Time to check on the latest news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Latest NewsSteelers Film Room2018 NFL Draft AnalysisLatest NewsLatest NewsSteelers News: How Benny Snell Jr. can be the perfect complimentary back to James ConnerNew Womens JuJu Smith-Schuster Jersey ,16commentsTime to check on the latest news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers.EDTShareTweetShareShareSteelers News: How Benny Snell Jr. can be the perfect complimentary back to James ConnerJasen Vinlove-USA TODAY SportsWith the 2019 NFL Draft in the rear view mirror, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2019 season is fast approaching, and the news surrounding the black-and-gold is far from over. As the team now turns their attention to more offseason workouts, OTAs and minicamp, there is no shortage of news.Today in the Black-and-gold links article we take a look at how rookie draft pick Benny Snell Jr. could be the perfect compliment to James Conner in the Steelers’ backfield.Let’s get to the news:Almost everyone who follows the Steelers, and NFL football, knew the team had to draft a running back at some point in the 2019 NFL Draft. Many wanted them to pull the trigger on a back earlier than they did, but the 4th round pick Benny Snell Jr. might just be the perfect compliment to James Conner.To read the full article, click HEREThe Steelers typically give their head coaches new contracts with about two years remaining on their current deal. While this news isn’t always public knowledge, considering a coach’s contract doesn’t count towards the salary cap, it begs the question what the Steelers should do with Mike Tomlin in the near future.To read the full article, click HEREDevin Bush is an electrifying talent on the football field, and certainly could be considered a candidate for a postseason award if he lives up to the hype.To read the full article, click HEREIf the day of the week ends in a ‘y’, there is a good chance a member of the Browns is running his mouth. Here is the latest.To read the full article, click HERESocial Media Madness The Steelers have a rich history, but looking back at their jersey numbers it makes you wonder which player wore the Nos. 26-50 best." Latest News2019 Steelers Training Camp ConfidentialPittsburgh Steelers ‘Digit Dynasty’: Who wore the number best? (Part Two)New Womens T. J. Watt Jersey ,11commentsThe Steelers have a rich history, but looking back at their jersey numbers it makes you wonder which player wore the Nos. 26-50 best. EDTShare this storyShare this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShareAll sharing optionsShareAll sharing options for:Pittsburgh Steelers ‘Digit Dynasty’: Who wore the number best? (Part Two)TwitterFacebookRedditPocketFlipboardEmailPhoto by Focus On Sport/Getty ImagesQIn Part One of Steelers Digit Dynasty, BTSC examined the best of the best to wear the numbers from 0-25 in franchise history. This time around, our journey takes us through No. 50. We will answer such burning digital questions like:Will Le’Veon Bell’s gaudy stats place him as the all-time best two-sixer?Has James Conner grabbed the honor at his number in only two years?Is the No. 33 the numerals that has the most worthy competition?Can Willie Parker’s amazing accomplishments in a short amount of time give him the crown as the top No. 39?We will see. Let’s take a look.Part Two: Numbers 26-49Note: Years provided came from The Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 Media GuideNo. 26 CB/KR/PR Rod Woodson (1987-1996)Woodson spent ten years of his Hall of Fame resume’ in black-and-gold, but most Steelers fans still view him as the one that got away. The world-class hurdler thrived for seven more seasons in the NFL after departing Pittsburgh. It’s hard not to wonder if his leadership on defense would have brought another title to the City of Champions, especially in 1997. During his Steel Town tenure, Woodson was named All-Pro six times, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993, three-time Steelers MVP and was included on the 75th Anniversary All-Time team. Rod holds the NFL record for most interceptions returned for touchdowns at 12. To illustrate how huge these numerals have been in Steelers’ history, Le’Veon Bell isn’t the best to wear the number for the franchise despite the gaudy offensive numbers he’s produced.Other Notables: Brady Keys 1961-1967, Deshea Townsend 1998-2009, Le’Veon Bell 2013-2017Current Wearer: LB Mark BarronNo. 27 S Glen Edwards (1971-1977)Edwards is another one of those 70s Steelers who gets overshadowed by the Hall of Famers of that era. In eight seasons as a member of the Steel Curtain defense, Edwards picked-off 25 passes. The four-time All-Pro played in Super Bowl IX and X, before leaving for San Diego.Other Notables: Thomas Everett 1988-1991, Brent Alexander 2000-2003, Willie Williams 1993-1996 and 2004-2005Current Wearer: S Marcus Allen Photo by James Flores /Getty ImagesNo. 28 S Chris Hope (2002-2005)Hope started 32 games with the Steelers in four seasons. The talented safety started in Super Bowl XL and then departed for Tennessee, where he enjoyed a Pro Bowl season in 2008.Other Notables: Lupe Sanchez 1986-1988Current Wearer: S Mike Hilton Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty ImagesNo. 29 Barry Foster-RB (1990-1994)The ball-carrier served five enigmatic seasons for the Steelers. Foster enjoyed the finest single-season ever in club history in 1992 JuJu Smith-Schuster Jersey White , rushing for a team mark of 1,690 yards and earning the team’s MVP honor. Foster ran and received for nearly 5,000 yards and scored 28 times in Pittsburgh. The emergence of Bam Morris plus some nagging injuries hastened his departure in 1995. Foster joined Carolina and Cincinnati in 1995, but he never played a game for either club.Other Notables: Chidi Iwuoma 2002-2006, Ryan Mundy 2009-2012Current Wearer: CB Brian AllenPhoto by George Gojkovich/Getty ImagesNo. 30 RB Frank Pollard (1980-1988) The high school track star won a state track team championship in Texas as the only member of the team. Pollard was a very productive runner in Pittsburgh during the eighties. In nine seasons, Pollard ran for 3,989 yards and 20 touchdowns. He spent his entire career wearing black-and-gold, but part of it wearing No. 44 as well.Other Notables: Larry Anderson 1978-1981, Chad Scott 1997-2004, James Conner 2017-PresentCurrent Wearer: RB James Conner Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty ImagesNo. 31 S Donnie Shell (1974-1987)Not only did the Steelers draft four Hall of Famers in 1974, Donnie Shell, the undrafted safety from South Carolina State, may one day join them in Canton. In 14 seasons with the Steelers, Shell amassed 51 interceptions. Two of those picks came in the 1984 season-finale win over the Los Angeles Raiders that propelled the team into the playoffs. He ranks third in franchise history, six behind the leader, Mel Blount.Other Notables: Mike Logan 2001-2006Current Wearer: CB Justin LaynePhoto by George Gojkovich/Getty ImagesNo. 32 RB Franco Harris (1972-1984)The Super Bowl IX MVP and owner of four rings is the all-time team rushing leader with 11,950 yards. His Immaculate Reception remains the greatest play in NFL history and some people believe it marked the turning point for a perennial loser. His is another non-retired number that is no longer issued. Harris thrilled his Italian Army as a nine-time Pro Bowler and a member of the 1970s All-Decade team and even earned a visit to practice from the legendary Frank Sinatra.Photo by Sylvia Allen/Getty ImagesNo. 33 RB John “Frenchy” Fuqua (1970-1976) Fuqua had 2 https://www.thesteelerslockerroom.com/authentic-juju-smith-schuster-jersey ,492 yards for the Steelers and held the single-game rushing mark of 220 yards in a 1970 contest. Willie Parker broke it in 2006 (Le’Veon Bell owns it today by virtue of his December 2016 performance in Buffalo). “The French Count” is the only man who knows the truth behind the Immaculate Reception. Fuqua, who remains mum on the subject and has turned down large sums to reveal, was the player for whom the fateful pass was originally intended. Fuqua narrowly edges out Merril Hoge and Fran Rogel for No. 33 supremacy and also reigns as the most fashionable personality in team lore. And yes..he wore shoes with live goldfish in the heels.Other Notables: Fran Rogel 1954-1957, Merril Hoge 1987-1993, fourth all-time in Pittsburgh.Other Notables: Current Wearer: TE Christian Scotland-Williamson, LB Robert SpillaneNo. 50 LB Ryan Shazier (2014-Present) In 12 years with the Steelers, David Little had 10 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries and was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1990 season. Even though Little had a long and successful career, Ryan Shazier accomplished a pretty amazing body of work in a small amount of time. The Steelers’ top pick in 2014 out of Ohio State had 299 tackles, seven sacks and seven interceptions. What he might have accomplished during a full career, we most likely will never know due to his career-threatening injury in 2017. Shazier was a field general on defense and his dominating performance against Cincinnati in the 2015 Wild Card Game made the victory possible by forcing two fumbles late in the game.Other Notables: LB John Reger 1955-1963, OL Jim Clack 1969-1977, LB David Little 1981-1992, Earl Holmes 1996-2001, LB Larry Foote 2002-2008 and 2010-2013Current Wearer: LB Ryan ShazierPhoto by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="EF7GF0">

Get ready for the Oklahoma drill in Denver?Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay is ready. Lindsay said new head coach Vic Fangio has told the players that they should be prepared for an old-school training camp that’s tougher than modern players may be used to.鈥淗e鈥檚 already had a few words for us https://www.broncoslockerroom.com/authentic-von-miller-jersey ,” Lindsay said, via Mike Klis of 9 News in Denver. “He鈥檚 a no nonsense coach. He鈥檚 going to be old school. I wouldn鈥檛 be surprised if minicamp and training camp is like 1960s back in the day. We need it.”Realistically, no NFL coach can run a 1960s-style training camp today. The Collective Bargaining Agreement simply doesn’t allow coaches to put players through the kinds of lengthy full-contract practices, day after day, that were the norm when Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry were coaching.Nor should they: The sport has changed. Teams are wisely more concerned about keeping players healthy than they were in those days. In the 1960s https://www.broncoslockerroom.com/authentic-phillip-lindsay-jersey , NFL players often spent six months doing other jobs in the offseason and showed up to training camp out of shape. seriously year-round and don’t need to be whipped into shape the way they were half a century ago.Fangio may run a tougher training camp than most NFL coaches in 2019. But no NFL coach in 2019 will run a training camp like the 1960s. The Vance Joseph era keeps ushering in new records...and not the good kind.And now it turns out that just about every fan’s least favorite 4th down call by Joseph on Saturday night was actually epically bad.Bad enough to be called the “largest error on record” by edj sports. It must be noted that “on record” only dates back to 2011, so if like me, you’re thinking “that cannot be the worst one EVER” then you’d be right.But it’s also noteworthy that Joseph’s play call “for points” on 4th-and-1 from Cleveland’s 6-yard line statistically had a 33 percent chance of helping the Broncos win the game, compared to 49 percent if they went for a touchdown.From edj sports:Furthermore, edj sports noted that since the offense only needed one yard for first-and-goal Phillip Lindsay Jersey White , that would have allowed the team to run more clock with more chances to get the go-ahead touchdown. Of course this kind of epically bad decision got the attention of Deadspin, which had a more abrupt “take” - and a lot funnier:Ancient-ass thinking.Especially when there is definitely no guarantee your quarterback can engineer a game-winning drive (which it didn’t) if the defense were to get the ball back (which it did).Also dumbass thinking when the GM you are coaching for is John Freaking Elway - the QB who twice led his Broncos’ team in miraculous, gutsy, comeback wins over this same Browns franchise 30 years ago.

Even if the memory is still fresh JuJu Smith-Schuster Jersey White , the temptation is there for Pittsburgh to overlook the Jacksonville Jaguars.The Steelers might have been guilty of that in January in the AFC divisional playoffs. Mike Mitchell and Le’Veon Bell talked more about a rematch in the conference title game against New England than the Jaguars, who had beaten them soundly at home earlier in the year. The Jaguars beat them again, 45-42.Never mind that both players are not gone, Mitchell signing with the Colts and Bell not signing his $14.5 million franchise tender and sitting out the season.“Hopefully, people get the memo on that and respect these guys, because all they’ve done is kick our butt the last two times we’ve played them,” Steelers guard David DeCastro said. “I don’t know that there’s much to talk about, playing at their place. It’s going to be a tough game. They’re a really good defense, especially for us.”But there is much to talk about.The Steelers are soaring. After a sluggish start, they have won five straight games, including a 52-21 victory a week ago Thursday against the Carolina Panthers when Ben Roethlisberger had a perfect quarterbacking rating for the first time in nearly 11 years.“They’re going to come in with a chip on their shoulder,” Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette said.The Jaguars more closely resemble the team that went nine straight seasons without reaching the playoffs than a team that was one quarter away from beating New England and reaching its first Super Bowl.From a 3-1 start, the Jaguars have lost five in a row. And while they still have the top-rated pass defense in the league, they looked bumbling at times last week in a 29-26 loss at Indianapolis thanks to busted coverages and confusion.Jacksonville can’t afford another loss if it wants to return to the playoffs. And it can’t afford to live in the past, whether it’s the 30-9 victory at Heinz Field last year when it intercepted Roethlisberger five times and Fournette ran for 181 yards, or the postseason win.“Our margin for error is zero https://www.thesteelerslockerroom.com/authentic-juju-smith-schuster-jersey ,” Jacksonville defensive tackle Calais Campbell said. “But we have the ability to do something special. We have to bury the past and just look forward. With our team, our coaches and the way we prepare, I don’t see why we can’t make it happen.”The Steelers are favored to win, just like the last two times. No one is talking about that on either side.MOVING ONThe Steelers no longer have the absence of Bell hanging over them. He won’t play this season after declining to sign his one-year, $14.5 million franchise tag. They’ve managed just fine with second-year running back James Conner, second in the NFL in yards from scrimmage. His 10 rushing touchdowns are more than Bell ever had in a single season.Conner’s rise put him in a bit of an awkward spot. He considers Bell a friend and wanted no part of the narrative that he and Bell would be at odds if Bell opted to return. Now that the possibility of them reuniting is out of the way, Conner feels free to just go about his business.“I’m excited we’ve got more football to play,” Conner said. “I earn everything. Nothing was given to me. I’m going to be doing the same thing I’ve been doing every week.”FOURNETTE FORGES AHEADOne reason for the Jaguars’ sluggish start has been the absence of Fournette, not only a bruising runner but an explosive one. He broke off a 90-yard score last year against the Steelers in that 30-9 victory.Fournette played parts of two games this year and had 20 carries. He returned last week and rushed 24 times and caught five passes.“There no pitch count,” Fournette said, adding that his hamstring felt strong.Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says the Jaguars’ turnover margin — minus 11 — is one reason for the 3-6 start. Another was the absence of Fournette.“When you lose your feature runner, particularly one of his caliber, it affects you and it affects you in negative ways,” Tomlin said.ON THE ROPESThe Jaguars are three games behind Houston in the AFC South and have lost to every team in the division, putting their playoff hopes in serious jeopardy.“We put a lot of stuff in a lot of other people’s hands,” linebacker Tevin Smith said.Quarterback Blake Bortles said Jacksonville needs a winning streak Womens James Conner Jersey , but it has to start with one win first.“We continue to let opportunities pass us by and eventually we’re going to have to change that and win a football game,” Bortles said. “That’s the only way to get hot and get a win streak going. You have to start with one. No better week to start than this week. … It’s a perfect game for us to get fired up.”___AP Sports Writer Will Graves contributed. No one, of course, would dispute that at this point in the season, it being a divisional game and the division being rather bunched up, that this Sunday’s game is important. Though our tie makes tie-breaker rules largely inapplicable, divisional record is high up on the tiebreaker list. More important still, a victory for us means a loss for the Ravens, and vice-versa. There is, however, another reason why this game is important- the quality of the opponent.For years now Steeler Nation has held its collective breath when playing a gimme, a game against a bad team, like, say, the Browns. We have lost more of these than we should have. When we don't lose to such a team, such as last week's victory against a team like T. J. Watt Jersey , say, the Browns, the next issue is this- but we aren’t good enough to run with the Chiefs or the Patriots. That may be true. We’ve already lost to the Chiefs. But a Super Bowl run isn’t always dependent upon whether team a is better than team b, but on whether team a can somehow manage to win and move on. It is a rare thing indeed for a consensus top seed to win the Super Bowl.In between these two polls are games like our upcoming game with the Ravens- a game against a team that is somewhere in the middle, a potential playoff team. These too are games that we have to win. What separates one playoff team from another is usually much less than what separates a playoff team from an also ran. As is usually the case, one of these two teams will almost certainly be going to the playoffs this year. If we win, it will make it far more likely that team will be us. We can’t count on rookie mistakes, like we could when facing Baker Mayfield. of his career, but he is a veteran who has won a lot of games. We can’t count on a defense that is just beginning to gel as the Browns’ D is. We’ll be facing the Ravens, who, even when they are bad, come to play defense. We can’t count on facing a coach who either should have been fired long ago (Lewis) or one who was about to get fired (Jackson.) We’re facing John Harbaugh who is at worst, competent, and at best, pretty good. No one, I don’t think Jerome Bettis Jersey White , is expecting the Steelers to run away with the conference. We already know we’re not that good right now. So the question before us is, do we have the talent to make a run? This game will go a long way in answering that question. If we can play a full game, beginning to end, I am confident we’re going to like the answer. If we don’t, we may still make the playoffs, but we should expect an early exit.Our tests, of course, don’t stop Sunday. After the Ravens game we will still have to face three teams currently sitting in the top 5 spots of at least some Power Rankings, and two more in the top 10. Some of those we are likely to lose. Hopefully, however, we won’t lose twice this year to any team, and will find ourselves playing in February.

DENVER (AP) — First https://www.broncoslockerroom.com/authentic-drew-lock-jersey , Emmanuel Sanders wagged his right index finger in the face of Rams cornerback Troy Hill . Now, he’s pointing it right at himself after Denver’s fourth consecutive loss.After his taunt came back to haunt the Broncos, Sanders accepted the blame for Denver’s latest loss in a monthlong tailspin that has fans in the Rocky Mountains bracing for back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1971-72.“I guess this loss is on me,” Sanders said after the Rams escaped frigid Denver as the league’s lone unbeaten team following a 23-20 win Sunday over the Broncos (2-4), who became the first team in NFL history to allow a 200-yard rusher in back-to-back games.Sanders thought he had a 44-yard TD catch from Case Keenum as he tumbled into the end zone in the first quarter. He sprung to his feet and wagged a finger at Hill.Side judge Brad Freeman threw the flag, calling a personal foul on Sanders for taunting.Ordinarily, the flag wouldn’t have mattered much because the 15-yard penalty would have been enforced on the ensuing kickoff and Brandon McManus, after giving Denver a 7-6 lead with an extra point, undoubtedly would still have booted the ball out of the end zone for a touchback.Upon review, however, it turned out Hill had the last laugh, having touched Sanders before he crossed the goal line.That put the ball at the 1.The penalty pushed them back to the 16.After runs of 1 and 5 yards, Keenum’s throwaway on third-and-4 brought in McManus for a field goal instead of an extra point and his 28-yarder cut Denver’s deficit to 6-3.They never did get the lead and those four points would have made the difference in a three-point loss.“Me, honestly, I feel like the league is getting soft,” Sanders said. “I’m having fun. I didn’t do anything crazy to the guy besides say, ‘Hey, I got you on that play.’ I pointed my finger at him. And they threw the flag.”Sanders said he’s done that his whole career and has never been flagged for it.“It was a great throw by Case, I came down with it, big play, emotions are high. It’s not like I walked up to him and head-butted him or something,” Sanders said. “But it cost my team. We lost by three points. I feel like we could have easily punched that ball in and gotten four (more) points. I guess this loss is on me.”Vance Joseph, who fell to 7-15 as head coach, talked to Sanders on the sideline.“He can’t do that,” Joseph said. “He knows that.”Well, he does now.“I don’t think I did anything too crazy besides point a finger and tell the guy, ‘Hey I got you on that play.’ I don’t see the penalty in that,” Sanders said. “But I learned from it and like I said, it cost my team. I’ve just got to keep chugging along and don’t do it again.”The costly foul from a nine-year veteran came one week after Sanders’ fellow SMU alum, rookie receiver Courtland Sutton , chased down Marcus Maye at the 1 following a 104-yard interception return at game’s end, leaving the Jets safety with the longest such play without a score in NFL history.“We played two of the best teams in the league, the Chiefs and the Rams, and the games came down to crunch time. And that just shows you what kind of team that we are,” linebacker Shane Ray declared. “We’re a great football team.”Not at 2-4 they aren’t.Even Fox play-by-play man Dick Stockton dissed the Broncos by beginning the telecast saying, “the undefeated Rams take on the Denver Nuggets.”Other takeaways from Week 6 included:CUTTING OUT COLINThe 49ers posted dozens of photos on its website of past games against the Packers in advance of their Monday night game without at first including any of Colin Kaepernick, who set an NFL record for QBs by rushing for 181 yards in a playoff win against Green Bay on Jan. 12, 2013, threw for 413 yards in a season-opening win against the Packers in 2013, and led a winning drive in a playoff game in Green Bay on Jan. 5, 2014.“We have fond memories of those games and that should have been displayed on our website,” the team said in a statement after adding images of Kaepernick. “This oversight does not properly reflect the appreciation our ownership and this team have for Colin.”GRONK HONKTom Brady made light of yelling at Rob Gronkowski in an Instagram post following the Patriots‘ 43-40 win over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.In the second quarter, the sideline microphones picked up Brady yelling at Gronkowski to stand up out of his stance, and Brady ended up calling a timeout on the play.Gronk came up big in the fourth quarter with a stiff-arm that helped him gain 42 yards and set up a field goal that gave New England a 40-33 lead.“Gronk, you can line up however you want if you keep stiff-arming people like that,” Brady said.MISSED CALLSAl Riveron, the NFL’s senior vice president of officiating, acknowledged for a second straight week that officials goofed in not calling a running back for lowering his head and barreling into a defender.In his weekly video, Riveron said Patriots rookie Sony Michel should have been flagged for lowering his head to initiate contact with Colts safety Clayton Geathers in Week 5.A week earlier, Riveron noted that Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt should have been flagged for doing the same thing to Broncos safety Justin Simmons.Although Hunt got away without a penalty, his illegal hit did result in a $26,739 fine.NO EXCEPTIONSRiveron defended referee Clete Blakeman’s crew Dalton Risner Jersey , which didn’t flag Steelers receiver Justin Hunter for blocking Bengals DB Tony McRae beyond 1 yard past the line of scrimmage on Antonio Brown’s 31-yard TD catch from Ben Roethlisberger with 10 seconds left that gave Pittsburgh a 28-21 win on Sunday.“The contact is initiated by the defender,” Riveron said on Twitter , “and therefore the receiver is not responsible for this contact.”NFL rule 8, Section 5, Article 4 states: “Blocking more than 1 yard beyond the line of scrimmage by an offensive player prior to a pass being thrown is offensive pass interference.”The rule book, however, doesn’t specify an exception for defenders initiating contact. Devontae Booker will return as the Denver Broncos third-down back in 2019." Denver Broncos Roster2019 Broncos roster review: Running back Devontae Booker New,42commentsDevontae Booker will return as the Denver Broncos third-down back in 2019.MDTShare this storyShare this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShareAll sharing optionsShareAll sharing options for:2019 Broncos roster review: Running back Devontae Booker TwitterFacebookRedditPocketFlipboardEmailPhoto by Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesThe former fourth-round pick who is now a veteran in the NFL is entering his fourth year with the Broncos and should still have an important role in the teams backfield. ProfileHeight: 5-11Weight: 219lbsAge: 27Experience: 4th seasonBooker has never really lived up to his potential as a starter in the NFL, but he has been a very good compliment to have behind your starter. His ability to be a pass blocker, pass catcher, as well as a runner, has helped be the Broncos third-down back the past few seasons. This is something I see continuing in 2019.Through three NFL seasons, all with the Broncos, Booker has totaled 287 rushing attempts for 1,094 yards and 6 touchdowns. His best ability, however, has been as a pass catcher. Through three NFL seasons, Booker has caught 99 balls for 815 yards and 1 touchdown. Booker’s best season in the NFL came his rookie year when he played in Gary Kubiak’s zone-based offensive system. Well, the Broncos are returning to that zone-based offensive system under new Offensive Coordinator Rich Scangarello and Booker feels it fits his strengths well. During Booker’s rookie year, he rushed 174 times for 612 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also caught 31 balls for 265 yards and 1 touchdown. I would look for Rich Scangarello to use Booker in the passing game often this year, and potentially in some split back scenarios with Phillip Lindsay or Royce Freeman. In the end, he gives the Broncos a reliable pass blocker and a sure-handed target out of the backfield or in other words, a solid third-down back. The goodEvery NFL team is looking for a reliable third-down back to lean on in certain scenarios, and that is exactly what Booker can do. Most of the time, defenses are bringing the heat on third-down, so Booker will be once again tasked with finding the free rusher and keeping him off the quarterback, Joe Flacco. He is arguably the best pass blocking back on the Broncos roster right now and that is one way to earn some roster security, especially in today’s NFL. His pass catching ability should also serve him well in this offense. If you look at Kyle Shanahan’s history as a play caller, he likes to use the running back in the passing game. So I would imagine Scangarello would look to do the same in his offense. This bodes well for Booker who may have the best hands of the running back group. So I would expect him to earn some opportunities in that role this upcoming season.Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty ImagesAnother positive for Booker is the lack of competition behind him. You have the undersized, but speedy Khalfani Muhammad behind Booker as well as undrafted rookie Devontae Jackson who is also an undersized, but speedy back. It is always possible Jackson proves to be the next Phillip Lindsay, but odds are that neither will really push Booker for a roster spot. This offense should benefit Booker and his pass blocking ability most likely locks him into a roster spot. Add in the lack of competition behind him, and things are looking good for Booker. The badBooker has found his niche as a solid third-down pass blocker/pass catcher for the Broncos, however, he has yet to prove he can be a feature back in an offense. Outside of this past year where he rushed only 37 times and had a YPC of 5.7, he has years of 3.8 and 3.5 yards per carry. His only 100+ carry year came his rookie year where he only averaged 3.5 yards per carry. Now the quarterback and offensive line situation both weren’t great and could have impacted his numbers, but he still hasn’t proven he can be a full-time rusher in the NFL. With Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman ahead of Booker on the depth chart, he isn’t expected to have these responsibilities. However, if something happened to either of those backs and Booker gets some more extended playing time, It would be nice to see him have some more success as a runner. QuotableBooker on if he would like to be a feature back.“Absolutely. That’s just how my approach is to it. I’m pretty sure every guy in our room wants to be the feature guy. to be that guy. I’m not just going to sit here and say that I don’t want to be that because I know that I can offer a little more. As of right now and how my role is, the pass protection and being a pass catcher out of the backfield, that’s just where they need me right now.”Devontae Booker’s roster status with the Broncos:Barring an injury or surprise acquisition, you can pretty much lock Booker into a roster spot.I get that he gets a decent amount of hate, but he’s likely your best pass catcher and best pass blocker of the running back group. This isn’t a knock on Lindsay by the way, he’s the most dangerous pass catcher, but Booker’s hands and route running ability give him the edge right now. Freeman can likely turn into a solid pass blocker because of his size, but he doesn’t offer a ton in the passing game. Meanwhile, you really do not want your 190lb(or less) running back taking on a linebacker or defensive lineman, so Booker gets the edge here. Booker is your third-down back once again in 2019 and hopefully, he can flourish a little more as a pass catcher in Rich Scangarello’s offensive system.

The Cleveland Browns signed Kareem Hunt this offseason Womens Terrell Edmunds Jersey , but will be without him for the first half of the season."The Cleveland Browns are all the rage in NFL circles recently. After bolstering their defensive line in free agency, the team made waves when making a huge trade with the New York Giants for Odell Beckham Jr.One of the biggest, and most controversial, moves the Browns made this offseason was signing free agent RB Kareem Hunt.The talented running back was released from the Kansas City Chiefs after video of an assault from February 2018 surfaced, and Hunt had yet to hear from the league office regarding a potential suspension — until now.After consideration Womens James Conner Jersey , the NFL league office decided to suspend Hunt 8 games to start the 2019 regular season.Here is the official statement from the NFL:Here is the official statement from Hunt and the Browns:For the Browns organization, they have one of the most talented stable of running backs in the NFL. Without Hunt in the mix, they still will have both Nick Chubb and Duke Johnson at their disposal. On top of that, Hunt should return to the team in the second half of the season, and Browns fans are hoping he will be an added addition in what many are hoping is a playoff push.In the meantime T. J. Watt Jersey White , the Browns will continue to be a hot topic team for the trades they’ve made, the free agent acquisitions and they still have plenty of draft picks coming up in 2019 NFL Draft. Needless to say, the AFC North hierarchy is certain to be shaken up next year, and the Browns are hoping to finally climb out of the cellar. Based on the Steelers’ free agent moves, the aggressive move to get Devin Bush has me scratching my head."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Latest NewsSteelers Film Room2018 NFL Draft AnalysisLatest NewsLatest NewsCommentary2019 NFL Draft AnalysisThe Pittsburgh Steelers traded up to draft Devin Bush Terrell Edmunds Jersey White , but why?New,205commentsBased on the Steelers’ free agent moves, the aggressive move to get Devin Bush has me scratching my head.EDTShareTweetShareShareThe Pittsburgh Steelers traded up to draft Devin Bush, but why?Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsWhat did Mark Barron toss across his room at his TV tonight? Not a thing. He had his contract signed and sealed, so he did not care one bit who the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted. Barron is set to make $3.875 million this year whether you like it or not. He gets another $2.875 million in 2020 just for signing that lil dotted line in 2019. Does not matter if he is on the roster or not. Not a chance he will be in 2020.Barron is not a safety. Let us get that out of the way. He is a converted safety. Generally converting todifferent position in the NFL does not bode well. So what is Barron? Does not matter what he really is. Unlike Morgan Burnett Pittsburgh is going to use him as a 3-4 linebacker and dime linebacker. Not a Big nickel or big safety. The Steelers caved to Steelers fans wishes and finally after years and years of fans begging they pulled the trigger. The team did not care that the starting positions at inside linebacker were already occupied by high valued players. The team still went with one of the best pound for pound players in the draft. Years past Womens JuJu Smith-Schuster Jersey , management was fine with ignoring the position while an aging Lawrence Timmons held one side and an up-and-coming stud Ryan Shazier held the other. The Steelers allowed Timmons to walk away with a truckload of cash and left Pittsburgh with Vince Williams and Ryan Shazier in his wake. We all know the story with Shazier and how the ILB position has gone since then. Sean Spence made the best of his opportunity of stepping off the sofa and onto the gridiron. Most Steelers fans wish he would have stayed on the sofa and ate Cheetos instead of floundering against Leonard Fournette. I would tell ya how mediocre VW is, but anyone who watched a game from last season knows that already. (Watch the Carolina Panthers game.) You would have seen him pull off his bull rush special. Where his value lies is with the little green dot. Yup, that one-trick pony has a special task that kept him on the field for more snaps then Stephon Tuitt last season. He has a green dot on his helmet which means he brings in the defensive plays and changes the alignments. How does a rookie supplant that? How does Bush see the field over VW?That is easy. Tomlin tells the 17th highest paid ILB in the league he is now the highest-paid backup in the league. Barron raises his hand and asks his role. Tomlin looks him square in the face and asks, “I do not understand how an expensive mediocre vet sees the field.” are filled with hate. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is long gone and rookies start out of the gate in Steeler Nation. Who sits so Bush can play? Williams with his horrid contract and the green dot is unlikely. Baron has never been a defensive captain, so it is unlikely he is the man on the field in nickel situations even with his safety background. Is Bush the second man up with the green dot or do the Steelers go against their stripes and pick another position? Because of the horrid restructure of VW Womens T. J. Watt Jersey , ($9 million guaranteed) the Steelers are stuck with him for at least two more years. Barron will never see his $8.125 million salary in 2020 he should walk away with a cool $2.876 million for not playing a single down in 2020. What happens if Barron returns to 2016 form in 2019? What is Bush’s role? How does Bush see the field this season? The water is muddied for two years unless moves are made and the Steelers eat cap space. General manager Kevin Colbert had to have a road map already planned out to grab an inside linebacker early. So what exactly was the need for Barron with a capable 46 game starter in Jon Bostic sitting in the wings? Not a chance the team pays Barron $8 million in 2020 for him to be a cheerleader. Bush will earn $3.4 million and $4.3 million in the next two seasons and $11.7 million over the next four years. Bush is a solid college ILB. Can he transition to the pros? Is there a spot for him this season let alone next season? Is he worthy of the Steelers to swap first rounders, give up a second this year and a third next year? Will his presence negate the holes at tight end and safety this season? Doubtful.

ENGLEWOOD Courtland Sutton Jersey White , Colo. (AP) — No, Phillip Lindsay never once thought he’d become the first undrafted offensive player to make the Pro Bowl. He’s been too busy making tacklers miss and general managers regret passing him over in the NFL draft just because he stands 5-foot-8.“I’m an undrafted free agent. To be able to have 100 yards in a game was great. To get a touchdown, to be able to play at (Mile High Stadium), that’s the stuff right there that I dreamt about,” the Denver Broncos‘ rookie running back said Wednesday. “The Pro Bowl is something that you think like five years down the line, three years down the line.”After waiting seven rounds and never hearing his name called or his phone buzz on draft weekend, Lindsay signed with his hometown Broncos and when he survived cuts after training camp, he sought Hall of Famer Terrell Davis’ blessing to wear his old No. 30 jersey .Yet, Lindsay said he’s been so focused on his next opponent that he didn’t even ponder the possibility of making the Pro Bowl when a couple of Cleveland Browns players told him after their game Saturday night that “our whole linebacker room voted for you for the Pro Bowl.”Excluding special teams players, the only other undrafted rookie to make the Pro Bowl was Dallas Cowboys defensive back Everson Walls in 1981.“That tells you what he’s done,” coach Vance Joseph said. “His first day with us, he was the sixth halfback on the depth chart. The sixth! Obviously, being a rookie free agent. Didn’t go to the combine. Wasn’t drafted. … He came in here just trying to make our football team.”Lindsay started out as a special teams stud and didn’t even start in the backfield until midway through the season.“Now, he’s in the Pro Bowl, so that speaks to his work ethic, his heart and his talent,” Joseph said. “So, it’s amazing what he’s accomplished in such a short time.”Although Lindsay said, “Nobody knew about me when I got here, other than I was little,” teammate Bradley Roby said the veterans sure took notice of him right away.“Very impressive. I know this, when he first got here, OTAs Joe Flacco Jersey , you kind of feel the rookies out, see how they move. And I always felt that his movement was good,” Roby said. “I was like, ‘This guy’s fast, he’s quick, accelerates.’ I was thinking like if he can run with the pads on, he’s going to be nice.“And he’s done nothing but prove that he’s worth. He should have been drafted, obviously. He’s a gem.”The wild-haired rookie cracked up his teammates during team introductions by saying, “I’m Phillip Lindsay, I’m from Colorado. And I went to Colorado.”Short and sweet.Just like his stride.The first player from the Broncos Futures Football middle school program to sign an NFL contract, Lindsay grew up in Aurora not far from the Broncos headquarters, and starred at Denver South High School and the University of Colorado, where his wild hair and relentless rushing style earned him the nickname “Tasmanian Devil.”Lindsay, who is nine rushing yards shy of 1,000 and whose 5.5-yard average is second in the league, said he’s eager to go to the Pro Bowl with teammate Von Miller, the game’s reigning MVP, and he’s also eager to finally meet Saquon Barkley, the running back from Penn State whom the Giants drafted second overall.Barkley is the only rookie running back who has more yards (1,155) than he does (991), although both have nine touchdown runs.“It’s going to be fun to be able to finally talk to Saquon,” Lindsay said. “We always heard about each other, but we never got to see each other. So Bradley Chubb Jersey White , it will be cool to hang out with each other.”Lindsay had hoped to meet Barkley at the NFL combine last spring but he never received an invitation to the league’s annual gathering of top draft hopefuls, a snub that’s driven him all season along with going undrafted two months later.Lindsay said he hopes his remarkable rise will inspire kids everywhere who are overlooked underdogs.“You’ve got to keep pushing, you just never know. You’ve got to keep the faith no matter what,” Lindsay said. “Everybody can take anything from you, but they can’t take your faith. That’s what you’ve got to rely on. You’ve got to go for your dreams.” It’s like old times in the AFC West.Jon Gruden glowering on the sideline. Philip Rivers surrounded by co-stars. An air-it-out quarterback in Kansas City. Von Miller sauntering around Denver again thanks to the arrival of a new pass rush partner in Bradley Chubb.Widely regarded as the best defender in the draft, Chubb, the No. 5 pick overall, teams with Miller, Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett to form a fearsome front ready to rankle the likes of Rivers, Patrick Mahomes II and Derek Carr, and reclaim the division crown they used to own when Peyton Manning was around.The Broncos have a bona fide QB again themselves with the free agent signing of Case Keenum, who’s out to prove his breakout 2017 season in Minnesota was no fluke.He’ll have to navigate a new division that features some of the league’s best pass-rushing duos ready to wreck game plans and quarterbacks alike.The Chargers feature Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram as bookends to an ever-improving defense. The Chiefs have Dee Ford and Justin Houston to cover warts on their defense. Oakland has Bruce Irvin and — maybe — Khalil Mack, who wants a long-term contract.Here’s a quick tour around the AFC West:RECHARGED CHARGERS : The Chargers ranked third in the league last year in yielding 17 points a game, but their run defense was their soft underbelly and kept them from an even bigger bounce-back season (9-7) in coach Anthony Lynn’s first year.Enter versatile rookie safety Derwin James, who was selected at No. 17 overall in the first round of the NFL draft out of Florida State. James played in the box effectively as a strong safety for the Seminoles, and he’s learning to play deep as a free safety. He’s also getting chances to rush the passer from multiple spots in the formation, adding more experiences to his skill set.The addition of James and a year of familiarity in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s system have the Chargers expecting big things in 2018.“It’s looking like we are going to have a great defense,” Bosa said.And that would take pressure off Rivers in the Chargers’ quest for their first division title since 2009.RESUSCITATED SANDERS : Emmanuel Sanders proclaimed Denver as “wide receiver heaven” upon his arrival in 2014, and with Manning, Sanders indeed found paradise, setting career highs with 101 catches for 1,404 yards and nine touchdowns his first season in the Rocky Mountains.Nirvana gave way to wide receiver purgatory after Manning’s retirement, however.Sanders caught just 47 passes for 555 yards and two touchdowns last year when he was stifled by a nagging ankle injury and the Broncos’ QB turnstile that churned through Trevor Siemian Womens Bradley Chubb Jersey , Brock Osweiler and Paxton Lynch.Energized by a return to health and Keenum’s arrival, Sanders is ready for a comeback, sporting a rookie’s enthusiasm to go with his veteran moxie while building chemistry with his new quarterback.“I’m just loving football these days,” Sanders said.MAHOMES’ MOMENT: After trading away ball-protecting Alex Smith to Washington, Andy Reid is turning over the reins to Mahomes, the athletic Texas Tech QB who’s a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ steady diet of misdirection and multi-option reads.Eric Bieniemy takes over as offensive coordinator following Matt Nagy’s hiring as Bears head coach, and he’ll have plenty of firepower at his disposal with reigning rushing champ Kareem Hunt, speedy Tyreek Hill, star tight end Travis Kelce and new wide receiver Sammy Watkins.Mahomes gave the NFL a tantalizing glimpse of what he could do in the preseason when he ducked through a collapsing pocket and threw a 69-yard touchdown pass to Hill, who burned three Falcons D-backs to catch the pass in stride.“I underthrew it, to be honest,” Mahomes said with a wry smile.The Chiefs might need to pile up the points to compensate for a depleted defense that was atrocious in the preseason after cutting loose veterans Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali and trading Marcus Peters to the Rams. to return to the sideline for the first time in a decade, he quickly jettisoned punter Marquette King in a surprising move. King wasted no time in signing with Denver, fueled in part by the revenge factor.King said he never had a chance to speak with Gruden before getting jettisoned in Oakland.“I just saw him on car commercials and stuff,” King said. “I get to see him two times a year.”Gruden didn’t just give the silent treatment to King but also to his star pass rusher as Mack held out for a long-term contract.Mack skipped the Raiders‘ offseason program, all of training camp and the entire exhibition season. Whether he reports before the start of the regular season remains to be seen.“I don’t want to put any timetable on it,” Gruden said. “This has obviously been a long a process that has been grueling for both parties and fans and me personally. We’re just hoping we can get him in here.”PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH: Chargers, Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders.___AP Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow and Sports Writers Dave Skretta and Greg Beacham contributed.___