CB <b>Desmond Trufant</b> hadn't faced each other since Trufant's rookie season in 2013 before taking the field at Atlanta for this battle of the birds in Week 15. And it didn't take long for them to get reacquainted. After making the catch on a WR screen pass on the first snap of the Cardinals' opening drive, Fitzgerald encounters Trufant 6 yards beyond the line of scrimmage at the Arizona 42-yard line. Way back in their first meeting Trufant grabbed Fitzgerald's facemask the first time he tackled him (the only facemask penalty of his career); but this time Desmond simply tries to strip the ball from him before making the tackle at the 44 for a gain of 8. The drive ended with a TD 7 plays later for an early 7-0 lead. The Falcons then went on a 40-0 run before the Cardinals scored again. With dreads appearing to be only slightly longer than they were 5 years earlier, Fitzgerald caught 7 passes for 82 yards. With his dreads way longer than they were 5 years earlier, Trufant finished with 3 tackles (3-0) as the Falcons ended their 5-game losing streak, smashing the Cardinals 40-14.<br />
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96. <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> didn't get any separation on his route against CB <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> on this play; but after keeping his body between Griffin and the ball, he is able to make the catch and convert a key 3rd and 5 on the last play before the 1st half 2-minute warning in Week 4. As you can see Larry doesn't have control of the ball yet, and actually it looked like the ground helped him gain full possession of the ball; but the officials gave him the benefit of the doubt, and the Seahawks didn't challenge. After his 6-yard reception to the Seattle 18-yard line, Fitzgerald gets up and celebrates alongside WR <b>Chad Williams</b> (right photo) while Griffin walks away. 2 plays later the Cardinals scored a TD to take a 10-7 lead. Larry finished with just 3 catches for 28 yards (on 7 targets). Griffin finished with 4 tackles (3-1), including 1 TFL, with this play the only time he tackled Fitzgerald. The Seahawks improved to 5-0-1 in their last 6 road games against the Cardinals with a last-second 20-17 victory.<br />
Bizarre fact: The series between the Cardinals and Seahawks has been very fan <i>un</i>friendly in recent years. Including 2019 the home team has won only 2 of the last 14 meetings between the teams.<br />
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97. Early in the 4th quarter in Week 8 CB <b>Richard Sherman</b> reaches around<b> Larry Fitzgerald </b>trying to break up a deep pass on 1st and 10, but Larry stays focused on the ball and makes the leaping catch at the 49ers' 26-yard line for a 37-yard gain, his biggest gain of the season. And the comeback was on. Two plays later Fitzgerald made a 13-yard TD catch (without Sherman covering him) to cut the 49ers' lead to 15-10. Then late in the 4th quarter Larry had receptions of 11 (on 3rd and 10) and 20 yards on back-to-back plays during a 73-yard drive that ended with a TD with 39 seconds to play. Larry then made the catch for the 2-point conversion to give the Cardinals a 3-point lead and make the 49ers' final drive a little less stressful for Cardinals fans. Fitzgerald finished with 8 catches for 102 yards, making his only appearance of the season on the dread stars list, to help the Cardinals to an 18-15 home win over the 49ers. Here are Larry's highlights from the game: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBBN3Szjt3M" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBBN3Szjt3M</a><br />
With both teams already almost out of the playoff picture, Sherman can manage a smile as he poses with Fitzgerald after the game. Thanks to their ability (fortune?) to be mostly healthy, this was the 14th time they've faced each other (out of a possible 16 games) during their careers - the first 12 while Sherman was with the Seahawks and the last 2 during Sherman's first season with the 49ers. After this game, a headline from the SF Chronicle called their meeting a "matchup for the aged" - not ages, haha. For their two meetings in 2018 Litzgerald was 35 years old and Sherman 30. The two had two more meetings in 2019 and are planning on another two this year.<br />
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98. The first player with dreads to tackle <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> in 2018 was S <b>D.J. Swearinger</b> on Larry's 27-yard reception early in the 3rd quarter (the Cardinals' 3rd first down of the game) in Week 1. Then later in the 3rd Swearinger and Fitzgerald meet again, with D.J. coming in low to hit Larry and knock him off his feet after a catch over the middle on 1st and 10, holding him to a gain of 7. Larry had another 27-yard reception 3 plays later, but the drive ended with an INT 2 plays after that. Fitzgerald was the game's leading receiver, beginning his 15th NFL season with 7 catches for 76 yards. Swearinger tied with 4 other players for the team lead in tackles with 5 (5-0) and had 1 PBU. The Redskins rolled to an easy road victory, doubling up the Cardinals in total yards 429-213 and winning 24-6. <br />
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99. With the Colts leading the Redskins by 11 early in the 3rd quarter QB Andrew Luck should never have thrown into double coverage on 3rd and 10, but <b>D.J. Swearinger</b> was glad he did. Reading Luck's eyes, Swearinger breaks on the ball and beats <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> to the spot where the pass was thrown, then hangs on as Hilton tries to knock the ball out of his hands and prevent the interception. Swearinger didn't exactly run in a straight line on his return, and that allowed Hilton to get up off the ground and make the tackle at the Indy 29-yard line after a 7-yard return. It was D.J.'s 2nd INT of the game and, the same as with the first one, it led to a Redskins FG. T.Y. finished with 7 catches for 83 yards and 1 TD, while D.J. had 4 tackles (4-0) in addition to the 2 picks, making the first of his 2 appearances on the dread stars list. The Colts 3 TD were greater than the Redskins 3 FG, with the 21-9 final score leaving both teams with 1-1 records. <br />
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100. Midway through the 2nd quarter in Week 16 <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> wins this duel against an NFC East DB with dreads, beating CB <b>Janoris Jenkins</b> on a stop-and-go route on 1st and 10, making a fantastic over-the-shoulder fingertip catch (photo above) and then securing control of the ball while getting both feet inbounds (photo on right) before going out of bounds at the Giants' 15-yard line. Beautiful! The 25-yard reception was by far the biggest gain on a 12-play, 78-yard drive. 4 plays later the Colts got on the board with a TD to cut the Giants' lead to 14-7. Jenkins played all 67 defensive snaps and finished with 2 tackles (2-0) and 1 PBU. Hilton made the last of his 5 appearances on the dread stars list, finishing with 7 catches for 138 yards. The Colts didn't lead until scoring a TD with 55 seconds left in the game, but they kept their playoff hopes alive, improving to 9-6 with a 28-27 home win over the Giants.<br />
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101. In a wild 2nd quarter in Week 14 RB <b>Brandon Bolden</b> scored 2 touchdowns 6 minutes apart against his former team, both of which gave the Dolphins a 1-point lead over the Patriots. In between those two was this one. After faking an out route on 1st and 10, WR <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> runs a deep post and has S <b>Walt Aikens</b> beaten by 2 yards as he catches QB Tom Brady's <i>almost</i> perfect pass in stride at the 5-yard line (photo above) (if it had been perfect, Patterson wouldn't have had to make the catch with his arms fully extended). By the time Aikens catches up to Patterson and tries to strip the ball (photo on right), it's too little and way too late, as CP is already halfway through the end zone. The 37-yard reception was Patterson's 5th and last TD of the season and his second biggest gain of the season from scrimmage (the biggest was his 55-yard TD catch in the first meeting with the Dolphins). Cordarrelle finished with 2 catches for 51 yards and 1 kickoff return for 30 yards. In 32 snaps (5 defense, 27 special teams) Aikens finished with 1 tackle (1-0). On a muggy, 82-degree afternoon the Patriots fell to 3-4 on the road with a mind-boggling 34-33 loss to the Dolphins.<br />
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102.<b> Cordarrelle Patterson</b> played only 4 snaps on offense in the Super Bowl, but he certainly can't complain that he was used as a decoy. No, he touched the ball on all 4 snaps ..... although on this play he probably wishes he hadn't. Early in the 2nd quarter the Rams' defense isn't fooled on a jet sweep on 1st and 10, and Patterson has to elude two defenders even before getting to the line of scrimmage. After the second one he then is immediately wrapped up LB <b>Mark Barron</b> and DT Ndamukong Suh (#93) at the Rams' 28-yard line, with LB <b>Cory Littleton</b> and S John Johnson coming in late to lend a hand, after a 1-yard gain. 3 plays later the Patriots kicked a FG for the first points of the game.<br />
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103. <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> had another close encounter with <b>Mark Barron</b> later in the 2nd quarter, on the first play after the 2-minute warning. After catching a pass in the left flat on 1st and 10 Patterson has both Barron and CB Marcus Peters (to the right of Barron but not in the left photo) in his way and decides to just go straight ahead and get as many yards as he can. The collision (right photo) knocks Barron back about a yard, and he and Peters make the stop at the LA 46-yard line for a gain of 5. 3 plays later Cordarrelle had his biggest gain of the game from scrimmage, a 9-yard reception on 3rd and 10, but the drive ended with an incomplete pass on 4th and 1 on the next play. Patterson finished with 2 carries for 7 yards rushing and 2 catches for 14 yards, plus that 38-yard kickoff return we saw earlier. Barron had 8 tackles (3-5) and 1 PBU. In the lowest scoring Super Bowl ever, Super Bowl 53 went to the Patriots, 13-3 over the Rams.<br />
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104. After taking the handoff on 1st and goal in the 1st quarter at Detroit in Week 1, RB <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> sees the hole he wants to go through and heads forward at the 6-yard line, eventually making it into the end zone for the Jets' 1st touchdown of the season. If you haven't figured it out, there's nothing special about this shot ... except that there are 5 players with dreads in it. To the right of Crowell in the photo is G <b>James Carpenter</b> throwing his block, to the right of that you see OT <b>Brandon Shell</b> (#72) making his block with a forearm to the helmet of DT <b>Ricky Jean Francois</b>, and on the far left TE Neal Sterling is blocking/holding/touching the dreads of LB <b>Jalen Reeves-Maybin</b>.<br />
Carpenter and Shell played all 60 snaps for the Jets' offense, which gained 349 yards and scored 4 TD. Jean Francois had 4 tackles (3-1) in 56 total snaps, while Reeves-Maybin had no stats in his 44 snaps on the field. And Crowell made the dread stars list, rushing for 102 yards and 2 TD on 10 carries. The Jets set a new franchise record for their most points ever in a road game in the 48-17 blowout over the Lions. <br />
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105. Before they had their violent collision in the 4th quarter (see photo #79), <b>Alvin Kamara</b> and <b>Jaylon Smith</b> had an even more important encounter on this play during the 2nd quarter of the Saints-Cowboys game in Week 13. On 3rd and goal from the 4-yard line Kamara makes the catch in the left flat and makes CB Byron Jones miss at the 5-yard line; but Smith comes to the rescue. Sprinting from the hash mark toward the sideline as soon as the pass is thrown, Smith arrives in time, lunging at Kamara and dropping him at the 1. The drive, which began at the Dallas 39 after a turnover, ended on the next play with the Cowboys still leading 10-0 after Kamara was stopped for no gain on 4th down. Smith played all 52 snaps on defense and finished with 9 tackles (6-3) as the Cowboys' D held the Saints to a season low 176 total yards (the Saints' second lowest total all season was 270). Kamara finished with 36 yards rushing on 11 carries and 36 yards receiving on 8 catches and had 3 punt returns for 17 yards. Leading 13-0 at the half, the Cowboys hung on to defeat the Saints 13-10.<br />
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106. Late in the 1st quarter at London in Week 7 WR <b>Mike Williams</b> gets the ball on a reverse on 1st and 10 and, after doing well to avoid being tackled for a 5-yard loss, gets back to the line of scrimmage but begins to lose his balance (photo above) as S <b>Kendrick Lewis</b> moves in. Williams stumbles forward and would have gone down on his own, but Lewis slams into him (photo on right) and makes sure he's down. Mike gains 3 yards to the Titans' 11, but 3 plays later the Chargers settle for a FG, increasing their lead to 10-3. On the only other time Williams touched the ball he burned Lewis for a 55-yard TD catch in the 3rd quarter. In the starting lineup due to an injury to Kenny Vaccaro, Kendrick played all 44 snaps on defense and finished with 4 tackles (3-1). The Titans scored a TD with 31 seconds to play but failed on the ensuing 2-point conversion, allowing the Chargers to escape with the victory in their home-away-from-home game 20-19.<br />
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107. Back in photo #80 we saw <b>Alex Collins</b> almost have his dreads tackled on the Ravens' opening drive in Week 6. Well, 3 plays after that one it's <b>Kendrick Lewis</b>' turn to chase Collins. On 1st and 10 from the 50-yard line Collins catches a backwards pass and heads around left end. The Ravens have no one to block Lewis, who flies forward after lining up 15 yards deep in the secondary. Kendrick arrives before Alex can make it all the way around the corner and forces him to go out of bounds after a 4-yard gain. As mentioned in photo #80, the drive ended with a TD. Although Collins rushed for only 54 yards on 19 carries, he was the game's leading rusher; and he scored 2 of the game's 3 touchdowns. Lewis, playing 52 of 76 defensive snaps, finished with 6 tackles (3-3). Held to just 106 total yards (their fewest in a game in 29 years), the Titans lost at home to the Ravens 21-0.<br />
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108. On the 4th play of the Eagles' 2nd half opening drive in Week 4 <b>Kendrick Lewis</b> gives a great demonstration of how not to tackle RB <b>Jay Ajayi</b>. After taking the handoff on a sweep to the left on 1st and 10 and cutting to his right and through a hole, Ajayi encounters the unblocked Lewis 3 yards past the line of scrimmage. Ajayi makes a move back to the outside trying to elude Lewis and Lewis hardly slows him down, ending up with a very tenuous grip on Ajayi's arm. You know what comes next. The Jay Train breaks the tackle attempt, leaving Kendrick on his belly on the turf, and keeps on going for another 15 yards before being knocked out of bounds. Fortunately for Lewis there was a holding penalty on the Eagles on the play, so Ajayi got credit for only 2 yards, and the next play was a 1st and 18. Despite two more holding penalties the drive still ended up with a TD, on an Alshon Jeffery 16-yard reception on 3rd and goal. That gave the Eagles a 17-3 lead ... which they could not hold. Ajayi and Lewis both had their dreads flowing at full blast, but unfortunately I couldn't find any other pictures of them together. Playing 48 of 78 snaps on defense, Lewis finished with 3 tackles (3-0). Ajayi gained 81 total yards (70 rushing, 11 receiving) on 18 touches. The Titans twice came from behind to win a thriller in Nashville, scoring a TD with 11 seconds remaining in overtime (I don't know why the official box score says there were 5 seconds left) to defeat the Eagles 26-23. <br />
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109. There were some duels involving players with sick dreads during the preseason, although this shot would have looked a lot better if S <b>Dezmen Southward</b> didn't have his dreads reduced. During the 3rd quarter of the preseason opener Bills WR <b>Kaelin Clay</b> runs a route just past the first down marker on 3rd and 4 and makes the catch for a 6-yard gain, with Southward getting credit for his only tackle of the game at the Bills' 37-yard line (the invisible player with his arms around Clay, LB Jared Norris, did not get credit for a tackle). Southward also had a PBU in the game. Clay had 2 catches for 12 yards against his former team. The Bills won 28-23. Both Clay and Southward were released at the end of training camp. Clay was picked up by the Giants and played a couple of games early in the season before suffering an injury and being released again. Southward spent time on the Panthers practice squad but was not active for any games.<br />
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110. WR <b>Geremy Davis</b> and S <b>Travell Dixon</b>, both with their long dreads reduced, had (at least) these two encounters during the 2nd half of the preseason opener between the Chargers and Cardinals. Late in the 3rd quarter Dixon doesn't have the coverage on Davis and arrives far too late to prevent the TD (left photo) after Davis makes a leaping catch on 3rd and 19 for a highlight-reel 47-yard TD: <a href="https://www.chargers.com/video/can-t-miss-play-geremy-davis-gets-up-for-head-turning-td" target="_blank">https://www.chargers.com/video/can-t-miss-play-geremy-davis-gets-up-for-head-turning-td</a> ..... That cut the Cardinals' lead to 14-10. Then on the 3rd play of the Chargers' next drive (and the first play of the 4th quarter) Davis puts in his bid for another TD; but after making the catch over the middle at the 15-yard line on 1st and 10, his progress is abruptly halted when Dixon slams into him (right photo) at the 11. In slow motion this was a clean tackle; but since it was such a big hit, the officials felt obligated to throw a flag, claiming that Dixon initiated contact with his helmet. Uh, no he didn't. The 18-yard reception plus the penalty moved the ball to the 6, and the Chargers took the lead with a TD on the next play. Davis was one of the stars of the game, finishing with 4 catches for 88 yards. This tackle was Dixon's only stat in 21 total snaps on the field. The Cardinals came back to win 24-17.<br />
Davis made the team and played his 4th NFL season, appearing in a career high 14 games in 2018; but his career stats include many more tackles than receptions, which isn't exactly what you're hoping for if you're a WR. When they are not reduced, Dixon's dreads would arguably be the best in the league (just check out some of the videos on his Instagram page) .... <i>if</i> we were in the league. Sadly he was released at the end of the preseason and hasn't been heard from since.<br />
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111. WR <b>Keon Hatcher</b> is just like <b>Travell Dixon</b> - awesome dreads when they're not reduced, and just can't seem to make a team's roster. Here during preseason Week 3 Hatcher runs an out route on 3rd and 13 and makes the catch right at the first down marker, with CB <b>Donatello Brown</b> making his only tackle of the night at the Green Bay 40-yard line to prevent any further damage. The 15-yard reception was the biggest play on the game-winning 68-yard drive, which ended with the game's only TD 4 plays later. Hatcher finished with 2 catches for 34 yards in the Raiders' 13-6 home win over the Packers. Brown, who played 4 games late in the 2017 season, was cut from the roster 2 weeks later and has not been in the league since. The Raiders probably wanted to cut Hatcher; but after he followed this game with an 8-catch, 128-yard, 3-TD performance in the preseason finale, they would have looked like fools if they had let him go. So he made his NFL debut against the Rams on Monday Night Football and played 16 snaps, all on special teams. <i>Then</i> they cut him. After spending times on the practice squads of the Lions and Packers, Keon ended up back with the Raiders later in the season - and made his 1st career reception in Week 12 against the Ravens. But in 2019 he was back to doing time on practice squads, and he finished the season (and currently is still on) the Jets' roster. <br />
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112. On the first play after the 2-minute warning before halftime in Week 12 WR <b>Robby Anderson</b> goes up to catch a deep pass from QB Josh McCown on 1st and 10, but he's got a better chance of catching CB <b>Stephon Gilmore</b>'s dreads than the ball. Gilmore has him blanketed to begin with; but with the pass being underthrown, it makes it even easier for Gilmore to get the INT, his 2nd of the season. At least Anderson made the tackle at the 2-yard line, and that turned out to be big, because the Jets were able to get the ball back and they tied the game with a FG just before the half ended. Robby finished with only 2 catches (on 5 targets) for 22 yards. Gilmore played all 64 snaps on defense and had 1 tackle (0-1) and 2 PBU in addition to his pick. The Jets gave the Patriots a run for their money until coming up empty on all 3 of their drives in the 4th quarter, and the Patriots won 27-13.<br />
I see that Anderson recently left the Jets in free agency, joining his former college coach, who just became coach of the Panthers. And I bet he won't miss playing the Patriots twice every year. In his 8 career games vs. New England (all Jets losses) Robby has 16 catches for 179 yards and 0 TD. That's an average of 2 catches for 22 yards per game. Aggregately by game (including 2019) his yardage totals were 34, 0, 76 (Gilmore missed that game with an injury), 2, 22, 24, 11, and 10. Wow. <br />
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113. Back in Week 9 the WR and QB <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> faced were much better than those for the Jets. But the results were pretty much the same, as Packers Pro Bowl WR <b>Davante Adams</b> had his least productive game of the season. Gilmore's most impressive moment was in the 1st quarter. On the 13th play of the Packers' opening drive Adams runs an out route from the slot on 2nd and goal from the 14-yard line and Gilmore stays with him, reaching in and not letting him catch the ball (left photo) along the left sideline in the end zone. It was Gilmore's only PBU of the night. The Packers settled for a FG 2 plays later, cutting the Patriots' lead to 7-3. Then early in the 2nd quarter the shoe is on the other foot, as Adams has to reach in and break up a left sideline pass (right photo) that would have been intercepted by Gilmore 25 yards downfield near the New England 45. Not fooled at all by Adams' out and up double move on 2nd and 4, Gilmore is in better position to make the catch, and Adams' becomes the defender to prevent the turnover. The Packers punted 2 plays later, keeping the score at 10-3 .....<br />
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114. On the 5th play of the Packers' next drive Adams catches a short pass in front of soft coverage by Gilmore on 1st and 10, and Stephon comes up and tries to wrap Adams up at the New England 35-yard line (right photo). But Davante doesn't go down easily and tries to spin out of Gilmore's grasp (left photo), and does for a second. Gilmore stayed on his feet, however, and got Adams on the ground on his second attempt at the 34, one yard short of the first down. The drive ended 9 plays later with Adams making his 7th TD catch of the season to tie the game at 10 .... on a play where Gilmore was all the way over on the other side of the field covering someone else.<br />
After being held to 1 catch (on 2 targets) for 8 yards in the 2nd half, Adams got so frustrated that he and Gilmore nearly came to blows after a play with 6 minutes remaining in the game. Adams played 71 and Gilmore 72 of the 74 snaps the Packers' offense was on the field. Davante finished with 6 catches (none went for more than 10 yards) for a season low 40 yards. Stephon had 3 tackles (3-0), 1 PBU, and also recovered a fumble by RB <b>Aaron Jones</b> for a huge turnover on the first play of the 4th quarter. The Patriots outscored the Packers 14-0 in the 4th quarter to win 31-17. Here's a video of some of the duel between Adams and Gilmore: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9MvaJFl7XQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9MvaJFl7XQ</a><br />
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115. By <b>Davante Adams</b>' own admission his favorite highlight of the season came on this play early in the 4th quarter on Thursday night in Week 11 - "the bomb in Seattle." - mostly because of the degree of difficulty of it. After getting beat at the line of scrimmage on 3rd and 9, CB <b>Shaquill Griffin</b>, with his dreads reduced, chases Adams all the way down the field on a go route. As the ball arrives, Griffin finally catches up to Adams enough to grab his left arm, but Adams somehow makes the over-the-shoulder catch anyway, trapping the ball between his right hand and chest before going down at the 17-yard line for a 57-yard gain. Even though it was pass interference on Griffin, no flag was thrown, so Adams had to make the catch. Unfortunately for him the Packers had to settle for a FG 4 plays later, increasing their lead to 24-20. The Seahawks then went 75 yards on the ensuing drive for the winning TD.<br />
This was Adams' biggest gain of the season and one of 10 catches he had in this game, which went for a career high 166 yards. And it's the featured highlight in this video (done after the season) proclaiming Davante as the 35th best player in the league: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb24rJucn8g" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb24rJucn8g</a><br />
Adams topped 100 catches and 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, finishing 2018 with 111 catches for 1,386 yards, 64 first downs, and 13 TD and made the Pro Bowl for the 2nd year in a row. Interestingly the Packers missed the playoffs in both of those years. <br />
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116. Good defense or bad blocking, call it what you want, but S <b>Tre Boston</b> was one of three Cardinals in the backfield quickly here on 2nd and 3 on the 4th play of the Packers' 2nd half opening drive in Week 13. Going for his 1st TFL of the season, Boston fails to wrap up RB <b>Aaron</b> <b>Jones</b> 4 yards behind the line of scrimmage at the Green Bay 48. Jones gets away but retreats even further into the backfield before eventually being tackled by two other players with dreads, DE <b>Markus Golden</b> and DT <b>Robert Nkemdiche</b> at the 46, with the officials very generously spotting the ball at the 47 for a loss of 5. The Packers punted 2 plays later. Boston played 81 snaps (all 76 on defense, 5 on special teams) and finished with 4 tackles (4-0). Jones was held to a (to that point of the season) season low 36 yards on 11 carries and had 4 catches for 16 yards and scored his 8th TD of the season. The Packers, a 13-point favorite, lost to the Cardinals 20-17. It was the Cardinals' first road win against the Packers in 69 years, snapping a streak of 9 losses that began in 1955, when the franchise was located in ... no, not St. Louis but in Chicago. And they did it on a windy, 34-degree day at that. No wonder the Packers fired Coach McCarthy a couple of hours after the game was over. <br />
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117. A little earlier in the same Week 10 game that <b>Tremon</b> <b>Smith</b> got yanked down by his dreads (photo #87) ...... no, <b>Tre</b> <b>Boston</b> didn't get his dreads grabbed, but he did have this do or die encounter with RB <b>Kareem Hunt </b>in the 2nd quarter. After taking the handoff on 2nd and 10, Hunt is already 10 yards past the line of scrimmage when he finds Boston in his way. If Tre doesn't make the tackle, or at least slow Hunt down, it's going to be a TD. Kareem makes a move trying to elude Boston, but Tre isn't faked out and hits Hunt at the KC 38-yard line. Kareem, of course, is very difficult to tackle one-on-one and nearly breaks away. But while lying on the ground, Tre wraps up Kareem's legs and gets him down at the 44 after a 17-yard gain. The drive ended 7 plays later with <b>Tyreek Hill</b>'s 2nd TD catch of the game, upping the Chiefs' lead to 20-7. Boston finished with 4 tackles (3-1), while Hunt barely missed making the dread stars list with 96 total yards (71 rushing, 25 receiving). With their showdown against the Rams up next on the schedule, the Chiefs were a bit flat for this one vs, the 2-6 Cardinals. Favored by 16, the Chiefs won by only 12, 26-14.<br />
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118. What looks like will be a good play turns into a disaster for Raiders WR <b>Martavis Bryant</b> here late in the 2nd quarter in Week 5. On the first play from scrimmage after a TD by the Chargers gave them a 10-3 lead Bryant makes the catch over the middle 13 yards downfield at the 38-yard line in front of the coverage of CB <b>Michael Davis</b>. Bryant eludes Davis and then bounces off a hit by S <b>Derwin James</b> (#33), leaving him in the dust at the 42; but Martavis doesn't see the next defender, LB Jatavis Brown (#57), coming in from behind, and the lunging Brown strips the ball from him at the 46. By the time Bryant stops and turns around, S <b>Jahleel</b> <b>Addae</b>, with dreads flapping, already is zeroing in on the loose ball .....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4Pw30WLFRMk6Tn3Ai0Lh_6GpM3-90di49CSgRbFsfjk1xK3TjIxhS6FS5MWSOsQoi8dsLTViqiT6TgJ1rOSnTHiOZnfDG5jbeCfyMsMF-V3b8HgN0__mLvGdpWfswaK2GPpwJpMRLY0/s1600/NFL18--OCT.+7--P101A++OAK-LAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4Pw30WLFRMk6Tn3Ai0Lh_6GpM3-90di49CSgRbFsfjk1xK3TjIxhS6FS5MWSOsQoi8dsLTViqiT6TgJ1rOSnTHiOZnfDG5jbeCfyMsMF-V3b8HgN0__mLvGdpWfswaK2GPpwJpMRLY0/s320/NFL18--OCT.+7--P101A++OAK-LAC.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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119. ..... All Bryant can do is watch helplessly as Addae makes no mistake, dropping on the ball for the FR at the Oakland 48-yard line and then finishing the play by doing Deion Sanders' famous celebration dance: <a href="https://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000971253/Jahleel-Addae-recovers-Bryant-s-fumble-in-open-field" target="_blank">https://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000971253/Jahleel-Addae-recovers-Bryant-s-fumble-in-open-field</a><br />
Even if Bryant had not fumbled the ball, the play would not have counted because he was flagged for offensive pass interference, as he shoved Davis away from him at the end of his route and didn't get away with it. But with the fumble, the Chargers happily declined the penalty. 6 plays later a Melvin Gordon TD run upped LA's lead to 17-3.<br />
Even with the fumble, it was still Martavis' best game in a Raiders uniform, as he contributed receptions of 23 and 47 yards on Oakland's only two scoring drives. He finished with 3 catches for 91 yards. The only Chargers defender to play all 53 snaps, Addae recorded 4 tackles (4-0) in addition to the FR. The Chargers won 26-10.<br />
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While I was searching for the video of this play, I stumbled on a video featuring Addae that had me kicking myself. And after seeing it, I knew I would have included it in DG176 if I had known about it then. That was the DG of the Chargers-Giants game in 2017. Jahleel was mic'd up for that game, and the video made from that was posted on the Chargers' website and YouTube channel. So instead of including it in DG176 after the fact (where you might not see it), here it is now. Jahleel's dreads never looked better, as he had them almost completely unleashed for that game: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRfi0YLtkdI" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRfi0YLtkdI</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUl_2cWhNAg0OeTOLXf2-cPA0cloC8_H-vMKmGYuk66KjaF_IN-y7Ud2RvpI0zuulz3NwqRtAjnzaWdvHzbiIec4a88_OYWMObXzde0DuJxOxRIsYb_YlB3ZpDyGNHMkVXTsykWzXGVI/s1600/NFL18--OCT.+14--P39G++SEA-OAK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUl_2cWhNAg0OeTOLXf2-cPA0cloC8_H-vMKmGYuk66KjaF_IN-y7Ud2RvpI0zuulz3NwqRtAjnzaWdvHzbiIec4a88_OYWMObXzde0DuJxOxRIsYb_YlB3ZpDyGNHMkVXTsykWzXGVI/s320/NFL18--OCT.+14--P39G++SEA-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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120. Shutterstock.com has 5 different photos of this dread duel (they all look almost exactly alike) and for one of them their caption begins "Battle of the Dreadlocks" and for another it begins "Hair wars". Indeed the dreads of WR <b>Dwayne Harris</b> and CB <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> are the featured attraction on this play during the 2nd quarter between the Seahawks and Raiders at Wembley Stadium in Week 6. After faking like he was going to block, Harris catches a short pass on a bootleg by QB Derek Carr; and the first defender he encounters is Griffin 3 yards past the line of scrimmage. They collide, and their dreads go flying.<br />
This play certainly didn't make Griffin's highlight reel. He bounced off Harris and went down as if he had run into a brick wall. Dwayne continued forward and bounced off two more defenders before S <b>Bradley McDougald</b> knocked the ball out of his hands from behind. The ball landed out of bounds at the Oakland 21-yard line and was marked back at the 17, where Harris fumbled, giving him a gain of 7. Dwayne wasn't feeling too good after being hit 4 times and was visibly ailing on the sideline after the play. The drive ended 10 plays later when Carr was stopped short on a QB sneak on 4th and 1. This was the only time Harris touched the ball in the game (I'm not including his 1 fair catch of a punt); and as mentioned earlier (photo #6) 2 of Griffin's 3 tackles were stops of <b>Marshawn Lynch</b>. In a season full of bad performances this was one of the Raiders' worst. They were held to a season low 185 yards in their 27-3 loss to the Seahawks.House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-60937031716487158982019-11-03T06:19:00.000-06:002019-12-24T16:17:09.409-06:002018 NFL House Calls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2Uj8YSef57J91aMG856NLuHdhWw1ttoRXMH2_GcEMpRt3Y-QX5R-3QApvQ9ljSc26FxgXc7TTl-omgmR0Ntz1PhEnBF2L4KeynhsPrO_xX6Mr3_4khdsJFy2d1rm5gi5yLT2HAPJ4ik/s1600/NFL18--OCT.+7--P72++LAR-SEA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="990" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf2Uj8YSef57J91aMG856NLuHdhWw1ttoRXMH2_GcEMpRt3Y-QX5R-3QApvQ9ljSc26FxgXc7TTl-omgmR0Ntz1PhEnBF2L4KeynhsPrO_xX6Mr3_4khdsJFy2d1rm5gi5yLT2HAPJ4ik/s320/NFL18--OCT.+7--P72++LAR-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a>The parade of trips to the end zone by NFL players last season may not have been unending, but it sure lasted a long time. Longer than ever, in fact. The total of 1,371 touchdowns scored during the 2018 regular season were the most ever, smashing the old record, which was set in 2013, by 33 touchdowns. How many of those 1,371 were scored by players with dreads? I'm glad you asked, because that's what this post is all about. For the record 259 of the 1,371, or 18.9%, were scored by 60 different players with dreads. The 259 house calls, an average of slightly more than one per game, are also a new record; and the 18.9% is a nice increase from 17.9% in 2017. A little later we'll take a look at some photos and videos of several of them.<br />
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Los Angeles Rams RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> certainly had plenty to smile about. Again. Shown in the photo above making his exit after his 3-touchdown day at Seattle in Week 5, Gurley for the second consecutive season led everyone - that's with or without dreads - in individual touchdowns.<br />
<a name='more'></a>His 21 trips to the house in 2018 were two more than he made the previous year; and he scored them in just 14 games, as he sat out the last 2 games of the season to rest his ailing knee. He took at least one to the house in each of the Rams' first 10 games of the year and in 12 of his 14 games, with only the Chiefs (surprisingly) in Week 11 and the Bears (not surprisingly) in Week 14 able to keep him out of the end zone. Gurley's scoring spree helped the Rams finish with a 13-3 record (tied with the New Orleans Saints for best in the league) and it foiled my crystal ball's prediction that RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b> of the Saints would dethrone him as the player with dreads with the most touchdowns. Alvin certainly gave Todd a run for his money before coming up 3 short with 18.<br />
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There were 9 players with dreads who scored 10 or more touchdowns, including all 6 who also hit double figures in 2017. 7 players who didn't have dreads in 2017 and got them started in 2018 accounted for 20 touchdowns, led by Falcons WR <b>Julio Jones</b> with 8. There were 11 defensive touchdowns by players with dreads - one each by 11 different players. And the 259 total TD by players with dreads were achieved with very little help from the 2018 class of rookies with dreads, as 6 rookies scored but combined for only 11 TD.<br />
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With Sammy Watkins no longer his teammate (and it wouldn't have mattered anyway even if he was because he cut off his dreads), Gurley was unable to lead the Rams to a repeat of the team crown for the most touchdowns by players with dreads. The Rams' total of 22 (down from 27 in 2017) was surpassed by the Packers with 26, the Chargers with 27, and the new king, the Kansas City Chiefs with 33. The Packers were the team having the highest percentage of their touchdowns scored by players with dreads at 63.4% (26 of 41). The Texans dropped from 25 TD (2nd place) by players with dreads in 2017 to only 19 in 2018 but repeated as the team that had the most players with dreads to take at least one to the house. Rookie S <b>Justin Reid</b> joined the same 5 players who scored in 2017 to make a total of 6 for 2018.<br />
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Obviously with the Chiefs and Chargers in the same division, the AFC West had no trouble defending its crown as the division to have the most TD scored by players with dreads. 13 players with dreads combined to score 68 touchdowns (!), 18 more than in 2017 and a whopping 27 more than the next closest division. Unfortunately there were 4 NFL teams that had none of their touchdowns scored by players with dreads - the Bears (again), Bengals (again), Browns, and Jaguars. Joining the fun after being shutout in 2017 were the Cowboys, Dolphins, 49ers, and Patriots.<br />
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Here now is the entire list of players with dreads who scored touchdowns during 2018.<br />
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<b>21</b><br />
<b>Todd Gurley </b>(LAR)<br />
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<b>18</b><br />
<b>Alvin Kamara </b>(NO)<br />
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<b>14</b><br />
<b>Melvin Gordon </b>(LAC)<br />
<b>Tyreek Hill </b>(KC)<br />
<b>Kareem Hunt </b>(KC)<br />
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<b>13</b><br />
<b>Davante Adams</b> (GB) (his 15-yard TD catch vs. the Vikings in Week 12 in photo below) <br />
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<b>12</b><br />
<b>Derrick Henry</b> (TENN)<br />
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<b>11</b><br />
<b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> (HOU)<br />
<b>Mike Williams</b> (LAC)<br />
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<b>9</b><br />
<b>Aaron Jones</b> (GB)<br />
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<b>8</b><br />
<b>Alex Collins</b> (BAL)<br />
<b>Julio Jones</b> (ATL)<br />
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<b>6</b><br />
<b>Robby Anderson</b> (NYJ)<br />
<b>Isaiah Crowell</b> (NYJ) (photo below, scoring the first of his 2 TD vs. the Browns in Week 3)<br />
<b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> (ARIZ)<br />
<b>T.Y. Hilton</b> (IND)<br />
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<b>5</b><br />
<b>LeGarrette Blount</b> (DET)<br />
<b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> (NE)<br />
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<b>4</b><br />
<b>Kapri Bibbs</b> (WASH)<br />
<b>Dalvin Cook</b> (MINN) (photo below, scoring the first of his 2 TD vs. the Dolphins in Week 15) <br />
<b>Will Fuller </b>(HOU)<br />
<b>Demarcus Robinson</b> (KC)<br />
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<b>3</b><br />
<b>Josh Adams</b> (PHIL) <br />
<b>Jay Ajayi</b> (PHIL)<br />
<b>Brandon Bolden</b> (MIA)<br />
<b>Marshawn Lynch</b> (OAK) <br />
<b>Andre Roberts </b>(NYJ) <br />
<b>Jamaal Williams</b> (GB)<br />
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<b>2</b><br />
<b>Mo Alie-Cox</b> (IND) <br />
<b>Gus Edwards</b> (BAL)<br />
<b>Richie James</b> (SF)<br />
<b>Zach Pascal </b>(IND)<br />
<b>Seth Roberts</b> (OAK)<br />
<b>Ian Thomas</b> (CAR)<br />
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<b>1</b><br />
<b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> (BUF)<br />
<b>Travis Benjamin</b> (LAC) (finishing off his 46-yard TD catch vs. the Steelers in Week 13 in photo above)<br />
<b>Bashaud Breeland</b> (GB)<br />
<b>Josh Bynes</b> (ARIZ)<br />
<b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> (HOU)<br />
<b>Todd Davis</b> (DEN)<br />
<b>Bud Dupree</b> (PIT)<br />
<b>Bruce Ellington</b> (HOU) <br />
<b>D'Onta Foreman</b> (HOU)<br />
<b>Virgil Green </b>(LAC)<br />
<b>Dwayne Harris</b> (OAK)<br />
<b>Chris Ivory</b> (BUF)<br />
<b>Cyrus Jones</b> (BAL) <br />
<b>Reshad Jones</b> (MIA)<br />
<b>Ronald Jones</b> (TB) <br />
<b>Linval Joseph</b> (MINN)<br />
<b>Cory Littleton </b>(LAR) <br />
<b>Brandon Marshall</b> (SEA)<br />
<b>Chris Moore</b> (BAL)<br />
<b>Ron Parker</b> (KC) <br />
<b>Tim Patrick</b> (DEN) <br />
<b>Justin Reid</b> (HOU)<br />
<b>Curtis Riley</b> (NYG)<br />
<b>Jacquizz Rodgers</b> (TB) <br />
<b>Jaylon Smith</b> (DAL) (photo below, scoring on a fumble return vs. the Buccaneers in Week 16)<br />
<b>Chad Williams</b> (ARIZ)<br />
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Here again are the 259 touchdowns, this time listed by team and division.<br />
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<u><b>AFC EAST (26)</b></u><br />
BUF (2) - WR<b> Kelvin Benjamin</b> 1, RB <b>Chris Ivory</b> 1<br />
MIA (4) - RB<b> Brandon Bolden</b> 3, S <b>Reshad Jones</b> 1<br />
NE (5) - WR <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> 5<br />
NYJ (15) - WR <b>Robby Anderson</b> 6, RB <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> 6, WR <b>Andre Roberts</b> 3 <br />
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<b><u>AFC NORTH (13)</u></b><br />
BAL (12) - RB <b>Alex Collins</b> 8, RB <b>Gus Edwards</b> 2, CB<b> Cyrus Jones</b> 1, WR <b>Chris Moore </b>1<br />
CIN (0)<br />
CLEV (0)<br />
PIT (1) - LB <b>Bud Dupree</b> 1<br />
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<b><u>AFC SOUTH (41)</u></b><br />
HOU (19) - WR <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> 11, WR <b>Will Fuller </b>4, LB/DE <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> 1, WR <b>Bruce</b> <b>Ellington</b> 1, RB <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> 1, S <b>Justin Reid</b> 1<br />
IND (10) - WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> 6, TE <b>Mo Alie-Cox </b>2, WR <b>Zach Pascal</b> 2<br />
JAC (0)<br />
TENN (12) - RB<b> Derrick Henry</b> 12<br />
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<b><u>AFC WEST (68) </u></b><br />
DEN (2) - LB <b>Todd Davis</b> 1, WR <b>Tim Patrick</b> 1<br />
KC (33) - WR <b>Tyreek Hill </b>14, RB <b>Kareem Hunt </b>14, WR <b>Demarcus Robinson</b> 4, S <b>Ron Parker</b> 1<br />
LAC (27) - RB <b>Melvin Gordon</b> 14, WR <b>Mike Williams </b>11, WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> 1, TE <b>Virgil Green</b> 1<br />
OAK (6) - RB<b> Marshawn Lynch</b> 3, WR <b>Seth Roberts</b> 2, WR <b>Dwayne Harris</b> 1<br />
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<b>DeAndre Hopkins</b>' 2nd TD of the season, a 5-yard reception late in the 2nd quarter, upped the Texans' lead to 21-7 over the Colts at Indianapolis in Week 4.<br />
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<b><u>NFC EAST (12)</u></b><br />
DAL (1) - LB <b>Jaylon Smith</b> 1<br />
NYG (1)- S <b>Curtis Riley</b> 1<br />
PHIL (6) - RB <b>Josh Adams</b> 3, RB <b>Jay Ajayi</b> 3<br />
WASH (4) - RB<b> Kapri Bibbs</b> 4 <br />
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<b><u>NFC NORTH (36)</u></b><br />
CHI (0)<br />
DET (5) - RB <b>LeGarrette Blount</b> 5<br />
GB (26) - WR<b> Davante Adams</b> 13, RB <b>Aaron Jones</b> 9, RB<b> Jamaal Williams</b> 3, CB<b> Bashaud Breeland </b>1<br />
MINN (5) - RB <b>Dalvin Cook</b> 4, DT <b>Linval Joseph</b> 1<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>NFC SOUTH (30)</u></b><br />
ATL (8) - WR <b>Julio Jones</b> 8<br />
CAR (2) - TE<b> Ian Thomas</b> 2<br />
NO (18) - RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b> 18<br />
TB (2) - RB <b>Ronald Jones</b> 1, RB<b> Jacquizz Rodgers</b> 1<br />
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<b><u>NFC WEST (33)</u></b><br />
ARIZ (8) - WR <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> 6, LB <b>Josh Bynes</b> 1, WR<b> Chad Williams</b> 1<br />
LAR (22) - RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> 21, LB <b>Cory Littleton</b> 1<br />
SF (2) - WR <b>Richie James</b> 2<br />
SEA (1) - WR <b>Brandon Marshall</b> 1<br />
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<b><u>PLAYOFF TD (8)</u></b> - <b>Melvin Gordon</b> 2, <b>Todd Gurley</b> 2, <b>Virgil Green</b> 1, <b>Tyreek Hill</b> 1, <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> 1, <b>Zach Pascal</b> 1<br />
==============================================================================<br />
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Also in this post we will take a look at some of the stats of the league's defensive players with dreads - specifically (and as usual) their interceptions and sacks. The 99 interceptions picked off by players with dreads in 2018 were way more than the 2017 tally of 77. The 99 were made by 57 different players, with 3 players sharing the individual crown. Redskins S<b> D.J. Swearinger</b>, Giants S <b>Curtis Riley</b>, and rookie CB <b>Donte Jackson</b> of the Panthers had 4 INTs each to lead the way, one fewer than S <b>Tre Boston</b>'s leading total of 5 for the Chargers in 2017. The NFC East, which finished in last place among the divisions in touchdowns by players with dreads, finished first (by a mile) in interceptions by players with dreads with 21, with the Washington Redskins taking both division and league honors with 10.<br />
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This is the list of the 56 players with dreads with interceptions in 2018.<br />
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<b>4</b><br />
<b>Donte Jackson</b> (CAR)<br />
<b>Curtis Riley</b> (NYG)<br />
<b>D.J. Swearinger</b> (WASH)<br />
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<b>3</b><br />
<b>Tre Boston</b> (ARIZ) <br />
<b>Anthony Harris</b> (MINN)<br />
<b>Derwin James</b> (LAC) <br />
<b>Reshad Jones</b> (MIA) <br />
<b>Cory Littleton</b> (LAR) <br />
<b>Bradley McDougald</b> (SEA) <br />
<b>Josh Norman</b> (WASH)<br />
<b>Justin Reid</b> (HOU) <br />
<b>Earl Thomas</b> (SEA)<br />
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<b>2</b><br />
<b>Bashaud Breeland </b>(GB)<br />
<b>Brandon Carr</b> (BAL) <br />
<b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> (BUF)<br />
<b>Mason Foster</b> (WASH)<br />
<b>Stephon Gilmore</b> (NE) <br />
<b>Shaquill Griffin</b> (SEA)<br />
<b>Joe Haden</b> (PIT)<br />
<b>Malik Hooker</b> (IND)<br />
<b>Janoris Jenkins</b> (NYG)<br />
<b>Christian Kirksey</b> (CLEV) <br />
<b>Avonte Maddox </b>(PHIL)<br />
<b>Tyrann Mathieu</b> (HOU)<br />
<b>Reggie Nelson</b> (OAK) <br />
<b>Ron Parker</b> (KC)<br />
<b>Danny Trevathan </b>(CHI)<br />
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<b>1</b><br />
<b>Jahleel Addae</b> (LAC) (photo above, in the end zone vs. the Broncos in Week 17) <br />
<b>Walt Aikens </b>(MIA)<br />
<b>A.J. Bouye</b> (JAC)*<br />
<b>Patrick Chung</b> (NE)<br />
<b>Jamie Collins</b> (CLEV)<br />
<b>Ronald Darby</b> (PHIL)<br />
<b>Sean Davis</b> (PIT)<br />
<b>Todd Davis</b> (DEN)<br />
<b>Bud Dupree </b>(PIT)<br />
<b>Terrell Edmunds</b> (PIT) <br />
<b>Deshazor Everett</b> (WASH)<br />
<b>Ronnie Harrison</b> (JAC)<br />
<b>Domt'a Hightower</b> (NE) <br />
<b>Holton Hill</b> (MINN)<br />
<b>Melvin Ingram</b> (LAC) <br />
<b>Adam Jones</b> (DEN)<br />
<b>Kevin King</b> (GB) <br />
<b>Demarcus Lawrence</b> (DAL)<br />
<b>Bobby McCain</b> (MIA)<br />
<b>C.J. Mosley</b> (BAL) <br />
<b>Patrick Onwuasor</b> (BAL)<br />
<b>Eric Reid</b> (CAR)<br />
<b>Denzel Rice</b> (CLEV) <br />
<b>Darryl Roberts</b> (NYJ) <br />
<b>Nickell Robey-Coleman</b> (LAR)<br />
<b>Bradley Roby </b>(DEN)<br />
<b>Trae Waynes</b> (MINN)<br />
<b>B.W. Webb</b> (NYG)<br />
<b>Derek Wolfe</b> (DEN)<br />
<b>Isaac Yiadom</b> (DEN)<br />
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* - Bouye's INT in Week 5 came before he cut his dreads off, which happened sometime around Week 11. <br />
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OK. Here are all 99 interceptions again, listed this time by team and division.<br />
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<b><u>AFC EAST (12)</u></b><br />
BUF (2) - LB <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> 2<br />
MIA (5) - S <b>Reshad Jones</b> 3, S <b>Walt Aikens</b> 1, CB <b>Bobby McCain</b> 1<br />
NE (4) - CB <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> 2, S <b>Patrick Chung</b> 1. LB <b>Dont'a Hightower</b> 1<br />
NYJ (1) - CB<b> Darryl Roberts</b> 1<br />
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<b><u>AFC NORTH (13)</u></b><br />
BAL (4) - CB <b>Brandon Carr</b> 2, LB <b>C.J. Mosley</b> 1, LB <b>Patrick Onwuasor</b> 1<br />
CIN (0)<br />
CLEV (4) - LB <b>Christian Kirksey</b> 2, LB <b>Jamie Collins</b> 1, CB <b>Denzel Rice</b> 1<br />
PIT (5) - CB <b>Joe Haden</b> 2, S <b>Sean Davis</b> 1, LB <b>Bud Dupree</b> 1, S <b>Terrell Edmunds </b>1<br />
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<u><b>AFC SOUTH (9)</b></u><br />
HOU (5) - S<b> Justin Reid </b>3, S<b> Tyrann Mathieu</b> 2<br />
IND (2) - S <b>Malik Hooker</b> 2<br />
JAC (2) - CB<b> A.J. Bouye</b> 1, S <b>Ronnie Harrison</b> 1<br />
TENN (0)<br />
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<b><u>AFC WEST (14)</u></b><br />
DEN (5) - LB <b>Todd Davis</b> 1, CB <b>Adam Jones</b> 1, CB <b>Bradley Roby </b>1, DE <b>Derek Wolfe</b> 1, CB <b>Isaac Yiadom</b> 1<br />
KC (2) -<b> Ron Parker</b> 2<br />
LAC (5) - S <b>Derwin James </b>3, S<b> Jahleel Addae</b> 1, DE <b>Melvin Ingram</b> 1<br />
OAK (2) - S <b>Reggie Nelson</b> 2<br />
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The Denver Broncos had the most players with dreads with interceptions with 5, with each of them getting 1, including this pick by <b>Bradley Roby</b> of an overthrown Josh Rosen pass in the end zone in the Broncos' easy win over the Cardinals in Week 7.<br />
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<b><u>NFC EAST (21) </u></b><br />
DAL (1) - <b>Demarcus Lawrence</b> 1<br />
NYG (7) - S <b>Curtis Riley</b> 4, CB <b>Janoris Jenkins</b> 2, CB <b>B.W. Webb</b> 1<br />
PHIL (3) - CB <b>Avonte Maddox</b> 2, CB <b>Ronald Darby</b> 1<br />
WASH (10) - S<b> D.J. Swearinger</b> 4, CB <b>Josh Norman</b> 3, LB <b>Mason Foster</b> 2, S <b>Deshazor Everett </b>1<br />
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<b><u>NFC NORTH (10)</u></b><br />
CHI (2) - LB <b>Danny Trevathan</b> 2<br />
DET (0)<br />
GB (3) - CB <b>Bashaud Breeland</b> 2, CB<b> Kevin King </b>1<br />
MINN (5) - S <b>Anthony Harris</b> 3, CB <b>Holton Hill</b> 1, CB <b>Trae Waynes </b>1<br />
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<b><u>NFC SOUTH (5)</u></b><br />
ATL (0)<br />
CAR (5) - CB <b>Donte Jackson</b> 4, S <b>Eric Reid</b> 1<br />
NO (0)<br />
TB (0)<br />
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<b><u>NFC WEST (15)</u></b><br />
ARIZ (3) - S <b>Tre Boston</b> 3<br />
LAR (4) - LB <b>Cory Littleton</b> 3, CB <b>Nickell Robey-Coleman</b> 1<br />
SF (0)<br />
SEA (8) - S <b>Bradley McDougald</b> 3, S <b>Earl Thomas</b> 3, CB <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> 2<br />
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<b><u>PLAYOFF INT (5)</u></b> - <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> 2, LB <b>Demario Davis</b> (NO) 1, CB <b>Cre'von LeBlanc</b> (PHIL) 1,<b> Cory Littleton</b> 1<br />
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As for sacks, I'm not going to list all 85 players with dreads who combined for 260.5 sacks in 2018, only the top 20. Saints DE <b>Cameron Jordan</b> and Cowboys DE<b> Demarcus Lawrence</b> for the 2nd straight year were the top two sack men among players with dreads, with Jordan this time replacing Lawrence in the top spot in 2018. Lawrence finished tied for 2nd place with Seahawks DT <b>Jarran Reed</b>. The Ravens, who had 11 sacks in <i>one game,</i> edged the Cowboys 23.5-22.5 as the team with the most sacks by players with dreads; and the NFC South, with 48 sacks, finished with a comfortable margin over the AFC South (43.5) to earn top honors among the divisions.<br />
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Here are the top 20 players with dreads in sacks during the 2018 regular season.<br />
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DE <b>Cameron Jordan</b> (NO) 12<br />
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DE<b> Demarcus Lawrence</b> (DAL) 10.5<br />
DT <b>Jarran Reed</b> (SEA) 10.5<br />
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DE <b>Yannick Ngakoue </b>(JAC) 9.5<br />
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DT <b>Denico Autry </b>(IND) 9<br />
DE<b> Michael Bennett</b> (PHIL) 9<br />
DE/LB<b> Jadeveon Clowney</b> (HOU) 9<br />
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LB <b>Za'Darius Smith</b> (BAL) 8.5 <br />
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DE <b>Melvin Ingram</b> (LAC) 7<br />
LB <b>Matt Judon</b> (BAL) 7<br />
DE <b>Takk McKinley </b>(photo below) (ATL) 7 <br />
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DE <b>Randy Gregory </b>(DAL) 6<br />
DT <b>Gerald McCoy</b> (TB) 6<br />
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LB<b> Bud Dupree</b> (PIT) 5.5<br />
DT <b>Larry Ogunjobi</b> (CLEV) 5.5<br />
LB <b>Patrick Onwuasor</b> (BAL) 5.5<br />
DE <b>Jabaal Sheard</b> (IND) 5.5<br />
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LB<b> Demario Davis</b> (NO) 5<br />
DE <b>Julius Peppers </b>(CAR) 5<br />
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DT <b>Robert Nkemdiche</b> (ARIZ) 4.5<br />
DT <b>Sheldon Richardson</b> (MINN) 4.5<br />
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<b>DG </b><br />
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And now, here is some photographic evidence of the names and numbers listed above.<br />
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FIRSTS<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQvWLs0k26AiLorLaUlZ6Wy25cARiCUSH_yiJAgYTp08pERNijhPAHP0cissuGogGqcHKxQrM9cD_P5t6vwgxKm-X9xMEP_bl5dXU4mu-QHT6qomrO7d359lNWVD5iNxw2NZo_SvsZcY/s1600/NFL18--SEPT.+6--P6G++ATL-PHIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1066" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQvWLs0k26AiLorLaUlZ6Wy25cARiCUSH_yiJAgYTp08pERNijhPAHP0cissuGogGqcHKxQrM9cD_P5t6vwgxKm-X9xMEP_bl5dXU4mu-QHT6qomrO7d359lNWVD5iNxw2NZo_SvsZcY/s320/NFL18--SEPT.+6--P6G++ATL-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
1. The very first TD of the 2018 season was also the first of the 259 TD scored by players with dreads. During the 3rd quarter of the Week 1 Thursday night opener RB <b>Jay Ajayi</b>, after taking the handoff on 2nd and goal, reaches the ball over the goal line just as he is hit by LB Duke Riley to cap an 11-play, 63-yard drive. The 1-yard run gave the Eagles a 10-6 lead over the Falcons. Ajayi, who finished with 62 yards rushing on 15 carries, wasn't done yet; but you'll have to wait until later in this DG to find out what else he did. <b> </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZxk4fGzruKrpODc87J7pe4_9_gx5pp9PDtj1wCYzTZ-izZR-hWPt1-5Rxa64g7oLOWW41hEXDCxLs7URPaRJJjyDlghBUWj4dcbzfDw3L6CGTzZlWvMVoxSWUAlnRlX92USy7RL9BtE/s1600/NFL18--SEPT.+10--P6B++NYJ-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZxk4fGzruKrpODc87J7pe4_9_gx5pp9PDtj1wCYzTZ-izZR-hWPt1-5Rxa64g7oLOWW41hEXDCxLs7URPaRJJjyDlghBUWj4dcbzfDw3L6CGTzZlWvMVoxSWUAlnRlX92USy7RL9BtE/s320/NFL18--SEPT.+10--P6B++NYJ-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
2. After a 43-yard punt return by WR <b>Andre</b> <b>Roberts</b> sets up the Jets in great field position, RB <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> scores the Jets' 1st TD of 2018 and also his 1st TD in a Jets uniform. After taking the handoff on 1st and goal from the 6-yard line, Crowell bounces off a hit by Lions CB Quandre Diggs at the 2 and lunges forward and gets into the end zone before going down for the TD that ties the game at 7 with 4:20 remaining in the 1st quarter at Detroit. Isaiah later scored the game's final TD on a 62-yard run in the 3rd quarter and finished with 102 yards rushing in his Jets debut as the Jets won their Monday night season opener over the Lions 48-17.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0A6OUsvcr1emLBqFI81oyrGahhz-1T2lH2JK7AXtXcXODaKz2x-mJC_QBi7mvS1DbKDfAnFX2_iytQ5jAvFY1Qc26csVsmlRDPqnyIx7_8MlpFDSB6NooTdiuy-Fj4bNvbJ7kNz-bac/s1600/NFL18--SEPT.+10--P3C++LAR-OAK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="760" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0A6OUsvcr1emLBqFI81oyrGahhz-1T2lH2JK7AXtXcXODaKz2x-mJC_QBi7mvS1DbKDfAnFX2_iytQ5jAvFY1Qc26csVsmlRDPqnyIx7_8MlpFDSB6NooTdiuy-Fj4bNvbJ7kNz-bac/s320/NFL18--SEPT.+10--P3C++LAR-OAK.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWweKCKJ8m60EspowGLVWl1YeKNp10LBOVXkxDOEFCTJwK2JyLPFUVumrgjzctU4Py7pHpOxBLAfxgPLUiAl4YIOEtEBhcaDrjOy-y_qVknZJncp5Pnx1eW69JrYDmPbfTpbtg3kXJpRA/s1600/NFL18--SEPT.+10--P3B++LAR-OAK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1600" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWweKCKJ8m60EspowGLVWl1YeKNp10LBOVXkxDOEFCTJwK2JyLPFUVumrgjzctU4Py7pHpOxBLAfxgPLUiAl4YIOEtEBhcaDrjOy-y_qVknZJncp5Pnx1eW69JrYDmPbfTpbtg3kXJpRA/s320/NFL18--SEPT.+10--P3B++LAR-OAK.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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3. In the second game on Monday night in Week 1 RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> opens his account for 2018, scoring the Rams' 1st TD of the season on this 19-yard catch and run against the Raiders, as S <b>Reggie Nelson</b> makes the hit much too late to stop him. The TD answered a TD by RB <b>Marshawn Lynch</b> earlier in the 1st quarter and tied the game at 7. Gurley finished with 147 total yards (108 rushing, 39 receiving), and the Rams outscored the Raiders 23-0 in the 2nd half to pick up the 33-13 road victory. This TD by Gurley was the last of the 6 touchdowns scored by a player with dreads in the two games on Monday night. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpJ6CCNyMQvsvy9FdjDzhQut2_mON4lN_r9Fyd_RtkG5-wqsSvedMhg-rV1CCVoXZPR4uTkErWmDpXcrby-lRIbQOgjPfW01n-xJqhBfqx11UEwIKSZcqze4CnY2oiHnOL_qhYMsouaQ/s1600/NFL18--OCT.+7--P83B++GB-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1160" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpJ6CCNyMQvsvy9FdjDzhQut2_mON4lN_r9Fyd_RtkG5-wqsSvedMhg-rV1CCVoXZPR4uTkErWmDpXcrby-lRIbQOgjPfW01n-xJqhBfqx11UEwIKSZcqze4CnY2oiHnOL_qhYMsouaQ/s320/NFL18--OCT.+7--P83B++GB-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpdMd5nAGxk1o49CrQM0HpML91wPzIUutVtNWKbrH0UTGvq02-NS7ozDVg84cbJ4X2vtKxIJ2iSiC_wRKr9IWsfA2B77d5FyKWOhZSsi9p2kq4-soq6jdIvpjNc92gkIgGe5qzDHSlwg/s1600/NFL18--OCT.+7--P83C++GB-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1024" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpdMd5nAGxk1o49CrQM0HpML91wPzIUutVtNWKbrH0UTGvq02-NS7ozDVg84cbJ4X2vtKxIJ2iSiC_wRKr9IWsfA2B77d5FyKWOhZSsi9p2kq4-soq6jdIvpjNc92gkIgGe5qzDHSlwg/s320/NFL18--OCT.+7--P83C++GB-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
4. After an accidental muff on a punt return gives the Lions the ball at the Green Bay 1-yard line, RB <b>LeGarrette Blount</b> takes the handoff on 1st and goal and powers through a last-ditch tackle attempt by DT <b>Montravius Adams</b> to score his 1st TD in a Lions uniform for the first points of the game during the 1st quarter in Week 5. Blount added another 1-yard TD run on the next drive as the Lions took a 14-0 lead and went on to win 31-23. Playing for his 5th team during his 9-year career, LeGarrette tied for the team lead with 5 TD. But if he wanted to win the Super Bowl for a 3rd straight year, he never should have signed with the Lions, who have never even played in a Super Bowl and who finished 2018 with a 6-10 record.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrfpkcYPQ3H9BX-MGI6ZvHIyNruJlu0Pm1Vd0cXOqJnnzBN5OrfFcpqI1bPUnr4r6UTAKOaDh587YNgZt_sFCHGFsAPLfC8WftbL_gQgXjHCaQhIOCGTRALFVT3g5K_Y83QUCk74QChA/s1600/NFL18--NOV.+25--P1++GB-MINN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1535" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrfpkcYPQ3H9BX-MGI6ZvHIyNruJlu0Pm1Vd0cXOqJnnzBN5OrfFcpqI1bPUnr4r6UTAKOaDh587YNgZt_sFCHGFsAPLfC8WftbL_gQgXjHCaQhIOCGTRALFVT3g5K_Y83QUCk74QChA/s320/NFL18--NOV.+25--P1++GB-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
5. After a hamstring injury cost him most of the first half of the season, Vikings RB <b>Dalvin Cook</b> doesn't score his 1st TD until Week 12, here taking a screen pass 26 yards to the house on 1st and 10 late in the 1st quarter against the Packers as S <b>Tramon Williams</b> arrives too late to stop him. It was the first of 4 TD Cook would score in the last 7 weeks of the season. Dalvin finished this game with 76 total yards on 13 touches in a 24-17 home win over Green Bay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_RD4V6lAp1YT__DJ4gg06Si9AvWnjgmEYWVO1UwXQXAH0Ut-htTLbC4SZ4Pin-xDTMNipBcKBkcvBssFZxX4KBVCeVYId170haJ0fJIfDGmVHaYzULkVNnpsfgSffB8BcJUv9Pm83Bc/s1600/NFL18--SEPT.+10--P5E++NYJ-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_RD4V6lAp1YT__DJ4gg06Si9AvWnjgmEYWVO1UwXQXAH0Ut-htTLbC4SZ4Pin-xDTMNipBcKBkcvBssFZxX4KBVCeVYId170haJ0fJIfDGmVHaYzULkVNnpsfgSffB8BcJUv9Pm83Bc/s320/NFL18--SEPT.+10--P5E++NYJ-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IYv-ImxZTyTwrjblch8_XhePXA5FBTzjfJdv3yP6xCbo5LR92VzinKiZ_zr840O-p8SjG09rQeKdIHvKiZlPFE0rQBF1rzHy78i_rX5gCtmN3mBTgDqquRwUbmTlUPK8qSajb_4L4Sk/s1600/NFL18--SEPT.+10--P5B++NYJ-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IYv-ImxZTyTwrjblch8_XhePXA5FBTzjfJdv3yP6xCbo5LR92VzinKiZ_zr840O-p8SjG09rQeKdIHvKiZlPFE0rQBF1rzHy78i_rX5gCtmN3mBTgDqquRwUbmTlUPK8qSajb_4L4Sk/s320/NFL18--SEPT.+10--P5B++NYJ-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
6. One of the best ways to endear yourself to a rookie QB is to come up with the tough catches, and that's what WR <b>Robby Anderson</b> does here. After <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> earlier scored the Jets' 1st TD of the season (photo #2), Anderson scores their 2nd - and his 1st - fighting off S Tavon Wilson's attempt to break up the pass and making the 41-yard reception on 3rd and 2 for the 1st TD pass of rookie Sam Darnold's career, increasing the Jets' lead to 17-7 late in the 2nd quarter. It was Anderson's only reception of the night. After going 1-7 on the road in 2017, the Jets began 2018 by scoring 6 TD in their season opener on the road, and 4 of them were by players with dreads during their 48-17 victory over the Lions.<br />
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7. Two other rookies quarterbacks had their 1st career TD passes caught by players with dreads. During the 4th quarter in Week 4 Cardinals WR <b>Chad Williams</b> catches a low throw from rookie Josh Rosen in the end zone and keeps it from hitting the ground for a 22-yard TD on 2nd and 13: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwMvfa9qajM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwMvfa9qajM</a> .... Not only Rosen's 1st TD pass, it also was the 1st career TD catch for Williams, who had none during his 2017 rookie season. Of course, Seahawks fans will remember this play as the one on which S <b>Earl Thomas</b> (#29) broke his leg while trying to cover Williams and then made his memorable exit. The TD tied the game at 17 with 8:59 remaining, but the Seahawks kicked a 52-yard FG on the final play of the game to win 20-17. <br />
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8. After blowing a golden opportunity to score his 1st career TD in a game against the Falcons way back in Week 2, rookie TE <b>Ian Thomas</b> of the Panthers gets it right this time in Week 16, leaping above grounded DE Brooks Reed to make a 1-yard TD catch on 2nd and goal for his 1st career TD midway through the 1st quarter. The TD was the 14th play of the Panthers' game-opening 73-yard drive. Thomas finished with 4 catches for 48 yards, but this was the Panthers' only TD of the afternoon in a 24-10 home loss to the Falcons. Thomas added another TD in Week 17 to finish with 2 for the year, and his 333 yards receiving for the season (on 36 catches) were the most by any rookie with dreads in 2018.<br />
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9. There were 5 TD scored by TEs with dreads in 2018, and this one was the most spectacular. I guess that since <b>Mo Alie-Cox</b> was a basketball star in college, it's fitting that his 1st career TD catch comes on a play on which it looks like he's bringing down a rebound. On the 11th play on the Colts' opening drive at Oakland in Week 8, the 6-5, 265-pound Alie-Cox soars and snares an Andrew Luck pass one handed inside the 5-yard line, lands on his feet, and his momentum carries him into the end zone for a 26-yard TD on 1st and 10: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3WKQBiPGbk" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3WKQBiPGbk</a> .... Wow. With Alie-Cox making no other contributions, the Colts went on to defeat the Raiders 42-28. After spending most of 2017 and the first month of 2018 on the practice squad, Mo averaged 19 yards per reception on the 7 catches he had, including one more TD, in what hopefully was the start of a very productive career.<br />
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10. RB <b>Brandon Bolden</b>, who spent the first 6 years of his career with the Patriots, scores his 1st TD in a Dolphins uniform <i>against</i> the Patriots, going untouched on a career-longest 54-yard run (photo above) on 1st and 10 to give Miami a 14-13 lead early in the 2nd quarter in Week 14: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs1KKhYM6hA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hs1KKhYM6hA</a> ..... Midway through the 2nd quarter Bolden bites the hand that once fed him again, scoring his 2nd TD (photo on right) on a 6-yard run on 1st and goal to put the Dolphins back in front 21-20. The 2 TD came on his only two carries of the game. As Patriots fans would like to forget, the Dolphins won the game 34-33 on a miracle 69-yard TD (not scored by Bolden) on the final play of the game. Brandon finished with 3 TD in his only season with the Dolphins. He's back with the Patriots, and with his dreads dyed mostly blond, for 2019.<br />
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11. After scoring 38 regular season TD, including 14 in 2018, in the first 4 years of his career, RB <b>Melvin Gordon</b> scores his 1st postseason TD early in the 4th quarter of his 1st postseason game. After coming up (literally) about 3 inches short on the previous play, Gordon takes it up the middle and in on 4th and goal and then survives a shot to the groin from LB Chris Board after crossing the goal line. LB <b>C.J.</b> <b>Mosley</b> (#57) might have stopped Gordon but instead gets blocked out of the play by TE <b>Virgil Green</b>. It was the Chargers 1st TD of the day and it upped their lead to 20-3 over the Ravens. Melvin finished with just 40 yards rushing on 17 carries, but the Chargers got the road win in Baltimore 23-17 in the 1st round of the AFC playoffs. <br />
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12. Playing in his 1st game in Week 16 after missing most of the season while still recovering from the Achilles injury he suffered in Week 11 of the 2017 season, Texans RB <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> scores his 1st and only TD of 2018 on a 20-yard reception against the Eagles. While QB Deshaun Watson rolled right to buy time, the man covering Foreman stopped covering him, leaving him all alone; and after making the catch at the 3-yard line, D'Onta gets in before Ss Corey Graham (#24) and Malcom Jenkins can arrive to stop him. The TD cut the Eagles lead to 29-23 with 4:41 to play in the 4th quarter. Foreman finished with -1 yard rushing on 7 carries and 2 catches for 28 yards. In a game of the utmost importance for both teams the Eagles kicked a FG on the final play of the game to defeat the Texans 32-30.<br />
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13. After scoring 2 TD in 2016 and 4 in 2017, Ravens WR <b>Chris</b> <b>Moore</b> did <i>not</i> score 6 TD in 2018, only one. And he might not have gotten even that one had the officials called a holding penalty on WR Willie Snead, who clearly is grabbing the jersey of CB Brent Grimes while blocking him. After taking a forward flip on a jet sweep on 2nd and goal, Moore speeds around right end and into the end zone for a 5-yard TD catch that finishes a 16-play, 73-yard drive. The TD gave the Ravens a 7-6 lead over the Buccaneers with 3:58 to play until halftime at Baltimore in Week 15, and they went on to win 20-12 and improve to 8-6.<br />
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14. Plagued by a foot injury for most of the first half of the season, WR <b>Travis Benjamin </b>played only 278 snaps on offense in 12 games for the Chargers in 2018 and scored only 1 TD. And he mot not have gotten even that one had the officials not missed a false start penalty and stopped the play. But there was no whistle, and after Benjamin beats CB Mike Hilton on an out and up route on 1st and 10, he catches Philip Rivers' pass in stride at the 9-yard line and takes it to the house for a 46-yard TD to get the Chargers on the board late in the 1st quarter in Week 13. Wearing his pink cleats in support of breast cancer awareness and with his dreads flowing at full blast, Travis then spikes the ball after scoring what turned out to be the Chargers only TD in the first 43 minutes of the game. Benjamin was no factor in the game other than this play, but the Chargers rallied from a 23-7 deficit without him, scoring 3 consecutive touchdowns in a span of 9 minutes and later kicking a FG on the final play of the game to defeat the Steelers at Heinz Field 33-30. <br />
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15. WR <b>Andre Roberts</b> beats CB Shareece Wright on a post-corner route on 3rd and 5 and makes the 13-yard reception for his 1st and only TD <i>catch</i> of the season, completing a 60-yard drive on the Jets' 2nd half opening drive in Week 15. The Jets missed the extra point following the TD, keeping the Texans in front 16-15. This was the 3rd of 4 TD in the game that were scored by players with dreads, a game won by the Texans 29-22.<br />
Although his only TD catch, this certainly was not Roberts only TD of the season. When he took a kickoff return to the house in Week 16, he became the first player in Jets history to have a TD reception, kickoff return TD, and punt return TD in the same season. But that wasn't enough to convince the Jets to bring him back for another season. He's now with the Bills, his 5th team in the last 5 seasons.<br />
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SILVER MEDAL REPEAT<br />
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16. For the second straight season RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b> of the Saints finished 2nd in the NFL in TD scored. He scored 14 as rookie in 2017 and upped that to 18 in 2018, good for the silver medal both times. After settling for 4 FG in the 1st half against the Giants in Week 4, the Saints scored 3 TD in the 2nd half, all by Kamara. On 1st and goal midway through the 3rd quarter Alvin scores standing up (left photo) on a 9-yard run up the middle on 1st and goal to extend the Saints lead to 19-7. Then with the score 26-18, Alvin puts the game away with a 49-yard TD run (right photo) with 2:06 remaining, as neither LB Alec Ogletree, CB <b>Janoris Jenkins </b>(#20), nor CB <b>B.W.Webb</b> succeed in a last-ditch effort to stop him. Kamara finished with 181 total yards, including a season high 134 yards rushing in the Saints' 33-18 road win over the Giants.<br />
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17. <b>Alvin Kamara</b> scored his touchdowns in bunches. In 3 games he scored 2 TD, and in 3 others he scored 3 TD. The last of his 3-TD games came in the big Week 9 home game against the Rams. On the 10th play of the game's opening drive Alvin breaks two tackles as he scores an 11-yard TD on a sweep left on 2nd and 9 (photo above). Late in the 1st quarter he finishes the Saints' next drive with another TD, running an out route from the backfield on 3rd and 8 and beating S Lamarcus Joyner for a 16-yard catch-and-run score (photo on right), coming to a stop as he crosses the goal line to avoid a collision with S <b>Marqui Christian</b>. Kamara scored his 3rd TD just before halftime to up the Saints' lead to 35-14. Alvin didn't score anymore as the Saints' offense cooled off considerably in the 2nd half. But with Kamara contributing 116 total yards, the Saints pulled out a 45-35 victory to improve to 7-1 and hand the Rams their 1st L of the season. Here's a video of all of Alvin's highlights in the game: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC98T1buOp8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC98T1buOp8</a><br />
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GOLD MEDAL REPEAT<br />
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18. As was mentioned earlier RB<b> Todd Gurley</b> of the Rams was the league leader in TD for the 2nd year in a row. And for the 2nd year in a row a good chunk of his TD came in the game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. He scored 4 times in the Rams' 42-7 romp over the Seahawks in Week 15 in 2017. This time, in Week 5 of 2018, the Seahawks' D 'held' him to 3 TD, the second of which was this 4-yarder on a run off left tackle on 3rd and 2 that tied the game at 24 with 5:04 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Todd finished the afternoon with 113 total yards. There was no romp this time as the Rams barely escaped with a 33-31 victory.<br />
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19. The romp came 2 weeks later in Week 7, as Gurley, for the 2nd straight year, scored 3 TD in the Rams' road game against the 49ers. This is the last of the 3, as Todd takes a screen pass 12 yards to the house on 2nd and 9 early in the 4th quarter for the last points of the game, avoiding rookie LB <b>Fred</b> <b>Warner</b>'s desperation attempt to knock him out of bounds. The touchdowns were Gurley's 12th, 13th, and 14th of the season already. The Rams improved to 7-0 with a 39-10 win over San Francisco. The 29-point margin of victory was the Rams' largest in a road game vs. the 49ers in 60 years.<br />
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20. After scoring 21 TD during the regular season, <b>Todd Gurley</b> added two more in the playoffs. This one was his 1st career postseason TD. After breaking through the Cowboys' D-line untouched on a run up the middle, he takes the carry 35 yards to the house to up the LA lead to 20-7 late in the 2nd quarter in a 2nd round game at the Coliseum. In what turned out to be his final hurrah for the 2018 season Gurley had 115 yards rushing as the Rams advanced with a 30-22 win over the Cowboys.<br />
Todd played very little in the Rams' victory over the Saints in the NFC Championship game and their loss to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Even though the Rams wouldn't say why, you knew he <i>had</i> to be injured. During the offseason it was finally revealed that Gurley has an arthritic condition in his knee, which does not bode well for the rest of his career.<br />
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21. After finishing runner up to <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> in 2017, Packers WR <b>Davante Adams</b> returned to the top of the list in 2018 as the player with dreads with the most TD receptions. Of course during his 12-TD season in 2016 his dreads were too short to be seen. Well, in 2018 they finally were long enough to be seen, although they weren't very far outside his helmet. And it was even tougher to see them when they were reduced, like here on Monday night in Week 6. On the first play after the 2-minute warning Adams doesn't totally fool CB Greg Mabin on a stop-and-go route on 3rd and 6 but does get behind him just enough to make the 16-yard TD catch that ties the game at 30. In a season in which he had several big games, this one was one of his best. He finished with 10 catches for 132 yards and 2 TD, including 4 catches for 81 yards on the Packers' final two drives in the final 3 minutes. After tying the game, the Packers kicked a FG on the last play of the game to win 33-30 and avoid what would have been an embarrassing home loss to the 49ers.<br />
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22. WR <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> of the Texans may have 'slumped' to 11 TD catches (down from his league-leading 13 in 2017), but he still was his usual spectacular self in 2018. Here in Week 6 he gets the scoring started with a great leaping catch against the coverage of Bills CB Tre'Davious White, landing at the 1-yard line and falling backward into the end zone for a 13-yard TD and a 7-0 lead with 4:43 remaining in the 1st quarter. On a day on which the Texans' offense was held to just 216 total yards, Hopkins was their most productive player with 5 catches for 63 yards. The Texans won 20-13 on a pick-6 TD with 1:23 remaining in the game.<br />
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23. In the Texans' next home game on Thursday night in Week 8 <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> finishes the scoring midway through the 4th quarter with his 2nd TD catch of the game and his 6th of the season on 3rd and goal, nearly losing control of the ball after an attempt by Dolphins CB Xavien Howard to break up the pass but keeping his grip on it and keeping it from touching the ground. The 2-yard TD upped the Texans' lead to 42-23. Earlier in the quarter DeAndre had his longest reception of the season, a 49-yard TD that gave the Texans some breathing room at 35-20. He finished the night with 6 catches for 83 yards.<br />
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24. I can't speak for <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b>, of course, but I wouldn't be surprised if he told you his most satisfying TD catch of 2018 was this one in Week 7, because he made it while beating the coverage of the great Jalen Ramsey. There's no better way to shut up a cocky, trash-talking DB than to score against him. The 10-yard reception on 2nd and 8 came 2 plays after the Jaguars turned the ball over at their own 12-yard line, and it upped the Texans' lead to 20-0 early in the 3rd quarter. Hopkins finished with just 3 catches (on 8 targets) for 50 yards, but all three came on scoring drives, as the Texans got the road win 20-7.<br />
If you like, here's the video of the battle between Hopkins and Ramsey from this game, with the TD coming at the 2:25 mark: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCITaQ-qaW4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCITaQ-qaW4</a><br />
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HOUSE OF DREAD - THE SILVER MEDAL<br />
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There was a 3-way tie for the game with the second most touchdowns scored by players with dreads. The Bengals-Chiefs game in Week 7 and the Falcons-Packers game in Week 14 both had 5. And we'll look at a couple of photos from those games later. The 3rd game with 5 TD was between the Cardinals and Chargers in Week 12, and we'll look at all 5 right now.<br />
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25. WR <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> scores first, capping the Cardinals' game-opening 76-yard drive with this 25-yard TD reception, ignoring S <b>Derwin James</b>' last-ditch tackle attempt. CB <b>Michael Davis</b> had coverage on the play and missed the tackle after Fitzgerald made the catch at the 7-yard line; then James came over late and had no chance to prevent the TD, which was Fitzgerald's 5th of the season.<br />
The Cardinals, a 14-point underdog, led 10-0 at the end of the 1st quarter before the game completely turned around in the 2nd quarter ..... <br />
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26. On the 2nd play of the quarter the Chargers faced 3rd and goal from the 9-yard line and were in danger of having to settle for a FG. But never fear, <b>Mike Williams</b> is here. Arguably the best jump-ball catching WR in the league, Williams does what he does best, going way up and making the catch in the end zone (left photo), not allowing the hit by CB Bene Benwikere to prevent him from landing inbounds. Midway through the quarter the Chargers take the lead on RB <b>Melvin</b> <b>Gordon</b>'s 28-yard TD run off right tackle on 2nd and 11 (right photo). Former Charger S <b>Tre Boston</b>, he of the super long dreads, comes over to try to cut Gordon off and knock him out of bounds, but Melvin is too fast for that ..... <br />
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27. After an interception by James on the first play of the Cardinals' next possession gives the Chargers the ball at the Arizona 31-yard line, the Chargers cash in the turnover 4 plays later on Gordon's 2nd TD of the game. On 1st and goal from the 5 Melvin starts up the middle then cuts to the right into open space. Two defenders nearly stop him just short, but on a second effort he spins and gets the ball across the goal line (photo above) to make to 21-10 with 4:21 to play until halftime. Then on their next drive the Chargers go 80 yards in 10 plays in the final 1:45 of the half, with Williams exhibiting some serious toe drag swag on the beautiful, highlight-reel TD catch. Mike makes the leaping catch on a back-shoulder fade on 1st and goal and lands with both feet inbounds (photo on right), as CB David Amerson's attempt to shove him out of bounds is too little too late. The 2-yard TD makes it 28-10 with :08 on the clock.<br />
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At that point the game looked like a safe bet to at least tie for if not not take the lead for house of dread honors; but there were no further touchdowns by players with dreads. WR Keenan Allen and RB Austin Ekeler scored for the Chargers in the 3rd quarter, and then the starters sat out the 4th quarter. Gordon finished with 61 yards rushing on 10 carries. Williams had 4 catches for 25 yards. Fitzgerald had just 2 catches for 30 yards. After the early scare, the Chargers easily covered the point spread, blowing out the Cardinals 45-10. The link below is to the highlights of the game. You're welcome to watch the whole thing; but if you just want to see the 5 TD, they're at the 0:18, 2:10, 3:35, 4:19, and 5:34 marks of the video.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT6XclFiWJc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT6XclFiWJc</a><br />
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HOUSE OF DREAD - THE GOLD MEDAL<br />
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Even though it was only Week 2 and there were 15 more weeks to go, as soon as the game was over you knew it was going to be hard for any other game to top this one. And no other game did. Therefore the house of dread winner for 2018 goes to the end zones at New Era Field in Orchard Park, NY, the home of the Buffalo Bills. There were 6 touchdowns scored in the Bills' home-opening 31-20 loss to the Chargers, and all 6 were by players with dreads. Unfortunately even though I really tried, I couldn't find clear shots of most of the touchdowns, so you're going to have to use your imagination a bit (or just watch the video at the end of the last photo).<br />
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28. After going scoreless during his injury-shortened rookie season in 2017, <b>Mike Williams</b> makes his 1st career TD catch on, what else, a jump ball in the back of the end zone on 2nd and 7, with S Jordan Poyer and CB Vontae Davis trying their best but failing to stop him. The 10-yard TD catch for the first points of the day capped a 3-play, 38-yard drive on the Chargers' second possession of the game .....<br />
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29. On the 6th play of the Chargers' next drive, and the next play after Williams' 17-yard reception on 3rd and 12 keeps the drive alive,<b> Melvin Gordon</b> takes a run off left tackle 20 yards to the house for his 1st TD of the season, so far in the clear that he can cruise the final 5 yards. I mean, the blocking was so good on this play that nobody came close to touching him. That made it 14-0 with 4:18 remaining in the 1st quarter .....<br />
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30. After the Bills kicked a FG to make it 14-3, the Chargers strike right back quickly, driving 75 yards in 5 plays, with <b>Melvin</b> <b>Gordon</b> going the final 9 for a TD nearly as easy as his first one. On 2nd and 5 Gordon runs an out route out of the backfield and easily beats LB <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b>, making the catch at the 6 and scoring (left photo). Photographers had a clear view of this TD, so it's disappointing there wasn't a photo of Melvin crossing the goal line with Edmunds trailing behind him. In the right photo Gordon celebrates his TD with Williams .....<br />
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31. Not done yet, Gordon finishes the Chargers' next drive with his 3rd TD of the game. And there <i>almost</i> was a photo of it. On 3rd and goal from the 2 on the first play after the 2-minute warning Melvin has LB Matt Milano beat as the pass approaches him (left photo) and, after juggling the ball, gets control of it in time before Milano futilely tackles him in the end zone.<br />
That made it 28-3, and from there the Chargers put it in cruise control. After racking up 17 first downs in the 1st half, they made only 4 in the 2nd half .....<br />
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32. After going the first 6 quarters of the season without one, the Bills finally score a TD on their first drive of the 2nd half, and you'll have to take my word for it that RB <b>Chris Ivory</b> scored it on this play. On 2nd and goal from the 1 Ivory make his approach to end zone after taking the handoff at the 4, and the blocking is good enough - including the block by the TE on S<b> Jahleel Addae</b> (#37) - that he doesn't meet any resistance until he's already in the end zone. It was the 32nd career TD for Ivory and his 1st for the Bills, the 4th NFL team he has played for. The Bills website had a couple of shots of a mass of bodies in the end zone after the TD, but they weren't worth posting because you couldn't see Ivory in either of them ..... <br />
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33. The 6th and last TD of the day came in garbage time, but it still counts. On the next play after <b>Chris Ivory</b> nearly scored on a 30-yard catch and run to the 3-yard line, WR <b>Kelvin Benjamin </b>make the catch on a slant route in the end zone and gets both feet down in time before being clobbered by S Adrian Phillips and Trevor Williams (left photo). It's hard to see the ball in this shot; but if you save it, it's large enough that you can see him cradling it against his body just below his chin strap. After being shaken up momentarily Kelvin manages a smile (right photo) after being the recipient of the 1st TD pass in the career of rookie QB Josh Allen (#17). So even though it only made the score 31-20 with 38 seconds remaining, it was a big deal for Allen.<br />
Gordon was the only player to make the dread stars list. Even though he gained only 66 total yards, he made it thanks to his 3 TD. The 3 TD are at the 1:45, 3:53, and 4:53 marks of the game highlight video (link below). Williams' TD is at 0:14, Ivory's at 6:42, and Benjamin's at 10:37.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvRkva4Ru6M" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvRkva4Ru6M</a><br />
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Rather unbelievably these were the only touchdowns of the season for both Ivory and Benjamin. And they might be the last TD of their careers, as they both remain unsigned free agents at the start of the 2019 season.<br />
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There are plenty more house calls to come, but right now this next section of the dread gallery is all about the defense.<br />
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34. Before he was seen after the game munching on a turkey leg, Saints DE <b>Cameron Jordan</b> dined on Falcons QB Matt Ryan. Jordan had 2 sacks in the Saints' 31-17 victory in the Week 12 Thanksgiving night game, the second of which was this one for a 7-yard loss on 3rd and 5 midway through the 4th quarter. The Falcons converted the 4th and 12 on the next play, but the drive ended 4 plays later with their 4th turnover of the game. Jordan finished with 4 tackles (3-0), 3 of which were TFL; and this was the 3rd consecutive game against the Falcons that he's had 2 sacks. After recording a career high 13 sacks in 2017, Cameron dropped to 12 in 2018; but that was enough to finish 14th in the NFL and 1st among NFL players with dreads.<br />
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35. <b>Cameron Jordan</b>'s gain was <b>Demarcus Lawrence</b>'s loss. Lawrence, a DE for the Cowboys, was #1 in sacks among players with dreads in 2017 with a career high 14.5. But he had just 10.5 in 2018 to finish tied for 2nd. These are shots of the first of 3 sacks he had in the Week 4 home game against the Lions, as he drags down Matthew Stafford at the Detroit 36-yard line for a loss of 9 on 1st and 10 with 1:09 remaining in the 1st half. The Lions punted 3 plays later. I included Lawrence on the Week 4 dread stars list, as he tied for the team lead with 8 tackles (6-2) in the Cowboys' last-second 26-24 win over the Lions.<br />
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36. After recording 10.5 sacks in his 4 seasons with the Raiders, DT <b>Denico Autry</b> opens his sack account with the Colts on this play midway through the 1st quarter in Week 4, first dropping into coverage on 1st and 10 before moving forward and tripping up Texans QB Deshaun Watson in the open field at the Indy 44-yard line for a loss of 5. The Texans punted 3 plays later. Autry, who missed the previous 2 games due to an ankle injury he suffered in practice, didn't exactly ease his way back into action. Including special teams, he played a career high 87 snaps and made the dread stars list, finishing with 9 tackles (7-2), 4 TFL, and 2 sacks. But he wasn't the only D-lineman in the game to make the dread stars list .....<br />
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37. ..... He was outshone by <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b>, DE/LB for the Texans. 5 plays after Autry's sack Clowney scored his 2nd career TD on a fumble recovery in the end zone (sorry, no clear photos of it available). Then on 3rd and 15 on the Colts' next possession he reels in QB Andrew Luck at the 10-yard line for a loss of 9. The Colts punted on the next play .....<br />
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38. Now late in overtime and after both teams kicked a FG on their first possession of OT,<b> Jadeveon Clowney</b> strikes again. Coming up the middle on a stunt on 2nd and 11 (after a killer holding penalty on <b>Mo</b> <b>Alie-Cox</b> on 2nd and 1), Clowney beats G Quenton Nelson and drops Luck for a huge 10-yard loss with 1:10 to play. The drive ended 2 plays later on an incomplete pass on 4th and 4 as the Colts stupidly went for it from their own 43-yard with 27 seconds left instead of punting. The Texans then kicked a FG on the last play of OT to win 37-34. After finishing with 4 tackles (4-0), all of which were TFL, 2 sacks, and the FR for a TD, Jadeveon was named AFC defensive player of the week for Week 4. <br />
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39. In Week 13 at Jacksonville <b>Denico Autry</b> did something for the first time in his career - and something <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> has never done .... get 3 sacks in one game. It must be noted, however, that he caught a bit of a break on this first one. On 3rd and 6 from the 5-yard line G <b>A.J. Cann</b> (#60) has him blocked fairly well; but QB Cody Kessler, not wanting to get caught in the end zone for a safety, quickly steps up into the pocket (and out of the end zone) and ends up in Denico's arms at the 3. The Jaguars punted on the next play. Autry made his 2nd appearance on the dread stars list, finishing with 7 tackles (6-1), 3 sacks, and 2 FF - one of which caused a turnover. But the Colts let it go to waste, inexplicably failing to score a single point in a 6-0 loss to the 3-8 Jaguars.<br />
With 9 sacks apiece, Autry and Clowney finished tied for 5th place (along with <b>Michael Bennett</b> of the Eagles) in sacks among players with dreads.<br />
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40. Also scoring a hat trick of sacks was LB <b>Za'Darius Smith</b> in the Ravens' 21-0 shutout of the Titans in Week 6. After driving to the Ravens' 37-yard line on the first 5 plays of their opening possession, the drive ends abruptly with back-to-back sacks, the second of which is by Smith on 3rd and 12, as he thwarts G Josh Kline's attempt to hold him and brings down QB Marcus Mariota for a loss of 7. It was the beginning of a very tough afternoon for Mariota .....<br />
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41. On 3rd and 13 midway through the 2nd quarter, after the Titans again had dared to cross into Ravens' territory, <b>Za'Darius Smith</b> goes past G Quinton Spain (#67) like he's not even there and is on top of Mariota before he even has a chance to set up. Z goes for the ball this time and knocks it out of the QB's hand, but Mariota is able to recover it at the Ravens' 47 and prevent the turnover. Smith's 2nd sack of the game was good for a loss of 7, and the Titans punted on the next play: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNkoW6bS93s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNkoW6bS93s</a> .....<br />
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42. Now late in the 4th quarter, on the final play of the game for the Baltimore defense, <b>Za'Darius Smith</b> drops Marcus Mariota one last time for a loss of 4 on 3rd and 11. It was the Ravens' 11th sack of the game, one short of the NFL record of 12. If you have a couple of minutes, here's a look at all 11: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak96OwRJ-bA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak96OwRJ-bA</a><br />
Some of the numbers of the Titans' futility are mind boggling. They gained only 106 total yards, made just 7 first downs, and punted on all 9 of their possessions. Their deepest penetration on offense was the Ravens' 37-yard line, and on the 7 snaps they had in Ravens' territory they were sacked on 5 of them. They converted just 1 of 10 times on 3rd down, and of the 9 times they tried to pass on 3rd down they were sacked on 7 of them. It doesn't get much more futile than that.<br />
After he finished with a team high 5 tackles (4-1), 3 sacks, and 1 FF, Smith was named AFC defensive player of the week. <br />
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43. Sacking the Panthers QB is easier said than done, but DE <b>Takk</b> <b>McKinley</b> is able to take down 6-5, 245-pound Cam Newton for a 5-yard loss on 2nd and 10 on the last play before the 2-minute warning during the 1st half in Week 2. For the record McKinley is listed at 6-2, 265. The Panthers punted 2 plays later. Takk finished with 2 tackles (2-0) in the Falcons' 31-24 home win over Carolina.<br />
With his 7 sacks for the season, McKinley was the leader of <b>Cameron Jordan</b>'s supporting cast as the NFC South's players with dreads recorded 48 sacks in 2018, the most of any division.<br />
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44. LB <b>De'Vondre Campbell</b>'s 1st sack of the season - and his only solo sack - comes with an asterisk ..... because it should not have counted. Per NFL rules you are not allowed to even breathe on the quarterback's head, let alone grab it, as Campbell is here just before he sacks Aaron Rodgers of the Packers midway through the 2nd quarter in Week 14. No flag was thrown, however, and De'Vondre will take it. The sack on 3rd and 7 moved the Packers back 9 yards to the 32-yard line, and on the next play they settled for a FG and a 10-7 lead. Campbell, who led the Falcons with 94 tackles for the season, had 5 (3-2) in this one as the Falcons hit their low point of the season, dropping to 4-9 with a 34-20 road loss to Green Bay.<br />
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45. Chargers DE <b>Melvin Ingram</b>'s overall play certainly wasn't down from previous years, but his sack total was. His 7 sacks in 2018 were his fewest since he had 4 in 2014. Here are 2 of the 7. In Week 10 at Oakland his sack and strip of QB Derek Carr (photo above) on 3rd and 6 early in the 2nd quarter changed the momentum of the game. The Raiders were at the LA 21-yard line and threatening to add to their 3-0 lead when Ingram abruptly ended the threat. After recovering the fumble, the Chargers tied the game on their ensuing drive and went on to win 20-6. Then in Week 15 at Kansas City the Chiefs were at their own 39-yard line with 40 seconds remaining in the 1st half and planning to add to their 14-7 lead when Ingram's sack of Patrick Mahomes for a 7-yard loss (photo on right) on 1st and 10 threw a wrench into those plans. The Chiefs punted 3 plays later. Melvin finished with 3 tackles (1-2) and 1.5 sacks in the Chargers' huge 29-28 win over the Chiefs. There'll be more photos from this game a little later.<br />
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46. It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving in Detroit without a sack by DE <b>Ziggy Ansah</b>. Here he makes the tackle from behind, tripping up QB Chase Daniel as Daniel tries to escape the pocket and scramble for the first down on 3rd and 8 early in the 3rd quarter in Week 12. The sack didn't lose any yards, but it came at the Lions' 40-yard line and kept the Bears out of FG range. They punted on the next play. Ansah finished with 3 tackles (2-1), but the Lions dropped to 4-7 with the 23-15 loss to the Bears. During an injury-plagued season in which he missed 9 games this was Ziggy's 4th and last sack of the season. During his 6 seasons with the Lions he had at least one sack in 5 of their Thanksgiving Day games. <br />
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47. DE <b>Markus Golden</b> gets his final sack in a Cardinals uniform, dropping QB Matt Ryan for a 5-yard loss on the 4th play of the Falcons' game-opening drive at Atlanta in Week 15. The Falcons punted 3 plays later. It was one of his 2 tackles (2-0) in the Cardinals' 40-14 defeat. Coming back from the torn ACL he suffered in 2017, Golden had just 2.5 sacks in 11 games, and the Cardinals decided not to bring him back for 2019. He signed as a free agent with the N.Y. Giants.<br />
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48. For the 2nd straight season DT <b>Sheldon Day</b> recorded 2 sacks, but unfortunately in 2018 both of them came when he had his long dreads reduced. The first of the two was on this play during the 3rd quarter in Week 4. After beating G Dan Feeney (#66) on 2nd and 5, Day tackles QB Philip Rivers at the LA 37-yard line for an 8-yard loss. The Chargers punted two plays later. This was Sheldon's only tackle of the game in the 49ers' 29-27 road loss to the Chargers.<br />
Day was not the only 49er with his long dreads reduced to get a sack in 2018 ..... <br />
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49. CB <b>Richard Sherman</b> (of all people) didn't have an interception during his 1st season in a 49ers uniform; but he did have this sack, only the 2nd of his career and his first since 2012 - which evidently LB <b>Malcolm Smith</b> (#51), his former teammate with the Seahawks, found very amusing. During the 2nd quarter in Week 8 the Cardinals decide not to block Sherman, and he comes in and drops QB Josh Rosen for a 7-yard loss: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO4ye_VaFuo" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO4ye_VaFuo</a> .... The Cardinals converted on 3rd and 12 two plays later, but the drive eventually ended with a punt. Along with teammate <b>Fred Warner</b> and <b>Markus Golden</b> of the Cardinals Richard was one of the game's leading tacklers, finishing with a season high 7 (7-0) and 1 PBU. In a battle of 1-6 teams, the 49ers took over last place in the NFC West, blowing a 15-3 lead in the 4th quarter and losing to the Cardinals 18-15.<br />
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50. On the final play of the 3rd quarter in Week 14 with the Dolphins leading by 1, CB <b>Bobby McCain</b> catches the Patriots by surprise and comes in unblocked on a blitz on 3rd and 3 and tackles the great Tom Brady at the New England 47-yard line for a 7-yard loss. The Patriots punted on the next play. It was McCain's 2nd sack in as many weeks and the 4th of his career. He finished the afternoon with 6 tackles (4-2). The Patriots kicked two field goals in the 4th quarter, including one with 16 seconds to play, to take a 33-28 lead. But in the craziest finish of the season the Dolphins scored a 69-yard TD on a multi-lateral play on the final play of the 4th quarter to win 34-33.<br />
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51. Rookie LB and former Virginia Tech star <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> had sacks against the Miami Hurricanes in 2016 and 2017, and he got this one of the highlight reel variety against the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 of 2018. After recording his 1st NFL sack on opening day, Edmunds went without another one until this play midway through the 4th quarter of the final game of the season, destroying RB Kenyan Drake's attempt to block him and wrapping up QB Ryan Tannehill for a 4-yard loss on 3rd and 4. The Dolphins punted on the next play. Stay tuned. A little later we'll take another look at Edmunds from this game.<br />
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52. LB <b>Tim Williams</b> went sackless in 8 games for the Ravens during his 2017 rookie season, but it did not take long for him to get into the sack column in 2018. On 3rd and goal from the 5-yard line late in the 3rd quarter of the season opener rookie QB Josh Allen tries to escape the pocket, but Williams runs him down at drops him at the 17 for a 12-yard loss. The Bills kicked a FG on the next play, their only points of the day during the Ravens' 47-3 romp.<br />
Unfortunately this wasn't the start of something big for Williams. 2018 turned out to be just as disappointing as 2017. He had 2 sacks in the first 4 games but none after that and eventually was benched entirely during the Ravens' late-season stretch drive.<br />
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53. Playing almost exclusively on special teams, LB <b>Terrance Smith</b> had no sacks during his first 2 seasons with the Chiefs; but in 2018 he was on the field for a lot of defensive snaps in addition to his special teams duty, and in Week 5 against the Jaguars he picked up his 1st career sack. On 1st and 10 early in the 4th quarter Smith takes advantage of some clueless pass protection by RB Brandon Wilds (#34) and comes in for an easy tackle of QB Blake Bortles for a 5-yard loss. The Jaguars converted on 3rd and 1 two plays later, but the drive ended with an interception on the next play after that. Smith played a season high 71 total snaps and finished with a season high 5 tackles (4-1) in the Chiefs' 30-14 win over the Jaguars. This turned out to be Terrance's only sack. His season ended two weeks later after he tore an ACL. <br />
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54. 8 teams had more total sacks by players with dreads than the Panthers in 2018, but no team had more <i>players</i> with dreads with sacks than the Panthers. 6 different players with dreads (the Chargers also had 6) combined to record 12 sacks for Carolina, and the least likely of the six was none other than 180-pound rookie CB <b>Donte Jackson</b>. On 2nd and 10 during the 2nd quarter in Week 8 the Ravens decide to double-team DE <b>Julius Peppers</b>, and that allows Jackson to come in unblocked and get his 1st career sack, as he tackles QB Joe Flacco for a loss of 8. The Ravens punted 2 plays later. Donte had 3 tackles (2-1) and 1 PBU as the Panthers whipped the Ravens 36-21 .....<br />
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55. Of course, the Panthers didn't draft Jackson in the 2nd round to sack the QB but rather intercept the QB and blanket WRs. And it didn't take too long for him to get his 1st career INT. On the 2nd play from scrimmage in the 2nd half in Week 2 pressure by DE Wes Horton causes a deep pass by QB Matt Ryan to fall far short of intended receiver <b>Julio Jones</b>, and that gives Jackson time to drop off his coverage and move over to easily pick off the ball. Unfortunately for Donte he can't stay on his feet and goes down at the 2-yard line: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-q_xn2Cuto" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-q_xn2Cuto</a> ..... Before Jackson left the game later in the 3rd quarter due to a hamstring injury he had a busy day. He had 7 tackles (7-0), all in the 1st half; had a FF (the ball went out of bounds); and gave up a TD to WR Calvin Ridley. The Panthers lost 31-24, the first of 2 times that they lost to the Falcons.<br />
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56. One week later <b>Donte Jackson</b> showed out for the home fans, picking off not one but two passes intended for Bengals WR John Ross. The second of them comes here with 3:33 remaining in the game and the Panthers up by 7, as Donte again lands on the seat of his pants after catching QB Andy Dalton's deep pass on 2nd and 20 and then holds on tight as he rolls over backward at the 50-yard line. 7 plays later the Panthers kicked a FG to put the game away. Jackson had 7 tackles (7-0) in addition to his 2 INT as the Panthers won 31-21.<br />
Although Donte did not make the All-Rookie team for 2018, he did have more interceptions than any other rookie, finishing the season with 4. The 4 INT were also the most by any player with dreads, although he had some company at the top of that list .....<br />
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57. ..... S <b>Curtis Riley</b> of the Giants and S <b>D.J.</b> <b>Swearinger</b> of the Redskins also had 4 INT to share the lead with Jackson. No sense including any photos of Riley, whose 2nd year dreads were to short to be seen. But nobody at MetLife Stadium had any difficulty seeing Swearinger's dreads during the Week 8 game between the Redskins and Giants. With the Redskins leading 7-0 but the Giants in the red zone midway through the 2nd quarter, Swearinger beats WR Odell Beckham to the spot where the short pass is thrown on 2nd and 11 and gets his 3rd INT of the season at the 9-yard line to end the Giants' threat .....<br />
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58. ..... And before the afternoon was over Swearinger would get his 4th INT. On 3rd and 18 with 4 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter QB Eli Manning throws a deep pass up for grabs, hoping WR Bennie Fowler can make a play. Instead the ball ends up in the hands of Swearinger at the Washington 38-yard line. Had Fowler made the tackle, the play would have been as good as a 45-yard punt; but D.J. eludes Fowler and brings the return back 22 yards to the NY 40. Swearinger had 5 tackles (4-1) and 1 PBU in addition to his 2 picks to help the Redskins improve to 5-2 with a 20-13 win over the Giants, who fell to 1-7. Swearinger, who also got 2 INT back in Week 2, had no more interceptions in the Redskins' next 8 games and then was released from the team after angrily and publicly criticizing the coaching staff after the Week 16 loss to Tennessee.<br />
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59. The Redskins were the only team to reach double figures in interceptions by players with dreads in 2018. 10 of the team's 15 INT were by players with dreads, with CB <b>Josh Norman</b> contributing 3 picks to the cause. The second of the 3 came in Week 10 on a play on which Norman landed on his back twice. The Buccaneers' game-opening drive ends on its 8th play as Norman makes a leaping interception of a pass intended for RB Shaun Wilson that was overthrown on 2nd and 7. Then after beginning his return at the goal line, Norman makes it to the Washington 31-yard line before being dragged down by WR Chris Godwin - a tackle that likely kept Josh from taking it to the house: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7L9p5mzc14" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7L9p5mzc14</a> ..... The Buccaneers did the nearly impossible, racking up 501 total yards but scoring only 3 points. Blame that on 2 missed field goals and 4 turnovers. Besides the INT Norman's only other stat was 1 tackle (1-0) as the Redskins picked up the road win 16-3.<br />
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60. One week later the Buccaneers made two more contributions to the total of interceptions by players with dreads. After <b>Curtis Riley</b> picked up his 2nd INT of the season in the 3rd quarter, CB <b>B.W. Webb</b> gets his 1st (and only) with 13 seconds remaining in the game to seal the victory for the Giants. The Bucs scored touchdowns on 4 straight drives to cut a 24-7 deficit to 38-35, but they began their final drive with just 23 seconds to play; and Webb, with those long reduced dreads of his lifting up to reveal the name on his jersey, easily picks off QB Jameis Winston's desperation heave 50 yards downfield that is intended for WR DeSean Jackson but is overthrown. Webb finished with 7 tackles (6-1) and 1 PBU along with his INT as the Giants won their 2nd in a row to improve to 3-7.<br />
Thanks to the Redskins' 10 INT and 7 by the Giants the NFC East easily was the leader among the 8 divisions in interceptions by players with dreads with a total of 21.<br />
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61. In his 2nd NFL season CB <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> started all 16 games and led the Seahawks in defensive snaps played with 941. Remarkably his only 2 INT of the season came in a span just 6 snaps apart on back-to-back possessions by the Bears in the 2nd quarter in Week 2. On the first of the two Griffin has WR Allen Robinson blanketed on a deep right sideline route, but QB Mitchell Trubisky throws the pass anyway. Shaquill says thank you very much, high-pointing the ball for a picturesque pick at the Seattle 24-yard line. Shaquill made his only appearance on the dread stars list, finishing the Monday night game with 4 tackles (4-0) and 1 PBU along with the 2 INT, but the Seahawks lost to the Bears 24-17. If you don't mind the reduced dreads, here's a video of Griffin's highlights from the game: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVPvy0RB0T8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVPvy0RB0T8</a><br />
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62. CB <b>Trae Waynes</b>' only INT of 2018 was a gift courtesy of Jets WR Charone Peake. With the Vikings leading by 17 in the 4th quarter in Week 7, a short pass on 2nd and 10 deflects off of Peake's hands and into the air, and Waynes easily makes the grab and takes the return 24 yards to the NY 22-yard line, setting up the final points of the game. In addition to his pick Trae finished with 3 tackles (0-3) and tied his career high with 3 PBU in Minnesota's 37-17 road win.<br />
Waynes was one of three Viking DBs with dreads to record interceptions on the season, along with rookie CB <b>Holton Hill</b> (who also had an INT in this game) and .....<br />
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63. ..... S <b>Anthony Harris</b>. After going without an interception in his first 3 seasons, Harris finally gets his 1st late in the 3rd quarter in Week 6, cutting in front of WR <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> on 3rd and 6 and grabbing QB Josh Rosen's short pass. Anthony gets up and goes about 5 yards on the return (right photo) but is ruled down by contact (with Fitzgerald) back where he caught the ball at the Minnesota 47-yard line. Harris had 2 tackles (1-1) and 1 PBU in addition to the INT as the Vikings won at home over the Cardinals 27-17.<br />
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64. One day later, on Monday night of Week 6, Packers 2nd year CB <b>Kevin King </b>gets his 1st career INT; and it's a big one, coming late in the 4th quarter of a tie game. With 1:13 to play the 49ers are at the Green Bay 46-yard line and need only 3 yards on 3rd down. But QB C.J. Beathard for some reason goes deep, and King has WR Marquise Goodwin well covered and turns around just in time to get the INT at the 10-yard line. The Packers then went 81 yards in 11 plays and kicked a FG on the final play of the game. King also had 4 tackles (4-0) and 1 FR in the game as the Packers, a 9-point favorite at home, barely beat the 49ers 33-30. This was Kevin's only INT of the season, as he injured his hamstring 3 weeks later and missed the last 8 games of the season.<br />
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65. Also getting the first interception of his career in 2018 was Chargers DE <b>Melvin Ingram</b>. In his first 6 NFL seasons Ingram had broken up 18 passes, but not until this play late in the 3rd quarter in Week 5 did he actually pick one off. On 1st and goal at the 1-yard line the Raiders fake a handoff to RB <b>Marshawn Lynch</b> instead of giving it to him and pay for it, as Ingram fools QB Derek Carr by dropping back into coverage to easily pick off the pass intended for TE Derek Carrier 4 yards deep in the end zone. Not satisfied with only getting the INT, Melvin wants to take the return to the house but only makes it to the LA 4-yard line before being tackled. Lynch was so disgusted after the play that he wanted to throw his helmet (probably at whoever called the play) before thinking better of it: <a href="https://www.chargers.com/video/melvin-ingram-picks-off-derek-carr-in-end-zone" target="_blank">https://www.chargers.com/video/melvin-ingram-picks-off-derek-carr-in-end-zone</a> ..... The Chargers then went 96 yards on the ensuing drive to go up 26-3. Ingram also had a team high 7 tackles (5-2), 2 TFL, and 1 sack in the game, as the Chargers hung on to win 26-10. <br />
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66. LB <b>C.J. Mosley</b>'s only INT of the season was a season saver for the Ravens, although it should be noted that since it was 4th down, just breaking up the pass would have sufficed. With 1:06 on the clock and the Browns one first down away from moving into FG range, the Ravens were on the brink of being eliminated from the playoff race with a Week 17 home loss for the 2nd year in a row. But this time the defense got the job done. Under heavy pressure on 4th and 10 QB Baker Mayfield has to unload quickly, and Mosley leaps and tips the pass intended for RB Duke Johnson to himself and secures possession before he goes to the ground at the 39-yard line: <a href="https://www.baltimoreravens.com/video/highlight-c-j-mosley-makes-game-winning-interception" target="_blank">https://www.baltimoreravens.com/video/highlight-c-j-mosley-makes-game-winning-interception</a><br />
..... Mosley also had a team high 6 tackles (3-3), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU in the game. The Ravens, who missed out on the 2017 playoffs due to their Week 17 home loss to Cincinnati, made the 2018 playoffs and clinched the AFC North division crown with the 26-24 win over the Browns.<br />
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67. Staying in the AFC North, here is the 1st career INT for rookie (1st round draft pick) S <b>Terrell Edmunds</b>. During the 2nd quarter at Tampa on Monday night in Week 3 the Buccaneers turn the ball over for their 3rd straight possession, as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's pass on 1st and 10 sails way over the head of WR Mike Evans and into the hands of Edmunds at the Pittsburgh 30-yard line. Terrell brings the return back 35 yards to the Tampa Bay 35, but the Steelers fail to score on the ensuing possession. Edmunds finished the night with 1 tackle (1-0) fot his only other stat in the game as the Steelers picked up their 1st win of the season, defeating the Buccaneers 30-27.<br />
Of course, Terrell was not the only member of the Edmunds family to get an INT in 2018 ..... <br />
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68. ..... LB <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b>, also picked in the 1st round of the 2018 Draft (taken 12 picks before Terrell), did his older brother one better, finishing the season with 2 INT. As promised a little earlier .... in the same game in Week 17 in which he got his 2nd sack of the season, Tremaine gets his 2nd INT of the season. On the 3rd play of the Dolphins' opening drive QB Ryan Tannehill tries to hit WR Danny Amendola on 2nd and 13 but finds Edmunds instead at the Miami 35-yard line. After throwing on the brakes, Tremaine gets himself turned around and headed in the right direction (left photo) at the 40 and rumbles to the 18 for a 17-yard return. The Bills scored on the next play to up their lead to 14-0. Tremaine had a big finish to his rookie season, big enough for me to include him on the Week 17 dread stars list. In addition to his INT and sack he had a season high 12 tackles (11-1) as the Bills trounced the Dolphins 42-17. <br />
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69. For the 2nd year in a row CB <b>Stephon Gilmore</b>'s 1st INT of the year came in a Patriots home game vs. the Texans. But while the one in Week 3 of 2017 came right to him, he had some competition for this one in the 2018 season opener. On 2nd and 3 from the New England 42-yard line during the 2nd quarter QB Deshaun Watson goes for the quick strike; and WR Vyncint Smith, CB Eric Rowe, and Gilmore all converge where the pass comes down, with Stephon gaining possession inbounds before falling out of the back of the end zone to keep the Patriots' lead at 14-6. Of course, Rowe would probably tell you that he had Smith well covered by himself and that Gilmore ranged over and robbed him of an INT; but that's between the two of them, I guess. Gilmore finished with a team high 8 tackles (7-1) and 1 PBU along with his pick and helped hold DeAndre Hopkins to 8 catches for 78 yards and no TD. After leading 24-6, the Patriots held on to defeat the Texans 27-20.<br />
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70. <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> had 2 of the 5 interceptions by players with dreads during the playoffs, and this one was the biggest of them all. In the 4th quarter of Super Bowl 53, after the Patriots finally scored the first touchdown of the game to take a 10-3 lead on the preceding possession, the Rams drove from their 25-yard line to the Patriots' 27 in 5 plays. Then here on 2nd and 10 a blitz forces QB Jared Goff to unload before he wants to and before WR Brandin Cooks finishes running his route, and Gilmore leaps up to easily intercept the pass at the 4-yard line with 4:17 to play, ending the Rams' threat.<br />
Of course, Rams fans will remind you that on 1st and 10 on the play right before this one Cooks had Gilmore beat deep and that Gilmore interfered with him to break up the pass and prevent a TD. No penalty was called even though one should have been. But then Saints fans will remind Rams fans that the Rams wouldn't even have been in the Super Bowl if the Rams hadn't gotten away with PI late in the NFC Championship game.<br />
Gilmore finished the game with 5 tackles (5-0), 1 INT, 2 PBU, and 1 FF (but the ball went out of bounds) in the Patriots' 13-3 victory. It was the 6th championship for the Patriots but the first for Stephon, who played with the Bills for 5 seasons before signing with New England in 2017.<br />
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71. Ravens CB <b>Brandon Carr</b>'s only two interceptions of the season were months apart. He had one in Week 16 and this one during the 3rd quarter of the season opener, as he jumps WR <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b>'s lazy slant route on 3rd and 11 and easily picks off the pass at the Buffalo 33-yard line and heads for the end zone. Brandon made a strong bid for his 3rd career TD but was tackled just short of the end zone at the 1. The Ravens scored on the next play to up their lead to 40-0. Carr began his final season with dreads with 3 tackles (3-0) and 2 PBU in addition to the INT as the Ravens spanked the Bills 47-3.<br />
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72. It looked like it was going to be another season without an interception for Chargers S <b>Jahleel Addae</b>. But then after he finally got one in Week 17 - on a lucky bounce - he didn't get to enjoy it for very long. On 3rd and goal from the 6-yard line late in the 2nd quarter at Denver Addae was just minding his own business when suddenly a pass deflects off of TE Matt LaCosse and comes right to him (left photo). Jahleel begins his trip to the other end zone; but when he gets to the 16-yard line he is about to be tackled, so he decides to lateral the ball to teammate Desmond King (#20). But King isn't expecting it and the ball ends up on the ground, and the Broncos recover it. 7 plays later they kicked a FG to cut the Chargers' lead to 7-3. Addae also had 4 tackles (3-1) in the game as the Chargers won 23-9 to finish with a 12-4 record, their best since 2009.<br />
In his 6 seasons with the Chargers Jahleel was on the field for 4,071 snaps on defense and came up with only 2 interceptions. These days he and his long dreads and hanging out in a Houston Texans uniform ..... <br />
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73. Speaking of safeties with long dreads, here's Tre Boston, who was Addae's teammate with the Chargers for one season (2017). Late in the 2nd quarter in Week 3 Boston follows teammate Chandler Jones on a blitz on 2nd and 3; and after Jones deflects the pass by QB Mitchell Trubisky, Tre lays out and makes a diving catch 10 yards behind the line of scrimmage at the Chicago 34 for his 1st INT in a Cardinals uniform. Check out the video for some cool slow motion of Boston's dreads: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wCJUr4Ku9s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wCJUr4Ku9s</a><br />
..... Unfortunately for Tre the Cardinals' offense went backward on the ensuing drive and did not add to their 14-3 lead. Boston had 7 tackles (5-2) and 1 PBU in addition to the pick in the Cardinals' 16-14 home loss to the Bears.<br />
The leader in interceptions by players with dreads in 2017 with 5 for the Chargers, Boston had 3 INT in his only season with the Cardinals. These dreads his dreads are swinging in a Carolina Panthers uniform. <br />
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74. Concluding our brief look at interceptions by safeties with sick dreads ..... I don't think <b>Reggie</b> <b>Nelson</b> has officially retired, but surely this was the last INT of his career, right? During the 2nd quarter at Baltimore in Week 12 the pass by QB Lamar Jackson on 3rd and 10 detours off the hands of two other Raider defenders before settling into the hands of Nelson at the Ravens' 43-yard line. Another teammate, S Marcus Gilchrist (#31), gets in his way while also going for the INTand nearly knocks the ball out of his hands; but Reggie hangs on as he hits the ground with his 2nd INT of the season. The Raiders settled for a FG on their ensuing drive to cut the Ravens' lead to 13-10. This was the only stat in the game for Nelson, who played only 8 snaps. The Raiders lost 34-17.<br />
Unless some team is in the market for an old (now 36 years old), slow safety, we can close the book on Reggie's career. In 12 NFL seasons (all with dreads) he had 38 career interceptions.<br />
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75. You'll have to squint to see the dreads in these shots, but I decided to include them anyway (You'll also have to click on the photos and then save them in order to see them at their largest). With the sun illiminating his green dread tips from behind (left photo), CB <b>Bashaud Breeland</b> prances into the end zone with his 2nd career pick six. At Green Bay in Week 14 Breeland jumps an out route by Falcons TE Austin Hooper on 3rd and 4, picks off the pass by QB Matt Ryan, and takes it 22 yards to the house to up the Packers' lead to 17-7 with 6:01 remaining in the 2nd quarter. You can see Bashaud's dreads a <i>little</i> better as he gets a lift from S Kentrell Brice (right photo) while celebrating his TD. Breeland also had 1 tackle (1-0) and 1 FR in the game as the Packers rolled over the Falcons 34-20.<br />
Out of work until signing with the Packers in late September. Breeland missed 4 games with two separate injuries but managed to finish with 2 INT in 7 games in his only season in Green Bay. He's with the Chiefs now. <br />
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76. In photo #67 earlier we saw the Buccaneers' 3rd straight drive end with a turnover, and now here's their 4th straight turnover, as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's pass intended for RB <b>Jacquizz Rodgers</b> on 2nd and 10 is overthrown and intercepted (his 3rd interception thrown in a span of barely more than 5 minutes) by LB Alvin Dupree, better known as <b>Bud Dupree</b>, who takes his 1st career INT 10 yards to the house for his 1st career TD to up the Steelers' lead to 23-7 with 2:50 remaining until halftime. Dupree also had 3 tackles (2-1) and 1 sack in the game. The Steelers upped their lead further to 30-10 at halftime and then barely held on to defeat the Buccaneers 30-27 on Monday night in Week 3.<br />
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77. Included earlier with the list of players who scored 1 TD in 2018 was a photo of Cowboys LB <b>Jaylon Smith</b>. Here's another look at that TD, which came late in the 1st quarter in Week 16. After DE <b>Randy Gregory</b> sacks QB Jameis Winston on 3rd and 5 and knocks the ball out of his hands, Smith scoops up the fumble and scores, scooting 69 yards past his happy teammates on the sideline and entering the house with a huge smile on his face: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ArLelJGltE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ArLelJGltE</a><br />
Jaylon's 1st career TD increased the Cowboys' lead to 14-3. He also finished with 10 tackles (5-5) and 2 PBU in the game as the Cowboys defeated the Buccaneers 27-20 to improve to 9-6 and clinch the NFC East division crown. <br />
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78. With the 0-4 Cardinals clinging to a 14-12 lead on the road with less than 5 minutes to play in Week 5, LB <b>Josh Bynes</b> picks a great time to score his 1st career TD. On 2nd and 11 from the 49ers' 41-yard line, QB C.J. Beathard sets up to pass but has the ball knocked out of his hand by LB Haason Reddick; and the next thing he knows he's looking at the back of Bynes' dreads, after Josh scoops up the fumble at the 23-yard line. Bynes runs untouched on his way to the end zone, making the score 21-12 with 4:33 remaining. Josh also had 11 tackles (9-2), 1 sack, and 1 PBU in the game as the Cardinals picked up their 1st win, defeating the 49ers 28-18 .....<br />
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79. Another NFC West LB scored his 1st career TD against the 49ers in 2018. Early in the 2nd quarter at the Coliseum in Week 17, QB Nick Mullens <i>thinks</i> he has WR <b>Richie James </b>open on a slant on 3rd and 4, but actually he doesn't. <b>Cory Littleton</b> drops back and cuts in front of James and easily gets his 2nd INT of the day and then even more easily cruises 19 yards to the house, upping the Rams' lead to 21-3. Not only his 1st career NFL TD, it was Littleton's first ever touchdown at <i>any</i> level; and he was more the happy to talk about it after the game: <a href="https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/12/31/nfl-rams-49ers-cory-littleton-pick-six-touchdown/" target="_blank">https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2018/12/31/nfl-rams-49ers-cory-littleton-pick-six-touchdown/</a> .....<br />
Thanks to his 2 interceptions, I included Cory on the dread stars list for Week 17. He also had 4 tackles (3-1) in the game. Thanks to 4 turnovers by the 49ers on their first 5 possessions of the game, the Rams built a 28-3 lead in the 2nd quarter and then held on to win 48-32 to finish at 13-3 and clinch a 1st round playoff bye.<br />
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80. 34 seconds after the Dolphins scored a TD to pull within 21-17 of the Texans during the 3rd quarter in Week 8 the Texans regain their 11-point advantage. On 2nd and 8 WR <b>Will</b> <b>Fuller</b> blows by CB<b> Bobby McCain </b>(#28) on a go route, and S <b>Reshad Jones</b> doesn't bother to come over and help McCain, allowing Fuller to make the catch at the 25-yard line and ease into the end zone. The 73-yard TD was the longest receptiion of Fuller's career. He finished the night with 5 catches for 124 yards in the Texans' 42-23 victory.<br />
This was Fuller's 4th TD of the season - and his last unfortunately. While trying for his 2nd TD catch of the game in the 4th quarter, Will got bumped by McCain and landed awkwardly on his leg and tore an ACL in his knee, ending his season.<br />
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81. Back in photo #6 we saw WR <b>Robby Anderson</b>'s 1st TD of the season. His next two came in Week 5 vs. the Broncos, and this is the second of them. After being toasted by Anderson for a 76-yard TD earlier in the 2nd quarter, CB <b>Bradley Roby</b> has good coverage this time; but it doesn't matter, because QB Sam Darnold's pass on 1st and 10 is perfect, hitting Anderson in stride just inside the left sideline in the end zone. Anderson's 35-yard reception upped the Jets' lead to 21-10 with 1:13 remaining until halftime. Roby finished the game with 1 PBU and 0 tackles. Robby made the first of his two appearances on the dread stars list, finishing with 3 catches for 123 yards as the Jets got the home win 34-16.<br />
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82. Back in photo #2 we saw RB <b>Isaiah</b> <b>Crowell</b>'s 1st TD of the season. His next two came 10 days later in Week 3 on Thursday night against the Browns, his former team. After scoring the game's 1st TD on a 7-yard run earlier in the 2nd quarter (which was pictured earlier, in the list of individual touchdowns), Crowell takes another one to the house here midway through the period. On a run off tackle on 3rd and 1 from the 2-yard line Crowell encounters some resistance - in the form of LB Joe Schobert - at the 1. Schobert knocks his legs out from under him, but Isaiah has enough momentum going to continue moving forward and dives dreads first into the end zone to increase the Jets' lead to 14-0. But that was all she wrote for the Jets' offense in this one. On their final 8 possessions they punted 4 times, had 3 turnovers, and kicked a FG, crossing midfield just one time. Crowell had a nice game on the field that he called home for the first 4 years of his career, finishing with 90 total yards (73 rushing, 17 receiving) on 16 touches, but the Browns rallied to defeat the Jets 21-17.<br />
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83. Early in the 3rd quarter at Lambeau Field in Week 10 RB <b>Aaron Jones</b> takes the handoff on 1st and goal from the 10-yard line, and the blocking is so good that he doesn't encounter any resistance until it's too late, bouncing off a hit at the 1 and twirling into the end zone. It was the 2nd TD of the afternoon for Jones and his 4th of the season, and it increased the Packers' lead over the Dolphins to 21-12. He finished with a career high 145 yards rushing on only 15 carries, helping the Packers to even their record at 4-4-1 with a 31-12 win over Miami.<br />
Aaron more than doubled his touchdown total from his rookie season, improving from 4 TD in 2017 to 9 TD in 2018 and serving as a solid sidekick to <b>Davante Adams</b> as the Packers led the NFC with 26 TD scored by players with dreads.<br />
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84. Touchdowns by AFC North players with dreads were a rarity in 2018. Only 5 players scored, and the only one who scored more than twice was RB <b>Alex Collins</b> of the Ravens. Here at Baltimore in Week 3 against the Broncos Collins scores the 2nd of his 8 TD, running up the middle behind good blocking on 2nd and goal and going untouched until S Justin Simmons knocks him off balance just as he crosses the goal line. The 6-yard run finished a 5-play, 48-yard drive that tied the game at 7 with 10:57 still to play in the 1st quarter. In a season in which Alex rushed for only 411 yards, a season high 68 of them were in this game. The Ravens scored the final 20 points of the game to deal the Broncos their 1st L of the season 27-14.<br />
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85. WR <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b>'s 1st career TD came on a kickoff return against the Bears during his rookie season, and 5 years later he shows that he still remembers where the end zone is at Soldier Field. Thanks in part to Patterson's fumble on a KR in the 1st quarter the Patriots were in some trouble, trailing the Bears 17-7 early in the 2nd quarter in Week 7. But Cordarrelle makes up for it in a big way, taking his 3rd return of the day 95 yards to the house. After eluding the kicker at midfield the rest of the return is uncontested, allowing him to slow down and high five CB J.C. Jackson inside the 10-yard line before strolling across the goal line. After being blocked by Jackson, which sprang Patterson, S Deon Bush makes his way downfield just in time to be near Cordarrelle's mighty spike, which had a pretty impressive exit velocity: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xoSU4khgDI" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xoSU4khgDI</a><br />
..... It was the 6th career kickoff return TD for Patterson, and it was the beginning of a 31-7 Patriots run that propelled them to the victory. The Patriots won 38-31, dealing the Bears their only home L of the regular season.<br />
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86. With starter Sony Michel down due to a knee injury, <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> filled in at RB for a couple of weeks during the middle of the season. And here in Week 9 he scores a rushing TD against the Packers. After taking the handoff on 2nd and 2 from the 5-yard line, Patterson bounces off at hit at the 2 and ends up with his dreads touching the ground after he's hit again - too late - by CB Josh Jackson, as S <b>Tramon Williams</b> helplessly watches the play. The 5-yard TD run completed a 69-yard drive on which Cordarrelle carried 4 times for 40 yards on the last 4 plays of the drive, breaking a 10-10 tie late in the 2nd quarter. He finished the night with 61 yards rushing on a career high 11 carries. The Patriots improved to 7-2 with a 31-17 home win over Green Bay.<br />
In addition to this TD and the kickoff return TD, Patterson had 3 TD catches in 2018, giving him 5 TD in his only season with the Patriots. They were the only 5 TD scored by anyone with dreadsfor the Patriots all season.<br />
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87. After the Rams take a 7-0 lead in the battle of LA in Week 3 at Coliseum, the Chargers strike back quickly, driving 60 yards in 3 plays. RB <b>Melvin Gordon</b> accounted for the first 18 yards of the drive, and then WR <b>Mike Williams</b> accounts for the rest, beating CB Marcus Peters deep on 2nd and 12 and making a beautiful diving catch in the end zone of QB Philip Rivers' perfect pass. The 42-yard TD would have tied the game with 4:42 remaining in the 1st quarter had the Chargers not missed the extra point. After scoring his 1st NFL TD a week earlier (see photo #28) Williams added 2 more in this one and tied his season high with 81 yards receiving (on 4 catches). But the Chargers' defense was no match for the Rams' offense, which racked up 521 total yards in their 35-23 win over the Chargers.<br />
With his 11 TD for the season Williams tied for 8th place in the league in TD scored by players with dreads; but he was only second best on his team ..... <br />
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88. ..... And that was because he was on the same team as <b>Melvin Gordon</b>, who scored a career high 14 times in 2018. Here are 2 of the 9 that he scored on the road. On 1st and goal in Week 6 Gordon gets hit by CB Denzel Ward at the 3-yard line but drags him into the end zone (left photo) while also getting a welcome but unnecessary boost from teammate Russell Okung: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfnDv5ggzdM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfnDv5ggzdM</a> ..... The 4-yard TD run capped LA's 5-play, 57-yard opening drive and was the start of a big day for Melvin. He finished with 152 total yards, including a season high 132 yards rushing, and 3 TD in the 38-14 win over the Browns.<br />
Then in Week 10 Gordon takes one to the house at Oakland (right photo) for the 3rd year in a row. The Raiders blitz on 2nd and 10, leaving him uncovered in the left flat. After catching the pass and making the first defender miss just past the line of scrimmage, Melvin fakes out S <b>Reggie Nelson</b> at the 45-yard line and has clear sailing the rest of the way for a 66-yard TD, by far his longest TD of the season: <a href="https://www.chargers.com/video/melvin-gordon-turns-on-the-jets-for-a-66-yard-td-run" target="_blank">https://www.chargers.com/video/melvin-gordon-turns-on-the-jets-for-a-66-yard-td-run</a> ..... It was Melvin's 8th TD of the season, and it upped the Chargers' lead to 17-3 early in the 3rd quarter. He finished with 93 yards rushing on 18 carries and 5 catches for 72 yards in the 20-6 win over the Raiders.<br />
In most years the Chargers' total of 27 TD scored by players would have been enough to lead the league; but in 2018 it was enough to be a distant second, because .....<br />
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HAIL TO THE CHIEFS<br />
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89. Only when WR <b>Tyreek Hill</b> had his dreads unleashed completely were they long enough to be visible with his helmet on, and even then just barely; so there weren't a lot of options when it came to photos of his touchdowns where you could see them. One of the instances where you could see them was on his 1st TD reception against the Cardinals in Week 10, as he breezes through the end zone after making the catch in stride at the 10-yard line and scoring easily on the 3rd play from scrimmage. The Chiefs' opening drive took all of 56 seconds, with Hill accounting for all 75 yards - a 38-yard catch on the 1st play and then the 37-yard TD on 2nd and 10 to give the Chiefs a quick 7-0 lead. He added another TD catch in the 2nd quarter and had a punt return TD nullified by penalty in the 4th quarter. He finished with 7 catches for 117 yards and 20 yards rushing on 1 carry in the Chiefs' 26-14 home win over the Cardinals.<br />
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90. Not surprisingly the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum took the house of dread honors for Week 11; but it was disappointing that there weren't more than 3 TD scored by players with dreads in the Chiefs-Rams thriller on Monday night - especially when there were a total of 14 TD in the game. <b>Tyreek Hill</b> had 2 of the 3. Here late in the 1st quarter he gets behind CB Sam Shields on 1st and 10, but the pass from QB Patrick Mahomes is underthrown, allowing Shields to catch up and try to break up the pass. Tyreek hangs on tight though for the 25-yard TD, completing a 4-play, 75-yard drive that cuts the Rams' lead to 13-7. Hill's other TD was a 73-yarder in the 4th quarter. He finished with 10 catches for a career high 215 yards. The Chiefs racked up 546 total yards and averaged 7.9 yards per play but were doomed by their 5 turnovers. In a game in which the lead changed hands 6 times the Rams beat the Chiefs 54-51. It was the third-highest scoring NFL game ever and the first ever in which both teams topped 50 points.<br />
Hill's touchdowns mostly came in bunches - 3 in Weeks 1 and 6; 2 in Weeks 10, 11, and 17. He ended up with a career high 14 TD, which tied him for the team lead with .....<br />
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91. ..... <b>Kareem Hunt</b>, the now former Chiefs RB. Before he was released on Dec. 1 Hunt was having his 2nd straight prolific season and was making house calls so frequently that he probably would have led the league in touchdowns had he played the whole season.<br />
After being held out of the end zone in the season opener, Hunt opens his account for 2018 late in the 1st quarter at Pittsburgh in Week 2 (left photo). After making the catch in the left flat on 3rd and goal, Kareem finds himself one-on-one against S <b>Terrell Edmunds</b>; and thanks to a stiff stiff-arm he easily gets past Edmunds and into the end zone. The 5-yard TD upped KC's lead to 21-0. This was his only reception of the game, to go along with 75 yards rushing on 18 carries. The Chiefs blew the 21-0 lead but eventually won 42-37, their first win over the Steelers in Pittsburgh in 32 years, snapping a string of 6 straight losses over that span.<br />
Back home - <i>his </i>home - against the Browns in Week 9 Hunt, a native of suburban Cleveland, scores on a 10-yard run (right photo) on 1st and goal midway through the 3rd quarter for his 3rd TD of the day. He finished with 91 yards and 2 TD rushing on 17 carries and went for a 50-yard TD on his only reception as the Chiefs defeated the Browns 37-21: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_2WDXxXIpE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_2WDXxXIpE</a><br />
..... It was his 3rd career game with 3 touchdowns .....<br />
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92. ..... His 2nd came 2 weeks earlier, as he put on quite a show on Sunday night while doing serious damage against Ohio's other NFL team. Hunt finishes the Chiefs' 10-play, 95-yard opening drive with a 6-yard TD catch on 1st and goal (photo above), keeping his balance and staying inbounds after making the catch then turning and getting the ball across the goal line before CB <b>Dre Kirkpatrick</b> can knock him out of bounds. After the Chiefs missed a FG on their 2nd possession, Hunt ups their lead to 14-0, finishing a 32-yard drive on their 3rd possession with a highlight-reel 15-yard TD (photo on right). After making the catch in the right flat on 1st and 10, Kareem breaks a tackle by LB Vontaze Burfict (#55) at the 10 and leaves him behind, then stiff-arms S Shawn Williams (#36) at the 2 before diving and hitting the pylon. He finished the night with 86 yards rushing on 15 carries along with 5 catches for 55 yards as the Chiefs whipped the Bengals 45-10: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHhk1L8QGoY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHhk1L8QGoY</a> <br />
Hunt's ability to break tackles makes him special, and making him even more valuable is that he's a good receiver coming out of the backfield. For his total of 14 touchdowns he had 7 rushing TD and 7 TD catches. Too bad the rest of his career won't be with the Chiefs ..... <br />
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93. ..... Also coming in the Week 7 blowout of the Bengals was the Chiefs' only defensive TD of the season by a player with dreads, with S <b>Ron Parker</b> doing the honors. Early in the 3rd quarter and 9 seconds after <b>Kareem Hunt</b>'s 3rd TD of the night made the score 31-7, Parker makes it 38-7, intercepting QB Andy Dalton's pass intended for WR A.J. Green and returning it 33 yards to the house, going the last 10 yards with the ball raised above his head. Playing in the 96th game of his career, it was Parker's 1st career TD.<br />
The Chiefs dominated the Bengals in total yards 551-239, and the 35-point margin of victory was their largest of the season. <br />
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94. One other player contributed to the Chiefs' league-leading tally of 33 touchdowns by players with dreads. 3rd year WR <b>Demarcus Robinson</b> made the first 4 regular season TD catches of his career. With Sammy Watkins and Chris Conley injured late in the season, Robinson was next man up and scored in each of the last 3 games of the season. On Thursday night in Week 15 he caps the Chiefs' 49-yard opening drive with this 5-yard TD catch. With Patrick Mahomes rolling right and waiting for someone to get open on 2nd and goal, Robinson runs all the way across the end zone from left to right before making the catch near the sideline and then strutting his stuff in celebration: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBk9FX5JwuE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBk9FX5JwuE</a><br />
..... Demarcus had just 2 catches for 7 yards as the Chiefs suffered their only regular season home loss, falling to the Chargers 29-28. And, of course, there'll be more from this game a little later.<br />
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DOUBLE THE PLEASURE, DOUBLE THE FUN<br />
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95. Colts WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> had 2 games with 2 TD catches, the last of which was here in Week 11, when he had a big game - mostly at the expense of Titans CB Adoree Jackson. On 1st and 10 midway through the 2nd quarter Hilton beats Jackson deep and catches QB Andrew Luck's pass in stride at the 25-yard line (left photo) before falling across the goal line (right photo) for his 5th TD of the season. The 68-yard reception was his longest of the season, and it upped the Colts' lead to 17-0 .....<br />
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96. ..... Then midway through the 3rd quarter Hilton strikes again, making the catch on 3rd and 3 and staying inbounds (barely) while breaking Jackson's tackle at the 2-yard line and going into the end zone standing up. T.Y. is ready to break out his TD celebration for the 2nd time but can't because the officials rule he stepped out of bounds. That ruling was overturned, and the 14-yard TD made the score 31-3. At least the fans got to see him celebrate one time: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEtGtKmMZgc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEtGtKmMZgc</a> ..... Hilton finished with 9 catches (on 9 targets) for 155 yards as the Colts picked up the easy home win over the Titans 38-10.<br />
With 6 games still to go, T.Y. seemed to have a good chance to surpass his career high of 8 TD, which he set during his rookie season in 2012. But he made no house calls during those games and finished the season with 6.<br />
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97. Another AFC South WR with dreads had a pair of games with 2 TD catches, with <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> pulling it off in Week 8 against Miami and here in Week 15 vs. the Jets. Midway through the 2nd quarter CB <b>Daryll</b> <b>Roberts</b> thinks the deep pass is headed to the corner on 2nd and 9 and leaves Hopkins by himself to make the 45-yard reception in the middle of the end zone (left photo) for the 1st TD of the game, increasing the Texans' lead to 13-3. Then late in the 4th quarter with the Texans threatening to lose the game, Hopkins battles press coverage by CB Morris Claiborne and wins, making the catch in the front left corner of the end zone (right photo) on 1st and 10 to finish a 75-yard drive. DeAndre accounted for 41 of the yards, with the 14-yard TD putting the Texans back in front 26-22 with 2:15 to play. He finished with 10 catches for a season high 170 yards as the Texans improved to 10-4, barely escaping MetLife Stadium with a 29-22 win over the Jets.<br />
Despite 28 targets in the last two weeks of the season, DeAndre had no more TD catches and finished the season with 11 TD, 2 short of the career high 13 he scored in 2017. <br />
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98. And you can include <b>Davante Adams</b> too on the list of WRs with dreads with a pair of games with a pair of TD catches. A month after he had 2 TD vs. the 49ers (one of them in photo #21) he had 2 in the Week 10 home win over the Dolphins. After <b>Aaron Jones</b> did the heavy lifting, accounting for 47 yards on 4 touches on the first 8 plays of the Packers' opening drive, Adams finishes the drive, faking an out route against <b>Bobby McCain</b> on 1st and goal then beating him on a slant and making the 7-yard TD catch for a 7-0 lead .....<br />
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99. ..... Then midway through the 3rd quarter Adams scores the Packers' 4th and last TD of the game - all 4 by players with dreads (Jones had the other 2). On 2nd and 23, after an illegal crackback block against Adams on 1st and 10 moved the ball back to the 25-yard line, Davante makes up for it, finding the open space in the Dolphins' zone defense, making the catch at the 5 and leaping across the goal line before LB Kiko Alonso can stop him. The 25-yard TD with Adams' 9th of the season, and it made the score 28-12. Other than the 2 TD it was a quiet day for Davante. He finished 57 yards on a season low 4 catches in the 31-12 victory. <br />
One week later ..... <br />
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100. ..... WR<b> Larry Fitzgerald</b> scored 2 TD in a game for the first time since Week 5 of the 2016 season. On 2nd and 7 in the 1st quarter against the Raiders Fitzgerald lines up in the slot, easily beats CB <b>Nick Nelson</b> (#23) and catches QB Josh Rosen's perfect pass (photo above) for an 18-yard TD to tie the game at 7. Then with the Cardinals down by 6 in the 4th quarter, Rosen does a fist pump (right photo, #3 in background) after getting his pass to Fitzgerald on 1st and goal just past the outstretched arm of CB Rashaan Melvin, who ends up going head over heels, and into the hands of Fitzgerald. The 5-yard TD catch was the 4th of the season for Larry, and it put Arizona in front 21-20 with 5:02 remaining. The Cardinals then had not one but two chances to put the Raiders away; but being the Cardinals, they failed to get a 1st down on either of their next two possessions. The Raiders then kicked a FG on the final play of the game to win 23-21. The 2 touchdowns were Fitzgerald's only 2 catches in the game.<br />
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101. Fans in the end zone seats at Nissan Stadium in Week 6 got a good view of <b>Alex</b> <b>Collins</b>' reduced but still very long dreads during the Ravens' demolition of the Titans. While <b>Za'Darius Smith</b> was leading the sack parade (photos #40-42), Collins was taking care of the scoring. Most of it. After WR Michael Crabtree scored a TD on the Ravens' opening drive, Collins finishes their second with a 13-yard TD run on 1st and 10, slipping through a small hole in the line and making it to the end zone (photo above) just before being tackled by S Kevin Byard. Then midway through the 3rd quarter Alex finishes the Ravens' 78-yard 2nd half opening drive with a 2-yard run, beating late-arriving LB Jayon Brown to the corner of the end zone (photo on right) to make it 21-0 and finish the day's scoring. Collins' season high 19 carries netted just 54 yards, but he no doubt enjoyed his 2nd career game with 2 TD: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0c1v9C_8GE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0c1v9C_8GE</a><br />
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Although his dreads certainly weren't at their best, <b>Mike Williams</b> the player absolutely was at his best in Week 15. In a game the Chargers <i>had</i> to win to keep their division title hopes alive, Williams almost single-handedly led them to a thrilling road win over the Chiefs and in the process earned AFC offensive player of the week honors.<br />
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102. After the Chargers quickly fell behind 14-0, Williams gets the comeback started with this TD catch. After starting the 75-yard drive with a 38-yard reception, he finishes it 11 plays later, leaping higher than the defender (as always) to make the catch and then hanging on as he is tackled in the end zone by CB Steven Nelson. The 3-yard TD on 2nd and goal brought the Chargers to within 14-7 with 9:43 remaining in the 2nd quarter .....<br />
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103. After the Chiefs scored a TD on their 2nd half opening drive, so did the Chargers on theirs, going 76 yards in 11 plays. 6 plays after keeping the drive alive with a 4-yard reception on 3rd and 3, Williams finishes the drive on his belly in the end zone after taking a reverse 19 yards to the house (photo above) on 1st and 10, as S Daniel Sorensen tackles him too late. Williams' 1st career rushing TD cut the Chiefs lead to 21-14. The Chiefs still led, 28-21, when the Chargers began their last-chance possession with 2:37 remaining. After <i>huge</i> receptions by <b>Travis</b> <b>Benjamin</b> of 31 and 26 yards moved the ball to the 10-yard line and an interference penalty on a pass intended for Williams in the end zone moved it to the 1, there were 8 seconds remaining. QB Philip Rivers comes to Williams again on 1st and goal, and Williams, after shoving CB Orlando Scandrick to get open (no offensive PI penalty was called), makes the catch in the end zone with :04 on the clock. The ball nearly slips out of Mike's grasp (photo on right) as he approaches the sideline, but he never completely loses control of it, so the catch and TD counted (in this shot Williams has already gotten both feet down, and with his next step his right foot is about to land out of bounds; so if he had lost control, it would have been an incomplete pass).<br />
Williams' 3rd TD of the game would have tied the score, except the Chargers decided to go for 2 and the win instead of kicking the extra point. And .....<br />
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104. ..... The Chiefs suffer a costly blown coverage on the 2-point conversion, as two defenders cover WR Tyrell Williams on the goal line and leave <b>Mike Williams</b> <i>all alone</i> in the end zone, even though he's been killing them all night. Literally there's no defender within 5 yards of Mike as he makes the catch and then begins to run back toward the middle of the field to celebrate with his teammates after giving the Chargers the win 29-28. Here's the video of "Every Mike Williams Play" from the game, even the two passes to him that were incomplete: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4TIyaLcICw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4TIyaLcICw</a> .....<br />
Mike finished with 7 catches for 76 yards along with the 19-yard TD on his only rushing attempt and made the dread stars list for the only time all season. The win not only left the Chargers and Chiefs tied at 11-3, it was the Chargers' first win over KC since Week 17 of 2013, ending a streak of 9 straight losses.<br />
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Williams' big night in Week 15 was the last of 14 times a player with dreads scored at least 3 touchdowns in one game. On one (and only one) of those 14 instances did that player do one better .....<br />
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FOUR SCORE<br />
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That player was Titans RB <b>Derrick Henry</b>. Through the first 13 weeks of the season Henry hadn't rushed for more than 58 yards in any one game. But that all changed on Thursday night in Week 14, when the Jaguars came to town and took the field with their pants already pulled down ready to take their spanking. Derrick had the best game of his career (so far) and became the only player with dreads to make 4 house calls in one game in 2018.<br />
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105. The Titans took the opening kickoff and drove right down the field 73 yards in 10 plays, with Henry carrying 3 times for 19 yards on the final 3 plays of the drive. On 2nd and goal he scores on a 3-yard run up the middle, going down only because he lost his balance after bumping into one of his O-lineman just before crossing the goal line. It was his 6th TD of the season; and it marked the 3rd year in a row he had taken one to the house in the Titans' home game vs. the Jaguars. In those previous 2 years he only scored once against the Jaguars, but this year he was just warming up.<br />
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106. On his 2nd TD of the night Henry tied an NFL record which he now shares with 14 other players. And it's a record that will never be broken because it's impossible to go further than 99 yards to score an offensive TD. Midway through the 2nd quarter and after the Jaguars were stopped on three plays in a row from the 1-yard line, Henry takes the handoff on 1st and 10 and starts up the middle then quickly cuts left into a huge opening. He then refuses to go down, stiff-arming three defenders, including CB A.J. Bouye (#21) at the Tennessee 20-yard line and LB Leon Jacobs (#48, photo above) at the 50. After stiff-arming LB Myles Jack (#44) near the Jacksonville 20, Henry is ready to deliver another but doesn't need to as Jack and Bouye chase him into the end zone (photo on right) at the end of his spectacular 99-yard run. It was the 15th 99-yard offensive TD in league history but only the 2nd 99-yard <i>run</i>. Derrick's 7th TD of the season upped the Titans' lead to 13-2.<br />
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107. On 1st and 10 midway through the 3rd quarter Henry finishes the Titans' 2nd half opening drive with his 3rd TD of the game, going practically untouched on a 16-yard run right up the middle. It marked the first time in his NFL career he had scored 3 TD in one game. That made the score 23-2.<br />
And then on his very next carry, coming on the first play of the Titans' next drive after a turnover by the Jaguars .....<br />
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108. ..... Derrick shows off his speed as he scores his 4th TD of the night, outrunning several defenders down the right sideline, the last of which is LB Telvin Smith (photo above) near the 20-yard line, and taking the carry 54 yards to the house to make the score 30-2.<br />
Derrick actually had a chance to score a 5th TD and probably would have had he not been such a humble person. Early in the 4th quarter after an 11-yard run to the 3-yard line he took himself out of the game, preferring to let a teammate score. Then after practically having to be dragged back onto the field on 3rd down, the Jaguars' defense finally showed some fight, stopping him for a 1-yard loss on his finally carry of the game. Roll the highlights please: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjeLOrojZwE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjeLOrojZwE</a> .....<br />
For the night Derrick rushed for 238 yards on just 16 carries to set a new franchise record for yards rushing in a game, breaking the mark of 228 set by Chris Johnson in 2009. The Titans won 30-9, defeating the Jaguars at home for the 5th year in a row.<br />
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109. After scoring 18 points in the 4th quarter to overcome a 35-20 deficit in Week 16, the Packers defeat the Jets in overtime, driving 75 yards in 8 plays on the opening possession in OT. On 1st and goal from the 16-yard line (after a holding penalty) WR <b>Davante Adams</b> beats CB Morris Claiborne on a post route and catches QB Aaron Rodgers' pass in the back of the end zone, literally a couple of steps in front of the post, to give Green Bay the win. The 16-yard reception was the longest of the afternoon for Adams, who finished with 11 catches (on 18 targets) for only 71 yards as the Packers defeated the Jets at MetLife Stadium 44-38 for their first and only road win of the season. This was Davante's 13th and last TD of the season.<br />
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110. With the Saints trailing the Panthers 7-6 early in the 4th quarter on Monday night in Week 15 and with the balaclava on his head obscuring his dreads a bit, RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b> scores the Saints' only TD of the night, taking a run off tackle 16 yards to the house on 2nd and 3 to cap an 84-yard drive. Following the TD the Panthers scored a defensive 2-point conversion, but the Saints held on to win 12-9. For Kamara this was his 16th TD of the season. He finished with 103 total yards (67 rushing, 36 receiving) on 21 touches to make his 7th (of 8) appearance on the dread stars list.<br />
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111. After scoring the 1st TD of the season by a player with dreads (photo #1) earlier in the 2nd half, <b>Jay Ajayi</b> scores the 2nd too, and this one is the game winner. With the Eagles trailing the Falcons 12-10 late in the 4th quarter, Ajayi runs off left tackle on 2nd and 7, bounces off a hit by S Damontae Kazee at the 4-yard and then doesn't take another hit because WR Mike Wallace has CB Robert Alford blocked out of the way. Following the 11-yard TD run, Jay ran for the 2-point conversion to give the Eagles an 18-12 lead with 2:19 remaining, and they held on (barely) for the win.<br />
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112. In the final game of the season <b>Larry</b> <b>Fitzgerald</b> makes his 6th - and last - TD catch of the season, completing a 27-yard drive set up by a partially blocked punt in the 2nd quarter. On 1st and 10 Fitzgerald is wide open (thanks to CB Akeem King being fooled by the play-action fake) and brings in Josh Rosen's slightly overthrown pass with one hand for the Cardinals' 1st TD of the game at Seattle. The 15-yard reception cut the Seahawks' lead to 14-10. Fitzgerald had 4 catches for 36 yards as the Cardinals lost 27-24 and finished at 3-13, their worst record since also going 3-13 in 2000. Larry had a career low 734 yards receiving in 2018, and apparently that didn't sit to well with him ..... because he's back in 2019 (!), playing his 16th season with the Cardinals and still making house calls.<br />
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113. In the Jets' worst home performance of the season <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> gives the fans a little something to cheer about, easily getting around CB Levi Wallace as he scores the Jets' only TD of the game on a 5-yard run midway through the 3rd quarter in Week 10. Crowell's 6th - and last - TD of the season cut Buffalo's lead to 31-10. In a game in which the Bills dominated in total yards 451-199 Crowell had 37 total yards on 9 touches. The Jets fell behind 31-0 in the 1st half and went on to lose 41-10. After going scoreless in the next 2 games, Isaiah injured his toe in the 2nd meeting with the Bills in Week 14 and had to go on IR, finishing his only season with the Jets with the 6 TD.<br />
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114. On the first play after a fumble by Rams QB Jared Goff gave the Chiefs the ball on Monday night in Week 11, <b>Kareem Hunt </b>takes a screen pass 21 yards to the house, bouncing off CB Lamarcus Joyner's last-dirch attempt to tackle him at the 2-yard line and scoring standing up to give the Chiefs their first lead of the night at 17-16 midway through the 2nd quarter. Little did Kareem - or any of us - know it, but this would be his last TD in a Chiefs uniform. He finished the game with 111 total yards (70 rushing and 41 receiving), making his 5th appearance of the season on the dread stars list, in the Chiefs' wild 54-51 road loss to the Rams.<br />
The Chiefs had a bye in Week 12, and then a couple of days later the now infamous video showing him kicking a woman months earlier during the offseason came to light. That incident was sad enough. And just as disappointing was that he thought he could get away with it. If he had just admitted his mistake and told the truth to the Chiefs in the first place, they could have just suspended him but wouldn't have had to release him. But after the Chiefs found out he lied to them, they really had no choice but to send him out the door. And that was a shame because it messed up something really great he and the Chiefs had going.<br />
After doing their investigation the NFL suspended Kareem for the first 8 games of the 2019 season, a suspension which is just now about to end. He scored 25 TD in his 27 games with the Chiefs, but from now on it looks like he'll be making his house calls in a Browns uniform after they signed him back in February.<br />
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115. ..... A Christmas gift to Raiders fans, courtesy of WR <b>Dwayne Harris</b>. On Monday night in Week 16, which happened to be Christmas Eve, Harris scores his 1st TD in a Raiders uniform and the last of the 6 TD scored by players with dreads for the Raiders in 2018. After the Broncos' opening drive ends with a punt on 4th and 12, rookie CB <b>Isaac Yiadom</b> beautifully keeps the ball from going into the end zone but fails to down it completely; and Dwayne sneaks back, scoops up the ball (photo above), eludes a couple of (prematurely) celebrating Broncos players and runs down the sideline in front of the Broncos' bench 99 yards untouched to the house: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG7ZRXgLvOc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG7ZRXgLvOc</a><br />
..... After a play like that, it was no surprise that Harris was named AFC special teams player of the week. The TD started a 17-0 run for the Raiders, and they went on to win 27-14. It was the 4th career punt return TD for Dwayne, who had 2 while he was with the Cowboys and 1 while with the Giants.<br />
.House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-41273259454101837652019-10-12T18:57:00.000-05:002019-10-12T18:59:38.512-05:00We Taking L's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne1Dn64Vu529f26BGEJlkNudV71po8EGemnOzWG6X1LvoXkcbI5yWYRDP2pQXKtUkWUm5zGSeqL7hg6j9I2CBB1Ck6Vg69dDIl4koaenWidFMGQD1dhqyb5q-elm0poYK6cg7nV7rMhY/s1600/NFL18--OCT.+21--P64++HOU-JACK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgne1Dn64Vu529f26BGEJlkNudV71po8EGemnOzWG6X1LvoXkcbI5yWYRDP2pQXKtUkWUm5zGSeqL7hg6j9I2CBB1Ck6Vg69dDIl4koaenWidFMGQD1dhqyb5q-elm0poYK6cg7nV7rMhY/s320/NFL18--OCT.+21--P64++HOU-JACK.jpg" width="320" /></a>Only 9 months earlier he was shouting that the Jaguars were going to win the Super Bowl; but now during his media session following a Week 7 home loss to the Houston Texans, Jalen Ramsey, aka as the Mouth of the South, or at least the Mouth of Duval County, FL, was singing an entirely different tune. We taking L's? Say it ain't so. Unfortunately for Jaguars fans and for my crystal ball, CB2, which picked the Jaguars to win Super Bowl 53, it was very much so. Mercy, the fall of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018 was just as swift as their rise had been in 2017. And that was rather remarkable because the team that laid such an awful egg last season had most of the same players as the 2017 team that nearly won the AFC championship.<br />
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I gazed into CB2 and saw a picture of a smile as wide as the St. Johns River after the Jaguars defeated the New England Patriots 31-20 in their Week 2 home opener. The Patriots had dared Blake Bortles to beat them, and Blake Bortles had beaten them - to the tune of 199 yards and 3 touchdowns passing in the 1st half alone, and 376 yards and 4 TD by game's end. With a 2-0 record and with their quarterback throwing the ball like that, the Jaguars were Super Bowl bound. <br />
<br />
Uh, not so fast. On the same field a week later came the first signs that the ship was taking on water, when they lost to the Tennessee Titans despite allowing only 9 points. And a month later, after the 20-7 loss to the Texans, even though it was just halfway through the season it was obvious the ship was in trouble and in danger of going under completely.<br />
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The loss to the Texans was the Jaguars' 3rd in a row. And although it didn't leave Ramsey at a loss for words, it did leave him at a loss for an explanation: "You're killing me man. If I had the recipe, if I knew what was going on, we would be sharing it with each other. We wouldn't continue taking L's, but I don't know. We taking L's and we gotta figure it out." Not just that once but no fewer than 11 times during that brief Q&A with the media Jalen insisted, "I don't know." (You can see a transcript of his comments on the link below if you need verification); and evidently nobody else did either because they never did figure it out and the L's kept on coming. The 3-game L streak mushroomed into a 7-game slide, and that was that for the team's playoff chances. I mean, I was too lazy to check it, but I'd bet you don't need any fingers at all to count the number of teams that won the Super Bowl in the same season they had a 7-game losing streak.<br />
<a href="https://www.news4jax.com/sports/nfl/jaguars/what-they-said-quotes-after-the-jaguars-loss-to-the-texans" target="_blank">https://www.news4jax.com/sports/nfl/jaguars/what-they-said-quotes-after-the-jaguars-loss-to-the-texans</a><br />
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After the win over the Patriots, the Jaguars managed to score a measly 19 touchdowns in their final 14 games, giving them a league worst 25 TD for the season. They averaged 15.3 points per game - only the Arizona Cardinals scored less. And although they allowed just 19.8 points per game (4th best in the league), make no mistake the defense showed their fair share of incompetence too. I mean, what <b>Derrick Henry</b> did to them in Week 14 was flat out humiliating.<br />
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With the Jaguars' ship planted firmly at the bottom of the St. Johns River, that left it for somebody else to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy at season's end, and that somebody was the Patriots, of course. Whether by fair and square or by hook and crook the Patriots have now won the championship 6 times in the last 18 years (their worst record in those 18 years was 9-7). S <b>Patrick Chung</b> (photo on left) was one of 8 players with dreads for the Patriots celebrating after their victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 53 (although he probably would have been happier had he not had to leave the game in the 3rd quarter after breaking his arm).<br />
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It was the lowest-scoring Super Bowl ever, as the Patriots made mincemeat of the supposedly great Rams offense, holding them to 260 total yards, 14 first downs, and 4.3 yards per play. The Rams had averaged 421 yards in their 18 games before that. The Patriots scored only 13 points - the fewest ever by the winning team in a Super Bowl - and still won by 10 points, the largest margin of victory in their 6 Super Bowl wins. Perhaps most impressive was that this championship finally ended the long streak of Super Bowl losers not returning to the Super Bowl the following season. That streak had reached 24 years in a row until the Patriots, who lost to the Eagles in Super Bowl 52, knocked off the Rams.<br />
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Picking the Jaguars wasn't the only thing that CB2 was wrong about. Hardly. On its predictions for each team's record I had to bring out the big F for a whopping 14 of the 32 teams. That's right, CB2 missed by 4 or more games on nearly half of the NFL's 32 teams. Even with the Patriots winning the AFC East a virtual gimme every year, CB2 picked only 2 division winners correctly. And it was just 4 for 12 on its picks of playoff participants.<br />
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That being said, CB2's overall grade would have been significantly better with a little better luck in Week 17. Entering the final week of the regular season, CB2 had a chance to be <i>exactly</i> correct on the records of 9 teams. But as the result of the 8 games involving those 9 teams, only the Carolina Panthers (7-9) finished exactly as CB2 called it. Particularly disappointing was the nothing-to-gain Dallas Cowboys' 36-35 win over the New York Giants, achieved on WR Cole Beasley's beautiful 32-yard TD catch (that's CB <b>B.W.Webb</b> having a close-up view of it instead of breaking it up in the photo on the right) on 4th and 15 and subsequent successful 2-point conversion with 1:12 remaining in the game. That one cost CB2 two exact predicted records.<br />
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And the New Orleans Saints losing the NFC Championship game at home to the Rams didn't help CB2's grade either. And despite what you may have heard, the Saints really had no one to blame but <i>themselves</i> for the defeat. Lost in all of Coach Payton's bellyaching after the game was Coach Payton's dumb play calling, which led to the bellyaching. Did Rams CB <b>Nickell Robey-Coleman</b> blatantly interfere with WR Tommylee Lewis on 3rd and 10 and get away with it with 1:45 to play in the 4th quarter of a tie game? Absolutely he did. Just look at the photo of it (on the left). It's hard to believe the officials didn't make the call. But if Payton had run the ball on 3rd down (and 1st down too), the officials never would have gotten the chance to blow the call.<br />
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As you may recall the Saints had 1st and 10 at the LA 13-yard line at the 2-minute warning. If they simply run the ball three straight downs, they make the Rams use their remaining 2 timeouts; and if the three runs don't get the first down, you kick the field goal, and the Rams would get the ball with roughly a minute to go and <i>no timeouts</i>. But instead, thanks to incomplete passes on 1st <i>and</i> 3rd down, the Rams began their last-chance drive with 1:41 to play and 1 timeout left. That made it <i>much</i> easier for them, and they ended up sending the game into overtime. Had Payton trusted his defense instead of his offense, very likely the Saints would have been playing the Patriots in the Super Bowl instead of the Rams.<br />
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Anyway, here is the final report card for CB2's 2018 NFL forecast. It ain't pretty.<br />
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<br />
<b>AFC EAST</b><br />
<br />
predicted actual<br />
1. NE 12-4 1. NE 11-5<br />
2. NYJ 10-6 2. MIA 7-9<br />
3. BUF 4-12 3. BUF 6-10<br />
4. MIA 2-14 4. NYJ 4-12<br />
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Two picks kind of close, two picks kind of not close ..... GRADE: <b>D+</b> ... (L10Y - the grade for each of the past 10 years, beginning with 2017 and going backward to 2018: <b>C-, C-, D, D, D, C-, C, C-,</b> <b>B-, D</b>)<br />
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In my post titled "..... And We Gon Win That Bitch" CB2 predicted <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> would score a career high 9 TD in 2018, and he might have if he hadn't gone on IR for the last 3 games of the season. He finished with 6 TD in his only season with the Jets, including this 62-yard run vs. the Lions (photo above) in Week 1.<br />
CB2 also predicted the Jets would have more TD scored by players with dreads than the other 3 AFC East teams combined, and that forecast was a bullseye. Between them the Bills, Dolphins, and Patriots had 11 TD scored by players with dreads, while the Jets had 15.<br />
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<b>AFC NORTH</b><br />
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predicted actual <br />
1. PIT 12-4 1. BAL 10-6<br />
2. BAL 9-7 2. PIT 9-6-1<br />
3. CIN 7-9 3. CLEV 7-8-1<br />
4. CLEV 5-11 4. CIN 6-10<br />
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Steelers blew 2.5-game lead with 6 games to play, costing CB2 a correct division winner ..... GRADE: <b>C</b> ... (L10Y: <b>C, C+, D+, C, C, C+, B-, C-, C, F</b>)<br />
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CB2 saw <b>Alex Collins</b> scoring 12 TD in 2018, and he probably would have if he hadn't gone on IR for the final 5 games of the season. He finished with 8 TD in his final season with the Ravens, including this 1-yard run against the Steelers (photo above) in Week 10.<br />
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<b>AFC SOUTH</b><br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. JAC 12-4 1. HOU 11-5<br />
2. HOU 10-6 2. IND 10-6<br />
3. IND 6-10 3. TENN 9-7<br />
4. TENN 5-11 4. JAC 5-11<br />
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Other than Texans pick nothing to like here. Missed Jaguars by 7 games ..... GRADE: <b>D-</b> ... (L10Y: <b>D+, D, C+, C, D+, D-, D, D-, D-, C-</b>)<br />
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According to CB2 <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> was supposed lead all NFL players with dreads with 15 TD catches, and the Texans were supposed to wear the crown as the team with the most TD scored by players with dreads. Hopkins ended up 3rd in TD catches by players with dreads with 11, including this 49-yarder vs. the Dolphins (photo above) in Week 8, The leader was <b>Davante Adams</b> with 13.<br />
The Texans' team total of 19 TD by players with dreads was only 5th best in the league. Wearing the crown were the Chiefs with their total of 33.<br />
Also according to CB2, <b>Malik Hooker</b> was supposed to lead all NFL players with dreads with 7 interceptions; but he finished with only 2, the first of which came against the Jets (photo below) in Week 6. Finishing in 1st place with 4 INT were <b>D.J. Swearinger</b>, <b>Curtis Riley</b>, and <b>Donte Jackson</b>.<br />
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<b>AFC WEST</b> <br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. LAC 11-5 1. KC 12-4<br />
2. OAK 9-7 2. LAC 12-4<br />
3. KC 8-8 3. DEN 6-10<br />
4. DEN 2-14 4. OAK 4-12<br />
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TIEBREAKER: Chiefs finished in 1st place due to better record than Chargers in games against division opponents (KC 5-1, LAC 4-2) <br />
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Over the years my crystal balls have picked this division better than any other, but not this time. Chargers even better than expected but still couldn't win division, thanks to preposterous season by Patrick Mahomes ..... GRADE: <b>D-</b> ... (L10Y: <b>C, C, C-, C, C, D, B, A-, B, B</b>)<br />
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CB2 believed the Chargers' two dreadhead Melvins would stand out while helping lead the team to the division crown. And they did stand out. <b>Melvin Gordon</b> was voted the 34th best player in the league, and <b>Melvin Ingram</b> 48th best. Gordon scored 14 TD, including this 1-yard run up the middle on 3rd and goal (photo above) vs. the Raiders in Week 5, which were 2 less than the 16 CB2 predicted. But remember, Gordon missed 4 games due to injury. As predicted, Gordon's 14 TD helped the AFC West repeat as the division with the most TD scored by players with dreads. A whopping 68 TD were scored by the AFC West's players with dreads, 27 more than the next closest division.<br />
Despite Ingram's fine season, he did not lead all NFL players with dreads with the 16 sacks that CB2 predicted. He finished tied for 9th place with just 7, including this one vs. the Raiders (photo below) in Week 5. <b>Cameron Jordan</b> was the leader with 12.<br />
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AFC TIEBREAKER: Patriots clinched #2 seed due to head-to-head victory over Texans (Week 1). <br />
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<br />
<b>NFC EAST</b><br />
<br />
predicted actual<br />
1. WASH 9-7 1. DAL 10-6<br />
2. DAL 9-7 2. PHIL 9-7<br />
3. PHIL 8-8 3. WASH 7-9<br />
4. NYG 6-10 4. NYG 5-11<br />
<br />
CB2 still mourning injury to Alex Smith that ruined chance for perfect prediction .....<br />
CB2, shedding tears:<i> I was gonna be right</i>.<br />
Seriously, until Smith broke his leg in Week 11 Redskins led the division by 2 games, and all 4 teams were heading for the exact records CB2 predicted. But instead .... GRADE: <b>C+</b> ... (L10Y: <b>C,</b> <b>C, D, C+, D, D+, B-, D, C, C-</b>)<br />
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CB2 liked <b>Jay Ajayi </b>to lead NFC East players with dreads with 7 TD. But thanks to the season-ending injury (torn ACL) he suffered in Week 5 he finished tied for 2nd with only 3 TD, the last of which was this 2-yard run vs. the Buccaneers (photo above) in Week 2. The leader was <b>Kapri Bibbs </b>with 4 TD.<br />
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<b>NFC NORTH</b><br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. GB 11-5 1. CHI 12-4<br />
2. MINN 11-5 2. MINN 8-7-1<br />
3. DET 9-7 3. GB 6-9-1<br />
4. CHI 7-9 4. DET 6-10<br />
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CB/CB2's worst ever forecast for this division. Bears figured to be better thanks to gift acquisition of Kahlil Mack; but really, 12-4?? And what happened to Green Bay? ..... GRADE: <b>D-</b> ... (L10Y: <b>D,</b> <b>C, D, D+, C-, C-, B-, C, B, C-</b>)<br />
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CB2 was confident that <b>Davante Adams</b> would score 10 TD for the 2nd straight season and that the Packers would have at least 20 TD scored by players with dreads. Not bad, CB2. Adams scored half of the Packers' TD by players with dreads. He finished with 13, including this 2-yard reception vs. the Redskins (photo above) in Week 3, and the Packers' team total of 26 TD by players with dreads led the NFC.<br />
CB2 also was certain the Bears would finally have somebody (anybody) with dreads score an offensive touchdown; but the drought continues. It nearly ended in Week 7, but <b>Kevin White</b> was tackled at the 1-yard line after catching a Hail Mary pass on the final play of the game vs. the Patriots. <br />
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<b>NFC SOUTH </b><br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. NO 11-5 1. NO 13-3<br />
2. ATL 10-6 2. ATL 7-9<br />
3. CAR 7-9 3. CAR 7-9<br />
4. TB 4-12 4. TB 5-11<br />
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TIEBREAKER: Falcons finished in 2nd place due to head-to-head sweep of Panthers (Weeks 2 and 16) <br />
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CB2's most accurate forecast of the 8 divisions. Actually showing some competence here. Got order of finish exactly right, and only bad pick was Falcons ..... GRADE: <b>B</b> ... (L10Y: <b>C+, D+, C-, C, D,</b> <b>C-, D, B+, A, D</b>)<br />
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CB2's forecast of <b>Alvin Kamara</b> winning league MVP was a bit overdone; but he did have another outstanding season with just under 1,600 total yards. And although he did not score the most TD by any player with dreads, he nearly nailed the 17 TD that CB2 predicted, finishing with 18, including this 1-yard run vs. the Bengals (left photo above) in Week 10. <b>Todd Gurley</b> had the most with 21 TD, and Patrick Mahomes was voted MVP.<br />
However, CB2 was way off in its pick of <b>Ronald Jones</b> (right photo above) to lead all rookies with dreads with 7 TD. He scored just 1 TD during a very disappointing season for the Buccaneers. <b>Josh</b> <b>Adams</b> led all rookies with dreads with his 3 TD for the Eagles.<br />
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<b>NFC WEST</b><br />
<br />
predicted actual<br />
1. SF 10-6 1. LAR 13-3<br />
2. LAR 9-7 2. SEA 10-6<br />
3. ARIZ 9-7 3. SF 4-12<br />
4. SEA 2-14 4. ARIZ 3-13<br />
<br />
Mister Blutarsky ... ZERO POINT ZERO.<br />
CB2: <i>lol....</i> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5s11NAM7vI" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5s11NAM7v</a><br />
In my first year doing crystal ball predictions back in 2008 CB missed its forecast of the AFC North by an aggregate 21.5 games. That was and has been the only F grade I've given for a division forecast ... until now. Your new winner for worst division forecast <i>ever</i> .... CB2's picks for the 2018 NFC West, which missed by 24 games, including Seahawks by 8 games ..... GRADE: <b>F!</b> ... (L10Y: <b>D+,</b> <b>C, B-, B+, C, B+, D, D-, D, D-</b>)<br />
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In his first season not in a Seahawks uniform <b>Richard Sherman</b> (photo above) had many more discussions with game officials than he had interceptions. For the first time in his career he had 0 INT in a season, which were 3 fewer than CB2 predicted.<br />
CB2 also was wrong about <b>Todd Gurley</b>. Instead of dropping from 18 TD in 2017 to 12 in 2018, Gurley increased to a league-leading 21 TD in 2018, including this 13-yard run vs. the Lions (photo below) in Week 13. At least CB2 was correct that the Rams would no longer wear the crown as the team with the most TD scored by players with dreads. Their 22 TD by players with dreads were 4th most in the league, 11 TD behind the Chiefs.<br />
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CB2 also believed <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> would score 8 TD in 2018. Close, but no cigar. Larry had 6 TD receptions, including this 4-yarder vs. the Broncos (photo below) in Week 7, raising his career TD total to 116.<br />
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NFC TIEBREAKER: Saints clinched #1 seed due to head-to-head victory over Rams (Week 9).<br />
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<b>DIVISION WINNERS</b><br />
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For the 2nd year in a row CB2 picked only 2 division winners correctly ..... GRADE: <b>D</b> ... (L10Y: <b>D, C-, D-, C-, C-, C, C-. D, C-, F</b>)<br />
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<b>PLAYOFF TEAMS</b><br />
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AFC<br />
<br />
predicted actual<br />
1. JAC 1. KC<br />
2. PIT 2. <u>NE</u><br />
3. NE 3. <u>HOU</u><br />
4. LAC 4. BAL<br />
5. NYJ 5. <u>LAC</u><br />
6. HOU 6. IND<br />
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NFC<br />
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predicted actual<br />
1. NO 1. <u>NO</u><br />
2. GB 2. LAR<br />
3. SF 3. CHI<br />
4. WASH 4. DAL<br />
5. MINN 5. SEA<br />
6. ATL 6. PHIL<br />
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CB2 was correct on only 4 of the 12 teams to make the playoffs, fewest ever picked by my two crystal balls ..... GRADE: <b>D+</b> ... (L10Y: <b>C-, C+, C-, B-, C, C, B, C-, B-, C-</b>)<br />
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<b>SUPER BOWL</b><br />
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predicted: JAC over NO<br />
actual: NE over LAR<br />
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Saints <i>should</i> have made it to the Super Bowl, but that's just crying over spilled milk ..... GRADE: <b>F</b> ... (L10Y: <b>D, F, F, D, D, A, F, F, A-, F</b>)<br />
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<b>OVERALL GRADE</b><br />
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Taking the average of the 11 individual grades, the overall grade for CB2's 2018 forecast comes out to a <b>D</b>, the worst showing by my two CB's since 2008 ...,, (L10Y: <b>C-, C-, D+, C, D+, C, C-, D+, B-, D)</b><br />
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After last year's C-, I threatened action if there wasn't improvement ..... and that action has been taken. And we're skipping putting CB2 on regular probation and going straight to DSP. Maybe that kind of kick in the ass will urge CB2 to do better.<br />
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I'm not including a DG section with this post. I'll do a much larger dread gallery of the 2018 season hopefully sometime before the end of the year. <br />
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<br />House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-83750967685670223332019-09-08T08:04:00.000-05:002019-12-11T07:45:28.861-06:00I'm With Stupid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's no better word to describe it. Stupid. That was the first word that came to my mind after my crystal ball, CB2, revealed its forecast for the 2019 NFL season. That's because the team CB2 is picking to win the championship never wins championships. Well, almost never and certainly not lately. In its 'storied' history the team CB2 says is going to win the Super Bowl has won all of 3 championships. The first one was so long ago that there was no such thing as the Super Bowl. And the second one doesn't count either because immediately after they won it they were trounced in Super Bowl 1. So in reality just one true championship in the 59 years of their existence. That's why any mention of the Kansas City Chiefs actually winning the Super Bowl is not only stupid, it's <i>utter</i> stupidity. Right?<br />
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Well, I hate to admit it, but I'm actually with CB2 on this one (and not just because I'm a huge Chiefs fan). Guess that makes me an idiot too.<br />
<a name='more'></a>Or .... maybe not. I mean, we all saw it. The Chiefs <i>almost</i> won last year. A 12-4 regular season, best in the AFC. Then an honest-to-goodness home victory in a playoff game, ending an 0-6 streak that had spread over 23 years. And then after overcoming a 14-point deficit in the AFC Championship game to take a late lead over the mighty New England Patriots, it looked like the Chiefs were going to the Super Bowl after their much-maligned defense intercepted the great Tom Brady with less than a minute to go. I was screaming in joy .... for about 5 seconds, that is, until that yellow box appeared on the TV screen indicating there was a penalty on the play. A careless, self-inflicted mistake (lining up offside) and then losing the coin toss to begin overtime were all that kept the Chiefs from a trip to the Super Bowl last season.<br />
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But in 2019, according to CB2, nothing's going to hold the Chiefs back this time. On the 50th anniversary of their last and only true championship in 1969 (an incredibly enjoyable 23-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl 4) the Vince Lombardi Trophy will finally be coming to Kansas City. I don't like to put anyone into the Hall of Fame after one season, no matter how great that season was. But after what Patrick Mahomes did last year? I mean he already looks like he's going to be the best quarterback the Chiefs have ever had, and make them a contender for years to come. With him throwing the passes and WR <b>Tyreek Hill</b> (hopefully) catching many of them and often throwing up the deuces (photo above, from training camp on July 29), maybe it's not that stupid anymore to think the Chiefs have a real chance to win it all.<br />
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And just who will the Chiefs be defeating in Super Bowl 54? It will be, ironically, the team representing the same city in which the Chiefs once made their home. Way back in 1960, in case you didn't know, the Dallas Cowboys debuted as an expansion team in the NFL, while the Dallas Texans were one of the original 8 teams in the AFL's inaugural season. But with Big D apparently not big enough for the both of them, the Texans left town right after winning the AFL title in 1962, moved to KC and became the Chiefs. After three AFL titles and one Super Bowl championship in its first 10 seasons, the franchise has gone 0 for 49 since the AFL-NFL merger.<br />
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The Cowboys, who have had no such trouble winning championships, will make their 9th Super Bowl appearance after enduring a difficult regular season. After barely earning the #6 NFC playoff seed, they will catch fire in the playoffs, defeating the #5 seeded Los Angeles Rams for the NFC championship before coming up a bit short against the Chiefs.<br />
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CB2 sees 5 teams making the playoffs this season that didn't in 2018. In the AFC, the Steelers, Titans, Jets, and Browns will be in, replacing the Ravens, Colts, Texans, and Chargers. The only new participant in the NFC will be the Atlanta Falcons after dethroning the New Orleans Saints as South Division champs, with the Saints then missing the playoffs altogether after suffering a heartbreaking (again) Week 17 loss to Carolina that costs them a Wild Card berth.<br />
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As usual, CB2 has predicted the winner of all 256 regular season games plus the 11 playoff games for the 2019 season, releasing the selections a bit later than usual - last Wednesday, barely before the season began. CB2 was hot and cold (mostly cold) on its 2018 predictions, finishing 146-110 (a .570 percentage) on its picks made entirely before the season started, 2 games worse than 2017. But bet against it at your own risk. So without any further delay, here is how CB2 sees things going in 2019, with its exact words in <i>italics</i>.<br />
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<b>AFC EAST</b><br />
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1. NE 11-5<br />
2. NYJ 10-6<br />
3. BUF 8-8<br />
4. MIA 4-12<br />
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CB2: <i>With their playoff hopes in jeopardy in Week 17, Jets trail Bills 23-20 with 2:11 remaining when <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> crushes <b>Robby Anderson</b> after a catch, causing him to fumble at Bills 10-yard line; but <b>Brandon Shell</b> comes to rescue, scooping up ball and dragging three defenders with him into the end zone for a touchdown to give Jets a 4-point lead. After <b>Andre Roberts</b> returns ensuing kickoff to midfield, Bills drive to NY 17-yard line, but pass into end zone is intercepted by <b>Darryl Roberts</b> with 27 seconds to play to clinch playoff berth for Jets.</i><br />
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Hmm. At this time last year, CB2, you picked Adam Gase to go 2-14. Now 10-6??<br />
CB2: <i>Shut up. In Gase we trust! </i><br />
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CB2 is predicting Bills LB <b>Tremaine Edmunds</b> will lead the league in tackles and be named NFL defensive player of the year; but it won't be quite enough to lead Bills to the playoffs.<br />
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<b>AFC NORTH</b><br />
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1. PIT 11-5<br />
2. CLEV 10-6<br />
3. BAL 9-7<br />
4. CIN 3-13<br />
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CB2: <i>Despite 3 TD by<b> Kareem Hunt</b>, Browns fall to Bengals in Week 17 stunner at Cincy, as <b>Dre</b> <b>Kirkpatrick </b>returns interception 27 yards to the house on first play of overtime. Browns loss gives Ravens chance to win division, but they fall to Steelers in Week 17 Sunday night heartstopper at Baltimore With Ravens leading 23-20 and 8 seconds remaining, Steelers can't get FG unit on field in time with clock running and have to go for it on 4th and goal. <b>Maurice Canady</b> intercepts tipped pass in end zone and returns it 102 yards to the house to give Ravens apparent victory. But play is video reviewed, and <b>Patrick Onwuasor</b> is called for pass interference penalty, nullifying TD and giving Steelers ball at 1-yard line. On untimed down Steelers eschew FG attempt, and <b>Benny Snell</b> plunges in for his 1st career TD, giving Steelers division crown and allowing Browns to back in to playoffs. </i><br />
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CB2 thinks in his 1st season with dreads WR <b>Marquise Brown</b>, the Ravens 1st round draft pick, will score 6 TD and finish tied for the lead for most TD by a rookie with dreads.<br />
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<br />
<b>AFC SOUTH </b><br />
<br />
1. TENN 10-6<br />
2. HOU 8-8<br />
3. IND 6-10<br />
4. JAC 5-11<br />
<br />
CB2: <i>In Week 17 at Houston <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> makes incredible, one-handed catch in corner of end zone for TD with 10 seconds remaining to give Texans 26-24 upset of Titans, costing Titans first-round playoff bye. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv014t4KIoka17tWzbSvgb5SiQv2HyiBv2QYh0ByITeiFRBexZ6pVPZRgULdJIsFWPxbPhYQfo4HRtSGmUx5TEKGVmOX8YeA1AXY-zG3RbsDARKUaap7w3TGIqFUY3MbXmRcG0coH9VVY/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+29--P1++TENN-CHI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1066" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv014t4KIoka17tWzbSvgb5SiQv2HyiBv2QYh0ByITeiFRBexZ6pVPZRgULdJIsFWPxbPhYQfo4HRtSGmUx5TEKGVmOX8YeA1AXY-zG3RbsDARKUaap7w3TGIqFUY3MbXmRcG0coH9VVY/s320/NFL19--AUG.+29--P1++TENN-CHI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
CB2 likes <b>Derrick Henry</b>, shown here warming up for the Titans' preseason game at Chicago on Aug. 29, to not only lead the NFL in rushing, but also to lead all players with dreads with 18 TD, leading the Titans to their first division title in 11 years..<br />
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<b>AFC WEST</b><br />
<br />
1. KC 12-4<br />
2. LAC 9-7<br />
3. DEN 4-12<br />
4. OAK 4-12<br />
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TIEBREAKER: Broncos finish in 3rd place due to better record than Raiders in games against division opponents (DEN 3-3, OAK 1-5) <br />
<br />
CB2: <i>Chargers have chance for Week 17 upset at KC that will keep their playoff hopes alive, but as <b>Travis Benjamin</b> heads to end zone in final 2 minutes for would-be 85-yard TD on punt return, <b>Tremon Smith</b> catches him from behind, grabs a hold of his dreads, and yanks him down, causing him to fumble inside 5-yard line. Ball rolls into and out of back of end zone for touchback, and Chiefs hang on for 38-33 victory to clinch AFC #1 playoff seed and end playoff hopes for Chargers.</i><br />
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CB2 is sure WR <b>Tyreek Hill</b> will lead all NFL players with dreads in TD catches with 15, but Chiefs will be dethroned as the team having the most TD scored by players with dreads. ..<br />
<br />
AFC TIEBREAKERS<br />
Patriots clinch #2 seed due to head-to-head victory over Steelers (Week 1)<br />
Jets clinch #5 seed due to head-to-head victory over Browns (Week 2)<br />
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<b>NFC EAST</b><br />
<br />
1. PHIL 13-3<br />
2. DAL 9-7<br />
3. NYG 8-8<br />
4. WASH 4-12<br />
<br />
CB2: <i>After both Cowboy QBs are injured in 1st quarter of must-win game in Week 17 vs. Redskins, <b>Jaylon Smith</b> records 17 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 INT to carry Cowboys to 9-3 victory and wild card playoff berth.</i><br />
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CB2 believes Redskins RB <b>Derrius Guice</b> will be the biggest fish in a small pond, leading all NFC East players with dreads with 5 TD, as the division as a whole finishes (as usual) with the fewest TD scored by players with dreads.<br />
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<b>NFC NORTH</b><br />
<br />
1. CHI 9-7<br />
2. MINN 8-8<br />
3. GB 8-8<br />
4. DET 7-9<br />
<br />
CB2: In winner take all Week 17 thriller at Minneapolis, <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> scores rushing TD, receiving TD, and game-winning kickoff return TD with 3:33 remaining in game against his former team as Bears come back from 20-3 halftime deficit to edge Vikings 30-27 for division crown.<br />
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TIEBREAKER: Vikings finish in 2nd place due to head-to-head sweep of Packers (Weeks 2 and 16)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkD8m0Xqopf4OADsjjqvrliceqylj4bcA6nUsLEdrXgzjTvOUGuV8GAlLiPRZquoioZ1qXYoOE8oaBspHFWWPAqKKsqIGpcNMjWn7yodqTF5nuI-XzT4QNHFKqK_Wv0PaDu-BjUK2zdP0/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+24--P3++ARIZ-MINN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkD8m0Xqopf4OADsjjqvrliceqylj4bcA6nUsLEdrXgzjTvOUGuV8GAlLiPRZquoioZ1qXYoOE8oaBspHFWWPAqKKsqIGpcNMjWn7yodqTF5nuI-XzT4QNHFKqK_Wv0PaDu-BjUK2zdP0/s320/NFL19--AUG.+24--P3++ARIZ-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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CB2 is forecasting that with RB<b> Dalvin Cook</b> (left photo) scoring 10 TD, the Vikings, a team with nothing but RBs with dreads (except for the FB) on the roster, will lead the league in rushing TD scored by players with dreads with 21 ..... and that with WR <b>Davante Adams</b> (right photo, during the Texans-Packers joint practice on Aug. 5) leading the way with 14 TD, the Packers will lead the league with 28 TD scored by players with dreads.<br />
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<br />
<b>NFC SOUTH</b><br />
<br />
1. ATL 11-5<br />
2. NO 9-7<br />
3. CAR 8-8<br />
4. TB 6-10<br />
<br />
CB2: <i>Falcons seize control of division with 30-13 victory over Saints on Thanksgiving night, as <b>Desmond Trufant</b> scores his 1st career pick 6. Then in Week 17 nailbiter at Charlotte, with game tied and Saints at Panthers' 45-yard line in closing seconds, <b>Donte Jackson </b>intercepts Drew Brees pass and returns it 77 yards to the house to give Panthers 23-17 lead with 3 seconds left. But extra point is missed, and <b>Alvin Kamara</b> breaks 5 tackles as he returns ensuing kickoff 92 yards for TD to tie game with :00 on the clock. But attempt for game-winning extra point is blocked, and Jackson scoops up ball and speeds 98 yards to the house for defensive 2-point conversion to give Panthers 25-23 victory that knocks Saints out of playoff race. </i><br />
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CB2 is confident that CB <b>Donte Jackson</b> will be celebrating often, not just in Week 17, during a stellar season, as he makes the Pro Bowl after leading all NFL players with dreads with 7 INT. CB2 also is picking the Panthers as the team with the most INT by players with dreads..<br />
<br />
<b>NFC WEST</b><br />
<br />
1. SEA 12-4<br />
2. LAR 9-7<br />
3. SF 7-9<br />
4. ARIZ 4-12<br />
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CB2: <i>With Rams trailing Cardinals 27-14 in 4th quarter at the Coliseum in Week 17, rookie WR <b>Nsimba Webster</b>, in the lineup after three other Ram WRs go down with injuries, makes his first 2 career TD catches, including game-winner with :14 seconds remaining to give Rams 28-27 victory and wild card playoff berth. </i><br />
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CB2 likes 3rd round draft choice RB <b>Darrell Henderson</b> of the Rams (right photo) to finish tied for the lead for the most TD by any rookie with dreads with 6 ..... and CB2 also likes newcomers <b>Ziggy Ansah</b> (#94) and <b>Jadeveon Clowney </b>(left photo, from practice on Sept. 2) to combine for 22 sacks as the Seahawks by far finish as the team with the most sacks by players with dreads. Clowney btw is now listed on the Seahawks' website as jersey #90; so apparently he has talked (or paid) <b>Jarran Reed</b> (who has worn #90 in his first 3 seasons with the Seahawks) into letting him have #90 (Reed is now listed as #91).<br />
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NFC TIEBREAKER<br />
Rams clinch #5 seed, Cowboys clinch #6 seed, and Saints eliminated in 3-way tie for the two wild card spots due to head-to-head record in games between the teams (LAR 2-0, DAL 1-1, NO 0-2 ..... Rams victories over Saints in Week 2 and Cowboys in Week 15, Cowboys victory over Saints in Week 4).<br />
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PLAYOFFS<br />
<br />
ROUND 1<br />
<ul>
<li>PIT over CLEV</li>
<li>TENN over NYJ</li>
<li>DAL over ATL</li>
<li>LAR over CHI</li>
</ul>
ROUND 2<br />
<ul>
<li>KC over TENN</li>
<li>NE over PIT</li>
<li>DAL over PHIL</li>
<li>LAR over SEA</li>
</ul>
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS<br />
<ul>
<li>KC over NE</li>
<li>DAL over LAR</li>
</ul>
SUPER BOWL 54<br />
<ul>
<li>Chiefs 29 Cowboys 24 (MVP: <b>Tyreek Hill</b>, not Patrick Mahomes!) </li>
</ul>
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CHANGES FOR 2019<br />
<br />
As usual, there have been many changes in the NFL's population of players with dreads since last season. The following lists reflect those changes. From A to Z I checked all of the opening day rosters of all of the teams, hoping to keep any mistakes to a minimum. But if you notice any mistakes or omissions, please leave a comment with the correct info.<br />
(FYI: Here are the abbreviations I'll be using: PS = practice squad; IR = injured reserve list; PUP = physically unable to perform list; NFI = non-football injury list)<br />
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EX-DREAD<br />
<br />
These are the players who had dreads at the end of the 2018 season but not anymore at the start of the 2019 season. <br />
<ul>
<li>A.J. Cann (JAC) (photo on left below)</li>
<li>Brandon Carr (BAL)</li>
<li>Jamie Collins (NE)</li>
<li>Carlton Davis (TB)</li>
<li>Michael Davis (LAC)</li>
<li>Julio Jones (ATL) ..... again</li>
<li>Kahlil McKenzie (SEA PS)</li>
<li>Jerick McKinnon (SF IR) ... here's the video, if you can bare to watch it: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlSh3gRTFQ0&t=144s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlSh3gRTFQ0&t=144s</a> </li>
<li>Jacob Martin (HOU)</li>
<li>Yannick Ngakoue (JAC)</li>
<li>Josh Perkins (PHIL PS)</li>
<li>Dontari Poe (CAR)</li>
<li>Delanie Walker (TENN)</li>
<li>Jarrod Wilson (JAC) (photo on right below)</li>
</ul>
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Most of this year's ex-dreads had short dreads, but that certainly isn't the case with two of the three Jaguars on the list. Jags fans will no longer have any difficulty seeing the names on the backs of the jerseys of G A.J. Cann and S Jarrod Wilson after they both cut off their very long dreads.<br />
<span style="color: cyan;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: cyan;">++++++++++ UPDATE ON 9/29/2019 ++++++++++</span><br />
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: orange;">Unfortunately the list doesn't end there. Two more players have lost their dreads since the season began: sadly, Josh Sweat of the Eagles; and even more sadly, Tyreek Hill of the Chiefs.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: cyan;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><br />
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NEW DREADS<br />
<br />
As dreads become more and more popular every year, this list keeps getting longer and longer every year. Here are the players who have started growing their dreads since the beginning of last season (including several who started theirs during the 2018 season).<br />
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Mario Addison</b> (CAR)<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Jaire Alexander</b> (GB) (photo on left below) </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdXP0xgwn2ZwMfMoaJxbFVjpunY120KJBXCnQ8U-44pY7paghAdKdjRHPrwwqPDHmuz8_6pPhBsMXMMPBm1Rol7P8C_uF7Xtgtq1MLMZ7YGGIVbAmdcS-QMyOoLb88DpOC91ziSb0O4M/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+2--P1++SF+TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdXP0xgwn2ZwMfMoaJxbFVjpunY120KJBXCnQ8U-44pY7paghAdKdjRHPrwwqPDHmuz8_6pPhBsMXMMPBm1Rol7P8C_uF7Xtgtq1MLMZ7YGGIVbAmdcS-QMyOoLb88DpOC91ziSb0O4M/s320/NFL19--AUG.+2--P1++SF+TC.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi2I9TVdFtCbdV_oOYmDwKpgMAXIpPEIJ6Ldf5V-z9RiF-_w9pfSXtszGDBT2M47NxNZGNpfJ6HxhYpuEGr6L2eJCwo045FAMSZFLGd-NDtX_soEwWkyXLsjPTzXU4f3lSv_sE6h9iSk/s1600/NFL19--JULY+25--P7++GB+TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="1500" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi2I9TVdFtCbdV_oOYmDwKpgMAXIpPEIJ6Ldf5V-z9RiF-_w9pfSXtszGDBT2M47NxNZGNpfJ6HxhYpuEGr6L2eJCwo045FAMSZFLGd-NDtX_soEwWkyXLsjPTzXU4f3lSv_sE6h9iSk/s320/NFL19--JULY+25--P7++GB+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Kwon Alexander</b> (SF) (photo on right above)</li>
<li><b>Alex Armah </b>(CAR)</li>
<li><b>Anthony Averitt</b> (BAL) </li>
<li><b>Kalin Ballage</b> (MIA)</li>
<li><b>Kenjon Barner</b> (ATL)</li>
<li><b>Ronald Blair </b>(SF) </li>
<li><b>Jatavis Brown</b> (LAC)</li>
<li><b>Marquise Brown</b> (BAL, rookie) </li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGv9RKZp3tmFddiLz3HFq5E3Xe83FBCZACaSP92S2m8JvJ2laaDAVtTz4OR89RUDPruf5gLqEdEHh6KBvEWKk1AxOg4vytDUcG35bHC-J9KJPQbMM9k4BtlPlqpd21OsVt85lcFdIte8/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+22--P10++BALT-PHIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGv9RKZp3tmFddiLz3HFq5E3Xe83FBCZACaSP92S2m8JvJ2laaDAVtTz4OR89RUDPruf5gLqEdEHh6KBvEWKk1AxOg4vytDUcG35bHC-J9KJPQbMM9k4BtlPlqpd21OsVt85lcFdIte8/s320/NFL19--AUG.+22--P10++BALT-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Corey Clement</b> (PHIL) </li>
<li><b>Javien Elliott </b>(CAR) </li>
<li><b>Jaylon Ferguson</b> (BAL, rookie)</li>
<li><b>Xavier Grimble</b> (PIT)</li>
<li><b>Joel Iyiegbuniwe</b> (CHI)</li>
<li><b>Justin Jackson</b> (LAC) </li>
<li><b>William Jackson</b> (CIN) </li>
<li><b>Michael Jordan</b> (CIN, rookie) </li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEd74zB-4i2TMrQj40QEGMYyMLBWpTe5PAMjAEcEaE0Nqo3u_za9feRSZUBL0VuHslpZwsrHGnvkfFFxshjAYsUILRTxZTPVWV-uQB3dTOqi-CTL-EuqUTIO2TaW1loKFGgDqPRwg1e1c/s1600/NFL19--MAY+10--P1++CIN+ROOK+MC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEd74zB-4i2TMrQj40QEGMYyMLBWpTe5PAMjAEcEaE0Nqo3u_za9feRSZUBL0VuHslpZwsrHGnvkfFFxshjAYsUILRTxZTPVWV-uQB3dTOqi-CTL-EuqUTIO2TaW1loKFGgDqPRwg1e1c/s320/NFL19--MAY+10--P1++CIN+ROOK+MC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Akeem King</b> (SEA) </li>
<li><b>Kendall Lamm</b> (CLEV) </li>
<li><b>Chris Lammons</b> (MIA)</li>
<li><b>Chris Landrum</b> (HOU PS)</li>
<li><b>Cole Luke </b>(CAR PS)</li>
<li><b>Justin March</b> (DAL)</li>
<li><b>John Miller</b> (CIN) </li>
<li><b>Terrance Mitchell</b> (CLEV) </li>
<li><b>David Njoku</b> (CLEV) </li>
<li><b>Bobby Okereke</b> (IND, rookie)</li>
<li><b>Jordan Phillips</b> (BUF) (photo on left below, from last season) </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfPVvk9e604OT54IXm97v1vbpJxmckSu6jRc_Vv1gNefCyl7YWKBF5tUGRBE9sXJc02Lr8-1DWWKXEZI2wFl2qMU4Ri9sRGDeKPXN6QCVEoy8LCOZDZwxwPnO_vAbYjV0vQa-VUXVYKM/s1600/NFL18--DEC.+2--P51++BUFF-MIA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1500" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfPVvk9e604OT54IXm97v1vbpJxmckSu6jRc_Vv1gNefCyl7YWKBF5tUGRBE9sXJc02Lr8-1DWWKXEZI2wFl2qMU4Ri9sRGDeKPXN6QCVEoy8LCOZDZwxwPnO_vAbYjV0vQa-VUXVYKM/s320/NFL18--DEC.+2--P51++BUFF-MIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYEM0ky4ecv5Vj6C9N3lEvTlzxjg1A8VUjdraMq9XjMzMvfB4gnHhGS16GObz76g52nEVGHb9n3GCSXiHz6aM3T5OlWFTDvvuTe4mu1jZdIGEP_ul-lDhtVGo1SaOYY5dDAfm_qMf_nI/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+8--P4++NYJ-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1113" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYEM0ky4ecv5Vj6C9N3lEvTlzxjg1A8VUjdraMq9XjMzMvfB4gnHhGS16GObz76g52nEVGHb9n3GCSXiHz6aM3T5OlWFTDvvuTe4mu1jZdIGEP_ul-lDhtVGo1SaOYY5dDAfm_qMf_nI/s320/NFL19--AUG.+8--P4++NYJ-NYG.jpg" width="222" /></a><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Brian Poole</b> (NYJ) (photo on right above)</li>
<li><b>Jarran Reed </b>(SEA) </li>
<li><b>Riley Ridley</b> (CHI, rookie)</li>
<li><b>Elandon Roberts</b> (NE) </li>
<li><b>M.J. Stewart </b>(TB) </li>
<li><b>Chandon Sullivan</b> (GB) </li>
<li><b>Mike Thomas </b>(LAR)</li>
<li><b>Darwin Thompson</b> (KC, rookie)</li>
<li><b>Tracy Walker</b> (DET)</li>
<li><b>Fred Warner</b> (SF)* </li>
<li><b>Charles Washington</b> (ARIZ)</li>
<li><b>Quincy Williams</b> (JAC, rookie) </li>
<li><b>Kenny Young</b> (BAL)</li>
</ul>
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* <b>Fred Warner</b> actually had dreads when last season began, and I thought he did. But I wasn't totally sure then that he did, and I wanted to make sure I was sure before putting him on the list.<br />
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SAME DREADS, NEW THREADS<br />
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These are the players with dreads who are now wearing the uniforms of different teams than they did at the end of the 2018 season (2018 team listed first, followed by current 2019 team which will be <u>underlined</u>).<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Jahleel Addae</b> (LAC, <u>HOU</u>)</li>
<li><b>Ziggy Ansah</b> (DET, <u>SEA</u>)</li>
<li><b>Mark Barron</b> (LAR, <u>PIT</u>) </li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF6crb8vDVkMElaCuM_boDB9TJHwf3yyZMC_VhL4kq-6bGyzE0ZqFNxwQxwkwPs3xJg4ItZlfpO2B8qpcdBuL9JWEt98NYi_n295hzQrrw82ODyii0cIanTwS010tv2pTvcEyRA1swU8/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+8--P7++TB-PITT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1351" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF6crb8vDVkMElaCuM_boDB9TJHwf3yyZMC_VhL4kq-6bGyzE0ZqFNxwQxwkwPs3xJg4ItZlfpO2B8qpcdBuL9JWEt98NYi_n295hzQrrw82ODyii0cIanTwS010tv2pTvcEyRA1swU8/s320/NFL19--AUG.+8--P7++TB-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li><b>Michael Bennett</b> (PHIL, <u>NE</u>)</li>
<li><b>Brandon Bolden</b> (MIA, <u>NE</u>)</li>
<li><b>Tre Boston</b> (ARIZ, <u>CAR</u>) </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLAMNP0GqnEtpiB9RnZDY0cg7eIcZMLtH9o787gLREHBEfVUEzb-kfesMmlyuPdlohNaCrSjLEnVcgK4pCp2ciZGYxLmvB8OvY_ZiZWbWwWKDu1N08S26NBd5XrTKKPMc-M7s_3KyKP4/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+16--P4++BUFF-CAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1573" data-original-width="1600" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLAMNP0GqnEtpiB9RnZDY0cg7eIcZMLtH9o787gLREHBEfVUEzb-kfesMmlyuPdlohNaCrSjLEnVcgK4pCp2ciZGYxLmvB8OvY_ZiZWbWwWKDu1N08S26NBd5XrTKKPMc-M7s_3KyKP4/s320/NFL19--AUG.+16--P4++BUFF-CAR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Bashaud Breeland</b> (GB, <u>KC</u>) </li>
<li><b>Malcom Brown</b> (NE, <u>NO</u>)</li>
<li><b>Jamon Brown</b> (NYG, <u>ATL</u>) (photo on left below) </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDJqCrO7KSCBsVsKi6dFnyTghBf5ceDCWOOjKZI3U09-WgKBgQ0gCR7qVlHOe___QYuZ832O0Pq8nB_axRAm9VW_74-CDMM87QGNr9KNIQLl9b7aL22vuml2FNGZcqZoa39oUAc_vPmg/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+1--P5AAA++DEN-ATL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="541" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDJqCrO7KSCBsVsKi6dFnyTghBf5ceDCWOOjKZI3U09-WgKBgQ0gCR7qVlHOe___QYuZ832O0Pq8nB_axRAm9VW_74-CDMM87QGNr9KNIQLl9b7aL22vuml2FNGZcqZoa39oUAc_vPmg/s320/NFL19--AUG.+1--P5AAA++DEN-ATL.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdE98kgUM7A0syUt4FZq4rkZ7DotRtgSwFIb61-uiF58A6ogF1r7FXbWR0Uw_-Y-KDxHHsd6aqGy3TQAsr7jbLSUgoPV4q04t7KOxP7BdDNxHoYCi2yndz6A6XYiXV_2mB1L1eiQFHaw/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+1--P4++DEN-ATL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdE98kgUM7A0syUt4FZq4rkZ7DotRtgSwFIb61-uiF58A6ogF1r7FXbWR0Uw_-Y-KDxHHsd6aqGy3TQAsr7jbLSUgoPV4q04t7KOxP7BdDNxHoYCi2yndz6A6XYiXV_2mB1L1eiQFHaw/s320/NFL19--AUG.+1--P4++DEN-ATL.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>James Carpenter</b> (NYJ, <u>ATL</u>) (photo on right above)</li>
<li><b>Jamal Carter</b> (DEN, <u>ATL</u> PS) </li>
<li><b>Adrian Clayborn</b> (NE, <u>ATL</u>) </li>
<li><b>T.J. Clemmings</b> (OAK, <u>CHI</u> IR) </li>
<li><b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> (HOU, <u>SEA</u>)</li>
<li><b>James Crawford</b> (GB, <u>MIA</u>)</li>
<li><b>Isaiah Crowell</b> (NYJ, <u>OAK</u> IR)</li>
<li><b>Johnathan Cyprien</b> (TENN, <u>PHIL</u>) </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCjJKSnhscgIb8AYRItE9Ausxas5VCqBYhTNL86EoYNiVW1oBouz9_yctlgdilAy_RgsguqELt-TkuTysbSUlaBTRYY0o4ksOsKztFsyh0DvuQK9UXYB_a09Rq2C1R9dTLBc0kvwE71M/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+13--P1++PHIL+TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="960" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCjJKSnhscgIb8AYRItE9Ausxas5VCqBYhTNL86EoYNiVW1oBouz9_yctlgdilAy_RgsguqELt-TkuTysbSUlaBTRYY0o4ksOsKztFsyh0DvuQK9UXYB_a09Rq2C1R9dTLBc0kvwE71M/s320/NFL19--AUG.+13--P1++PHIL+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Tyeler Davison</b> (NO, <u>ATL</u>)</li>
<li><b>Mario Edwards</b> (NYG, <u>NO</u>)</li>
<li><b>Reuben Foster</b> (SF, <u>WASH</u> IR)</li>
<li><b>Markus Golden</b> (ARIZ, <u>NYG</u>) </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeG7AxldoP2oSEP33o_ARNhmHtFuNSMebXOzxK6NtQwgSHznzQYwPNnxpvuovDq782IXM5E9TyFgDHDmJl0dlHYrR00tud8-87d5U6zwd9w_TFT6mGF5r4Z535geHAouL-wjmrD4xKL0/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+22--P12++NYG-CIN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1154" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeG7AxldoP2oSEP33o_ARNhmHtFuNSMebXOzxK6NtQwgSHznzQYwPNnxpvuovDq782IXM5E9TyFgDHDmJl0dlHYrR00tud8-87d5U6zwd9w_TFT6mGF5r4Z535geHAouL-wjmrD4xKL0/s320/NFL19--AUG.+22--P12++NYG-CIN.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Davontae Harris</b> (CIN, <u>DEN</u>) </li>
<li><b>Kareem Hunt</b> (KC, <u>CLEV</u>) </li>
<li><b>Bruce Irvin</b> (ATL, <u>CAR</u>)</li>
<li><b>Malik Jefferson</b> (CIN, <u>CLEV</u>) </li>
<li><b>John Jenkins</b> (NYG, <u>MIA</u>) </li>
<li><b>Ryan Lewis</b> (BUF, <u>IND</u>)</li>
<li><b>Tyrann Mathieu</b> (HOU, <u>KC</u>) (#32 in photo below, next to <b>Bashaud Breeland </b>(#21))</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGtMWSUWyoAt4Jr6bxzzgnKlufNBHy2pNn0wLmj7kwcnVZT43FJbsDFTCNZkcYRKLlMPjB93qVbl2kfEDlWp7J7P5zNyiFA0jPw5vzsgxOsUMFNIVmelXZigBlIcFjiGDbhccOPOnPJw/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+29--P4++KC-GB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGtMWSUWyoAt4Jr6bxzzgnKlufNBHy2pNn0wLmj7kwcnVZT43FJbsDFTCNZkcYRKLlMPjB93qVbl2kfEDlWp7J7P5zNyiFA0jPw5vzsgxOsUMFNIVmelXZigBlIcFjiGDbhccOPOnPJw/s320/NFL19--AUG.+29--P4++KC-GB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Gerald McCoy</b> (TB, <u>CAR</u>) </li>
<li><b>Pernell McPhee</b> (WASH, <u>BAL</u>) </li>
<li><b>C.J. Mosley</b> (BAL, <u>NYJ</u>) </li>
<li><b>Avery Moss</b> (NYG, <u>MIA</u>) </li>
<li><b>Parry Nickerson</b> (NYJ, <u>SEA</u> PS)</li>
<li><b>Robert Nkemdiche</b> (ARIZ, <u>MIA</u> PUP) </li>
<li><b>Ty Nsekhe</b> (WASH, <u>BUF</u>)</li>
<li><b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> (NE, <u>CHI</u>) (photo left below) </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJbjhVnbC9e0LsBph6D0sL-Zgwh55UtfFl6sLX73xYcSdJvijjVF3M5w-UxW-BT4WPOh8PnofwfDLrwXkMFO4tVQ0aD5Za0jO7CDsU8-A9e16S4xbpvJ-W-thMJmmzGLYEbydTB3pq-0/s1600/NFL19--P3++C.PATTERSON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="780" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJbjhVnbC9e0LsBph6D0sL-Zgwh55UtfFl6sLX73xYcSdJvijjVF3M5w-UxW-BT4WPOh8PnofwfDLrwXkMFO4tVQ0aD5Za0jO7CDsU8-A9e16S4xbpvJ-W-thMJmmzGLYEbydTB3pq-0/s320/NFL19--P3++C.PATTERSON.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIZePhFoTugRkPCs87pQ42V-yAzVZZl3mTImadmCdrVgwFyyNAa8G1vAHCW3vxE5Qi6vZ7QsaQ5oyjwEK82BxCD3en7fEfO5ZoQJQoeQIgAuOIdEeNUuxuJRbnjTmiFDMRwbar-3tLgQ/s1600/NFL19--JULY+31--P3++WASH+TC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIZePhFoTugRkPCs87pQ42V-yAzVZZl3mTImadmCdrVgwFyyNAa8G1vAHCW3vxE5Qi6vZ7QsaQ5oyjwEK82BxCD3en7fEfO5ZoQJQoeQIgAuOIdEeNUuxuJRbnjTmiFDMRwbar-3tLgQ/s320/NFL19--JULY+31--P3++WASH+TC.jpeg" width="213" /></a><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Donald Penn</b> (OAK, <u>WASH</u>) (photo on right above)</li>
<li><b>Sheldon Richardson</b> (MINN, <u>CLEV</u>) </li>
<li><b>Curtis Riley</b> (NYG, <u>OAK</u>)</li>
<li><b>Andre Roberts</b> (NYJ, <u>BUF</u>) </li>
<li><b>Seth Roberts</b> (OAK, <u>BAL</u>)</li>
<li><b>Bradley Roby</b> (DEN, <u>HOU</u>) (photo on left below) </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKOj3lCVQH1nyozvJjnZJumN2rrcwlTr8qv4AzHT-WonIovACxDyiv5FJX957oJx2PJPxHE7rA5Yt7_RKRXdGUIvCp-vLu7HTL6I-BF2hCXqlLNMeREu291cZ5eubGXne6hkgNUz0hLk/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+8--P4++CAR-CHI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="341" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKOj3lCVQH1nyozvJjnZJumN2rrcwlTr8qv4AzHT-WonIovACxDyiv5FJX957oJx2PJPxHE7rA5Yt7_RKRXdGUIvCp-vLu7HTL6I-BF2hCXqlLNMeREu291cZ5eubGXne6hkgNUz0hLk/s320/NFL19--AUG.+8--P4++CAR-CHI.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uOb5P7OFNuRBTEcL4NikcaEuWMCAnhGnanoE06eJPoS2NBxVUaT2bG1DK2zoPsNlK4M5au9YwNeOTC4JoW-3TGh9P6S6tyddpuPJ21E8lxGBtSEfxx70geQRtbtXbarfRwK5Dv8HQQQ/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+24--P5++DET-HOU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="956" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uOb5P7OFNuRBTEcL4NikcaEuWMCAnhGnanoE06eJPoS2NBxVUaT2bG1DK2zoPsNlK4M5au9YwNeOTC4JoW-3TGh9P6S6tyddpuPJ21E8lxGBtSEfxx70geQRtbtXbarfRwK5Dv8HQQQ/s320/NFL19--AUG.+24--P5++DET-HOU.jpg" width="246" /></a><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Buster Skrine</b> (NYJ, <u>CHI</u>) (photo on right above)</li>
<li><b>Za'Darius Smith</b> (BAL, <u>GB</u>) </li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs45XSV2IGTh5xeh6kWxJaK5GRqGhsDkjp19ytLPP83mzM5p8PKnRNLKNHhCFWbVXixtqF9AB6GIRVuHkFlkjQlK7nq4suH0lsKHoTApyrVavadzqILvWfdA0xPBIQIkD_uI9l_vnGudY/s1600/NFL19--MAY+21--P3++GB+PRAC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="1000" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs45XSV2IGTh5xeh6kWxJaK5GRqGhsDkjp19ytLPP83mzM5p8PKnRNLKNHhCFWbVXixtqF9AB6GIRVuHkFlkjQlK7nq4suH0lsKHoTApyrVavadzqILvWfdA0xPBIQIkD_uI9l_vnGudY/s320/NFL19--MAY+21--P3++GB+PRAC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><b>Earl Thomas</b> (SEA, <u>BAL</u>) </li>
<li><b>Billy Turner</b> (DEN, <u>GB</u>)</li>
<li><b>Jason Verrett</b> (LAC IR, <u>SF</u>) </li>
<li><b>LaAdrian Waddle</b> (NE, <u>BUF</u> IR)</li>
<li><b>B.W. Webb</b> (NYG, <u>CIN</u>)</li>
<li><b>J.J. Wilcox</b> (IND, <u>ATL</u> IR)</li>
</ul>
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ROOKIES<br />
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2019 NFL DRAFT<br />
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Here are the 32 players with dreads that were selected in the NFL Draft back in late April, including a few who didn't get their dreads started until sometime after the Draft. Players are still with the teams that picked them unless otherwise noted.<br />
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ROUND 1<br />
12. LB <b>Rashan Gary</b> (GB) (photo below)<br />
25. WR <b>Marquise Brown</b> (BAL)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZvq3FRlaJjuQ4dVPeYrGv7s147tK9b2ykfZHWJjVi5f028yqKeV6rLq_w1sgpbBX7nELXEFt1dm5I3sUg6vrmNTjKH2s-eRV1lXDwB31LghimW1JAi0ymstjsSv6nyEaQDsaPfFzOhc/s1600/NFL19--MAY+21--P2++GB+PRAC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1000" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZvq3FRlaJjuQ4dVPeYrGv7s147tK9b2ykfZHWJjVi5f028yqKeV6rLq_w1sgpbBX7nELXEFt1dm5I3sUg6vrmNTjKH2s-eRV1lXDwB31LghimW1JAi0ymstjsSv6nyEaQDsaPfFzOhc/s320/NFL19--MAY+21--P2++GB+PRAC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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ROUND 2<br />
54. CB <b>Lonnie Johnson</b> (photo below)<br />
58. DT <b>Trysten Hill</b> (DAL)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3jEbPIhYQkhHMsO-NxlUcQIFecoCT8z_Ei_FolpOtEITT8i5ValIaIzK91KOl_ch1KwGPQ3shZrTBWfifCpMeW2WEjbVU6L8F05Vo13pELgL54rjqHOgQmCKW-cZNwHuwe-7jDpRE6Q/s1600/NFL19--P13A++L.JOHNSON+TC819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3jEbPIhYQkhHMsO-NxlUcQIFecoCT8z_Ei_FolpOtEITT8i5ValIaIzK91KOl_ch1KwGPQ3shZrTBWfifCpMeW2WEjbVU6L8F05Vo13pELgL54rjqHOgQmCKW-cZNwHuwe-7jDpRE6Q/s320/NFL19--P13A++L.JOHNSON+TC819.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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ROUND 3<br />
66. WR <b>Diontae Johnson</b> (PIT) (top photo below)<br />
67. WR <b>Jalen Hurd</b> (SF)<br />
68. LB <b>Jachai Polite</b> (NYJ) ..... signed to SEA PS after being released at end of preseason<br />
70. RB <b>Darrell Henderson</b> (LAR)<br />
85. LB <b>Jaylon Ferguson</b> (BAL)<br />
89. LB <b>Bobby Okereke</b> (IND)<br />
98. LB <b>Quincy Williams</b> (JAC)<br />
101. OT <b>Yodny Cajuste</b> (NE) ..... put on NFI list at end of preseason<br />
102. RB <b>Alexander Mattison</b> (MINN) (bottom photo below)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqiL1-T1RsPcL4wDLDq6oZhalKaYzSZwyiRe_yUXkHCRSuvxFs9zO6JES5w1X75vunByOu28XK0NEG6WCNa8f3PmV9kzeGKlOU4zJGgy7UAIhnkWPUrExrQjRVdh6y28AM8i_u-K1SkI/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+17--P13++KC-PITT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1050" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqiL1-T1RsPcL4wDLDq6oZhalKaYzSZwyiRe_yUXkHCRSuvxFs9zO6JES5w1X75vunByOu28XK0NEG6WCNa8f3PmV9kzeGKlOU4zJGgy7UAIhnkWPUrExrQjRVdh6y28AM8i_u-K1SkI/s320/NFL19--AUG.+17--P13++KC-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FXMwg5C_PqzX-jzaLnqikOZf5dWwgdyH36mgNJDrU_LscVOSZwMiRafiRlFOZTEZEke8bzkxtGTQaB7vDsCw-_UTFGI5U8L19iq34CZjKZbyzSCqD6aaBdXjgAb-GiCv4yYV1n2ZNZM/s1600/NFL19--JULY+23--P4A++MINN+TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1072" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FXMwg5C_PqzX-jzaLnqikOZf5dWwgdyH36mgNJDrU_LscVOSZwMiRafiRlFOZTEZEke8bzkxtGTQaB7vDsCw-_UTFGI5U8L19iq34CZjKZbyzSCqD6aaBdXjgAb-GiCv4yYV1n2ZNZM/s320/NFL19--JULY+23--P4A++MINN+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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ROUND 4<br />
112. RB <b>Bryce Love</b> (WASH) ..... put on NFI list before start of preseason<br />
119. S <b>Sheldrick Redwine</b> (CLEV) (photo below)<br />
122. RB <b>Benny Snell</b> (PIT)<br />
126. WR <b>Riley Ridley</b> (CHI)<br />
136. G <b>Michael Jordan</b> (CIN)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVsIu4WHigGbSOtcf5_WjHaB32fjQULq78_J9rJWX16YQwxJdp49u0QLwurUEB5U8-Uiw8K_0Pcsearx31UurcYJxKzIMDFlziStYU57Wv5thQT18dRsGlMaVj-tGhc2yd1iN1NuyHAE/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+29--P3++DET-CLEVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1253" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVsIu4WHigGbSOtcf5_WjHaB32fjQULq78_J9rJWX16YQwxJdp49u0QLwurUEB5U8-Uiw8K_0Pcsearx31UurcYJxKzIMDFlziStYU57Wv5thQT18dRsGlMaVj-tGhc2yd1iN1NuyHAE/s320/NFL19--AUG.+29--P3++DET-CLEVE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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ROUND 5<br />
140. RB <b>Ryquell Armstead</b> (JAC)<br />
144. S <b>Marvell Tell</b> (IND)<br />
154. RB <b>Jordan Scarlett</b> (CAR) (photo below)<br />
172. CB <b>Jordan Miller</b> (ATL)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1ltQm8YzccN21lNjnWd7BOIUp_cpsUdNfN8RVTktL_HUtY6r5fAOWo3WCzjLg4quiXgfva-C6QX01-rkyTMBZyaQJMS4phUwbhkEH5sC74ZBycQRE1zHBbAEPzA3DEYF0odgg3Z2qek/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+29--P2++CAR-PITT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1ltQm8YzccN21lNjnWd7BOIUp_cpsUdNfN8RVTktL_HUtY6r5fAOWo3WCzjLg4quiXgfva-C6QX01-rkyTMBZyaQJMS4phUwbhkEH5sC74ZBycQRE1zHBbAEPzA3DEYF0odgg3Z2qek/s320/NFL19--AUG.+29--P2++CAR-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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ROUND 6<br />
187. WR <b>Juwann Winfree</b> (DEN) (photo below)<br />
190. DT <b>Armon Watts</b> (MINN)<br />
213. S <b>Donovan Wilson</b> (DAL)<br />
214. RB <b>Darwin Thompson</b> (KC)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSjk3mndbMjo7AHd0Yeqxg1zYQ3v4mEia2lH3paTZBMFD08dOc3WbAqJ-zE7gVBVEOM0c7XMngSrnUpYrCpmEcfic0KPbvJ7yVqLoDS2CTluNf7k7D2oclYDCOPxoyomkKPjZ_s1xmfk/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+27--P1++DEN+TC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSjk3mndbMjo7AHd0Yeqxg1zYQ3v4mEia2lH3paTZBMFD08dOc3WbAqJ-zE7gVBVEOM0c7XMngSrnUpYrCpmEcfic0KPbvJ7yVqLoDS2CTluNf7k7D2oclYDCOPxoyomkKPjZ_s1xmfk/s320/NFL19--AUG.+27--P1++DEN+TC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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ROUND 7<br />
215. DT <b>Terry Beckner</b> (TB) ..... signed to TB PS after being released at end of preseason<br />
219. OT <b>Derwin Gray</b> (PIT) ..... signed to PIT PS after being released at end of preseason<br />
225. DE <b>Darryl Johnson</b> (BUF) (photo below)<br />
229. DT <b>P.J. Johnson</b> (DET) ..... released at end of preseason<br />
238. CB <b>Stephen Denmark</b> (CHI) ..... signed to CHI PS after being released at end of preseason<br />
251. LB<b> Dakota Allen</b> (LAR) ..... signed to LAR PS after being released at end of preseason<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqGOG0NZOSoILWZytKZfxOePeSlwRTbpZcffWf2l9swcCLrBTsQK8lwClvgxmaXeFVGFagGBivW5VZFth-LdWlSj8qL6xgbAv87YQS4pR1zmb8l47oYQQU-7ayIn0T9-5XMU2EVJ0EQs/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+23--P3++BUFF-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1055" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqGOG0NZOSoILWZytKZfxOePeSlwRTbpZcffWf2l9swcCLrBTsQK8lwClvgxmaXeFVGFagGBivW5VZFth-LdWlSj8qL6xgbAv87YQS4pR1zmb8l47oYQQU-7ayIn0T9-5XMU2EVJ0EQs/s320/NFL19--AUG.+23--P3++BUFF-DET.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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UNDRAFTED<br />
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Several rookie players with dreads that were not selected in this year's Draft were signed to teams' practice squads after the end of the preseason; but, as far as I can tell, only one undrafted rookie with dreads made a team's final 53-man roster this year ..... and that player is ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nRQKC0kZYxfQVqfTuLEpt-E5OI_Z_q7waXObsws8UCUqJpEJ-jZsS54erJEER4x4c63sKvkC7y4S3qjgJ2IJrlCE_PtagpYAsnOduyjuDIoccZoiCLy0jchI0i8OKYwhkulnkuTBzdA/s1600/NFL19--AUG.+24--P1++DEN-LAR.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nRQKC0kZYxfQVqfTuLEpt-E5OI_Z_q7waXObsws8UCUqJpEJ-jZsS54erJEER4x4c63sKvkC7y4S3qjgJ2IJrlCE_PtagpYAsnOduyjuDIoccZoiCLy0jchI0i8OKYwhkulnkuTBzdA/s320/NFL19--AUG.+24--P1++DEN-LAR.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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... WR <b>Nsimba Walker</b> of the L.A. Rams.<br />
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INJURED RESERVE<br />
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Here are the unfortunate few players with dreads who suffered serious injuries during offseason practices or during the preseason and landed on the injured reserve list. For most of these players their season was over before it even got started. However, it is possible one or two of them will be added to the active roster later in the season (after sitting out at least 8 games) if they return to full health.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>T.J. Clemmings</b> (CHI)</li>
<li><b>Isaiah Crowell</b> (OAK) </li>
<li><b>Sean Davis</b> (PIT) </li>
<li><b>D'Cota Dixon</b> (TB, rookie) </li>
<li><b>Duke Ejiofor</b> (HOU)</li>
<li><b>Amba Etta-Tawo</b> (NTG)</li>
<li><b>Reuben Foster</b> (WASH) </li>
<li><b>Daurice Fountain</b> (IND) </li>
<li><b>Dillon Gordon</b> (CAR) </li>
<li><b>Davon Grayson</b> (KC)</li>
<li><b>Nate Harvey</b> (NYG, rookie)</li>
<li><b>Derwin James</b> (LAC) </li>
<li><b>Tre'Von Johnson</b> (LAC)</li>
<li><b>Cre'Von LeBlanc</b> (PHIL)</li>
<li><b>Steven Means</b> (ATL)</li>
<li><b>Ira Savage-Lewis</b> (HOU, rookie) </li>
<li><b>Tim Patrick</b> (DEN)</li>
<li><b>Horace Richardson</b> (DEN)</li>
<li><b>Josh Shaw</b> (ARIZ)</li>
<li><b>LaAdrian Waddle</b> (BUF) </li>
<li><b>Isaac Whitney</b> (HOU)</li>
<li><b>J.J. Wilcox</b> (ATL) (photo below)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOmjuXwyMLM9TPzPYGYL7fRVohU2X8imq28nMx7V072rBIEUn5Bj95FIHalB7HjD9Beu3gILnSDi6EmX5E96la8bMSmFgw_H9ZbR2bSCCtz9z0q7AML90S4-dtuTIbqqilWeS7kde1ys/s1600/NFL19--JULY+22--P1++ATL+TC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="789" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOmjuXwyMLM9TPzPYGYL7fRVohU2X8imq28nMx7V072rBIEUn5Bj95FIHalB7HjD9Beu3gILnSDi6EmX5E96la8bMSmFgw_H9ZbR2bSCCtz9z0q7AML90S4-dtuTIbqqilWeS7kde1ys/s320/NFL19--JULY+22--P1++ATL+TC.jpeg" width="252" /></a></div>
Instead of playing alongside fellow safeties Keanu Neal (#22) and Damontae Kazee (#27) in the Falcons' secondary this season, <b>J.J. Wilcox</b> was helped off the field by them after injuring his knee (torn ACL) in the very first practice of training camp on July 22.<br />
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House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-67016661192699226312019-08-08T08:07:00.001-05:002019-08-09T07:16:15.123-05:00Quinnessential<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_c4akEPJ_d1Qfkt0N3zhFvGTBKA2Yn8YzlXHqYvpmelcfM_X7TZtLIwacl8vhoCyLbFNzfCUORj-4jo8O2C2QSi_DHsofmJXwg2MXmq-iuvME-iIPe9EcY3To84sk6478lHTz-xZ4Aw/s1600/NL19--JULY+15--P3++LA-PHIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1055" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_c4akEPJ_d1Qfkt0N3zhFvGTBKA2Yn8YzlXHqYvpmelcfM_X7TZtLIwacl8vhoCyLbFNzfCUORj-4jo8O2C2QSi_DHsofmJXwg2MXmq-iuvME-iIPe9EcY3To84sk6478lHTz-xZ4Aw/s320/NL19--JULY+15--P3++LA-PHIL.jpg" width="227" /></a>The first two times Philadelphia Phillies outfielder <b>Roman Quinn</b> took the mound to pitch it wasn't serious. The Phillies were so far behind that the game was out of reach; and, rather than use a real pitcher in a game they no longer had any chance to win, they called upon Quinn to come in and get as many outs as he could and at the same time provide a little comic relief for the fans who hadn't already left. But this time it was different. This time - late last Friday night (Aug. 2) at Citizens Bank Park - with the clock about to strike midnight and with the Phillies out of options at pitcher, Quinn was brought in to pitch in a <i>tie game</i> in the 14th inning against the Chicago White Sox. Well, to the surprise of no one, this didn't end well for the Phillies; but they didn't go down without a fight. In fact, even though they saw the home team lose, the fans still at the park at that late hour were glad they still were, because the last two innings turned out to be the most entertaining part of the game.<br />
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If you had told Quinn when he woke up that morning that he was going to have the chance to be the winning pitcher in the game that night, he would have asked you what you'd been smoking. But in sports - and especially in baseball - these three words are always so true: you never know.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
In Quinn's first two appearances on the mound he inherited deficits of 15-4 (against the Mets last August) and 14-1 (against the Dodgers this season on July 15, photo from that game above) and got roughed up pretty good. After he was done the final scores of those games ended up 24-4 and 16-2. So it seemed highly unlikely he was going to go unscathed by the White Sox, even if they are one of MLB's worst offenses.<br />
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When I turned the game on after I got home from work, it was already the 8th inning and the Phillies led 3-2. I didn't know it then, but had the Phillies held that lead Quinn would have been one of their offensive heroes of the night. His first career home run while batting left handed (photo on left and video on first link below) leading off the bottom of the 3rd started their comeback from a 2-0 deficit. Then with the score tied in the 7th, he bunted for a hit, stole his second base of the game (photo on right below and video on second link below in which you get a good look at his dreads after he takes his helmet off) and came in to score (on a single by Jean Segura) what looked like would be the winning run. But then in the 9th, with the Phillies one strike away from victory, somebody by the name of Matt Skole (whom I had never heard of before even though I'm a huge White Sox fan) singled to drive in the tying run. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUPePFsaN1lsvZh_GIeFCHgTGXM4yQK0aiBJvQ50A4JiHGnTEc5gslvATgXrem452rMO4AibHw0p4FnGGLrxU-Lm_xnQU_ozTvs2h3r5PQOY8J_9YaE-RKXK572XkIAeoK0cL2NEsPvM/s1600/NL19--AUG.+2--P6++CHI+WS-PHIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1500" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUPePFsaN1lsvZh_GIeFCHgTGXM4yQK0aiBJvQ50A4JiHGnTEc5gslvATgXrem452rMO4AibHw0p4FnGGLrxU-Lm_xnQU_ozTvs2h3r5PQOY8J_9YaE-RKXK572XkIAeoK0cL2NEsPvM/s320/NL19--AUG.+2--P6++CHI+WS-PHIL.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/roman-quinn-homers-3-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-field" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/video/roman-quinn-homers-3-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-field</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/quinn-swipes-second-in-the-7th" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/video/quinn-swipes-second-in-the-7th</a><br />
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I had other things I wanted to do, but for some reason I decided to keep watching as the score remained 3-3. And about 2 hours later my patience for hanging in there was rewarded as Quinn - dirty uniform and all and sans the sleeve he had been wearing on his right arm - unexpectedly came on to pitch in the 14th (photo on left below). Roman wasn't fooling anybody with his upper 70's MPH 'fastball'. Everybody that hit the ball hit it hard. But thanks to some good defense behind him he was able to get 3 outs on 3 hard-hit balls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX0YQe2ZLApaS12WgNvMlB41oL2OaHdOVMTq940uq8sPNLz7JdSeuW3aJ8AllD9Db72Zno627kRlQBbw9Y-dF7OVzBhtgCiYKMamcTkvdZDQq3r6VFiH3Xyf6rSwPBKqCFUuYr5LMSc8/s1600/NL19--AUG.+2--P3A++CHI+WS-PHIL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX0YQe2ZLApaS12WgNvMlB41oL2OaHdOVMTq940uq8sPNLz7JdSeuW3aJ8AllD9Db72Zno627kRlQBbw9Y-dF7OVzBhtgCiYKMamcTkvdZDQq3r6VFiH3Xyf6rSwPBKqCFUuYr5LMSc8/s320/NL19--AUG.+2--P3A++CHI+WS-PHIL.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
Vince Velasquez, a pitcher who replaced Quinn in the outfield, made a perfect throw home from left field to cut down a runner at home plate for the 2nd out; and then 3B and fellow dreadhead <b>Maikel Franco</b>, atoning for his error earlier in the inning, nicely fielded a hard grounder (video on link below) for out number three.<br />
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<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/carson-fulmer-grounds-out-third-baseman-maikel-franco-to-first-baseman-rhys-hosk" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/video/carson-fulmer-grounds-out-third-baseman-maikel-franco-to-first-baseman-rhys-hosk</a><br />
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At some point while Quinn was pitching the announcers on the White Sox telecast informed us that in all the history of MLB there have been only two players ever that have hit a home run, stolen a base, and had a scoreless pitching appearance in the same game. After the top of the 14th Quinn had a chance to be the third. But with the Phillies' offense remaining dormant in the bottom of the 14th, he was going to have to get at least three more outs to do it. And for a moment it looked like he would.<br />
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The first two batters in the 15th were retired easily on weakly-hit ground balls. But after the next two reached base on a single and a walk, slugger Jose Abreu singled to left. Trying to come to the rescue again, Velasquez unleashed another ridiculously perfect throw home but it was too late (barely) to get the speedy Leury Garcia. Continuing to steal the show, Velasquez prevented any further damage when he made a sensational diving catch to retire the next batter and keep the score at 4-3.<br />
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It has been 5 years since a position player was the winning pitcher in a MLB game; but now for Quinn to get the win the Phillies were going to have to score two runs. The Hollywood ending would have been for Quinn to hit a 2-run homer to win it. But in real life the Phillies put another 0 on the board, with Roman last seen barking at the umpire (photo on right) after being called out on strikes for the final out of the game.<br />
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I encourage you to click on either one or both of the videos below for a short look at Roman's excellent adventure. No, he didn't quite get the win (that would've been <i>really</i> excellent), but at least already early in his MLB career he's made a memory to last his lifetime.<br />
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<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/quinn-s-1-run-outing" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/video/quinn-s-1-run-outing</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/must-c-phils-fall-in-wild-game" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/video/must-c-phils-fall-in-wild-game</a><br />
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Hopefully we'll be seeing a lot more of Quinn in the future - and I don't mean on the mound either. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound native of Port St. Joe, FL, is one of the fastest players in baseball. In fact, he's fast enough that he could have played football. Florida State offered him a scholarship to do just that after he graduated high school in 2011. But with his heart set on baseball, he accepted the Phillies' $775,000 offer as a signing bonus after they picked him in the 2nd round of the draft that year. Beginning in 2012 he has spent at least part of every season in the minor leagues. He made his MLB debut in 2016 and started growing his dreads in 2017. <br />
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Sadly - and at least for now - Quinn is the only player with dreads remaining on a Phillies roster that began the season with four. <b>Andrew McCutchen</b>, whose dreads have been making a comeback the last couple of years (even surviving his stint with the Yankees last year), tragically tore his ACL in early June (that's him being helped off the field in photo on right above). Even more tragically <b>Odubel</b> <b>Herrera</b> was suspended for the rest of the season in early July after an arrest for domestic violence (that's him in court on July 3 in photo on left above). And now, two days after helping Quinn pitch a scoreless inning, Franco has been demoted to the minors.<br />
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With his speed, Quinn has the chance to be an everyday player and a tremendous asset to his team and make millions of dollars throughout his career. In his first 100 games in MLB (spread over three seasons) we've seen glimpses of his potential. But we've also seen his career held back by a whole bunch of injuries. Here's hoping he gets healthy and stays healthy. I don't think we've seen the best of him yet; but if we ever do, we might see someone who can be a very special player. <br />
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To wrap this up here are a few of Roman's numerals from the game last Friday ....<br />
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<b>0</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The number of times Quinn's hat fell off his head while pitching (but that's not too surprising - his dreads aren't that long yet)</li>
</ul>
<b>.169</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Quinn's batting average at the end of the game - the highest it had been all year (it has since soared to .195) </li>
</ul>
<b>1</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Number of runs allowed by Quinn - fewest of his 3 career pitching appearances; also the number of times a White Sox batter swung and missed one of his pitches</li>
</ul>
<b>2</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Number of runs scored, stolen bases, and innings pitched by Quinn (all tying or setting new career highs)</li>
</ul>
<b>3</b><br />
<ul>
<li> Number of hits by Quinn in the game (also tying his career high)</li>
</ul>
<b>4</b><br />
<ul>
<li> Number of hits Quinn <i>would have</i> had in the game had his would-be single in the 5th inning not instead turned into a force out at 2nd base</li>
</ul>
<b>6</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Number of at bats Quinn had in the game (a career high); also the number of hard-hit balls he allowed (out of the 8 balls that were hit off him)</li>
</ul>
<b>18</b><br />
<ul>
<li>As in 18.00, Quinn's career ERA in his 3 pitching appearances (10 runs allowed in 5 IP)</li>
</ul>
<b>36</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Number of pitches thrown by Quinn in the game</li>
</ul>
<b>81</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Speed in miles per hour of the fastest pitch thrown by Quinn (but he did have one at 86 MPH in the game against the Dodgers in July)</li>
</ul>
<b>405</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Distance in feet of Quinn's home run in the 3rd inning - second longest of his 5 career home runs)</li>
</ul>
<b>559</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Number in thousands of dollars of Quinn's salary for 2019 - lowest salary on the team (according to USA Today)</li>
</ul>
House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-50285204304118328572019-07-07T17:09:00.001-05:002019-07-08T06:21:28.468-05:00DG176<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJHeQSMYK9QumxFRZwNDij6-XsLrWZi9MQr6HMeMPSgyu1sBijUAmperJxv0WCPj1Js12jHA5mBruEJQNKnOhC1wmGlAY7SMURtVozFzxZNc0cqPTeER8uVWWFakFTchPAHPVv8N0wd0/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P142++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaJHeQSMYK9QumxFRZwNDij6-XsLrWZi9MQr6HMeMPSgyu1sBijUAmperJxv0WCPj1Js12jHA5mBruEJQNKnOhC1wmGlAY7SMURtVozFzxZNc0cqPTeER8uVWWFakFTchPAHPVv8N0wd0/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P142++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you are an NFL team that begins a season by losing its first 2 games, you are already in deep trouble. And if you start with 4 straight losses? Well, history says you might as well pack it in and start getting ready for the next season, because ... Since the NFL went to a 16-game schedule (up from 14) in 1978, there have been 118 teams that began the season 0-4 and only <i>one</i> of them went on to reach the playoffs that year. So you can imagine the tension and desperation in the air in a game where the teams on <i>both</i> sidelines are 0-4 .....<br />
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It was Sunday, October 8th, Week 5 of the 2017 NFL season. Warm and humid weather greeted the 0-4 Los Angeles Chargers after making the 2,400-mile, cross-country flight to face the 0-4 New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Jokes were made about the matchup being the "Game of the Weak" or "Game of the Meek". If it had been between most other 0-4 teams, CBS would have done whatever possible to broadcast the game to as few people as possible; but since it was between teams representing the two largest television markets in the nation, the game was televised live to millions more than it should have.<br />
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Actually though, despite their records there were a couple of things that made the game very much worth watching. RB <b>Melvin Gordon</b> (photo above) had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season and scored the winning touchdown for the Chargers; it was the second NFL meeting between old Muck City rivals <b>Travis Benjamin</b> and <b>Janoris Jenkins</b>; and, rather incredibly, not one, two, or three, but <i>four</i> Giants wide receivers were knocked out of the game due to injury. And oh, right, there was one other thing too: the dreads.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
You may recall that in my 2017 Dread Focus sections the Chargers were the only team in the league that I gave an "A" grade for their dreads; and the Giants were one of only two teams to get an "A-". So even though it was early in the season, there (arguably) wasn't going to be any other game the rest of the season with better dreads than this one. 18 players with dreads were in uniform - 9 for each team - including at least 4 that would make the Top 10 list of players with the longest dreads in the league. And when I started saving photos from the game, there were enough good ones that it quickly occurred to me that this game deserved a dread gallery all of its own. So here in DG #176, almost two years after the game was played, we'll finally take a look at some of those photos.<br />
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There are five YouTube videos I watched to help me determine the exact parts of the game each photo was taken. You are welcome (and recommended) to watch them in their entirety (on the links below, listed as V1, V2, etc.). But if you don't want to do that, I'll include the exact times of the videos at which the plays in the photos posted can be seen.<br />
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V1 - game highlights: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNcl1MIH4iw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNcl1MIH4iw</a><br />
V2 - Philip Rivers highlights: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGUiu_sMngQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGUiu_sMngQ</a><br />
V3 - <b>Melvin Gordon</b> highlights: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7bL8ksTHq0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7bL8ksTHq0</a><br />
V4 - <b>Janoris Jenkins</b> and <b>Travis Benjamin</b> mic'd up: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAdDPrVuxfI" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAdDPrVuxfI</a><br />
V5 - game Sights and Sounds (from Giants' website): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET29kHwAy60" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET29kHwAy60</a><br />
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1. Little does he know it as he warms up before the game, but WR <b>Roger Lewis</b> is going to see much more action than he expects. Due to all the injuries suffered by the Giants' receivers in the game Lewis ended up playing what to that point was a career high 45 snaps on offense. With his dreads too short to be seen with his helmet on, this is the only photo of him you're going to get. But if you want to see his 29-yard reception for his 1st TD of the season to put the Giants ahead 16-10 midway through the 3rd quarter, it's at the 3:00 mark of V1 and the 2:49 mark of V5. It was his only reception of the day. <br />
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2. As is his custom at Chargers games LB <b>Chris McCain</b> (on right in left photo) treats a youngster to spend some time on the field with him during early warmups. Here he introduces a Chargers fan (well, at least he's a Philip Rivers fan) to <b>Melvin Gordon</b>. McCain would play 19 total snaps in the game and finish with 1 tackle (1-0). In the right photo Gordon puts his autograph on the LaDainian Tomlinson Hall of Fame cap of a Chargers fan before the game. For Chargers fans in the NYC area this was the first of two visits by the Chargers in 2017 (they played the Jets in Week 16) and their first since 2012.<br />
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3. After spending parts of his 2015 rookie season and the 2016 season on the practice squads of the Ravens, Falcons, and Cardinals, DE <b>Nordly "Cap" Capi</b> finally got on the field in 2017. Cut by the Cardinals at the end of the preseason, Capi was signed to the Giants practice squad the next day. And a week after making his NFL debut at Tampa in Week 4, he gets in some stretching before playing in the 1st home game of his career. <br />
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4. WRs <b>Dwayne Harris</b> and Odell Beckham and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie say their prayers before the game. If they asked for good health, Harris and Beckham didn't get the answer they were hoping for. Little do they know it, but for the two of them this would be their last game of the season.<br />
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5. Over in the other end zone the pregame prayers come from the bowed heads of several Chargers players, including four of them with dreads. The easy one to spot, with his dreads almost touching the ground, is S <b>Tre Boston</b>. Less obvious are S <b>Rayshawn Jenkins</b> (#25, on the right), WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> (#12, with black shoes), and S <b>Jahleel Addae</b> (#37, on the left). All four are Florida natives. <br />
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6. On the 3rd play of the Giants' opening drive <b>Jahleel Addae</b> makes his 1st tackle of the game, as he and LB Jatavis Brown stop WR <b>Brandon Marshall</b> at the NY 31-yard line after a catch for a gain of 3. But the 3 yards were enough to convert a 3rd and 3, and the drive continued.<br />
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7. Three plays later <b>Jahleel Addae</b> gets credit for his 1st and only PBU of the game, as the short pass to TE Rhett Ellison on 2nd and 10 is incomplete on the NFL logo at the 47-yard line, with LB Hayes Pullard also defending. Two plays later the drive ended with a punt, and <b>Dwayne Harris</b> downed it at the 4-yard line. <br />
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8. After going three and out on their first possession, the Chargers go three and out again on their second - out of the end zone, that is. As OT <b>Joe Barksdale</b> blocks DE <b>Avery Moss</b> on 3rd and 7 (in background in photo above) he has no idea of the disaster unfolding behind him. The ball is snapped before QB Philip Rivers is ready, and it deflects off of him and into the end zone. <b>Melvin</b> <b>Gordon</b> watches helplessly as Rivers scoops up the ball and quickly (before anybody can hit him) flings it out of the back of the end zone for a safety to put the Giants in front 2-0 with 8:53 remaining in the 1st quarter. This play can be seen from three different angles at the 0:10 mark of V1, at 0:44 of V4, and at 0:19 of V5. Moss, by the way, finished with 0 tackles and 1 PBU in his 29 snaps on defense. <br />
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9. On the first play of the Giants' possession following the safety WR Sterling Shepard slams on the brakes after making the catch as he tries to elude <b>Tre Boston</b>; but he can't shake Boston, who tackles him at the NY 46-yard line after a 9-yard gain. <br />
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10. Two plays later DE <b>Melvin Ingram</b> (#54) and DT <b>Darius Philon</b> (#93, dreads not visible from the front) look on from behind the play as RB Wayne Gallman makes the catch on 1st and 10 and gains 7 yards before being tackled at the LA 42-yard line. S Adrian Phillips and <b>Jahleel Addae </b>get credit for the tackle, not DT Damion Square (#71). The Giants punted 3 plays later after a sack by DE Joey Bosa on 3rd and 3. <br />
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11. The Chargers then go three and out again on their 3rd drive, despite <b>Melvin Gordon</b>'s typical herculean effort to pick up the 1st down on 3rd and 8. After Gordon catches a checkdown pass in the left flat, CB Ross Cockrell grabs his foot while trying to stop him 4 yards downfield at the 16-yard ,line; but Melvin breaks the tackle and stays on his feet ..... <br />
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12. ..... But just as he fully regains his balance Gordon finds S Landon Collins in his path; and despite the stiff-arm, Collins hangs on and gets him on the ground a yard short of the 1st down marker. You can see this play at 0:10 of V3.<br />
The Chargers punted on 4th and 1, and .....<br />
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13. ..... It's not every day that you see the two players with the longest dreads in the league in the same shot. In 2015 I ranked <b>Dwayne Harris</b> and <b>Tre Boston</b> at numbers 4 and 5 on the list of the NFL's longest dreads. But with <b>Ricardo Mathews</b> and <b>Rashean Mathis</b> no longer in the league and with<b> Reggie Nelson</b>'s dreads a bit shorter, by 2017 Harris and Boston arguably moved up to the top 2. Harris unfortunately has his dreads slightly reduced, so they are not as awesome as they could be as he eludes the diving attempt of Boston to stop him near the 25-yard line on the punt return. Actually I'm not 100% sure when this play happened. It<i> might</i> have been a little earlier in the quarter when Harris returned the kickoff following the safety 30 yards from the 7-yard line to the 37. But the caption said this was a punt return; and if that's true, then these indeed are shots of Dwayne's 17-yard return from the NY 19-yard line to the 36 with 4:35 to play in the 1st quarter. Sorry, but I couldn't find a video of it.<br />
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14. It's not every day that you get tackled by the two safeties with the longest dreads in the league; but RB Orleans Darkwa gets that honor on the 3rd play of the Giants' next drive. After taking the handoff on 1st and 10 and getting good blocking, Darkwa has so much of a head of steam going that although <b>Tre Boston</b> and <b>Jahleel Addae</b> hit him at the 31-yard line, they don't get him down until he's at the 28. The run for a 15-yard gain was the second biggest gain of the day for Darkwa, who led the Giants in rushing with 69 yards on only 8 carries.<br />
See the play at 0:57 of V1 .....<br />
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15. ..... Darkwa's biggest gain of the day came two plays later. After taking the handoff on 2nd and 5, Darkwa again breaks through the line. <b>Jahleel Addae</b> gets blocked by Sterling Shepard (#87) and by the time he bounces off the block Darkwa is already past him 5 yards downfield at the 18-yard line (photo above); Jahleel then makes a diving lunge at Darkwa at the 15 (right photo); but it's just a waste of his effort, and he ends up with turf pellets in his face for his trouble .....<br />
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16. ..... <b>Tre Boston</b> and Hayes Pullard continue the pursuit, but they have no chance to make the tackle either, and all they do is watch Darkwa run into the right corner of the end zone for the game's first touchdown. The 23-yard run ups the Giants' lead to 9-0 with 2:16 remaining in the 1st quarter.<br />
V1 - 1:10 and V5 - 0:50<br />
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17. The Chargers' offense finally gets going on their next drive, and on the first play <b>Travis Benjamin</b> gets his 1st touch of the game. After coming in motion behind the QB and circling out into the left flat, Benjamin catches the pass just past the line of scrimmage and near the left sideline, turns upfield, and finds CB <b>Janoris Jenkins</b> in his way. Travis usually just runs straight out of bounds when he's near the sideline; but he knows a hit from Jenkins isn't going to hurt him, so he lets Janoris knock him out of bounds at the 29-yard line for a gain of 6.<br />
V4 - 1:23<br />
This was Janoris' 1st tackle of the game; and although the two had some close encounters, it was the only time he tackled Benjamin.<br />
A month after the game NFL Films, which produced V4, produced another video featuring the two. On the 10th anniversary of the famous 2007 Muck Bowl (in which both teams entered with 9-0 records) Jenkins and Benjamin reminisce about that game from their senior year in high school. I'm not recommending you watch this video, I'm demanding it! lol. So unless you've already seen it, click on this link: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSeoOd_TgX8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSeoOd_TgX8</a> ..... Notice that back then Benjamin's dreads were much longer than Jenkins'. But since then Jenkins' dreads have continuously gotten longer, while Benjamin, out of fear of having his dreads grabbed at while he carries the ball, hasn't let them get much longer than they were 10 years ago.<br />
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18. Five plays later the game is now in the 2nd quarter, and the ball is already at the NY 14-yard line. <b>Melvin Gordon</b> runs up the middle on 3rd and 1 and picks up the 1st down but can't get the TD, as CB Eli Apple grabs onto his leg at the 9-yard line and holds on until help arrives. Help is in the form of S Darian Thompson (#27), who helps Apple get Gordon on the ground at the 6 after an 8-yard gain.<br />
V3 - 0:34<br />
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19. Two plays later on 2nd and goal <b>Melvin Gordon</b> runs an out route out of the backfield and easily beats LB B.J. Goodson, makes the catch at the 2 and takes it to the house to get the Chargers on the board. The 6-yard TD is Melvin's 2nd TD catch and 4th TD overall on the season, and it cuts the Giants' lead to 9-7 with 13:01 to play until halftime.<br />
V1 - 1:46, V2 - 0:00, V3 - 0:43, and V5 - 1:40<br />
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From there the 2nd quarter turned into a punting contest, with the teams combining to punt on 7 straight possessions, with a total of only 3 first downs made on those 7 possessions. But the second of the Giants' four possessions turned out to be disastrous .....<br />
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20. The Giants started at their 45-yard line after a 6-yard return by <b>Dwayne Harris</b>; and on the first play a short pass is out of the reach of Sterling Shepard and falls incomplete with 9:29 on the clock. And Shepard does not survive the landing after he gets hit by <b>Jahleel</b> <b>Addae</b> .....<br />
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21. ..... <b>Tre Boston</b> and <b>Melvin Ingram</b> look on as Shepard gets up grimacing and holding his left ankle. The injury (sprained ankle) forced Shepard out for the rest of the game and the Giants' next 2 games as well ..... <br />
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22. ..... Four plays later <b>Brandon Marshall</b> tries to catch a deep pass on 2nd and 5 (he caught the ball but was out of bounds when he did), and he doesn't survive the landing either. With his dreads almost but not quite starting to peek out from under his helmet (actually if you save the left photo, it's large enough for you to barely see a couple of his locks), Marshall is helped to the sideline for the rest of the game too with 8:12 on the clock. He suffered a broken ankle and went on IR 2 days later.<br />
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23. The Chargers went three and out on their next two possessions, and <b>Travis Benjamin</b> had the biggest gain of the 6 plays. Unfortunately it came on a 2nd and 26. After an intentional grounding penalty moved the ball to the 4-yard line, Benjamin runs a short out route from the slot and is wide open as he makes the catch at the 9 and turns upfield. He makes it to the 16 before being knocked out of bounds by Ross Cockrell for a gain of 12. The Chargers punted two plays later. <br />
V2 - 0:19 and V4 - 1:21<br />
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24. After scoring their TD the Chargers' deepest penetration on their next three drives was their own 27-yard line; but after a 9-yard punt return by <b>Travis Benjamin</b> plus a 5-yard penalty on the Giants, the Chargers' next drive began at their 49-yard line with 2:42 to play. On the 6th play of the drive, on 1st and 10 from the NY 29-yard line, <b>Janoris Jenkins</b> looks on in horror from the other side of the field as a blown coverage by the secondary has left Benjamin totally uncovered on a deep route down the middle. The Giants dodge the bullet, however, as Philip Rivers' pass is barely overthrown and just beyond Benjamin's fingertips with 1:17 on the clock. This would be Travis' best chance to score a touchdown all day.<br />
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25. On the next play <b>Melvin Gordon</b>, after catching a short pass underneath the coverage, cuts back to the middle to elude two defenders; but DT Jay Bromley, who began the play rushing the QB, hustles back and dives at Gordon at the 25-yard line before making the tackle at the 21, as <b>Avery Moss</b> also pursues from behind. Moss, by the way, played 29 snaps and finished with 0 tackles and 1 PBU.<br />
V3 - 1:13<br />
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26. On the next play <b>Melvin Gordon</b> takes the pitch on 3rd and 2 on a sweep to the left. <b>Janoris Jenkins </b>does a good job avoiding a block by OT Russell Okung, but by the time he does he has no time to prepare for the impending collision with Gordon .....<br />
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27. ..... The collision occurs at the 22-yard line, with Gordon delivering a very stiff stiff-arm to Jenkins' face. Janoris has a chance to knock the ball out of Gordon's hand, but he goes for Melvin's dreads instead ..... <br />
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28. ..... Gordon's stiff-arm knocks Jenkins off his feet, but Janoris ain't letting go of those dreads ... yet ..... <br />
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29. ..... Eventually though, Jenkins loses his grip as Gordon knocks him to the ground .....<br />
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30. ..... With Jenkins finally off of him, Gordon sticks out his arm to regain his balance at the 21-yard line and starts moving forward ..... <br />
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31. ..... As Gordon gets away from him and gets the first down, Jenkins takes a moment to put his helmet back on straight .....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu5j0M5BaIHHiD4GbR4oV0w1U5Wc4mGUqXf36axvVQwLBuyIr7nY2S2GObobzYhfSVDQViRFJl7GxXFyeF_5BgBg89NEtAB8dMafpO1mQozvUZPvV5DbeL4Nl7lIiGQub3lQ_uVvTiK8/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P144++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgu5j0M5BaIHHiD4GbR4oV0w1U5Wc4mGUqXf36axvVQwLBuyIr7nY2S2GObobzYhfSVDQViRFJl7GxXFyeF_5BgBg89NEtAB8dMafpO1mQozvUZPvV5DbeL4Nl7lIiGQub3lQ_uVvTiK8/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P144++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVbalWKTSw3aQ2BButtTMPSb7aP5IVTyzCYqIP9rVWBVHgKOu6IcjtYk4QrWaij1M2RT23h5HmGkjS4fDTe6-ksib0uZrwDw9C4gPK4k2KtHkArrJhvIiXY7vtAKrOutyzdaul1N_X3Q/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P29M++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVbalWKTSw3aQ2BButtTMPSb7aP5IVTyzCYqIP9rVWBVHgKOu6IcjtYk4QrWaij1M2RT23h5HmGkjS4fDTe6-ksib0uZrwDw9C4gPK4k2KtHkArrJhvIiXY7vtAKrOutyzdaul1N_X3Q/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P29M++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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32. ..... Jenkins gets back to his feet and begins a futile chase, while Gordon speeds down the sideline contemplating his next move.<br />
His next move would be to bounce off another defender at the 9-yard line before he was finally knocked out of bounds at the 6 for a 15-yard gain. It would have been nice to hear what Janoris had to say about this play, but unfortunately it was strangely absent from V4. But you can view it at 1:25 of V3 and at 2:16 of V1.<br />
Also unfortunately Gordon's effort on the play was pretty much wasted, as the Chargers settled for a FG (they were already in FG range before the play) 4 plays later to take a 10-9 lead at halftime.<br />
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Now before we take a look at 2nd half action, here are a couple of bonus photos I thought I needed to show. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4l9cp9QaVVeixD0lyfzYyvxflshoydQYTASiMTHOQRSk_lWq6iK6cNU-BXZhb2XFstllrXKvTt76ilvyWnlRwV9aUtYO_Fb354wz57rLjXoaaq1KakztJ-yslRhrgIAn_gxWrsd-WT_4/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P25++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1024" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4l9cp9QaVVeixD0lyfzYyvxflshoydQYTASiMTHOQRSk_lWq6iK6cNU-BXZhb2XFstllrXKvTt76ilvyWnlRwV9aUtYO_Fb354wz57rLjXoaaq1KakztJ-yslRhrgIAn_gxWrsd-WT_4/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P25++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
33. DT <b>Damon Harrison</b> was on the field for 45 of the Giants' 78 defensive snaps in the game, but I couldn't find any decent photos of his dreads. In this shot Harrison takes on rookie G Dan Feeney as he unsuccessfully tries to pressure Philip Rivers on a pass attempt during the 2nd quarter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXmguuUbIXfGpZCrz4AKklimdxDwz4x7DqM-dRgmbsMUB0iUWTu_SB1d9MvwgdsCj-OlPMRtukqbCNGS4fZT6frG41tyHq8bc403hX29RMJlb27A-4UZIu8vl8eEVWklEA9YmybW1NKQ/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P36++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXmguuUbIXfGpZCrz4AKklimdxDwz4x7DqM-dRgmbsMUB0iUWTu_SB1d9MvwgdsCj-OlPMRtukqbCNGS4fZT6frG41tyHq8bc403hX29RMJlb27A-4UZIu8vl8eEVWklEA9YmybW1NKQ/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P36++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
34. Wherever <b>Tre Boston</b> plays, fans have no trouble at all seeing his dreads when his helmet is on. And here before the game he treats everyone to a look at his dreads when his helmet is off. Fans looking from behind no doubt got a better view than this one from the front. When his helmet was on, Boston played all 69 snaps on defense for the Chargers, plus 10 more on special teams.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeQhx9TsYQzW71YiNA3Ifwf8oiTToh2GOmYI9I3FKb02lJYc21ZiY-i5P4IjmfsIg9mf02uxzKtQVg1bw_kjCiLAXQGE4oex6Fsi6OimvhlhWw8EXzD_xekpaWUk0D_mJxw_XgwesgcE/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P237++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeQhx9TsYQzW71YiNA3Ifwf8oiTToh2GOmYI9I3FKb02lJYc21ZiY-i5P4IjmfsIg9mf02uxzKtQVg1bw_kjCiLAXQGE4oex6Fsi6OimvhlhWw8EXzD_xekpaWUk0D_mJxw_XgwesgcE/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P237++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjlbJbS9hRw569Rv4SzdSpwceoECVqSQ_-hRo2kyxG0XAnfYAG8xV0pTDYp8BjgRx61S0dSTKSkf1LhVbN2UwZ1_K2379JJZYPMD_CC-eYJm2Wk6PQ3pBbOnKPpGPpEFsiKRsmyY8UKs/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P237A++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjlbJbS9hRw569Rv4SzdSpwceoECVqSQ_-hRo2kyxG0XAnfYAG8xV0pTDYp8BjgRx61S0dSTKSkf1LhVbN2UwZ1_K2379JJZYPMD_CC-eYJm2Wk6PQ3pBbOnKPpGPpEFsiKRsmyY8UKs/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P237A++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="213" /></a>35. While focusing only on Chargers RB Andre Williams, Getty Images crops these shots too much and misses the chance to show all of <b>Dwayne Harris</b>' long locks. WTF? The captions for these were no help in determining which play this was. All we know is that Harris broke the attempted tackle (because Williams was credited with no tackles in the game). Dwayne was busy on the 15 snaps he played on special teams, finishing with kickoff returns of 30, 16, 13, and 25 yards and punt returns of 17, 6, and 15 yards. That's a total of 122 all-purpose yards. He also was credited with downing 2 punts, both inside the 5-yard line. After Sterling Shepard and <b>Brandon Marshall </b>got injured in the 2nd quarter, Harris was forced into action on offense too, playing 8 snaps with no passes being thrown to him. Dwayne was all set to play a lot in the 2nd half; but that never happened because he too was injured, suffering a season-ending broken foot while returning the 2nd half opening kickoff.<br />
And that was all she wrote for Harris as a member of the Giants, as this turned out to be his final game in a Giants uniform. With $7 million still remaining on the final 2 years of his contract, the Giants decided to release him and find a less-expensive kick returner. Dwayne, as you probably know, played for the Raiders in 2018.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZs_IGmhKt5guCsoLti1i5o8CTqlbLFz3Q7e-55Um9hd1QisAEhv3NvoHPsSqvhFxFctYB2yZ26ScAmDFilLS8_-JAHZU12bCM2KHvJAOe8Aa4RBhCF-eIkr0kHv2qCzm1APo5MEKTK0/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P42C++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZs_IGmhKt5guCsoLti1i5o8CTqlbLFz3Q7e-55Um9hd1QisAEhv3NvoHPsSqvhFxFctYB2yZ26ScAmDFilLS8_-JAHZU12bCM2KHvJAOe8Aa4RBhCF-eIkr0kHv2qCzm1APo5MEKTK0/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P42C++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVk_C_835iTtfU-yeyuyYolVDYtasIYx-uWm8yoWiFkio4_Fvc1db7EombmdognQ5H1-OAL170MsRr3dsqJrdxfb96UvttZ2tZYTEcMxZojpGMe5DrHyn7j4iixTSblXmBAMlZtnLAYXE/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P42++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVk_C_835iTtfU-yeyuyYolVDYtasIYx-uWm8yoWiFkio4_Fvc1db7EombmdognQ5H1-OAL170MsRr3dsqJrdxfb96UvttZ2tZYTEcMxZojpGMe5DrHyn7j4iixTSblXmBAMlZtnLAYXE/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P42++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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36. After a <b>Melvin Ingram</b> sack for a 13-yard loss on 3rd and 5 ends the Giants' first drive of the 2nd half after 3 plays, <b>Travis Benjamin</b> - for the only time all day - finds significant running room on one of his punt returns, taking this one back 19 yards from the LA 32-yard line to the NY 49 with 13:35 remaining in the 3rd quarter .....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_jMPKYMwQVc0ozmkzQoTB4HTb4g4K5xOaC-1vceyxyppMsQ_Wu-gm9pCnO6bIqWzevnN2UgB_MwUAsUjgfGN6whq0YQutd5d1ETZsBVYd2Fkao3NRvU1f_RR43Ptcr7Yfr6zDmQruLM/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P208A++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_jMPKYMwQVc0ozmkzQoTB4HTb4g4K5xOaC-1vceyxyppMsQ_Wu-gm9pCnO6bIqWzevnN2UgB_MwUAsUjgfGN6whq0YQutd5d1ETZsBVYd2Fkao3NRvU1f_RR43Ptcr7Yfr6zDmQruLM/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P208A++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
37. ..... After the play is over <b>Cap Capi</b> gets a chance to show off his dreads, as he is helped off the field after (somehow) getting injured. Whatever the injury was, it did not keep him out for the rest of the afternoon. Cap played a nearly full load of 25 special teams snaps (but none on defense). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBQ1zMHJG4Ze_ADtegNV0jw80eXWrj3o4YwAzTjrIFTby01oFM-XNBp09FIIkJCR19iyHviH8GI_QlxuZa0gffzdT3kq12z5yu271Rrw1DgVkFWCAJ2gg_FpczJv6xG-ErxjyEVZVgIk/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P238++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBQ1zMHJG4Ze_ADtegNV0jw80eXWrj3o4YwAzTjrIFTby01oFM-XNBp09FIIkJCR19iyHviH8GI_QlxuZa0gffzdT3kq12z5yu271Rrw1DgVkFWCAJ2gg_FpczJv6xG-ErxjyEVZVgIk/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P238++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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38. On the 2nd play of the Chargers' 2nd half opening drive <b>Travis Benjamin</b> gets the ball again. After lining up in the left slot, Benjamin comes around and takes the handoff on a reverse to the right. The play works, but not as well as he wanted. Benjamin first needs to outrun Darian Thompson; but as he gets to the 20-yard line, Thompson dives and barely trips him up (right photo), and Travis stumbles out of bounds at the 17 after a gain of 14. Had he stayed on his feet the only man left to tackle him was <b>Janoris Jenkins</b>, and it looks like Jenkins had already shed the block of WR Keenan Allen and likely would have made the tackle. <br />
V1 - 2:30 and V4 - 1:14<br />
It was all for naught though. 3 plays later, after a false start penalty on <b>Melvin Gordon</b> on 3rd and 2, the drive ends without any points on an interception in the end zone on 3rd and 7.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSRqP_A546q5s6-8LcjrK8NLGCABSmNrSzWdnxk1BS8QQ0YB0I2UGryGWbsw27RP5vo_X5G-ln5JO_OzG52sarJEfM_mGpevHWSj-xiZxrkhHZ200PK6aqaIBlmeKq2XfrMLfZf8-iSI/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P229++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="866" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSRqP_A546q5s6-8LcjrK8NLGCABSmNrSzWdnxk1BS8QQ0YB0I2UGryGWbsw27RP5vo_X5G-ln5JO_OzG52sarJEfM_mGpevHWSj-xiZxrkhHZ200PK6aqaIBlmeKq2XfrMLfZf8-iSI/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P229++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
39. Late in the 3rd quarter yet another player with dreads leaves the game. This time it's <b>Joe Barksdale</b>, on his way to the locker room (probably to get an IV) after leaving with cramps on the 9th play of the Chargers' next drive. Three plays after his exit, the drive ends with a touchdown, putting the Chargers back in front 17-16 after <b>Roger Lewis</b> had his TD catch on the Giants' preceding drive. Barksdale missed 9 snaps but was back on the field for the Chargers' final two possessions of the game. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7BRhfZJAu5k6TnlAPPk8W5K5t_Ju4uq03LS0uQ_Ikg0YKaDvyjEDeqpQP7fXk2JRiPXjI46GQnrasAbhUzZT7lG7YxKJWIt0ZaEKYCzqe0mFgySafkV2pCmEGtOM1EcWKlyDQqj1fnQ/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P46++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7BRhfZJAu5k6TnlAPPk8W5K5t_Ju4uq03LS0uQ_Ikg0YKaDvyjEDeqpQP7fXk2JRiPXjI46GQnrasAbhUzZT7lG7YxKJWIt0ZaEKYCzqe0mFgySafkV2pCmEGtOM1EcWKlyDQqj1fnQ/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P46++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
40. After gaining a total of 14 yards on the first two plays of their next drive, the Giants get 15 more on the third play, with <b>Tre Boston</b> tackling RB Wayne Gallman near the left sideline at the LA 46 on the first play of the 4th quarter. The Giants rushed for 152 yards in the game, averaging 6.1 per attempt.<br />
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41. Two plays later <b>Tre Boston</b> shows a look of disgust at CB Casey Hayward while behind him WR Odell Beckham begins the celebration after scoring on a 48-yard reception to put the Giants right back in front. With the Chargers blitzing on 2nd and 12, both Boston and Hayward are expecting a quick, short pass; Hayward bites on Beckham's fake slant route, and Boston charges forward to cover <b>Roger Lewis</b> on a route barely past the line of scrimmage. But when QB Eli Manning avoids the blitz (and you can thank CB Desmond King for that) Hayward gets burned as Beckham turns upfield and runs deep, and Boston is in no position to help him. OBJ has Hayward beaten by 7 yards as he makes the catch at the 18-yard line and takes it to the house for his final TD of the season.<br />
V5 - play begins at 3:48, exact point of this photo at 4:06 .... also V1 - 4:47<br />
The 5-play, 75-yard drive gave the Giants a 22-17 lead, but the 2-point conversion failed (incomplete pass to Beckham), keeping the lead at 5.<br />
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42. On their next drive the Chargers throw deep on 2nd and 22 and almost succeed. But Keenan Allen can't quite catch the ball cleanly, and then<b> Janoris Jenkins</b> gets his hand in there to make sure Allen can't catch it on a second effort either. Jenkins got credit for a PBU on the play, his only one of the game. He also finished with 4 tackles (3-1), playing 76 (of 78) defensive snaps.<br />
The Chargers punted 2 plays later; but the Giants, with the lead and the ball, went three and out, with an 11-yard sack by <b>Darius Philon</b> on 3rd and 6 (at 5:13 of V1) ending the possession. And on the punt on 4th and 17 ..... <br />
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43. ..... <b>Travis Benjamin</b>, after catching it at the 32-yard line, starts upfield; but with defenders on the left, front, and right of him, he knows he's had it for this return and goes down at the 39 before somebody hits him hard. <b>Cap Capi</b> gets a hand on him first and gets credit for his 1st tackle of the day (and his last ever in a Giants uniform). Looking on from the sideline in the jacket and shorts and with his dreads in a bun is WR <b>Geremy Davis</b>, who would love to have played against his former team but who at this point of the season is still on the practice squad.<br />
The 7-yard return was Benjamin's last touch of the afternoon. He finished with 14 yards rushing on 1 carry, 2 receptions for 18 yards, and 3 punt returns for 35 yards for a total of 67 all-purpose yards.<br />
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44. On the 2nd play of the ensuing drive, after <b>Melvin Gordon</b> takes the handoff on 2nd and 5 and runs around right end, <b>Damon Harrison</b> moves outside to try to stop him but gets there barely a bit too late and ends up on the turf at the LA 47-yard line as Gordon speeds ahead past him. From this point Melvin went for 10 more yards before being tackled at the NY 40 after a 16-yard run.<br />
V3 - 2:34<br />
On Gordon's 20 rushing attempts in the game Harrison tackled him 3 times. Damon finished with 5 tackles (4-1), including 1 TFL.<br />
The Chargers' drive reached the NY 8-yard line before they settled for a FG to pull within 22-20 with 4:50 to play.<br />
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45. Odell Beckham is the fourth Giants WR to go down with an injury; and although <b>Tre Boston</b> didn't make the hit that caused the injury, he certainly has a up-close view of it. On the 2nd play of the Giants' next drive Beckham can't make a leaping catch of a short pass on 2nd and 7, and on the way down he is tackled by Casey Hayward, causing his ankle to twist as he lands. Actually his ankle did a lot more than just twist. As he is carted off OBJ knows better than anyone how serious his injury is. It turned out to be a broken ankle, leaving the Giants without their best player for the rest of the season .....<br />
V1 - 5:37 and V4 - 2:02<br />
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46. ..... And if that wasn't bad enough for the Giants, well, when it rains it pours. On the very next play <b>Darius Philon</b> and <b>Melvin Ingram</b> run a stunt on the left side of the D-line on 3rd and 7, with Ingram coming up the middle; and when G <b>D.J. Fluker</b> fails to pick up the stunt, Eli Manning barely has time to set up before Ingram comes in unblocked and begins to wrap him up .....<br />
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47. ..... Manning moves to his right trying to elude Ingram, but Melvin hangs on and begins to drag him down at the NY 12-yard line .....<br />
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48. ..... But as he goes down, Manning doesn't touch the ground, instead landing on Ingram's stomach. Then he makes matters worse by fumbling the ball .....<br />
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49. ..... Ingram quickly gets back on his feet and joins Philon in pursuit of the loose ball, as Eli looks on in horror. That's Fluker in the background, with no chance to recover the fumble after stumbling off balance toward the middle of the field after attempting to block Ingram .....<br />
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50. ..... <b>Tre Boston</b> doesn't wait for the officials to let everyone know the Chargers have recovered the fumble. Philon had first crack at the recovery but missed before Ingram dove into the pile and beat a couple of O-linemen to the ball to get the FR at the 11-yard line. Melvin got up and tried to take the return to the house but almost immediately went back down after being tackled by Fluker.<br />
V1 - 5:50 and V5 - 4:46 <br />
For Ingram it was his 1st FF and 1st FR of the season and upped his sack total for the season to 7.5 already. Philon finished with a season high 5 tackles (3-2) and 2 TFL, including his 2nd sack of the season .....<br />
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51. Even though it won't be a touchdown, Ingram takes the ball to the house anyway after the play, while <b>Jahleel Addae</b> follows him to join the celebration .....<br />
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52. Melvin then approaches some Chargers fans in the end zone seats and tosses them a nice souvenir, while the classy Giants fan in the #10 T-shirt gives him the finger, lol .....<br />
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53. ..... Finally Ingram rejoins happy teammates <b>Tre Boston</b> and <b>Jahleel Addae</b> before heading to the sideline after forcing the Giants' 1st turnover of the game with 3:46 remaining. <br />
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54. Leading by 2 and starting at the 11-yard line, the Chargers would much rather get the TD and go up 5 rather than the FG; but after the first two plays gain a total of only 1 yard, it looks like they might have to settle for the FG. Then on 3rd and 9, on a play similar to the one that got them their first touchdown ... WR Tyrell Williams runs a crossing route to the middle and <b>Travis Benjamin</b> runs his route into the end zone, removing all the defenders from the right side of the field and leaving <b>Melvin Gordon</b> one-on-one against a linebacker. Melvin makes the catch in the right flat at the 9-yard line, turns upfield, and ..... <br />
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55. ..... just as he did in the 2nd quarter, easily outruns the defender - this time it's Keenan Robinson - to the corner of the end zone for the touchdown that gives the Chargers the lead .....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzpLsH_unjS8lzIYFCY2si00hVpzmg_hyDZEgs34XjhY1lrroPBLpzxiU-q4VptD_3JQ_H-UuZcKlAiruyQ3PMTsfhyphenhyphenU0L-Kn1E7bO_ygEXSrqARpgs8mEerkq3JmKyvuDvavBD-v4Dk/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+8--P31++LAC-NYG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzpLsH_unjS8lzIYFCY2si00hVpzmg_hyDZEgs34XjhY1lrroPBLpzxiU-q4VptD_3JQ_H-UuZcKlAiruyQ3PMTsfhyphenhyphenU0L-Kn1E7bO_ygEXSrqARpgs8mEerkq3JmKyvuDvavBD-v4Dk/s320/NFL17--OCT.+8--P31++LAC-NYG.jpg" width="213" /></a>56. ..... Gordon gets a lift from C Spencer Pulley, first to arrive, before other teammates join in the celebration after his 2nd TD of the day and 5th of the season makes the score 27-22 with 2:58 remaining. For Gordon it was the last of his 26 touches on a season high 65 snaps on offense. He was the only player in the game to make the dread stars list, finishing with 105 yards rushing on 20 carries and 6 receptions for 58 yards. This play was included in all 5 videos, with V4 being the one I recommend the most.<br />
V1 - 6:33 V2 - 2:25 V3 - 2:47 V4 - 2:35 V5 - 5:01<br />
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57. With<b> Roger Lewis</b> the only healthy WR remaining, the Giants have three TEs on the field for their final possession, not exactly ideal when you need a TD and there's only 3 minutes left. In 10 plays they inch their way from their 24-yard line to the LA 48. Then on 4th and 10 with :49 on the clock, after a pass intended for TE Evan Engram is tipped by a D-lineman, <b>Tre Boston</b> goes up and makes the interception at the 33-yard line. Yes, on 4th down it's usually smarter to just knock the ball down; but in this case, with so much traffic around him, it was better that he made the catch .....<br />
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58. ..... However, after making the catch, in this case - with the Giants having only 1 timeout left - it was <i>not</i> better and in fact was unacceptable and incredibly stupid of Boston to decide to return the ball. Just get on the ground and stay there. After pulling away from Lewis, Tre goes for 15 yards - ironically exactly back to the line of scrimmage - before it occurs to him to go down ..... <br />
V1 - 6:49<br />
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59. ..... <b>Jahleel Addae</b> is the first with the glad-hand for Boston before other teammates join in after his 1st INT in a Chargers uniform leaves them 40 seconds away from their 1st win of the season .....<br />
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60. ..... OK. So now we know why Tre didn't just knock the ball down. You can't do your whole, prolonged celebration if you just knock the ball down. You got to get the pick. As Tre drops to a knee, Addae starts to take off his helmet .....<br />
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61. ..... Addae's helmet is now off, but Boston's celebration is still on - all the way to the sideline, where smiling rookie S <b>Rayshawn Jenkins</b> waits to congratulate him. Jenkins played 27 snaps on special teams and had 2 tackles (1-1). Addae played all 69 snaps on defense and finished tied for the team lead with 8 tackles (4-4), including 1 TFL, and 1 PBU.<br />
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As snakebit as the Chargers were during their first 4 games of the season, it wouldn't have been surprising if they had somehow turned the ball back over to the Giants during those last 40 seconds; but they managed not to, escaping from New York with a 27-22 victory. <br />
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62. Even though it's only his 2nd career NFL game, <b>Cap Capi</b> doesn't miss the chance to participate in the traditional jersey exchange after the game, swapping with Chargers LB Jatavis Brown - a couple of Florida boys who were teammates in college for one season in the MAC at Akron (2014, when Capi was a senior and Brown a junior).<br />
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63. After making 6 tackles (4-2) - 2 of which were sacks - as well as the biggest defensive play of the game, <b>Melvin Ingram</b> takes time to pray with TE Jerell Adams after the game. The two just missed being college teammates. Ingram was a senior at South Carolina in 2011, while Adams was a freshman in 2012. <br />
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64. <b>Tre Boston</b> hollas at someone in the crowd as he makes his exit. In addition to his interception Tre finished with 5 tackles (4-1).<br />
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As they dropped to 0-5, the Giants equaled their loss total from the entire 2016 season, when they went 11-5 and made the playoffs; and indeed their season was over. Now two years later they still really haven't recovered from this defeat. They've gone 8-19 since then. <br />
On the other hand the Chargers used this victory to jump start their season. They finished 2017 with a 9-7 record and were a tiebreaker away from making the playoffs. They've gone 20-7 ever since winning this game.<br />
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No, that is not all, folks, for DG176. We still have one more game to go ......<br />
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Entering Week 14 with a 6-6 record and with a trip to New England still on their schedule, the Buffalo Bills could ill afford a defeat as they arrived at New Era Field, especially since the team on the opposite sideline was the 3-9 Indianapolis Colts. But as they practiced in the days ahead of the game, little did they know that the Colts would not be their only opponent that afternoon.<br />
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With my location being about 12 miles from the western shore of Lake Michigan, I am no stranger to lake effect snow; but with the way the wind usually blows, lake effect snowstorms don't happen here as nearly as often as they do on the eastern shore of the lake. The same is true of the other Great Lakes. Those of you who aren't too geographically challenged know that Buffalo's location on the eastern shore of Lake Erie (especially the south side, where New Era Field is) puts it in prime position to get nailed frequently by lake effect snowstorms. These storms are hard to forecast because you never know where exactly the heaviest snow is going to hit or exactly how heavy the heaviest snow is going to be.<br />
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The forecast for the day of the game - Sunday, December 10 - did call for a lot of snow. But nobody expected so much snow to fall so fast. Indeed the stadium was directly in the path of the heaviest snow that afternoon, and during the 3 hours 15 minutes it took to play the game nearly 8 inches accumulated. Mercy! To say the least this made things challenging for the two teams - and made for some interesting photos ......<br />
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65. All seemed fine on the morning of the game. The field was dry after the snow from the previous storm was removed. Two days earlier the Bills were paying $11 per hour to anyone who came to the stadium and helped shovel snow out of the seating area, and anyone who worked at least 4 hours also got a free ticket to the game. From the looks of things, however, not enough people showed up to do the job; but at least the field was clear. <br />
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66. Healthy enough to play for the first time since injuring his knee in the 1st quarter in Week 11, WR <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> gets set for his first ever game in snow, with the snow just starting to fall during early warmups. Kelvin went to the same high school as <b>Travis Benjamin</b> and played in college at Florida State. And although he played in the Panthers' frigid road game against the Vikings (12 degrees, wind chill -7) during his rookie NFL season in 2014, the teams he's been on have never had to play during a snowstorm.<br />
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67. Then a little later as <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> participates in the full-team warmup period just before the start of the game, the snowstorm is on, full blast, with snow already starting to stick on the field.<br />
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The link below is to the highlights of the game. Several of the photos I saved are from plays included in the video. But you're on your own figuring out which plays those are because I'm not going into as much detail as I did for the Chargers-Giants game.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4-Ino9ytmk" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4-Ino9ytmk</a><br />
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68. <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> makes the first reception of the game, coming on the 9th play of the game's opening drive. After catching a short pass on 3rd and 12, KB breaks the tackle attempt of CB Quincy Wilson; but CB Nate Hairston hits him just enough to knock him off balance, and he goes down at the Colts' 38-yard line after gaining 9 yards. The drive ended on the next play on an incomplete pass on 4th and 3 with 9:43 remaining in the 1st quarter. With the snow coming down at its heaviest during the 1st quarter, there were no other passes attempted by either team until 8:25 remained in the 2nd quarter.<br />
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69. The dreads in these shots are coming out of the helmet of none other than DE <b>Cap Capi</b> - that's right, the same <b>Cap Capi</b> who played in the Chargers-Giants game two months earlier. After being released by the Giants in November, he was signed to the Bills' practice squad, and this is his first game in a Bills uniform.<br />
After RB Marlon Mack breaks through the line untouched on a run up the middle on the 8th play of the Colts' opening drive, Capi joins the pursuit and gets in on the tackle at the Bills' 18-yard line after a gain of 20. Cap did not get credit for the tackle on this play but did finish with 2 tackles (1-1) during his 23 snaps on the field on defense. The 20-yard gain was by far the Colts' biggest gain of the day. The drive ended 4 plays later with a missed 33-yard FG attempt.<br />
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70. After picking up a total of only 2 first downs on their next three possessions and advancing no further than the Colts' 38-yard line, the Bills' offense suddenly explodes on a drive that begins with 1:42 remaining in the half. After back-to-back runs of 23 and 25 yards by RB LeSean McCoy, the Bills are at the Colts 29; and on 3rd and 7 <b>Kelvin</b> <b>Benjamin</b> makes the Bills' 2nd reception of the game, using his 8-inch height advantage over CB Kenny Moore to pull in a pass on the right sideline on a fade route and come down with both feet inbounds .....<br />
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71. ..... Moore gets credit for the tackle as Benjamin knocks him over and then falls on top of him out of bounds at the 8-yard line .....<br />
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72. As KB enjoys his 21-yard reception, Moore stays down too next to him; but Moore is down only because he's shaken up. Hey, you might be shaken up too if you weighed 190 pounds and someone who weighed 245 fell on your chest. Moore left the game, and that turned out to be significant because .....<br />
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73. ..... It puts Chris Milton on the field for his 1st (and only) defensive snap of the game, and he's not up to the task. Benjamin runs another fade on 1st and goal on the next play; and after Milton misplays the ball all he can do is turn and watch KB go up and make the easy catch ..... <br />
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74. ..... for the touchdown, as Kelvin gets both feet inbounds (yes, his right foot landed inbounds too) and hangs onto the ball as he hits the ground. It's his 3rd TD of the season and his first ever in a Bills uniform .....<br />
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75. ..... LeSean McCoy (photo above) and more of his teammates (right photo) arrive to celebrate with KB after his 8-yard TD catch caps a 7-play, 80-yard drive to put the Bills in front 7-0 with 27 seconds remaining until halftime.<br />
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76. As <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> blocks LB Barkevious Mingo from behind (legally apparently), LB<b> Jabaal Sheard </b>tries to RB Mike Tolbert. The caption said that this was a TFL in the 3rd quarter. But that can't be, because Tolbert had gains on 5 of his 6 carries and no gain on the other. That no gain came in the 3rd quarter, but DT Grover Stewart got credit for that tackle, not Sheard. Jabaal tackled Tolbert just one time, when he and Kenny Moore stopped him after a 3-yard run late in the 2nd quarter; but this certainly doesn't look like that.<br />
Bottom line is I have no idea what this play is, but I included the photo so you could get a look at Sheard's dreads.<br />
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77. <b>Cedric Thornton </b>was on the field for 25 snaps at DT for the Bills, on this one taking on the block of G Joe Haeg. In 2017 Thornton's dreads were long enough (barely) to be seen with his helmet on, but they were a no show for this game due to the balaclava he has on over them. Cedric had 1 tackle (1-0) in the game.<br />
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78. This is the only photo I could find of S <b>Trae Elston</b>; and, snow or no snow, it's hard to see his dreads from the front. Here Elston congratulates S Shamarko Thomas, very likely after Thomas made the tackle on the kickoff return following the Bills' TD near the end of the 1st half. Elston played 16 snaps - all on special teams - but did not record any stats. <br />
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79. Even in the poor visibility it was tough <i>not</i> to see the dreads of CB <b>Lafayette Pitts</b>. Of the 11 players with dreads in uniform (6 for the Bills, 5 for the Colts) Pitts' dreads were the longest. This looks like a shot of Pitts blocking the gunner, Nate Hairston, on one of the Colts' 7 punts in the game.<br />
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80. No doubt S<b> Clayton Geathers</b>' dreads look better from the back, but I couldn't find any photos of them better than this one. Gametime temperature was 32 degrees, so wearing short sleeves was not a problem. Playing in his 3rd game of the season (after being activated off the PUP list in November), Geathers finished with 1 tackle (0-1) in 24 total snaps (17 defense, 7 special teams) on the field.<br />
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81. Now here are a few shots of dreads with snow on them, beginning with Jabaal Sheard after a play in the 2nd half. Jabaal played 56 snaps on defense and finished with 3 tackles (2-1).<br />
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82. Another pregame shot here of <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b>. After scoring his touchdown before halftime, KB was very quiet after halftime, as he missed some time after aggravating his knee injury. He ended up playing 41 (of 67) snaps on offense and finished with 3 catches (on 8 targets) for 38 yards. The 38 receiving yards were the most by anyone on either team. For the afternoon the Colts finished with 69 yards receiving, while the Bills had 92. <br />
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83. Jersey, helmet, dreads. You name it, <b>Lafayette Pitts</b> got snow on it as he is congratulated by WR Andre Holmes, probably after either one of the 2 punts he downed or one of the 2 tackles (2-0) he made in his 16 special teams snaps on the field. <br />
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84. Longest dreads by anyone in a Colts uniform were on the head of S <b>Matthias Farley</b>, here having a word with Coach Pagano during the 1st quarter. In this shot it looks like while the snow sticks to the upper part of his dreads, the dyed tips at the bottom are somehow snow resistant.<br />
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85. <b>Matthias Farley</b> looks like someone exiled on a snowy, windswept desert on some frigid planet elsewhere in the galaxy as he waits for play to resume. On the left near the bottom of the photo it looks like there is part of an air blower being used to keep the yard lines visible. And with the Colts wearing all white, the bottom half of Farley's legs have disappeared. Matthias was on the field for 60 of the Colts' 67 defensive snaps and led the team in tackles. <br />
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And now, we return to game action from the 2nd half.<br />
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86. It's one of a safety's worst nightmares - Mike Tolbert, the 243-pound bowling ball of a running back, breaking through the line up the middle untouched and heading straight for you; and it's where <b>Matthias</b> <b>Farley</b> found himself late in the 3rd quarter. After the teams' first 5 possessions of the 2nd half all resulted in punts, on 2nd and 10 on the 2nd play of the Bills' 3rd drive Tolbert broke loose. Rather than running to daylight, Tolbert is always looking to run somebody <i>over</i>; and he makes contact with Farley approximately 10 yards downfield nearly the Buffalo 30-yard line, knocks him off his feet, and keeps on going. Matthias can take satisfaction with the fact that even though he didn't stop Tolbert, he slowed him down a bit, and that allowed his teammates to catch him from behind and strip him of the ball at the 45-yard line, with the Colts recovering the fumble at the 49.<br />
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87. After LeSean McCoy carried on the first 3 plays of the Bills' next drive, he gets a breather and <b>Travaris Cadet</b> gets the ball on the 4th play - and goes nowhere. <b>Matthias Farley</b> fights off a block by WR Deonte Thompson and helps DE Margus Hunt tackle Cadet at the Bills' 41-yard line after a 1-yard gain on 1st and 10. While McCoy accounted for nearly half of the Bills' 319 total yards, Cadet found no success on his 4 carries, which went for 1, -3, 1, and 3 yards. The drive ended with a punt 3 plays later, and the Colts took possession with 11:09 remaining in the 4th quarter .....<br />
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88. On the 8th play of that possession <b>Cap Capi</b> makes his 2nd and last tackle of the day, as he and LB Matt Milano stop RB Frank Gore at the Indy 41-yard line for a gain of 1 on a run up the middle on 2nd and 15. But 2 plays later the Colts converted a 4th and 4 on a 10-yard reception by WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b>, and the drive continued.<br />
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89. While all the other players with long dreads did not restrict their dreads, <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> did, keeping his almost entirely hidden by his balaclava. Here Hilton, after making his first 2 catches of the game on the 6th and 10th plays of the drive - converting a 3rd and 10 and a 4th and 4 - makes another one on the 16th play of the drive, going out of bounds at the Bills' 20-yard line after gaining 9 yards on 2nd and 11. This one didn't count, however, because the Colts accepted an illegal use of hands penalty against the Bills instead to get an automatic 1st down with 2:57 to play. T.Y. played just 48 snaps (his second lowest number of the season) and finished with those 2 catches for 20 yards.<br />
On the 19th play of the drive the Colts finally got into the end zone, taking 9:53 to go 77 yards. And after a successful 2-point conversion was nullified by a penalty, K Adam Vinatieri incredibly made the 43-yard extra point to tie the game with 1:16 remaining. <br />
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90. Things get even worse for the Bills on the 2nd play of their ensuing drive, as <b>Matthias Farley</b> intercepts a pass intended for TE Charles Clay at the Bills' 37-yard line .....<br />
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91. ..... and brings the return back 9 yards to the 28 before LeSean McCoy shoves him out of bounds. It's Farley's 2nd INT of the season - and the last of his career with dreads (unless he decides to grow them back sometime in the future, which does not seem likely) .....<br />
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92. ..... As Farley happily runs across the field to the Colts' sideline, <b>Jabaal Sheard</b> ends up with a faceful of snow. Don't know if Jabaal fell down while congratulating Farley or if he just wanted to do some snow angels. Whichever, the pick gave the Colts the ball already in FG range with 52 seconds remaining.<br />
With no timeouts left and not wanting to throw the ball, the Colts had time for just one running play, and it gained 3 yards to the 25, before attempting the FG. This time Vinatieri missed from 43 yards out, and the Bills' playoff hopes - for the moment, at least - dodged the bullet.<br />
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93. On the first play from scrimmage in overtime LeSeay McCoy takes the handoff and cuts to the outside; but <b>Matthias Farley</b>, anticipating the play, avoids a block by Deonte Thompson, comes forward quickly, and, despite the stiff-arm, knocks McCoy off his feet for a 1-yard loss.<br />
The Bills converted on 3rd and 10 two plays later, however, and the drive continued. Five plays after that .....<br />
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94. ..... McCoy and Farley have another close encounter. After taking the handoff on 2nd and 12 and breaking a tackle in the backfield, McCoy heads around right end and finds Farley and S T.J. Green in his path about 5 yards past the line of scrimmage. He cuts back to the left and nearly eludes them both; but as he avoids the hand of Farley trying to trip him up, he loses his balance and falls forward, with LB <b>Antonio Morrison</b> being given credit for the tackle 3 yards further downfield at the Indy 44-yard line after an 8-yard gain.<br />
I didn't include any photos of Morrison because you can't see his dreads in any of them (because they're too short). He had 7 tackles (6-1), including 1 TFL, in the game. Farley finished with 9 tackles (7-2), including 1 TFL, and 1 INT.<br />
On the next play <b>Travaris Cadet</b> carried for a gain of 3, but the Bills then (conservatively) punted on 4th and 1 with 4:13 remaining.<br />
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95. Deonte Thompson, another Bills WR from Muck City, doesn't have dreads like <b>Kelvin</b> <b>Benjamin</b>; but I include these photos because he made the biggest play of the game. After the Colts punted back to the Bills with 2:25 to play, the Bills face 3rd and 6 on the first play after the 2-minute warning. QB Joe Webb, give him credit, puts his pass on target 35 yards downfield, and Thompson, beating Kenny Moore, makes the catch with his hands away from his body<i> and</i> keeps the ball above the snow to show the officials he still has possession of it. The 34-yard reception was by far the biggest gain by either team, and it moved the ball into FG range at the Colts' 27-yard line.<br />
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96. Three plays later LeSean McCoy gets the handoff on 3rd and 4 and runs through a hole up the middle. It's a do or die tackle for <b>Matthias Farley</b> just past the line of scrimmage, and he doesn't even get a hand on McCoy, who cuts right past him and heads to the end zone. <b>Antonio Morrison</b> (#44), who was blocked on the play, creating the hole, gives chase, but all that does is give him (along with two teammates) the best view in the house of McCoy's game-winning score. The 21-yard TD run comes with 1:33 on the clock and gives the Bills a vital 13-7 victory.<br />
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97. After the mob of teammates congratulating him clears away, McCoy finds <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> launching a snowball at him. WTF, KB? This is how you treat the player of the game?<br />
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98. A little later during the postgame celebration, <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> takes the microphone from the CBS reporter and decides to do his own impromptu interview of Joe Webb. After replacing injured QB Nathan Peterman in the 3rd quarter and nearly losing the game with his interception, Webb starred in overtime, scrambling for a pair of 3rd down conversions and then completing the only pass of the game on a ball thrown more than 20 yards downfield.<br />
As for Benjamin (and for everyone else who played, really), he'll have quite a story to tell his grandkids some day.<br />
As for the Bills, they indeed did lose to New England in Week 16. But this win, plus wins over the Dolphins in Weeks 15 and 17, allowed them to finish with a 9-7 record and clinch their first playoff berth in 18 years.House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-63180020552899047282019-06-02T19:45:00.000-05:002019-06-02T19:45:11.402-05:00DG175<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dread Gallery #175 features more photos from the 2017 NFL season and includes a variety of things - some odds and ends followed by several shots to remind you just how painful playing in the NFL can be.<br />
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1. Everybody, including the game officials, thought that RB <b>Andre Ellington</b> scored his 1st TD of the season on this play early in the 2nd quarter in Week 4. CB <b>Rashard Robinson</b> knocks Ellington out of bounds, but not until after Andre gets both feet inbounds and has control of the ball for a 12-yard reception on 3rd and goal ..... but then the replay official nullified the TD, ruling that Ellington lost control of the ball when he hit the ground. The ruling was dubious, because the video was inconclusive; and in those cases whatever the game officials call is supposed to stand. But not this time. So instead of the Cardinals taking a 7-3 lead, they settled for a FG on the next play to tie it 3-3. Despite having the TD taken away Ellington made the dread stars list for the only time all season, finishing with 104 total yards (18 rushing, 86 receiving) on 14 touches as the Cardinals defeated the 49ers 18-15 in overtime.<br />
<a href="http://arizonasports.com/story1263650/cardinals-andre-ellington-overturned-touchdown-catch/" target="_blank">http://arizonasports.com/story1263650/cardinals-andre-ellington-overturned-touchdown-catch/</a><br />
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2. RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> led the league with 19 touchdowns scored in 2017 ..... but he <i>should</i> have had 20; and he would have had 20 had he held onto the ball on this play that ended the Rams' opening drive against the Seahawks at the Coliseum in Week 5. On a run around left end on 2nd and 5 from the 12-yard line Gurley, one stride away from the end zone, switches the ball from his left hand to his right and reaches for the end zone; but S Earl Thomas, at the last second, grabs Gurley's arm and causes him to lose control of the ball, and the ball hits the pylon for a touch<i>back</i> instead of a touchdown. Actually the game officials ruled it a TD; but after further review it was obvious Todd didn't have the ball when it made it into the end zone. It was the first of 5 times the Rams turned the ball over. Gurley finished with a season low 50 total yards on 16 touches. Despite outgaining the Seahawks 375-241 in total yards, the Rams lost 16-10.<br />
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3. Sometimes you have good coverage and it just doesn't matter at all. That was the fate that befell Vikings CB <b>Trae Waynes</b> on the 7th play of the Redskins' opening drive in Week 10, as WR Maurice Harris, running a go route on 1st and 10, sticks his arm out and makes a one-handed catch for a 36-yard TD. So unbelievable was the catch that the official, standing just a couple of feet away from Harris, didn't give him credit for it, ruling he made the catch out of bounds. But after a review it was obvious he was in bounds and in the end zone when he made the catch: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Yt0jPI5NM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Yt0jPI5NM</a> ..... In 28 career games (including 2018) this remains the only TD Harris has ever scored. Waynes played 72 (of 75) snaps on defense finished with 1 tackle (1-0) in this game, which the Vikings won 38-30.<br />
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4. Seahawks RB <b>J.D.McKissic</b> thinks he's going to score a TD against his former team on a carry around left end on 1st and goal at the 1-yard line midway through the 2nd quarter at Seattle in Week 11, but the Falcons aren't having it. Despite having a full head of steam McKissic gets stonewalled by S <b>Kemal Ishmael</b> (#36) and LB Vic Beasley at the 1 for no gain. Three plays later the Seahawks finally got the TD when QB Russell Wilson ran it in from the 1 on 4th down, cutting the Falcons' lead to 21-17.<br />
McKissic, who spent most of his 2016 rookie season on the Falcons' practice squad before being picked up by the Seahawks near the end of the season, had a productive game - but just not on this play - finishing with 53 total yards (30 rushing, 23 receiving) on 12 touches. Ishmael finished with 4 tackles (2-2), including his 1st career sack, in the Falcons' 34-31 victory. <br />
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5. DE <b>Cameron Jordan</b> gets his 287 pounds up off the ground and just high enough to dunk the ball over the crossbar as he celebrates his 1st NFL TD during the 4th quarter in Week 6. Jordan's rare 0-yard pick six (he was already in the end zone when he intercepted the pass by QB Matthew Stafford) upped the Saints' lead to 52-38 and ended a 28-0 run by the Lions that had turned a Saints laugher into a nail-biter. The play helped Cameron earn NFC defensive player of the week honors. It also earned him a 15-yard penalty and a fine of more than $12,000 because the NFL no longer allows this particular kind of celebration: <a href="https://www.nola.com/saints/2017/10/nfl_fines_saints_defensive_end.html" target="_blank">https://www.nola.com/saints/2017/10/nfl_fines_saints_defensive_end.html</a> ..... Earlier in the game Jordan was involved in an even more unusual play, and we'll take a look at it a little later.<br />
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6. WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> winds up and fires the ball against the wall beyond the end zone as he celebrates his 2nd TD of the game during the 4th quarter in Week 7. Benjamin much more peacefully tossed the ball into the stands after scoring on a 65-yard punt return to begin the scoring in the 1st quarter; but after catching a short pass on 3rd and 11 and taking it 42 yards to the house to up the Chargers' lead over the Broncos to 21-0 with 5:42 to play, he decided to show off his fastball. Fortunately for Travis the NFL allows this type of celebration. Benjamin totaled 131 all-purpose yards on just 5 touches in the game and became the first Chargers player in 20 years to have a TD catch and punt return TD in the same game. He was named AFC special teams player of the week. If you want, here's a look at his two touchdowns: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGmRsB_O2es" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGmRsB_O2es</a> ..... The Chargers' 21-0 victory was their first shutout of the Broncos in 39 years.<br />
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7. S <b>Walt Aikens</b> (photo above) and RB <b>Damien</b> <b>Williams</b> (photo on right, before he cut his dreads off later in the season) cannot contain their joy after a missed 44-yard FG attempt by Chargers rookie K Younghoe Koo with :05 on the clock gives the Dolphins a 19-17 road win in their Week 2 season opener. The (inactive) player Williams is running next to is (I think) G Isaac Asiata. After the Dolphins kicked a FG to take the lead with 1:05 remaining, the Chargers quickly drove into FG range, only to lose for the 2nd straight week on a last-second missed FG. Aikens played 22 snaps and Williams 16 - both almost exclusively on special teams - and neither had any stats as the Dolphins' picked up the first of the two road wins they had in 2017. <br />
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8. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names? .... Well, names apparently take Bengals WR A.J. Green to a whole 'nother level, especially when the names are coming out of the mouth of Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey. Don't look for any dreads in these shots; there aren't any. But I decided to add them anyway. I thought it was astonishing that some harmless trash talk would actually cause Green to lose his cool and resort to fisticuffs. Tired of hearing Ramsey calling him 'soft' throughout the 1st half at Jacksonville in Week 9, Green was already on the edge; and when Ramsey decided to shove him after the play on what was going to be the final play of the half, that was the last straw for Green. He wrestles Ramsey to the ground and (stupidly) tries to punch him. Ramsey lets Green be the aggressor and doesn't retaliate, hoping that only Green will be ejected from the game; but the officials weren't having it. So, two of the best players in the league had to sit out the 2nd half of this one. Leading 13-7 at the time of the fight, the Jaguars went on to win 23-7.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCZJOeMjGcQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCZJOeMjGcQ </a><br />
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9. The second runner-up for the longest undershirt stretch of the year (that I have photos of) on a play involving players with dreads features RB <b>Marshawn Lynch</b> in his first game in a Raiders uniform. On the last play before the 2-minute warning at Nashville in Week 1 the only thing Titans DT Jurrell Casey can do is grab onto Lynch's undershirt after Marshawn pancakes him at the line of scrimmage on a run up the middle on 2nd and 8. S <b>Da'Norris Searcy</b> ends up making the last of his 3 tackles (2-1) at the 23-yard line after Lynch gains 6 yards: <a href="https://www.raiders.com/video/marshawn-lynch-bulldozes-305-pound-lineman-to-turf-19345798" target="_blank">https://www.raiders.com/video/marshawn-lynch-bulldozes-305-pound-lineman-to-turf-19345798</a> ..... Lynch was tackled for a 2-yard loss on the next play, but then the Raiders kicked a FG on 4th down to increase their lead to 26-16 with 1:09 remaining and held on to win. Lynch nearly made the dread stars list, finishing with 76 yards rushing on 18 carries and 1 reception for 16 yards ..... <br />
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10. ..... The first runner-up for the longest undershirt stretch of the year on a play involving players with dreads is from the Week 12 game between the Seahawks and 49ers. On a carry in the 1st quarter (I think) DE Ronald Blair grabs a hold of the undershirt of RB <b>Eddie Lacy</b> to prevent him from breaking away. Lacy was tackled near midfield three times in the 1st half, twice by Blair; but I can't tell for sure which of those times this one was. Lacy had a season high 61 total yards in the game (46 rushing, 15 receiving) on 20 touches in the Seahawks' 24-13 road victory ..... <br />
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11. ..... And the winner, in a landslide, for the longest undershirt stretch of the year on a play involving a player with dreads comes from, as advertised earlier, the game between the Saints and Lions in Week 6. On 1st and 10 on the first play from scrimmage in the 4th quarter DE <b>Cameron Jordan</b> penetrates too deep into the backfield but is still able to get a hand on the undershirt of RB Ameer Abdullah. And while Abdullah slips away from Jordan, his shirt does not, somehow stretching to this incredible length without tearing. At least a 2-yard length, as Jordan is on the Saints logo in the middle of the field while Abdullah is outside the right hash mark. After Cameron gets up, he is blocked by TE Michael Roberts (#80), forcing him to let go of Abdullah's shirt; but Abdullah goes down anyway as he cuts back to the middle, so Jordan, along with LB Craig Robertson (#52), got credit for the tackle for a 6-yard loss. The Lions punted two plays later. This was the last of 5 tackles (4-1) by Jordan. Later in the 4th quarter he scored his 1st career TD (see photo #5) to help the Saints to a 52-38 victory, victory #3 during their 8-game winning streak.<br />
I couldn't find a video of just this one play; but it did make ESPN's C'mon Man segment for Week 6 and begins at the 1:28 mark of this video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK71fjOZeBg" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CK71fjOZeBg</a><br />
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12. You don't ever convert a 3rd and 33, but the Rams <i>did</i> on this play in the 2nd quarter in Week 9; and the blocking of WR <b>Sammy Watkins</b> was a big reason why they did. The Rams led the Giants by only 3 points and, thanks to a pair of penalties, were facing a hopeless 3rd and 33 when WR Robert Woods caught a screen pass to the left. Over on the right side of the field Watkins immediately blocked S <b>Nat Berhe</b>, causing him to stumble and fall. It seemed insignificant at first but soon became very significant after Woods cut to the right on his run after the catch. After getting up, Berhe (#29) arrives too late as he dives trying to stop Woods at the 25-yard line; and Watkins meanwhile is making his second block on the play, on CB Eli Apple, clearing the way for Woods to take it all the way to the house. Actually though, it looks like the photographer has caught Sammy red-handed, or at least <i>Apple</i>-handed, as he briefly but clearly is clamped onto Apple's arm instead of blocking him legally and should be called for a penalty; but none of the officials caught him. The 52-yard TD stood and made the score 17-7. Then 2 minutes later Watkins' 67-yard TD (on his only reception of the game) made it 24-7, and the rout was on. The Rams ended up winning 51-17.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7aCPS7b_ac" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7aCPS7b_ac </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngVx9hK2tkUlDwQ4lOj8OIK4F-lA-pHCapZcp38zhyphenhyphenIHSebtIKfCZZJMd1WMJLUfK17E4PC2gZvMhNVIJ9klCza8aAzyF3K_Xk1go9nn1TCUf4VFSu880LC9tonsOg05p4XPowhyiyL4/s1600/NFL17--SEPT.+24--P117A++DEN-BUFF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1118" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngVx9hK2tkUlDwQ4lOj8OIK4F-lA-pHCapZcp38zhyphenhyphenIHSebtIKfCZZJMd1WMJLUfK17E4PC2gZvMhNVIJ9klCza8aAzyF3K_Xk1go9nn1TCUf4VFSu880LC9tonsOg05p4XPowhyiyL4/s320/NFL17--SEPT.+24--P117A++DEN-BUFF.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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13. In case you're wondering, I intentionally waited until photo #13 to post these shots. <br />
Casual fans at Bills games either may not have noticed, may not have been paying attention, may have been too far away from the field to see it, or may have been too drunk to see it, but the WR with dreads in jersey #13 early in the season wasn't the same as the one during the second half of the season. During the first 5 games 5-foot-10, 195-pound <b>Kaelin Clay</b> wore #13 for the Bills. He played only 83 snaps, making 1 reception (left photo) for a 28-yard gain to set up the Bills' first touchdown during their 26-16 win over the Broncos in Week 3. 8 days after Clay was released on Oct. 23 the Bills traded for <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b>, and the 6-foot-5, 245-pounder moved into the #13 jersey vacated by Clay. Benjamin played 220 offensive snaps in 6 games for the Bills and had 16 receptions for 217 yards, including this one (right photo) for a 13-yard gain on 2nd and 21 as he is hit by LB Kiko Alonso late in the 3rd quarter of a 24-16 victory over the Dolphins in Week 15.<br />
Oddly enough Clay, after being released, signed with the Panthers, Benjamin's former team, and the season ended for both of them on the same day with road losses in the 1st round of the playoffs.<br />
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14. Falcons fans had to take the bad with the good from RB <b>Devonta Freeman</b> during the final game of Week 15, adding even more to their anxiety while watching a must-win road game vs. the Buccaneers. The good: Freeman rushed for a season high 126 yards. The bad: his two fumbles that could have, but luckily did not, change the outcome of the game. Here early in the 2nd quarter Devonta, who earlier in the drive had gains of 15 and 29 yards, should score easily on 2nd and goal from the 1-yard line; but the ball gets poked out of his hands before he crosses the goal line. He still has a chance to get the touchdown, but with S Justin Evans (mostly hidden by Freeman in this shot) diving in and about to beat him to the recovery, he bats the ball away from Evans, and TE Levine Toilolo eventually falls on it in the end zone for the TD that gives Atlanta a 14-7 lead: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGTE-IX874o" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGTE-IX874o</a> ..... <br />
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15. ..... Then early in the 4th quarter, on the first play after a punt by the Buccaneers and with the Falcons clinging to a 17-14 lead, Freeman fumbles again as he is hit by S Chris Conte, ruining a run on which he had gained 9 yards. This time OT Ryan Schraeder comes to the rescue, recovering the ball at the Atlanta 20-yard line to save the possession for the Falcons .....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJMo2IC4BTzgQIyW3GMGB4wVmJtX4-CzBCOsbiAY8fNVkA8xR4SiRzlenyrZJAZVZ43xih_m2fXYnW-2waEIkOR0_IktbcIaRokx0jHw-j48lPFWk6PM0UNED3LHEBPQuZHtT-tGbDIQ/s1600/NFL17--DEC.+18--P6++ATL-TB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="809" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJMo2IC4BTzgQIyW3GMGB4wVmJtX4-CzBCOsbiAY8fNVkA8xR4SiRzlenyrZJAZVZ43xih_m2fXYnW-2waEIkOR0_IktbcIaRokx0jHw-j48lPFWk6PM0UNED3LHEBPQuZHtT-tGbDIQ/s320/NFL17--DEC.+18--P6++ATL-TB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
16. ..... After finishing the drive 9 plays later with a 32-yard TD run on 3rd and 2, a very relieved Devonta returns to the sideline, where Coach Quinn is able to give him a hug him rather than having to strangle him. <br />
If the Bucs recover either of those fumbles, they probably win the game. But instead, with Freeman racking up 194 total yards (the third highest total of his career) the Falcons escaped Raymond James Stadium with a 24-21 victory that improved their record to 9-5.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE9e5tixAHvp26idgUMDaK8Zb2zyzrUKYZOAYkQhgmADY9kNaO2Ak_tWCsfCK7ACLZYwQ8qhZE2ikjBnzi2QrL4E9AfQz2QTwfTyQbGVsioN4TPy_g7kkIsWRxcZ6niSyLTGcHCms6Fw/s1600/NFL17--DEC.+31--P143A++GB-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE9e5tixAHvp26idgUMDaK8Zb2zyzrUKYZOAYkQhgmADY9kNaO2Ak_tWCsfCK7ACLZYwQ8qhZE2ikjBnzi2QrL4E9AfQz2QTwfTyQbGVsioN4TPy_g7kkIsWRxcZ6niSyLTGcHCms6Fw/s320/NFL17--DEC.+31--P143A++GB-DET.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HRu2vybPG-MMdvcaEI_yfwc7GdkoM2Is9htiyZoCj_IUGTyoIrzEiN5yaMtYZyb08jYR3eM8TE3DT6uPIx3FWh_eRU9jMKQYRRu82JrF_1BEP1Cv1jS4eB2RJTZozz8F1Qqx63FJhXU/s1600/NFL17--DEC.+31--P143++GB-DET.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="925" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HRu2vybPG-MMdvcaEI_yfwc7GdkoM2Is9htiyZoCj_IUGTyoIrzEiN5yaMtYZyb08jYR3eM8TE3DT6uPIx3FWh_eRU9jMKQYRRu82JrF_1BEP1Cv1jS4eB2RJTZozz8F1Qqx63FJhXU/s320/NFL17--DEC.+31--P143++GB-DET.jpg" width="205" /></a>17. WR Golden Tate doesn't have dreads, but that didn't stop him from making an appearance in DG175.<br />
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It's not unusual to see players give away some of their gear after games - gloves, wrist bands, even cleats; but it's not every day you see someone give away their <i>pants</i>. Following the Lions' 35-11 rout of the Packers in a meaningless Week 17 game, Tate figures that, since he's wearing full length tights underneath his pants, there's no harm in shedding his pants and handing them to a lucky fan, with towel still attached. Tate must have been in a good mood after topping the 1,000-yard mark in receiving for the 3rd time in his career. Needing 101 yards to reach 1,000, he got only 33 on 6 receptions in the 1st half before scoring a 71-yard TD on his only reception of the 2nd half. <br />
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OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD<br />
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It doesn't take a special report from the Surgeon General to know that playing football is hazardous to your health. Players appearing in all 16 games during an NFL season should get a medal because it is so hard to make it through an entire season without being injured. And having dreads on your head doesn't make you immune to the carnage. Here in the occupational hazard section we'll take a look at a few of the injuries suffered by players with dreads during 2017.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqxQTkYoE2424a8a0b1qgfGdvW9thTtu9DQnZknKE4bID-5P2yNDKiUDkhk-Xz4m_iwr7t6E-4ZrQc5Sf5aEpK2GFFgyQZbvrMmEPmF5w_eMdaFieMglMzLFHZmkCQ2ojJ2mIVLNsIIA/s1600/NFL17--SEPT.+7--P8C++KC-NE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqxQTkYoE2424a8a0b1qgfGdvW9thTtu9DQnZknKE4bID-5P2yNDKiUDkhk-Xz4m_iwr7t6E-4ZrQc5Sf5aEpK2GFFgyQZbvrMmEPmF5w_eMdaFieMglMzLFHZmkCQ2ojJ2mIVLNsIIA/s320/NFL17--SEPT.+7--P8C++KC-NE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRWO2S44hxAKI_h6lzMJ0c6oPO58kk7rIlPke1Z7DBqR3v76gKRIPXYyHWCW1vdn1JNkdKROF-iOcEfgMYTQ2mXdX1SVxfLHXQKTEiI8j1gYP7FV8nM7DGQgRdT9PLxX9F4P8IUgTRvM/s1600/NFL17--SEPT.+7--P8A++KC-NE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="817" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRWO2S44hxAKI_h6lzMJ0c6oPO58kk7rIlPke1Z7DBqR3v76gKRIPXYyHWCW1vdn1JNkdKROF-iOcEfgMYTQ2mXdX1SVxfLHXQKTEiI8j1gYP7FV8nM7DGQgRdT9PLxX9F4P8IUgTRvM/s320/NFL17--SEPT.+7--P8A++KC-NE.jpg" width="227" /></a><br />
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18. What was going to be his first full season with dreads ended almost before it started for Chiefs S <b>Eric Berry</b>. I didn't welcome Berry to the house in 2016 because his freeform dreads hadn't fully formed into dreads yet when the season began. But they certainly looked like dreads at the start of 2017. Unfortunately his season lasted only 70 snaps. Eric, a 1st team All-Pro choice in 2016, is despondent after tearing an Achilles tendon early in the 4th quarter of the Chiefs' 42-27 road win over the Patriots. He finished the night (and the year) with 7 tackles (4-3) and 1 TFL. Even worse, Berry was not fully healed after surgery and ended up missing most of 2018 as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6Rc71ykpVOyx_SC6yeMZAfj4l93T1uQOCOrQytyhWUIt4zBBHx3-gnUveulWiYnu8lOnIPpiqXkfWGMYj98VjiQPWmhsCD91vYhVbLws0DG9VvsGFWDhSSbGNaE-QOL6585wrDalxiU/s1600/NFL17--SEPT.+10--P32++CAR-SF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="809" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6Rc71ykpVOyx_SC6yeMZAfj4l93T1uQOCOrQytyhWUIt4zBBHx3-gnUveulWiYnu8lOnIPpiqXkfWGMYj98VjiQPWmhsCD91vYhVbLws0DG9VvsGFWDhSSbGNaE-QOL6585wrDalxiU/s320/NFL17--SEPT.+10--P32++CAR-SF.jpg" width="252" /></a><br />
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19. Rookie LB<b> Reuben Foster</b>'s NFL debut didn't go exactly as he had hoped. While making his 3rd tackle of the 1st quarter during the 49ers' season opener at home vs. the Panthers Foster suffered a high ankle sprain and missed the rest of the game. Despite vowing to "be back soon. Very, very, very soon", he didn't play again until Week 7.<br />
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20. TE <b>Temarrick Hemingway</b> didn't even make it to the season opener. As S <b>Jahleel Addae</b> and DE <b>Melvin Ingram</b> of the Chargers look on, Hemingway is carted off after breaking his leg (fibula) during the 1st half of the Rams' 21-19 home loss during Week 3 of the preseason. He went on IR and missed the whole season. Hemingway did not make the Rams' roster in 2018, but late in the season he played in 5 games for the Broncos. A rookie in 2016, he's still looking for his 1st NFL reception.<br />
Some might say that being injured was poetic justice for something he did a little earlier in the game. We'll take a look at that a little later in this DG. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbLx9m0YMKFXBrVhGFCioWeMOuxzUfK6PKc4cscz_Sz6sbhFHbpIO-KKXzp3WU0v-qElYNmVroniyC4Y-xBHluld1YGVqMSjiYGmF8hVeyvIIEtGyV1pD3BdyovchhWj0ONLTvCUu6DE/s1600/NFL17--SEPT.+17--P74++SF-SEA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbLx9m0YMKFXBrVhGFCioWeMOuxzUfK6PKc4cscz_Sz6sbhFHbpIO-KKXzp3WU0v-qElYNmVroniyC4Y-xBHluld1YGVqMSjiYGmF8hVeyvIIEtGyV1pD3BdyovchhWj0ONLTvCUu6DE/s320/NFL17--SEPT.+17--P74++SF-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
21. Seahawks CB and special teams ace <b>Neiko Thorpe</b> gives the home fans at CenturyLink Field a good look at his unusual-looking dreads, but not in a way that he wants. Thorpe leaves during the 2nd quarter of the Seahawks' 12-9 victory over the 49ers in Week 2 after spraining his ankle on his 7th snap of the game. He also missed the next 2 games before returning to action in Week 5. <br />
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22. LB <b>Todd Davis</b> is down and then out after a play on which he helped tackle RB Matt Forte for a gain of 3 yards early in the 4th quarter of the Broncos' 23-0 home win over the Jets in Week 14. Back in the day they would have said Davis had his "bell rung" and he would have been taken to the sideline and given smelling salts, then would have waited for his "head to clear" and been sent back into the game. But in today's concussion-conscious NFL he had to be removed from the game and evaluated for a possible concussion. He did not return (and didn't need to) and finished with 5 tackles (3-2) in 35 (out of 50) snaps on defense. It turned out that Davis did not suffer a concussion. He was in the starting lineup 4 days later for the Broncos' next game on Thursday night at Indianapolis.<br />
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23. WR <b>Robby Anderson</b>'s season comes to an end a little earlier than he wanted, as he leaves the Jets' game at New England in Week 17 early in the 4th quarter after taking what the New York Daily News described as a "cheap hit" from CB <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> on an incomplete pass on the first play of a Jets' drive. Gilmore was penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness. Anderson suffered a concussion. Before knocking Anderson out of the game Stephon shut him down. Needing 61 yards to reach the 1,000 mark for the season in yards receiving, Robby finished with just 1 catch for 2 yards on 3 targets. The Patriots won the game 26-6. <br />
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24. Three different injuries cost CB <b>Adam Jones</b> of the Bengals 6 games in 2017. This one, the second one, during the 3rd quarter of a 24-20 road loss the Titans in Week 10, came when he hit QB Marcus Mariota just after Mariota dumped the ball off to CB Adoree Jackson (playing on offense) on an option play on 1st and 10. Jackson (#25) gained 13 yards on the play. Jones missed the rest of the game with a concussion. Before leaving Adam made 3 tackles (2-1) and had punt returns of 11 and 23 yards. He also missed the Bengals' Week 11 game vs. the Broncos.<br />
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25. The Redskins' Week 2 game vs. the Rams was looking like it was going to be the best game of RB <b>Rob Kelley</b>'s career. But after his 12th carry of the 1st half, he doesn't get up after suffering what, as you can see, is a very painful injury to his ribs while gaining 2 yards on 2nd and 1. Rob had already rushed for 78 yards in the first 21 minutes of the game, and there's no telling how many more he would have gotten; but he was unable to continue. The Redskins ended up with 229 yards rushing in their 27-20 road win over the Rams. Kelley suffered damage to the cartilage in his ribs, not broken ribs, and missed one more game before returning to action in Week 4. <br />
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26. CB <b>Ronald Darby</b> no doubt will never forget his first game in an Eagles uniform ... but for all the wrong reasons. After his 18th defensive snap of the game early in the 2nd quarter in Week 1 he is consoled by Coach Pederson and the medical staff before being carted off after suffering a not-as-bad-as-it-looked injury to his ankle. While covering TE Jordan Reed on 3rd and 2 Darby stepped on Reed's foot, causing his ankle to dislocate. He finished with 1 tackle (1-0) in those 18 snaps as the Eagles won their opener 30-17. Ronald missed the next 8 games before returning in Week 11 and making a significant contribution to the Eagles' championship. But unfortunately this was the last time (so far) that he's let us see how wonderful his dreads look when they're flowing at full blast. For every game (in 2017 and 2018) since this one he's kept his dreads horribly reduced.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSfPvxo6qaQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSfPvxo6qaQ</a><br />
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27. WR <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> didn't miss any games for the Panthers before being traded at midseason; but that's not to say he didn't endure some painful moments. During Week 2 (photo above) Benjamin remains down - his pride probably hurt more than anything - after a hard hit by Bills S Jordan Poyer separated him from the ball and prevented him from making what would have been a 16-yard TD catch on the game's opening drive. The Panthers settled for a FG two plays later, and he was back in the game on Carolina's next possession.<br />
Things got a lot more serious the next week however, as on a tackle by Saints CB Ken Crawley on a 4-yard reception on the last play of the 1st quarter Benjamin's knee bends back and almost gets pinned underneath him(photo on right). His day was finished after just 7 snaps in the Panthers' 34-13 home loss to the Saints. However, KB somehow avoided a serious injury, and he was in the starting lineup when the Panthers played the Patriots in Week 4 .....<br />
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28. Things didn't get any less painful for Benjamin after his trade to the Bills. On the 4th play from scrimmage of his 2nd game for Buffalo in Week 11 - on one of the few passes thrown by QB Nathan Peterman in the 1st half that <i>wasn't</i> intercepted by the Chargers - Kelvin makes the reception for a 20-yard gain but doesn't get up after being hit on his right knee by S Adrian Phillips. Benjamin, who suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in 2015, admitted that he was worried his right ACL was torn, but fortunately it turned out to be "only" a torn meniscus. He missed the rest of this game (which the Bills lost 54-24) and the next two before returning to action in Week 14.<br />
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Benjamin was not the only player with dreads to be injured during a particularly rough Week 11 ..... <br />
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29. After making 2 catches each in back-to-back games in Weeks 8 and 10 (Week 9 was a bye), WR <b>Sammie Coates</b> leaves the game vs. the Jaguars after injuring his knee while covering a punt by the Browns on his 4th snap (all on special teams) of the 1st quarter at Cleveland. I didn't find any details of the injury; but he missed the rest of this game (a 19-7 Browns L) as well as the next two. He made only one more reception the rest of the year .....<br />
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30. It wasn't really an injury that caused CB <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> to miss action during the Patriots' game vs. the Raiders, instead it was dehydration. Gilmore here heads to the locker room at Estadio Azteca during the 2nd half for a much-needed IV. Evidently the 7,300+-foot elevation of Mexico City took more of a toll on his body than he expected. Stephon claimed he "hydrated a lot" while the Patriots (who played at Denver in Week 10) spent the week before the game practicing at Colorado Springs to try to get used to the high altitude, but even that didn't save him. He missed only 16 snaps though, playing 58 of 74 and finishing with 5 tackles (5-0) and 1 PBU in New England's easy 33-8 victory .....<br />
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31. Arguably the worst injury suffered by anyone (with or without dreads) in Week 11 was the torn left Achilles tendon suffered by rookie RB <b>D'Onta</b> <b>Foreman</b>. Injured on the final step of his 34-yard TD run (his second biggest gain of the season) that upped the Texans' lead to 31-21 over the Cardinals midway through the 4th quarter, Foreman is comforted by Coach O'Brien as he lies on his back in the end zone before being carted away. Achilles injuries are devastating for pro athletes, and especially so if you're a running back. D'Onta missed the rest of the season and didn't play in 2018 until Week 16. Thankfully it looks like he is fully recovered, and hopefully he'll show that he is in 2019.<br />
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32. It wasn't a Merry Christmas for RB <b>Travaris Cadet</b>. His 1st season in a Bills uniform ends on Christmas Eve (Week 16) after a tackle by DE Trey Flowers breaks his ankle on his 1st carry of the day late in the 2nd quarter of a 37-16 road loss to the Patriots. The injury caused Cadet to miss the Bills' first playoff game in 18 years, and it eventually cost him his roster spot. Not at 100% for training camp in 2018, he was released just before the start of the regular season and wasn't with any team until the Panthers signed him in November. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8sc_b_QBQgzp-WLHmmHeUhTViAfcqZQ0wi4xfX9eWNaHzldz26RtGUIWA2NTmDnfsRVUh3TDYn4svxmEiGYJ2PmLpxxkiQULz4CqIeqhchu3S9R-0c3Akwirc3eFQpD8BV-VlN6Ze-0/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+1--P5++DET-MINN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8sc_b_QBQgzp-WLHmmHeUhTViAfcqZQ0wi4xfX9eWNaHzldz26RtGUIWA2NTmDnfsRVUh3TDYn4svxmEiGYJ2PmLpxxkiQULz4CqIeqhchu3S9R-0c3Akwirc3eFQpD8BV-VlN6Ze-0/s320/NFL17--OCT.+1--P5++DET-MINN.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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33. RB <b>Dalvin Cook</b> is in so much agony that he's already holding his knee, and then he fumbles the ball too after S Tavon Wilson's helmet knocks it out of his hands on his 2nd carry of the 2nd half in Week 4. Cook had already run for 10 yards on the play and was trying for more until tearing his ACL while trying to juke Wilson, a non-contact injury. The Lions recovered the fumble and then drove 29 yards for their only TD of the day in their 14-7 road win over the Vikings. The injury ended what was shaping up as an outstanding rookie season for Cook. Dalvin recovered fully and was on the field and touching the ball 22 times in the 2018 season opener.<br />
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A few hours later in Week 4 ..... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0bD7fmQ6L-djG3XMDkj57Cxm44_TKK007hR-eNi5nxGHrW4hnjJdcTX1oUSBndQX_qHCZp3nIWnCUqkRD5bDOuM8_1EBBe8Ce0EILG_i9U0PEbBvAzsxAOQ7Q-Na2aMlcyX_XbsPj1k/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+1--P145++SF-ARIZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0bD7fmQ6L-djG3XMDkj57Cxm44_TKK007hR-eNi5nxGHrW4hnjJdcTX1oUSBndQX_qHCZp3nIWnCUqkRD5bDOuM8_1EBBe8Ce0EILG_i9U0PEbBvAzsxAOQ7Q-Na2aMlcyX_XbsPj1k/s320/NFL17--OCT.+1--P145++SF-ARIZ.jpg" width="222" /></a><br />
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34. If the officials hadn't blown the call on <b>Andre Ellington</b>'s touchdown-that-wasn't (photo #1) earlier, then maybe the 49ers-Cardinals game wouldn't have gone into overtime .... and then LB <b>Markus Golden</b> never would have suffered a torn ACL after colliding with teammate Budda Baker while they both rushed QB Brian Hoyer on 3rd and 8 on the 8th play of the 49ers' first drive in OT. Golden, who led the Cardinals with 12.5 sacks in 2016, finished 2017 with 0. He didn't return to action until Week 3 of the 2018 season .....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSMev51Du8H0esEpboUYVDTEW-hn1oRRrDkB5Dn_rHaEx_mTDulkNZupAw31urTnlWZw4MCWj1D7kQ1Hz5xn7kAFsWG290G__QMe3wAF9rfEonjxhj3-XmEvt1eSIJ0_2qsN0FTfa4J4/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+1--P111++IND-SEA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSMev51Du8H0esEpboUYVDTEW-hn1oRRrDkB5Dn_rHaEx_mTDulkNZupAw31urTnlWZw4MCWj1D7kQ1Hz5xn7kAFsWG290G__QMe3wAF9rfEonjxhj3-XmEvt1eSIJ0_2qsN0FTfa4J4/s320/NFL17--OCT.+1--P111++IND-SEA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7reN8xy4b8ceEsWcgkCjeXaIJAgGvbB3Lt6Z1R7O0kZvubJ1J30mEMe09f3gfq0VulP5wEqrv_bzg9uDXVBS4QyZwp-O8ESWclfhDBdNLcDoEgjRrf5Zblf4hyphenhyphenrdv9QSbH6BGw_fP8g/s1600/NFL17--OCT.+1--P110++IND-SEA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="964" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7reN8xy4b8ceEsWcgkCjeXaIJAgGvbB3Lt6Z1R7O0kZvubJ1J30mEMe09f3gfq0VulP5wEqrv_bzg9uDXVBS4QyZwp-O8ESWclfhDBdNLcDoEgjRrf5Zblf4hyphenhyphenrdv9QSbH6BGw_fP8g/s320/NFL17--OCT.+1--P110++IND-SEA.jpg" width="215" /></a><br />
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35. Rounding out a trio of season-ending injuries to players with dreads in Week 4 ..... about an hour or so after Golden went down, so did rookie C <b>Deyshawn Bond</b>, who tore a quadriceps in his left leg on the 2nd play from scrimmage of the Colts' Sunday night game at Seattle. He went on IR the next day. Bond, an undrafted player who wound up in the starting lineup when the players ahead of him on the depth chart were injured during the preseason, played every snap on offense during the first 3 games before going down himself. A concussion he suffered early in 2018 training camp hindered his chances to make the team, and he ending up not playing at all last season .....<br />
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36. ..... Like Bond an undrafted rookie, and also like Bond a native of Indianapolis, WR <b>Krishawn Hogan</b> joins Bond on IR one week after Bond was injured after tearing an ACL in Week 5. Trying to tackle WR Victor Bolden on the kickoff return after a FG gave the Colts a 9-6 lead over the 49ers in the 3rd quarter, Hogan planted his left leg in the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium, went down and did not get up. Not ready for the start of 2018, Hogan - one of the WRs on my 2017 Dread All-Pro team - was cut by the Colts then brought back to their practice squad once he got healthy in mid-October ..... <br />
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37. Rounding out a trio of season-ending injuries suffered by Colts rookies with dreads ..... If losing the game 27-0 at home to the Jaguars isn't bad enough, the Colts also lose S <b>Malik Hooker</b>, their 1st round draft pick, in Week 7. Hooker was nearly at top speed while pursuing WR Allen Hurns on the run after a catch and was about to make the tackle when WR Keelan Cole came in low and hit his right leg with a blindside, borderline cheap-shot block, causing him to tear his ACL and MCL. Refusing to be carted off, Hooker limps off instead, his promising rookie season all over. I doubt it was much consolation but Hooker did get credit for the tackle on the play, as he bumped Hurns just enough to cause him to go out of bounds 10 yards further downfield for a 50-yard gain (instead of 79-yard TD). Like <b>Dalvin Cook</b>, Malik was well on his way to making the Pro Bowl in his 1st NFL season before going down. He was back in the starting lineup for Week 1 in 2018. <br />
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38. Uh-oh, <b>Rob Kelley</b> is down again; and this time he's down for the count. Late in the 1st quarter in Week 10 vs. the Vikings Fat Rob is injured after losing 2 yards on a carry on 1st and goal. He was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and an MCL sprain in his knee. With the normal recovery for a high ankle sprain being 4-6 weeks, the Redskins went on and put him on IR, ending his season. He had already been on the injury report for 5 of the team's first 9 games; so it was more like the Redskins were putting him out of his misery. After a strong rookie season in 2016, he finished 2017 with just 194 yards rushing (in 7 games) on 3.1 yards per carry.<br />
And, even sadder, this was the last we would see of Kelley's wonderful, long dreads, which were all cut off by the time he showed up for offseason workouts the following April.<br />
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Now here are a few action shots that make you hurt just by looking at them.<br />
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39. WR <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> was thankful he wasn't one of the Week 11 casualties after being clobbered by S Antoine Bethea on this short route over the middle on 1st and 10 late in the 1st quarter at NRG Stadium. The pass was incomplete, but the unnecessary roughness penalty on Bethea moved the ball to the Cardinals' 23-yard line, and 4 plays later the Texans scored a TD for the first points of the game. As for Hopkins, he kept on ticking, playing 65 of the Texans' 70 snaps on offense and finishing with 4 catches for 76 yards and his 9th TD of the season in a 31-21 win.<br />
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40. I guess the Lions-Saints game in Week 6 was just loaded with strange stuff. Here rookie LB Jarrad Davis apparently not only wants to tackle rookie RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b>, he wants a piece of Kamara's nose ring too; but Alvin's too smart for that. The clear visor attached to his helmet prevents Davis' unwelcome fingers from doing any damage. Davis, who tackled Kamara at least a couple of times during their two meetings in college (Florida vs. Tennessee), doesn't get credit for this tackle because Alvin actually breaks away from him on this carry on 3rd and 12 early in the 4th quarter and picks up the 1st down. But an offensive holding penalty offset the facemask penalty on Davis and nullified the play. Two plays later the Saints punted, and the Lions returned it for a TD to cut the Saints' lead to 45-31. On plays that counted Kamara did well, but he didn't get enough touches to make the dread stars list, finishing with 87 total yards (75 rushing, 12 receiving) on 13 touches in a 52-38 Saints W. <br />
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41. When the Ravens lined up to punt on 4th and 7 midway through the 1st quarter in Week 9, CB Brice McCain <i>thought</i> his job was going to be to block WR<b> Chris Moore</b>, lined up outside as a gunner. But after he gets fooled and allows Moore to be open for a 16-yard reception on a pass from P Sam Koch, he instead ends up grabbing Moore's facemask and yanking his helmet off of his head: <a href="https://www.baltimoreravens.com/video/highlight-punter-sam-koch-fakes-titans-throws-for-1st-down-19704027" target="_blank">https://www.baltimoreravens.com/video/highlight-punter-sam-koch-fakes-titans-throws-for-1st-down-19704027</a> ..... The facemask penalty moved the ball to the 13-yard line, but the Ravens settled for a FG 4 plays later to tie the game at 3. In 49 snaps on the field this was the only time Moore touched the ball. He also had 1 tackle (1-0) on special teams in the Ravens' 23-20 loss to the Titans.<br />
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As usual there were several instances where a player trying to tackle a player with dreads used his dreads to make the tackle. Unfortunately I couldn't find very many good photos of them; so I guess you'll have to use your imagination a bit while looking at these next few photos ..... <br />
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42. LB <b>Matthew Judon</b> (#99) and DT <b>Willie Henry</b> (#69) both tackled RB <b>Marshawn Lynch</b> more than once in the Week 5 game between the Ravens and Raiders, so I don't know what play this photo is from; but It looks like Henry might have a hold of a couple of Lynch's locks as he reaches in with both hands trying to make the stop. Henry had 5 tackles (3-2), 1 TFL, and 2 PBU in the game. Judon finished with 4 tackles (3-1), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU. Lynch rushed for 43 yards and 1 TD on 12 carries. The Ravens won 30-17.<br />
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43. With LB <b>Patrick Onwuasor</b> (his dreads too short to be seen) wearing black gloves, it makes it hard to see; but I think there's no doubt he has a handful of RB <b>Chris Ivory</b>'s jersey with his left hand and a fistful of Ivory's locks in his right hand while trying to drag him down during Week 3 at Wembley Stadium. Assuming Ivory didn't break the tackle, this would have to be his 3-yard run to the Ravens' 40-yard line on 1st and 20 early in the 2nd quarter, because of his 7 tackles (6-1) only once did Onwuasor tackle Ivory. The Jaguars kicked a FG three plays later to up their lead to 13-0. Ivory had 42 total yards (17 rushing, 25 receiving) on 8 touches as the Jaguars crushed the Ravens 44-7.<br />
For real I think Ivory gets his dreads grabbed more than any other player in the league; but he doesn't get discouraged easily, does he? No matter what happens his dreads keep getting longer every year.<br />
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44. Falcons CB and Tacoma native <b>Desmond Trufant </b>would have liked nothing more than to score his 1st career pick 6 in front of family and friends at CenturyLink Field in Week 11, but Russell Wilson isn't having it. After stopping the Seahawks' opening drive with his 2nd INT of the season on 2nd and 1, Trufant has his sights on a 78-yard return for a TD; but the Seattle QB, the only man with a chance to stop him, reaches out and briefly grabs his dreads before throwing him down at the 38-yard line. The tackle also causes Desmond to fumble, but he recovers it himself. The 40-yard return (his career longest) set up a 35-yard TD drive that put Atlanta ahead 14-0 midway through the 1st quarter: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw1Za5QrtTU" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw1Za5QrtTU</a> ..... Trufant finished with 5 tackles (5-0), 1 TFL, and 2 PBU in addition to the INT as the Falcons won a big one over the Seahawks 34-31.<br />
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45. It didn't take long for RB <b>Jay Ajayi</b>'s dreads to come under attack. On the 9th play and his 4th carry of the Dolphins' first drive of the season against the Chargers in Week 2 Ajayi cuts to the outside after taking the handoff on a draw play on 2nd and 17, and to prevent him from breaking away for a big gain DE Joey Bosa lunges at him, gets a hold of a couple of his locks and yanks him down at the LA 32-yard line after a gain of 6. Ajayi was fortunate to not get his legs trapped underneath him while being dragged down and was not injured. Bosa was (erroneously) hit with a 15-yard horsecollar penalty. The Dolphins settled for a FG 4 plays later to take a 3-0 lead. The Jay Train rushed for over 100 yards just twice in 2017. This was one of two times, as he finished with 122 yards on a season high 28 carries in a 19-17 road win over the Chargers.<br />
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46. The most vivid case of a player getting his dreads grabbed actually occurred during Week 3 of the preseason. Back in photo #20 I mentioned that Rams TE <b>Temarrick Hemingway</b>'s injury could be considered punishment for something he had done earlier. Well, this is what he had done. After turning the ball over on their opening drive, the Rams turn it over again on the 3rd play of their second drive, as CB <b>Jason Verrett</b> intercepts a pass intended for WR<b> Sammy Watkins</b> at the Chargers' 46-yard line and heads across the field on the return. But as he encounters Hemingway near the sideline at the Rams' 35-yard line Verrett, instead of going out of bounds, comes to a stop and cuts back trying to get a few more yards. And then ..... <br />
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47. ..... Hemingway, after Verrett ducks under him trying to avoid the tackle, ends up with not one but <i>two</i> handfuls of Jason's long dreads. Apparently feeling guilty for his blatant misconduct, Temarrick shows a little mercy to his fellow dreadhead, letting go right away rather than yanking Verrett down; and RB Malcolm Brown makes the tackle a couple of yards further downfield. All of this was for naught, however, as the return was overturned after a replay review. Verrett was ruled down by contact as Watkins put a hand on him just before he got up off the ground to begin his return. I'm going to go ahead and include the link to the video of this play; you can look at it if you want but it doesn't really show Hemingway grabbing Verrett's dreads at all. You're better off clicking on the second link, a sequence of photos catching Hemingway dread-handed.<br />
<a href="https://www.chargers.com/video/jason-verrett-intercepts-goff-s-pass-152431" target="_blank">https://www.chargers.com/video/jason-verrett-intercepts-goff-s-pass-152431</a><br />
<a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/search/temarrick-hemingway-jason-verrett" target="_blank">https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/search/temarrick-hemingway-jason-verrett</a><br />
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Sad to say, I haven't spent much time doing anything on College Football the last few years. But I haven't been <i>totally</i> ignoring it. To finish off DG175 here are a few shots I saved from College Football 2017 that I might as well post rather than let them go to waste.<br />
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48. Miami WR <b>Darrell Langham</b> is at the center of this shot of the Hurricanes' sideline celebrating after the final play of their 24-20 win over Florida State at Tallahassee in Week 6. Langham is especially happy because it was his 23-yard TD catch with :06 remaining that gave the Hurricanes the win (rather than having to attempt a FG to tie the game on the next play had he not scored). Here's the video of the TD: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcsPlzFQnfg" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcsPlzFQnfg</a> ..... Up to that point Langham had played only one snap the entire game. The win snapped the Hurricanes' streak of 7 straight losses to the Seminoles. <br />
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49. Way back in 2017, before reduced dreads became the norm, the Miami Hurricanes had a pair of safeties with sick dreads that would have gotten serious consideration for the Dread All-America team if I had done one. These aren't a couple of their better moments, but their dreads look great. On the right sophomore <b>Robert Knowles</b> defends as WR Nyqwan Murray goes up to make a 18-yard reception at the Miami 47-yard line on the first play of a Florida State drive early in the 4th quarter. It was one of 4 tackles (2-2) Knowles made in the game. And on the left junior <b>Sheldrick Redwine</b> gets beat by WR A.J. Taylor for a 16-yard TD reception on 2nd and 8, completing a 71-yard drive and putting Wisconsin ahead (to stay) 17-14 with 5:49 remaining in the 2nd quarter of the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30. Redwine finished with 6 tackles (3-3) as the Hurricanes lost 34-24. Knowles and Redwine wouldn't have made the 2018 Dread All-America team (if I had done one). Knowles decided to reduce his dreads, while Redwine cut his shorter. In 2019 Knowles is set to play his senior season for the 'Canes; and you can look for Redwine at an NFL stadium near you after he was picked by the Cleveland Browns in round 4 of the 2019 Draft.<br />
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50. Western Kentucky's defense of a last-play Hail Mary by ODU in Week 8 includes three players with dreads. On the left, with his hands ready but not making the INT, is the sophomore CB with the long dreads, <b>Ta'Corian Darden</b>. On the right, with the long<i>er</i> dreads and losing his balance, is S <b>Drell Greene</b>. And in the middle, making the leaping interception to seal WKU's 35-31 road win and with the long<i>est</i> dreads, is senior CB <b>Leverick Johnson</b>. It was the 1st INT of the season for Johnson and the 4th and last of his career. Let's go back to 2016 and watch the only one of the four that was a pick 6. Johnson first has to break an attempted tackle of his dreads (at the :31 mark of the video) before taking the return 61 yards to the house, upping WKU's lead to 28-7 in the 2nd quarter of a 49-21 home win over FIU.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7M0uwq7cpw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7M0uwq7cpw</a><br />
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51. Here's a close-up shot of the reduced dreads of Alabama WR <b>Cam Sims</b> as he holds his daughter on the field during Senior Day ceremonies on Nov. 18. A couple of hours later Sims made his only TD catch for the Crimson Tide, an 8-yard yarder that made the score 42-0 in the 3rd quarter of a 56-0 win over Mercer. Cam went undrafted the following spring but was signed by the Redskins as a free agent. Here's what the Hogs Haven blog had to say about him before the start of OTA practices last May: <a href="https://www.hogshaven.com/2018/5/19/17347788/washington-redskins-udfa-profile-cam-sims-wr-alabama" target="_blank">https://www.hogshaven.com/2018/5/19/17347788/washington-redskins-udfa-profile-cam-sims-wr-alabama</a><br />
As you may recall Sims, despite that somewhat gloomy outlook, played so well in training camp that he made the team and was in uniform on opening day - only to have the injury bug bite him again. On the very first play of the season he suffered a high-ankle sprain while blocking on the opening kickoff return. The Redskins put him on IR and, even though he was healthy one month later, they never activated him. He'll try again next season. <br />
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52. Sophomore WR <b>Tyrie Cleveland</b> gets the hero's welcome after his 63-yard TD catch on the final play of the game gives Florida a 26-20 win over Tennessee in their SEC opener in Week 3.<br />
The game was a drab affair, with Florida leading 6-3, until a wild 4th quarter. Tied at 20 with :09 on the clock, the game looked like it would go into overtime; but instead Cleveland somehow gets behind S Micah Abernathy and catches a perfect pass in stride in the end zone from QB Feleipe Franks that travels nearly 70 yards in the air: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pLZrs2rkwM" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pLZrs2rkwM</a><br />
It was Cleveland's 1st TD catch in a Florida uniform; and to say he was overcome with emotion is an understatement, as you can see by watching his reaction in this video of the play: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSgKjwgjVXA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSgKjwgjVXA</a><br />
It was the 7th straight home win for the Gators over the Volunteers, a streak they'll try to extend in Week 4 in 2019. This was the first of 5 touchdowns Cleveland has scored for the Gators, as he gets set for his senior season.<br />
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53. There's no abundance of sick dreads in the Pac-12; but it's not totally a lost cause. Fans attending California and Washington State games have been treated to a look at these dreads these last two seasons, both worthy of inclusion on my Dread All-America team. On the right freshman LB <b>Jahad Woods</b> makes the tackle after Stanford WR Connor Wedington makes the catch for a 7-yard gain on 3rd and 6 during the 3rd quarter in Week 10. Woods led WSU with 8 tackles (2-6) and had 1.5 TFL in the Cougars' 24-21 home win over Stanford. In the photo above junior LB <b>Alex Funches</b> of Cal tries to sack UCLA QB Josh Rosen during Week 13. 2 of Funches' 3 tackles (3-0) in the game were sacks; but I don't know if this was one of them (there was no caption). UCLA won the game 30-27. Woods was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman team in 2017 and made honorable mention All-Pac-12 last year. Very possibly he could be drafted next year. Funches, a junior college transfer, totaled 74 tackles, 18.5 TFL, and 9 sacks in his two seasons for the Bears; but he wasn't drafted and Sunday football does not appear to be in his future. <br />
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54. Continuing with the awesome college dreads section of DG175, dreads didn't come any more awesome in 2017 than those on the head of South Carolina senior CB<b> Jamarcus King</b>. King's dreads were pretty much a highlight reel every minute he was on the field, including some plays that were actually highlights. In Week 7 King catches Tennessee WR Brandon Johnson looking the other way on the run after a catch late in the 4th quarter and emphatically ends his progress at the South Carolina 22-yard line (photo on left) after a 39-yard gain with :41 on the clock. King nearly caused a turnover on the play, but it was ruled Johnson hit the ground before King took the ball away from him. Tennessee eventually got to the 2-yard line; but after incomplete passes on the final three plays of the game, the Gamecocks held on for a 15-9 road win. On the right JaMarcus gets the last of his 5 interceptions in a South Carolina uniform, picking off a pass in the end zone intended for WR Donovan Peoples-Jones on 3rd and goal to maintain the Gamecocks' 23-19 lead over Michigan midway through the 4th quarter in the Outback Bowl at Tampa. The Gamecocks held on to win 26-19.<br />
NFL scouts usually drool over cornerbacks who stand 6-foot-2 like King; but JaMarcus followed a shaky performance at the Senior Bowl by running a very slow (for a CB) 4.70 40-yard dash at the Combine, and that soured a lot of teams. He went undrafted, and although he got looks from the Raiders and Redskins, he never officially signed with them or any other team last year.<br />
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55. From the CB with slowest 40 time at the Combine we go to the CB with the fastest 40 time. Maybe <b>Donte Jackson</b>'s dreads are a little less awesome than <b>JaMarcus King</b>'s; but his bank account certainly isn't. Jackson, a junior in 2017, comes in unblocked on the blitz and gets the first and only sack of his career (left photo), dropping QB Austin Allen for an 8-yard loss on 3rd and 7 to end an Arkansas possession during the 1st quarter at Baton Rouge in Week 11. Starting at safety for the first time, Jackson had 8 tackles (6-2) - one short of his career high - 2 TFL, and 3 PBU in LSU's 33-10 victory. Two weeks later in what would be his final home game Donte gets back to his feet (right photo) but by (dumb) rule isn't allowed to make a return after getting his 1st INT of the season and the 4th of his career at a key point in the game against Texas A&M. The Aggies had cut LSU's 20-0 lead to 20-14 early in the 3rd quarter and had forced the Tigers to punt; but on the first play of their drive Jackson's pick at the A&M 39-yard line turned the game back in the Tigers' favor. The Tigers scored a TD 7 plays later and went on to win 45-21.<br />
Jackson decided to skip his senior season for LSU; and after running a blazing 4.32 40-yard dash at the Combine, he was picked by the Carolina Panthers in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft last year.<br />
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56. Maybe his bank account isn't as fat as <b>Donte Jackson</b>'s; but I doubt <b>Parry Nickerson</b> is complaining <i>too</i> much. Like Jackson, Nickerson is a CB with awesome dreads (when he doesn't have them reduced, that is) who went to high school and college in Louisiana; but since he wasn't drafted until the 6th round, his contract is worth a piddling $2.6 million, roughly half of Jackson's. In Week 11 Nickerson wins this dread duel with senior WR <b>Davon Grayson</b>, picking off a deep pass at the Tulane 11-yard line on the first play of an East Carolina possession during the 3rd quarter - not that the ECU cheerleaders care. Grayson finished with 4 catches for 43 yards, while Nickerson had 6 tackles (5-1) and 1 PBU in addition to his INT. Tulane won 31-24 OT.<br />
After totaling 16 INT in his 5 seasons with the Green Wave (second most in school history), Nickerson didn't have any last year in his 212 defensive snaps during his rookie season with the New York Jets. Grayson, who had 13 career TD catches for ECU, went undrafted but was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs after the Draft. He was released shortly after that due to injury, but the Chiefs brought him back after the season to give him another chance.<br />
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57. In the category "WR with the best dreads in the SEC" the trophy for 2017 goes to Tennessee sophomore <b>Marquez Callaway</b>; and in his first season as a starter he had his share of dread duels with opposing DBs. In the final game of the season Callaway caps the Volunteers' 85-yard opening drive with a highlight-reel, one-handed 2-yard TD catch against the coverage of senior CB <b>Tre Herndon</b> (photo above) on a fade on 3rd and goal for an early 7-0 lead over Vanderbilt. It was a quiet game for both Callaway and Herndon. This was the only reception for Callaway; while Herndon, who played 285 snaps (mostly on special teams) for the Jacksonville Jaguars as a rookie in 2018, had 0 tackles and 1 PBU in his final game for Vandy. In a battle of 0-7 teams starving for their 1st (and only) SEC win Vanderbilt whipped Tennessee in Knoxville 42-24. In the Vols' first home game of the season back in Week 2 (photo on right) Callaway encounters an opponent with the same number as his and with dreads as sick as his, junior CB <b>Rondell Green</b> of Indiana State. The caption says that this play was a reception by Callaway; but on the only reception he had, which went for a 37-yard TD, Green had coverage on the other side of the field and was nowhere near Callaway. More likely Marquez here is eluding Green on one of his 4 punt returns, one of which went for 36 yards. Green finished the afternoon with 3 tackles (3-0) and 1 INT. Tennessee won easily 42-7. <br />
Green was not the only #1 with dreads to oppose Callaway .....<br />
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58. In case you were wondering ... yes, Tennessee did play LSU in 2017 (one of their infrequent meetings) and yes, <b>Marquez Callaway</b> and <b>Donte</b> <b>Jackson</b> often lined up opposite each other. Here late in the 2nd quarter Callaway gets the better of Jackson on back-to-back plays, first making a catch in front of Jackson on the sideline (photo above) for a 26-yard gain to convert a 3rd and 7 and then after beating Jackson again on the next play (despite being interfered with by Jackson), taking it 46 yards to the house (photo on right). The Vols obviously declined the penalty and took the touchdown, which cut LSU's lead to 17-10. It was a forgettable night for both. Earlier in the game Callaway fumbled twice on punt returns deep in Tennessee territory to set up LSU's first 10 points of the game. These 2 catches for 72 yards were his only two of the game. Jackson, who finished with 3 tackles (3-0), was last seen showing the back of his middle finger to fans behind the end zone early in the 4th quarter and was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct: <a href="https://twitter.com/valleyshook/status/932078844231766018/photo/1" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/valleyshook/status/932078844231766018/photo/1</a> .....<br />
4 of the game's 5 touchdowns were scored by players with dreads (Callaway, <b>Derrius Guice</b>, and <b>Darrel</b> <b>Williams</b> 2) as LSU defeated Tennessee in Knoxville 30-10. <br />
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59. After catching only 1 pass during his 2016 freshman season, <b>Marquez Callaway</b> began 2017 with a bang. This is his 3rd catch of the season opener against Georgia Tech, on which he gains 40 yards while nearly being decapitated by CB Step Durham at the 27-yard line. For some reason Durham was not called for a facemask penalty. Two plays later the Vols scored a TD to tie the game at 28 with 1:29 remaining in the 4th quarter. Earlier in the 2nd half Callaway's first 2 catches both went for touchdowns, both cutting GT's lead to 7. And Marquez's 4th catch of the night went for 15 yards and converted a 2nd and 9 on the Vols' possession in the 2nd overtime. Here is a video of all four: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APZH73QtAC8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APZH73QtAC8</a> ..... The Vols scored a TD two plays after Callaway's final reception and held on to win 42-41 when Tech followed with a TD but failed on a 2-point conversion attempt. Callaway finished with 115 yards on those 4 catches. But the rest of the season didn't go as well for him and his teammates. He led the Vols with 5 TD catches but for the season had only 24 catches for 406 yards, and the Vols finished 4-8 overall, 0-8 in the SEC.<br />
I don't know if I would have named Marquez to the Dread All-America team; but if I had, he would have lost his place on the team in 2018, because he stifled his dreads something awful last year, looking just like <b>Cordarrelle Patterson </b>did when he played for UT in 2012, with his dreads wrapped together with tape for most of the games.<br />
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60. While I'm not sure about <b>Marquez Callaway</b>, there's absolutely no doubt that Michigan State junior WR <b>Felton Davis</b> earned a spot on the Dread All-America team. Much to my delight Davis had his long dreads completely loose for every game (well, almost every game) he played for Michigan State. Here against Penn State in Week 10 Davis hits the ground in the end zone after making a sensational diving catch for a 33-yard TD and then gets up to celebrate the score, which tied the game at 14 with 3:54 remaining in the 2nd quarter. In case you're wondering why all the empty seats ... many fans went home during a weather delay that lasted nearly three and a half hours (which is nearly unheard of in Michigan in November). Those that stayed saw Davis' career best game, as he finished with 12 catches for 181 yards in the Spartans' 27-24.victory over #7 ranked Penn State. Felton finished 2017 with 55 receptions for 776 yards and 9 TD and was on pace to do even better in 2018 before he tore his Achilles tendon midway through the season. The injury doomed any chance he had of being an NFL draft choice. He signed as a free agent with the Chiefs, where he'll be a longshot to make the team, along with <b>Davon Grayson</b>.<br />
I know it's a bit much to ask you to spend 10 whole minutes watching an interview; but please take the time to watch this interview Davis did for Spartans All-Access about a week after he suffered his injury. You'll be glad you did. And by the way, this touchdown vs. Penn State can be seen at the 3:15 mark of the video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAFm6wQHTJ0" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAFm6wQHTJ0</a><br />
<br />House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-43451967962684857052019-05-26T20:27:00.000-05:002019-05-27T07:13:46.197-05:00Quarter Ton, Full Power<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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They tip the scales at a combined weight of a quarter of a ton (give or take a few pounds), so what they did should come as a surprise to no one; but that doesn't make what they did any less impressive. It was the late evening/early morning of May 14/15, so you might have missed what they did. I was tuning in to various things on television and changing channels often. At times I made it to the telecasts of the MLB games between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks and between the Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants - but just not at the right times; so it wasn't until a couple of hours later, while watching the nightly highlights show on the MLB Network, that I found out about what they did. Who are they? And what did they do? Well, the photo collage above is the giveaway answer to who they are - 1B <b>Josh Bell </b>of the Pirates and 3B <b>Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</b> of the Blue Jays. And in their respective games that night they both blasted a pair of mammoth home runs, with the shortest of them measuring in at 438 feet.<br />
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At first I was going to title this post "Quarter Ton, Quarter Mile", but then I realized the sum of the length of the four home runs - 1,795 feet - was way past a quarter of a mile (1,320 feet); so that title wasn't going to work, and I decided to just let what they did slide until the next time I did a dread gallery on baseball. That was until 6 days later. The following Monday, May 20, when Bell and Guerrero were named National League and American League Players of the Week, I figured I better mention it now. It's the first time ever players with dreads took Player of the Week honors in both leagues for the same week.<br />
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Homerless in his first 13 games since making his MLB debut on April 26, the 20-year old Guerrero finally broke the ice on his first at bat of a Blue Jays road trip, walloping a 3-2 fastball 438 feet to center field to give Toronto a quick 1-0 lead. His teammates celebrated the event by dousing his dreads with sunflower seeds after he returned to the dugout, requiring him to do some vigorous dreads shaking to make sure he got them all out.<br />
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After hitting a single in the 2nd inning and walking in the 4th, Vlad Jr. came up with 2 runners on in the 6th and hit a drive even further than the one in the 1st inning - 451 feet this time, again to center field - to make the score 7-2, and the Blue Jays went on to win 7-3. Here's the video of the two home runs (and the dreads shaking too!): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbOfTI7FgCU" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbOfTI7FgCU</a> ..... And here again are the homers, as measured by Statcast (the tracking system that has become one of baseball's best innovations since its inception in 2015): <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/statcast-vlad-jr-s-big-1st-hr" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/video/statcast-vlad-jr-s-big-1st-hr </a><br />
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Guerrero was done doing damage for that night but not for the road trip. He hit two more home runs over the weekend in Chicago. The Blue Jays went 3-3 on their road trip, going 3-0 in the games he homered and losing the 3 games in which he didn't.<br />
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In the final game of the trip with the score tied 1-1, after CF <b>Jonathan Davis</b> singled to lead off the 8th inning (his first hit of the season, snapping an 0 for 16 streak), Vlad lofted a fly ball into the seats in left field, putting the Blue Jays ahead for good in their 5-2 victory over the White Sox. Certainly it was <i>that</i> home run that made the difference in him winning the Player of the Week. In the video of it you can also get a brief look at Davis' beginner dreads as well as the Blue Jays' other player with dreads, SS <b>Freddy Galvis</b>, during the celebration in the dugout.<br />
<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/must-c-vlad-jr-s-go-ahead-homer" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/video/must-c-vlad-jr-s-go-ahead-homer</a><br />
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It was in the middle game of the Pirates' season-longest 11-game road trip that Bell had jaws dropping among the 21,000+ in attendance at Phoenix, as he absolutely annihilated a pair of pitches during a 6-2 victory over the Diamondbacks. <br />
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After driving in the first run of the game with a ground out in the 3rd inning, Josh hit a drive deep enough and high enough to clear the tall center field wall with RF <b>Gregory Polanco</b> on base in the 5th to make it 3-0. But that blast, measured at 446 feet, was a baby compared to the 460-footer he crushed in the 8th to make it 4-0. It looked like the ball was going to splash down in that little swimming pool they have beyond the fence in right-center field at Chase Field, but it went a good 6 rows of seats even beyond that. Here's the video of those two drives: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/bell-s-2-homer-game" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/video/bell-s-2-homer-game </a><br />
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Four nights later in San Diego the switch-hitting Bell was at it again, belting another pair of home runs - a solo shot in the 2nd inning to open the scoring and then a 3-run shot in the 5th to make it 5-0 and send the Pirates on their way to a 7-2 victory over the Padres. But apparently Josh is a mere weakling when he's batting right handed, because those two homers traveled 'only' 430 and 379 feet: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/must-c-bell-s-2-homer-game" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/video/must-c-bell-s-2-homer-game</a><br />
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Arguably Bell's most impressive home run of the season came during the Pirates' last game before beginning that long road trip. His 460-foot drive at Phoenix may have overshot that swimming pool, but his 472-foot blast on May 8 was just the right distance to find water - specifically the water of the Allegheny River, which runs outside the right field side of PNC Park. I mean, the ball made it to the river with 10 feet to spare. Also in the video of it you can get a brief look at Polanco's beginner dreads as he welcomes Josh back to the dugout: <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/josh-bell-homers-9-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-field-melky-cabrera-scores" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/video/josh-bell-homers-9-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-field-melky-cabrera-scores</a><br />
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The Player of the Week awards were the first ever in the careers of Guerrero (obviously) and Bell. Vlad has a ways to go to catch his father, who was player of the week 10 times during his career. Here are the details in this article (with videos) from MLB.com. Below that is the link to an interview Bell did on the MLB Network in which, among other things, he concedes that his dreads are not the best hair currently on the Pirates roster.<br />
<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/vladimir-guerrero-jr-josh-bell-earn-player-of-week" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/news/vladimir-guerrero-jr-josh-bell-earn-player-of-week</a><br />
<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/bell-on-nl-potw-honors" target="_blank">https://www.mlb.com/video/bell-on-nl-potw-honors</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy76-GxFua-6UrH9_JRJ2tSSoSV_6LvxLEzeKBAnmO3JA-N0Hcirz67m9F0af60cZweLm9Ilwpir2jNesMKcQGXNwC3ZkU2sePTXaPdRr61xznuOGbd_p7tCsVIICr7lQBt83gmmrN40/s1600/NL19--MAY+22--P2++COLO-PITT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy76-GxFua-6UrH9_JRJ2tSSoSV_6LvxLEzeKBAnmO3JA-N0Hcirz67m9F0af60cZweLm9Ilwpir2jNesMKcQGXNwC3ZkU2sePTXaPdRr61xznuOGbd_p7tCsVIICr7lQBt83gmmrN40/s320/NL19--MAY+22--P2++COLO-PITT.jpg" width="320" /></a>Not just a great week, Bell has had an incredible whole 2019 season so far. He's been so hot lately that he probably will be named NL Player of the Month for May. He's currently in the top 5 in the NL in batting average, HR, and RBI, and has turned the competition for the 2019 NL MVP into a 3-horse race, joining early favorite Cody Bellinger of the Dodgers and defending 2018 champ Christian Yelich of the Brewers.<br />
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I was very happy to see Bell when he made his debut with the Pirates in July 2016. Andrew McCutchen had cut his dreads off the year before, and it was good to see the Pirates had somebody else ready to keep their tradition of dreads going (lol).<br />
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Josh certainly caught everyone's attention when he hit a grand slam in just his 2nd MLB at bat. He ended that season with 152 plate appearances, just few enough to retain his rookie status for 2017. He did well enough that year (26 HR, 90 RBI) to finish 3rd in the voting for NL Rookie of the Year; but then he followed that with a very disappointing 2018 season.<br />
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But this year it's all good, and incredibly good. Bell is so big that I jokingly refer to him as the linebacker the Pirates have masquerading as a 1st baseman (he even has a linebacker jersey number - 55); but make no mistake hitting baseballs, not running backs, is his thing. This article (link below) from Bleacher Report explains the success Bell is now having compared to his lack of success in 2018. It's a long season, and the jury is still out; but if this isn't just a temporary hot streak, and he really is this good, he's going to be making a whole lot of money in the upcoming years.<br />
<a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2836432-mlbs-biggest-breakout-slugger-josh-bell-is-averaging-427-foot-bombs" target="_blank">https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2836432-mlbs-biggest-breakout-slugger-josh-bell-is-averaging-427-foot-bombs</a><br />
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The one thing that is not all good is, of course, those reduced dreads. Up until this year Bell had almost always had his dreads flowing at full blast. But, sad to say, reduced dreads are the norm now, and I guess Josh just decided to join the crowd. Actually though, if having his dreads reduced is going to make him hit like this, I can tolerate it.<br />
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Certainly in baseball - and maybe in all of sports - Guerrero Jr. is the first player with dreads to be the son of a player with dreads. You'll remember that Vladimir Sr. had dreads for three full seasons (2007-09) late in his career when he was with the Angels. He didn't have dreads before that during the 7 seasons I enjoyed watching him play for the Montreal Expos. Often during those years he was the only reason Expos fans had for going to the ball park. The photo on left below is of Vlad senior with 3-year old junior from the final game of the 2002 season.<br />
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Even though Vlad Jr. is only 20, his arrival in MLB has been much hyped and eagerly awaited for several years now. I don't remember the first time I saw him or heard that he was such a hot prospect - maybe it was at the 2017 All-Star Futures Game - but my mouth has been watering in anticipation ever since. Vlad had everybody's mouth watering in 2018, during which he batted nearly .400 for the whole season in the minor leagues. But due to contractual considerations, the Blue Jays refused to promote him to the majors. He has arrived now though, and we can only hope that one day 25 years or so from now he'll join his dad in the Hall of Fame.<br />
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One category he has already surpassed his father in is pounds. Weighing 250 pounds at age 20 probably is too much for someone who stands 6-foot-1; and it means he'll be above 270 before long. Hope he's planning on paying attention to the strength and conditioning coach. Vlad's weight is one of the topics covered in this article from about a month ago by Montreal Gazette columnist Jack Todd: <a href="https://montrealgazette.com/sports/todd-oh-the-weight-the-weight-of-vladimir-guerreros-jr-and-sr" target="_blank">https://montrealgazette.com/sports/todd-oh-the-weight-the-weight-of-vladimir-guerreros-jr-and-sr</a><br />
Hmm ... It's good to read that somebody else besides me thinks the Expos will ride again some day.<br />
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With (hopefully) at least 15 years of baseball in front of him, there's little chance the dreads Vlad Jr. has now will be with him throughout his career. His dad kept his dreads for about three and a half years before cutting them off and starting over. Let's hope Junior is planning on keeping them for longer than that. But for however long he keeps them growing I'm just going to enjoy them while they last. Long dreads, short dreads, or even no dreads I'm looking forward to watching him excel and maybe help lead the Blue Jays back to the World Series one of these years.House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825096831824061919.post-72554568003378263102019-04-07T06:33:00.001-05:002019-04-07T15:39:04.720-05:00DG174During my 2017 NFL dreads focus I put in CAPITAL letters the names of 212 players whose dreads are long enough to be seen when they have their helmets on. That's an average of about 6.6 per team and 13 per game. So it's inevitable that at some point in nearly every game players with dreads from opposing teams will bump into each other. And that's what dread gallery #174 is all about. These are many (but not even close to all) of the instances from the 2017 season where players with dreads from both teams found their way into the same photos.<br />
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1. And we'll begin with a couple of instances that RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> went up against players with dreads in Rams games vs. NFC West division foes.<br />
On 3rd and 2 during the 1st quarter in Week 3 49ers LB <b>Ray-Ray Armstrong</b>, after running behind TE Tyler Higbee on a pick play, turns on the jets trying to catch up but doesn't get there in time to prevent Gurley from scoring his 2nd TD of the game - a 7-yard reception that puts the Rams back in front 14-7. Gurley, who scored his 1st TD on the game's 2nd play from scrimmage, added a 3rd TD before halftime and finished the game with 149 total yards (113 rushing, 36 receiving). Armstrong, starting in place of the injured <b>Reuben Foster</b>, had several other close encounters with Gurley. 4 of Ray-Ray's 6 tackles (4-2) were tackles of Gurley, including 1 TFL. Leading 41-26 midway through the 4th quarter, the Rams barely held on to get the road win 41-39. Here are some of Gurley's highlights in the game: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVc3tVAUluo" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVc3tVAUluo</a><br />
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2. On the last play before the 2-minute warning during the 1st half in Week 13 <b>Todd Gurley</b> tries to get past LB<b> Josh Bynes</b> of the Cardinals on the run after a catch along the left sideline; but Bynes ends up making a lunging tackle at the Arizona 37-yard line after a 23-yard gain. The drive ended with the Rams running out of time and having to settle for a 20-yard FG (on 1st and goal) on the final play of the half, upping their lead to 19-13. On the other 6 plays that Bynes tackled him Gurley, including once for a 3-yard loss, Gurley netted a total of just 15 yards. Bynes had one other tackle in the game and finished with a game high 8 tackles (8-0) as well as 1 PBU. Gurley led the Rams in rushing (74 yards on 19 carries) and receiving (6 catches for 84 yards) in their 32-16 road win over the Cardinals.<br />
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3. In the Rams' first meeting with the Seahawks in Week 5 and before they greeted each other after the game (see DG173) <b>Todd Gurley</b> has this close encounter with CB <b>Richard Sherman</b>. This play didn't make the highlights, so I don't know exactly when it happened. The caption says it was in the 1st quarter, when Sherman tackled Gurley two times, for gains of 1 and 9 yards. Sherman had a season high 6 tackles (6-0) as the Seahawks dealt the Rams a 16-10 defeat. Gurley had a season low 50 total yards but made up for it big time in the teams' next meeting in December.<br />
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4. CB <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> tries his hardest but can't prevent WR <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> from making the catch then waits for the bad news from the official as Benjamin maintains control of the ball after hitting the ground on this controversial play on 3rd and goal late in the 2nd quarter of the Bills-Patriots game in Week 16. The officials ruled that KB made the catch inbounds for a 4-yard TD, but upon further review the replay official overruled the on-field officials and changed it to an incomplete pass. So instead of the Bills taking a 17-13 lead at halftime they settled for a FG on the next play and a 13-13 tie.<br />
Gilmore made 5 tackles (5-0) in the game, and 4 of them came after receptions by Benjamin, for gains of 3, 8, 15, and 9 yards. On Benjamin's 5th and final catch he outjumped Gilmore for the ball then got away for a 35-yard gain to finish with 5 catches for 70 yards. The Patriots dominated in the 2nd half and won the game 37-16.<br />
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5. One week before facing <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b>, <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> often had his sights set on denying another tall WR with dreads, 6-foot-4 <b>Martavis Bryant</b> of the Steelers. In his 35 offensive snaps on the field Bryant had 6 passes thrown to him (7 if you include one nullified by penalty), and Gilmore had the coverage on 5 of them .....<br />
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6. The first two passes to Bryant came on back-to-back plays from the New England 31-yard line midway through the 1st quarter; and both were incomplete, including this one on 2nd and 10 on which Gilmore gets his only PBU of the day on a 10-yard slant route. But the Steelers converted the 3rd and 10 on the next play and then scored a TD on the next play after that to tie the game at 7 ..... <br />
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7. On the 5th play of the Steelers' next drive - and the first play of the 2nd quarter - Martavis beats press coverage by Stephon on 3rd and 8, turns on the speed and makes a beautiful diving catch for his 1st reception of the game, for a 39-yard gain to the 17-yard line. The Steelers ended up settling for a FG and a 10-7 lead. Later in the 2nd quarter Bryant scored a TD against Gilmore (as was seen in my house calls post) and finished the game with 4 catches for 59 yards. Gilmore played all 66 snaps on defense and led the Patriots with 8 tackles (8-0).<br />
This was the game, as you probably recall, in which the Steelers thought they had scored the winning TD with 28 seconds to play, only to have it overturned on a replay review, and then threw an interception two plays later, allowing the Patriots to escape with a crucial 27-24 road victory that left both teams with a record of 11-3.<br />
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8. Much earlier in the season, in one of the two games that <b>Stephon Gilmore</b> had his dreads flowing full blast, he gets called here for an unnecessary roughness penalty for a late hit out of bounds after a 13-yard reception by WR <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> of the Texans during the 2nd quarter in Week 3. The Texans kicked a FG 4 plays later to cut the Patriots' lead to 14-13 .....<br />
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9. On a Texans possession earlier in the 2nd quarter pressure on QB Deshaun Watson causes his pass intended for Hopkins on 1st and 10 to be underthrown, and Gilmore picks it off at midfield for his 1st INT in a Patriots uniform .....<br />
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10. ..... Stephon tries to take the return to the house but runs into traffic and has to make a left turn around the 20-yard line, and in these shots it's hard to tell whose dreads are whose as DeAndre catches up and makes the tackle at the 12-yard line: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLkAq9v1Ej4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLkAq9v1Ej4</a><br />
The Patriots cashed in the turnover with a TD two plays later to take a 14-10 lead. Hopkins was on the field for all 71 offensive snaps for the Texans and finished with 7 catches for 76 yards. In 60 snaps on defense Gilmore had 4 tackles (4-0), including 1 TFL, in addition to his INT. The Patriots scored a TD with 23 seconds remaining in the game to edge the Texans 36-33.<br />
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11. In their 42-7 beatdown at the hands of the Rams at home in Week 15 the Seahawks had the ball for only 23:14 and had a combined 31 touches (17 rushes, 14 receptions). RB <b>J.D. McKissic</b> had a team high 9 of those 31 touches, most of them in garbage time. On the first play from scrimmage after <b>Todd Gurley</b>'s 4th TD of the game made the score 40-0 midway through the 3rd quarter McKissic gets the handoff and gets stopped by CB <b>Nickell Robey-Coleman</b> for no gain at the Seattle 34-yard line, with S John Johnson (#43) also getting credit for a tackle on the play. The Seahawks punted 3 plays later. Of Robey-Coleman's 5 tackles (3-2) this was the only time he got McKissic. J.D. finished with 20 yards rushing on 6 carries and 3 catches for 38 yards. <br />
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12. In 2017 <b>J.D.McKissic</b>'s dreads were among the longest in the league. What a shame that he kept them reduced for every game.<br />
At Seattle in Week 4 those dreads get stiff-armed to the turf during the 3rd quarter on an INT return by Colts rookie S <b>Malik Hooker</b>. After the pass on 3rd and 7 deflects off the hands of TE Jimmy Graham and is caught one-handed by Hooker, McKissic tries to make the tackle but is a bit off balance and is promptly deposited onto his back by Hooker at the Seattle 47-yard line .....<br />
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13. ..... but McKissic doesn't stay down for long. After scrambling to his feet J.D. immediately begins his hot pursuit of Hooker and catches him from behind and makes the tackle at the 24-yard line after a 29-yard return: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjJ9tzESQvw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjJ9tzESQvw</a> ..... The Colts went three-and-out on the ensuing possession and settled for a FG to tie the game at 18. From then on it was all Seahawks, with McKissic contributing his first 2 NFL TD as they finished the game on a 28-0 run to win 46-18. J.D. had a season high 65 total yards on 5 touches. In addition to getting his 3rd INT of the season Hooker had 3 tackles (1-2).<br />
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14. Against the Giants in Week 7 <b>J.D.McKissic</b> tries to fly over CB <b>Janoris Jenkins</b> on the run after the catch on 3rd and 20 late in the 2nd quarter; but Jenkins doesn't go as low as he was hoping and upends him while knocking him out of bounds at the 21-yard line. McKissic gained 16 yards on the play, and the Seahawks kicked a FG on the next play to cut the Giants' lead to 7-3. This was J.D.'s biggest gain of the day. He finished with 33 total yards on 5 touches in Seattle's 24-7 road win. Janoris had 5 tackles (3-2) as the Giants dropped to 1-6.<br />
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15. I don't want to keep harping on it, but here are two more photos that you can't deny would look awesome if the dreads were flowing at full blast instead of being reduced.<br />
On the first play of the 2nd quarter in Week 12 DT <b>Sheldon Day</b> of the 49ers leaves his feet but is able to tackle the elusive <b>J.D.McKissic</b> at the Seattle 47-yard line, holding him to a 5-yard gain on 2nd and 8. The Seahawks punted 2 plays later. This was Day's 2nd and final tackle (2-0) in his first game in a 49ers uniform. McKissic finished with 46 total yards (22 rushing, 24 receiving) on 8 touches in the Seahawks' 24-13 road win.<br />
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16. Although not all the time like <b>J.D. McKissic</b>, CB <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> often had his long dreads reduced too in his rookie season for the Seahawks, including here on opening day at Lambeau Field. Griffin had 1 PBU in his debut but doesn't get credit for one on this play, as he defends against WR <b>Davante Adams</b> on a pass that falls incomplete late in the 1st quarter. With CB Jeremy Lane ejected from the game early, Griffin was on the field a lot more than he expected, playing 77 of Seattle's 82 defensive snaps. Of Green Bay's 28 completions he made the tackle after 10 of them (10-0), 6 of which went for first downs. Adams, with his dreads just barely long enough to be visible, played 67 snaps and finished with 3 catches for 47 yards, on two of which he was tackled by Griffin. The Seahawks' D shut out the Packers in the 1st half but eventually broke, and Green Bay got the win 17-9. <br />
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17. The Week 4 game between the Colts and Seahawks had several other dread duels besides the one between <b>Malik Hooker</b> and <b>J.D.</b> <b>McKissic</b> (photos #12 and 13), including this one involving <b>Shaquill Griffin</b>. WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> picks up the 1st first down of the game as he makes the catch of a short left sideline pass on 3rd and 6 and is wrapped up by Griffin at the Colts' 24-yard line for a gain of 11. The Colts' opening drive ended with a punt 4 plays later. This was the first of only 3 catches for Hilton (for 30 yards). Griffin finished with 5 tackles (3-2) and 1 PBU, with this being the only time he stopped Hilton.<br />
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18. Wearing the Seahawks' "Action Green" color rush uniform on Thursday night in Week 10, <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> defends WR <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> on this incomplete pass in the 1st quarter. Since the 2 PBU Griffin had in the game were both in the 4th quarter, this likely is a shot of the play on which Shaq was called for pass interference at the Seattle 40-yard line on 3rd and 6 on the Cardinals' 3rd possession of the game. The drive ended 6 plays late with a TD, tying the game at 7. Despite being on the field for 73 (of 80) defensive snaps, Griffin had no tackles in the game. In addition to this one Fitzgerald had 14 passes thrown to him and caught 10 of them for 113 yards. The Seahawks won 22-16 in a game more well known for being <b>Richard Sherman</b>'s final game for the Seahawks.<br />
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19. WR <b>Sammy Watkins</b> contributed 2 catches for 14 yards to the Rams' victory over the Seahawks in Week 15, and on both of them <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> was credited with the tackle. So this is either Sammy's 7-yard reception on 1st and 10 to the Seattle 29-yard line in the 2nd quarter or his 7-yard reception to the Seattle 32 to convert a 3rd and 3 during the 3rd quarter. Both drives ended with a TD by <b>Todd Gurley</b>. Griffin had 3 other tackles in the game for a total of 5 (4-1), including 1 TFL.<br />
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20. With the Cardinals trailing the Colts 10-3 late in the 2nd quarter but threatening to tie the game, rookie S <b>Malik</b> <b>Hooker</b> gets his 1st career INT on a Carson Palmer pass intended for WR J.J. Nelson at the 3-yard line; and when he gets to the 20-yard line on the return, he encounters RB <b>Andre Ellington</b>. LB Jeremiah George (only his legs are visible, to the right of Ellington) blocks Ellington out of the way, but Andre stays on his feet and fights off the block and ends up tackling Hooker at the 35-yard line after a 32-yard return: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECtsz3g80rY" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECtsz3g80rY</a> ..... Ellington and Hooker had at least one other close encounter, when Hooker pushed Ellington out of bounds after a 22-yard catch and run in the 3rd quarter. Malik finished with 2 tackles (1-1) in the game. Andre had 23 total yards (11 rushing, 12 receiving) on his 5 touches. The Cardinals came back from a 13-3 deficit in the 4th quarter to win 16-13 in overtime. <br />
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21. With the Lions down by 24 late in the 4th quarter in Week 13 and just trying to get the game over with, rookie RB <b>Tion Green</b> gets the handoff on 1st down and is met by Ravens rookie LB <b>Tim Williams</b> after gaining 1 yard. It was the only tackle of the game for Williams. Playing his 1st game of the season, Green rushed for 51 yards on 11 carries, including a 6-yard run for his 1st NFL TD that briefly cut the Ravens' lead to 7 at 20-13 .....<br />
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22. In his 32 defensive snaps on the field the Lions' other rookie with dreads, LB <b>Jalen Reeves-Maybin</b>, made 2 tackles (2-0), including this one at the 10-yard line after a busted coverage left WR <b>Chris Moore</b> wide open for a 23-yard catch and run on 3rd and 7 early in the 4th quarter. Two plays later the Ravens upped their lead to 27-13 on a TD run by <b>Alex Collins</b>. Moore finished with -4 yards rushing on 1 carry, 3 catches for 32 yards, and 2 kickoff returns for 51 yards. Ravens won 44-20.<br />
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23. I thought I'd include this dread duel from the preseason just so you could see rookie WR <b>Keon Hatcher</b>'s sick dreads. In the final preseason game Hatcher scores the Raiders' only TD, beating Seahawks CB <b>Demetrius McCray</b> for an 18-yard reception in the end zone on 3rd and 9 on the first play after the 2-minute warning in the 1st half. Hatcher finished with 5 catches for 48 yards. McCray had 3 tackles (3-0) in Seattle's 17-13 win. Both players were cut a couple of days later. Keon was then signed to the Raiders' practice squad and spent all season on it. McCray ended up with the Raiders briefly, playing 3 games in the middle of the season before being let go.<br />
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24. Rookie RB <b>Aaron Jones</b> prepares to stiff-arm S <b>Anthony Harris</b> in this NFC North dread duel at Minneapolis in Week 6. I'm not sure, but this probably is the play on which Harris tackled Jones at the Packers' 34-yard line after a 9-yard run early in the 4th quarter. Harris played all 66 snaps on defense and finished with 2 tackles (2-0). Jones had 41 yards rushing on 13 carries and 1 reception for 1 yard. The Vikings defeated the Packers 23-10 and in the process injured their superstar QB Aaron Rodgers, knocking him out of action for the next 7 games.<br />
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25. A couple of plays before scoring his 1st NFL TD, rookie RB <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> is tackled in the open field by CB <b>Tramon Williams</b> near the NFL logo painted on the field at the Cardinals' 25-yard line for a gain of 2 after a catch on 2nd and 10 early in the 4th quarter at Houston in Week 11. Foreman scored touchdowns on his next two carries, turning a 21-17 Cardinals lead into a 31-21 lead for the Texans; but on his 2nd TD run D'Onta suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. The injury spoiled a day on which he gained a season high 65 yards rushing on 10 carries. Williams finished with 4 tackles (4-0). The Texans won 31-21, leaving both teams with 4-6 records. <br />
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26. With <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> weighing in at 236 pounds, LB <b>Erik Walden</b> of the Titans knows you must not be gentle when you try to tackle him one-on-one. On this play in the 4th quarter in Week 4 the 250-pound Walden wraps Foreman up in a headlock while tackling him at the Titans' 22-yard line, holding him to a 2-yard gain on 2nd and 8. Two plays later the Texans kicked a FG, upping their lead to 47-14. Foreman had 45 yards rushing on a season high 13 carries. Walden finished with 3 tackles (2-1). The Texans set a franchise record for most points in a game, whipping the Titans 57-14.<br />
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27. CB <b>Buster Skrine</b> had his dreads reduced in Week 16; so only a couple of his locks are visible in this shot as he defends a pass intended for rookie WR <b>Mike Williams</b> in the end zone on 3rd and 2 from the 5-yard line during the 2nd quarter. Rather than allowing Williams to score his 1st NFL TD, Skrine picks up his 10th penalty of the season (not including two more that were declined), grabbing the Chargers' 1st round draft pick before the ball arrives. The PI penalty put the ball at the 1-yard line, and two plays later the Chargers took a 7-0 lead on an Antonio Gates TD catch. Williams had 3 other passes thrown to him during the game, and all three were incomplete, including one on which Skrine got credit for his only PBU of the game. Buster also had 3 tackles (2-1) as the Jets fell to 5-10 with the 14-7 home loss to the Chargers. <br />
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28. Earlier in the season <b>Buster Skrine</b> had close encounters with RB <b>Jay Ajayi</b> in both of the Jets' games vs. the Dolphins. Here in Week 3 Skrine has to deal with a block by WR Jarvis Landry as he and CB <b>Darryl</b> <b>Roberts</b> (with the red tips) try to tackle Ajayi. I'm guessing that this was when Skrine tackled Ajayi for the only time in the game for a 4-yard gain on the first play of a Dolphins drive late in the 1st quarter. But it possibly could also be when Roberts tackled Ajayi for the only time in the game for an 8-yard gain 4 plays later. It was a tough day for Ajayi. He touched the ball 13 times and gained only 25 total yards, with his biggest gain just 8 yards. Roberts finished with 7 tackles (7-0) and 1 PBU. Skrine had 8 tackles (8-0), including his 1st and only sack of the season. The Jets' D allowed just 225 total yards in a 20-6 home win over Miami. <br />
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29. <b>Buster Skrine</b> again tries to tackle <b>Jay Ajayi</b> in their second meeting in Week 7; and he succeeds, unless Ajayi somehow stayed on his feet. There was no caption with this photo, but it certainly looks like the play early in the 4th quarter where Skrine stopped Ajayi at the Jets' 28-yard line for a gain of 3 after a catch on 2nd and 10, his 3rd (and final) tackle (3-0) of the game. On the next play Buster got beat by WR Kenny Stills for a 28-yard TD catch, cutting the Jets' lead to 28-21. It was a tough day for Skrine. He also gave up a 36-yard catch to Stills in the 1st quarter and had as many penalties as tackles, will all three coming on Dolphins TD drives. Ajayi fared <i>a bit</i> better than the first meeting, finishing with 51 yards rushing on 23 carries and 3 receptions for 26 yards. The Dolphins outscored the Jets 17-0 in the 4th quarter, including a FG with 22 seconds remaining that gave them a 31-28 home victory. <br />
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30. There was no caption with this photo either; but since there are two LBs in the shot - <b>Mark Barron</b> and Matt Longacre (#96) - I'd bet this is when CB <b>Nickell Robey-Coleman</b> tackled WR <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> (for the only time all day) at the line of scrimmage for no gain after a catch on 2nd and 20 early in the 2nd quarter of the Texans-Rams game in Week 11. The Texans missed a FG attempt two plays later. Despite Hopkins catching 7 passes for 111 yards, the Texans scored only 7 points. Robey-Coleman finished with 4 tackles (3-1), and Barron had 5 tackles (5-0) and an interception in the Rams' 33-7 home victory.<br />
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31. WR <b>Seth Roberts</b> and CB <b>Bradley Roby</b> have had their share of close encounters since they both came into the league in 2014, although in this one at Denver in Week 4 Roby isn't exactly close. If Bradley made the tackle on this play, it was on Roberts' 5-yard reception to the Oakland 26-yard line on 2nd and 9 early in the 4th quarter. That was the only time he tackled Roberts, one of his 2 tackles (2-0). He also had 1 PBU. Seth - back when his dreads were still looking good - finished with 4 catches for 49 yards in the Raiders' 16-10 loss to the Broncos. <br />
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32. WR <b>Kelvin Benjamin</b> and CB <b>Vernon Hargreaves</b> have dueled in the past in college (UF vs. FSU) as well as the NFC South; but 2017 was the first time that you could see a photo in which they both have dreads. In Week 8, before Benjamin was traded to Buffalo and before Hargreaves missed the second half of the season due to a hamstring injury, the two meet here early in the 4th quarter at Raymond James Stadium on the first play after a turnover by the Buccaneers. With his dreads barely long enough to be visible, Hargreaves makes his 6th (and final) tackle (5-1) of the game, stopping KB at the Bucs' 39-yard line on a 9-yard reception. The drive ended four plays later with a 25-yard TD catch by Benjamin, upping the Panthers' lead to 17-3. In addition to his tackles Vernon had 2 PBU. Benjamin finished with 3 catches for 39 yards in his final game in a Carolina uniform as the Panthers won 17-3. <br />
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33. On his first ever carry in an Eagles uniform RB <b>LeGarrette Blount</b> picks up a few yards on 1st and 19 before encountering a former teammate, LB <b>Mason Foster</b>. With help from CB Kendall Fuller, Foster stops Blount at the Eaglers' 49-yard line after a 6-yard run with 9:10 remaining in the 1st quarter. The drive ended four plays later when Foster recovered a fumble by QB Carson Wentz. Foster and Blount both began their NFL careers with the Buccaneers and were teammates in 2011 and 2012. In their first of two meetings in 2017 Foster had 9 tackles (8-1), including 2 of Blount, in addition to his FR. Blount was the game's leading rusher with 46 yards on 14 carries and had a 1-yard TD reception. The Eagles got the road win 30-17. <br />
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34. DT<b> Cedric Thornton</b> got his dreads started in 2015, and in 2017 they're finally long enough to be seen (barely) outside of his helmet as he attempts to beat G <b>James Carpenter</b> while rushing QB Josh McCown in this Week 9 game between the Bills and Jets. Carpenter played all 67 snaps for the Jets' offense and no doubt bumped into Thornton a few times during his 20 snaps on the field. Thornton, who played his first four seasons with the Eagles and then with the Cowboys in 2016, recorded his 1st sack in a Bills uniform in the game (and would have had two had he not grabbed McCown's facemask on the second one), but the Bills lost to the Jets 34-21. <br />
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35. Giants rookie DE <b>Avery Moss</b> gets past Broncos OT <b>Billy Turner</b>, but too late to bother QB Brock Osweiler as he fires this pass late in the 2nd quarter at Denver in Week 6. Moss played 42 snaps in the game but didn't record a single tackle. Turner, who entered the game in the 2nd quarter when OT Menelik Watson was injured, played his first 46 snaps of the season but at some point broke his hand and did not play at all the rest of the season. The Broncos, a 13-point favorite, laid an egg, losing to the 0-5 Giants 23-10. <br />
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36. In one of his 2 defensive snaps on the field in the season opener Titans CB <b>Tye Smith</b> denies WR <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> what would have been his first TD in a Raiders uniform, stopping him at the 5-yard line for a 2-yard reception on 2nd and 5 late in the 1st quarter at Nashville. 6 plays later the Raiders settled for a FG to take a 10-7 lead. Smith also played 13 snaps on special teams and was credited with the Titans' 1st tackle of the season when they tried an onside kick on the opening kickoff but the Raiders recovered it. Besides this play Patterson had two other touches in the game, a 5-yard run and a big 41-yard kickoff return in the 4th quarter. The Raiders defeated the Titans in Nashville for the 3rd year in a row, 26-16. <br />
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37. LB <b>Terrance Smith</b> gets a hand on WR <b>Will Fuller</b> but does not tackle him near the 20-yard line on his only punt return of the night during the 4th quarter of the Chiefs-Texans game in Week 5. It turned out to be a big missed tackle, as Fuller wasn't touched again until P Dustin Colquitt tackled him at the KC 37 after a 49-yard return. 3 plays later the Texans scored a TD to cut the Chiefs' lead to 39-26. Fuller also made 2 receptions in the game, and both went for touchdowns (9 and 48 yards). All 23 of Smith's snaps were on special teams and he finished with 1 tackle (1-0). The Chiefs improved to 5-0 with the 42-34 road win over the Texans. <br />
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38. One play after making his 1st catch of the game for a gain of 8 on 2nd and 12 late in the 2nd quarter in Week 8, WR <b>Robby Anderson</b> is too fast for CB <b>Desmond Trufant</b> on a go route on 3rd and 4 and makes the catch in stride in the end zone for a 24-yard TD, giving the Jets a 17-10 over the Falcons. It was the 2nd game in a row with a TD catch for Anderson, adding to a streak that eventually reached 5 games. He finished the day with 6 catches for 104 yards to make the dread stars list for the first time in 2017. Trufant had 2 tackles, one on Anderson's 24-yard reception in the 4th quarter and the other for his 1st sack of the season. The Falcons defeated the Jets 25-20. Here's a video featuring 4 of Anderson's 6 receptions: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M223yXjD8Ds" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M223yXjD8Ds</a> <br />
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39. One play after making the catch against <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> for a 1st down (photo #17) in the 1st quarter in Week 4, WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b> tries the Seahawks' other CB with long dreads, none other than <b>Richard Sherman</b>; but Hilton can't make the catch, and Sherman gets credit for his only PBU of the game. Sherman also made 2 tackles (1-1) in Seattle's win.<br />
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40. After making his 1st (and only) catch of the season during the 2nd quarter in Week 17, WR <b>Cobi Hamilton</b> has to worry about not only CB Kenny Moore tackling him but also S <b>Clayton Geathers</b> trying to strip the ball from him. Hamilton hung on for an 8-yard gain to the Colts' 23-yard line to convert a 3rd and 2. Four plays later the Texans took a 10-7 lead on their only TD of the day. Geathers finished with 3 tackles (2-1) as the Colts came back to win 22-13 and finish in a tie with the Texans for last place in the AFC South.<br />
Hopefully this will not be the last catch of Hamilton's NFL career; but it might be. After being released by the Texans and then the Cardinals and Colts too, Cobi did not play for anyone in 2018.<br />
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41. The Colts' game at Cincinnati in Week 8 gets off to a good start for WR <b>T.Y. Hilton</b>, as he runs after the catch on 3rd and 5 on the opening drive and picks up 17 yards before being caught and brought down by CB <b>Adam Jones</b> at the Cincinnati 49-yard line. The drive ended 4 plays later however with a punt, which was blocked by the Bengals. For the rest of the game Hilton was no factor. He had a catch for a 2-yard loss on the Colts' next drive and then had no other receptions after that. This was the only tackle (1-0) for Jones in 44 snaps on the field. The Bengals got the winning points on a pick six midway through the 4th quarter to edge the Colts 24-23. <br />
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42. In Week 12 at Paul Brown Stadium <b>Adam Jones</b> can't make the tackle this time as he pursues another ball carrier with dreads, RB <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> of the Browns. I don't know for sure, but this probably is the play on which Crowell went out of bounds at the Bengals' 44-yard line for a gain of 9 on 1st and 10 late in the 3rd quarter. Isaiah barely missed getting the 1st down on that play but did pick up 5 first downs on his 16 other touches. He finished with 105 total yards (95 rushing, 10 receiving) to make the dread stars list. Jones had 2 tackles (1-1) and a punt return for a 55-yard TD that was nullified by a penalty (he was given credit for a 16-yard return instead) in his 27 snaps on the field. The Browns dropped to 0-11 and were <i>officially</i> eliminated from the playoff picture with their 30-16 loss to the Bengals.<br />
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43. In Week 13 the Browns were on the road again, on the West Coast, where Chargers DE <b>Melvin Ingram</b> greeted <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> with a little verbal abuse after tackling him for a 1-yard loss in the 2nd quarter, to which Isaiah responds by angrily shoving Melvin away from him. Neither player was penalized. Crowell touched the ball only 11 times in the game and gained 44 total yards. Ingram finished with 4 tackles (4-0), and he stopped Crowell on three of them. The Browns stubbornly stayed in the game, holding the Chargers to only 1 TD; but eventually they extended their losing streak to 13 in a row since beating the Chargers in Week 16 of 2016, dropping this one 19-10.<br />
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44. The gametime temperature of 11 degrees doesn't deter<b> Isaiah Crowell</b> from going with short sleeves as he is pursued by LB <b>Sean Spence</b> on one of his 15 carries at Heinz Field in Week 17. I don't know if Spence made the tackle on this play, but he did tackle Crowell 4 times (1-3) during the game and finished with a total of 6 tackles (2-4). Crowell's final game in a Browns uniform was a very forgettable one. He didn't make a single 1st down on his 15 carries, was tackled for a loss 4 times, and was biggest gain was 7 yards. He finished with 21 yards rushing as the Browns finished off their 0-16 season with a 28-24 loss to the Steelers.<br />
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45. CB <b>Brandon Carr</b> gives WR <b>Martavis Bryant </b>plenty of cushion on this play at Heinz Field in Week 14. Assuming Bryant made the catch, this was either his 8-yard reception in the 1st quarter, his 7-yarder late in the 2nd quarter (most likely), or his 9-yarder late in the 3rd quarter. All three of those plays were passes to the right sideline, and Martavis went out of bounds on two of them. He finished with a season high 6 catches (on a season high 10 targets) but gained only 33 yards on them; and since the Steelers were giving up so many points, he also had a career high 5 kickoff returns (for only 55 yards). Carr finished with 6 tackles (6-0) and 1 PBU; but he got beat deep three times by WR Antonio Brown, for gains of 28, 43, and 34 yards, with the last of those moving the Steelers into FG range with 1:02 remaining in the game. 4 plays later the Steelers kicked a FG with 42 seconds to play to take the lead and held on to win 39-38. <br />
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46. Back in Week 2 <b>Martavis Bryant</b> was on the field at Heinz Field for his first game since missing the entire 2016 season due to a suspension, and he had what turned out to be his most productive game of the season. Unfortunately for Vikings CB <b>Trae Waynes</b>, Bryant's two biggest gains came at his expense .....<br />
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47. After scoring a 27-yard TD on his first reception of the day (not at Waynes' expense) in the 1st quarter, Bryant beats Waynes deep on 2nd and 22 on the 3rd play of the Steelers' next drive. Waynes catches up but hits Bryant before the ball arrives and is flagged for a 49-yard pass interference penalty at the 12-yard line. Three plays later the Steelers scored a TD to up their lead to 14-0 early in the 2nd quarter .....<br />
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48. Then midway through the 3rd quarter, after a 13-yard reception by Bryant on 3rd and 12 keeps the drive alive, the Vikings jump offside on the next play, giving the Steelers a free play; and Martavis again beats Trae deep and makes an over-the-shoulder catch - trapping the ball between his forearms and somehow hanging on - for a gain of 51 yards to the 11-yard line. 4 plays later the Steelers settled for a FG to make the score 20-9. Waynes had 5 tackles (5-1) in the game. Bryant finished with 3 catches for a season high 91 yards as the Steelers won 26-9.<br />
Here's a video of Bryant's highlights in the game: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ22HzWCiP4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ22HzWCiP4</a><br />
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49. After playing all 16 games for the Giants in 2016, LB <b>Kelvin Sheppard</b> was not re-signed for 2017 and was out of the league until the injury-ravaged Giants brought him back in November. He made just short of a half million dollars while playing in the final 7 games of the season. Here early in the 4th quarter at Oakland in Week 13 RB <b>Marshawn Lynch</b>, after catching a checkdown pass on 3rd and 7 and eluding two defenders to pick up the first down, keeps going and tries to power his way through Sheppard, who first hits him at the 32-yard line. Lynch ends up dragging Sheppard another 7 yards before finally going down at the 25 for a gain of 21 yards. Two plays later the Raiders scored a TD to up their lead to 17-7. Marshawn made the dread stars list, finishing with 101 yards rushing on 17 carries plus 2 catches for 20 yards .....<br />
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50. Later in the 4th quarter, on the first play from scrimmage after a Giants TD made the score 17-14 and as LB <b>Ray-Ray Armstrong </b>(#55) and (inactive) DT <b>Khyri Thornton</b> look on (photo above) from the sideline, <b>Kelvin Sheppard</b> pursues WR <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> on the run after a catch on a WR screen pass; but CP is too fast for him. Kelvin bites the dust 30 yards downfield at the Giants' 40-yard line, and Patterson keeps speeding down the sideline until being tripped up from behind (barely) at the 9-yard line. The 59-yard catch and run was CP's biggest gain of the season. Two plays later the Raiders scored a TD to up their lead to 24-14. Patterson nearly made the dread stars list, finishing with 4 catches for 97 yards (his most yards receiving since Week 14 of his rookie season in 2013). Sheppard had a team-leading 8 tackles (2-6) as the Giants fell to 2-10 with the 24-17 loss to the Raiders. <br />
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51. Three weeks later another WR with dreads, <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b>, did make the dread stars list at the Giants' expense. Here in the 1st quarter the Cardinals run a flea flicker on 1st and 10, and pressure by DT <b>Damon Harrison</b> causes the pass from QB Drew Stanton to be underthrown; but Fitzgerald adjusts and makes the catch while going to the ground between <b>Kelvin Sheppard</b> and CB <b>Brandon Dixon</b>, with Dixon getting credit for the tackle after a 19-yard gain. Dixon finished the afternoon with 5 tackles (3-2) ..... <br />
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52. Two plays later, after a holding penalty made it 1st and 20, <b>Larry Fitzgerald</b> runs after the catch and, knowing he doesn't want to get hit by any linebackers, is smart enough to get down in time, causing <b>Ray-Ray Armstrong</b> to ram into teammate <b>Kelvin Sheppard </b>instead. Sheppard got credit for the tackle at the 8-yard line after a gain of 20. 4 plays later the Cardinals settled for a FG and a 3-0 lead. Fitzgerald finished with 9 catches for 119 yards, with 7 of the receptions going for first downs, including a 13-yard TD. He also was 1 for 1 passing for 21 yards. Armstrong had 3 tackles (2-1) and Sheppard led the Giants with 9 tackles (9-0) as they lost to the Cardinals 23-0 to drop to 2-13. Here's a video of Larry's highlights from the game: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY8mViy287Y" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY8mViy287Y</a><br />
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53. In his last season before deciding to go with his head shaved S <b>Matthias Farley</b> of the Colts had several encounters with players with dreads on opposing teams. This one was in Week 4, as he tries to knock RB <b>Eddie Lacy</b> off his feet on one of Lacy's 6 carries in the 4th quarter. Lacy carried 6 times for 43 yards on the Seahawks' final drive of the game, with Farley making the tackle on 4 of them. The 84-yard drive ended with a <b>J.D. McKissic</b> TD catch. Lacy had just 179 yards rushing all year, and a season high 52 of them came in this game. Farley finished with 10 tackles (4-6) (one of three games he had 10+ tackles) and his 1st INT of the season. The Seahawks scored 5 TD in the 2nd half to blow out the Colts 46-18.<br />
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54. As violently as RB <b>Chris Ivory</b> runs, <b>Mattias Farley</b> doesn't care where or what he has he grab, he's doing anything he can just to make the tackle on this play at Jacksonville in Week 13. 2 of Farley's team-leading 7 tackles (5-2) were tackles of Ivory; so this may be one of them. Ivory picked up 15 total yards on his 5 touches in the game, which the Jaguars won easily 30-10. <br />
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55. Here in Week 9 <b>Matthias Farley</b> is outweighed by at least 25 pounds as he tries to get Texans rookie RB <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> on the ground. The caption didn't indicate if Matthias was successful or not, but he might have been because he was credited with 2 tackles of Foreman during the game. Playing all 71 snaps on defense Farley led the Colts with 8 tackles (6-2). Foreman finished with 37 yards rushing on 11 carries and had 1 reception for no gain ..... <br />
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56. <b>Matthias Farley </b>also had 1 PBU vs. the Texans in Week 9, but it wasn't on this play. This looks like a shot of the deep pass intended for WR <b>Will Fuller</b> that was incomplete on 2nd and 9 early in the 4th quarter. The two, of course, were college teammates at Notre Dame for three seasons, so Matthias wouldn't have ever heard the end of it if he had allowed Fuller to score a TD.<br />
Life without QB Deshaun Watson didn't go so well for Fuller in 2017. One week after Watson threw 2 TD passes to him at Seattle, Tom Savage hit him only twice in 8 attempts for 32 yards in the 20-14 loss to the Colts. After scoring 7 TD with Watson at QB in the first half of the season, Will had no TD catches in 6 games after Watson suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice.<br />
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57. With <b>Will Fuller</b> and <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> starting at WR for the Texans and <b>Richard Sherman </b>and <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> starting at CB for the Seahawks, there certainly was no shortage of dread duels when the Texans had the ball; but unfortunately they all had their dreads reduced. Photo #37 in DG173 was a photo of Fuller with his helmet off. This is the play on which it happened. Beaten by Fuller on a post-corner route on 2nd and 8, Sherman figures the only way to prevent the TD is to hit Fuller so hard that he loses control of the ball. But it doesn't work, as Fuller hangs on after Sherman hits him (left photo) and the ground hits him (right photo), although the ground managed to knock his helmet loose. The 20-yard TD catch completed an 84-yard drive that put Houston ahead 21-14 with 9:34 remaining in the 2nd quarter. <br />
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58. On 2nd and 6 late in the 1st quarter <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> tries to make one of his patented circus catches but is denied by <b>Shaquill Griffin</b>. Hopkins briefly gets his hands on the pass (left photo), but Griffin comes in with his right arm and separates DeAndre's hands (right photo), causing him to lose control of the ball. Had Hopkins held on it would have been a 20-yard gain; instead the Texans punted two plays later. This was the first of 2 PBU for Shaq in the game. <br />
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59. Here's a dread duel from when the Seahawks had the ball. LB <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> tackled RB <b>J.D. McKissic</b> one time during the game, and this very likely is the photo of it. JC stops J.D. for a 4-yard loss at the Seattle 39-yard line very late in the 1st quarter on the first play of what turned into a three-and-out possession. Clowney finished with 4 tackles (4-0), including 2 TFL, and 1 strip sack (which the Seahawks recovered for an 11-yard gain). McKissic played only 16 snaps on offense and had 12 total yards on 5 touches. <br />
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60. After the Texans first drive of the afternoon ended with a <b>Will Fuller</b> 59-yard TD catch, their second drive begins with this 27-yard reception by <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b>, with <b>Richard Sherman</b> making the tackle at the Seattle 29-yard line. It was the first of 8 receptions for Hopkins and the first of 4 tackles (1-3) for Sherman. The drive ended 3 plays later with a 78-yard pick six by S Earl Thomas, tying the game at 7. <br />
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61. The shoe is on the other foot here in the 3rd quarter as <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b>, along with C Nick Martin, tackles <b>Richard Sherman</b> after Sherman returns an interception 19 yards to the Houston 16-yard line. Under pressure, QB Deshaun Watson overthrew TE Stephen Anderson, and the ball came right to Sherman for his 1st INT of the season. The Seahawks settled for a 21-yard FG on the ensuing possession to take a 27-24 lead.<br />
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62. On the first play after a Seattle punt early in the 4th quarter <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> beats press coverage by <b>Shaquill Griffin</b> and makes the catch in stride 20 yards downfield at the 50-yard line. Nuk makes it to that patch of sunlight on the field before Shaq tackles him at the 37-yard line for a gain of 34. Two plays later a 36-yard reception by <b>Will Fuller</b> moved the ball to the 2-yard line, and 2 plays after that the Texans scored a TD to regain the lead 31-27. On the Texans' next possession Hopkins took a WR screen pass 72 yards to the house to finish the game with 8 catches for 224 yards (14 yards short of his career high), Griffin finished with 3 tackles (3-0) and 2 PBU.<br />
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63. On the second play after the Seahawks scored a TD to take a 3-point lead with 21 seconds to play in the game <b>Richard Sherman</b> gets his 2nd INT of the game, picking off a desperation deep pass intended for <b>Will Fuller</b> at the Seattle 37-yard line with :09 on the clock and then sliding to the ground rather than trying to return it so that neither Fuller nor anybody else can strip the ball from him. The two picks for Sherman were his only two of the season and his last two in a Seahawks uniform. Fuller finished with 5 catches for 125 yards and 2 TD, but the Texans fell to the Seahawks 41-38.<br />
If you have the time, here are a couple of videos where you can see most of the plays involving Hopkins, Fuller, Sherman, and Griffin.<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NLD-rv_SRc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NLD-rv_SRc</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZbZ188z6KQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZbZ188z6KQ</a><br />
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64. After carrying just one time in his NFL debut in Week 1, Texans RB <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> got the ball 8 times in the 1st half at Cincinnati on Thursday night in Week 2, and on this one he encounters another #27 with dreads, CB <b>Dre Kirkpatrick</b>. I don't know when in this 1st half this play was, but I do know that Kirkpatrick did not make the tackle on it. Dre finished with 2 tackles (2-0) in the game, with neither of them being a tackle of Foreman. <br />
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65. On his 1st carry of the game <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> was tackled by the Bengals' other starting CB with dreads, <b>Adam Jones</b>; and this likely is a photo of that play, as Foreman gains 9 yards on 2nd and 2 to pick up his 1st NFL first down, with Jones making the tackle at the Houston 32-yard line midway through the 1st quarter. The Texans punted 4 plays later. D'Onta played a total of 17 snaps and finished with 12 carries for 40 yards and 2 first downs. <br />
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66. After being suspended for Week 1 due to an offseason misdemeanor <b>Adam Jones</b> had his dreads at full blast for <i>his</i> season opener. The Texans had the ball for 66 snaps on offense, and Jones was on the field for 61 of them, often covering superstar WR<b> DeAndre Hopkins</b>, who played all 66. Both players had their ups and downs.<br />
With Jones giving Hopkins an 8-yard cushion on 2nd and 8 here in the 3rd quarter, he's lucky to have the sideline to help him make his 2nd tackle of the game after Hopkins catches a short pass and turns upfield. Jones doesn't get Hopkins on the ground but does get him out of bounds at the Houston 43-yard line after a gain of 6 .....<br />
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67. 4 plays later Jones has blanket coverage on Hopkins and prevents him from making the catch on a pass 10 yards downfield on 3rd and 10, getting his left arm in between DeAndre's hands (photo above). After a second attempt by Hopkins to make the catch is also broken up by Jones, the ball (visible in the opening between Jones' knees in photo on right) falls to the ground incomplete. It was the 2nd PBU of the night for Jones. The Texans punted on the next play, still leading 10-9. <br />
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68. On 2nd and 9 early in the 4th quarter <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> is wrapped up by <b>Adam Jones</b> at the Houston 17-yard line after making the catch for an 8-yard gain, with S Shawn Williams coming in late to help Jones. Actually Hopkins messed up on this play. He didn't make the catch cleanly at the 19 (for what would have been the first down), instead juggling the ball; and by the time he finally got a handle on it he was a yard short of the first down. After <b>D'Onta Foreman</b> was stuffed for a 1-yard loss on the next play, the Texans punted for the 8th time .....<br />
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69. The Texans had 15 snaps on their next possession, and <b>DeAndre Hopkins</b> was the intended receiver on 7 of them. Here on the 2nd play of the drive <b>Adam Jones</b> again gets credit for a PBU, coming from behind to hit Hopkins as he tries to make the catch at the Houston 33-yard line.<br />
Two plays later Jones was called for a crucial PI penalty while covering Hopkins on 2nd and 20. And 3 plays after that DeAndre beat Adam for a 9-yard reception on 3rd and 7. The drive ended with a FG, as the Texans upped their lead to 13-9 at the 2-minute warning and held on to win. Jones finished with 5 tackles (5-0), including 4 stops of Hopkins; and all 3 of his PBU were on passes to Hopkins. He also had 2 punt returns for 41 yards. On 13 targets Hopkins finished with 7 catches for 73 yards and also had an offensive PI penalty. You can see all the plays in photos #66-69 and a few others involving Hopkins and Jones in this video of their duel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE-Yj4dsD5w" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE-Yj4dsD5w</a><br />
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70. 9 players with dreads were in the starting lineups for the key Week 14 matchup between the Eagles and Rams on an 83 degree day in the middle of December at the Coliseum. Here on the Rams' first offensive snap and in a shot that would've looked way better if both players hadn't had their dreads reduced, CB <b>Ronald Darby</b>, after giving up a 9-yard cushion, comes forward to tackle WR <b>Sammy Watkins</b> as he runs after catching a short pass. Darby made the tackle at the Eagles' 32-yard line after a gain of 5 yards. It turned out to be Watkins' only catch of the game (on 4 targets).<br />
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71. Not only the first, <b>Ronald Darby</b> makes the Eagles' 2nd tackle of the afternoon too, getting his hands on the speeding RB <b>Todd Gurley</b> at the 10-yard line and pushing him just enough to cause him to go out of bounds at the 2 after a run for a 30-yard gain. Gurley finished the drive with a TD on the next play as the Rams took just 3 plays to cash in a turnover on the Eagles' opening drive and take a 7-0 lead. Darby had 4 other solo tackles to finish with 6 (6-0) for the game. Gurley was the only player to make the dread stars list, gaining 135 total yards (96 rushing, 39 receiving) on just 16 touches and scoring 2 TD. <br />
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72. Early in the 2nd quarter it's LB <b>Mark Barron</b>'s job to tackle RB <b>Jay Ajayi</b> one-on-one in the open field right at the line of scrimmage on 1st and 10; but he overruns the play and barely gets a hand on Ajayi as Ajayi runs past him. The Jay Train ends up gaining 19 yards before finally being stopped at the Rams 40-yard line. The drive ended with a TD 7 plays later, as the Eagles scored for the 3rd straight possession to up their lead to 21-7. <br />
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73. It isn't a textbook tackle, but CB <b>Nickell Robey-Coleman</b> gets the job done, stopping RB <b>LeGarrette Blount </b>(who outweighs him by 67 pounds) at the Eagles' 33-yard line and holding him to a 7-yard gain on a screen pass on 3rd and 20 midway through the 2nd quarter. The Eagles punted on the next play. Blount finished with 2 catches for 11 yards and just 12 yards rushing on 7 carries.<br />
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74. On the first play after the Rams scored a special teams TD to take a 28-24 lead early in the 3rd quarter <b>Nickell Robey-Coleman</b> is in perfect position to get a TFL; but <b>Jay Ajayi </b>puts on a spin move to elude him. <b>Mark Barron</b> (#26) has his back though. After Ajayi broke NRC's tackle, Barron came up a dragged him down for a gain of only 1 yard. The drive ended 15 plays later with a TD, as the Eagles regained the lead 31-28. Barron finished the game with 7 tackles (7-0), including 2 TFL.<br />
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75. After catching a checkdown pass on 3rd and 10 early in the 4th quarter <b>Jay Ajayi</b> turns and is immediately hit by <b>Nickell Robey-Coleman</b> at the 23-yard line. Nickell, who read the play quickly and had an 8-yard run-up, uses that momentum plus all of his 180 pounds to stop the 223-pound Jay Train and drive him into the ground for a gain of only 2 yards. You can see NRC grimace while taking Ajayi's leg in his crotch because for some reason he didn't have his mouthguard in on this play. The Eagles kicked a FG on the next play to cut the Rams' lead to 35-34. In addition to this 2-yard reception Ajayi had 78 yards rushing on 15 carries. Robey-Coleman started (the Rams started 3 CBs this game) and played a season high 85 snaps (out of 92) and finished with a career high-tying 7 tackles (7-0), including 1 TFL, and 3 PBU. The Eagles scored the final 12 points of the game to win 43-35 and improve to 11-2. The Rams fell to 9-4. <br />
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76. At the Coliseum two weeks earlier <b>Sammy Watkins</b> had his dreads right and looking great as he scores the game's first touchdown, beating CB <b>DeVante Harris</b> on a slant on 1st and goal for a 5-yard reception to give the Rams a 7-0 lead over the Saints. Watkins, who began the 7-play, 59-yard opening drive with a 24-yard reception, had a season high 9 passes thrown to him this game, finishing with 4 catches for 82 yards - his second best game of the season. Harris, making his 1st start of the season, had 3 tackles (2-1) but was so unimpressive that he was demoted to the practice squad a week later .....<br />
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77. After the Rams made it 10-0 with a FG on their next drive the Saints strike back quickly. On 2nd and 9 from their own 26-yard line they call a simple run up the middle out of a 4-WR formation, and RB <b>Alvin Kamara</b>, behind great blocking, runs through the line untouched and into the clear. <b>Mark Barron</b> is the only Ram with a chance to save the touchdown, but Kamara easily breaks his diving tackle attempt at the 10-yard line and scores standing up. The 74-yard run was Kamara's 8th TD of the season and the biggest gain from scrimmage during his rookie season. Alvin had a huge day, finishing with 87 yards rushing on 5 carries, 6 catches for 101 yards, and 2 TD. Barron had 5 tackles (4-1). The Rams won 26-20, ending the Saints' 8-game winning streak and leaving both teams with 8-3 records.<br />
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78. In another dread duel that would have looked awesome if both players had had their dreads flowing freely instead of reduced, <b>Mark Barron</b> tries to strip the ball from RB<b> Rob Kelley</b> and tackle him at the same time late in the 1st quarter at the Coliseum in Week 2. Barron got credit for the tackle but Kelley kept control of the ball and got 21 yards on the play, his biggest gain of the season. Kelley gained 19 yards on the previous play, accounting for the first 40 yards on a 65-yard TD drive that upped the Redskins' lead to 10-0. He finished with 12 carries for a season high 78 yards. Barron had 10-0 tackles (10-0), including 2 TFL. The Redskins won 27-20.<br />
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79. Just under 7 minutes after making his 1st NFL tackle, rookie DE <b>Takkarist McKinley</b> makes his 1st <i>solo</i> NFL tackle, and it ends the season of Bears WR <b>Kevin White</b>. On the run after a catch early in the 4th quarter in Week 1 White breaks his left collarbone as he is hit from behind by McKinley and dropped for no gain. White, who spent his entire 2015 rookie season and the final 12 weeks of the 2016 season on IR due to leg injuries, lasted 46 snaps in 2017 before his luck ran out. He finished the game (and season) with 2 catches for 6 yards. McKinley had 2 tackles (1-1) as the Falcons won at Chicago for the first time in 34 years, 23-17.<br />
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80. Monday Night Football in Week 16 was on Christmas night, and I already included 5 photos from the Raiders-Eagles game in my Week 16 report ..... but I saved a couple for now.<br />
CB <b>Ronald Darby</b> tackled RB<b> Marshawn Lynch</b> 3 times in the 1st half; but the caption says this is from the 2nd half, when Lynch touched the ball 16 times without being stopped by Darby on any of them. Also is the picture here is WR <b>Cordarrelle Patterson</b> - most of whose dreads are behind his helmet and would be more visible if the camera had been pointing over to the left a bit more - attempting to block Darby. Patterson played 13 snaps on offense and had 1 catch for 7 yards. Darby finished with 6 tackles (3-3) and had a huge INT late in the 4th quarter to set up the Eagles' game-winning FG.<br />
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81. On 1st and 10 late in the 1st quarter the long dreads of LB <b>Dannell Ellerbe</b> go horizontal as <b>Marshawn</b> <b>Lynch</b> eludes him at the line of scrimmage on a run off left tackle. While Ellerbe ended up on the ground, Lynch ended up being knocked out of bounds at the Oakland 37-yard line after an 8-yard gain. The Raiders punted 3 plays later. Ellerbe finished with 4 tackles (2-2), including 3 stops of Lynch for 14 yards, with his only other tackle being a TFL. Marshawn picked up 5 first downs as he gained 95 yards on 25 carries, and he also fumbled for the first time all year. The Eagles scored 9 points in the final 25 seconds of the game to defeat the Raiders 19-10.<br />
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82. There was no caption for this collision between Ravens RB <b>Alex Collins</b> and Bengals CB <b>Dre</b> <b>Kirkpatrick</b> in Week 17. Perhaps this is shot of when Kirkpatrick knocked Collins out of bounds on an 8-yard run on 2nd and 10 in the 3rd quarter ... or maybe when Dre tackled Alex for a 6-yard gain on 2nd and 4 in the 4th quarter ... or maybe some other play. Kirkpatrick finished with 3 tackles (3-0) and had 2 PBU. Collins had 2 catches for 18 yards and 78 yards rushing on 20 carries, including a highlight reel 17-yard TD on 4th down in the 3rd quarter. In a game the Ravens <i>had</i> to win to make the playoffs they allowed a 49-yard TD pass on 4th down with 44 seconds to play and lost to the Bengals 31-27. <br />
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83. In photos #21 and 22 we saw a couple of dread duels from the Lions-Ravens game in Week 13. Now here's one more. <b>Alex Collins</b> scored 2 TD in the game, but on this play he ends up in the arms of DE <b>Ziggy Ansah</b>. The caption says this was from the 3rd quarter; but I'm guessing this was when Ansah stopped Collins for a 1-yard gain late in the 2nd quarter. Ansah had 5 tackles (5-0) in the game, and on 4 of them he stopped Collins. Despite finishing with 2 total yards less than 100, Alex still made my dread stars list. He gained 75 yards rushing and 23 receiving on 17 touches in the Ravens' 44-20 home win over the Lions.<br />
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84. Steelers S <b>J.J. Wilcox</b> reaches for <b>Alex Collins</b>' dreads but misses (barely) as Collins runs past him at the 35-yard line on the first play from scrimmage at Baltimore in Week 4. Alex made it to the 48 for a gain of 23 yards before being stopped. The drive reached the Steelers' 39 before the Ravens punted .....<br />
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85. Midway through the 3rd quarter Wilcox again attempts to grab Collins' dreads but once again comes away empty handed as Collins eludes him near midfield on a sweep right on 1st and 10. This time Alex makes it all the way to the 16-yard line for a 50-yard gain, the biggest gain by either team all day. Two plays later the Ravens scored their only TD of the day, cutting Pittsburgh's lead to 19-9. In his only start of the season Wilcox played all 69 snaps on defense and finished with 3 tackles (3-0) (but none of Collins). Making his 1st career start, Collins had 82 yards rushing on only 9 carries but also had a costly fumble that set up a short TD drive for the Steelers as the Ravens lost 26-9. In this video you can see all of Alex's action from the game, including a nice close-up, slow-motion view of this play at the 3:01 mark: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxC6UEGNs1Y" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxC6UEGNs1Y</a><br />
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86. After making his 1st reception of the game on 2nd and 6 during the 1st quarter in Week 14, Chargers WR <b>Travis Benjamin</b> finds himself face-to-face with CB<b> Josh Norman</b> of the Redskins near the right sideline .....<br />
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87. ..... Norman finds out that tackling the 175-pound Benjamin in the open field is no piece of cake; and as Benjamin is about to elude him, Josh elects to grabs Travis' facemask instead of his dreads to make the tackle. Benjamin picked up 14 yards on the reception to the 19-yard line, with the penalty moving the ball to the 9. Two plays later the Chargers scored their 1st TD of the game, upping their lead to 10-0. Norman played all 72 snaps on defense and finished with 3 tackles (3-0) and 1 PBU. If you include the 10 yards for this penalty, Benjamin accounted for 100 all-purpose yards on the 5 times he touched the ball - 22 yards rushing, 21 receiving, and 47 on punt returns. The Chargers won their 4th in a row to improve to 7-6 (after an 0-4 start). easily defeating the Redskins 30-13.<br />
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88. Assuming that the blue paint on the field is part of the Cowboys' star logo at midfield, then RB <b>Melvin</b> <b>Gordon</b> is at the Cowboys' 45-yard line on this play as LB <b>Jaylon Smith</b> attempts to tackle him on Thanksgiving Day; so I'm guessing this is the play on which Smith tackled Gordon at the 41-yard line for a gain of 8 on 2nd and 13 with 5:24 remaining in the 4th quarter (there are a couple of other plays it could be, but the one at 5:24 is the most likely). Jaylon was busy in his 38 snaps on the field, finishing with a game high 8 tackles (7-1), 1 TFL, and 1 PBU. The Cowboys kept Gordon out of the end zone, but he still gained 88 total yards (65 rushing, 23 receiving) on 24 touches in the Chargers' easy 28-6 victory. <br />
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89. There were plenty of dread encounters in the two games between the Chargers and Raiders. This one came on the Chargers' game-winning drive at Oakland in Week 6. <b>Melvin Gordon</b>, after taking the handoff on 1st and 10, slipping through a small hole in the line and then noticing that S <b>Reggie Nelson</b> is going low to tackle him 5 yards downfield, lifts off trying to hurdle Nelson, only to have Reggie raise up and try to upend him. S Karl Joseph wrapped up Gordon on his way down at the 26-yard line and was given credit for the tackle instead of Nelson, as Melvin picked 7 yards on the last play before the 2-minute warning: <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000861926/Melvin-Gordon-hurdles-Reggie-Nelson-on-first-down-run" target="_blank">http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap3000000861926/Melvin-Gordon-hurdles-Reggie-Nelson-on-first-down-run</a> ....<br />
This was the first of 5 consecutive plays that Gordon carried the ball, during which he gained 23 yards and picked up 2 first downs, moving the ball from the 33-yard line to the 10 <i>and</i> killing the clock. He finished with 83 yards rushing on 25 carries and had 9 catches for 67 yards as the Chargers kicked a FG on the last play of the game to beat the Raiders 17-16 .....<br />
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90. <b>Reggie Nelson</b> had his dreads flowing at full blast for the second meeting vs. the Chargers, as he pursues <b>Melvin Gordon</b> on this play during Week 17. The two met often in this game, with Nelson tackling Gordon 6 times (I don't know if this play was one of them). Reggie finished with 7 tackles (4-3) and had 1 FF - but, as you may recall, that FF was the play where after Gordon lost the ball, it was plucked out of midair by WR Keenan Allen, who ran it in for a TD. In addition to his <i>good</i> fumble Melvin gained 124 total yards (93 rushing, 31 receiving) but did not score. The Chargers won 30-10 but didn't get the help they needed elsewhere and were eliminated from the playoff picture. <br />
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You have now arrived at the <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> section of DG174. <br />
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91. On this carry by Titans RB <b>Derrick Henry</b> in garbage time at Houston in Week 4 <b>Jadeveon</b> <b>Clowney</b> tries to knock the ball out of Henry's hand before Derrick comes back with a stiff-arm (that doesn't work). No penalty was called on that arm reaching out trying to hold Clowney. Jadeveon made the tackle at the Tennessee 5-yard line for no gain on 2nd and 8. The drive ended 3 plays later with Clowney's strip sack of QB Matt Cassel. Those were Clowney's only 2 tackles of the game. Henry carried 6 times and gained 7 yards as the Titans were slaughtered by the Texans 57-14.<br />
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92. One week later J<b>adeveon Clowney</b> gets a hold of another RB with dreads, here tackling <b>Kareem Hunt</b> for a loss of 2 at the 47-yard line on 1st and 10 on the 6th play of the Chiefs' opening drive at NRG Stadium. The drive ended with a FG 9 plays later .....<br />
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93. Now in the 4th quarter with the Chiefs leading by 19 and 4:50 on the clock, <b>Kareem Hunt</b>, after picking up the 1st down on 1st and 14, throws on the brakes and tries to go down before either <b>Jadeveon</b> <b>Clowney</b> or LB Benardrick McKinney (white shoes) can knock him out of bounds. I know it's McKinney because he got credit for the tackle, not Clowney. Although Hunt couldn't quite stay inbounds, he picked up 23 yards on the play, allowing the Chiefs to keep the ball and make the Texans use up their timeouts before punting 4 plays later. Clowney finished with 3 tackles (1-2) on a rough night for the Texans' D, as the Chiefs gained 450 yards, made 29 first downs, and scored on 8 of their 10 possessions. Hunt accounted for 116 of those yards (107 rushing, 9 receiving) on 32 touches in KC's 42-34 victory.<br />
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94. With starter Marcus Cannon out due to injury, OT <b>LaAdrian Waddle</b> found himself in the starting lineup for the first time since Week 10 of the 2015 season (when he was with the Lions) for the Patriots' home game against the Texans in Week 3 ..... and found <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> across the line from him on many of his 64 snaps on the field; and as on this play in the 2nd quarter, maybe he got his hands on Clowney's dreads a few times too. Postgame reports indicated that Waddle did OK and was not a liability ..... <br />
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95.<b> LaAdrian Waddle</b> does his job a bit too well here on 2nd and 7 midway through the 2nd quarter. His good blocking on Clowney puts Jadeveon in perfect position to recover the fumble in midair after QB Tom Brady is sacked by LB Whitney Mercilus. By the time Waddle realizes Clowney has the ball it's too late, as Jadeveon is already on the way to the house for his 1st career TD: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp7To-8zsJE" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp7To-8zsJE</a> ..... The 22-yard return put the Texans in front (briefly) 20-14. Clowney had 4 TFL, including 2 sacks, among his 6 tackles (6-0) in the game; but the Texans' D allowed the Patriots to go 75 yards in 8 plays on their final drive and score a TD with 23 seconds to play to beat them 36-33. <br />
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96. <b>Jadeveon Clowney</b> and <b>Todd Gurley</b> met twice in college, with South Carolina and Georgia both winning at home in 2012 and 2013 respectively; but their first meeting in the NFL didn't take place until the Texans visited the Rams in Week 10 of 2017. Here on the 2nd play of the Rams' second possession of the day Gurley heads up the middle after taking the handoff on 2nd and 10, only to find Clowney in the backfield waiting for him. Gurley tries to bounce off the hit but can't, as Clowney drops him at the 19-yard line for a 1-yard loss. The Rams punted two plays later .....<br />
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97. With Clowney loose in the backfield again on 1st and 10 early in the 2nd quarter, Gurley tries some <i>legal</i> use of hands to the face; but his stiff-arm fails to shake Jadeveon, who drags him down at the 20-yard line for a loss of 7. The Rams settled for a FG three plays later to increase their lead to 6-0. All 3 of Clowney's tackles in the game were TFLs, as he also had a sack; but all 3 of them came in the 1st half. He was quiet in the 2nd half, during which the Rams outscored the Texans 24-0. Gurley had no success on these two plays and didn't reach the end zone but did make the dread stars list, finishing with 136 total yards (68 each rushing and receiving) on 17 touches in the Rams' 33-7 victory. <br />
You can see the video version of photos #96 and 97 briefly near the end of this zone that presents Jadeveon as the 32nd best player in the league: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TLjTn2AoM8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TLjTn2AoM8</a><br />
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98. On the same field and in the same game that <b>Melvin Gordon</b> tried to hurdle <b>Reggie Nelson</b> (photo #89) ... WR <b>Seth Roberts</b> is tackled by S <b>Jahleel Addae</b> at the Chargers' 40-yard line after making his 1st reception of the day on the 4th play of the Raiders' 2nd possession of the game. Roberts picked up 8 yards on the play on 1st and 10. The drive ended with a TD 7 plays later. This was the first of 4 tackles (3-1) for Addae, who also got credit for 1 PBU.<br />
In the photo on the right <b>Tre Boston</b>, the Chargers' other S with sick dreads, comes forward to help if needed. And speaking of him, by now you've probably been wondering where all the <b>Tre Boston</b> photos are. Well, wonder no more. Let's wrap up DG174 with some shots of his 2017 encounters with players with dreads shorter than his .....<br />
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99. And one of them was in the Week 6 game at Oakland. After being tackled by Addae on his 1st catch, <b>Seth Roberts</b> was tackled by Boston after his other two. Here on 1st and 20 in the 3rd quarter Roberts goes high to make a highlight reel catch while in Boston's arms then gets up and celebrates after the play: <a href="https://www.raiders.com/video/seth-roberts-gets-air-to-make-the-grab-19577007" target="_blank">https://www.raiders.com/video/seth-roberts-gets-air-to-make-the-grab-19577007</a> ..... The reception was good for 15 yards to the LA 25-yard line, but the drive ended with a turnover 4 plays later. Seth finished the game with 3 catches for 35 yards. Boston had 7 tackles (5-2).<br />
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100. Late in the 1st quarter in Week 4 RB <b>LeGarrette Blount</b>, after making the catch at the LA 37-yard line on 2nd and 12, breaks a tackle by <b>Jahleel Addae</b> at the 30 (photo above), keeps on going and prepares to lower the boom on <b>Tre Boston</b> (photo on right) .....<br />
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101. ..... Blount collides with Boston at the 25-yard line and tries to run him over; but Tre gets low enough to get his arm on Blount's left leg and stands him up, and Addae comes back to him make the tackle ... but not until LeGarrette picks up 20 yards on what would be his only reception of the game. The Eagles settled for a FG 4 plays later to up their lead to 10-0. Addae was credited with one of his game high 11 tackles (7-4) on the play. He also finished with 1 PBU .....<br />
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102. LeGarrette Blount also did plenty of damage on his 16 rushing attempts in the game. Here on the first play after the 2-minute warning with the Eagles leading by 2 and needing one 1st down to seal the victory Tre Boston tries to strip the ball from Blount while tackling him on 2nd and 7; but LeGarrette ain't having it. While Blount holds onto the ball, Boston holds onto Blount and makes the tackle short of the 1st down ... but just barely. LeGarrette then went for 15 yards on 3rd and 1 on the next play; and with the Chargers out of timeouts, the Eagles ran out the clock and held on for the 26-24 victory. Boston finished with 7 tackles (3-4), 5 of which were tackles of Blount. Although LeGarrette didn't score a TD, he did have his best game of the season, finishing with 136 yards on 16 carries. Here's a video of Blount's highlights from the game, with the play in photos #100 and 101 at the beginning of the video, and the play in photo #102 at the 1:45 mark: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp0hsK3IQsc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp0hsK3IQsc</a> <br />
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103. Two weeks earlier and 7 weeks before he became <b>LeGarrette Blount</b>'s teammate with the Eagles, RB <b>Jay Ajayi</b> also enjoyed success at the expense of the Chargers, while wearing a Dolphins uniform. Ajayi had a season high 30 touches and was tackled by <b>Tre Boston</b> on 5 of them, including these two from the 2nd half. I'm not 100% sure, but I think the photo on the right is the play Ajayi ran for 8 yards early in the 3rd quarter and the photo above is when Tre and CB Trevor Williams stopped Ajayi for a 1-yard gain on 3rd and 6 late in the 4th quarter, right before the Dolphins kicked their game winning FG. The Jay Train rushed for 122 yards on 28 carries and had 2 catches for 4 yards, while Boston finished with 9 tackles (6-3) as the Dolphins won their season opener, defeating the Chargers 19-17. Here's the video of Ajayi's game highlights: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EBribysiLs" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EBribysiLs</a> <br />
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104. In Week 13 <b>Tre Boston</b> had only one tackle of the opponent's RB with dreads; and it comes very early in the game, as he goes low to knock the speeding <b>Isaiah Crowell</b> off his feet at the Browns' 45-yard line on the 4th play of the game's opening drive. Crowell picked up 16 yards - his biggest gain of the day - on 2nd and 13, but the drive ended with a punt 5 plays later. Boston finished with 4 tackles (4-0). Crowell had 41 yards rushing on 10 carries and 1 catch for 3 yards. The Chargers won their 3rd straight to improve to 6-6, dropping the Browns to 0-12 with a 19-10 home victory.House of Dreadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382381565278703318noreply@blogger.com0