Detroit Lions @ Indianapolis Colts WK 1 2016 Lions Win 39-35 In A Shootout
Is new Lions general manager Bob Quinn showing quarterback Matthew Stafford the way to the Super Bowl? Lions fans certainly hope so.(Photo: Rick Osentoski, Associated Press)
Every week during the Lions season well do a Twitter mailbag. Use the social media site to send your questions to Lions beat writer Dave Birkett at @davebirkett.
Q. How do the number of roster transactions under BQ compare to Mayhew era? BQ seems to churn more which seems good @jeffreyharley
A. It may seem like Bob Quinn is turning over the Detroit Lions roster more than his predecessor, Martin Mayhew, but the fact is all general managers use the bottom of the roster as a taxi squad, shuffling players in and out of the organization based on injuries, practice needs and other factors.
Looking at an arbitrary three-month period from June 1 the heart of OTAs to the start of the regular season, Quinn has made a handful more moves this year than Mayhew did last year, but the numbers arent that different. Quinn has made 21 additions to the roster (including since-waived linebacker Dominique Tovell twice) through free agency, the waiver wire or by trade.
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Mayhew made 14 additions over the same period of time, but he made two more trades that didnt involve players coming back and he didnt have as many injury-related signings during training camp.
Regardless of the numbers, Quinn tried to stretch his 90-man preseason roster as much as possible, and thats the wise thing for an GM to do.
Q. 25.5 sacks between Ziggy and Devon ...over or under. @polkerman
A. Ill take the under on that one as 25.5 sacks is a huge number that just one set of teammates reached last year (the Houston Texans J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus).
Ziggy Ansah is a good bet for another double-digit sack season, though my crystal ball has him finishing with 12 sacks and missing out on Robert Porchers team record for the second straight year.
Devin Taylor is a different story. Hes not as dominant an edge rusher as Ansah and has just 10.5 sacks in his first three NFL seasons. Taylor strikes me as a solid six- or seven-sack left end. Thats a good season, but it wont put the Lions in the 25-sack range.
Q. do you think the Lions be over the U.K. again anytime? Nothing like seeing them live compared to a screen @DrJones1206
A. The way the NFLs International Series has evolved, you can count on just about every team playing overseas in the next five to seven years. Just from the basic math of it, there are four international games a year three in Europe and one in Mexico which means eight teams leave the country to play football every season.
The equitable way to handle the travel is to make each of the NFLs 32 teams play abroad every four years. Theres no need to force that issue now with teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams (while they await their new home) more receptive to playing overseas, but I see more not less international games in the future.
Already, the NFL is looking to expand the series and play games in China and maybe Germany, and theres been speculation that the league will expand to four, then six, then eight games in the U.K., essentially give fans there a seasons worth of home games.
I think thats probably a ways off maybe the NFL goes to a 17-game regular season with one international game per team in the next CBA but I dont doubt the Lions will be playing overseas again.
Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
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Royal Blossom, 7, rushed out of bed Sunday morning. He was excited to see his grandmother, Jane Pettey.
"I got dressed real fast for Grandparents Day," Blossom said. "She"s my favorite."
For the past 25 years, Pettey has hosted a Grandparents Day gathering for the public in Fayetteville known as The Celebration of Grandparents.
Grandparents, grandchildren and other relatives gathered at the event from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for food, prizes and performances by musical groups.
A well-known area country singer, Pettey said she thought of having an event for grandparents while performing at nursing homes about 32 years ago.
Pettey is known for singing traditional country music. Her unique vocals are adept at taking on the music of Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline and Tom T. Hall.
She said she saw many lonely seniors at the homes whose grandchildren lived far away. She wanted to cheer them up.
The goal of the event is to make grandparents feel appreciated, Pettey said.
"A lot of people say they don"t know Grandparents Day exists and that"s sad," Pettey said.
The events were originally held in May. However, in 1978, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the first Sunday after Labor Day Grandparents day. Pettey then moved her celebration to September.
Pettey has held the event at the J.S. Spivey Recreation Center and Christina Smith Park at 500 Fisher Street for the past 12 years.
For the first time, Pettey did not have her daughter, Asia Pettey, who is the mother of three of her grandchildren at the event. Asia Pettey recently died after battling breast cancer.
"We"ve always been a real close family and Asia was always was my buddy," Jan Pettey said.
Many people came out to support Jan Pettey"s efforts.
Asia Pettey"s former boyfriend Kimani Marshall said Jan Pettey has always raised the bar as to what being an excellent grandparent looks like.
"Jan has always been a positive person," Marshall said. "She puts 100 percent of Jan in everything she does."
Marshall said her drive is what has made the Grandparents Day a success and is the reason why all her grandchildren look up to her.
"They flock right to her," Marshall said. "I want them to strive to be that great.
Bears vs. Texans (Week 1 Preview) | Around the NFL Podcast
Whether youre a hard-core fan, a more casual observer but with a very clear allegiance, a bettor, a Fantasy Fanatic" or a member of the media we all share one favorite pastime, predicting the future of our favorite game.
So what will the Chicago Bears record be this year?
I like what the Bears did in free agency this past offseason except that the second I heard it I reported, I thought waiving Matt Slauson after signing Manny Ramirez and Ted Larsen was foolish.
Although Im not sold on Bobby Massie being anything more than a journeyman at right tackle, him there with Kyle Long back at right guard is a huge improvement over Long at right tackle and Vladimir Ducasse or Patrick Omameh at guard.
Akiem Hicks is the first true five-technique the Bears have had since Vic Fangio brought his 3-4 base defense to town. In signing Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman, the Bears went from the worst inside linebacker group in the NFL to contention for the best.
I was encouraged by the draft, although I was unhappy when the Bears traded up to jump in front of the Giants in the first round and then left Laremy Tunsil on the board to select Leonard Floyd.
Cody Whitehair, Johnathan Bullard, Deon Bush, Deiondre Hall and Jordan Howard all appeared to be excellent value for where the Bears drafted them.
I had no opinion on the choice of Dowell Loggains to replace Adam Gase because although it seems like a huge stretch for a young coach who isnt widely revered or for that matter known around the league, John Fox has an excellent record hiring assistant coaches and is probably due the benefit of the doubt.
I really thought we were looking at an 8-8, maybe even 9-7 team that if everything went right . . .
Then we went to Bourbonnais and the great majority of the roster showed little to generate excitement in practice. The team was somewhere between bad and awful in its four exhibition games.
As the Bears went to make the final cuts, my expectations plummeted and I thought 6-10 was probably realistic and 5-11 a real possibility.
Then the Josh Sitton signing and Robbie Gould cut happened and I was thoroughly confused.
I think the way the Bears handled Gould sucked, but based on his 2015 season and 16 training camp I cant objectively say the Bears are better or worse with Connor Barth.
Sitton on the other hand represents a potential sea change on the offensive line. The Bears went from potentially one of the scariest O-line groups in the league to the best at guard and even though hes a rookie, Whitehair at center should be a big upgrade over Larsen at center.
Now I am close to paralysis through analysis but out of time and required to climb out on the limb. I believe the 16 Bears are a 7-9 football team.
And hey, if Im going to risk looking stupid why not do it for all 32 teams?
At least one 49ers player seems to be taking issue with ESPN analyst Trent Dilfers assertion that Colin Kaepernicks anthem stance has been bad for his team.
Wrote outside linebacker Eli Harold on his Twitter account on Sunday: Trent Dilfer you are an idiot You really just (expletive) me off.
Before Sundays slate of games, Dilfer said on Sunday NFL Countdown that Kaepernicks job as backup quarterback is to be quiet and sit in the shadows and get the starter ready to play Week 1.
Yet he chose a time where all of a sudden he became the center of attention, Dilfer said. And it has disrupted that organization. It has caused friction. And its torn at the fabric of the team.
Dilfer is a former 49ers quarterback who lives in the Bay Area and who is close friends with general manager Trent Baalke.
Kaepernick, however, was not the backup when he began refusing to stand for the national anthem in mid August. He was battling Blaine Gabbert for the starting job, although Kaepernick was injured at the time.
Whats more, although there have been plenty of assertions that Kaepernicks stance he says he cant honor a country that oppresses some of its citizens would cause a rift in the locker room, theres no evidence that has occurred.
A number of players have said that the team has grown tighter because of the issue. Chip Kelly, meanwhile, has said several times that it has not impacted how the team practices or prepares.
It is a very thoughtful group and I am proud of them, Kelly said Sept. 1. I am really proud of how theyve handled things, and if my job is to hand it off to them and let them handle it, I think they have done a really good job of that.
Meanwhile, more NFL players joined Kaepernicks protest Sunday. Four Dolphins, including veteran running back Arian Foster, took a knee during their teams anthem ceremony. Seahawks and Chiefs players stood with locked arms. One Chiefs player, cornerback Marcus Peters, stood with a raised fist, a stance made famous by sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos during the 1968 Olympics.
Kaepernick and safety Eric Reid plan to kneel during Mondays anthem. Both have said they dont know if other players will join them.
NFL: Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos Thomson Reuters
NEW YORK (Reuters) - This opening games of the new National Football League season are expected to be marked by peaceful demonstrations during the US national anthem on Sunday by players trying to draw attention to racial disparities in the country"s justice system.
San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick began the protests when he refused to stand for "The Star-Spangled Banner" during preseason games, at first choosing to sit on the bench and then later kneeling on one knee in a gesture that has divided fans.
Other players have followed suit, most recently Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall ahead of Thursday"s season opening win against the Carolina Panthers.
The players have been praised as high-profile allies of the Black Lives Matter movement, which grew as a response to a spate of police officers in cities around the country killing unarmed black men. About two-thirds of NFL players are black.
The protests have also provoked anger in some fans who see the gesture as disrespecting the US flag and the country in general.
Sunday"s 13 games coincide with the 15th anniversary of the attacks by al Qaeda hijackers that brought down the two largest towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The league will play videotaped messages from President Barack Obama and his predecessor, George W. Bush, before each game, and a 9/11 decal will be placed on players" helmets, the league said.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. AP Photo/Ben Margot
The Seattle Seahawks have said they have decided as a team to stand and interlock their arms during the anthem on Sunday.
"Progress can and will be made only if we stand together," Doug Baldwin, a Seahawks wide receiver, said in a video he posted online announcing the team"s decision.
Kaepernick"s 49ers play their opening game against the Los Angeles Rams on Monday evening. Obama has defended Kaepernick, saying this week the player is exercising a constitutional right and provoking conversation "around some topics that need to be talked about."
Cam Newton Beats Tom Brady, Patriots vs. Panthers (Week 11, 2013 - FULL GAME) | NFL
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Some NFL ticket prices might be as low as $30 to $40, but the total cost of attending a game can be much higher. In fact, a recent GOBankingRates.com study found that the average total cost including stadium food and parking for two people to attend a home game is nearly $200. Of course, those costs are much higher if you attend NFL games at certain stadiums, such as the San Francisco 49ers" Levi"s Stadium and the Dallas Cowboys" AT&T Stadium.
For the typical family, the only way to attend an NFL game without breaking the budget is by taking small steps to save money along the way. From tips on how to find cheap NFL tickets to secrets to scoring NFL jerseys for less, click through to find out how you can stay in budget this football season.
1. Wait Until Just Before the Game to Buy NFL Tickets
Some NFL games are cheaper to attend than others but what if your favorite team is one of the most expensive? Luckily, you can find affordable tickets if you buy at the right time.
There is a common misconception that all NFL ticket prices rise as the game draws nearer. But according to event ticket search engine SeatGeek, it"s actually better to make a purchase just a few days before the game. In 2015, for example, the average Bears ticket cost $249 three weeks before game day on the resale market. But three days before the game, that price dropped 22 percent to $195.
Just keep in mind, however, that the longer you wait, the fewer ticket options you"ll have to choose from.
2. Consider Buying Directly From the NFL Team
If football teams experience a drop in attendance and the number of season ticket holders, they might start offering variable pricing to attract fans, reports The Street. If that"s the case, you might be able to nab cheap NFL tickets by buying directly from the team. However, always compare ticket prices among sellers before you buy.
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3. Opt for Sports Bar Shuttle Service
When it comes to parking at NFL stadiums, the league average is $31.21. But if you"re attending a football game at the Dallas Cowboys stadium, parking is as high as $75, according to the 2015 Team Marketing Report.
Luckily, you might be able to take advantage of a free shuttle service from a bar near the stadium. In Dallas, for example, J. Gilligan"s Bar & Grill feels the pain of overcharged Cowboys fans and offers a free ride from the bar to the stadium.
4. Drive Almost All the Way to the Game
Another way to beat the NFL parking costs: Drive as close to the stadium as you can get, find a free or cheap parking space and then book an Uber or a similar ride-hailing service to take you to the game.
Of course, this strategy might not always work, especially if the ride-hailing rates are high. But plan well in advance and you might end up saving some serious cash.
5. Take a Road Trip and Attend an Away Game
If you live in an expensive NFL market, it might be worth it to wait until your team plays a regional team offering cheaper NFL tickets.
For example, the cost of a New York Giants game at MetLife stadium could be more than $100, but somehow you find tickets to a Philadelphia Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field for less than half the price and they"re playing the Giants. You could get more value for your money by taking a road trip to see the Giants play away from home.
6. Wait Until an Unpopular NFL Team Is in Town
You"ll most likely pay more to see your team play winning franchises or teams with huge fan followings. That"s because demand for those tickets will be high, which translates to higher ticket prices. If you don"t care which team your favorite team is playing, consider going to a game that you know will be in less demand.
7. Beware of Stadium Food Eat Before the Game
Stadium food can be expensive, especially if you"re taking the whole family. According to the Team Marketing Report, the average price of a soft drink is $4.79 and a hot dog is $5.29. If you have to feed four people, the total price comes out to more than $40. That price might not seem so bad, but throw in a couple of beers for the adults and snacks for the kids, and it can quickly skyrocket.
To save money at the game, eat before you go. By walking into the stadium with a full stomach, you can resist the urge to splurge on stadium food.
8. Bring Your Own Snacks to the Game
Many stadiums don"t prohibit sealed bottled water and snacks, as long as they"re in a bag that meets the league standard. The Cincinnati Bengals" Paul Brown Stadium, for example, allows unopened bottled water. And the Denver Broncos" Sports Authority Field at Mile High allows food items in a clear plastic bag.
9. Stay Sober
The average cost of a beer at an NFL game is $7.42, according to the Team Marketing Report. But it can be much higher in different cities. For example, it"s $10 at a San Francisco 49ers game and $10.75 at an Oakland Raiders game all the more reason to consider staying sober and perhaps volunteer to be the designated driver.
10. Opt for the Nosebleeds
At the time of writing, tickets to see the Eagles play the Browns in Philadelphia way up high in section 217 were going for $106 on SeatGeek. Meanwhile, tickets on the 50-yard line down in section 101 were around $250. If you care more about saving money than being up close, just buy the cheaper tickets.
11. Don"t Buy Autographed Collectibles at the Pro Shop
Autographed football memorabilia is one of the many collectibles that might pay off big down the line. Plus, they"re awesome keepsakes.
However, they"ll likely be more expensive at the pro shop. A white panel football autographed by Darrelle Revis, for example, goes for $229.99 at the Jets Pro Shop online. Meanwhile, the same autographed ball is on sale for around $184 at SportsMemorabilia.com.
12. Search Groupon for NFL Fan Gear
Before buying team swag at the game, go home, get online and check Groupon for the NFL online shop. At the time of writing, Groupon was offering 27 coupons for the NFL online store, including 10 percent off your first order and up to 70 percent off the NFL Outlet.
13. Become an Atlanta Falcons Fan
The Atlanta Falcons grabbed headlines earlier this year when the team announced dramatic price reductions on food and beverages at Mercedes-Benz Field. Hot dogs will cost just $2, 12-ounce domestic beers will be just $5, and nachos and pizza will go for only $3.
14. Buy Parking Passes Online
Here"s another way around sky-high parking costs: Book your spot online through sites like ParkWhiz. In 2013, ABC News reported finding deals as high as 70 percent off, as well as a $10 parking pass.
15. Chip In for NFL Season Tickets
You"ll likely experience significant cost savings if you opt for an NFL season pass instead of buying single-game tickets. Once you have a season pass, you can go to the games you want. And if you can"t make it to a game, you might be able to sell the tickets on a third-party site. You"ll need to read the fine print to be sure, but this method will save you money and make you money, as well.
16. Barter Services for Cheap NFL Tickets
Season ticket holders are often looking to get rid of tickets. For example, one Eagles fan on Craigslist who, for whatever reason, cannot attend any games is looking to offload NFL tickets.
When season ticket holders are in a tight pinch, they might be willing to barter the price of the ticket for a service. It doesn"t hurt to ask. Who knows you might able to score free or cheap NFL tickets this way.
17. Volunteer at the NFL Stadium
Some teams, like the Carolina Panthers, are calling for volunteers to assist with pre-game and halftime events that take place on the field. It"s unclear how much, if any, of the game volunteers will get to see, but they certainly get an up-close and personal experience that most fans would envy.
18. Join an NFL Fan Club
If you join your favorite team"s fan club, you might have access to some money-saving opportunities. The Green Bay Packers" adult fan club, for example, offers chances to win tickets to a home game, training camp sidelines passes and more. Plus, you can get discounts on regular-priced merchandise at pro shops.
19. Take Advantage of NFL Promotions and Giveaways
You might be able to offset the cost of seeing your favorite NFL team live by taking advantage of any deals, promotions or giveaways featured on the NFL team"s website. The Atlanta Falcons and Aaron"s, for example, are offering eight fans the chance to win two tickets to an upcoming home game.
20. Carpool to the Game
And last, use a service like Waze Carpool or team up with friends and carpool to the NFL game. You"ll save money on gas, tolls and, of course, parking.
Expectations for Seattle Seahawks and Russell Wilson Heading into 2016 | NFL Network
The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders perform during a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium on September 1, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida.Photo: Getty Images
The NFL is back! And the road to Super Bowl LI (51, for the Roman numeral-challenged) begins here in Week 1. The Miami Dolphins hope to pull out the upset over the perennial playoff standout Seattle Seahawks. If you decide to watch this game, tune in early: Doug Baldwin of the Seahawks revealed his teams plans to interlock their arms in unity during the National Anthem. Will it be controversial? Well see!
WHAT TIME DOES THE MIAMI DOLPHINS VS. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS GAME START?
The Dolphins and Seahawks will kick off at 4:05 P.M. Eastern.
HOW DO I LIVE STREAM THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS VS. MIAMI DOLPHINS GAME?
The Dolphins/Seahawks game is being broadcast on CBS. Unfortunately, this means options are limited. Due to current restrictions, NFL games broadcast on CBS are NOT shown on CBS All Access, CBSs streaming platform.
One possibility for fans is PlayStation Vue. Subscribers to their Access basic cable streaming service have access to CBS, though channel lineups vary by region.
Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks throws the ball against the Oakland Raiders in their preseason game at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum on September 1, 2016 in Oakland, California.Photo: Getty ImagesCAN I STREAM VIA DIRECTV SUNDAY TICKET?
You can, but only if you live at an address at which DirecTV does NOT offer service (and only out-of-market games). Check your eligibility here.
WHAT ABOUT NFL GAME PASS?
NFL Game Pass shows games that have already concluded. If youre fine with on demand NON-live games, sign up for $99/year.
WHAT ABOUT TWITTER? I HEARD THEY WERE STREAMING THE NFL THIS YEAR.
Twitter is indeed streaming a number of games, but only Thursday night games, and not all of them.
