thedenverpost--2020-11-24--CU Buffs’ Sam Noyer not resting on early success as USC showdown approaches

The Thanksgiving turkey has yet to be devoured and Black Friday is still a few days away , but Colorado quarterback Sam Noyer used some unexpected time off last week to get a Christmas tree set up in his apartment .
“ My mom was like , ‘ You ’ re probably not gon na be home for Christmas this year , so why don ’ t you go get a Christmas tree and set everything up , ’ ” Noyer said Monday during a virtual press conference .
“ So , I went out and did that this weekend.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared this fall .
The senior has been exceptional during his first two games as a starter , throwing for 512 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 100 yards and three scores for the Buffs ( 2-0 ) .
Noyer and CU visit No .
19 Southern California on Saturday ( 1:36 p.m. MST , TV : ABC ) and he ’ s not relaxing because of his hot start .
“ You can never get too comfortable being in this position , ” he said .
“ Any day can change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s the possibility of Tyler coming in.
” Noyer and junior Tyler Lytle battled for the job in preseason camp , and coaches said the competition was exceptionally close .
For Noyer to keep the job , he ’ s got to continue to play well , he said .
“ I ’ ve got to have the mindset of just taking it day by day and getting better each day , ” he said .
“ I can ’ t get comfortable , like I said , because if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen and I don ’ t want that to happen .
I ’ ve got to prepare just like I prepared from day one since I stepped foot back on the team.
” Part of Noyer ’ s success so far has come from his aggressive running style , including a few times when he ’ s tried to leap over defenders .
He said having last week off — after Arizona State had to cancel the game because of COVID-19 issues — helped his body rest .
“ Really all of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get our bodies back right , but overall I think my body ’ s doing really well , ” he said .
While Noyer has said he needs to be smarter in avoiding contact — and head coach Karl Dorrell agrees — he added that human nature will be tough to contain .
“ When the adrenaline ’ s flowing , I just kind of react , ” he said .
“ I probably shouldn ’ t be as airborne as I have been , but if I need that first down , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and I think that ’ s something you ’ re going to continue to see.
” In addition to resting , Noyer said last week was beneficial as the Buffs go into a big matchup with the Trojans .
USC and Colorado are the only undefeated teams in the Pac-12 South division .
“ I think it gave us extra time to prepare for a great SC team and I think guys took each day as a new opportunity to prepare and get better , ” Noyer said .
“ I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a step back .
I think a lot of people can take a step back in those type of situations but I think our team has handled it really well and I think Coach Dorrell has done a great job of handling the entire situation well .
I think overall we did a good job of preparing and now we ’ re back on to a real game and we ’ re ready to go.
” Noyer credits his relationship with offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini and quarterbacks Danny Langsdorf for getting him ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two together do a great job of putting me and putting our offense in the best position to win with their calls and their game plan , ” Noyer said .
“ We ’ ve developed a great relationship .
We meet a lot , we talk a lot and I think it ’ ll only continue to grow.
” As Noyer has excelled , he ’ s received a lot of support from CU fans , but also from his family and friends from Beaverton , Ore.
He ’ s enjoyed it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to his head .
“ That ( support ) is important for me and my family , but I can ’ t ride the high horse , ” he said .
“ I ’ ve just got to understand that it ’ s great , thank you guys for obviously supporting me back home , but at the same time I ’ ve got work to do and I ’ ve got to get better .
”

The Thanksgiving turkey has yet to be devoured and Black Friday is still a few days away, but Colorado quarterback Sam Noyer used some unexpected time off last week to get a Christmas tree set up in his apartment.
“My mom was like, ‘You’re probably not gonna be home for Christmas this year, so why don’t you go get a Christmas tree and set everything up,’” Noyer said Monday during a virtual press conference. “So, I went out and did that this weekend.”
Yet another example of Noyer being prepared this fall.
The senior has been exceptional during his first two games as a starter, throwing for 512 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 100 yards and three scores for the Buffs (2-0). Noyer and CU visit No. 19 Southern California on Saturday (1:36 p.m. MST, TV: ABC) and he’s not relaxing because of his hot start.
“You can never get too comfortable being in this position,” he said. “Any day can change. I play bad next week and there’s the possibility of Tyler coming in.”
Noyer and junior Tyler Lytle battled for the job in preseason camp, and coaches said the competition was exceptionally close. For Noyer to keep the job, he’s got to continue to play well, he said.
“I’ve got to have the mindset of just taking it day by day and getting better each day,” he said. “I can’t get comfortable, like I said, because if I get too comfortable then some things can happen and I don’t want that to happen. I’ve got to prepare just like I prepared from day one since I stepped foot back on the team.”
Part of Noyer’s success so far has come from his aggressive running style, including a few times when he’s tried to leap over defenders. He said having last week off — after Arizona State had to cancel the game because of COVID-19 issues — helped his body rest.
“Really all of us, I think it helps just to get our bodies back right, but overall I think my body’s doing really well,” he said.
While Noyer has said he needs to be smarter in avoiding contact — and head coach Karl Dorrell agrees — he added that human nature will be tough to contain.
“When the adrenaline’s flowing, I just kind of react,” he said. “I probably shouldn’t be as airborne as I have been, but if I need that first down, I’m gonna go get it and I think that’s something you’re going to continue to see.”
In addition to resting, Noyer said last week was beneficial as the Buffs go into a big matchup with the Trojans. USC and Colorado are the only undefeated teams in the Pac-12 South division.
“I think it gave us extra time to prepare for a great SC team and I think guys took each day as a new opportunity to prepare and get better,” Noyer said. “I don’t think that guys really took a step back. I think a lot of people can take a step back in those type of situations but I think our team has handled it really well and I think Coach Dorrell has done a great job of handling the entire situation well. I think overall we did a good job of preparing and now we’re back on to a real game and we’re ready to go.”
Noyer credits his relationship with offensive coordinator Darrin Chiaverini and quarterbacks Danny Langsdorf for getting him ready each week.
“I think those two together do a great job of putting me and putting our offense in the best position to win with their calls and their game plan,” Noyer said. “We’ve developed a great relationship. We meet a lot, we talk a lot and I think it’ll only continue to grow.”
As Noyer has excelled, he’s received a lot of support from CU fans, but also from his family and friends from Beaverton, Ore. He’s enjoyed it, but won’t let it get to his head.
“That (support) is important for me and my family, but I can’t ride the high horse,” he said. “I’ve just got to understand that it’s great, thank you guys for obviously supporting me back home, but at the same time I’ve got work to do and I’ve got to get better.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--Three Points: Was moment too big for Colorado Rapids in MLS playoffs?

The Colorado Rapids got crushed in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs , their promising season coming to an ignominious end Sunday night in Minnesota .
The Rapids conceded a goal quickly to Minnesota United FC , didn ’ t capitalize on their chances to equalize , and then the wheels came off in an eventual 3-0 rout .
In ending a four-year playoff drought , the Rapids accomplished one of their main goals for this season .
But does the disappointing effort outweigh the club ’ s achievement ?
Here are three points from the Rapids season-ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the youngest teams in MLS this season .
Most of the roster had never played in the playoffs and Colorado ’ s best players were all inexperienced .
The Rapids came out flying in each half yet they couldn ’ t keep it up and little mistakes were immediately capitalized on by the Loons .
“ We weren ’ t clinical enough and we opened up towards the end looking for a score , ” Jack Price said .
“ We have to be more clinical and we ’ ll have to learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young group and we ’ ll come back stronger next year.
” Both Price , the captain , and head coach Robin Fraser said the errors made by the Rapids were not due to a lack of preparation but based on execution .
“ It was a relatively young team in a big situation , ” Fraser said .
“ I thought we weren ’ t at our best , but we still created several really good chances.
” That takeaway may be steep .
This was the third time in his tenure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season after long layoffs .
Another key element to the match was ironman Sam Vines starting the match on the bench , then playing for only 20 minutes .
“ Vines was hurt , as a result , we wanted to be cautious with him , ” Fraser said .
“ We thought if we were chasing the game we ’ d get him some service , which he did.
” If Vines was healthy enough to play , why didn ’ t he start ?
He played every minute of the Rapids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back was one of the most important players on the club .
Instead , Kellyn Acosta , who hadn ’ t played as a defender in years , shifted from the midfield down to Vines ’ spot .
Acosta was fine , but it ’ s easy to see a snowball effect .
Interestingly , the Rapids picked up Steven Beitashour to back up Vines recently .
The wingback was a staple of LAFC ’ s lineup last season when they captured the Supporters Shield .
He also got plenty of playing time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning MLS Cup for a club Fraser worked with as an assistant .
“ Beitashour hasn ’ t played in a year , and I didn ’ t think it was fair to throw him into a playoff game having not played in a year , ” Fraser said .
Fraser also started Jonathan Lewis , who had been coming off the bench more recently as the high priced Nicolas Benezet came on as a sub .
Benezet finished his season with no goals , though the offense was clearly better when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lewis worked as a sparkplug to end contests .
The youth may have hurt in Sunday ’ s playoff matchup but overall this season was a step forward .
With the younger players the Rapids have something to build upon .
“ We ’ re a young team and moments like these are good for teams like this because you can see where we went wrong , ” Price said .
“ I don ’ t think the boys at any point folded under the pressure of the game .
We knew we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They were the more experienced team , they ’ ve been here before , and we will come back stronger .
We know how to deal with these with these obstacles now .
”

The Colorado Rapids got crushed in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, their promising season coming to an ignominious end Sunday night in Minnesota. The Rapids conceded a goal quickly to Minnesota United FC, didn’t capitalize on their chances to equalize, and then the wheels came off in an eventual 3-0 rout.
In ending a four-year playoff drought, the Rapids accomplished one of their main goals for this season. But does the disappointing effort outweigh the club’s achievement?
Here are three points from the Rapids season-ending loss:
Moment too big?
The Rapids had one of the youngest teams in MLS this season. Most of the roster had never played in the playoffs and Colorado’s best players were all inexperienced. The Rapids came out flying in each half yet they couldn’t keep it up and little mistakes were immediately capitalized on by the Loons.
“We weren’t clinical enough and we opened up towards the end looking for a score,” Jack Price said. “We have to be more clinical and we’ll have to learn from this. This is a really young group and we’ll come back stronger next year.”
Both Price, the captain, and head coach Robin Fraser said the errors made by the Rapids were not due to a lack of preparation but based on execution.
“It was a relatively young team in a big situation,” Fraser said. “I thought we weren’t at our best, but we still created several really good chances.”
Fraser believed his team could’ve won the match.
That takeaway may be steep. This was the third time in his tenure Colorado has been shut, all this season after long layoffs.
Ironman sidelined
Another key element to the match was ironman Sam Vines starting the match on the bench, then playing for only 20 minutes.
“Vines was hurt, as a result, we wanted to be cautious with him,” Fraser said. “We thought if we were chasing the game we’d get him some service, which he did.”
If Vines was healthy enough to play, why didn’t he start? He played every minute of the Rapids’ regular season. The homegrown left back was one of the most important players on the club. Instead, Kellyn Acosta, who hadn’t played as a defender in years, shifted from the midfield down to Vines’ spot. Acosta was fine, but it’s easy to see a snowball effect.
Interestingly, the Rapids picked up Steven Beitashour to back up Vines recently. The wingback was a staple of LAFC’s lineup last season when they captured the Supporters Shield. He also got plenty of playing time in Toronto a few years back, winning MLS Cup for a club Fraser worked with as an assistant.
“Beitashour hasn’t played in a year, and I didn’t think it was fair to throw him into a playoff game having not played in a year,” Fraser said.
Fraser also started Jonathan Lewis, who had been coming off the bench more recently as the high priced Nicolas Benezet came on as a sub. Benezet finished his season with no goals, though the offense was clearly better when the French winger was on the field and Lewis worked as a sparkplug to end contests.
Up the ‘Pids
The youth may have hurt in Sunday’s playoff matchup but overall this season was a step forward. With the younger players the Rapids have something to build upon.
“We’re a young team and moments like these are good for teams like this because you can see where we went wrong,” Price said. “I don’t think the boys at any point folded under the pressure of the game. We knew we were playing under pressure the last month. They were the more experienced team, they’ve been here before, and we will come back stronger. We know how to deal with these with these obstacles now.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-23--As tipoff nears, CU Buffs men’s basketball crossing fingers to reach opening night safely

As the Colorado Buffaloes begin the first game week of a season they hope will continue to feature continuous game weeks until March , the goal is simple yet tenuous .
A balance of anticipation and trepidation that might also continue through March .
CU men ’ s basketball coach Tad Boyle talked on a video media session Monday morning , roughly 56 hours before his squad is scheduled to open the 2020-21 season against South Dakota in Manhattan , Kan .
Reaching that seemingly innocuous goal of getting to tipoff won ’ t be as easy as simply checking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic already has made a mess of college basketball ’ s scheduled opening night Wednesday .
Boyle is crossing his fingers the Buffs , who haven ’ t suffered a single positive test among its scholarship players since the bulk of the team reconvened on campus in June , can produce a safe and victorious two-game , season-opening trip to Kansas State .
“ We have to get Wednesday at 7 p.m. ( 6 MT ) in Manhattan , Kansas , ” Boyle said .
“ If we can do that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an accomplishment for these young men .
You look at what ’ s going on through our state , it ’ s another testament to our guys and , knock on wood , people keep staying safe and healthy.
” On Friday , Colorado State announced it is suspending activities for its men ’ s basketball program through Dec. 2 due to positive COVID-19 tests within the program , casting at least a shadow of concern over the Rams ’ scheduled Dec. 8 visit to the CU Events Center .
On Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Denver , coached by former CU assistant Rodney Billups , announced the cancellation of its season-opener Wednesday against Colorado Christian due to positive tests within the Pioneers ’ program .
No .
11 Tennessee , with former CU assistant Kim English on staff , suspended all team activities after head coach Rick Barnes tested positive for COVID-19 .
No .
9 Duke was forced to cancel its opener against Gardner-Webb .
The opening week schedule-juggling has struck the Pac-12 , as well .
Arizona ’ s opener against Northern Arizona was canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State ’ s highly-anticipated showdown against No .
2 Baylor in Connecticut .
Instead , the Sun Devils will play Rhode Island .
Last week , the Pac-12 Conference loosened its previous football restrictions allowing for nonconference matchups if games are canceled .
Basketball has no such conference-only mandate .
Yet given how Cal and UCLA were able to get paired in football at the 11th hour after their respective foes were forced to cancel , Boyle on Monday was asked if CU would have the flexibility to reschedule games on the fly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a December run of four consecutive home games — Washington State ( Dec. 5 ) , CSU ( Dec. 8 ) , Northern Colorado ( Dec. 14 ) , and Omaha ( Dec. 16 ) — are forced to bow out .
Boyle indicated those conversations already are happening .
“ That ’ s the million dollar question , ” Boyle said .
“ We ’ re certainly trying .
We want those contingency plans in place .
You have to stay nimble this year .
I ’ ve had conversations with Jeff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CSU coach ) Niko ( Medved ) after I saw what happened with the Colorado State program .
We ’ ll be in constant contact between now and December the 8th .
We ’ re hopeful that game can still go on .
If not , Rodney Billups at DU , I know they ’ re on pause right now , but I ’ ve had conversations obviously with him .
Joe Scott at Air Force .
All the people along the Front Range we have been in contact with and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescheduling ) scenario if in fact we lose games .
And we very well may .
“ We ’ re going to stay nimble and try to get in as many games as we can .
”

As the Colorado Buffaloes begin the first game week of a season they hope will continue to feature continuous game weeks until March, the goal is simple yet tenuous. A balance of anticipation and trepidation that might also continue through March.
CU men’s basketball coach Tad Boyle talked on a video media session Monday morning, roughly 56 hours before his squad is scheduled to open the 2020-21 season against South Dakota in Manhattan, Kan.
Reaching that seemingly innocuous goal of getting to tipoff won’t be as easy as simply checking the hours off the clock, as the coronavirus pandemic already has made a mess of college basketball’s scheduled opening night Wednesday.
Boyle is crossing his fingers the Buffs, who haven’t suffered a single positive test among its scholarship players since the bulk of the team reconvened on campus in June, can produce a safe and victorious two-game, season-opening trip to Kansas State.
“We have to get Wednesday at 7 p.m. (6 MT) in Manhattan, Kansas,” Boyle said. “If we can do that, it will be a hell of an accomplishment for these young men. You look at what’s going on through our state, it’s another testament to our guys and, knock on wood, people keep staying safe and healthy.”
On Friday, Colorado State announced it is suspending activities for its men’s basketball program through Dec. 2 due to positive COVID-19 tests within the program, casting at least a shadow of concern over the Rams’ scheduled Dec. 8 visit to the CU Events Center.
On Monday, the hits kept coming. The University of Denver, coached by former CU assistant Rodney Billups, announced the cancellation of its season-opener Wednesday against Colorado Christian due to positive tests within the Pioneers’ program.
No. 11 Tennessee, with former CU assistant Kim English on staff, suspended all team activities after head coach Rick Barnes tested positive for COVID-19. No. 9 Duke was forced to cancel its opener against Gardner-Webb.
The opening week schedule-juggling has struck the Pac-12, as well. Arizona’s opener against Northern Arizona was canceled, as was No. 18 Arizona State’s highly-anticipated showdown against No. 2 Baylor in Connecticut. Instead, the Sun Devils will play Rhode Island.
Last week, the Pac-12 Conference loosened its previous football restrictions allowing for nonconference matchups if games are canceled. Basketball has no such conference-only mandate. Yet given how Cal and UCLA were able to get paired in football at the 11th hour after their respective foes were forced to cancel, Boyle on Monday was asked if CU would have the flexibility to reschedule games on the fly in case any of the foes during a December run of four consecutive home games — Washington State (Dec. 5), CSU (Dec. 8), Northern Colorado (Dec. 14), and Omaha (Dec. 16 ) — are forced to bow out.
Boyle indicated those conversations already are happening.
“That’s the million dollar question,” Boyle said. “We’re certainly trying. We want those contingency plans in place. You have to stay nimble this year. I’ve had conversations with Jeff Linder at Wyoming. I talked to (CSU coach) Niko (Medved) after I saw what happened with the Colorado State program. We’ll be in constant contact between now and December the 8th. We’re hopeful that game can still go on. If not, Rodney Billups at DU, I know they’re on pause right now, but I’ve had conversations obviously with him. Joe Scott at Air Force. All the people along the Front Range we have been in contact with and we’re certainly open to that (rescheduling) scenario if in fact we lose games. And we very well may.
“We’re going to stay nimble and try to get in as many games as we can.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-24--Colorado road conditions: Heavy morning snow causes messy commute

Colorado drivers should try to avoid roads on Tuesday morning .
Heavy snow is expected around the Denver area through @ @ @ @ @ roads slick and visibility poor , the National Weather Service said .
Denver police reported @ @ @ @ @ and 6:45 a.m. Tuesday but encouraged drivers to stay home to avoid dangerous roads .
@ @ @ @ @ on accident alert around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and was urging drivers to wait until visibility @ @ @ @ @ U.S. 6 was closed early this morning due to adverse conditions .
This story will @ @ @ @ @ on road conditions across Colorado .

Colorado drivers should try to avoid roads on Tuesday morning. Heavy snow is expected around the Denver area through 11 a.m. today, making roads slick and visibility poor, the National Weather Service said.
Just gonna leave this here…avoid the morning commute if you can. Heavy snow, slick roads and poor visibility for the Denver metro area, foothills and mountains west of Denver, and Palmer Divide. Enjoy a cup of coffee instead. #COwx — NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) November 24, 2020
All lanes of westbound Interstate 70 were closed around 7:30 a.m. at Federal Boulevard due to a jackknifed truck in the area. Drivers should use alternate routes.
Highways are messy this morning with numerous crashes, stalls and slides reported across the metro area.
Wheat Ridge police department and Broomfield Police Department went on accident alert this morning and were urging drivers to wait until visibility improves.
CDOT is having trouble clearing an area in Wheat Ridge on Kipling Hill between 32nd and 38th avenues. A truck and several other vehicles are stuck on the hill, prompting police to shut the hill down to drivers. Officials advice drivers to use a different route.
Wadsworth Boulevard (Colorado 121) is closed between Mississippi Avenue and Ohio Avenue due to winter driving conditions.
Loveland Pass on U.S. 6 was closed early this morning due to adverse conditions.
U.S. 285 was closed in both directions between Red Hill Pass and Kenosha Pass.
Southbound Interstate 25 was closed briefly around 7 a.m. at Castle Pines Parkway (Exit 188) while crews plow the area and remove several stalled vehicles. The area has since been cleared.
This story will be updated with the latest on road conditions across Colorado.


thedenverpost--2020-11-24--Guest commentary: Biden needs to rollback Trump’s environmental rollbacks — and then some

In early 2017 , not long after President Donald J. Trump moved into the White House , his chief advisor , Steve Bannon , said that the administration ’ s aim was the “ deconstruction of the administrative state.
” A charitable listener might have heard a run-of-the-mill libertarian goal , to downsize the bloated government in order to make room for personal liberties .
It has since become clear that Trump cared more about freedom for government and corporations — and for that matter , COVID-19 — to run rampant .
Perhaps nowhere was Trump ’ s approach more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Earth .
He removed limits on mercury and methane emissions , incapacitated the Clean Water Act and gutted protections for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska , to name just a few of nearly 100 rollbacks .
All purportedly to help the economy , achieve “ energy dominance ” on public lands and make him look good — energy-efficient light bulbs , he said , “ make you look orange.
” President-elect Joseph R. Biden has indicated that he ’ ll roll back the rollbacks as soon as he ’ s inaugurated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ In fact , many of the rules didn ’ t cut it under President Obama , and though Obama tried to fix many of them , his efforts often fell short .
Here are a few examples of policies and rules that Trump obliterated , and that Biden — hopefully with Congress ’ s help — could now rebuild , making them better and stronger than before .
Clean Power Plan : President Obama ’ s plan mandated a cut in power sector carbon emissions by 32 % from 2005 levels by 2030 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of the energy mix while leaving room for natural gas .
Before it went into effect , Trump gutted the plan , though it was hardly necessary : Economics forced coal plant retirements after Trump ’ s election , coal mining jobs continued to wane and emissions dropped even more than the Obama plan would have required .
The plan was obsolete before it was finalized .
Biden ’ s plan must include more ambitious emissions cuts and , equally as important , provide for a just transition for workers and communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuel industries .
Oil and gas development : Trump rolled over the environment by rolling back rules for fracking , stocking the Interior Department with industry insiders , ramming through approvals of pipelines built by his multi-million-dollar donors , and by slashing royalties paid by oil companies .
Yet Obama ’ s policies were equally friendly to energy development .
His administration leased out two million more acres of public land to oil and gas companies during his first term than Trump and oversaw a drilling boom of unprecedented magnitude .
Biden needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but also to overhaul the leasing process to shift power away from corporate boardrooms and back into public hands , and increase oil and gas royalty payments across the board to give American taxpayers a fair shake .
Bears Ears National Monument : In 2015 , the Navajo Nation , Ute Mountain Ute , Hopi and Zuni tribes asked Obama to designate as a national monument 1.9 million acres of public land in southeastern Utah , with tribal representatives having a major management role .
When Obama established the monument , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the tribal role was reduced to an advisory one .
Trump slashed the monument by 85 % and rammed through a shoddy management plan for what remained , further diminishing the tribal role .
Biden should restore the monument , giving the tribal nations an equal role in determining new boundaries and creating a strong management plan .
That ’ s only the beginning .
Biden will also have to restore another 80 or more regulations , redirect agencies that have been steered off-course , invalidate the lease sale for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back into policymaking , stop the building of the border wall , and clean the house of Trump appointees who are trying to destroy the so- called administrative state from within .
That includes William Perry Pendley — Twitter handle @ Sagebrush_Rebel — whom Trump installed as acting director of the Bureau of Land Management in 2019 .
This September , a judge ruled that Pendley — never approved by Congress — had served unlawfully , and ordered him out of his role .
Anticipating Trump , Pendley changed his title and refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the court ’ s order “ has no impact ” on him .
With Trump now taking a similar stance , Biden may be forced to drag two people out of office come January .
Jonathan Thompson is a contributor to Writers on the Range , a nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West .
He is a longtime journalist and the author of River of Lost Souls : The Science , Politics , and Greed Behind the Gold King Mine Disaster .
To send a letter to the editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail .

In early 2017, not long after President Donald J. Trump moved into the White House, his chief advisor, Steve Bannon, said that the administration’s aim was the “deconstruction of the administrative state.” A charitable listener might have heard a run-of-the-mill libertarian goal, to downsize the bloated government in order to make room for personal liberties.
It has since become clear that Trump cared more about freedom for government and corporations — and for that matter, COVID-19 — to run rampant.
Perhaps nowhere was Trump’s approach more thorough than when it comes to the Earth. He removed limits on mercury and methane emissions, incapacitated the Clean Water Act and gutted protections for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, to name just a few of nearly 100 rollbacks. All purportedly to help the economy, achieve “energy dominance” on public lands and make him look good — energy-efficient light bulbs, he said, “make you look orange.”
President-elect Joseph R. Biden has indicated that he’ll roll back the rollbacks as soon as he’s inaugurated. Yet a reset is not enough. In fact, many of the rules didn’t cut it under President Obama, and though Obama tried to fix many of them, his efforts often fell short. Here are a few examples of policies and rules that Trump obliterated, and that Biden — hopefully with Congress’s help — could now rebuild, making them better and stronger than before.
Clean Power Plan: President Obama’s plan mandated a cut in power sector carbon emissions by 32% from 2005 levels by 2030, which essentially would have forced coal out of the energy mix while leaving room for natural gas. Before it went into effect, Trump gutted the plan, though it was hardly necessary: Economics forced coal plant retirements after Trump’s election, coal mining jobs continued to wane and emissions dropped even more than the Obama plan would have required. The plan was obsolete before it was finalized.
Biden’s plan must include more ambitious emissions cuts and, equally as important, provide for a just transition for workers and communities that will be abandoned by the fossil fuel industries.
Oil and gas development: Trump rolled over the environment by rolling back rules for fracking, stocking the Interior Department with industry insiders, ramming through approvals of pipelines built by his multi-million-dollar donors, and by slashing royalties paid by oil companies.
Yet Obama’s policies were equally friendly to energy development. His administration leased out two million more acres of public land to oil and gas companies during his first term than Trump and oversaw a drilling boom of unprecedented magnitude. Biden needs not only to roll back the rollbacks, but also to overhaul the leasing process to shift power away from corporate boardrooms and back into public hands, and increase oil and gas royalty payments across the board to give American taxpayers a fair shake.
Bears Ears National Monument: In 2015, the Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute, Hopi and Zuni tribes asked Obama to designate as a national monument 1.9 million acres of public land in southeastern Utah, with tribal representatives having a major management role. When Obama established the monument, it was 600,000 acres smaller than the proposal, and the tribal role was reduced to an advisory one. Trump slashed the monument by 85% and rammed through a shoddy management plan for
what remained, further diminishing the tribal role.
Biden should restore the monument, giving the tribal nations an equal role in determining new boundaries and creating a strong management plan. That’s only the beginning. Biden will also have to restore another 80 or more regulations, redirect agencies that have been steered off-course, invalidate the lease sale for the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, bring science back into policymaking, stop the building of the border wall, and clean the house of Trump appointees who are trying to destroy the so-
called administrative state from within.
That includes William Perry Pendley — Twitter handle @Sagebrush_Rebel — whom Trump installed as acting director of the Bureau of Land Management in 2019. This September, a judge ruled that Pendley — never approved by Congress — had served unlawfully, and ordered him out of his role. Anticipating Trump, Pendley changed his title and refused to leave, insisting that the law and the court’s order “has no impact” on him. With Trump now taking a similar stance, Biden may be forced to drag two
people out of office come January.
Jonathan Thompson is a contributor to Writers on the Range, a nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. He is a longtime journalist and the author of River of Lost Souls: The Science, Politics, and Greed Behind the Gold King Mine
Disaster.
To send a letter to the editor about this article, submit online or check out our guidelines for how to submit by email or mail.


thedenverpost--2020-11-24--Denver weather: Heavy snow Tuesday morning could give Denver 5 inches of fresh snowfall

Denverites awoke on Tuesday to a blanket of fresh snow that fell overnight .
Heavy snow is expected in some @ @ @ @ @ according to the National Weather Service in Boulder .
Commuters are encouraged to work from @ @ @ @ @ as they are slick with poor visibility , the NWS reported .
The metro area @ @ @ @ @ advisory until noon today .
The high isn ’ t expected to rise above 39 @ @ @ @ @ new inches of snow falls Tuesday .
It ’ ll be cold tonight as temperatures @ @ @ @ @ low of 23 degrees , the NWS predicts .
Wednesday will see a high of @ @ @ @ @ be sunny before dropping to a low of 24 at night .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ more snow on Thanksgiving Day in Denver , the NWS said .
The high will @ @ @ @ @ low around 22 degrees .

Dreaming of a white Thanksgiving?
Denverites awoke on Tuesday to a blanket of fresh snow that fell overnight. Heavy snow is expected in some areas through 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.
Commuters are encouraged to work from home and avoid the roads as they are slick with poor visibility, the NWS reported.
Roads have become slick and snow packed this morning and will create hazardous driving conditions for early commuters. #cowx pic.twitter.com/vC0tN9Og5J — NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) November 24, 2020
The metro area is under a winter weather advisory until noon today. The high isn’t expected to rise above 39 degrees as up to five new inches of snow falls Tuesday.
It’ll be cold tonight as temperatures drop below freezing to a low of 23 degrees, the NWS predicts.
Wednesday will see a high of 53 degrees. It should be sunny before dropping to a low of 24 at night.
There’s a 30% chance of more snow on Thanksgiving Day in Denver, the NWS said. The high will be 43 degrees with a low around 22 degrees.


thedenverpost--2020-11-24--Get Cooking: Thanksgiving leftovers ideas in pandemia

This Thanksgiving , think about your turkey dinner leftovers before they ’ re left over .
You ’ ll likely have leftovers , whether your spread is throwback-large or scaled-down out of caution or necessity .
But some last-minute planning can shrewdly stretch those leftovers in this atypical year when we ’ ve had to respect tight grocery budgets or lean pantries and our best culinary friend , the freezer .
Some Turkey Day foods can become “ leftovers , ” in a manner of thinking , even before the main event .
For example , if you ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potatoes , carrots , celery stalks , mushrooms and any member of the allium family such as onions ( of whatever color ) , shallots , garlic or scallions — keep back the peelings , stems , root ends , even the onion skins to use in sage ways after tomorrow .
Collected and stored in the freezer , these are a perfect base for vegetable stock , itself useful in many recipes such as soups , stews , deglazing skillets , poaching fish , cooking rice and pasta , and so on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or breastbone on the kitchen counter this coming weekend , add it to these peelings for an even richer broth .
( It ought be a byword in any cook ’ s kitchen never to throw away bones of any sort . )
You also can turn those oft-tossed potato peels into crisp chips .
Coat them with some fruity olive oil , kosher salt and generous grindings of black pepper and roast them on a sheet pan in a 400-degree oven for around 10 to 15 minutes , depending on thickness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flavor them like the fellas who kettle ?
Sprinkle on some barbecue powder or paprika , sweet or hot , or crushed dried green herbs such as thyme or rosemary and you ’ re there .
Of course , one way to guarantee lots of leftovers is simply to cook them ; that is , prepare more food for Thanksgiving dinner than you had in mind , whether it ’ s for a gathering of whatever size that your local government allows or a more calibrated one .
Then apply your creativity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One angle is to combine two or more leftovers into an additional new thing .
For instance , mashed potatoes reconfigured with the addition of already-cooked Brussels sprouts ( today ’ s recipe ) is a take on the Irish dish called colcannon .
In Ireland , cooks use cabbage for colcannon ; but that ’ s what Brussels sprouts are , wee cabbages .
They fit .
Or purée a green vegetable such as broccoli ( you might even consider broccoli stems from your pre-Thanksgiving prep , cooked down with some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potatoes moistened with some stock into a warm and verdant version of vichyssoise .
If your leftover turkey gravy is more like a jus , you might use that instead of , or in addition to , the stock .
More leftover mashed potatoes ( am I lobbying for a mess of mashed ? )
, combined with some flour , egg yolk and seasoning from the pantry , make for a delicious Duchess potato casserole , piped into a buttered gratin dish ( use a sturdy zip bag with the corner cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combo into a few dozen gnocchi that can be boiled in the pasta way .
Or further flavor the same combo with grated cheese and some sweated diced onion and pat it into pancakes of a sort , crisped nicely in a skillet .
Leftover stuffing combined with leftover gravy and a few eggs makes a breakfast strata .
Make muffins with more leftover stuffing combined with chopped turkey and a leafy green such as spinach , moistened with eggs and cream .
I very much like leftover cranberry sauce ( either the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with barbecue sauce or some select Asian hot chile sauces .
It ’ s a sweet-hot combo that ’ s deliciously versatile .
Leftover turkey gravy makes any cooked pasta a sort of stroganoff .
And , finally , there is the Canadian gift of poutine : Slosh that leftover gravy over whatever French fries you bring home and sprinkle on some grated cheese .
Leftovers need never be left out .
Normally , this dish is prepared with fresh ingredients ( such as uncooked potatoes and raw cabbage , leeks or kale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You readily will find recipes for that form of colcannon online or from Irish cookery books .
This is colcannon assembled from American Thanksgiving Day dinner leftovers , making of some good things something perhaps even better .
Makes 6-10 portions , but may be easily halved or doubled .
• 1 medium leek , white and light green part only , cleaned and finely sliced ( see note ) Over medium heat and in a pot that will accommodate all the ingredients , melt one part of the butter and sauté in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and translucent , 6-7 minutes .
Add the Brussels sprouts and stir in well .
Add the mashed potatoes and stir to heat through .
Then add the buttermilk or broth , a tablespoon or two at a time , until the colcannon reaches the texture and consistency you prefer .
( That will depend on the beginning moisture content of the mashed potatoes ; you may need very little liquid or the whole amount stipulated . )
Salt and pepper liberally and stir well to combine and heat thoroughly one last time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a hollow on the top of the colcannon into which you have placed the second part of the butter to melt .
A good amount of butter is expected in each scoop of colcannon .
Note : You may omit the leek , if you wish , or substitute for it 1 medium shallot , thinly sliced .

This Thanksgiving, think about your turkey dinner leftovers before they’re left over.
You’ll likely have leftovers, whether your spread is throwback-large or scaled-down out of caution or necessity. But some last-minute planning can shrewdly stretch those leftovers in this atypical year when we’ve had to respect tight grocery budgets or lean pantries and our best culinary friend, the freezer.
Some Turkey Day foods can become “leftovers,” in a manner of thinking, even before the main event. For example, if you’ve still vegetables to prep or peel — potatoes, carrots, celery stalks, mushrooms and any member of the allium family such as onions (of whatever color), shallots, garlic or scallions — keep back the peelings, stems, root ends, even the onion skins to use in sage ways after tomorrow.
Collected and stored in the freezer, these are a perfect base for vegetable stock, itself useful in many recipes such as soups, stews, deglazing skillets, poaching fish, cooking rice and pasta, and so on. When you find a turkey carcass or breastbone on the kitchen counter this coming weekend, add it to these peelings for an even richer broth. (It ought be a byword in any cook’s kitchen never to throw away bones of any sort.)
You also can turn those oft-tossed potato peels into crisp chips. Coat them with some fruity olive oil, kosher salt and generous grindings of black pepper and roast them on a sheet pan in a 400-degree oven for around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, stirring up once halfway. Want to flavor them like the fellas who kettle? Sprinkle on some barbecue powder or paprika, sweet or hot, or crushed dried green herbs such as thyme or rosemary and you’re there.
Of course, one way to guarantee lots of leftovers is simply to cook them; that is, prepare more food for Thanksgiving dinner than you had in mind, whether it’s for a gathering of whatever size that your local government allows or a more calibrated one. Then apply your creativity to manage all that’s left over.
One angle is to combine two or more leftovers into an additional new thing. For instance, mashed potatoes reconfigured with the addition of already-cooked Brussels sprouts (today’s recipe) is a take on the Irish dish called colcannon. In Ireland, cooks use cabbage for colcannon; but that’s what Brussels sprouts are, wee cabbages. They fit.
Or purée a green vegetable such as broccoli (you might even consider broccoli stems from your pre-Thanksgiving prep, cooked down with some onion and garlic) with leftover mashed potatoes moistened with some stock into a warm and verdant version of vichyssoise. If your leftover turkey gravy is more like a jus, you might use that instead of, or in addition to, the stock.
More leftover mashed potatoes (am I lobbying for a mess of mashed?), combined with some flour, egg yolk and seasoning from the pantry, make for a delicious Duchess potato casserole, piped into a buttered gratin dish (use a sturdy zip bag with the corner cut off). Or roll the same combo into a few dozen gnocchi that can be boiled in the pasta way. Or further flavor the same combo with grated cheese and some sweated diced onion and pat it into pancakes of a sort, crisped nicely in a skillet.
Leftover stuffing combined with leftover gravy and a few eggs makes a breakfast strata. Make muffins with more leftover stuffing combined with chopped turkey and a leafy green such as spinach, moistened with eggs and cream.
I very much like leftover cranberry sauce (either the jelly or chunky sort) mixed in with barbecue sauce or some select Asian hot chile sauces. It’s a sweet-hot combo that’s deliciously versatile. Leftover turkey gravy makes any cooked pasta a sort of stroganoff.
And, finally, there is the Canadian gift of poutine: Slosh that leftover gravy over whatever French fries you bring home and sprinkle on some grated cheese. Leftovers need never be left out.
Colcannon from Leftovers
Normally, this dish is prepared with fresh ingredients (such as uncooked potatoes and raw cabbage, leeks or kale), not from those already-prepared. You readily will find recipes for that form of colcannon online or from Irish cookery books. This is colcannon assembled from American Thanksgiving Day dinner leftovers, making of some good things something perhaps even better. Makes 6-10 portions, but may be easily halved or doubled.
Ingredients
1 stick unsalted butter, in 2 parts, both room temperature
1 medium leek, white and light green part only, cleaned and finely sliced (see note)
2 cups leftover Brussels sprouts, however prepared, sliced then chopped roughly
4 cups leftover mashed white potatoes
1/3 cup buttermilk or vegetable broth, warmed
Fine-grained sea or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Over medium heat and in a pot that will accommodate all the ingredients, melt one part of the butter and sauté in it the leek until it is soft and translucent, 6-7 minutes. Add the Brussels sprouts and stir in well.
Add the mashed potatoes and stir to heat through. Then add the buttermilk or broth, a tablespoon or two at a time, until the colcannon reaches the texture and consistency you prefer. (That will depend on the beginning moisture content of the mashed potatoes; you may need very little liquid or the whole amount stipulated.)
Salt and pepper liberally and stir well to combine and heat thoroughly one last time. Serve in a large warmed bowl with a hollow on the top of the colcannon into which you have placed the second part of the butter to melt. A good amount of butter is expected in each scoop of colcannon.
Note: You may omit the leek, if you wish, or substitute for it 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced.


thedenverpost--2020-11-24--A pandemic and new commission later, Colorado oil and gas officials OK sweeping changes to regulatio

A pandemic and new commission later, Colorado oil and gas officials OK sweeping changes to regulations

After delays caused by the pandemic and a nearly full change in members , the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission on Monday unanimously approved a broad swath of new rules seen as some of the strictest in the country .
The new rules include what ’ s considered the strongest statewide well setback requirement : 2,000 feet between new wells and schools and homes .
Colorado will join Alaska as the only other state to ban routine venting and flaring of natural gas from oil and gas wells and other equipment .
The regulations , which will take effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public the right to challenge oil and gas operations they believe will harm them .
They provide new protections for important wildlife habitat .
The COGCC , which changed from a volunteer to full-time commission during the summer , has a handful of regulations left to consider , including the size of bonds companies should provide to ensure that well sites are cleaned up .
What COGCC Chairman Jeff Robbins called “ historic rule-making ” was mandated by Senate Bill 181 , a 2019 law that shifted the commission ’ s role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulating it in a way that protects the public health , safety and the environment .
Approval of the legislation followed years of lawsuits , unsuccessful moves by cities to ban or restrict drilling and a failed ballot proposal to keep new wells at least 2,500 feet from homes , schools , waterways and other areas .
Although the 90-plus interest groups that participated in developing the regulations reached common ground in many cases , disagreements remain and debates are certain as the changes are rolled out and the rules are enforced .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he knows a lot of people aren ’ t happy with some aspects of the rules .
“ They want to claim that this rulemaking will surely shutter the industry or claim that this rule-making failed to implement Senate Bill 181 .
I completely disagree , ” Robbins said The Colorado Oil and Gas Association said in a statement after the vote that while it agreed with many of the changes , there were several points of contention , a major one being what the group called the “ unprecedented ” 2,000-foot setback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president , said the evidence showed that the former 500-foot setback “ was protective of public health , safety , and the environment.
” The industry has complained that the bigger setbacks will drive up costs and make certain oil and gas deposits inaccessible .
A recent report by the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado-Boulder said 2,000-foot setbacks would likely result in annual losses of about $ 2.5 billion based on the oil and gas that couldn ’ t be accessed .
Joe Salazar , executive director of Colorado @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules , including one requiring that companies assess the cumulative impacts of development , were among wins for communities and homeowners .
But Salazar , whose group was behind a failed 2018 ballot proposal to require 2,500-foot setbacks , doesn ’ t like provisions allowing shorter setbacks and other exceptions under certain conditions .
” I think the oil and gas industry was able to place some loopholes in some of these rules , ” Salazar said .
“ What it ’ s going to end up being is us fighting it out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as in court to have some of these things interpreted according to Senate Bill 181.
” However , Salazar praised a new rule that clearly places the burden of proof on the company when a drilling plan is challenged .
He said the COGCC responded to the public ’ s concerns that the previous rule was unclear .
“ The commissioners were very deliberate , very conscientious , ” Salazar said .
“ I ’ m sure it ’ s not easy being yelled at by everyone .
”

After delays caused by the pandemic and a nearly full change in members, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission on Monday unanimously approved a broad swath of new rules seen as some of the strictest in the country.
The new rules include what’s considered the strongest statewide well setback requirement: 2,000 feet between new wells and schools and homes. Colorado will join Alaska as the only other state to ban routine venting and flaring of natural gas from oil and gas wells and other equipment.
The regulations, which will take effect Jan. 15, give more members of the public the right to challenge oil and gas operations they believe will harm them. They provide new protections for important wildlife habitat.
The COGCC, which changed from a volunteer to full-time commission during the summer, has a handful of regulations left to consider, including the size of bonds companies should provide to ensure that well sites are cleaned up.
What COGCC Chairman Jeff Robbins called “historic rule-making” was mandated by Senate Bill 181, a 2019 law that shifted the commission’s role from fostering oil and gas development to regulating it in a way that protects the public health, safety and the environment.
Approval of the legislation followed years of lawsuits, unsuccessful moves by cities to ban or restrict drilling and a failed ballot proposal to keep new wells at least 2,500 feet from homes, schools, waterways and other areas.
Although the 90-plus interest groups that participated in developing the regulations reached common ground in many cases, disagreements remain and debates are certain as the changes are rolled out and the rules are enforced.
After the commission voted, Robbins said he knows a lot of people aren’t happy with some aspects of the rules.
“They want to claim that this rulemaking will surely shutter the industry or claim that this rule-making failed to implement Senate Bill 181. I completely disagree,” Robbins said
The Colorado Oil and Gas Association said in a statement after the vote that while it agreed with many of the changes, there were several points of contention, a major one being what the group called the “unprecedented” 2,000-foot setback. Dan Haley, COGA CEO and president, said the evidence showed that the former 500-foot setback “was protective of public health, safety, and the environment.”
The industry has complained that the bigger setbacks will drive up costs and make certain oil and gas deposits inaccessible. A recent report by the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Colorado-Boulder said 2,000-foot setbacks would likely result in annual losses of about $2.5 billion based on the oil and gas that couldn’t be accessed.
Joe Salazar, executive director of Colorado Rising, said the setback and other rules, including one requiring that companies assess the cumulative impacts of development, were among wins for communities and homeowners. But Salazar, whose group was behind a failed 2018 ballot proposal to require 2,500-foot setbacks, doesn’t like provisions allowing shorter setbacks and other exceptions under certain conditions.
” I think the oil and gas industry was able to place some loopholes in some of these rules,” Salazar said. “What it’s going to end up being is us fighting it out in front of the COGCC as well as in court to have some of these things interpreted according to Senate Bill 181.”
However, Salazar praised a new rule that clearly places the burden of proof on the company when a drilling plan is challenged. He said the COGCC responded to the public’s concerns that the previous rule was unclear.
“The commissioners were very deliberate, very conscientious,” Salazar said. “I’m sure it’s not easy being yelled at by everyone.”


thedenverpost--2020-11-24--NFL Thanksgiving 2020 games: Here is the schedule of the matchups

Nothing says Thanksgiving like stuffing yourself with turkey and watching football .
Three NFL games will be played on Thursday , starting with the Texans at the Lions at 10:30 a.m .
They are followed by an NFC East battle between Washington and Dallas at 2:30 p.m. before ending with the Steelers-Ravens matchup at 6:20 p.m.
Here ’ s a look at what you need to know about the NFL ’ s Thanksgiving games : Last Thanksgiving game : Texans beat the Lions , 34-31 , in overtime on Nov. 22 , 2012 .
Lions lost to the Bears , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last Thanksgiving game : Washington lost to Cowboys , 31-23 , on Nov. 22 , 2018 .
Cowboys lost to Bills , 26-15 , on Nov. 28 , 2019 .
Last Thanksgiving game : Ravens beat Steelers , 22-20 , on Nov. 28 , 2013 .
Steelers beat Colts , 28-7 , on Nov. 24 , 2016 .
• The Broncos haven ’ t played a Thanksgiving game since 2009 , when they beat the Giants , 26-6 .
Kyle Orton threw a touchdown pass to Brandon Stokley , and Knowshon Moreno @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Denver has historically struggled on Thanksgiving , compiling just a 4-7 record .
• The Broncos hold a 2-0 edge over the Cowboys on turkey day , and a 1-2 record against the Lions .
• The Jacksonville Jaguars are the only team to have never played a game on Thanksgiving .
• Four teams have yet to suffer a loss on Thanksgiving — Ravens , Saints , Panthers and Texans .
( Technically the Jaguars , too . )
• Four teams have yet to earn a win : Browns , @ @ @ @ @ @

UPDATE: The NFL moved the Ravens-Steelers game to Sunday. It was originally scheduled for 6:20 p.m. Thursday.
Nothing says Thanksgiving like stuffing yourself with turkey and watching football.
Three NFL games will be played on Thursday, starting with the Texans at the Lions at 10:30 a.m. They are followed by an NFC East battle between Washington and Dallas at 2:30 p.m.
Here’s a look at what you need to know about the NFL’s Thanksgiving games:
Houston Texans (3-7) at Detroit Lions (4-6)
Time: 10:30 a.m. MT | TV: CBS
Line: Texans -2
Thanksgiving record: Texans (1-0), Lions (37-41-2)
Last Thanksgiving game: Texans beat the Lions, 34-31, in overtime on Nov. 22, 2012. Lions lost to the Bears, 24-20, on Nov. 28, 2019.
Texans team leaders: Passing — DeShaun Watson (2,883 yards). Rushing — David Johnson (408 yards). Receiving — Will Fuller (708 yards).
Lions team leaders: Passing — Matthew Stafford (2,581 yards). Rushing — Adrian Peterson (389 yards). Receiving — Marvin Jones (455 yards).
Washington Football Team (3-7) at Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
Time: 2:30 p.m. MT | TV: Fox
Line: Cowboys -3
Thanksgiving record: Washington (3-8), Cowboys (31-20-1)
Last Thanksgiving game: Washington lost to Cowboys, 31-23, on Nov. 22, 2018. Cowboys lost to Bills, 26-15, on Nov. 28, 2019.
Washington team leaders: Passing — Dwayne Haskins (939 yards). Rushing — Antonio Gibson (530 yards). Receiving — Terry McLaurin (871 yards).
Cowboys team leaders: Passing — Dak Prescott (1,856 yards). Rushing — Ezekiel Elliott (675 yards). Receiving — Amari Cooper (736 yards).
Other Thanksgiving facts


thedenverpost--2020-11-24--Broncos Mailbag: Does absence of several key players mean team is being judged too harshly?

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season .
Submit questions to Ryan here .
How long are the Broncos going to stick with Drew Lock before they realize he ’ s not the guy ?
Give Brett Rypien another shot .
I ’ m thinking this question was submitted before Sunday ’ s win over Miami , but on the other hand , Lock ’ s play against the Dolphins may have failed to change Duce ’ s opinion .
Fans should hat-tip Lock , who overcame last week ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami to go 18-of-30 passing for 270 yards .
Granted , 61 came on the final play , but he made some plays on third down to keep drives going .
After the loss to Las Vegas , coach Vic Fangio was adamant Lock would continue to play so long as he ’ s physically able to .
I wonder if going hurry-up for the first three possessions might get Drew Lock into rhythm and get the opponent off balance .
Then go back to it in the fourth quarter .
It seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they start scoring so why not start that way .
What do you think ?
When the Broncos have used the hurry-up offense , it ’ s been out of necessity .
They were getting blown out and couldn ’ t waste time trying to be balanced .
In turn , the Chargers and Atlanta defenses specifically really retreated to prevent the big play .
As Lock pointed out two weeks ago , going no huddle is a two-edged sword .
Score quickly ?
Great .
Go three-and-out quickly ?
Not great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coach Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur .
I wouldn ’ t mind seeing it in the first quarter once the Broncos gain an initial first down during a possession .
Ryan , where was cornerback Michael Ojemudia ?
Didn ’ t seem like he was getting much playing time on Sunday .
Is he in the dog-house ?
Ojemudia has been in chateau bow-wow for the last two games , playing no defensive snaps .
• Kiszla vs. O ’ Halloran : Why do the Broncos like Melvin Gordon more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Further Review : Third-and-long not third-and-oh-no for offense • Keeler : Garett Bolles has been Broncos ’ offensive MVP of 2020 .
And if he isn ’ t voted to the Pro Bowl , there needs to be a recount .
• The Broncos tallied 6 sacks against the Dolphins .
Here ’ s how they fared when reaching that mark .
Ojemudia missed a combined six tackles against the Chargers and Atlanta and got benched from his nickel role in favor of fellow rookie Essang Bassey .
Against the Raiders and Dolphins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 snaps on special teams .
I really like how Malik Reed plays .
He just balled out against the Dolphins .
Do you think he could be a competent replacement for Von Miller if we choose to part ways ?
Don ’ t get me wrong , I love Von and I want to see him finish his career in orange and blue , but if he doesn ’ t take a pay cut , I don ’ t think it makes sense keeping him around .
Reed didn ’ t hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games and in the Week 3 loss to Tampa Bay backup Anthony Chickillo played more snaps ( 33 to 29 ) .
But in the last six games , Reed has awoken with 14 1/ 2 “ disruptions ” ( sacks/knockdowns/pressures ) , including 6 1/2 sacks , which leads the team .
The Broncos ideally want to rotate four edge rushers in 2021 , so Reed will be a part of the puzzle even if Miller returns .
Miller ’ s contract , which expires after the 2021 season , could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask him to lower his cap number in exchange for an extension that will allow him to retire with the team .
Are we judging a crippled team too harshly ?
If the Broncos had all their players and looked this bad , it would be time to say goodbye to this coaching staff .
As for me , I will allow Drew Lock to learn and get a first-round pick in the Nos .
5-10 ( range ) and see what happens in a full season .
I have not crossed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree that letting Lock try and play through his struggles is the only way for the Broncos to decide if he ’ s the right guy in 2021 .
It will be surprising if the Broncos sneak into the top 10 of the draft .
Ten teams have fewer wins than the Broncos ( 4-6 record ) , including NFC East leader Philadelphia .
Injuries are a valid excuse , but NFL coaches/players are loath to publicly point out health issues , but you and I can easily .
The list of players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Miller , receiver Courtland Sutton , nose tackle Mike Purcell , defensive end Jurrell Casey , right tackle Elijah Wilkinson , tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam , Andrew Beck and Jake Butt , and inside linebacker Justin Strnad .
A lot of talent watching .
My question is kind of a suggestion : With onside kicks being so hard to recover with the new rules , I ’ d like to know why the Broncos keep trying the slow roller or high bounce ball that seems to never work .
I ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and my suggestion is that they just kick a line drive as hard as the kicker can directly at one of the up men to see if they can handle the hot fire right at them .
It can ’ t hurt and I haven ’ t seen any team try it .
It would definitely be something to explore and would be different .
You know , I ’ ve thought about that in the past , too , but chalk it up to the degree of difficulty being too high .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Depends on the velocity of the onside kick .
Would he simply move out of the way and let the football zoom by him ?
Maybe , although it ’ s then a free football .
The Broncos should try the kick-it-as-hard-as-possible-and-hope-it-ricochets-off-a-defender move .
What ’ s the harm ?
None .
Do John Elway and the coaches have something against Phillip Lindsay ?
If not , why are they not utilizing him ?
They don ’ t have anything against Lindsay , who was set for a major role in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 1/2 games and a concussion cost him the second half against Kansas City .
Simply put , Melvin Gordon is better on third down ( receiver/pass protector ) and in the two-minute offense than Lindsay .
Thus , the playing time will be skewed .
But within my debate with columnist Mark Kiszla in Tuesday ’ s paper , I presented some concrete statistics to show Lindsay isn ’ t getting that short-changed .
In the four games Lindsay/Gordon have been active together and didn ’ t get hurt .
Gordon — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven catches-30 yards ; Lindsay — 105 snaps , 34 carries-190 yards , one catch-three yards .
The carry count crystalizes that Lindsay ’ s workload is close to Gordon .
Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O ’ Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season .
Submit questions to Ryan here .

Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season. Submit questions to Ryan here.
How long are the Broncos going to stick with Drew Lock before they realize he’s not the guy? Give Brett Rypien another shot.
— Duce, New Orleans
I’m thinking this question was submitted before Sunday’s win over Miami, but on the other hand, Lock’s play against the Dolphins may have failed to change Duce’s opinion.
Fans should hat-tip Lock, who overcame last week’s four interceptions and an interception/three-and-out start against Miami to go 18-of-30 passing for 270 yards. Granted, 61 came on the final play, but he made some plays on third down to keep drives going.
After the loss to Las Vegas, coach Vic Fangio was adamant Lock would continue to play so long as he’s physically able to.
I wonder if going hurry-up for the first three possessions might get Drew Lock into rhythm and get the opponent off balance. Then go back to it in the fourth quarter. It seems like when they do that in desperation, they start scoring so why not start that way. What do you think?
— Jeff O’Brien, Lynchburg, Va.
When the Broncos have used the hurry-up offense, it’s been out of necessity. They were getting blown out and couldn’t waste time trying to be balanced. In turn, the Chargers and Atlanta defenses specifically really retreated to prevent the big play.
As Lock pointed out two weeks ago, going no huddle is a two-edged sword. Score quickly? Great. Go three-and-out quickly? Not great. It’s a time-and-situation deal for coach Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.
I wouldn’t mind seeing it in the first quarter once the Broncos gain an initial first down during a possession.
Ryan, where was cornerback Michael Ojemudia? Didn’t seem like he was getting much playing time on Sunday. Is he in the dog-house?
— Parker, Denver
Ojemudia has been in chateau bow-wow for the last two games, playing no defensive snaps.
Ojemudia missed a combined six tackles against the Chargers and Atlanta and got benched from his nickel role in favor of fellow rookie Essang Bassey.
Against the Raiders and Dolphins, Ojemudia’s only action were 30 snaps on special teams.
I really like how Malik Reed plays. He just balled out against the Dolphins. Do you think he could be a competent replacement for Von Miller if we choose to part ways? Don’t get me wrong, I love Von and I want to see him finish his career in orange and blue, but if he doesn’t take a pay cut, I don’t think it makes sense keeping him around.
— Rob, Wheat Ridge
Reed didn’t hit the pass-rushing scorecard in the first four games and in the Week 3 loss to Tampa Bay backup Anthony Chickillo played more snaps (33 to 29).
But in the last six games, Reed has awoken with 14 1/ 2 “disruptions” (sacks/knockdowns/pressures), including 6 1/2 sacks, which leads the team.
The Broncos ideally want to rotate four edge rushers in 2021, so Reed will be a part of the puzzle even if Miller returns.
Miller’s contract, which expires after the 2021 season, could be a major offseason storyline if the Broncos ask him to lower his cap number in exchange for an extension that will allow him to retire with the team.
Are we judging a crippled team too harshly? If the Broncos had all their players and looked this bad, it would be time to say goodbye to this coaching staff. As for me, I will allow Drew Lock to learn and get a first-round pick in the Nos. 5-10 (range) and see what happens in a full season. I have not crossed the Rubicon yet on this team.
— Mac, Beavercreek, Ohio
I agree that letting Lock try and play through his struggles is the only way for the Broncos to decide if he’s the right guy in 2021.
It will be surprising if the Broncos sneak into the top 10 of the draft. Ten teams have fewer wins than the Broncos (4-6 record), including NFC East leader Philadelphia.
Injuries are a valid excuse, but NFL coaches/players are loath to publicly point out health issues, but you and I can easily. The list of players who weren’t available against Miami: Miller, receiver Courtland Sutton, nose tackle Mike Purcell, defensive end Jurrell Casey, right tackle Elijah Wilkinson, tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam, Andrew Beck and Jake Butt, and inside linebacker Justin Strnad. A lot of talent watching.
My question is kind of a suggestion: With onside kicks being so hard to recover with the new rules, I’d like to know why the Broncos keep trying the slow roller or high bounce ball that seems to never work. I’d like to see them try something new and my suggestion is that they just kick a line drive as hard as the kicker can directly at one of the up men to see if they can handle the hot fire right at them. It can’t hurt and I haven’t seen any team try it. It would definitely be something to explore and would be different.
— Billy Green, Denver
You know, I’ve thought about that in the past, too, but chalk it up to the degree of difficulty being too high.
Would the front-line defender easily catch it? Depends on the velocity of the onside kick. Would he simply move out of the way and let the football zoom by him? Maybe, although it’s then a free football.
The Broncos should try the kick-it-as-hard-as-possible-and-hope-it-ricochets-off-a-defender move. What’s the harm? None.
Do John Elway and the coaches have something against Phillip Lindsay? If not, why are they not utilizing him?
— Stacy, Denver
They don’t have anything against Lindsay, who was set for a major role in the offense until a turf toe cost him 3 1/2 games and a concussion cost him the second half against Kansas City.
Simply put, Melvin Gordon is better on third down (receiver/pass protector) and in the two-minute offense than Lindsay. Thus, the playing time will be skewed.
But within my debate with columnist Mark Kiszla in Tuesday’s paper, I presented some concrete statistics to show Lindsay isn’t getting that short-changed.
In the four games Lindsay/Gordon have been active together and didn’t get hurt. Gordon — 154 snaps, 40 carries-174 yards, seven catches-30 yards; Lindsay — 105 snaps, 34 carries-190 yards, one catch-three yards. The carry count crystalizes that Lindsay’s workload is close to Gordon.
Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season. Submit questions to Ryan here.


thedenverpost--2020-11-24--Ask Amy: Widower’s new woman plays out old story

Dear Amy : My mom died two years ago .
Less than six months later , my father started dating a new woman .
My siblings and I tried to be as supportive as possible .
Our father was amazing to our mother as she battled cancer .
He deserves love and companionship , and our mother wanted that for him , too .
However , over time it has become evident that this woman ’ s intentions are to drive a massive wedge between our father and his four kids .
She has created lies that change our father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She ’ s hidden pictures of our mother and replaced them with ones of herself .
She has insulted the “ way we were raised.
” She has made each of us feel so distant — and unwelcome — in our home and with our family .
At this point , all four of us are beginning to feel estranged from our father .
We ’ ve tried speaking with him and with her , but it always ends in vicious fights and with our father taking her side .
We want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone else .
We are hoping that , as he is a devoted reader of your column , he ’ ll see this , and your objectivity will provide some clarity .
Dear Three Daughters : Unfortunately , trying to rescue someone from the heartbreak of a toxic relationship most often results in a dynamic that reminds me of the old “ Chinese finger trap ” puzzle : the harder you pull , the harder they cling to the relationship .
Furthermore , his partner can look to your panicked behavior and accuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and manipulative .
And she would be right !
You are trying to control your father , because you can see how his partner is changing the dynamic between you , gaslighting him and creating a widening breech .
Don ’ t help her !
The more you sisters “ gang up ” on her , the harder your father will cling .
Despite your own loss and grief , you likely have no idea of what his loss has been like and what his needs are .
You ’ re going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved one can do : Respect your father ’ s right to make choices about his own life ( even if they are bad choices ) ; maintain a cordial relationship with her ( if she is the gatekeeper to seeing him ) ; never trash or disrespect her ( even if you can ’ t stand her ) .
Here is what you convey : “ We love you .
We want you to be happy .
Your partner isn ’ t very nice to us , and we worry about you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make your own choices .
We ’ ll always be your daughters , we ’ ll always be here for you , and we ’ ll do our best to be supportive , no matter what .
Dad , let ’ s just promise that we will always keep the door open.
” Dear Amy : Why are so many women willing to give up so much just to be with a man ?
I see so many questions to you regarding mistreatment by men , and yet the women have to turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they should stay in the relationship ?
Has society really convinced so many women that they can ’ t be happy without a man ?
Dear Wondering : I don ’ t think that this behavior is exclusive to women .
However , I do believe that for centuries , women have been told and taught that their true worth lies in their relationships , and that their womanhood hinged on motherhood , which ( until recently ) required a mate and outside financial support .
Lack of access to education and opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When people feel systemically disempowered , they tend to lower their expectations , and take what they can get , until they don ’ t have to take it anymore .
So , welcome to now .
People across the spectrum of human experience are waking up and insisting on change .
Dear Amy : This is in response to your answer to “ Worried About Wedding , ” who wondered if she could commit to attending a family wedding next year .
You said , “ One thing I hope we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to be responsible for their own safety , comfort , and health , regardless of the pressure they may feel to override their own judgment for the sake of appearances.
” That comment also applies to people like me who choose NOT to wear masks .
Dear No Mask : Nope .
Masks protect others , as well as yourself .
You do not have the right to potentially endanger someone else because you are too foolish to wear a mask .

Dear Amy: My mom died two years ago. Less than six months later, my father started dating a new woman.
My siblings and I tried to be as supportive as possible. Our father was amazing to our mother as she battled cancer. He deserves love and companionship, and our mother wanted that for him, too.
However, over time it has become evident that this woman’s intentions are to drive a massive wedge between our father and his four kids. She has created lies that change our father’s image of each of us. She’s hidden pictures of our mother and replaced them with ones of herself. She has insulted the “way we were raised.” She has made each of us feel so distant — and unwelcome — in our home and with our family.
At this point, all four of us are beginning to feel estranged from our father. We’ve tried speaking with him and with her, but it always ends in vicious fights and with our father taking her side.
We want Dad to be happy, but with someone else.
We are hoping that, as he is a devoted reader of your column, he’ll see this, and your objectivity will provide some clarity.
— Three Daughters
Dear Three Daughters: Unfortunately, trying to rescue someone from the heartbreak of a toxic relationship most often results in a dynamic that reminds me of the old “Chinese finger trap” puzzle: the harder you pull, the harder they cling to the relationship.
Furthermore, his partner can look to your panicked behavior and accuse you and your sisters of being controlling and manipulative.
And she would be right! You are trying to control your father, because you can see how his partner is changing the dynamic between you, gaslighting him and creating a widening breech.
Don’t help her! The more you sisters “gang up” on her, the harder your father will cling.
Despite your own loss and grief, you likely have no idea of what his loss has been like and what his needs are.
You’re going to have to do the hardest thing a loved one can do: Respect your father’s right to make choices about his own life (even if they are bad choices); maintain a cordial relationship with her (if she is the gatekeeper to seeing him); never trash or disrespect her (even if you can’t stand her).
Here is what you convey: “We love you. We want you to be happy. Your partner isn’t very nice to us, and we worry about you, but you have the right to make your own choices. We’ll always be your daughters, we’ll always be here for you, and we’ll do our best to be supportive, no matter what. Dad, let’s just promise that we will always keep the door open.”
Dear Amy: Why are so many women willing to give up so much just to be with a man?
I see so many questions to you regarding mistreatment by men, and yet the women have to turn to you for advice as to whether they should stay in the relationship?
Has society really convinced so many women that they can’t be happy without a man?
Your thoughts?
— Wondering
Dear Wondering: I don’t think that this behavior is exclusive to women.
However, I do believe that for centuries, women have been told and taught that their true worth lies in their relationships, and that their womanhood hinged on motherhood, which (until recently) required a mate and outside financial support.
Lack of access to education and opportunities outside the family structure reinforced this idea.
When people feel systemically disempowered, they tend to lower their expectations, and take what they can get, until they don’t have to take it anymore.
So, welcome to now. People across the spectrum of human experience are waking up and insisting on change.
Dear Amy: This is in response to your answer to “Worried About Wedding,” who wondered if she could commit to attending a family wedding next year.
You said, “One thing I hope we have all learned is that each person needs to be responsible for their own safety, comfort, and health, regardless of the pressure they may feel to override their own judgment for the sake of appearances.”
That comment also applies to people like me who choose NOT to wear masks.
— No Mask!
Dear No Mask: Nope. Masks protect others, as well as yourself.
You do not have the right to potentially endanger someone else because you are too foolish to wear a mask.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-11-24--Goff throws for 376 yards, 3 TDs in Rams’ 27-24 win vs Bucs

TAMPA , Fla. — Jared Goff threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns , and Matt Gay kicked a 40-yard field goal with 2:36 remaining to give the Los Angeles Rams a 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night .
Goff completed 39 of 51 passes , including short scoring throws to Robert Woods , Van Jefferson and Cam Akers .
The Rams ’ defense pressured Tom Brady all night and sealed the win with rookie safety Jordan Fuller ’ s second interception of the six-time Super Bowl champion .
“ I was just in my zone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in my direction , ” Fuller said .
“ I was just telling myself , ‘ Don ’ t drop it , don ’ t drop it , don ’ t drop it.
’ The second one was kind of the same .
I was just reading the quarterback ’ s eyes and was able to go out there and get it.
” Cooper Kupp had 11 receptions for 145 yards and Woods finished with 10 catches for 130 yards to help the Rams climb back into first place in the NFC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight-play , 53-yard drive Goff led to move Los Angeles into position for Gay ’ s winning kick .
Brady was 26 of 48 for 216 yards and two touchdowns .
The Rams sacked him once after getting to Russell Wilson six times in the previous week ’ s 23-16 victory over the Seattle Seahawks .
“ Disappointed .
I have to do a better job , ” Brady said .
Tampa Bay was limited to a touchdown and field goal in the second half , both set up by interceptions thrown by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job preventing ( the big play ) , ” Brady said .
“ They play a defense that makes them tough to hit .
Not impossible , but we didn ’ t hit any.
” Gay , a 2019 Bucs draft pick who was released after a rookie season marked by inconsistency , is the Rams ’ third kicker in four weeks .
“ I found out on Monday that the Rams were bringing me in , ” Gay said .
” It was a quick flight so I could begin testing so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Saturday was the first day I could be in the building .
Luckily we played Monday night.
” The Bucs ( 7-4 ) fell to 1-3 in four prime-time games despite avoiding the type of slow start that hurt them in losses to the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints and nearly cost them in a narrow victory over the New York Giants .
Coach Bruce Arians adjusted the team ’ s preparation schedule last week , holding two practices at night — one at Raymond James Stadium .
“ Everybody is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Arians said .
“ We played a good football team .
Nobody ’ s head is down.
” Brady answered a 10-play , 80-yard , 7-minute , 55-second drive Goff led to give the Rams a 7-0 lead with a couple of long scoring drives of his own to put the Bucs up 14-7 with a 9-yard TD pass to Mike Evans .
Goff threw first-half TD passes to Woods and Jefferson , then used Woods ’ 20-yard catch and run to the Tampa Bay 20 to set up Gay ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give Los Angeles a 17-14 lead at halftime .
With the Bucs trailing 24-17 , Brady took advantage of Goff throwing his second interception of the night .
Chris Godwin ’ s 13-yard TD catch made it 24-all , setting the stage for Goff to move the Rams downfield for the go-ahead field goal .
An all-Black officiating crew worked an NFL game for the first time in league history .
Referee Jerome Boger led the crew , which also included umpire Barry Anderson , down judge Julian Mapp , line judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , side judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed .
The members of Monday night ’ s officiating crew have a combined 89 seasons of NFL experience and have worked six Super Bowls .
The first Black official in any major sport was Burl Toler , hired by the NFL in 1965 .
Rams : Did not announce any injuries during the game .
Buccaneers : LG Ali Marpet missed his third consecutive game due to a concussion .
… LT Donovan Smith injured his left ankle on the first offensive play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … CB Jamel Dean left in the third quarter with a concussion .
Buccaneers : Remain at home to host defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City on Sunday .

TAMPA, Fla. — Jared Goff threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns, and Matt Gay kicked a 40-yard field goal with 2:36 remaining to give the Los Angeles Rams a 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.
Goff completed 39 of 51 passes, including short scoring throws to Robert Woods, Van Jefferson and Cam Akers. The Rams’ defense pressured Tom Brady all night and sealed the win with rookie safety Jordan Fuller’s second interception of the six-time Super Bowl champion.
“I was just in my zone, and the quarterback ended up throwing it in my direction,” Fuller said. “I was just telling myself, ‘Don’t drop it, don’t drop it, don’t drop it.’ The second one was kind of the same. I was just reading the quarterback’s eyes and was able to go out there and get it.”
Cooper Kupp had 11 receptions for 145 yards and Woods finished with 10 catches for 130 yards to help the Rams climb back into first place in the NFC West. Both caught passes on the eight-play, 53-yard drive Goff led to move Los Angeles into position for Gay’s winning kick.
Brady was 26 of 48 for 216 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams sacked him once after getting to Russell Wilson six times in the previous week’s 23-16 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
“Disappointed. I have to do a better job,” Brady said.
Tampa Bay was limited to a touchdown and field goal in the second half, both set up by interceptions thrown by Goff.
“They did a good job preventing (the big play),” Brady said. “They play a defense that makes them tough to hit. Not impossible, but we didn’t hit any.”
Gay, a 2019 Bucs draft pick who was released after a rookie season marked by inconsistency, is the Rams’ third kicker in four weeks.
“I found out on Monday that the Rams were bringing me in,” Gay said. ”It was a quick flight so I could begin testing so I could be eligible for the game. Saturday was the first day I could be in the building. Luckily we played Monday night.”
The Bucs (7-4) fell to 1-3 in four prime-time games despite avoiding the type of slow start that hurt them in losses to the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints and nearly cost them in a narrow victory over the New York Giants.
Coach Bruce Arians adjusted the team’s preparation schedule last week, holding two practices at night — one at Raymond James Stadium.
“Everybody is disappointed. Everybody was ready to play,” Arians said. “We played a good football team. Nobody’s head is down.”
Brady answered a 10-play, 80-yard, 7-minute, 55-second drive Goff led to give the Rams a 7-0 lead with a couple of long scoring drives of his own to put the Bucs up 14-7 with a 9-yard TD pass to Mike Evans.
Goff threw first-half TD passes to Woods and Jefferson, then used Woods’ 20-yard catch and run to the Tampa Bay 20 to set up Gay’s 38-yard field goal as time expired to give Los Angeles a 17-14 lead at halftime.
With the Bucs trailing 24-17, Brady took advantage of Goff throwing his second interception of the night. Chris Godwin’s 13-yard TD catch made it 24-all, setting the stage for Goff to move the Rams downfield for the go-ahead field goal.
HISTORIC CREW
An all-Black officiating crew worked an NFL game for the first time in league history.
Referee Jerome Boger led the crew, which also included umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, field judge Dale Shaw, side judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed.
The members of Monday night’s officiating crew have a combined 89 seasons of NFL experience and have worked six Super Bowls.
The first Black official in any major sport was Burl Toler, hired by the NFL in 1965.
INJURIES
Rams: Did not announce any injuries during the game.
Buccaneers: LG Ali Marpet missed his third consecutive game due to a concussion. … LT Donovan Smith injured his left ankle on the first offensive play of the game, but returned. … CB Jamel Dean left in the third quarter with a concussion.
UP NEXT
Rams: Host NFC West rival San Francisco next Sunday.
Buccaneers: Remain at home to host defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City on Sunday.


thedenverpost--2020-11-24--NFL makes history with all-Black officiating crew for Monday night football

TAMPA , Fla. — An all-Black officiating crew worked an NFL game for the first time in league history when the Los Angeles Rams faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night .
Referee Jerome Boger led the crew , which also included umpire Barry Anderson , down judge Julian Mapp , line judge Carl Johnson , side judge Dale Shaw , field judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed .
When the NFL announced the crew was being assembled last week , league executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent hailed the move a “ a testament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black officials to the game , their exemplary performance , and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game.
” Five members of the crew work together regularly .
Johnson and Steed joined the group for Monday night ’ s matchup between NFC playoff contenders .
The members of the crew have a combined 89 seasons of NFL experience and have worked six Super Bowls .
Bucs coach Bruce Arians , who ’ s been supportive of diversity in hiring throughout the league , applauded the decision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arians said .
“ I know a lot of those guys .
They ’ re great officials .
… It ’ s a historic night , and I think it ’ s fantastic .
The first Black official in any major sport was Burl Toler , hired by the NFL in 1965 .

TAMPA, Fla. — An all-Black officiating crew worked an NFL game for the first time in league history when the Los Angeles Rams faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.
Referee Jerome Boger led the crew, which also included umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Julian Mapp, line judge Carl Johnson, side judge Dale Shaw, field judge Anthony Jeffries and back judge Greg Steed.
When the NFL announced the crew was being assembled last week, league executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent hailed the move a “a testament to the countless and immeasurable contributions of Black officials to the game, their exemplary performance, and to the power of inclusion that is the hallmark of this great game.”
Five members of the crew work together regularly. Johnson and Steed joined the group for Monday night’s matchup between NFC playoff contenders.
The members of the crew have a combined 89 seasons of NFL experience and have worked six Super Bowls.
Bucs coach Bruce Arians, who’s been supportive of diversity in hiring throughout the league, applauded the decision.
“Way too long coming,” Arians said. “I know a lot of those guys. They’re great officials. … It’s a historic night, and I think it’s fantastic.
The first Black official in any major sport was Burl Toler, hired by the NFL in 1965.


thedenverpost--2020-11-26--Keeler: Jeff Bridich is a coward. He should be thankful Rockies fans still care. Because he’s losing

Keeler: Jeff Bridich is a coward. He should be thankful Rockies fans still care. Because he’s losing them by the day.

Be thankful for Joe Sakic , who keeps the Avs two chess moves ahead .
Be thankful for Tim Connelly , who makes sure , even if every punch doesn ’ t land , that the Nuggets keep swinging .
Be thankful for John Elway , who wants to win as badly as you do , even if that same pride too often blinds the Broncos from reality .
Be thankful that none of them are cowards .
Be thankful that none of them are given the rope to run their front offices the way Jeff Bridich is allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out from the bunker late Wednesday afternoon .
Bridich scheduled a conference call with the heathen media for the first time since Colorado ’ s regular season ended on Sept. 27 with a 26-34 thud .
We got a note at 3:18 p.m. that Bridich , the Rockies ’ general manager , would be conducting a conference call at … wait for it … 4 .
To wax poetic on two pitchers with a combined major league career mark of 20-29 .
What does it say about a man to remain in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — only to come out and do a victory lap on a lateral move in the early evening , the day before Thanksgiving , while most of the Front Range were physically or mentally checked out ?
It ’ s called burying the narrative .
Ducking the spotlight .
It ’ s why you see firings announced at 4:55 p.m. on a Friday .
The sketchier the deed , the closer you move it to happy hour on the last day of the work week .
It ’ s PR 101 .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopped on that call with axes to grind .
Or sharp objects at the ready .
We wanted to ask about the rumors involving Nolan Arenado .
About how the heck an 11-3 start turned into a second straight season in fourth place .
About the reports of ugly financial losses , the aftershocks of a pandemic summer with no fans .
About where the Rockies are going next , given that owner Dick Monfort basically cried poor to season ticket-holders late last month .
After the beat writers did a lap , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question about Monfort ’ s letter .
“ Yup , hey , like I said , there are very specific things for us to talk about right now in terms of the trade and the roster protection moves last week , ” the Rockies GM replied hastily .
“ In terms of that question , if and when something comes up in free agency , we ’ ll talk about it then.
” The trade ?
So the Rockies , earlier in the day , swapped pitcher Jeff Hoffman ( career : 10-16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County ’ s Case Williams , another hurler , to the Reds for pitcher Robert Stephenson ( career : 10-13 , 5.15 career ERA ) and outfielder Jameson Hannah .
No offense to Hoffman , who ’ s shown flashes .
Or to Williams , the Castle Rock Cannon .
But that ’ s it ?
That ’ s the deal ?
No other topics on the table ?
It ’ s low comedy from the top down , isn ’ t it ?
Alas , the Brain Surgeon has pictures .
Or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarterbacks and coaches and the NBA is about the names on the back of the jersey , MLB is about general managers .
As long as Bridich doesn ’ t move , nothing changes .
Same manager .
Same game plan .
Same false dawns .
Same false hope .
If our only assurances every spring are that the Dodgers and the Brain Surgeon can ’ t be touched , that ’ s not just killing a clubhouse .
If Bridich claimed his hands were tied a year ago , when the economics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , what do you think the short-term forecast looks like now ?
Bridich knows which questions you want asked .
He knows you ’ re likely to start grabbing torches and kerosene once you hear the answers .
Or , worse , that you ’ ll start ignoring them .
The way he ’ d like to ignore you .
Bridich should be thankful , every blasted day , that you still care .
Because they don ’ t .

Be thankful for Joe Sakic, who keeps the Avs two chess moves ahead. Be thankful for Tim Connelly, who makes sure, even if every punch doesn’t land, that the Nuggets keep swinging.
Be thankful for John Elway, who wants to win as badly as you do, even if that same pride too often blinds the Broncos from reality.
Be thankful that none of them are cowards.
Be thankful that none of them are given the rope to run their front offices the way Jeff Bridich is allowed to run his.
The Brain Surgeon came out from the bunker late Wednesday afternoon. Bridich scheduled a conference call with the heathen media for the first time since Colorado’s regular season ended on Sept. 27 with a 26-34 thud.
We got a note at 3:18 p.m. that Bridich, the Rockies’ general manager, would be conducting a conference call at … wait for it … 4.
On Thanksgiving Eve.
To wax poetic on two pitchers with a combined major league career mark of 20-29.
Chicken spit. Absolute, utter chicken spit.
What does it say about a man to remain in the shadows for weeks — almost two months — only to come out and do a victory lap on a lateral move in the early evening, the day before Thanksgiving, while most of the Front Range were physically or mentally checked out?
It’s called burying the narrative. Ducking the spotlight. It’s why you see firings announced at 4:55 p.m. on a Friday. The sketchier the deed, the closer you move it to happy hour on the last day of the work week.
It’s PR 101. And the ultimate in corporate cowardice.
Nobody hopped on that call with axes to grind. Or sharp objects at the ready.
We wanted to ask about the rumors involving Nolan Arenado. About how the heck an 11-3 start turned into a second straight season in fourth place. About the reports of ugly financial losses, the aftershocks of a pandemic summer with no fans. About where the Rockies are going next, given that owner Dick Monfort basically cried poor to season ticket-holders late last month.
After the beat writers did a lap, Post deputy sports editor Matt Schubert broached question about Monfort’s letter.
Bridich’s response?
A deep breath. Followed by George McFly.
“Yup, hey, like I said, there are very specific things for us to talk about right now in terms of the trade and the roster protection moves last week,” the Rockies GM replied hastily.
“In terms of that question, if and when something comes up in free agency, we’ll talk about it then.”
Chicken spit.
Absolute, utter chicken spit.
The trade? So the Rockies, earlier in the day, swapped pitcher Jeff Hoffman (career: 10-16, 6.40 ERA lifetime) and Douglas County’s Case Williams, another hurler, to the Reds for pitcher Robert Stephenson (career: 10-13, 5.15 career ERA) and outfielder Jameson Hannah.
No offense to Hoffman, who’s shown flashes. Or to Williams, the Castle Rock Cannon. But that’s it? That’s the deal? No other topics on the table?
Happy Thanksgiving, clowns.
It’s low comedy from the top down, isn’t it? Alas, the Brain Surgeon has pictures. Or something. If the NFL is about quarterbacks and coaches and the NBA is about the names on the back of the jersey, MLB is about general managers. As long as Bridich doesn’t move, nothing changes. Same manager. Same game plan. Same false dawns. Same false hope.
If our only assurances every spring are that the Dodgers and the Brain Surgeon can’t be touched, that’s not just killing a clubhouse.
That’s killing a fan base.
If Bridich claimed his hands were tied a year ago, when the economics of baseball weren’t torpedoed by COVID-19, what do you think the short-term forecast looks like now?
Bridich knows which questions you want asked. He knows you’re likely to start grabbing torches and kerosene once you hear the answers.
Or, worse, that you’ll start ignoring them. The way he’d like to ignore you. Bridich should be thankful, every blasted day, that you still care. Because they don’t.