usatoday--2020-09-08--NFL power rankings: Which teams look like contenders entering Week 1?

The NFL season is almost here , and there 's a clear class of top contenders .
Can any of them knock the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs from their pedestal ?
NFL power rankings with the 2020 regular season set to kick off ( previous rank in parentheses ) : 1 .
Chiefs ( 1 ) : Want some wedding advice , Mahomes ?
Publicize your registry , then hire someone to write thank you notes to a half-million Kansas Citians .
RG3 cleaned up a few years ago , and he did n't even win ... or remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : Could release of FS Earl Thomas be a classic `` addition by subtraction '' scenario ?
Watch promising 23-year-old replacement DeShon Elliott for the answer .
3 .
Saints ( 3 ) : According to Pro Football Focus , RT Ryan Ramczyk was New Orleans ' highest-rated player in 2019 .
He would have been our ... seventh guess ?
Eighth ?
4 .
49ers ( 4 ) : Really would have been fun to watch these ( already legendary ) Trent Williams-Nick Bosa training camp battles .
The Niners should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Titans ( 8 ) : Eleventh-hour addition of pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney , who had his most productive season under Mike Vrabel when both were in Houston , is quite a coup .
6 .
Steelers ( 5 ) : In 2018 , WR JuJu Smith-Schuster averaged 89.1 receiving yards per game .
Last year , that figure cratered to 46.0 ypg .
Welcome back , Big Ben .
7 .
Colts ( 6 ) : If you 're seeking highest-impact rookie duo in 2020 , place a bet on Indy freshmen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor .
8 .
Buccaneers ( 9 ) : A backfield that once seemed spotty now sports Leonard Fournette , Shady McCoy , Ronald Jones and rookie Ke'Shawn Vaughn .
Does n't help fantasy owners much , but Tom Brady must be stoked .
9 .
Packers ( 7 ) : If you do n't fully appreciate their lingering wideout issue , Davante Adams was lone one who had more than 35 catches for Green Bay in 2019 .
10 .
Bills ( 10 ) : We 're with you , Sean McDermott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built on parity is allowing such a range of stadium attendance policies in 2020 .
11 .
Cowboys ( 11 ) : No reason they should n't sprint to another hot start , facing just one 2019 playoff team ( Seattle ) before calendar reaches November .
12 .
Seahawks ( 12 ) : In last 10 months they 've traded for safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs , arguably league 's top tandem ... assuming suspect pass rush does n't consistently expose duo .
13 .
Falcons ( 16 ) : Look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be one of this season 's top breakout candidates .
14 .
Vikings ( 14 ) : DE Yannick Ngakoue could be just the guy Minnesota needs given its pass rush may have to compensate for defense 's young corners .
15 .
Broncos ( 17 ) : The buzz is palpable .
But will reconfigured line coalesce in front of QB Drew Lock and Co. ?
And will OLB Bradley Chubb really be near 100 % ?
16 .
Browns ( 18 ) : Good luck finding a team with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's up to QB Baker Mayfield to make it all work this time .
17 .
Patriots ( 15 ) : Bill Belichick is already thriving without Tom Brady – perhaps you 've seen the Subway ads ?
Now ... can we get some banana peppers with that defense ?
18 .
Eagles ( 13 ) : Offensive line already in disarray and receivers banged up , too .
Good luck with all that , Carson ... ( and , FWIW , Wentz has also missed practice ) .
19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand if you predicted Zach Cunningham would become third-richest inside linebacker in NFL history ?
Good , we did n't foresee it , either .
But that Deshaun Watson windfall was inevitable – and deserved .
20 .
Lions ( 21 ) : Pretty cool to see this organization leading league 's social justice charge following shooting of Jacob Blake .
Now , will it galvanize club ?
21 .
Cardinals ( 19 ) : Is Chandler Jones NFL 's most underappreciated player ?
Since coming to Arizona in 2016 , he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prolific player ... who just happens to be Aaron Donald .
22 .
Chargers ( 22 ) : WR Mike Williams ' shoulder injury was mere precursor to season-ending loss of S Derwin James .
At least Bolts fans knew to expect this .
23 .
Rams ( 25 ) : When your No .
4 receiver ( second-rounder Van Jefferson ) commands most of training camp 's buzz ... welp , kinda sets expectations for season .
24 .
Raiders ( 24 ) : They 're 11-21 during Gruden reboot .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still suppress expectations for 2020 surge .
25 .
Dolphins ( 23 ) : Byron Jones and Xavien Howard are league 's most expensive corner tandem .
But Miami wo n't get its money worth if it once again accrues NFL 's fewest sacks ( 23 in 2019 ) .
26 .
Bengals ( 26 ) : Did you know Joe Mixon is one of three backs ( Ezekiel Elliott , Chris Carson ) to rush for at least 1,100 yards each of the past two years ?
And probably reasonable to expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 28 ) : Overhauled O-line needs time to jell , but rookie LT Mekhi Becton might just have goods to unlock talents of QB Sam Darnold , RB Le'Veon Bell .
28 .
Bears ( 27 ) : Congrats , Mitchell , the quarterback job remains yours .
Now , if WR Allen Robinson is covered , whatcha gon na do ?
29 .
Washington ( 29 ) : Starting QB Dwayne Haskins is appropriate decision , but seeing Alex Smith play is only feel-good story this franchise can hope for in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : We know folks in Bible Belt want to come see Christian on Sunday , but Mecklenburg County is doing you a favor by saving your money .
31 .
Giants ( 32 ) : Anyone else notice buzz around RB Wayne Gallman ?
It 's almost as if G-Men should consider moving Saquon Barkley before they squander him ... 32 .
Jaguars ( 30 ) : Already anticipating next summer 's most compelling quarterback battle as Minshew Mania desperately tries to hold off Trevor Lawrence .
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NFL power rankings: Which teams look like contenders entering Week 1?
Show Caption Hide Caption How our experts predict the 2020 NFL season playing out SportsPulse: Believe it or not the 2020 NFL season is here. Our experts predict who's going to surprise, disappoint and ultimately win it all in the league's most unprecedented season. USA TODAY
The NFL season is almost here, and there's a clear class of top contenders. Can any of them knock the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs from their pedestal?
NFL power rankings with the 2020 regular season set to kick off (previous rank in parentheses):
1. Chiefs (1): Want some wedding advice, Mahomes? Publicize your registry, then hire someone to write thank you notes to a half-million Kansas Citians. RG3 cleaned up a few years ago, and he didn't even win ... or remain married.
2. Ravens (2): Could release of FS Earl Thomas be a classic "addition by subtraction" scenario? Watch promising 23-year-old replacement DeShon Elliott for the answer.
3. Saints (3): According to Pro Football Focus, RT Ryan Ramczyk was New Orleans' highest-rated player in 2019. He would have been our ... seventh guess? Eighth?
4. 49ers (4): Really would have been fun to watch these (already legendary) Trent Williams-Nick Bosa training camp battles. The Niners should be better because of them.
5. Titans (8): Eleventh-hour addition of pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who had his most productive season under Mike Vrabel when both were in Houston, is quite a coup.
6. Steelers (5): In 2018, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster averaged 89.1 receiving yards per game. Last year, that figure cratered to 46.0 ypg. Welcome back, Big Ben.
7. Colts (6): If you're seeking highest-impact rookie duo in 2020, place a bet on Indy freshmen WR Michael Pittman Jr. and RB Jonathan Taylor.
8. Buccaneers (9): A backfield that once seemed spotty now sports Leonard Fournette, Shady McCoy, Ronald Jones and rookie Ke'Shawn Vaughn. Doesn't help fantasy owners much, but Tom Brady must be stoked.
9. Packers (7): If you don't fully appreciate their lingering wideout issue, Davante Adams was lone one who had more than 35 catches for Green Bay in 2019.
10. Bills (10): We're with you, Sean McDermott – fairly "ridiculous" a league built on parity is allowing such a range of stadium attendance policies in 2020.
11. Cowboys (11): No reason they shouldn't sprint to another hot start, facing just one 2019 playoff team (Seattle) before calendar reaches November.
12. Seahawks (12): In last 10 months they've traded for safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, arguably league's top tandem ... assuming suspect pass rush doesn't consistently expose duo.
13. Falcons (16): Look for No. 2 WR Calvin Ridley to be one of this season's top breakout candidates.
14. Vikings (14): DE Yannick Ngakoue could be just the guy Minnesota needs given its pass rush may have to compensate for defense's young corners.
15. Broncos (17): The buzz is palpable. But will reconfigured line coalesce in front of QB Drew Lock and Co.? And will OLB Bradley Chubb really be near 100%?
16. Browns (18): Good luck finding a team with more quality depth at the offensive skill positions. It's up to QB Baker Mayfield to make it all work this time.
17. Patriots (15): Bill Belichick is already thriving without Tom Brady – perhaps you've seen the Subway ads? Now ... can we get some banana peppers with that defense?
18. Eagles (13): Offensive line already in disarray and receivers banged up, too. Good luck with all that, Carson ... (and, FWIW, Wentz has also missed practice).
19. Texans (20): Raise your hand if you predicted Zach Cunningham would become third-richest inside linebacker in NFL history? Good, we didn't foresee it, either. But that Deshaun Watson windfall was inevitable – and deserved.
20. Lions (21): Pretty cool to see this organization leading league's social justice charge following shooting of Jacob Blake. Now, will it galvanize club?
21. Cardinals (19): Is Chandler Jones NFL's most underappreciated player? Since coming to Arizona in 2016, he has 60 sacks – eight more than next-most prolific player ... who just happens to be Aaron Donald.
22. Chargers (22): WR Mike Williams' shoulder injury was mere precursor to season-ending loss of S Derwin James. At least Bolts fans knew to expect this.
23. Rams (25): When your No. 4 receiver (second-rounder Van Jefferson) commands most of training camp's buzz ... welp, kinda sets expectations for season.
24. Raiders (24): They're 11-21 during Gruden reboot. But despite offense's potential, defensive questions still suppress expectations for 2020 surge.
25. Dolphins (23): Byron Jones and Xavien Howard are league's most expensive corner tandem. But Miami won't get its money worth if it once again accrues NFL's fewest sacks (23 in 2019).
26. Bengals (26): Did you know Joe Mixon is one of three backs (Ezekiel Elliott, Chris Carson) to rush for at least 1,100 yards each of the past two years? And probably reasonable to expect more in 2020.
27. Jets (28): Overhauled O-line needs time to jell, but rookie LT Mekhi Becton might just have goods to unlock talents of QB Sam Darnold, RB Le'Veon Bell.
28. Bears (27): Congrats, Mitchell, the quarterback job remains yours. Now, if WR Allen Robinson is covered, whatcha gonna do?
29. Washington (29): Starting QB Dwayne Haskins is appropriate decision, but seeing Alex Smith play is only feel-good story this franchise can hope for in 2020.
30. Panthers (31): We know folks in Bible Belt want to come see Christian on Sunday, but Mecklenburg County is doing you a favor by saving your money.
31. Giants (32): Anyone else notice buzz around RB Wayne Gallman? It's almost as if G-Men should consider moving Saquon Barkley before they squander him ...
32. Jaguars (30): Already anticipating next summer's most compelling quarterback battle as Minshew Mania desperately tries to hold off Trevor Lawrence.
***
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usatoday--2020-09-08--Opinion: These nine NFL QBs are facing immense pressure to deliver in 2020 season

After an offseason and preseason like none other , the NFL ’ s 2020 regular season will kick off this week , beginning with Thursday night ’ s opener between the Houston Texans and hosting Kansas City Chiefs .
The kickoff contest features a matchup of two of the league 's premier young quarterbacks , Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes , who this offseason became the two highest-paid players in the NFL .
Mahomes and Watson rank among the quarterbacks who are firmly entrenched in their roles both in the short and long term .
However , some of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 kicks off .
Others must capitalize on shrinking windows of opportunity .
Here ’ s a look at some of the quarterbacks under the most pressure to deliver this season .
While Mahomes and Watson have earned mega deals from their original teams , Trubisky — selected ahead of both with the No .
2 overall pick of the 2017 draft — has yet to establish himself after three turbulent seasons .
Despite acquiring Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles from the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason , the Chicago Bears on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as their starter .
His leash is rather short , however .
Matt Nagy is entering Year 3 as head coach and needs to win .
He ’ s very familiar with Foles from their time together in Kansas City , and he knows Foles is perfectly comfortable coming off the bench to lead teams .
If the season gets off to a rough start , look for Foles to take over , which could essentially end Trubisky ’ s time in Chicago .
The seventh-year veteran has yet to make the ascension @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they gave him a five-year , $ 125 million contract extension in 2017 , and time could be running out as he enters his third season under coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock .
This offseason , the Raiders brought in Marcus Mariota , whose time in Tennessee came to an end after Ryan Tannehill unseated him and helped the Titans reach the AFC championship game .
After notching just 11 wins in the last two years , Gruden and the Raiders crave a breakthrough .
If Carr can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see if a healthy Mariota , who is currently on injured reserve for at least three weeks , can replicate what Tannehill did in 2019 .
Washington coach Ron Rivera named the 2019 first-round pick his starter and said Haskins has done everything asked of him .
But the Ohio State product very much remains a project while learning a new offense .
Washington ’ s coaches appear prepared to give Haskins every opportunity to develop this season , but they did keep both Kyle Allen ( who played under Rivera in Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Many of those close to Haskins believe he has positioned himself to make great strides .
However , if he doesn ’ t , Washington could find itself back on the quarterback market again next offseason .
Although they drafted Tua Tagovailoa with the No .
5 overall pick , the Dolphins are rolling with Fitzpatrick to start the season .
He ’ s been in this situation before and usually thrives initially .
But sustaining success has frequently proved challenging for the 37-year-old .
For now , Tagovailoa will watch and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL game .
Fitzpatrick , who closed out last season with consecutive wins , will try to hold off the rookie for as long as he can .
But it seems likely that Tagovailoa will take over at some point this season .
Taylor finds himself in a bridge situation again .
The last time he received a starting nod was in 2018 with the Cleveland Browns .
Taylor was supposed to run the show while Baker Mayfield developed behind him .
But the Browns turned to Mayfield after just three games .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ offseason , letting Philip Rivers walk and drafting Oregon 's Justin Herbert with the No .
6 pick .
Coach Anthony Lynn passed on opportunities to pursue other veteran quarterbacks because he had confidence in Taylor .
But the pressure for the Chargers to win as they still try to gain their fitting in Los Angeles is real .
Taylor has always been solid but not electric .
If he can ’ t promptly provide a spark , the Chargers may take their lumps with Herbert .
The Indianapolis Colts are coming off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a playoff-caliber roster .
They also believe Rivers can be the difference-maker .
This offseason , they signed the 38-year-old to a one-year , $ 25 million contract .
Rivers doesn ’ t have time to ease into new surroundings .
He has to win right out of the gates and help position the Colts to overtake the Titans and Texans in the AFC South .
Can he do it ?
He showed signs of aging last season and didn ’ t play well , recording 23 touchdown passes ( his lowest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( matching a career high ) .
It ’ ll be interesting to see how much time Rivers receives .
If he struggles and the Colts suffer a number of close losses , Frank Reich could go back to Jacoby Brissett , who shined in spurts last season .
NFL 2020 : The one glaring weakness for these 9 Super Bowl contenders HOT SEAT RANKINGS : Matt Patricia , Adam Gase already on notice ahead of Week 1 NFL NEWSLETTER : Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Famer on notice this spring when they surprisingly traded up to draft Utah State quarterback Jordan Love in the first round .
The Packers could have used that pick to give Rodgers some more weapons , but team officials thought it better to line up his replacement instead .
Rodgers remains highly effective at 36 , but it ’ s clear his bosses believe his window is closing .
He might hang onto his job this year , but an uneven campaign could prompt the Packers to move on this coming offseason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure .
Newton only has to replace Tom Brady and keep the Patriots atop the AFC East , or at least get them back into the playoffs .
Bill Belichick praised the former league MVP ’ s work ethic during training camp , and Newton earned his teammates ’ respect and was voted one of the team ’ s co-captains .
He should enable offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to expand the playbook , but Newton also must stay healthy .
Shoulder and foot injuries ended his time in Carolina and made many around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left in the tank .
Newton sat on the market for months and had to settle for a one-year deal from New England .
But he calls this a `` match made in heaven . ''
If he thrives , a big pay day could be coming his way .
But if Newton has indeed declined , Belichick could turn to Jarrett Stidham .
Durability has prevented Wentz from cementing his place among the league ’ s elite quarterbacks .
In 2019 , Wentz compiled a career year despite working with a mediocre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ended in injury as he was knocked out of Philadelphia 's wild-card loss to the Seattle Seahawks .
Lingering questions about Wentz 's health played a role in the Eagles ' decision to draft Heisman Trophy runner-up Jalen Hurts in the second round .
The Eagles certainly hope Wentz can stay on the field .
But if he ca n't and Hurts shines in his stead , then what ?
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Opinion: These nine NFL QBs are facing immense pressure to deliver in 2020 season
Show Caption Hide Caption Ravens legend Ed Reed explains why Lamar Jackson will always be judged differently at QB SportsPulse: Mackenzie Salmon connected with Ravens' legend Ed Reed to get his thoughts on Baltimore letting go of Earl Thomas and what's next for Lamar Jackson's evolution at quarterback. USA TODAY
After an offseason and preseason like none other, the NFL’s 2020 regular season will kick off this week, beginning with Thursday night’s opener between the Houston Texans and hosting Kansas City Chiefs.
The kickoff contest features a matchup of two of the league's premier young quarterbacks, Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes, who this offseason became the two highest-paid players in the NFL.
Mahomes and Watson rank among the quarterbacks who are firmly entrenched in their roles both in the short and long term. However, some of their peers find themselves in make-or-break situations as 2020 kicks off. Others must capitalize on shrinking windows of opportunity.
Here’s a look at some of the quarterbacks under the most pressure to deliver this season.
Mitchell Trubisky
While Mahomes and Watson have earned mega deals from their original teams, Trubisky — selected ahead of both with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2017 draft — has yet to establish himself after three turbulent seasons. Despite acquiring Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles from the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason, the Chicago Bears on Sunday announced that Trubisky will open the season as their starter. His leash is rather short, however. Matt Nagy is entering Year 3 as head coach and needs to win. He’s very familiar with Foles from their time together in Kansas City, and he knows Foles is perfectly comfortable coming off the bench to lead teams. If the season gets off to a rough start, look for Foles to take over, which could essentially end Trubisky’s time in Chicago.
Derek Carr
The seventh-year veteran has yet to make the ascension that the Las Vegas Raiders envisioned when they gave him a five-year, $125 million contract extension in 2017, and time could be running out as he enters his third season under coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock. This offseason, the Raiders brought in Marcus Mariota , whose time in Tennessee came to an end after Ryan Tannehill unseated him and helped the Titans reach the AFC championship game. After notching just 11 wins in the last two years, Gruden and the Raiders crave a breakthrough. If Carr can’t deliver, they eventually might try to see if a healthy Mariota, who is currently on injured reserve for at least three weeks, can replicate what Tannehill did in 2019.
Dwayne Haskins
Washington coach Ron Rivera named the 2019 first-round pick his starter and said Haskins has done everything asked of him. But the Ohio State product very much remains a project while learning a new offense. Washington’s coaches appear prepared to give Haskins every opportunity to develop this season, but they did keep both Kyle Allen (who played under Rivera in Carolina) and Alex Smith on the roster. Many of those close to Haskins believe he has positioned himself to make great strides. However, if he doesn’t, Washington could find itself back on the quarterback market again next offseason.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Although they drafted Tua Tagovailoa with the No. 5 overall pick, the Dolphins are rolling with Fitzpatrick to start the season. He’s been in this situation before and usually thrives initially. But sustaining success has frequently proved challenging for the 37-year-old. For now, Tagovailoa will watch and learn while further acclimating himself to the NFL game. Fitzpatrick, who closed out last season with consecutive wins, will try to hold off the rookie for as long as he can. But it seems likely that Tagovailoa will take over at some point this season.
Tyrod Taylor
Taylor finds himself in a bridge situation again. The last time he received a starting nod was in 2018 with the Cleveland Browns. Taylor was supposed to run the show while Baker Mayfield developed behind him. But the Browns turned to Mayfield after just three games. The Chargers hit the reset button this offseason, letting Philip Rivers walk and drafting Oregon's Justin Herbert with the No. 6 pick. Coach Anthony Lynn passed on opportunities to pursue other veteran quarterbacks because he had confidence in Taylor. But the pressure for the Chargers to win as they still try to gain their fitting in Los Angeles is real. Taylor has always been solid but not electric. If he can’t promptly provide a spark, the Chargers may take their lumps with Herbert.
Philip Rivers
The Indianapolis Colts are coming off of a 7-9 season but believe they have a playoff-caliber roster. They also believe Rivers can be the difference-maker. This offseason, they signed the 38-year-old to a one-year, $25 million contract. Rivers doesn’t have time to ease into new surroundings. He has to win right out of the gates and help position the Colts to overtake the Titans and Texans in the AFC South. Can he do it? He showed signs of aging last season and didn’t play well, recording 23 touchdown passes (his lowest total since 2007) and 20 interceptions (matching a career high). It’ll be interesting to see how much time Rivers receives. If he struggles and the Colts suffer a number of close losses, Frank Reich could go back to Jacoby Brissett, who shined in spurts last season.
NFL 2020: The one glaring weakness for these 9 Super Bowl contenders
HOT SEAT RANKINGS: Matt Patricia, Adam Gase already on notice ahead of Week 1
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Aaron Rodgers
The Green Bay Packers put the future Hall of Famer on notice this spring when they surprisingly traded up to draft Utah State quarterback Jordan Love in the first round. The Packers could have used that pick to give Rodgers some more weapons, but team officials thought it better to line up his replacement instead. Rodgers remains highly effective at 36, but it’s clear his bosses believe his window is closing. He might hang onto his job this year, but an uneven campaign could prompt the Packers to move on this coming offseason or the following one.
Cam Newton
Talk about pressure. Newton only has to replace Tom Brady and keep the Patriots atop the AFC East, or at least get them back into the playoffs. Bill Belichick praised the former league MVP’s work ethic during training camp, and Newton earned his teammates’ respect and was voted one of the team’s co-captains. He should enable offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to expand the playbook, but Newton also must stay healthy. Shoulder and foot injuries ended his time in Carolina and made many around the league wonder if he had anything left in the tank. Newton sat on the market for months and had to settle for a one-year deal from New England. But he calls this a "match made in heaven." If he thrives, a big pay day could be coming his way. But if Newton has indeed declined, Belichick could turn to Jarrett Stidham.
Carson Wentz
Durability has prevented Wentz from cementing his place among the league’s elite quarterbacks. In 2019, Wentz compiled a career year despite working with a mediocre supporting cast. However, another campaign ended in injury as he was knocked out of Philadelphia's wild-card loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Lingering questions about Wentz's health played a role in the Eagles' decision to draft Heisman Trophy runner-up Jalen Hurts in the second round. The Eagles certainly hope Wentz can stay on the field. But if he can't and Hurts shines in his stead, then what?
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usatoday--2020-09-08--To save Black lives, stop BLM protests. They could backfire by giving Trump a second term.

Black Lives Matter protesters need to pack up and go home .
Yes , protesting against racially motivated police brutality is a righteous cause .
But at this fragile moment in time — eight weeks out from the most important election in American history — the rioting , violence and looting swirling around the protests presents a danger that is too high a price to pay .
President Donald Trump has made restoring order to riot-torn streets across the country a cornerstone of his campaign .
It effectively distracts from his failure to control the mounting coronavirus death toll , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-dealing corruption , and veteran-trashing comments so grotesque they rival Trump ’ s infamous remark that his celebrity permits him to grab women ’ s genitalia .
Anyone with a lick of common sense understands that Trump ’ s efforts to blame the current cross-country upheaval on former Vice President Joe Biden are bunk .
But that didn ’ t stop Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas from tweeting an ad with images of the protest pandemonium happening during Trump ’ s presidency , and selling it as the future under a Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foist responsibility onto Biden is cause for concern .
Longtime racial equality activist Isaac Wallner , who has been protesting in his hometown of Kenosha , Wisconsin , worries that the street violence will help Trump ’ s reelection campaign .
CNN host Don Lemon told his viewers that the riots were working in Trump ’ s favor : “ It 's showing up in the polling .
It 's showing up in focus groups .
It is the only thing ... that is sticking.
” And two friends of mine , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same way they do a kitchen cockroach infestation , have wondered out loud whether Trump or Biden will be better at keeping the peace .
Part of Trump ’ s success in projecting his own failures onto Biden is the fairy tale that Biden could have used his time in the White House to end a problem that is 244 years old and an essential ingredient of the American stew .
The other part is that when the streets are burning , people gravitate to the person screaming “ LAW AND ORDER !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : When Black Lives Matter protests turn violent , Donald Trump gets just what he wants Last week , Biden gave a full-throated condemnation of the rioting .
But until recently he appeared hesitant to say anything that could be interpreted as criticism of protesters or their cause .
People who live in some of the cities with the worst destruction are understandably angry at Democratic leaders who appear fearful of using force to restore order .
In sharp contrast , Trump has been pounding the war drum , offering federal law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irony of Trump ’ s effort to cast himself as the law and order candidate is that Trump bears substantial blame for the turmoil .
Less than two weeks ago , a caravan of his supporters descended on Portland .
From trucks displaying “ Trump 2020 ” banners , they shot BLM protesters with paintball bullets and pepper spray .
Instead of condemning his supporters , Trump called them “ GREAT PATRIOTS !
” and characterized them as participating in a “ peaceful protest.
” And Trump sounded less like a president last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rittenhouse , the Trump devotee charged with murdering two men in Kenosha .
Trump all but announced that Rittenhouse was justified in shooting the men in self-defense .
The violence has blown both ways .
On Aug. 29 , a member of the far-left Antifa movement allegedly shot and killed a right-wing activist from a pro-Trump caravan that was clashing with BLM supporters in Portland .
As the protests move into their fourth month , it ’ s evident that they are not just about the killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha , at the hands of police .
The protests persist because the man at the top has refused to acknowledge the broader social ill they reflect .
Identical incidents would not have resulted in four months of chaos if Barack Obama were still president , or if Bill Clinton or one of the Bushes were in power .
Ignoring a worthy call for help only makes the calls louder , the anger greater , and the options more desperate .
Trump has done worse than turn a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down on the wrong side of the moral border — defending those he should condemn and condemning those he should defend .
No more excuses : It 's foolish and selfish to ignore COVID-19 precautions .
You 're endangering the rest of us .
For all that Trump lacks , and the list is long , he has an innate ability to sniff out the fear and anger that exists to some degree in us all .
Trump knows how to goad broad swaths of America ’ s population .
Once he decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him get reelected , Trump repurposed himself as an accelerant .
Violence and destruction were inevitable .
A week ago , Trump tweeted a campaign ad pledging greater funding for police expansion .
The video showed Trump walking through Kenosha building rubble , pointing a finger at the aftermath of destructive protests .
What was notably missing was any recognition of the acts of racial inequality that prompted the protests in the first place .
Also missing was any criticism of the Kenosha Guard , a paramilitary group that organized a “ call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preceded some of the most destructive and violent rioting in Kenosha and the shooting that resulted in the double murder charges against Rittenhouse .
As the election countdown begins , we should assume that Trump will continue to act as the political reptile he has always been — ignoring bad acts by his supporters while condemning virtually identical acts by his political foes .
Trump will also continue to claim that he alone can bring peace to America ’ s streets , positioning himself as both arsonist and fire fighter .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting against a coordinated federal effort at voter suppression that includes wounding the U.S .
Postal Service ’ s ability to deliver mail-in ballots , every misstep can be fatal .
Anything that gives Trump traction in these final weeks must end .
That means Democratic mayors and governors need to come to grips with the fact that they can support Black Lives Matter and still use force to end the rioting .
That means Democrats need to keep their mouths shut , and Twitter fingers still , when they see news footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end the destruction and violence .
Arresting someone with a gun , brick or Molotov cocktail is never pretty , but it ’ s necessary .
And that means Black Lives Matters organizers need to tell legitimate protesters to go home .
Let the streets of Portland and Kenosha be awash in a sea of MAGA hats , not BLM T-shirts .
I understand the danger of ceding the streets to white supremacists .
But I predict they will disappear when there is no fight to be had and their presence exposes ownership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving up any constitutional right , even momentarily , is difficult to stomach .
But the battle for racial equality stands an infinitely better chance under a Biden administration than a second Trump term .
So , to the protesters who understandably feel moved to do something today : Join a voter registration campaign , volunteer to drive voters to the polls , or help out at a call bank that reaches out to potential Democratic voters .
But stop allowing Trump to use your image as the face of America out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time when the greater good is best served by a strategic decision to refrain , it ’ s now .
Michael J. Stern , a member of USA TODAY 's Board of Contributors , was a federal prosecutor for 25 years in Detroit and Los Angeles .
Follow him on Twitter : @ MichaelJStern1

To save Black lives, stop BLM protests. They could backfire by giving Trump a second term. The battle for racial equality stands a much better chance under Biden than Trump. Legitimate BLM protesters should leave the streets to the extremists.
Show Caption Hide Caption Key things that propel a protest to a successful movement Do protests ever enact real change? Yes. But not all movements are created equal. Here's the ingredients of a successful movement. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Black Lives Matter protesters need to pack up and go home.
Yes, protesting against racially motivated police brutality is a righteous cause. But at this fragile moment in time — eight weeks out from the most important election in American history — the rioting, violence and looting swirling around the protests presents a danger that is too high a price to pay.
President Donald Trump has made restoring order to riot-torn streets across the country a cornerstone of his campaign. It effectively distracts from his failure to control the mounting coronavirus death toll, insane unemployment numbers, 360 degrees of self-dealing corruption, and veteran-trashing comments so grotesque they rival Trump’s infamous remark that his celebrity permits him to grab women’s genitalia.
Anyone with a lick of common sense understands that Trump’s efforts to blame the current cross-country upheaval on former Vice President Joe Biden are bunk. But that didn’t stop Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas from tweeting an ad with images of the protest pandemonium happening during Trump’s presidency, and selling it as the future under a Biden presidency.
Trump's substantial blame for turmoil
Trump’s attempt to foist responsibility onto Biden is cause for concern. Longtime racial equality activist Isaac Wallner, who has been protesting in his hometown of Kenosha, Wisconsin, worries that the street violence will help Trump’s reelection campaign. CNN host Don Lemon told his viewers that the riots were working in Trump’s favor: “It's showing up in the polling. It's showing up in focus groups. It is the only thing ... that is sticking.” And two friends of mine, both diehard Democrats who look at Trump the same way they do a kitchen cockroach infestation, have wondered out loud whether Trump or Biden will be better at keeping the peace.
Part of Trump’s success in projecting his own failures onto Biden is the fairy tale that Biden could have used his time in the White House to end a problem that is 244 years old and an essential ingredient of the American stew. The other part is that when the streets are burning, people gravitate to the person screaming “LAW AND ORDER!” the loudest.
End the chaos: When Black Lives Matter protests turn violent, Donald Trump gets just what he wants
Last week, Biden gave a full-throated condemnation of the rioting. But until recently he appeared hesitant to say anything that could be interpreted as criticism of protesters or their cause. People who live in some of the cities with the worst destruction are understandably angry at Democratic leaders who appear fearful of using force to restore order. In sharp contrast, Trump has been pounding the war drum, offering federal law enforcement assistance to squelch the unrest.
The irony of Trump’s effort to cast himself as the law and order candidate is that Trump bears substantial blame for the turmoil. Less than two weeks ago, a caravan of his supporters descended on Portland. From trucks displaying “Trump 2020” banners, they shot BLM protesters with paintball bullets and pepper spray. Instead of condemning his supporters, Trump called them “GREAT PATRIOTS!” and characterized them as participating in a “peaceful protest.”
And Trump sounded less like a president last week than a defense attorney for Kyle Rittenhouse, the Trump devotee charged with murdering two men in Kenosha. Trump all but announced that Rittenhouse was justified in shooting the men in self-defense. The violence has blown both ways. On Aug. 29, a member of the far-left Antifa movement allegedly shot and killed a right-wing activist from a pro-Trump caravan that was clashing with BLM supporters in Portland.
As the protests move into their fourth month, it’s evident that they are not just about the killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta, or the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, at the hands of police. The protests persist because the man at the top has refused to acknowledge the broader social ill they reflect. Identical incidents would not have resulted in four months of chaos if Barack Obama were still president, or if Bill Clinton or one of the Bushes were in power.
Ignoring a worthy call for help only makes the calls louder, the anger greater, and the options more desperate. Trump has done worse than turn a deaf ear, he’s come down on the wrong side of the moral border — defending those he should condemn and condemning those he should defend.
No more excuses: It's foolish and selfish to ignore COVID-19 precautions. You're endangering the rest of us.
For all that Trump lacks, and the list is long, he has an innate ability to sniff out the fear and anger that exists to some degree in us all. Trump knows how to goad broad swaths of America’s population. Once he decided that chaos in the streets could help him get reelected, Trump repurposed himself as an accelerant. Violence and destruction were inevitable.
A week ago, Trump tweeted a campaign ad pledging greater funding for police expansion. The video showed Trump walking through Kenosha building rubble, pointing a finger at the aftermath of destructive protests. What was notably missing was any recognition of the acts of racial inequality that prompted the protests in the first place. Also missing was any criticism of the Kenosha Guard, a paramilitary group that organized a “call to arms” in the hours that preceded some of the most destructive and violent rioting in Kenosha and the shooting that resulted in the double murder charges against Rittenhouse.
Don't give Trump traction in final days
As the election countdown begins, we should assume that Trump will continue to act as the political reptile he has always been — ignoring bad acts by his supporters while condemning virtually identical acts by his political foes. Trump will also continue to claim that he alone can bring peace to America’s streets, positioning himself as both arsonist and fire fighter.
In a tight election, in which Democrats are fighting against a coordinated federal effort at voter suppression that includes wounding the U.S. Postal Service’s ability to deliver mail-in ballots, every misstep can be fatal. Anything that gives Trump traction in these final weeks must end.
That means Democratic mayors and governors need to come to grips with the fact that they can support Black Lives Matter and still use force to end the rioting.
That means Democrats need to keep their mouths shut, and Twitter fingers still, when they see news footage of law enforcement using reasonable force to end the destruction and violence. Arresting someone with a gun, brick or Molotov cocktail is never pretty, but it’s necessary.
And that means Black Lives Matters organizers need to tell legitimate protesters to go home. Let the streets of Portland and Kenosha be awash in a sea of MAGA hats, not BLM T-shirts.
I understand the danger of ceding the streets to white supremacists. But I predict they will disappear when there is no fight to be had and their presence exposes ownership of their misdeeds.
The idea of giving up any constitutional right, even momentarily, is difficult to stomach. But the battle for racial equality stands an infinitely better chance under a Biden administration than a second Trump term.
So, to the protesters who understandably feel moved to do something today: Join a voter registration campaign, volunteer to drive voters to the polls, or help out at a call bank that reaches out to potential Democratic voters. But stop allowing Trump to use your image as the face of America out of control.
If there was ever a time when the greater good is best served by a strategic decision to refrain, it’s now.
Michael J. Stern, a member of USA TODAY's Board of Contributors, was a federal prosecutor for 25 years in Detroit and Los Angeles. Follow him on Twitter: @MichaelJStern1


usatoday--2020-09-08--Exclusive: Check out Adam Sandler's big-hearted hero in Netflix's spooktacular 'Hubie Halloween'

In the nearly 25 years since the last time they appeared in a movie , Julie Bowen has watched Adam Sandler become a famous actor and comedy icon .
Off screen , not much has changed in the ensuing decades .
“ He feels like the same guy , ” the Emmy-winning “ Modern Family ” actress says of Sandler , her co-star in the 1996 sports comedy “ Happy Gilmore.
” “ And he still wears giant basketball shorts every day.
” Bowen and Sandler are back together , and playing love interests again , in the upcoming Netflix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streaming Oct. 7 ) .
Produced and co-written by Sandler and directed by his longtime collaborator Steven Brill ( “ Little Nicky , ” ‘ Mr .
Deeds ” ) , “ Hubie ” features a massive cast and gives Sandler a chance to create a new signature role to hang with the likes of Billy Madison , Bobby Boucher and Opera Man . '
I was sobbing ' : 'Modern Family ' cast share emotions of last script reading In the infamous town of Salem , Massachusetts , big-hearted Hubie Dubois ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his fellow residents celebrate the holiday safely and keep the childish shenanigans in check , though they don ’ t often thank him for it .
Hubie is mocked for being overly cautious and still living with his mom ( June Squibb ) , plus he ’ s called the police so often over the years that Officer Steve Downing ( Kevin James ) actively avoids him .
This year , though , the situation 's actually spookactular .
A mysterious new neighbor ( Steve Buscemi ) has a hankering for the supernatural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the loose and some mysterious disappearances have Hubie on red alert .
Salem 's resident nerdy hero needs to convince the skeptical authorities that the monsters are real this time ; he 's all about solving crimes , but obstacles get in the way of the normal and paranormal varieties .
Thankfully , Hubie has an ally and caring fan in Violet Valentine ( Bowen ) , Hubie ’ s crush since grade school – and the affection is mutual .
“ Violet is smitten .
It ’ s clear that she adores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flustered and kind of flaps away whenever he sees her , '' Bowen says .
A waitress at the local diner and divorced mom of three foster kids , Violet ’ s “ a good egg , but she also is a little wacky and there are some questions about whether or not she 's involved in all the weirdness that 's going on .
There 's some very mysterious business going on with witch burning and werewolves.
” ( Violet ’ s name is also an Easter egg : In “ Happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the PGA Tour PR woman who helped calm Sandler ’ s angry title golfer . )
Ray Liotta , Michael Chiklis and Shaquille O ’ Neal also make appearances in `` Hubie , '' as do a ton of Sandler ’ s fellow “ Saturday Night Live ” stars , including Maya Rudolph , Tim Meadows , Kenan Thompson and Rob Schneider , whom Bowen jokingly calls “ Adam 's emotional support animal . ''
But there ’ s a bunch of young talent as well : “ Stranger Things ” star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freshman son , Tommy , and Paris Berelc is Tommy ’ s senior dream girl , Megan .
“ Megan is one of the few that does n't bully Hubie , so I was happy to play a nice girl in this movie , '' says Berelc , a Halloween loving 21-year-old model and actress who starred in Disney ’ s “ Mighty Med ” and Netflix ’ s “ Alexa & Katie.
” Acknowledging that the A-list cast list is “ nuts , ” Berelc enjoyed watching her family meet her co-stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was like , ‘ Oh , that 's so sweet .
Your parents are here to support you.
’ And I 'm like , ‘ They 're not here for me .
They 're here for Adam Sandler . '
`` After 11 seasons of “ Modern Family , ” working with young actors is Bowen ’ s “ sweet spot , ” she says .
“ I like it most of all when they kind of leave me alone with the kids and I can figure out who they are.
” But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sadie and 11-year-old Sunny , play Bowen ’ s on-screen daughters in “ Hubie , ” “ there was no getting away from their dad being there whatsoever.
” Because of COVID-19 , there might not be a chance for much trick-or-treating or Halloween revelry this year , and part of why Bowen signed on for “ Hubie ” – other than the chance of a “ Happy ” reunion – was to give her three sons ( Oliver , 13 , and twins John and Gus , 11 ) something “ fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this fall .
“ My kids ordinarily refuse to watch anything I do , ” Bowen says .
“ Growing up , they just heard ‘ Modern Family ’ all the time .
And they 're like , ‘ No , that 's my mom .
That is not some lady from `` Modern Family . ''
’ And I 'm hoping that this will give them an opportunity to watch a movie and enjoy it and not react against it like they usually do .
”

Check out the trailer and first photos of Adam Sandler in Netflix's spooktacular 'Hubie Halloween'
Show Caption Hide Caption Charlie Kaufman on new film: 'An honest depiction of a human experience' Oscar-winning screenwriter and Director Charlie Kaufman says he hopes his latest film, Netflix's "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" is "an honest depiction of a human experience." (Aug. 31) AP
In the nearly 25 years since the last time they appeared in a movie, Julie Bowen has watched Adam Sandler become a famous actor and comedy icon.
Off screen, not much has changed in the ensuing decades. “He feels like the same guy,” the Emmy-winning “Modern Family” actress says of Sandler, her co-star in the 1996 sports comedy “Happy Gilmore.” “And he still wears giant basketball shorts every day.”
Bowen and Sandler are back together, and playing love interests again, in the upcoming Netflix family comedy “Hubie Halloween” (streaming Oct. 7). Produced and co-written by Sandler and directed by his longtime collaborator Steven Brill (“Little Nicky,” ‘Mr. Deeds”), “Hubie” features a massive cast and gives Sandler a chance to create a new signature role to hang with the likes of Billy Madison, Bobby Boucher and Opera Man.
Netflix: Adam Sandler pens deal to make 4 new films
'I was sobbing': 'Modern Family' cast share emotions of last script reading
In the infamous town of Salem, Massachusetts, big-hearted Hubie Dubois (Sandler) regularly spends Halloween making sure his fellow residents celebrate the holiday safely and keep the childish shenanigans in check, though they don’t often thank him for it. Hubie is mocked for being overly cautious and still living with his mom (June Squibb), plus he’s called the police so often over the years that Officer Steve Downing (Kevin James) actively avoids him.
This year, though, the situation's actually spookactular. A mysterious new neighbor (Steve Buscemi) has a hankering for the supernatural, there's an escaped criminal on the loose and some mysterious disappearances have Hubie on red alert. Salem's resident nerdy hero needs to convince the skeptical authorities that the monsters are real this time; he's all about solving crimes, but obstacles get in the way of the normal and paranormal varieties.
Thankfully, Hubie has an ally and caring fan in Violet Valentine (Bowen), Hubie’s crush since grade school – and the affection is mutual.
“Violet is smitten. It’s clear that she adores him and he gets very tongue-tied and flustered and kind of flaps away whenever he sees her," Bowen says. A waitress at the local diner and divorced mom of three foster kids, Violet’s “a good egg, but she also is a little wacky and there are some questions about whether or not she's involved in all the weirdness that's going on. There's some very mysterious business going on with witch burning and werewolves.” (Violet’s name is also an Easter egg: In “Happy Gilmore,” Bowen played Virginia Venit, the PGA Tour PR woman who helped calm Sandler’s angry title golfer.)
Ray Liotta, Michael Chiklis and Shaquille O’Neal also make appearances in "Hubie," as do a ton of Sandler’s fellow “Saturday Night Live” stars, including Maya Rudolph, Tim Meadows, Kenan Thompson and Rob Schneider, whom Bowen jokingly calls “Adam's emotional support animal." But there’s a bunch of young talent as well: “Stranger Things” star Noah Schnapp plays Violet’s high school freshman son, Tommy, and Paris Berelc is Tommy’s senior dream girl, Megan.
“Megan is one of the few that doesn't bully Hubie, so I was happy to play a nice girl in this movie," says Berelc, a Halloween loving 21-year-old model and actress who starred in Disney’s “Mighty Med” and Netflix’s “Alexa & Katie.”
Acknowledging that the A-list cast list is “nuts,” Berelc enjoyed watching her family meet her co-stars during a set visit. “Everyone was like, ‘Oh, that's so sweet. Your parents are here to support you.’ And I'm like, ‘They're not here for me. They're here for Adam Sandler.' "
After 11 seasons of “Modern Family,” working with young actors is Bowen’s “sweet spot,” she says. “I like it most of all when they kind of leave me alone with the kids and I can figure out who they are.” But because Sandler’s children, 14-year-old Sadie and 11-year-old Sunny, play Bowen’s on-screen daughters in “Hubie,” “there was no getting away from their dad being there whatsoever.”
Because of COVID-19, there might not be a chance for much trick-or-treating or Halloween revelry this year, and part of why Bowen signed on for “Hubie” – other than the chance of a “Happy” reunion – was to give her three sons (Oliver, 13, and twins John and Gus, 11) something “fun and funny and silly and Halloween-y" this fall.
“My kids ordinarily refuse to watch anything I do,” Bowen says. “Growing up, they just heard ‘Modern Family’ all the time. And they're like, ‘No, that's my mom. That is not some lady from "Modern Family." ’ And I'm hoping that this will give them an opportunity to watch a movie and enjoy it and not react against it like they usually do.”


usatoday--2020-09-08--'DWTS': Derek Hough returns as a judge, while pandemic restrictions keep Len Goodman in England

Six-time `` Dancing with the Stars '' champion Derek Hough is returning to the ABC dance competition .
But this time he 's a judge , not a dancer .
Hough will be seated next to fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli – each eight feet apart due to COVID-19 protocols – for Season 29 ( premiering Sept. 14 , 8 EDT/PDT ) .
`` I just missed the rhinestones , '' Hough jokes , when asked why he 's returning to a show he last competed on in 2016 .
What he really missed was `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pure entertainment ( that 's ) much needed right now '' with the pandemic and other real-world troubles , says the two-time Emmy winner , whose sister , Julianne , is a former `` Dancing '' judge .
`` It 's good for the soul .
And coming back to the show feels like coming back home . ''
`` Derek represents the very best of what 'Dancing ' is , '' ABC alternative programming chief Rob Mills says .
`` We could n't be more thrilled . ''
But producers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incorporate judge Len Goodman , who remains in England due to pandemic travel restrictions .
Goodman 's role is still being determined , executive producer Andrew Llinares says .
`` We absolutely want him to be part of the show .
He 's part of the family , but unfortunately , with travel restrictions , he ca n't physically be here .
We 're looking at a few options and trying to figure out the best way for him to be part of the show in some way . ''
Ballroom blitz : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chrishell Stause and coach Monica from 'Cheer ' for Season 29 The addition of Hough is just one of Season 29 's changes .
Tyra Banks joins as an executive producer and host , replacing longtime hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews , and `` Dancing '' is making pandemic-related safety adjustments , learning from recent relaunches of the BBC Studios format in Australia , Germany , Ireland and Sweden , Mills says .
Six months into the pandemic , `` we know so much more about how to be safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people and hopefully not get infected , '' he says .
Safety protocols include frequent coronavirus testing and eight-foot social distancing , with the exception of each pro-celeb pair , who will dance closely without masks .
However , there will be strict separation between the competing couples , and while the celebrities wo n't have to quarantine , the pro dancers will .
Three married couples who are part of the professional dancer troupe – Emma Slater and Sasha Farber ; Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov ; and Jenna Johnson and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other to keep any positive coronavirus test from becoming a larger outbreak , Llinares says .
Dance protocol : Quarantine Diaries : Derek Hough 's neighbors wonder why he 's outside in full Disney costume Viewers will notice the effects of new restrictions when dancers take the floor on the familiar ballroom set .
Big group dance numbers will be missing ; so will the show 's band , which is recording tracks at another location ; and there will be no studio audience .
`` But we 're not going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're redesigning the set with lots of new LED screens and different elements that make the ballroom look like it was designed to look this way .
I think it looks fantastic , '' Llinares says .
Hough , a 17-season `` Dancing '' competitor who has been a judge in recent years on NBC 's `` World of Dance , '' sees the health-related restrictions as a challenge , likening it to choreographing a dance under time constraints .
`` Whenever I was given limitations , I always tended to create the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm looking at this season like that , where there 's this protocol , trying to contain and to be safe .
And I 'm optimistic that because of those things , it will create new moments ( and ) new experiences . ''
Banks , a supermodel who has hosted `` America 's Next Top Model '' and `` America 's Got Talent , '' `` brings a different kind of energy , which I think is fun , '' Mills says , while offering praise for Bergeron and Andrews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a big change but ( their dismissal ) was not anything ( about ) the job Tom and Erin were doing . ''
Hough calls Bergeron , who hosted `` Dancing '' from its 2005 start , `` a legend '' and a friend .
However , he 's excited about Banks ' energy and style .
`` She 's full out , ready to play .
I think she 'll thrive , '' he says .
`` I 'm just looking forward to seeing what she 's going to be wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to turn it up to 11 on the fashion and the style . ''
Which celebrities are likely to deliver strong performances ?
Hough predicts Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir , Kaitlyn Bristowe of `` The Bachelor '' and `` Bachelorette '' and Backstreet Boy AJ McLean .
But which star does he find most intriguing ?
`` Carole Baskin ( of Netflix 's 'Tiger King ' ) .
That was definitely like , 'Oh ! '
Your eyebrows went up a little bit . ''

'DWTS': Derek Hough returns as a judge, while pandemic restrictions keep Len Goodman in England
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Dancing with the Stars': Meet the cast of Season 29 "Dancing with the Stars" will have a new host for Season 29. USA TODAY
Six-time "Dancing with the Stars" champion Derek Hough is returning to the ABC dance competition. But this time he's a judge, not a dancer.
Hough will be seated next to fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli – each 8 feet apart due to COVID-19 protocols – for Season 29 (premiering Sept. 14, 8 EDT/PDT).
"I just missed the rhinestones," Hough jokes when asked why he's returning to a show he last competed on in 2016.
What he really missed was "the spark, the joy it brings, the pure entertainment (that's) much needed right now" with the pandemic and other real-world troubles, says the two-time Emmy winner, whose sister, Julianne, is a former "Dancing" judge. "It's good for the soul. And coming back to the show feels like coming back home."
"Derek represents the very best of what 'Dancing' is," says ABC alternative programming chief Rob Mills. "We couldn't be more thrilled."
But producers are still trying to figure out how to incorporate judge Len Goodman, who remains in England due to pandemic travel restrictions.
Goodman's role is still being determined, executive producer Andrew Llinares says.
"We absolutely want him to be part of the show, Llinares says. "He's part of the family, but unfortunately, with travel restrictions, he can't physically be here. We're looking at a few options and trying to figure out the best way for him to be part of the show in some way."
Ballroom blitz: 'DWTS' snares Netflix stars Carole Baskin, Chrishell Stause and coach Monica from 'Cheer' for Season 29
The addition of Hough is just one of Season 29's changes. Tyra Banks joins as an executive producer and host, replacing longtime hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews, and "Dancing" is making pandemic-related safety adjustments, learning from recent relaunches of the BBC Studios format in Australia, Germany, Ireland and Sweden, Mills says.
Six months into the pandemic, "we know so much more about how to be safe and how to be cautious about dealing with other people and hopefully not get infected," he says.
Safety protocols include frequent coronavirus testing and 8-foot social distancing, with the exception of each pro-celeb pair, who will dance closely without masks. However, there will be strict separation between the competing couples, and while the celebrities won't have to quarantine, the pro dancers will.
Three married couples who are part of the professional dancer troupe – Emma Slater and Sasha Farber; Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov; and Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy – will be quarantined from each other to keep any positive coronavirus test from becoming a larger outbreak, Llinares says.
Dance protocol: Quarantine Diaries: Derek Hough's neighbors wonder why he's outside in full Disney costume
Viewers will notice the effects of new restrictions when dancers take the floor on the familiar ballroom set. Big group dance numbers will be missing; so will the show's band, which is recording tracks at another location; and there will be no studio audience.
"But we're not going to have banks of empty seats. We're redesigning the set with lots of new LED screens and different elements that make the ballroom look like it was designed to look this way. I think it looks fantastic," Llinares says.
Hough, a 17-season "Dancing" competitor who has been a judge in recent years on NBC's "World of Dance," sees the health-related restrictions as a challenge, likening it to choreographing a dance under time constraints.
"Whenever I was given limitations, I always tended to create the best work," he says. "I'm looking at this season like that, where there's this protocol, trying to contain and to be safe. And I'm optimistic that because of those things, it will create new moments (and) new experiences."
Banks, a supermodel who has hosted "America's Next Top Model" and "America's Got Talent," "brings a different kind of energy, which I think is fun," Mills says, while offering praise for Bergeron and Andrews. "They were fantastic. It's a big change but (their dismissal) was not anything (about) the job Tom and Erin were doing."
Hough calls Bergeron, who hosted "Dancing" from its 2005 start, "a legend" and a friend. However, he's excited about Banks' energy and style.
"She's full out, ready to play. I think she'll thrive," he says. "I'm just looking forward to seeing what she's going to be wearing every night. You know she's going to turn it up to 11 on the fashion and the style."
Which celebrities are likely to deliver strong performances? Hough predicts Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, Kaitlyn Bristowe of "The Bachelor" and "Bachelorette," and Backstreet Boy AJ McLean. But which star does he find most intriguing?
"Carole Baskin (of Netflix's 'Tiger King')," he says. "That was definitely like, 'Oh!' Your eyebrows went up a little bit."


usatoday--2020-09-08--'You're very muffled:' President Trump asks reporter to take off face mask during question

'You 're very muffled : ' President Trump asks reporter to take off face mask during question President Trump asked @ @ @ @ @ his face mask while asking a question during a news conference at the White House @

President Trump asks reporter to take off face mask during question
President Trump asked a Reuters journalist to remove his face mask while asking a question during a news conference at the White House.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-08--Tokyo Olympics should be held next year 'at any cost,' Japan's Olympic minister says

The postponed Tokyo Summer Olympics should be staged as scheduled next summer `` at any cost , '' Japan 's Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto said Tuesday .
`` All the people involved with the games are working together to prepare , and the athletes are also making considerable efforts toward next year under the circumstances they 've been handed , '' Hashimoto said at a news conference , according to a translation published by Kyodo News .
`` I think we have to hold the games at any cost .
...
I want to concentrate all our efforts on measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters four days after Olympic organizers and Japanese officials first met to begin outlining COVID-19 countermeasures for the Olympics and Paralympics , which are scheduled to begin on July 23 and August 25 next year , respectively .
A former Olympic speed skater and member of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe 's cabinet , Hashimoto is the latest top official to express optimism or determination about holding the Games next summer , despite the ongoing global spread of the novel coronavirus .
Organizing committee leader Toshiro Muto said last week that the development of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prerequisite '' for holding the Olympics .
And John Coates , who is overseeing the International Olympic Committee 's coordination efforts with local organizers in Japan , told Agence France-Presse on Monday that the Tokyo Olympics will go on as scheduled next summer `` with or without Covid . ''
`` These will be the Games that conquered Covid , '' he added .
Experts in public health and infectious diseases told USA TODAY Sports in July that they are skeptical the Olympics can or will be safely held next summer , due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the challenges of discovering and distributing a vaccine .
The disease has infected more than 27 million people and left more than 900,000 dead , according to the World Health Organization .
Contact Tom Schad at tschad @ usatoday.com or on Twitter @ Tom_Schad .

Tokyo Olympics should be held next year 'at any cost,' Japan's Olympic minister says
Show Caption Hide Caption Olympic swimmer trains in kiddie pool Dutch Olympic swimmer Sharon van Rouwendaal wasn't able to practice outside or at her gym because of her city's lockdown. She was forced to get creative and use an inflatable pool and a tether to keep her training going. Sportskind, USA Today
The postponed Tokyo Summer Olympics should be staged as scheduled next summer "at any cost," Japan's Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto said Tuesday.
"All the people involved with the games are working together to prepare, and the athletes are also making considerable efforts toward next year under the circumstances they've been handed," Hashimoto said at a news conference, according to a translation published by Kyodo News.
"I think we have to hold the games at any cost. ... I want to concentrate all our efforts on measures against the coronavirus."
Hashimoto addressed reporters four days after Olympic organizers and Japanese officials first met to begin outlining COVID-19 countermeasures for the Olympics and Paralympics, which are scheduled to begin on July 23 and August 25 next year, respectively.
A former Olympic speed skater and member of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet, Hashimoto is the latest top official to express optimism or determination about holding the Games next summer, despite the ongoing global spread of the novel coronavirus.
Organizing committee leader Toshiro Muto said last week that the development of a COVID-19 vaccine is "not a prerequisite" for holding the Olympics. And John Coates, who is overseeing the International Olympic Committee's coordination efforts with local organizers in Japan, told Agence France-Presse on Monday that the Tokyo Olympics will go on as scheduled next summer "with or without Covid."
"These will be the Games that conquered Covid," he added.
Experts in public health and infectious diseases told USA TODAY Sports in July that they are skeptical the Olympics can or will be safely held next summer, due to the global spread of COVID-19 and the challenges of discovering and distributing a vaccine. The disease has infected more than 27 million people and left more than 900,000 dead, according to the World Health Organization.
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.


usatoday--2020-09-08--Rochester, NY, police chief announces retirement in wake of Daniel Prude's death

ROCHESTER , N.Y. – Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary announced his retirement from the police department Tuesday .
Singletary , 40 , became chief in 2019 and has come under heavy scrutiny in the past week as news of the death of Daniel Prude became public .
Many community activists have called for his resignation .
Singletary completed his 20th year of service with the department last month .
The news comes days after the death of Prude was disclosed to the public .
Prude , a Black man , died of asphyxiation after police officers in Rochester pinned him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The incident occurred in March , two months before George Floyd 's very similar death in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests .
Yet it did n't become public until this month .
Daniel Prude : A Black man pinned to the ground by NY police died two months before George Floyd Deputy Chief Joseph Morabito , who oversees the department 's operations , also announced his retirement in an email .
He is leaving the department after 34 years .
Deputy Chief Mark Simmons and Commander Henry Favor resigned their command positions and returned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Simmons , who oversaw the department 's administration bureau , briefly served as interim chief before Singletary took the reins .
City Council Vice President WIllie Lightfoot said council members learned of the resignations in real time .
Earlier in the week , Singletary said he would n't step away from his post .
And though Mayor Lovely Warren publicly displayed frustration over the lack of open communication with Singletary in the wake of Prude 's death , the mayor ultimately said she supported him .
“ I do not believe there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing the culture of policing than La'Ron , '' she said .
But during the briefing with the City Council on Tuesday , Warren broke the news .
She said she did not ask for his resignation , adding , `` He did not in any way try to cover this up . ''
Warren said she was alerted to Singletary 's decision immediately before the briefing began . '
I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character' '' For the past two decades , I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the highest integrity , '' Singletary wrote in his retirement letter .
Over the course of the past week , he had faced scrutiny after Warren accused him of not properly briefing her about Prude 's death .
She said she became aware of the incident on Aug. 4 .
Prude 's initial encounter with police occurred at 3:16 a.m. on March 23 .
`` As a man of integrity , I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character , '' Singletary wrote .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which he was writing about .
`` The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity .
The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for .
The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prude ’ s death is not based on facts , and is not what I stand for . ''
The Rochester native worked his way up through the ranks of the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a police cadet/intern through Monroe Community College , then became a patrol officer in 2000 upon completing his associate 's degree .
Will police be charged in Daniel Prude 's death ?
This evidence may be the deciding factor

Will Cleveland, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Rochester, NY, police chief announces retirement in wake of Daniel Prude's death
Show Caption Hide Caption Daniel Prude timeline: Black man died after police restrained him Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old Black man died of asphyxiation complications after being pinned to the ground by police in Rochester, New York. USA TODAY
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary announced his retirement from the police department Tuesday.
Singletary, 40, became chief in 2019 and has come under heavy scrutiny in the past week as news of the death of Daniel Prude became public. Many community activists have called for his resignation.
Singletary completed his 20th year of service with the department last month.
The news comes days after the death of Prude was disclosed to the public. Prude, a Black man, died of asphyxiation after police officers in Rochester pinned him to the ground while restraining him.
The incident occurred in March, two months before George Floyd's very similar death in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests. Yet it didn't become public until this month.
Daniel Prude: A Black man pinned to the ground by NY police died two months before George Floyd
Deputy Chief Joseph Morabito, who oversees the department's operations, also announced his retirement in an email. He is leaving the department after 34 years.
Deputy Chief Mark Simmons and Commander Henry Favor resigned their command positions and returned to their previously held rank of lieutenant.
Simmons, who oversaw the department's administration bureau, briefly served as interim chief before Singletary took the reins.
City Council Vice President WIllie Lightfoot said council members learned of the resignations in real time.
No successor was immediately announced.
Earlier in the week, Singletary said he wouldn't step away from his post. And though Mayor Lovely Warren publicly displayed frustration over the lack of open communication with Singletary in the wake of Prude's death, the mayor ultimately said she supported him.
“I do not believe there’s another person more dedicated to changing the culture of policing than La'Ron," she said.
But during the briefing with the City Council on Tuesday, Warren broke the news. She said she did not ask for his resignation, adding, "He did not in any way try to cover this up."
Warren said she was alerted to Singletary's decision immediately before the briefing began.
'I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character'
"For the past two decades, I have served this community with honor, pride, and the highest integrity," Singletary wrote in his retirement letter.
Over the course of the past week, he had faced scrutiny after Warren accused him of not properly briefing her about Prude's death. She said she became aware of the incident on Aug. 4. Prude's initial encounter with police occurred at 3:16 a.m. on March 23.
"As a man of integrity, I will not sit idly by while outside entities attempt to destroy my character," Singletary wrote. He did not identify the outside entities to which he was writing about.
"The events over the past week are an attempt to destroy my character and integrity. The members of the Rochester Police Department and the Greater Rochester Community know my reputation and know what I stand for. The mischaracterization and the politicization of the actions that I took after being informed of Mr. Prude’s death is not based on facts, and is not what I stand for."
The Rochester native worked his way up through the ranks of the department. He joined the force in 1998 as a police cadet/intern through Monroe Community College, then became a patrol officer in 2000 upon completing his associate's degree.
Contributing: Steve Orr, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Follow reporter Will Cleveland on Twitter: @willcleveland13.
Will police be charged in Daniel Prude's death? This evidence may be the deciding factor