mercurynews--2020-12-06--49ers mailbag: Must-win time against Bills? How’s Nick Bosa? How does 2021 free agency look?

What ’ s a Sunday without 49ers ’ football ?
It ’ s a chance to sneak in a Week 13 mailbag and cull my Instagram and Twitter message boards ahead of Monday night ’ s “ home ” game against Buffalo in Arizona : What edge rusher do the 49ers target to replace Dee Ford ?
( @ cagarcia650 ) They can start in-house and re-sign Kerry Hyder Jr. as a reward for his durability and production ( team-high 7 1/2 sacks ) after arriving on a one-year , $ 1.5 million deal .
He is not the speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is anyone ?
“ I don ’ t know if you ’ ve heard but the only goal I had was to garner respect among the league .
I never had a ( sack ) number goal , ” Hyder said Saturday .
Hyder is 30 , and most free agent options are over that mile marker , so the 49ers ’ best bet will be to repeat their draft history and take a pass rusher in the first round or two .
Bud Dupree might have been enticing but the Pittsburgh Steelers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the 49ers are maxed out on ACL recoveries .
How is Nick Bosa doing ?
Any chance he ’ ll be on the sideline during a game ?
( @ sadiejohnson8409 ) Nick is apparently recovering great from his knee reconstruction , after a Sept. 20 ACL tear .
He showed impressive leg strength in an Instagram video posted recently by his physical therapist , who did not respond to my message seeking more insight .
Nick hasn ’ t talked to the media since Sept. 17 ; we miss his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his all-out hustle .
That the 49ers ’ pass defense ranks fifth without Bosa ( and Ford ) this season is a testament not just to fine coaching but the guys who are actually playing ( under the radar ) .
You think we can run against Buffalo ?
( @ 510_bobby ) Absolutely .
Shanahan ’ s stable of rushers is restocked with fresh legs .
Raheem Mostert , Jeff Wilson , Jerick McKinnon and Tevin Coleman all can be summoned to run through the 25th-ranked run defense , so long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball on those jet-toss runs .
Do you believe the 49ers can still make a Super Bowl run ?
( @ keyanritz ) Beat the Bills on Monday night and everyone should muster enough belief to keep Santa ’ s sleigh flying all Christmas Eve .
Will the Niners have to run the table for the playoffs ?
( @ pixel_me_rollin ) No .
Maybe .
I don ’ t know .
It ’ s 2020 !
Ten wins should lock up a berth , and that ’ s been Kyle Shanahan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a loss , to the right team , such as a non-conference , division-leading opponent .
Maybe .
Gulp .
As great as Jason Verrett ’ s comeback is unfolding this year , Richard Sherman is a Hall of Fame-caliber cornerback .
True , Sherman just returned Sunday after a nine-game absence , so durability is a concern , even if he says his calf received treatment to rule out a chronic or lingering issue ; Sherman , we should note , represents himself at the contract table .
My advice : Re-sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team ’ s bank in 2021 ’ s tighter salary cap — then round out the cornerback corps with cheaper alternatives .
• Coronavirus was 49ers ’ Trent Williams ’ toughest opponent in career that included cancer bout • 49ers ’ Robert Saleh being courted to coach Detroit Lions , if Michigan politicians have any say • NFL Week 13 picks : 49ers debut in ‘ NFC Southwest ’ with win over Bills ; Raiders keep Jets winless • Jets ’ Frank Gore doesn ’ t want to go out 0-16 — and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive line be the same as last week ?
( @ bigev49er ) No .
It will be better , in that they don ’ t have to face Aaron Donald .
Otherwise , expect the same lineup of left tackle Trent Williams , left guard Laken Tomlinson , center Daniel Brunskill , right guard Colton McKivitz and right tackle Mike McGlinchey , the latter of whom has drawn more criticism than all of them combined when he ’ s actually run blocking well but admittedly underperforming as a pass blocker .
Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s concussion so he might sub in for McKivitz , if needed .
Does Salah leave after the 2020 season ?
( @ 8ajrrr ) Michigan legislatures sure hope so , having penned a letter to the Detroit Lions begging them to hire Saleh , a Dearborn native .
Saleh should have more choices , however .
Houston is where he got his start .
Jacksonville will need someone to revive its defense , and champion a rookie quarterback who ’ ll have weapons .
Atlanta ?
New York ( Jets ) ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ open and more interviews will be afoot .
Any chance Bethard gets the start ?
( @ jsjagga ) It ’ s Beathard .
Although , if you want to bet hard on the 49ers , who am I to stop you ?
The Nick Mullens Polar Express is full steam ahead until a healthy Jimmy Garoppolo shows up at the depot .
No questions .
Let ’ s just ball out the rest of the season !
!
!
!
( @ rodney805 ) Is this Jimmie Ward ?
You share his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ session with Bay Area media Friday , he blurted out : “ Even just thinking about football right now , I ’ m starting to feel that fire inside of me .
Other than that , let ’ s get to the next question .
It ’ s feeling like game day right now !
”

What’s a Sunday without 49ers’ football? It’s a chance to sneak in a Week 13 mailbag and cull my Instagram and Twitter message boards ahead of Monday night’s “home” game against Buffalo in Arizona:
What edge rusher do the 49ers target to replace Dee Ford? (@cagarcia650)
They can start in-house and re-sign Kerry Hyder Jr. as a reward for his durability and production (team-high 7 1/2 sacks) after arriving on a one-year, $1.5 million deal. He is not the speed rusher Ford once was, though. Is anyone?
“I don’t know if you’ve heard but the only goal I had was to garner respect among the league. I never had a (sack) number goal,” Hyder said Saturday.
Hyder is 30, and most free agent options are over that mile marker, so the 49ers’ best bet will be to repeat their draft history and take a pass rusher in the first round or two. Bud Dupree might have been enticing but the Pittsburgh Steelers’ franchise player just tore an ACL, and the 49ers are maxed out on ACL recoveries.
How is Nick Bosa doing? Any chance he’ll be on the sideline during a game? (@sadiejohnson8409)
Nick is apparently recovering great from his knee reconstruction, after a Sept. 20 ACL tear. He showed impressive leg strength in an Instagram video posted recently by his physical therapist, who did not respond to my message seeking more insight. Nick hasn’t talked to the media since Sept. 17; we miss his clever wit as much as you miss his all-out hustle.
That the 49ers’ pass defense ranks fifth without Bosa (and Ford) this season is a testament not just to fine coaching but the guys who are actually playing (under the radar).
You think we can run against Buffalo? (@510_bobby)
Absolutely. Shanahan’s stable of rushers is restocked with fresh legs. Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Jerick McKinnon and Tevin Coleman all can be summoned to run through the 25th-ranked run defense, so long as Deebo Samuel doesn’t hog the ball on those jet-toss runs.
Do you believe the 49ers can still make a Super Bowl run? (@keyanritz)
Beat the Bills on Monday night and everyone should muster enough belief to keep Santa’s sleigh flying all Christmas Eve.
Will the Niners have to run the table for the playoffs? (@pixel_me_rollin)
No. Maybe. I don’t know. It’s 2020! Ten wins should lock up a berth, and that’s been Kyle Shanahan’s annual philosophy. They can afford a loss, to the right team, such as a non-conference, division-leading opponent. Maybe. Gulp.
Sherman or Verrett in 2021? (@dominicvince)
As great as Jason Verrett’s comeback is unfolding this year, Richard Sherman is a Hall of Fame-caliber cornerback. True, Sherman just returned Sunday after a nine-game absence, so durability is a concern, even if he says his calf received treatment to rule out a chronic or lingering issue; Sherman, we should note, represents himself at the contract table. My advice: Re-sign them both — neither should break any team’s bank in 2021’s tighter salary cap — then round out the cornerback corps with cheaper alternatives.
Will our offensive line be the same as last week? (@bigev49er)
No. It will be better, in that they don’t have to face Aaron Donald. Otherwise, expect the same lineup of left tackle Trent Williams, left guard Laken Tomlinson, center Daniel Brunskill, right guard Colton McKivitz and right tackle Mike McGlinchey, the latter of whom has drawn more criticism than all of them combined when he’s actually run blocking well but admittedly underperforming as a pass blocker. Tom Compton is cleared from last week’s concussion so he might sub in for McKivitz, if needed.
Does Salah leave after the 2020 season? (@8ajrrr)
Michigan legislatures sure hope so, having penned a letter to the Detroit Lions begging them to hire Saleh, a Dearborn native. Saleh should have more choices, however. Houston is where he got his start. Jacksonville will need someone to revive its defense, and champion a rookie quarterback who’ll have weapons. Atlanta? New York (Jets)? Chicago? More and more jobs will open and more interviews will be afoot.
Any chance Bethard gets the start? (@jsjagga)
It’s Beathard. Although, if you want to bet hard on the 49ers, who am I to stop you? The Nick Mullens Polar Express is full steam ahead until a healthy Jimmy Garoppolo shows up at the depot.
No questions. Let’s just ball out the rest of the season!!!! (@rodney805)
Is this Jimmie Ward? You share his enthusiasm. As Ward ended his video session with Bay Area media Friday, he blurted out: “Even just thinking about football right now, I’m starting to feel that fire inside of me. Other than that, let’s get to the next question. It’s feeling like game day right now!”


mercurynews--2020-12-06--Word Game: Dec. 6, 2020

Word Game: Dec. 6, 2020

Can you find 70 or more words in RECTITUDE ?
To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
@ @ @ @ @ $ 5 while supplies last !
1 .
Words must be of four or more @ @ @ @ @ that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s , ” such as “ @ @ @ @ @ , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words made by adding a “ @ @ @ @ @ s ” may not be used .
For example , if “ bake ” is @ @ @ @ @ or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ bake ” and “ baking @ @ @ @ @ .
Proper nouns , slang words , or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not @ @

TODAY’S WORD — RECTITUDE (RECTITUDE: REK-tih-tood: Righteousness.)
Average mark 50 words
Time limit 60 minutes
Can you find 70 or more words in RECTITUDE?
TODAY’S WORD — RECTITUDE recite reduce reed retie rice ride rite rude rued rutted
ecru edict edit educe eider erect eruct erudite etude etui cede certitude cider cire cite
credit creed cried crude cruet curd cure curt cute cuter cutie cutter teed tide tied tier tire
titer tree trice tried trite truce true tutee iced uric utter deceit deer deet deice deicer detect
deter deuce dice dicer diet dieter dire direct dirt duct duet
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


Bridge: Dec. 6, 2020

“ I read your columns this week about counting on defense , ” a club player told me .
“ I can get a count on declarer ’ s hand when it becomes clear near the end of the play , but figuring everything out by inference at Trick One strains my feeble brain.
” Counting and drawing inferences are linked .
Like most “ expert ” techniques , they require experience and focus but are simple in principle .
Clues are always available .
In an IMP team match , West judges to let South play at three diamonds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be right if East could make three spades and South makes three diamonds , but chances are that at least one contract will fail .
The defense takes the K-A of spades , and South ruffs the third spade .
He leads a trump to the ace and returns a trump : jack , queen , king .
South , it seems , had six diamonds .
Suppose West shifts to the jack of hearts : deuce , four , king .
Ever since West saw dummy , he should be thinking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leads a club .
At that point , West can take his ace or play low , but he must do something promptly .
If he huddles , he will betray possession of the ace .
Can West get an inferential count ?
East responded one spade with a four-card suit .
If he held four hearts , he would have bid one heart instead , showing his four-card suits “ up the line.
” So South had four hearts , six diamonds and two spades — thus one club .
When South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his ace .
South can pitch one heart on the king of clubs but still loses a heart for down one .

“I read your columns this week about counting on defense,” a club player told me. “I can get a count on declarer’s hand when it becomes clear near the end of the play, but figuring everything out by inference at Trick One strains my feeble brain.”
Counting and drawing inferences are linked. Like most “expert” techniques, they require experience and focus but are simple in principle. Clues are always available.
In an IMP team match, West judges to let South play at three diamonds. To compete to three spades would be right if East could make three spades and South makes three diamonds, but chances are that at least one contract will fail.
The defense takes the K-A of spades, and South ruffs the third spade. He leads a trump to the ace and returns a trump: jack, queen, king. South, it seems, had six diamonds. Suppose West shifts to the jack of hearts: deuce, four, king.
Ever since West saw dummy, he should be thinking about what he’ll do when declarer leads a club. At that point, West can take his ace or play low, but he must do something promptly. If he huddles, he will betray possession of the ace.
Can West get an inferential count?
East responded one spade with a four-card suit. If he held four hearts, he would have bid one heart instead, showing his four-card suits “up the line.” So South had four hearts, six diamonds and two spades — thus one club.
When South leads a club, West must grab his ace. South can pitch one heart on the king of clubs but still loses a heart for down one.
South dealer
Neither side vulnerable
NORTH
S 8 5 3
H 7 5 2
D A 8 2
C K J 6 3
WEST
S K Q 9 2
H J 10 8
D K 3
C A 9 5 2
EAST
S A 10 7 4
H Q 4 3
D J 5
C Q 10 8 7
SOUTH
S J 6
H A K 9 6
D Q 10 9 7 6 4
C 4
South West North East
Pass 1 C Pass 1 S
2 D 2 S 3 D All Pass
Opening lead — S K
(C)2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-12-06--Horoscopes Dec. 6, 2020: Judd Apatow, get involved in issues and make a difference

Happy Birthday : Get involved in issues , and make a difference .
Stand up for your rights , speak the truth and find solutions .
What you discover will change the way you live and what you do as you embrace the future .
Use your imagination to create an environment that satisfies your needs .
Walk away from the chaos and divisive behavior and toward peace and harmony .
Your numbers are 7 , 13 , 18 , 23 , 31 , 40 , 49 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Be discreet about your plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ options and prepare to take action .
How you handle your finances , negotiate your contracts and deal with uncertainty will change the way you live .
Head in a direction that soothes your soul .
5 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : Listen carefully .
Someone will make false claims that will confuse you .
Stay focused on your responsibilities , and pay attention to detail .
If your gut feeling is making you nervous , slow down and consider alternative options .
Don ’ t let an emotional decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( May 21-June 20 ) : Assess partnerships and make adjustments .
If someone continually lets you down , have an open discussion and be blatant about what needs to happen .
You may not get your way , but you will know where you stand and what you have to do .
2 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Being upset won ’ t resolve anything .
If you don ’ t like what someone is doing or saying , distance yourself from that person .
Stay focused on what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head in a direction that gives you peace of mind .
Romance is favored .
4 stars LEO ( July 23-Aug. 22 ) : Participate in something that motivates you to stay active and make a difference in your community .
Physical fitness , a thirst for knowledge and stepping outside your comfort zone to help bring about change will alter your life .
3 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Keep your emotions tucked away .
Protect against an unnecessary argument that will upset family dynamics .
Focus on something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills and ability to raise your income or awareness .
Take time to rejuvenate .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Spend more time nurturing meaningful relationships and less time dealing with demanding people who ask too much of you .
Uncertainty at home will push you to look at alternative lifestyles and what you have to do to change your life .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Ask questions , sum up what you hear and make decisions based on what will bring you the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and money .
Use your imagination , but don ’ t spend foolishly chasing an unrealistic dream .
Do what ’ s right .
2 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Verify facts , build a strong case to justify your actions and do what ’ s best for you .
An adjustment at home will make your life easier and your relationships with loved ones better .
Open discussions will lead to positive results .
5 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Emotions will surface if you get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you .
Bide your time and be observant , and you will instinctively make the right decision .
A change at home will bring you peace of mind .
Romance is encouraged .
3 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Don ’ t take what someone says to heart .
Follow through with questions , and you ’ ll discover discrepancies .
Consider how best to use your time to your advantage .
A moneymaking opportunity is within reach .
Turn attributes , skills and knowledge into cash .
3 stars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Helping others is honorable , but don ’ t let anyone take advantage of you .
Someone you least expect will withhold information that can change the way you think about or do things .
Make changes based on facts , figures and necessities .
3 stars Birthday Baby : You are competitive , proactive and smart .
You are persuasive and resourceful .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Lindsay Price, 44; Judd Apatow, 53; Tom Hulce, 67; JoBeth Williams, 72.
Happy Birthday: Get involved in issues, and make a difference. Stand up for your rights, speak the truth and find solutions. What you discover will change the way you live and what you do as you embrace the future. Use your imagination to create an environment that satisfies your needs. Walk away from the chaos and divisive behavior and toward peace and harmony. Your numbers are 7, 13, 18, 23, 31, 40, 49.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be discreet about your plans. Do your research, study your options and prepare to take action. How you handle your finances, negotiate your contracts and deal with uncertainty will change the way you live. Head in a direction that soothes your soul. 5 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Listen carefully. Someone will make false claims that will confuse you. Stay focused on your responsibilities, and pay attention to detail. If your gut feeling is making you nervous, slow down and consider alternative options. Don’t let an emotional decision lead to regret. 2 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Assess partnerships and make adjustments. If someone continually lets you down, have an open discussion and be blatant about what needs to happen. You may not get your way, but you will know where you stand and what you have to do. 2 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Being upset won’t resolve anything. If you don’t like what someone is doing or saying, distance yourself from that person. Stay focused on what’s important to you, and head in a direction that gives you peace of mind. Romance is favored. 4 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Participate in something that motivates you to stay active and make a difference in your community. Physical fitness, a thirst for knowledge and stepping outside your comfort zone to help bring about change will alter your life. 3 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep your emotions tucked away. Protect against an unnecessary argument that will upset family dynamics. Focus on something you enjoy doing that helps improve your skills and ability to raise your income or awareness. Take time to rejuvenate. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Spend more time nurturing meaningful relationships and less time dealing with demanding people who ask too much of you. Uncertainty at home will push you to look at alternative lifestyles and what you have to do to change your life. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Ask questions, sum up what you hear and make decisions based on what will bring you the best return for your time, effort and money. Use your imagination, but don’t spend foolishly chasing an unrealistic dream. Do what’s right. 2 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Verify facts, build a strong case to justify your actions and do what’s best for you. An adjustment at home will make your life easier and your relationships with loved ones better. Open discussions will lead to positive results. 5 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Emotions will surface if you get into a dispute with someone close to you. Bide your time and be observant, and you will instinctively make the right decision. A change at home will bring you peace of mind. Romance is encouraged. 3 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t take what someone says to heart. Follow through with questions, and you’ll discover discrepancies. Consider how best to use your time to your advantage. A moneymaking opportunity is within reach. Turn attributes, skills and knowledge into cash. 3 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Helping others is honorable, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Someone you least expect will withhold information that can change the way you think about or do things. Make changes based on facts, figures and necessities. 3 stars
Birthday Baby: You are competitive, proactive and smart. You are persuasive and resourceful.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


mercurynews--2020-12-06--Ask Amy: I’m smart and educated. How did I end up with this jerk?

Dear Amy : I am in a terrible relationship of two tumultuous years duration .
I met him after recovering from an operation .
I had been alone for years , as my life was consumed by raising my children , pulling a boy out of a war zone , and teaching music .
Unfortunately , my boyfriend is a liar .
He ’ s had another girlfriend , he is an alcoholic , has a prison record , has a kid in jail , grandchildren out of wedlock , no car , no license , fines , debt , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has no education .
All he has is a funny sense of humor , a great body , and some carpentry skills .
I want to get out of this nightmare .
I ’ m angry that I fell for all his lies .
He is very abusive and not at my level of intellect .
I don ’ t know how with two master ’ s degrees , material success , and happy and successful children , I could have picked such a narcissistic jerk .
What is wrong with me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make fun of Americans , and I ’ m sick of it • Ask Amy : I would like a wife .
What do I need to do ?
• Ask Amy : My co-workers think it ’ s OK to say these hurtful things to me • Ask Amy : She acted like I violated the rules of dating , but I felt played • Ask Amy : Should I tell her what I think of her teenage son ?
I ’ m in therapy , and my therapist says it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of alcoholics and ragers and have all the classic characteristics of adult children of alcoholics .
I ’ m afraid to kick him out because I never meet anyone .
I ’ ve been alone most of my life .
Dear Helpless : As long as you consider being alone a worse fate than being in an abusive relationship with a lying , narcissistic jerk , then keep doing what you ’ re doing .
But in the immortal words of “ Dr .
Phil ” : “ How ’ s that working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not working for you at all .
I ’ m not a therapist , but , for what it ’ s worth , I agree with their assessment .
People who grew up in chaotic , neglectful , abusive , and alcoholic households often internalize the idea that they are somehow “ not enough.
” I assume this is because , despite their heroic efforts as children , they can not fix , heal or even alter the dynamic of their family of origin .
Intelligence , education and success in other realms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but you can change your current mindset and your behavior .
Ask your therapist to talk to you about co-dependency .
And connect with an Adult Children of Alcoholics group ( adultchildren.org ) .
Dear Amy : I am always struck when you and folks in your column talk about keeping a journal .
I think that sounds wonderful !
I never kept a journal for long growing up .
This is in part because there were times that a family member read my private writings , and I felt very betrayed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no excuses for failing to start something I ’ ve always wanted to do .
I usually start , and then drift off after a few days .
I can ’ t help but wonder if part of my lack of motivation is the fear that someone would read them and judge them to be what is perfectly OK for them to be : Nothing too exciting .
Dear M : I have journals going back to when I received my first one for Christmas , when I was 8 years old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have never been a daily writer .
I only write when I feel compelled to .
Weeks can go by !
But I keep a blank book handy ( no dates on the pages — too much pressure ! )
.
If you want to start a new habit , one way is by “ habit stacking.
” Basically , you “ stack ” a new habit on top of an old habit .
For instance , after your morning coffee , you try to write a few sentences .
Don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of spun gold , just freestyle it .
Writing is basically a muscle — the more you use it , the stronger and more skilled you become .
Technology can be helpful here .
You can set a prompt on your phone to remind you to sit down and write .
The downside of setting an alarm is that writing for pleasure can start to seem like a chore , which is one reason you ’ ve abandoned your efforts in the past .
Dear Amy : I know you are a wealth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any good books on dealing with all of the pain , death and suffering in the world ?
My answer is : All the books .
I turn to poetry during tough times : Whitman , Mary Oliver , Elizabeth Bishop ( “ Time to plant tears , says the almanac ” ) , Billy Collins , Jericho Brown and Emily Dickinson .
Poets write the lyrics to the music of life .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: I am in a terrible relationship of two tumultuous years duration.
I met him after recovering from an operation. I had been alone for years, as my life was consumed by raising my children, pulling a boy out of a war zone, and teaching music.
Unfortunately, my boyfriend is a liar. He’s had another girlfriend, he is an alcoholic, has a prison record, has a kid in jail, grandchildren out of wedlock, no car, no license, fines, debt, is abusive, is not intellectual, and has no education.
All he has is a funny sense of humor, a great body, and some carpentry skills.
I want to get out of this nightmare. I’m angry that I fell for all his lies. He is very abusive and not at my level of intellect.
I don’t know how with two master’s degrees, material success, and happy and successful children, I could have picked such a narcissistic jerk. What is wrong with me?
Related Articles Advice | Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments
Ask Amy: I found the videos she posted about me, with all the demeaning comments Advice | Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt?
Ask Amy: My fiance wants me to stay home. Should I bolt? Advice | Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment!
Ask Amy: Why did she react that way? It was a compliment! Advice | Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now?
Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy I’m in therapy, and my therapist says it’s because I had an abusive family of alcoholics and ragers and have all the classic characteristics of adult children of alcoholics.
I’m afraid to kick him out because I never meet anyone. I’ve been alone most of my life.
Any advice?
Helpless Smart Dummy
Dear Helpless: As long as you consider being alone a worse fate than being in an abusive relationship with a lying, narcissistic jerk, then keep doing what you’re doing. But in the immortal words of “Dr. Phil”: “How’s that working for you?” It is obviously not working for you at all.
I’m not a therapist, but, for what it’s worth, I agree with their assessment.
People who grew up in chaotic, neglectful, abusive, and alcoholic households often internalize the idea that they are somehow “not enough.” I assume this is because, despite their heroic efforts as children, they cannot fix, heal or even alter the dynamic of their family of origin.
Intelligence, education and success in other realms will not offset this deep void, but you can change your current mindset and your behavior.
Ask your therapist to talk to you about co-dependency. And connect with an Adult Children of Alcoholics group (adultchildren.org).
Dear Amy: I am always struck when you and folks in your column talk about keeping a journal. I think that sounds wonderful!
I never kept a journal for long growing up. This is in part because there were times that a family member read my private writings, and I felt very betrayed.
But now I’m an adult with no excuses for failing to start something I’ve always wanted to do. I usually start, and then drift off after a few days.
Any advice for aspiring journal keepers?
I can’t help but wonder if part of my lack of motivation is the fear that someone would read them and judge them to be what is perfectly OK for them to be: Nothing too exciting.
M
Dear M: I have journals going back to when I received my first one for Christmas, when I was 8 years old.
However, I am not and have never been a daily writer. I only write when I feel compelled to. Weeks can go by! But I keep a blank book handy (no dates on the pages — too much pressure!).
If you want to start a new habit, one way is by “habit stacking.”
Basically, you “stack” a new habit on top of an old habit. For instance, after your morning coffee, you try to write a few sentences. Don’t pressure yourself to create beautiful sentences made of spun gold, just freestyle it.
Writing is basically a muscle — the more you use it, the stronger and more skilled you become.
Technology can be helpful here. You can set a prompt on your phone to remind you to sit down and write. The downside of setting an alarm is that writing for pleasure can start to seem like a chore, which is one reason you’ve abandoned your efforts in the past.
Dear Amy: I know you are a wealth of knowledge for resources.
Are there any good books on dealing with all of the pain, death and suffering in the world?
I am not a spiritual person.
Mark
Dear Mark: What a thoughtful question.
My answer is: All the books.
I turn to poetry during tough times: Whitman, Mary Oliver, Elizabeth Bishop (“Time to plant tears, says the almanac”), Billy Collins, Jericho Brown and Emily Dickinson. Poets write the lyrics to the music of life.
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.


mercurynews--2020-12-06--Saturday Night Five: Pac-12 dodges COVID in Week Five while tiebreaker chaos looms

Reaction to Pac-12 developments on the field and off … You wouldn ’ t know there ’ s a pandemic based on team availability in Week Five : All five games went off as scheduled on Saturday , and the sixth is on track for Sunday .
If the USC-Washington State game is played — and we anticipate it will be , based on the testing results thus far — then this will mark the first weekend of the 2020 season that the Pac-12 doesn ’ t experience a cancellation .
Of course , the previous four weeks have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in each .
Yes , good fortune is part of the current equation .
You can follow protocols to the letter and still have one of 90-something players exposed during a quick trip to the store .
You can test relentlessly and still be the victim of an erroneous result that disrupts the entire week .
You can social distance well enough to make Dr. Fauci proud and still have a random contact tracer decide your entire offensive line should be in quarantine .
Some of this is luck in its purest form @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understanding risk levels and making smart decisions and settling into a rhythm .
And while the Hotline has zero evidence to support our belief , we can not help but wonder if the Pac-12 players have , collectively , figured it out .
If they ’ ve figured out how to navigate the pandemic in a way that creates the best chance for their next test to be negative .
Adjustments have been made to the routines .
Changes have been made to the protocols .
Reminders have been issued from the coaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just settling in .
That doesn ’ t mean there won ’ t be cases .
Heck , several teams had cases this week .
And teams will have cases next week .
But it ’ s all about mitigation : case mitigation , close contact mitigation … risk mitigation .
That , and learning from mistakes .
Washington got the result it needed in Berkeley but couldn ’ t take care of its own business in Seattle .
As a result , the Huskies failed to clinch the North and face Oregon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If Oregon ( 3-2 ) wins , then the Ducks claim the division — and it won ’ t matter what happens elsewhere .
The Ducks would hold the head-to-head advantage against each team that could finish with two losses ( UW , Stanford and WSU ) .
Of course , all this assumes that Washington State loses at USC on Sunday or to Cal next week .
If the Cougars win out and Oregon beats Washington , then your North champion resides in Pullman .
However , there is this little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huskies are unable to play next weekend because of COVID , they would win the division .
Yep , sitting out would clinch it for them : The Huskies would finish 3-1 and claim the North based on winning percentage in conference games .
I ’ m sure that would go over well in Eugene .
The situation is actually more combustible in the South , because of the potential for Colorado and USC to finish unbeaten .
In the event both teams win out , the Buffaloes would be 4-0 in conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USC would be 5-0 in conference and 4-0 in the division .
Without the head-to-head result , the tiebreaker would move to the second step : Division record , which is USC ’ s advantage .
So , yes : Colorado could very well finish the season as one of two unbeaten teams but not have a chance to play for the championship because of games canceled by its opponents ( ASU and USC ) .
And because of the North vs. South format in the conference championship game .
FOX announcer Joel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening , tweeting : “ The Pac 12 is really going to keep their division format this season and put a team with a loss in the Champ Game vs. USC while a potentially undefeated @ CUBuffsFootball team watches aren ’ t they You do you , Pac 12 , you do you “ Keep in mind that the cancellation of both the ASU and USC game for Colorado was due to COVID issues with those teams… Do away with the division format immediately and allow two undefeated teams the opportunity to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fact that CU and USC haven ’ t had the opportunity to play this is not only reasonable , but obvious to any objective observer.
” OK , two thoughts here : 2 ) He is also an advocate for doing away with the division format in general — in all conferences — so this isn ’ t an alma-mater soapbox situation .
There is some merit to the approach , especially this year .
( The ACC scrapped its divisions in 2020 . )
But the Pac-12 ’ s athletic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the football championship game participants this year , and they simply aren ’ t going to abandon the division-winner model , unless … There is one more matter worth mentioning : If the average number of conference games played ( by all teams ) falls to four , then the division winners wouldn ’ t automatically advance to the championship game .
Instead , the teams with the best winning percentage would square off .
That ’ s how Colorado could play for the title .
In fact , the Buffaloes probably would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the wording from the conference policy on the postseason formulas : “ In the event that the average number of conference games falls to 4 or below , the two teams with the best winning percentage ( both divisional and cross-divisional ) within the conference will participate in the Pac- 12 Football Championship Game ( regardless of division affiliation ) .
” Through this weekend , and assuming the USC-WSU game is played on Sunday , the average stands at 3.8 games per team .
The conference rounds up/down at .50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of next weekend must be at least 4.5 in order to preserve the traditional process .
By our math — and I have not cross-checked this with Pac-12 HQ ( it ’ s late ) — there must be four conference games played next weekend in order for the division winners to meet in the championship game .
That would increase the total to 54 , or 4.5 per team .
5 .
The rise of the Bay Area Stanford and Cal delivered the biggest surprises of the weekend , winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quite frankly , the Cardinal and Bears finally played the way the Hotline expected back when we picked them to finish in a three-way tie with Oregon for the North title ( with all three teams at 4-2 ) .
Both have experienced significant , and steady , disruption : — Stanford , with the testing error that caused quarterback Davis Mills to miss the Oregon game and the week of preparation leading into Colorado ; and then with the relocation to Seattle this week .
— Cal , with the quarantining of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then three starters on the offensive line , then more defensive linemen .
The COVID issues alone didn ’ t account for their struggles , but both teams appeared to solve their problems this week with performances that were very on-brand .
The Cardinal followed its running game to victory — in that regard , Stanford was on-brand for the 2009-17 seasons — while Cal relied on defense , grit and grind .
Both programs have endured COVID chaos that was thrust upon them by local health officials whose policies don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense or science .
And yet , here they are with four games played and two or three more upcoming .
Given their circumstances , the wins today were much needed and well earned .
Support the Hotline : Several Hotline articles will remain free each month ( as will the newsletter ) , but for access to all content , you ’ ll need to subscribe .
I ’ ve secured a rate of $ 1 per week for a full year or just 99 cents for the first month , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
And thanks for your loyalty .
*** Send suggestions , comments and tips ( confidentiality guaranteed ) to pac12hotline @ bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716 *** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference , and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference .

Reaction to Pac-12 developments on the field and off …
1. Pac-12 five, COVID zero
You wouldn’t know there’s a pandemic based on team availability in Week Five: All five games went off as scheduled on Saturday, and the sixth is on track for Sunday.
If the USC-Washington State game is played — and we anticipate it will be, based on the testing results thus far — then this will mark the first weekend of the 2020 season that the Pac-12 doesn’t experience a cancellation.
Of course, the previous four weeks have been filled with havoc, with multiple cancellations in each.
Yes, good fortune is part of the current equation.
You can follow protocols to the letter and still have one of 90-something players exposed during a quick trip to the store.
You can test relentlessly and still be the victim of an erroneous result that disrupts the entire week.
You can social distance well enough to make Dr. Fauci proud and still have a random contact tracer decide your entire offensive line should be in quarantine.
Some of this is luck in its purest form.
But it’s also about understanding risk levels and making smart decisions and settling into a rhythm.
And while the Hotline has zero evidence to support our belief, we cannot help but wonder if the Pac-12 players have, collectively, figured it out.
If they’ve figured out how to navigate the pandemic in a way that creates the best chance for their next test to be negative.
Adjustments have been made to the routines.
Changes have been made to the protocols.
Reminders have been issued from the coaches and staff.
Maybe, everyone is just settling in.
That doesn’t mean there won’t be cases. Heck, several teams had cases this week. And teams will have cases next week.
But it’s all about mitigation: case mitigation, close contact mitigation … risk mitigation.
That, and learning from mistakes.
2. Chaos looms: North division
Washington got the result it needed in Berkeley but couldn’t take care of its own business in Seattle.
As a result, the Huskies failed to clinch the North and face Oregon next weekend with the division at stake.
If Washington (3-1) wins, it’s over.
If Oregon (3-2) wins, then the Ducks claim the division — and it won’t matter what happens elsewhere.
The Ducks would hold the head-to-head advantage against each team that could finish with two losses (UW, Stanford and WSU).
Of course, all this assumes that Washington State loses at USC on Sunday or to Cal next week. If the Cougars win out and Oregon beats Washington, then your North champion resides in Pullman.
However, there is this little nugget to chew on:
If the Huskies are unable to play next weekend because of COVID, they would win the division.
Yep, sitting out would clinch it for them: The Huskies would finish 3-1 and claim the North based on winning percentage in conference games.
I’m sure that would go over well in Eugene.
3. Chaos looms: South division
The situation is actually more combustible in the South, because of the potential for Colorado and USC to finish unbeaten.
In the event both teams win out, the Buffaloes would be 4-0 in conference but only 3-0 in the division.
USC would be 5-0 in conference and 4-0 in the division.
Without the head-to-head result, the tiebreaker would move to the second step: Division record, which is USC’s advantage.
So, yes: Colorado could very well finish the season as one of two unbeaten teams but not have a chance to play for the championship because of games canceled by its opponents (ASU and USC).
And because of the North vs. South format in the conference championship game.
FOX announcer Joel Klatt sounded off on this issue Saturday evening, tweeting:
“The Pac 12 is really going to keep their division format this season and put a team with a loss in the Champ Game vs. USC while a potentially undefeated @CUBuffsFootball team watches aren’t they You do you, Pac 12, you do you
“Keep in mind that the cancellation of both the ASU and USC game for Colorado was due to COVID issues with those teams… Do away with the division format immediately and allow two undefeated teams the opportunity to play for the Conference crown…Massive implications
“Due to the fact that CU and USC haven’t had the opportunity to play this is not only reasonable, but obvious to any objective observer.”
OK, two thoughts here:
1) Klatt played for CU
2) He is also an advocate for doing away with the division format in general — in all conferences — so this isn’t an alma-mater soapbox situation.
There is some merit to the approach, especially this year. (The ACC scrapped its divisions in 2020.)
But the Pac-12’s athletic directors voted on the process for determining the football championship game participants this year, and they simply aren’t going to abandon the division-winner model, unless …
4. Chaos looms: No divisions
There is one more matter worth mentioning:
If the average number of conference games played (by all teams) falls to four, then the division winners wouldn’t automatically advance to the championship game.
Instead, the teams with the best winning percentage would square off.
That’s how Colorado could play for the title.
In fact, the Buffaloes probably would play USC for the title.
Here’s the wording from the conference policy on the postseason formulas:
“In the event that the average number of conference games falls to 4 or below, the two teams with the best winning percentage (both divisional and cross-divisional) within the conference will participate in the Pac- 12 Football Championship Game (regardless of division affiliation).”
Through this weekend, and assuming the USC-WSU game is played on Sunday, the average stands at 3.8 games per team.
The conference rounds up/down at .50, which means the average number at the end of next weekend must be at least 4.5 in order to preserve the traditional process.
By our math — and I have not cross-checked this with Pac-12 HQ (it’s late) — there must be four conference games played next weekend in order for the division winners to meet in the championship game.
That would increase the total to 54, or 4.5 per team.
5. The rise of the Bay Area
Stanford and Cal delivered the biggest surprises of the weekend, winning their games outright as double-digit underdogs.
Quite frankly, the Cardinal and Bears finally played the way the Hotline expected back when we picked them to finish in a three-way tie with Oregon for the North title (with all three teams at 4-2).
Both have experienced significant, and steady, disruption:
— Stanford, with the testing error that caused quarterback Davis Mills to miss the Oregon game and the week of preparation leading into Colorado; and then with the relocation to Seattle this week.
— Cal, with the quarantining of its entire defensive line for the opener, then three starters on the offensive line, then more defensive linemen.
The COVID issues alone didn’t account for their struggles, but both teams appeared to solve their problems this week with performances that were very on-brand.
The Cardinal followed its running game to victory — in that regard, Stanford was on-brand for the 2009-17 seasons — while Cal relied on defense, grit and grind.
(Oregon has scored 17 points against the Bears in each of the past two meetings.)
Both programs have endured COVID chaos that was thrust upon them by local health officials whose policies don’t always seem to align with common sense or science.
And yet, here they are with four games played and two or three more upcoming.
Given their circumstances, the wins today were much needed and well earned.
Support the Hotline: Several Hotline articles will remain free each month (as will the newsletter), but for access to all content, you’ll need to subscribe. I’ve secured a rate of $1 per week for a full year or just 99 cents for the first month, with the option to cancel anytime. Click here. And thanks for your loyalty.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to pac12hotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow me on Twitter: @WilnerHotline
*** Pac-12 Hotline is not endorsed or sponsored by the Pac-12 Conference, and the views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Conference.


mercurynews--2020-12-07--San Jose State to play key game against Nevada in Las Vegas

Because of COVID-19 restrictions in Santa Clara County , Friday ’ s Nevada-San Jose State football game has been relocated @ @ @ @ @ Las Vegas .
Kick off will remain at 7 p.m.and will be broadcast on CBS @ @ @ @ @ on the latest COVID-19 protocols in our county and state and with the collaboration of @ @ @ @ @ the University of New Mexico , Fresno State , and the University of Nevada , @ @ @ @ @ we will host Nevada at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas , ” San Jose @ @ @ @ @ Tuite said in a statement released Sunday .
With one regular-season game left , San @ @ @ @ @ is in a prime position to qualify for the Mountain West championship game for the @ @ @ @ @ .
Nevada has just one loss this season .

Because of COVID-19 restrictions in Santa Clara County, Friday’s Nevada-San Jose State football game has been relocated to Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.
Kick off will remain at 7 p.m.and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
“Based on the latest COVID-19 protocols in our county and state and with the collaboration of Mountain West members UNLV, the University of New Mexico, Fresno State, and the University of Nevada, and the conference office, we will host Nevada at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas,” San Jose State University athletic director Marie Tuite said in a statement released Sunday.
With one regular-season game left, San Jose State (5-0) is in a prime position to qualify for the Mountain West championship game for the first time in program history. Nevada has just one loss this season.


mercurynews--2020-12-07--Clelin Ferrell, Raiders defense come up big when needed against Jets

Just when the Raiders appeared on their way to a second straight embarrassing defeat , something strange happened Sunday .
Just when it didn ’ t seem likely , the Raiders ’ defense made a stop .
Lost in the exhilaration of Derek Carr ’ s last-second , game-winning touchdown pass to Henry Ruggs III was the fact the Raiders finally prevented the winless Jets from gouging them with their 32nd-ranked rushing attack .
The Raiders ’ magical 28-24 victory would not have been possible had their defense not forced the Jets into a three-and-out , allowing Carr and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 seconds left .
All the Jets ( 0-12 ) needed to do to win their first game of the season was pick up a first down in the final minute and a half against a Raiders defense they ’ d overwhelmed all day .
But after allowing the woeful Jets to run for more than 200 yards for the first time all season , the Raiders kind of surprised themselves .
“ We did a thing we hadn ’ t done all game .
We stopped the run for one series , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who had a breakout game with two strip-sacks and also had a crucial tackle to help prevent a Jets first down .
Raiders tight end Darren Waller insisted he was still confident their defense would come through when it mattered most and force the Jets to punt .
“ I did .
At first I didn ’ t know that we still had two timeouts .
So I ’ m like , ‘ OK , the defense gets a stop right here , we use two timeouts and we get the ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opportunity here , ” Waller said .
“ Let ’ s just step out here and see what happens .
“ I still don ’ t even know what to say now.
” Besides saying thanks to his defensive teammates , of course .
Ferrell , who had missed the last two games while on the COVID-19 reserve list , was easily the Raiders ’ biggest contributor on defense .
He resembled the difference-maker they sought when they made him the fourth overall pick in the draft a year ago .
Ferrell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season , he became just the second player in the NFL to record two strip sacks in a game this year , joining the Chiefs ’ Chris Jones .
Ferrell is the first Raider in 15 years to get two strip sacks in a game — Tommy Kelly last achieved that feat against the Chiefs in 2005 .
Nonetheless , Ferrell wasn ’ t satisfied with his performance until after Ruggs hauled in the game-winning touchdown with five seconds left .
“ It was so hard to enjoy it because the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole game .
I know the Raiders fans were really , really trippin ’ the whole game .
It was up and down , up and down .
It was crazy , ” Ferrell said .
“ I was just happy to come out , come back , play well and get a win.
” • Breakdown of a miracle — how Derek Carr and Henry Ruggs broke the Jets ’ hearts • Quarterback Marcus Mariota active for first time as a Raider vs .
Jets Raiders coach Jon Gruden doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noted some of the Raiders ’ troubles Sunday could have been due to injuries .
Defensively , they were missing regulars such as safety Johnathan Abram ( knee ) , defensive end Carl Nassib ( knee ) , defensive tackle Maliek Collins ( injured reserve ) and then cornerback Damon Arnette ( concussion ) was knocked out of the game in the opening minutes .
“ Plenty of things to clean up , but we were missing a lot of key players today and to win on the East Coast on a short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ character-builder for us .
I ’ m really proud of the guys , ” Gruden said .
No matter to what degree those injuries contributed to the Raiders ’ performance , it ’ s still scary to see a team with postseason aspirations allow the Jets offense to operate so efficiently .
The Jets , the lowest-scoring team , gained a season-high 376 yards while running for more than 100 yards for the first time since Week 6 .
Adding to the Raiders ’ defensive woes was witnessing Sam Darnold throw his first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throwing another touchdown pass in the opening minutes of the second quarter .
The Raiders also permitted the league ’ s worst third-down offense to convert on five of their first eight attempts .
Then again , the only third-down attempt that really mattered came on third-and-6 with a minute left .
That ’ s when defensive back Keisean Nixon and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski stopped Ty Johnson for just a 1-yard gain , enabling the Raiders to get the ball back one final time .

Just when the Raiders appeared on their way to a second straight embarrassing defeat, something strange happened Sunday.
Just when it didn’t seem likely, the Raiders’ defense made a stop.
Lost in the exhilaration of Derek Carr’s last-second, game-winning touchdown pass to Henry Ruggs III was the fact the Raiders finally prevented the winless Jets from gouging them with their 32nd-ranked rushing attack.
The Raiders’ magical 31-28 victory would not have been possible had their defense not forced the Jets into a three-and-out, allowing Carr and the offense to take over near midfield with 35 seconds left.
All the Jets (0-12) needed to do to win their first game of the season was pick up a first down in the final minute and a half against a Raiders defense they’d overwhelmed all day. But after allowing the woeful Jets to run for more than 200 yards for the first time all season, the Raiders kind of surprised themselves.
“We did a thing we hadn’t done all game. We stopped the run for one series,” said Raiders defensive tackle Clelin Ferrell, who had a breakout game with two strip-sacks and also had a crucial tackle to help prevent a Jets first down.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller insisted he was still confident their defense would come through when it mattered most and force the Jets to punt.
“I did. At first I didn’t know that we still had two timeouts. So I’m like, ‘OK, the defense gets a stop right here, we use two timeouts and we get the ball back with 40-something seconds .. we have an opportunity here,” Waller said. “Let’s just step out here and see what happens.
“I still don’t even know what to say now.”
Besides saying thanks to his defensive teammates, of course.
Ferrell, who had missed the last two games while on the COVID-19 reserve list, was easily the Raiders’ biggest contributor on defense. He resembled the difference-maker they sought when they made him the fourth overall pick in the draft a year ago.
Ferrell not only recorded his first sack of the season, he became just the second player in the NFL to record two strip sacks in a game this year, joining the Chiefs’ Chris Jones. Ferrell is the first Raider in 15 years to get two strip sacks in a game — Tommy Kelly last achieved that feat against the Chiefs in 2005.
Nonetheless, Ferrell wasn’t satisfied with his performance until after Ruggs hauled in the game-winning touchdown with five seconds left.
“It was so hard to enjoy it because the game was such a sway of emotions the whole game. I know the Raiders fans were really, really trippin’ the whole game. It was up and down, up and down. It was crazy,” Ferrell said. “I was just happy to come out, come back, play well and get a win.”
Raiders coach Jon Gruden doesn’t like to make excuses, but he noted some of the Raiders’ troubles Sunday could have been due to injuries. Defensively, they were missing regulars such as safety Johnathan Abram (knee), defensive end Carl Nassib (knee), defensive tackle Maliek Collins (injured reserve) and then cornerback Damon Arnette (concussion) was knocked out of the game in the opening minutes.
“Plenty of things to clean up, but we were missing a lot of key players today and to win on the East Coast on a short week after a tough outing is a character-builder for us. I’m really proud of the guys,” Gruden said.
No matter to what degree those injuries contributed to the Raiders’ performance, it’s still scary to see a team with postseason aspirations allow the Jets offense to operate so efficiently. The Jets, the lowest-scoring team, gained a season-high 376 yards while running for more than 100 yards for the first time since Week 6.
Adding to the Raiders’ defensive woes was witnessing Sam Darnold throw his first touchdown pass since Week 3. Then throwing another touchdown pass in the opening minutes of the second quarter. The Raiders also permitted the league’s worst third-down offense to convert on five of their first eight attempts.
Then again, the only third-down attempt that really mattered came on third-and-6 with a minute left. That’s when defensive back Keisean Nixon and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski stopped Ty Johnson for just a 1-yard gain, enabling the Raiders to get the ball back one final time.


mercurynews--2020-12-07--Biden picks California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to be first Latino health secretary

By MICHAEL BALSAMO and RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR | Associated Press WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden has picked California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to be his health secretary , putting a defender of the Affordable Care Act in a leading role to oversee his administration ’ s coronavirus response .
If confirmed by the Senate , Becerra , 62 , will be the first Latino to head the Department of Health and Human Services , a $ 1-trillion-plus agency with 80,000 employees and a portfolio that includes drugs and vaccines , leading-edge medical research and health insurance programs covering more than 130 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney general , Becerra has led the coalition of Democratic states defending “ Obamacare ” from the Trump administration ’ s latest effort to overturn it , a legal case awaiting a Supreme Court decision next year .
A former senior House Democrat , Becerra played a role in steering the Obama health law through Congress in 2009 and 2010 .
At the time he would tell reporters that one of the primary motivations for him was having tens of thousands of uninsured people in his Southern California district .
Overseeing the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Becerra has ever contemplated .
By next year , the U.S. will be engaged in a mass vaccination campaign , the groundwork for which has been laid under the Trump administration .
Although the vaccines appear very promising , and no effort has been spared to plan for their distribution , it ’ s impossible to tell yet how well things will go when it ’ s time to get shots in the arms of millions of Americans .
The core components of HHS are the boots on the ground of the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Drug Administration oversees vaccines and treatments , while much of the underlying scientific and medical research comes from NIH .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention takes the lead in detecting and containing the spread of diseases .
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provides insurance coverage for more than 1 in 3 Americans , including vulnerable seniors , as well as many children and low-income people .
Under President Donald Trump , CDC was relegated to a lesser role after agency scientists issued a stark early warning that contradicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under control , rattling financial markets .
The FDA was the target of repeated attacks from a president who suspected its scientists were politically motivated and who also wanted them to rubber-stamp unproven treatments .
As California ’ s attorney general , Becerra jokingly became known in Democratic legal circles as the man who sued Trump more than anyone else .
Beyond health care , the lawsuits centered on issues from immigration to environmental policies .
Before he became California ’ s attorney general , Becerra had served for more than a decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles County .
He had also served in the California state assembly after attending law school at Stanford .
His mother was born in Jalisco , Mexico , and emigrated to the U.S. after marrying his father .

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR, MICHAEL BALSAMO and JONATHAN LEMIRE | Associated Press
WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden has picked California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to be his health secretary, putting a defender of the Affordable Care Act in a leading role to oversee his administration’s coronavirus response.
Separately, Biden picked a Harvard infectious disease expert, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If confirmed by the Senate, Becerra, 62, will be the first Latino to head the Department of Health and Human Services, a $1-trillion-plus agency with 80,000 employees and a portfolio that includes drugs and vaccines, leading-edge medical research and health insurance programs covering more than 130 million Americans.
Biden’s selection of Becerra was confirmed by two people familiar with the decision, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of a formal announcement anticipated Tuesday.
Two people also anonymously confirmed the choice of Walensky. The post of CDC director does not require Senate confirmation.
Becerra, as the state of California’s top lawyer, has led the coalition of Democratic states defending “Obamacare” from the Trump administration’s latest effort to overturn it, a legal case awaiting a Supreme Court decision next year.
A former senior House Democrat, Becerra was involved in steering the Obama health law through Congress in 2009 and 2010. At the time he would tell reporters that one of his primary motivations was having tens of thousands of uninsured people in his Southern California district.
Becerra has a lawyer’s precise approach to analyzing problems and a calm demeanor.
But overseeing the coronavirus response will be the most complicated task he has ever contemplated. By next year, the U.S. will be engaged in a mass vaccination campaign, the groundwork for which has been laid under the Trump administration. Although the vaccines appear very promising, and no effort has been spared to plan for their distribution, it’s impossible to tell yet how well things will go when it’s time to get shots in the arms of millions of Americans.
Becerra won’t be going it alone. Biden, who is expected to announce key health care picks as early as Tuesday, is taking a team approach to his administration’s virus response.
Businessman Jeff Zients is expected to be named as Biden’s White House coronavirus coordinator. An economic adviser to former President Barack Obama, Zients also led the rescue of the HealthCare.gov website after its disastrous launch in 2013. And former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, a co-chair of Biden’s coronavirus task force, is expected to return in a new role akin to the top medical adviser.
But the core components of HHS are the boots on the ground of the government’s coronavirus response. The Food and Drug Administration oversees vaccines and treatments, while much of the underlying scientific and medical research comes from NIH. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention takes the lead in detecting and containing the spread of diseases. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provides insurance coverage for more than 1 in 3 Americans, including vulnerable seniors, as well as many children and low-income people.
Under President Donald Trump, CDC was relegated to a lesser role after agency scientists issued a stark early warning that contradicted Trump’s assurances the virus was under control, rattling financial markets. The FDA was the target of repeated attacks from a president who suspected its scientists were politically motivated and who also wanted them to rubber-stamp unproven treatments.
As CDC director, Walensky would replace Dr. Robert Redfield, who accurately told the public coronavirus vaccines would not be available for most people until next year, only to be disparaged by Trump as “confused.” Walensky is a leading infectious disease specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and has devoted her career to combatting HIV/AIDS.
Becerra’s experience running the bureaucratic apparatus of the California attorney general’s office, as well as his success working with Republicans, helped seal the pick for Biden, said a person familiar with the process but not authorized to comment publicly. Becerra had worked with Louisiana’s Republican attorney general to increase the availability of the COVID-19 drug treatment Remdesivir in their states. He’s also worked closely with other Republican attorneys general on legal challenges against opioid manufacturers.
Early in California’s coronavirus response, Becerra defended broad shutdowns Gov. Gavin Newsom had put in place to curtail the pandemic, including limits on religious gatherings. Three churches in Southern California had sued Newsom, Becerra and other state officials because in-person church services had been halted.
Biden’s offer was extended to Becerra on Friday. The president-elect has been under pressure from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to appoint Latinos to the Cabinet.
Becerra has been jokingly known in Democratic legal circles as the man who sued Trump more than anyone else. Beyond health care, the California attorney general’s lawsuits centered on issues from immigration to environmental policies.
Previously Becerra had served for more than a decade in Congress, representing parts of Los Angeles County. He had also served in the California state assembly after attending law school at Stanford.
His mother was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and emigrated to the U.S. after marrying his father, a native of Sacramento, California, who had grown up in Mexico.
Becerra often cites his parents as his inspiration, saying they instilled in him a strong work ethic and a desire for advancement. His father worked road construction jobs, while his mother was a clerical employee. Becerra is married to Dr. Carolina Reyes, a physician who specializes in maternal and fetal health.
In an AP profile published last year, a lifelong friend of Becerra’s said he learned to stay calm and self-controlled in high school as a varsity golfer and an exceptional poker player. Becerra studied the advice of famous golfers while practicing with a set of used clubs costing less than $100.
___
Lemire reported from Wilmington, Delaware. Associated Press reporters Aamer Madhani, Zeke Miller and Kathleen Ronayne in Sacramento, California, contributed to this report.


mercurynews--2020-12-07--Stanford women win, moving coach Tara VanDerveer closer to all-time record for victories

LAS VEGAS — As the nation ’ s top recruit in 2019 , Haley Jones had high expectations for her freshman campaign with Stanford .
But a right-knee injury 18 games in brought an abrupt end to her debut season .
Three games into this season , the sophomore is reminding everyone how good she can play .
Jones scored a career-high 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead No .
2 Stanford to an 83-50 victory over Washington on Sunday at the Thomas and Mack Center on the campus of UNLV .
“ With my season being cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve just been really excited to finally get back out there on the floor , ” said Jones , who registered her third double-double of her career .
“ I guess a little chip on the shoulder .
I think I ’ m coming out with more of an aggressive mentality.
” The Pac-12 home opener for Stanford ( 3-0 , 1-0 Pac 12 ) was shifted from Maples Pavilion on campus because of Santa Clara County ’ s ban on sporting events and practices for three weeks .
Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shy of passing Pat Summitt ( 1,098 ) as the winningest coach in women ’ s college basketball history .
Francesca Belibi and Hannah Jump each chipped in with 12 points for the Cardinal .
Jump also had a career-high tying four rebounds .
One day after notching career highs with 25 points and seven assists against UNLV , Jones carried her momentum over and opened the game by hitting her first eight attempts en route to a 14-for-15 performance from the floor , the best shooting percentage in a single-game by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempts ) .
The Huskies held it together in the first quarter , pulling within one point three times , and never let Stanford ’ s lead get bigger than five points .
But the Cardinal turned up their defensive pressure in the second quarter , limiting the Huskies to just four points and only one field goal .
While Washington struggled to an abysmal 1-for-14 ( 7.1 % ) shooting display in the second quarter , the Cardinal were 11-for-20 ( 55 % ) from the field , making up for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-point range in the first half .
Jones sparked the surge , scoring 10 points during Stanford ’ s 14-0 run to start the second quarter .
But it was more than her scoring , as she injected fuel with a key offensive rebound and a defensive tip off the glass to ignite a fast break to keep momentum flowing in the Cardinal ’ s direction .
“ I feel like I have a different role on the team this year , ” Jones said .
“ I ’ m just really trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
If that ’ s playmaking , if that ’ s taking my shots when ( I ’ m ) open , if it ’ s getting wherever I need to be.
” With uncertainties remaining in California , VanDerveer said she is unsure how the next two weeks will play out for her team .
Tuesday ’ s game with Washington State was postponed due to COVID-19 conflicts , and the next two games vs. UC Davis and at Cal are now in limbo .
“ As far as I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking to figure out we go back to play Cal , whether we can play Davis , that didn ’ t look like a good option today , ” she said .
“ I haven ’ t checked my phone since the game , and things happened so quickly .
… We ’ re just gon na do what we ’ re allowed to do by the county , by the university and just try to keep playing.
” Stanford : The Cardinal went 2-0 this week , also beating UNLV 101-54 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to supplant top-ranked South Carolina , which suffered its first loss of the season on Thursday , a 54-46 setback to No .
8 North Carolina State .

By W.G. RAMIREZ / Associated Press
LAS VEGAS — As the nation’s top recruit in 2019, Haley Jones had high expectations for her freshman campaign with Stanford. But a right-knee injury 18 games in brought an abrupt end to her debut season.
Three games into this season, the sophomore is reminding everyone how good she can play.
Jones scored a career-high 29 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead No. 2 Stanford to an 83-50 victory over Washington on Sunday at the Thomas and Mack Center on the campus of UNLV.
“With my season being cut extra short last year, I’ve just been really excited to finally get back out there on the floor,” said Jones, who registered her third double-double of her career. “I guess a little chip on the shoulder. I think I’m coming out with more of an aggressive mentality.”
The Pac-12 home opener for Stanford (3-0, 1-0 Pac 12) was shifted from Maples Pavilion on campus because of Santa Clara County’s ban on sporting events and practices for three weeks.
Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer improved to 1,097-253 and is two victories shy of passing Pat Summitt (1,098) as the winningest coach in women’s college basketball history.
Francesca Belibi and Hannah Jump each chipped in with 12 points for the Cardinal. Jump also had a career-high tying four rebounds.
Quay Miller had 10 points to lead Washington (3-1, 1-1).
One day after notching career highs with 25 points and seven assists against UNLV, Jones carried her momentum over and opened the game by hitting her first eight attempts en route to a 14-for-15 performance from the floor, the best shooting percentage in a single-game by a Stanford player since 1981 (minimum 10 attempts).
The Huskies held it together in the first quarter, pulling within one point three times, and never let Stanford’s lead get bigger than five points. But the Cardinal turned up their defensive pressure in the second quarter, limiting the Huskies to just four points and only one field goal.
While Washington struggled to an abysmal 1-for-14 (7.1%) shooting display in the second quarter, the Cardinal were 11-for-20 (55%) from the field, making up for a bleak 1 of 13 display offering from 3-point range in the first half.
Jones sparked the surge, scoring 10 points during Stanford’s 14-0 run to start the second quarter. But it was more than her scoring, as she injected fuel with a key offensive rebound and a defensive tip off the glass to ignite a fast break to keep momentum flowing in the Cardinal’s direction.
“I feel like I have a different role on the team this year,” Jones said. “I’m just really trying to do what my team needs me to do. If that’s playmaking, if that’s taking my shots when (I’m) open, if it’s getting wherever I need to be.”
SCHEDULING
With uncertainties remaining in California, VanDerveer said she is unsure how the next two weeks will play out for her team. Tuesday’s game with Washington State was postponed due to COVID-19 conflicts, and the next two games vs. UC Davis and at Cal are now in limbo.
“As far as I know right now, we’re looking to figure out we go back to play Cal, whether we can play Davis, that didn’t look like a good option today,” she said. “I haven’t checked my phone since the game, and things happened so quickly. … We’re just gonna do what we’re allowed to do by the county, by the university and just try to keep playing.”
BIG PICTURE
Stanford: The Cardinal went 2-0 this week, also beating UNLV 101-54 on Saturday. They’re now poised to supplant top-ranked South Carolina, which suffered its first loss of the season on Thursday, a 54-46 setback to No. 8 North Carolina State.


mercurynews--2020-12-06--Breakdown of a miracle — how Derek Carr and Henry Ruggs broke the Jets’ hearts

Derek Carr could hardly believe his eyes .
The Raiders quarterback had just missed Nelson Agholor to the post Sunday against the New York Jets .
It was third-and-10 from the Jets ’ 46-yard line with 13 seconds left .
The Jets led 28-24 and the Raiders ’ playoff hopes were about to go up in smoke against a team that came in with an 0-11 record .
Surely , the Jets would play a soft coverage designed to allow a short completion and run out the clock .
The Raiders had no time outs .
“ Sure enough , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I saw the nickel start to creep in , ” Carr said after a miraculous 31-28 road win .
“ The ( weakside ) linebacker was creeping in .
The Mike ( middle linebacker ) started walking up .
I was like , ` oh , buddy.
’ ” Oh , buddy indeed .
Carr changed the protection at the line of scrimmage and rookie Henry Ruggs III ran a double move on cornerback Lamar Jackson , feinting inside then getting loose down the sideline .
Carr led him perfectly for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Raiders escaped 50 years to the day wide receiver Warren Wells caught a deflected 33-yard touchdown pass at the gun from Daryle Lamonica to beat the Jets at Shea Stadium .
“ We knew we needed a play , and coach dialed up the double move and once I ’ m coming off the ball I kind of see that it ’ s there and I got the DB to flip his hips , ” Ruggs said .
“ Once I looked back , it seemed like the ball was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t come down and I had to find it make a play .
“ I was kind of surprised they brought the house like that.
” The pass , according to ESPN ’ s NextGen stats , traveled 53 yards in the air and the Raiders held off eight pass rushers in an instance where armchair coordinators who consider the blitz to to be the solution to everything instead learned a so called “ prevent ” defense isn ’ t all bad .
The blitz was dialed up by defensive coordinator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the game as well as most of his career .
Williams was not available for comment , leaving Jets coach Adam Gase to explain the unexplainable .
“ We were trying to create pressure , ” Gase said .
“ ( Carr ) hadn ’ t done well with it all game .
That ’ s what happened .
We had a couple of free runners but we didn ’ t get there.
” Reminded that the Jets didn ’ t need pressure as much as they needed to keep the Raiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , “ We ended up pressuring him.
” Gase said he and Williams , who both will likely be out of a job after the season whether they won Sunday or not , discussed the play afterward .
“ I just talked to him , ” Gase said .
“ He explained his thought process.
” Raiders coach Jon Gruden credited Carr with making the adjustment in protection and felt the Patriots may have been overcompensating for playing too soft in a close loss to the New England Patriots on Nov. 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cam Newton made a throw , and I ’ m sure they got criticized for no pass rush .
And then you blitz and get beat over the top , ” Gruden said .
“ We ’ re in this business together as coaches .
We ’ re never going to be right when we lose.
” The play came after Ruggs had earlier lost a fumble that contributed to a Jets comeback from a 24-13 deficit to a 28-24 lead .
In the first half , Ruggs had a ball glance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ruggs was determined not to let down his father , whose birthday is Monday .
• Clelin Ferrell , Raiders defense come up big when needed against Jets • Quarterback Marcus Mariota active for first time as a Raider vs .
Jets “ I had to make some plays so I can make him proud and the way the game was going , the bad plays I had , I knew he wouldn ’ t be happy with it , and I wasn ’ t happy with it , ” Ruggs said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I had to come back and make a play to make up for it .
It just so happened coach called my number at the end of the game.
” Carr , who was 28 of 47 for 381 yards and three touchdowns , credited Gruden for training him to make the right adjustment when it matters , invoking an acronym .
“ It ’ s ` R-C-E , ’ coach talks about it all the time , ” Carr said .
“ It ’ s recognition , communication , execution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wants .
Yes , I ’ m on the field and did I say the right things ?
Yes , but he ’ s the one that taught me .
He ’ s the one that equipped me .
It ’ s nice to have a coach that allows you to do those things in those moments .
It leads to memories like that.
” As for Ruggs , Carr credited his background at Alabama and mental toughness for fighting through his mistakes .
Ruggs was the fastest wide receiver in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the first receiver taken at No .
12 .
“ He gave us all 4.2 of it on that last play because I threw it as high as I could and just prayed that he ’ d run up to it , ” Carr said .
“ I thank Mr. ( Mike ) Mayock for drafting that man because I don ’ t know how many guys would have went and got that football .
”

Derek Carr could hardly believe his eyes.
The Raiders quarterback had just missed Nelson Agholor to the post Sunday against the New York Jets. It was third-and-10 from the Jets’ 46-yard line with 13 seconds left.
The Jets led 28-24 and the Raiders’ playoff hopes were about to go up in smoke against a team that came in with an 0-11 record. Surely, the Jets would play a soft coverage designed to allow a short completion and run out the clock.
The Raiders had no time outs.
“Sure enough, I saw the safety start cheating over. I saw the nickel start to creep in,” Carr said after a miraculous 31-28 road win. “The (weakside) linebacker was creeping in. The Mike (middle linebacker) started walking up. I was like, `oh, buddy.’ ”
Oh, buddy indeed. Carr changed the protection at the line of scrimmage and rookie Henry Ruggs III ran a double move on cornerback Lamar Jackson, feinting inside then getting loose down the sideline. Carr led him perfectly for a 46-yard touchdown with five seconds to play.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, right, celebrates his touchdown pass to Henry Ruggs III during the second half an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
AP Photo Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III catches a 46-yard touchdown pass with five seconds remaining to beat the New York Jets.
A.P. Photo Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) gestures before an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Las Vegas Raiders' Henry Ruggs III, top left, celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the second half an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Las Vegas Raiders' Henry Ruggs III, right, catches a touchdown during the second half an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 06: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts after scoring a touchdown in the final seconds of the second half as Josh Adams #36 of the New York Jets looks on at MetLife Stadium on December 06, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE if you’re having a problem viewing the photos on a mobile device.
The Raiders escaped 50 years to the day wide receiver Warren Wells caught a deflected 33-yard touchdown pass at the gun from Daryle Lamonica to beat the Jets at Shea Stadium.
“We knew we needed a play, and coach dialed up the double move and once I’m coming off the ball I kind of see that it’s there and I got the DB to flip his hips,” Ruggs said. “Once I looked back, it seemed like the ball was in the air forever, like it just couldn’t come down and I had to find it make a play.
“I was kind of surprised they brought the house like that.”
The pass, according to ESPN’s NextGen stats, traveled 53 yards in the air and the Raiders held off eight pass rushers in an instance where armchair coordinators who consider the blitz to be the solution to everything instead learned a so called “prevent” defense isn’t all bad.
HENRY RUGGS FOR THE GO-AHEAD TD!!!!#LVvsNYJ | CBS pic.twitter.com/82kLmV1e5a — Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 6, 2020
The blitz was dialed up by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who had blitzed heavily throughout the game as well as most of his career. Williams was not available for comment, leaving Jets coach Adam Gase to explain the unexplainable.
“We were trying to create pressure,” Gase said. “(Carr) hadn’t done well with it all game. That’s what happened. We had a couple of free runners but we didn’t get there.”
Reminded that the Jets didn’t need pressure as much as they needed to keep the Raiders out of the end zone, Gase said, “We ended up pressuring him.”
Gase said he and Williams, who both will likely be out of a job after the season whether they won Sunday or not, discussed the play afterward.
“I just talked to him,” Gase said. “He explained his thought process.”
Raiders coach Jon Gruden credited Carr with making the adjustment in protection and felt the Jets may have been overcompensating for playing too soft in a close loss to the New England Patriots on Nov. 9.
“They didn’t blitz, Cam Newton made a throw, and I’m sure they got criticized for no pass rush. And then you blitz and get beat over the top,” Gruden said. “We’re in this business together as coaches. We’re never going to be right when we lose.”
Derek Carr's game-winning 46-yard TD pass to Henry Ruggs traveled 53.9 yards of air distance, Carr's 2nd-longest completion this season. The Jets sent an all-out blitz, however none of their eight pass rushers were able to get pressure on Carr.#LVvsNYJ | #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/rUVJ9TQ8om — Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 6, 2020
The play came after Ruggs had earlier lost a fumble that contributed to a Jets comeback from a 24-13 deficit to a 28-24 lead. In the first half, Ruggs had a ball glance off his hands for a Jets interception. Ruggs was determined not to let down his father, whose birthday is Monday.
“I had to make some plays so I can make him proud and the way the game was going, the bad plays I had, I knew he wouldn’t be happy with it, and I wasn’t happy with it,” Ruggs said. “I knew at some point, I had to come back and make a play to make up for it. It just so happened coach called my number at the end of the game.”
Carr, who was 28 of 47 for 381 yards and three touchdowns, credited Gruden for training him to make the right adjustment when it matters, invoking an acronym.
“It’s `R-C-E,’ coach talks about it all the time,” Carr said. “It’s recognition, communication, execution. He can give me all the credit he wants. Yes, I’m on the field and did I say the right things? Yes, but he’s the one that taught me. He’s the one that equipped me. It’s nice to have a coach that allows you to do those things in those moments. It leads to memories like that.”
As for Ruggs, Carr credited his background at Alabama and mental toughness for fighting through his mistakes. Ruggs was the fastest wide receiver in the draft at 4.27 in the 40-yard dash and the first receiver taken at No. 12.
“He gave us all 4.2 of it on that last play because I threw it as high as I could and just prayed that he’d run up to it,” Carr said. “I thank Mr. (Mike) Mayock for drafting that man because I don’t know how many guys would have went and got that football.”