newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Bears vs. Lions prediction, line: Chicago can pull off upset in Week 1

Dave Tuley , senior reporter at VSiN.com , is in his third season with the Post ’ s Bettor ’ s Guide .
His handicapping pieces appear in VSiN ’ s online magazine , Point Spread Weekly .
This line was Lions -1¹/₂ most of the summer until Chicago coach Matt Nagy announced he was going with Mitchell Trubisky as his starting QB over Nick Foles , and the oddsmakers showed their disrespect by moving it to Lions -3 .
However , that puts us on the Bears as live underdogs , as they have the better overall team ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lions in four straight meetings over the past two seasons , so they certainly have their number .
Though we like the added insurance of the +3 in case of a push , I also recommend the Bears at +130 or better on the money line to pull the outright upset .
It was just 12 months ago that the Browns were getting all the hype and actually favored to win the AFC North .
The Browns remind me of the 49ers , who were hyped in 2018 only to have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential in 2019 .
There isn ’ t that much difference between these two teams from a talent perspective ( certainly not more than a touchdown ) , so take the points the bookmakers are giving us .
The public is expecting the Ravens to be as dominant as they were last year , but we ’ re pretty sure teams have been studying film on the Ravens ’ unique offensive scheme this whole offseason and will be better prepared for Lamar Jackson & Co .
Even if the Browns aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should stay within a TD for the cover .

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Dave Tuley, senior reporter at VSiN.com, is in his third season with the Post’s Bettor’s Guide. His handicapping pieces appear in VSiN’s online magazine, Point Spread Weekly.
Chicago Bears (+3) over DETROIT LIONS
This line was Lions -1¹/₂ most of the summer until Chicago coach Matt Nagy announced he was going with Mitchell Trubisky as his starting QB over Nick Foles, and the oddsmakers showed their disrespect by moving it to Lions -3. However, that puts us on the Bears as live underdogs, as they have the better overall team (certainly on defense) and have beaten the Lions in four straight meetings over the past two seasons, so they certainly have their number. Though we like the added insurance of the +3 in case of a push, I also recommend the Bears at +130 or better on the money line to pull the outright upset.
Cleveland Browns (+7¹/₂) over BALTIMORE RAVENS
It was just 12 months ago that the Browns were getting all the hype and actually favored to win the AFC North. The Browns remind me of the 49ers, who were hyped in 2018 only to have a disappointing season before living up to their potential in 2019. There isn’t that much difference between these two teams from a talent perspective (certainly not more than a touchdown), so take the points the bookmakers are giving us. The public is expecting the Ravens to be as dominant as they were last year, but we’re pretty sure teams have been studying film on the Ravens’ unique offensive scheme this whole offseason and will be better prepared for Lamar Jackson & Co. Even if the Browns aren’t able to get the win, they should stay within a TD for the cover.
Dave Tuley’s 2019 betting record: 21-19-1.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Master the art of branding and marketing with this $45 training

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store , from our partner StackCommerce .
NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links .
Nowadays , the art of branding and marketing is more difficult than ever .
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Just to name a few : one instructor , Sophie Ackroyd , is a well-known social media expert and copywriting consultant .
Another instructor , Maggie Stara , is a digital marketer who is rated a whopping 4.5/5-stars by her current students .
With teachers like them , you will be in good hands from the moment you begin .
You can score The All-In-One Digital Branding Certification Bundle for just $ 45—that ’ s 95 % off !

Discover the highlights of our NY Post Store, from our partner StackCommerce. NY Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links.
Nowadays, the art of branding and marketing is more difficult than ever. With so many platforms, websites, and apps to utilize, it can be difficult to choose the ones that make the most sense for the online presence you are aiming towards.
If you are serious about building your presence online, however, then you should check out The All-In-One Digital Branding Certification Bundle. This fully self-paced training is broken down into 10 unique courses aimed at helping you master everything from website building and blogging to copywriting and online selling.
Each course in this bundle covers a different aspect of personal branding online. To give you an idea of what sort of things you will be learning, here’s a breakdown of two of the included courses:
Instagram Domination: Build Your Brand & Get More Followers: Discover simple yet effective strategies that will boost your following, increase your engagement, and make the most of the Instagram algorithm. You will learn how to optimize your feed in order to attract clients, as well as uncover ways to convert followers into paying customers.
2-Hour Digital Products: Learn How to Create & Sell Online: Grow your presence online while also earning passive income with this training. Learn how to identify profitable niches, develop a unique selling proposition, effectively test demand, and build hype with your audience.
One of the best things about this training compared to others on the market is the fact that it is taught by experts in the industry. Just to name a few: one instructor, Sophie Ackroyd, is a well-known social media expert and copywriting consultant. Another instructor, Maggie Stara, is a digital marketer who is rated a whopping 4.5/5-stars by her current students. With teachers like them, you will be in good hands from the moment you begin.
You can score The All-In-One Digital Branding Certification Bundle for just $45—that’s 95% off!


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--NFL picks for Week 1: Patriots, Cam Newton will roll over Dolphins in opener

There was no worry about COVID-19 on Feb. 2 when ...

This is my 27th year picking NFL games in The Post’s Bettor’s Guide, and right at the start, I’m going to lay it on the line — the New York Jets’ offensive line.
Joe Douglas promised Mike and Chris Darnold that he would protect their son, Sam. This past offseason, the Jets GM revamped the offensive line to the tune of four new starters — signing George Fant, Connor McGovern and Greg Van Roten as free agents and drafting 6-foot-7, 363-pound mountain Mekhi Becton.
The rough part for the Jets as they enter their opener Sunday at Buffalo is that this new order of beef has had little opportunity to marinate. There were no OTAs or minicamp, and no preseason games. The good news is that it won’t be hard for this offensive line to be an improvement over the last one.
I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Darnold in his first two seasons — when he’s had time to operate. He has enough help in Le’Veon Bell, Breshad Perriman, Jamison Crowder and others if the line can hold up against the likes of Ed Oliver, Jerry Hughes and Trent Murphy.
The Over/Under of 39¹/₂ is the lowest on the board, which tells me the oddsmakers may not think much of the Bills offense. And there will be no fans in the seats, no Bills Mafia. This looks to be a spread the Jets can cover — if the offensive line allows.
The pick: Jets, +6¹/₂.
NFL picks for Week 1
(home teams in CAPS)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (-6¹/₂) over Miami Dolphins
Nice to be able to get the Patriots at home at less than a touchdown. Intrigued by what Cam Newton can bring to the table, and this team will be looking to prove it can win without Tom Brady.
Cleveland Browns (+7¹/₂) over BALTIMORE RAVENS
Another new coach for the Browns! But maybe Kevin Stefanski will be the answer after the failures of Hue Jackson and Freddie Kitchens. He has a lot of talent and is worth a shot at more than a touchdown.
Las Vegas Raiders (-3) over CAROLINA PANTHERS
This line has gotten uncomfortably high, and yes, I’m fading a debuting head coach after backing one in the game just above. But count me as skeptical of college-guy Matt Rhule coming in off no preseason in the first game after the Cam Newton era.
ATLANTA FALCONS (+2¹/₂) over Seattle Seahawks
If a change of scenery can rejuvenate Todd Gurley, the Falcons could improve from 7-9. The Julio Jones-Calvin Ridley combo is excellent, and Matt Ryan should still have something left. It’ll be interesting to see Jamal Adams in neon green trim.
WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM (+5¹/₂) over Philadelphia Eagles
In The Post’s preview section, I predicted Under 5 on the Washington Football Team’s win total. This really does appear to be a train wreck of a season ahead. But with Chase Young joining Jonathan Allen, this team could have a good defense. And I smell a rat here. As VSiN’s Point Spread Weekly points out, there’s been reverse line movement toward Washington despite a majority of bets backing the Eagles.
DETROIT LIONS (-3) over Chicago Bears
Expecting a better season from the Lions if Matthew Stafford can stay healthy. He threw for 2,499 yards in eight games. Careful on this one, as the line is “right there” and there are dueling injuries of concern with Detroit WR Kenny Golladay (hamstring) and Chicago LB Khalil Mack (knee).
Indianapolis Colts (-7 ¹/₂) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Philip Rivers is no dummy, as he relocated to a new home behind the best offensive line in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. The Jaguars have shed so much talent in the past few years, the latest being Leonard Fournette and Yannick Ngakoue.
Green Bay Packers (+2¹/₂) over MINNESOTA VIKINGS
U.S. Bank Stadium is one that figures to be a little less daunting without fans doing the Skol chant. The Vikings will miss Stefon Diggs, and I’m thinking Aaron Rodgers was motivated by the Packers’ drafting of Jordan Love in the first round.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (+3) over Los Angeles Chargers
Happy to take a chance on Joe Burrow in his debut as a home ’dog. He has some decent weapons in Cincinnati, and the Chargers are in uncharted territory after 14 seasons with Philip Rivers as the starter.
Arizona Cardinals (+6 ¹/₂) over SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Niners won by three and 10 points in 2019’s matchups. Willing to ante up to see what Kyler Murray can do with DeAndre Hopkins, and just how good Isaiah Simmons is.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3¹/₂) over NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Tom Brady picked a new team that is loaded with offensive weapons and likely would have won a lot more had Jameis Winston not thrown 30 interceptions last season. Great matchup with Drew Brees. The Superdome is another venue known for loud fans who will not be there.
Dallas Cowboys (-2¹/₂) over LOS ANGELES RAMS
The Rams open beautiful SoFi Stadium without fans, which is a shame, and they also have not had a chance to play even a preseason game there. Expecting a huge season from $31.4 million man Dak Prescott, who adds CeeDee Lamb to a big-time attack.
Monday Night Football
Pittsburgh Steelers (-6) over NEW YORK GIANTS
Joe Judge should be an improvement on Ben McAdoo and Pat Shurmur, but man this is a tough introduction for a first-time head coach, with a modest spread, to boot. The Giants D will need to find someone who can harass Ben Roethlisberger.
Tennessee Titans (-2) over DENVER BRONCOS
Von Miller’s injury just before the start of the season is a rough one for the Broncos. With LB Bradley Chubb also hurting, looks like a bad matchup against Derrick Henry and the rugged Titans.
Best bets: Titans, Bengals, Cowboys
Lock of the week: Titans (Locks 7-13 in 2019)
Thursday: Chiefs (W)


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--How to Watch NFL Games on Hulu

How to Watch NFL Games on Hulu

On Thursday , Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs defeated Deshaun Watson and the Texans in the first game of the 2020 NFL season .
This weekend , an exciting slate of games led by the Buccaneers vs. Saints and Cowboys/Rams matchup on Sunday Night Football will provide fans with some much-needed entertainment .
Some cord-cutters may have NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL RedZone , while others are searching for new ways to watch the NFL online .
With 2020 NFL games airing on NBC , FOX , CBS , and ESPN , a number of over-the-top streaming services offer a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such service is Hulu + Live TV .
How can you watch the NFL live on Hulu ?
Here ’ s everything you need to know .
You can ’ t watch the NFL live on Hulu with a traditional subscription , but you can stream the NFL live with an active subscription to Hulu + Live TV .
HOW TO WATCH THE NFL LIVE ON HULU : Hulu + Live TV offers subscribers the opportunity to watch live and on demand TV from over 65 channels .
Cord-cutters looking to stream the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CBS , NBC , and ESPN with a subscription to Hulu + Live TV .
Additional information can be found on the Hulu website .
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR HULU WITH LIVE TV : Hulu + Live TV is available for $ 54.99/month ( which includes a subscription to an ad-supported version of Hulu ) or $ 60.99/month ( which includes a subscription to an ad-free version of Hulu ) and you can cancel anytime .
The service also offers the following add-ons : HBO , SHOWTIME , CINEMAX , Enhanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Entertainment Networks Add-On , and Español Networks Add-On .
A seven-day free trial is available for new and eligible subscribers .
You can learn more about Hulu + Live TV on Decider .
DOES HULU OFFER THE NFL NETWORK OR NFL REDZONE ?
Nope .
Unfortunately , you can ’ t stream the NFL Network or NFL RedZone on Hulu .
Yes , but not for the first few weeks of the regular season .
Beginning in Week 5 , Thursday Night Football will air on FOX .
Yep .
You can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the service ’ s NBC live stream .
Yes !
Monday Night Football fans can enjoy the game via Hulu + Live TV ’ s ESPN live stream .

The NFL is almost back!
With training camps in session, the opening of another NFL season is imminent. With a clean slate, all 32 teams will begin working toward the league’s ultimate prize: winning the Super Bowl.
Some cord-cutters may have NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL RedZone, while others are searching for new ways to watch the NFL online. With 2023 NFL games airing on NBC, FOX, CBS, and ABC, a number of over-the-top streaming services offer a multitude of NFL live streams. One such service is Hulu + Live TV.
How can you watch the NFL live on Hulu? Here’s everything you need to know.
CAN I WATCH NFL GAMES ON HULU?
You can’t watch the NFL live on Hulu with a traditional subscription, but you can stream the NFL live with an active subscription to Hulu + Live TV.
HOW TO WATCH THE NFL LIVE ON HULU:
Hulu + Live TV offers subscribers the opportunity to watch live and on demand TV from over 90 channels. Cord-cutters looking to stream the NFL can watch Sunday and Monday games on FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, NFL Network, and ESPN with a subscription to Hulu + Live TV.
Simply tune to any of those networks when a game is happening to watch it live!
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR HULU WITH LIVE TV:
Hulu + Live TV is available for $70/month (which includes a subscription to an ad-supported version of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+) or $76/month (which includes a subscription to an ad-free version of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+) and you can cancel anytime. The service also offers the following add-ons: Max, Showtime, Cinemax, Enhanced Cloud DVR, Unlimited Screens, Starz, Entertainment Networks Add-On, and Español Networks Add-On.
Learn more about Hulu + Live TV with our dedicated explainer.
DOES HULU OFFER THE NFL NETWORK OR NFL REDZONE?
Yes! NFL Network is now included with a base subscription plan. If you want to subscribe to NFL Redzone, you’ll need to add the Sports Add-On package for $10/month. You’ll also get the following channels: FanDuel TV, FanDuel Racing, MAVTV, Outdoor Channel, and Sportsman Channel.
Photo: Getty Images
CAN I WATCH THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ON HULU?
No, you can’t. This season, Amazon Prime Video is exclusively broadcastingThursday Night Football. That means you’ll need a Prime Video subscription to watch those games. It costs $15/month with a full Amazon Prime membership or $9/month for a standalone Prime Video subscription.
For everything you need to know about Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, click here.
CAN I WATCH SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ON HULU?
Yep. You can stream Sunday Night Football on Hulu via the service’s NBC live stream. Keep in mind that since it’s a live stream, you’ll be subject to the commercials that air on live TV.
CAN I WATCH MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ON HULU?
Yes! Monday Night Football fans can enjoy the game via Hulu + Live TV’s ABC live stream. As with the NBC live stream, be prepared to experience commercial breaks during the game.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Five-alarm fire rips through three homes in Dyker Heights

A five-alarm fire badly damaged one home in Dyker Heights , Brooklyn , before jumping over to two adjacent homes @ @ @ @ @ early Sunday , fire officials said .
One firefighter was injured at the blaze , @ @ @ @ @ , the FDNY said .
The blaze began at 1330 74th Street , near 13th @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday before spreading , according to the FDNY .
Towering flames billowed from the @ @ @ @ @ home where the fire started , blackening the roof and sending dark clouds of smoke @ @ @ @ @ FDNY sent 198 personnel to the scene .
Local Councilman Justin Brannan said strong winds @ @ @ @ @ damage to a second and third home .
“ There are still no reports of @ @ @ @ @ has been notified .
ConEd and National Grid have been called to respond.
” The @ @ @ @ @ 2 a.m. Sunday morning .
Its cause was not immediately clear .
The fire erupted @ @ @ @ @ away from an unrelated fatal shooting in the area .

A five-alarm fire badly damaged one home in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, before jumping over to two adjacent homes, and was still burning early Sunday, fire officials said.
One firefighter was injured at the blaze, but no civilians were hurt, the FDNY said.
The blaze began at 1330 74th Street, near 13th Avenue, just before midnight on Saturday before spreading, according to the FDNY.
Towering flames billowed from the top floor of the two-and-a-half-story home where the fire started, blackening the roof and sending dark clouds of smoke over the street.
The FDNY sent 198 personnel to the scene.
Local Councilman Justin Brannan said strong winds fanned the fire, spreading damage to a second and third home.
“FDNY reports 3 houses have been impacted,” Brannan tweeted.
“There are still no reports of injuries. The Buildings Department has been notified. ConEd and National Grid have been called to respond.”
The fire was still raging by 2 a.m. Sunday morning. Its cause was not immediately clear.
The fire erupted hours after and just blocks away from an unrelated fatal shooting in the area.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Jets vs. Bills: Preview, predictions, what to watch for

The Bills are the trendy pick to win the AFC East .
I wonder how they will handle that kind of pressure and think they are overrated .
Even so , they still have more talent than the Jets and will find a way to win this one with a late touchdown .
OK , so this is not technically a matchup in Sunday ’ s game , but let ’ s be honest : How these two perform is what we ’ ll be talking about Monday morning .
The two quarterbacks are forever linked ( along with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 draft class .
The Jets took Darnold No .
3 overall and the Bills selected Allen with the No .
7 pick .
Through two years , they both have been erratic , but Allen has the edge over Darnold because he led his team to the playoffs last season .
This is a huge year for both players to establish themselves as their franchise ’ s long-term answer at quarterback and silence the doubters .
The two are close friends and train together in the offseason in California .
This year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the pandemic , and the two spent a lot of time together .
Darnold said they engaged in some trash talk , but he was not sharing it with the media .
“ For the most part , we keep the rivalry as real as possible , we try not to get into it at all , especially during game week , ” Darnold said .
“ We might share some thoughts every now and then in the offseason , but nothing crazy , never given secrets away.
” Bell cow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a good game this summer .
Now , he must play one .
The Jets running back reported to training camp in great shape and vowed to have the best season of his career .
“ I ’ m ready to show this is the best Le ’ Veon Bell that ’ s ever played in the NFL , ” Bell said last month .
The Jets can only hope he ’ s right .
Bell ’ s first season with the team was a failure .
He rushed for just 789 yards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yards per carry .
He did not have 100 yards rushing in a game and his longest run of the season was 19 yards .
Coach Adam Gase has vowed to use Bell more creatively this season , and the Jets hope their remade offensive line can clear some holes for him that were not there last year .
The offense would look vastly different with a strong year from Bell .
Extreme line makeover : General manager Joe Douglas made it clear when he was hired that his first priority was rebuilding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this offseason .
Now , we ’ ll see the results .
The Jets will start five different offensive linemen than they did a year ago against the Bills and four starters who were not on the team last year .
Rookie left tackle Mekhi Becton is the headliner , but the Jets need to hope the whole unit has been able to form a quick chemistry with this strange offseason , condensed training camp and no preseason games .
Diggs town : This year ’ s Bills look a lot like last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exception .
Bills GM Brandon Beane went out and landed himself a No .
1 wide receiver .
Beane sent four draft picks , including this year ’ s first-rounder , to the Vikings in exchange for Stefon Diggs .
Diggs has had back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons and has 30 receiving touchdowns in his five-year career .
The addition of Diggs gives Josh Allen another weapon , joining John Brown and Cole Beasley to form a strong group .
The Jets cornerbacks are going to have a tough time against Diggs and friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Though the Bills went out and made a splashy trade for a receiver , Douglas and the Jets went bargain hunting .
He signed Breshad Perriman to a one-year , $ 6.5 million contract after allowing Robby Anderson to leave in free agency .
He also drafted Denzel Mims in the second round , but the rookie is dealing with injuries to both hamstrings and has been ruled out .
Training camp addition Chris Hogan could start in place of Mims .
That leaves the question of whether QB Sam Darnold has enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ton of confidence , ” Darnold said .
“ They ’ ve showed in practice the ability to make big plays .
”

Costello’s call
The Bills are the trendy pick to win the AFC East. I wonder how they will handle that kind of pressure and think they are overrated. Even so, they still have more talent than the Jets and will find a way to win this one with a late touchdown.
Bills 21, Jets 17
Marquee matchup
Jets QB Sam Darnold vs. Bills QB Josh Allen
OK, so this is not technically a matchup in Sunday’s game, but let’s be honest: How these two perform is what we’ll be talking about Monday morning.
The two quarterbacks are forever linked (along with a few others) as members of the 2018 draft class. The Jets took Darnold No. 3 overall and the Bills selected Allen with the No. 7 pick. Through two years, they both have been erratic, but Allen has the edge over Darnold because he led his team to the playoffs last season.
This is a huge year for both players to establish themselves as their franchise’s long-term answer at quarterback and silence the doubters.
The two are close friends and train together in the offseason in California. This year, that training lasted longer than normal due to the pandemic, and the two spent a lot of time together. Darnold said they engaged in some trash talk, but he was not sharing it with the media.
“For the most part, we keep the rivalry as real as possible, we try not to get into it at all, especially during game week,” Darnold said. “We might share some thoughts every now and then in the offseason, but nothing crazy, never given secrets away.”
Four downs
Bell cow: Le’Veon Bell has talked a good game this summer. Now, he must play one. The Jets running back reported to training camp in great shape and vowed to have the best season of his career.
“I’m ready to show this is the best Le’Veon Bell that’s ever played in the NFL,” Bell said last month.
The Jets can only hope he’s right. Bell’s first season with the team was a failure. He rushed for just 789 yards and was held to a career-low 3.2 yards per carry. He did not have 100 yards rushing in a game and his longest run of the season was 19 yards.
Coach Adam Gase has vowed to use Bell more creatively this season, and the Jets hope their remade offensive line can clear some holes for him that were not there last year. The offense would look vastly different with a strong year from Bell.
Extreme line makeover: General manager Joe Douglas made it clear when he was hired that his first priority was rebuilding the offensive line. He did that this offseason. Now, we’ll see the results.
The Jets will start five different offensive linemen than they did a year ago against the Bills and four starters who were not on the team last year. Rookie left tackle Mekhi Becton is the headliner, but the Jets need to hope the whole unit has been able to form a quick chemistry with this strange offseason, condensed training camp and no preseason games.
Diggs town: This year’s Bills look a lot like last year’s Bills with one notable exception. Bills GM Brandon Beane went out and landed himself a No. 1 wide receiver. Beane sent four draft picks, including this year’s first-rounder, to the Vikings in exchange for Stefon Diggs.
Diggs has had back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons and has 30 receiving touchdowns in his five-year career. The addition of Diggs gives Josh Allen another weapon, joining John Brown and Cole Beasley to form a strong group. The Jets cornerbacks are going to have a tough time against Diggs and friends.
There’s a catch: Though the Bills went out and made a splashy trade for a receiver, Douglas and the Jets went bargain hunting. He signed Breshad Perriman to a one-year, $6.5 million contract after allowing Robby Anderson to leave in free agency. He also drafted Denzel Mims in the second round, but the rookie is dealing with injuries to both hamstrings and has been ruled out. Training camp addition Chris Hogan could start in place of Mims.
That leaves the question of whether QB Sam Darnold has enough weapons around him.
“I have a ton of confidence,” Darnold said. “They’ve showed in practice the ability to make big plays.”


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Giants’ Colt McCoy may be more important now: ‘Crazy COVID times’

He was selected near the top of the NFL draft ...

One of the most important jobs in football has not factored into the Giants’ season-opening plans in 15 years.
It matters now. More than ever. And it matters deeply to Colt McCoy to emerge on the other side of a difficult journey.
Iron man Eli Manning retired and took with him the sense his backup quarterback could leave the pads at home on gameday. In the year of the coronavirus, any player — including starting quarterback Daniel Jones — could be held out of a game on short notice because of an asymptomatic positive test result, thus increasing the value of a veteran No. 2 like McCoy.
“Everybody has to think of it that way now,” McCoy told The Post. “I don’t think it would change my preparation. Part of my role is to have myself prepared to play in a worst-case scenario, whether that’s coming off the bench or in these crazy COVID times. You just never know.”
Say that again.
Three weeks after Washington quarterback Alex Smith suffered the horrific injury that nearly led to leg amputation in November 2018, his replacement, McCoy, fractured his fibula just above the ankle. Infection turned a four-week timetable with hope of returning for a playoff game into a three-surgery nightmare that spilled into the following season and marred his chance to be a starter again.
“There were a lot of complications that I dealt with and the up-and-down emotions that go with that,” McCoy said. “It was really frustrating — especially when you know it’s your opportunity to play — but I finally feel like I’m very healthy.”
After making 21 total starts for the 2010-11 Browns, McCoy slipped onto the trusted career-backup carousel. The former third-round draft pick didn’t start a game in four of the next five seasons and watched Washington cycle through Mark Sanchez, Josh Johnson, Case Keenum and Dwayne Haskins when he and Smith were sidelined.
McCoy was exposed first-hand to parts of Smith’s “miracle” comeback to return this season. In his own recovery, McCoy, 34, rushed back too soon to make one start last season — and he wasn’t going to make the same mistake again.
“I spent the whole offseason focusing on getting my leg [strength] back and turned a corner,” he said. “If I wasn’t going to get it back, I wasn’t going to play anymore.”
When McCoy sought a fresh start in free agency, the most logical landing spot was the Rams based on a relationship with coach Sean McVay. Then the Giants called to offer a one-year contract and absolutely no familiarity, but McCoy instantly clicked with coach Joe Judge and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.
“There’s something about going with your gut,” McCoy said. “To be wanted in a place where I really didn’t have any prior relationships was intriguing. I’m in the right place. To be going into my 11th year and learning a new way to do it has been challenging, but it’s been fun.”
Manning made 232 starts (210 consecutive) in front of 18 different mostly anonymous backups and two more off the bench last season when Jones missed two starts with an ankle injury. McCoy’s preseason play inspired confidence as he helped a slew of unproven receivers stick around.
“Colt does a nice job managing the game,” Judge said. “He has a lot of savvy to really find the open receiver. He has a lot of poise in the pocket to sit back there when the pass rush is coming. He has that clock in his head from being so experienced that he knows when to get the ball out.”
In meetings, quarterbacks coach Jerry Schuplinski suspects McCoy asks questions he already knows the answer to in order to help a young team.
“At this point in my career, I’m not afraid to ask a question,” McCoy said. “If I’m unsure then I imagine a lot of people are. Great offenses click when they all understand what the goal is. That’s all I’m trying to do.”
Jones can learn from McCoy, but the inverse is also true. McCoy is trying to replicate Jones’ communication, cadence and audibles.
“If I’m thrown in the fire,” McCoy said, “I want to be able to make sure I’m doing it just like Daniel’s been doing it. That way everyone can feel normal.
“You have to go to a place where you might go 16 games and not step on the field, and yet you have to be ready each of those weeks. That sort of grind takes a toll on your mind, but I’ve been through that.”
And much worse.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Amed Rosario’s Mets career at crossroads: ‘Tough couple of years’

BUFFALO — Amed Rosario was caught by surprise just over a week ago when his manager informed him he would be on the bench against most right-handed starting pitchers .
The Mets shortstop had struggled , but thought he proved in the second half of last season he deserved to play every day .
That might have held true if the team lacked another option , but rookie Andres Gimenez ’ s emergence was difficult to ignore .
Now , with two weeks remaining in the regular season , Rosario says his focus is helping the Mets win in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s unsure about his future role within the organization .
“ That ’ s a decision the team has to make for next year — it ’ s not mine , ” Rosario said through an interpreter before the Mets lost to the Blue Jays , 3-2 , on Saturday .
“ I wouldn ’ t say it ’ s been necessarily difficult .
I just think it ’ s been a challenging time that can happen to anybody in life , but it ’ s something you can definitely learn from.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what has become a rare start , he went 3-for-4 , but did get picked off first base to end the game .
He turns 25 in November and will be arbitration eligible for the first time after this season .
Once the organization ’ s top prospect , time may have expired on his chance to become the Mets ’ long-term solution at shortstop .
The dynamic Gimenez has shown ability at the plate and defensively , and behind him the organization ’ s top prospect , Ronny Mauricio , lurks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner — the Wilpon and Katz families are in exclusive negotiations to sell the team to billionaire Steve Cohen — could trade for the electric Francisco Lindor and sign him long-term .
Rosario entered play with a disappointing .230/.250/.345 slash line this season , with three homers and 13 RBIs .
He says he is open to learning the outfield , but team brass is yet to discuss the possibility with him since his demotion .
The idea was broached last summer , and Rosario participated in limited outfield drills before the plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s been a tough couple of years , ” Rosario said .
“ I think what ’ s benefited me is when people underestimate me , that is when I am able to take advantage of that and able to do what I want to do .
I think sometimes a big problem is some people want me to shine the way they want me to shine .
I think that plays to my advantage because I ’ m able to play my way.
” Rosario ’ s raw athleticism remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of plate discipline has largely confounded the Mets .
“ His tools are unbelievable , he can do so many things , ” manager Luis Rojas said .
“ Just watching the game from that angle [ on the bench ] and picking up some things and kind of slowing things down , he can always learn.
” The 22-year-old Gimenez is more polished , especially on defense , where he has been compared to former Mets magician Rey Ordonez .
At the plate Gimenez has hit a respectable .287/.340/.426 with two homers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the majority of starts , as Rojas fields the team he believes will give the Mets their best chance to win on a daily basis as they chase a postseason berth .
Rosario will remain under club control for another three seasons and says he hopes the Mets keep him .
“ For me it would be tremendous to stay with the Mets , ” Rosario said .
“ I think it ’ s a tremendous team and especially with the teammates that I have there are guys who have supported me and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I would love to be here long term .
”

BUFFALO — Amed Rosario was caught by surprise just over a week ago when his manager informed him he would be on the bench against most right-handed starting pitchers.
The Mets shortstop had struggled, but thought he proved in the second half of last season he deserved to play every day. That might have held true if the team lacked another option, but rookie Andres Gimenez’s emergence was difficult to ignore.
Now, with two weeks remaining in the regular season, Rosario says his focus is helping the Mets win in any capacity. But he admits he’s unsure about his future role within the organization.
“That’s a decision the team has to make for next year — it’s not mine,” Rosario said through an interpreter before the Mets lost to the Blue Jays, 3-2, on Saturday.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been necessarily difficult. I just think it’s been a challenging time that can happen to anybody in life, but it’s something you can definitely learn from.”
Rosario did his part Saturday. in what has become a rare start, he went 3-for-4, but did get picked off first base to end the game.
He turns 25 in November and will be arbitration eligible for the first time after this season. Once the organization’s top prospect, time may have expired on his chance to become the Mets’ long-term solution at shortstop.
The dynamic Gimenez has shown ability at the plate and defensively, and behind him the organization’s top prospect, Ronny Mauricio, lurks. There is also the possibility a new owner — the Wilpon and Katz families are in exclusive negotiations to sell the team to billionaire Steve Cohen — could trade for the electric Francisco Lindor and sign him long-term.
Rosario entered play with a disappointing .230/.250/.345 slash line this season, with three homers and 13 RBIs. He says he is open to learning the outfield, but team brass is yet to discuss the possibility with him since his demotion. The idea was broached last summer, and Rosario participated in limited outfield drills before the plan was shelved.
“For me, it’s been a tough couple of years,” Rosario said. “I think what’s benefited me is when people underestimate me, that is when I am able to take advantage of that and able to do what I want to do. I think sometimes a big problem is some people want me to shine the way they want me to shine. I think that plays to my advantage because I’m able to play my way.”
Rosario’s raw athleticism remains his prime asset, but his lack of plate discipline has largely confounded the Mets.
“His tools are unbelievable, he can do so many things,” manager Luis Rojas said. “Just watching the game from that angle [on the bench] and picking up some things and kind of slowing things down, he can always learn.”
The 22-year-old Gimenez is more polished, especially on defense, where he has been compared to former Mets magician Rey Ordonez. At the plate Gimenez has hit a respectable .287/.340/.426 with two homers and 10 RBIs. Gimenez is receiving the majority of starts, as Rojas fields the team he believes will give the Mets their best chance to win on a daily basis as they chase a postseason berth.
Rosario will remain under club control for another three seasons and says he hopes the Mets keep him.
“For me it would be tremendous to stay with the Mets,” Rosario said. “I think it’s a tremendous team and especially with the teammates that I have there are guys who have supported me and been helping me out throughout the years and I would love to be here long term.”


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--The start of Joe Burrow’s Bengals career is finally here

With the beginning of every NFL season , there ’ s always a ...

On the surface, this doesn’t figure to be a “Game of the Week’’ as much as it should be termed “Game of the Weak,’’ based on the 2019 standings with the Bengals coming off a 2-14 season and the Chargers 5-11.
This game’s draw, however, is all about the starting quarterback for the Bengals — No. 1-overall draft pick Joe Burrow, who’ll start his first game as a pro after a dynamic college career at LSU.
As with every quarterback who’s picked No. 1 overall, we all wonder if Burrow is the NFL’s next great quarterback.
In May, Burrow had a valuable conversation with former Colts and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, also a No. 1-overall pick who went to a losing franchise. Manning, an immediate starter in Indianapolis as a rookie, survived early bumps and became one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and a certain Hall of Fame entrant when he’s eligible.
“I felt like we were in very similar situations coming in, and he felt the same,” Burrow told reporters in July. “He just gave me a lot of different advice when it came to marketing, how to handle the huddle, how to handle coaches, how assertive to be in your first year and how you build upon that.”
If Burrow is able to succeed as an immediate starter while overcoming the devastating curveballs the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown everyone, it will go down as one of the most remarkable sports stories of 2020.
Surviving and succeeding as a rookie starting quarterback in the NFL is highly difficult to begin with. Doing it with an offseason reduced to Zoom meetings instead of hands-on coaching, along with a truncated training camp and not a single preseason game to at least get a feel for the speed of the pro game?
That’s as high a degree of difficulty as you’ll find in sports, let alone football.
So here goes Burrow, who was named the Bengals’ starter by head coach Zac Taylor on Aug. 30 after the rookie took every training-camp rep, playing his first game Sunday, against the Chargers in Cincinnati.
Listening to his coaches and teammates, it sounds like Burrow is up for the challenge, not intimidated, but confident.
“For a kid that hasn’t played NFL football, he has a great feel for the game,’’ offensive coordinator Brian Callahan told ESPN.com.
“He has high expectations for himself,” Taylor told reporters. “It’s not this false confidence that he walks around with. We see the work.’’
Burrow’s teammates have noticed.
“How he approaches the huddle, how he comes into the huddle, he doesn’t come in like a rookie, he comes in almost like a vet, like he’s been there before,’’ Bengals receiver Auden Tate said, according to ESPN.
“We have a very complex offense, a lot of plays, and Joe is picking it up like it’s nothing,” veteran receiver A.J. Green told ESPN.
On the other side of the ball, the Chargers, too, will be breaking in a new quarterback, but not a rookie.
After 14 years with Philip Rivers behind center, the Chargers enter a new chapter.
Rivers is now in Indianapolis, and his successor — for the moment — is 31-year-old journeyman Tyrod Taylor, formerly of the Ravens, Bills and Browns. Taylor hasn’t started an NFL game since Week 3 of the 2018 season.
Behind Taylor is Justin Herbert, the No. 6-overall pick this spring. The Chargers have been positive about Herbert’s development in training camp, but their plan has always been to give him time to develop while Taylor starts initially — the opposite direction the Bengals are taking.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Jets history shows Sam Darnold Year 3 could go either way

With the Jets ’ season set to kick off Sunday , QB ...

ORCHARD PARK — What we know about Sam Darnold so far is a whisper here, a whisker there, a sign of hope over here, a spasm of concern over there. In two years as a starting quarterback, he has shown just enough skill to get the imagination whirring and displayed just enough worrisome tendencies to keep those aspirations at arm’s length.
“I’m more at home in this job than I’ve ever felt before,” Darnold said a few weeks ago, and of course that’s what you expect him to say. Show me a quarterback who admits, “I’m not quite sure how I’ll take to the job,” and I’ll show you a guy who’s going to be a high school offensive coordinator in a year.
But it should feel more like home for Darnold. This is Year 3, and by Year 3 we ought to have an idea of who a quarterback is, and what he can be.
When Joe Namath entered his third year, in 1967, he was still better known for the $427,000 contract he’d signed and for the llama rug in his Manhattan apartment than for being a championship cornerstone. Across his first two years, he had 37 touchdowns and 42 interceptions while completing 48 percent of his passes. Compared to that, Darnold’s two-year numbers of 36 TDs/28 picks/59.9 percent are downright … well, Namathian.
Then, in Year 3, came the epiphany. Namath became the first quarterback in history to throw for over 4,000 yards. He became a star because of his accomplishments on Sunday afternoon instead of Saturday night. And a year later, that translated into a shiny football trophy for him and all his friends in green.
But it can go the other way, too. After two years, it would have been hard to fathom that the Mark Sanchez Era had far more yesterdays on the ledger than tomorrows. He’d led the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship game appearances and, if his numbers — 29/33/54.4 — weren’t indicative of a young Manning (either one), there hardly seemed reason for concern that the roof was about to collapse.
Except the roof did collapse. There was no noticeable improvement. With his supporting cast not nearly as deep in 2011 as it previously had been, Sanchez couldn’t shoulder the load and carry the burden. The Jets were 8-8 that season. A year later came the Buttfumble. A year after that came a catastrophic injury in the Snoopy Bowl against the Giants. And that was that.
At three years, there is no longer any reason to qualify anything as a small sample size. At three years, it ought to be easy to spot where the trend line is going. That isn’t always sacrosanct: Back in the day, it took Jim Plunkett three teams and nine years to find his star. More recently, Ryan Tannehill entered last year as a six-year chronic disappointment and left it a borderline All-Pro.
Still, the Jets crave a sign, one way or another.
And starting Sunday, at Bills Stadium in the Buffalo suburbs, Darnold will start giving them clarity. He is still not blessed with a surplus of weapons, but part of what the Jets will be looking for will be how he is able to create chemistry where none may now exist with his faceless receiving corps. Can he reestablish a connection with tight end Chris Herndon? Can he maximize his veteran running backs, Le’Veon Bell and Frank Gore?
Can he carry himself as a cornerstone even if the victories are fleeting?
“I want this challenge,” Darnold said. “I want this responsibility. I want to be a guy that my teammates know they can count on.”
In Year 3, Chad Pennington beat Peyton Manning in a playoff game, 41-0. In Year 3, Ken O’Brien led the Jets to a 10-1 start before his teammates started dropping like bowling pins and he wound up getting knocked silly and, ultimately, to the bench. In Year 3, Geno Smith didn’t pay IK Enemkpali $600 he owed him and wound up drinking his meals through a straw for a while.
Year 3 has been awfully eventful for Jets quarterbacks. It will undoubtedly be that for Darnold, one way or another. The Jets only have their immediate and long-range futures riding on what that outcome is.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Amed Rosario pickoff flub symbolizes this Mets’ season

BUFFALO — For the past two weeks , it ’ s been just ...

BUFFALO — On an aggravating night, in an aggravating season, it only seemed appropriate that the Mets would suffer one of their most damaging losses of the year thanks to the follies and foibles of an unbelievably, unconscionably aggravating inning.
It ended on a pickoff?
Of course it ended on a pick-off.
Of course before the pickoff Wilson Ramos grounded into an around-the-horn double play that took half an hour to complete, thanks to the fact that he is the slowest man in baseball, and that he treated us all to that display of footspeed (or lack of same) by swinging at a 2-and-0 pitch from a wild pitcher that was a good five inches off the plate on his hands.
Of course. Of course. Of course.
The Mets can’t afford to lose a lot of games the rest of the way anyway if they want to maintain the illusion that they are on the periphery of this prefabricated playoff chance, and they certainly can’t afford to lose the way they lost last night, 3-2, their bats turning to mush one night after they’d resembled Murderer’s Row.
“I don’t want to nit-pick,” Mets manager Luis Rojas said, before admitting, “But we have to show up the next day.”
Look, is it easy to do what the Mets are trying to do now, which is essentially to win just about every single game they play? Of course it’s not easy, but that’s the predicament they’re in. Every day, every game, every inning takes on extra importance mostly because of the many sins of self-sabotage the Mets committed in July and August.
They could never quite figure out Robbie Ray, the Toronto starter who’d entered the game as the least-efficient starting pitcher in baseball. They couldn’t maximize the seventh inning, when they had two on and none out and only scored one run, and were fortunate to get it.
And then, cherry on the sundae, there was the ninth. There was Brandon Nimmo turning in a quintessential Nimmo at-bat, falling behind 0-and-2 against Jays closer Rafael Dolis before drawing a walk, and then Dolis looking shaken and lost starting 2-and-0 against Ramos, whose bat lately had seemed to come out of hibernation in the nick of time.
But even after Ramos swung at ball three, and even after the super-slow-mo 5-4-3 that sucked most of the life out of the Mets’ dugout … and even after Amed Rosario (three hits on the night as he, too, seemed to perk up) swung at a lousy splitter, the ball bounced away from the Jays’ college-refrigerator-shaped catcher — 5-foot-8, 265-pound Alejandro Kirk. So Rosario was on first. Jeff McNeil and his scalding-hot bat was due up.
What Mets fans have been reduced to, in lieu of a team that has been unable to craft an honest-to-goodness hot streak all year, is look for a sign, any kind of sign. The other night Michael Conforto saved a game by making a circus catch in right field, saving three runs, saving a game against the Orioles they absolutely couldn’t afford to lose. The Mets won that game. Maybe that was a sign.
Now Kirk had MickeyOwen’ed strike three. Here came McNeil. Mets seasons that end well almost never get to the final chapter with ease, without plots twists and turns. Maybe McNeil finds a gap. Maybe he coaxes his fifth homer over the fence in a week. Maybe he simply passes the baton to J.D. Davis, keeps the line moving.
And sure, maybe he hits a routine 4-3. All of that was possible.
And we’ll never know. Dolis quick-tossed to first. Vlad Guerrero Jr. made a terrific tag. Rosario was called safe, but he sure didn’t look safe in real time, and he looked less safe on replay, and it was only a matter of time before the video back home in Chelsea revealed the evidence. Of course he was out. Of course it ended that way. Of course.
“In a situation like that,” Rojas said sadly, “you just have to get back to the base.”
Said Rosario: “I thought from my point of view I was safe.”
It was wishful thinking. That seemed appropriate much of what sustains the Mets now is wishful thinking, waiting for the six-game winning streak that never comes, waiting for the hot streak that is forever elusive. Seth Lugo was asked if the rapidly expiring calendar was starting to bear in on them.
“That’s a realistic thing,” said Lugo, who pitched well enough to lose a toughie last night, “but if we’re focused on that we’re focused on the wrong thing.”
It’s just hard to focus on much else right now. You look for hope, look for heat, and instead settle for signs. It’s a hard way to live this late in the game.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--19 black families buy tract in Georgia to create an oasis of safety

Nineteen black families have purchased almost 100 acres of land in Georgia in hopes of founding a city where they @ @ @ @ @ has reported .
The city will be named , simply , “ Freedom.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ it will be a thriving safe haven for people of color , for black families @ @ @ @ @ Scott , one of the new owners and the real estate agent who sold the @ @ @ @ @ .
The land , in the town of Toomsboro in rural Wilkinson County , was @ @ @ @ @ now calling themselves the “ Freedom Georgia Initiative.
” The tract was originally advertised in @ @ @ @ @ only a portion of the town was actually for sale , CNN reported .
The @ @ @ @ @ pooled by the consortium of families , was $ 1.7 million .

Nineteen black families have purchased almost 100 acres of land in Georgia in hopes of founding a city where they can be safe, CNN has reported.
The city will be named, simply, “Freedom.”
“I’m hoping that it will be a thriving safe haven for people of color, for black families in particular,” Ashley Scott, one of the new owners and the real estate agent who sold the land, told the network.
The land, in the town of Toomsboro in rural Wilkinson County, was purchased in August by families now calling themselves the “Freedom Georgia Initiative.”
The tract was originally advertised in the website Toomsboroforsale.com, though only a portion of the town was actually for sale, CNN reported.
The sales price, which was pooled by the consortium of families, was $1.7 million.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--This US Open is Dominic Thiem’s best shot at first grand slam

There was always going to be an asterisk next to ...

It’s not exactly McEnroe-Borg of 40 years ago, but like the 2020 pandemic, it’s historic. And it just might be Dominic Thiem’s breakthrough at last.
The two German-speaking Europeans, Thiem of Austria and Alexander Zverev, of Germany, vie for their first Grand Slam title as “The Big 3” sit this one out.
No, the U.S. Open men’s finals at 4 p.m. on Sunday is not going to have the luster for the casual New York sports fan, and Ashe Stadium is fan-less anyway. But the level of tennis will be — in a word — booming.
Thiem, 27, has been close before — losing in three Grand Slam finals, two at the French Open to Rafael Nadal, and once to Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller at the Australian Open in January.
The Austrian second seed possesses overwhelming, blurring groundstrokes, considered more dangerous on clay. Zverev is the much-bigger server, but has holes elsewhere.
With Nadal opting to prepare instead for the French Open, Roger Federer opting out because of minor knee surgery and the German tournament referee opting to boot Djokovic from the tournament for “unsportsmanlike conduct,” Thiem looks finally ready to hoist the most important trophy of his career. (The last player not in “The Big 3’’ to win the Open was Marin Cilic in 2014.)
Thiem overpowered Russian star Daniil Medvedev in Friday’s semifinals in straight sets.
Thiem has a 7-2 edge over Zverev, but their Australian Open semifinal eight months ago was as tight as a three-setter can get — featuring two classic tiebreakers. Thiem is 3-0 against Zverev in Grand Slam events.
“From the moment Novak was out of the tournament, it was clear that there’s going to be a new Grand Slam champion,’’ Thiem said. “From that moment on, [my problems vs. the Big 3] was also out of my mind. I was just focusing on the remaining guys left in the draw.
“[Zverev] is a hell of a player. A good record against [Zverev], it doesn’t help me at all. I know what [Zverev] is capable of. Also the last match we had in Australia, we were both really, really good. It was such a close match.”
A loss by Thiem would draw comparisons to Andy Murray, who lost his first four Grand Slam Finals. Thiem joked about the coincidence, but added, “It’s easy for Andy because he has won three in the meantime.”
As impressive as Thiem was in taking out Medvedev lies in contrast to how startling Zverev’s performance looked.
The No. 5 seed from Hamburg got clobbered in the first two sets against modestly regarded No. 20 Pablo Carreno Busta, famous for being Djokovic’s opponent when the Serbian unintentionally hit a linesman with a ball he flicked off his racquet.
“I’m obviously happy to be in a final,’’ the 23-year-old Zverev said. “But there’s still one more step to go.’’
In the final three sets, the 6-foot-5 Zverev, who owns the perfect tennis build, lost seven points on his serve.
“It’s hard to imagine Zverev winning the title,’’ one coaching source said. “Other than a big first serve, he can only it his forehand crosscourt so he may get caught out. I can’t see him beating Thiem.’’
Thiem has been the poster boy of the “NextGen’’ for a some time. This might be the 6-foot-1 Thiem’s time to not just win the COVID Open, but stamp him as a potential multiple Grand Slam winner like Murray became.
As one tennis source says, “It took Novak everything he had in the [2020] Aussie final to hold him off. Remember he had a classic against Rafa at the U.S. Open [five-set match in 2018]. Rafa also needed everything to beat him.’’
The U.S. Open public relations staff usually is busy releasing record attendance numbers. This fortnight, it is releasing different numbers. Of the 365 U.S. Open competitors, none of them tested positive during the tournament as 13,362 total tests were administered for players, entourage, staff workers, media through Saturday.
The lone positive was France’s Benoit Paire, but that came in the late stages of the Western & Southern Open. There were 48,651 temperatures taken. A total of 230 security personnel were on hand to govern the mask-wearing safety protocols.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Lawmakers call into question Chinese Government’s involvement in ‘Mulan’

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers wants to know what role China played in Disney ’ s live-action remake of @ @ @ @ @ what degree the studio was aware of human rights violations at filming locations .
According @ @ @ @ @ credits , parts of “ Mulan ” were filmed in the northwest region of Xinjiang @ @ @ @ @ Uighur Muslims in mass re-education camps .
The backlash against Disney for cooperating with China @ @ @ @ @ camps has been growing .
The new lawmakers ’ letter urges Disney CEO Bob Chapek @ @ @ @ @ ’ s role in the film ’ s production , Entertainment Weekly reports .
“ @ @ @ @ @ with officials of the People ’ s Republic of China ( PRC ) who are @ @ @ @ @ — or for covering up those crimes — is profoundly disturbing , ” lawmakers wrote @ @ @ @ @ .

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers wants to know what role China played in Disney’s live-action remake of “Mulan–” and to what degree the studio was aware of human rights violations at filming locations.
According to the movie’s credits, parts of “Mulan” were filmed in the northwest region of Xinjiang, where China has detained Uighur Muslims in mass re-education camps.
The backlash against Disney for cooperating with China in the midst of those camps has been growing.
The new lawmakers’ letter urges Disney CEO Bob Chapek to clarify the Chinese government’s role in the film’s production, Entertainment Weekly reports.
“Disney’s apparent cooperation with officials of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) who are most responsible for committing atrocities — or for covering up those crimes — is profoundly disturbing,” lawmakers wrote in their letter to Disney.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Two LA County Sheriffs officers cling to life after ambush shooting in Compton

Two Los Angeles County Sheriffs officers were clinging to life after they were ambushed and shot point-blank through their patrol @ @ @ @ @ A lone gunman walked up to the parked patrol car in the southern LA County @ @ @ @ @ fire , strafing one male and one female deputy with bullets , Sheriffs officials tweeted @ @ @ @ @ .
The suspect , shown in surveillance video wearing black clothing and a black cap @ @ @ @ @ .
He was still being sought before dawn on Sunday .
“ They are both @ @ @ @ @ , ” the tweet said of the assassination-attempt victims , “ so please keep them @ @ @ @ @ ” Both officers “ sustained multiple gunshot wounds and are in critical condition , ” @ @ @ @ @ They are both currently undergoing surgery , ” added the tweet , which was posted @ @ @ @ @ .

Two Los Angeles County Sheriffs officers were clinging to life after they were ambushed and shot point-blank through their patrol car window late Saturday.
A lone gunman walked up to the parked patrol car in the southern LA County city of Compton and opened fire, strafing one male and one female deputy with bullets, Sheriffs officials tweeted at 11 p.m. local time.
The suspect, shown in surveillance video wearing black clothing and a black cap, then took off running.
He was still being sought before dawn on Sunday.
“They are both still fighting for their lives,” the tweet said of the assassination-attempt victims, “so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
Both officers “sustained multiple gunshot wounds and are in critical condition,” the officials tweeted.
“They are both currently undergoing surgery,” added the tweet, which was posted at around midnight eastern time.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--NFL Week 1 predictions: Bears a live underdog vs. rival Lions

Sometime after 4:25 Sunday afternoon , 43-year-old Tom Brady will trot ...

Bears (+3) over LIONS: Looks like “High Noon” for Bears QB Mitch Trubisky, looking to justify his lofty draft positioning. The visitors’ stout defense keeps them in most games (though check LB Khalil Mack’s status). Lions QB Matthew Stafford has his moments, but too many of them have generated empty yards after lost games have been decided.
Jets (+6 ½) over BILLS: Buffalo’s acquisition of hotshot wideout Stefon Diggs impresses. Jets defense may not be quite as effective as it was in last season’s second half, but if RB Le’Veon Bell gets along with his Jetmates, and signal-caller Sam Darnold continues to develop, visitors should hang tough.
Dolphins (+6 ½) over PATRIOTS: Gillette Stadium has long posed problems for visitors — but last season the Pats lost to this ’dog in Foxborough for the first time in ages in a game that mattered. Though visitors have often faced performance issues on fake grass, prefer outfit on upswing against defensively ravaged foe.
Browns (+7 ½) over RAVENS: We’re pleased to have resisted Browns’ siren song over the past few seasons — but we’re ready to step up. The time is now for Baker Mayfield, with aid of healthier receiving corps led by old friend Odell Beckham Jr.
PANTHERS (+3) over Raiders: The Silver and Black brain trust have been pointing to this season — but we’ll see whether their talent is up to it, behind downfield-limited David Carr, facing five Eastern time games. Teddy Bridgewater is a plus for the Panthers, though home side’s defense compelled to soldier on without retired stud Luke Kuechly.
Seahawks (-2 ½) over FALCONS: Heading East can be tough duty — though the ’Hawks adjust better than most. Sustained Falcons success likely contingent on the precision of skill people Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the newly acquired Todd Gurley. Imaginative, physical ’Hawk D can keep mates in the game until Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll find way.
WASHINGTON (+5¹/₂) over Eagles: Philadelphia’s beefed-up defensive front is more than capable of generating favorable field positions for Carson Wentz, and friends — but we surmise Eagles know they don’t need their very best shot to win this.
JAGUARS (+7 ½) over Colts: Indianapolis is half-past hungry and primed to surge within the AFC South. This doesn’t bode well for the Jags. We don’t look upon new Colts QB Philip Rivers as a guaranteed positive, given his age and his risk-taking proclivities. The chalk has encountered recent cover trouble here.
VIKINGS (-2 ½) over Packers: Green Bay won 13 regular-season games last season, including a handful of close ones behind Aaron Rodgers — but market-makers hung up a consensus seasonal win total of just nine W’s for this season. Hmmm. The Vikings’ defense is unlikely to match previous standards, and former ace wideout Stefon Diggs is now a Bill.
Chargers (-3) over BENGALS: Hot-shot rookie QB Joe Burrow faces his first assignment against Bolts, now led by capable/improved Tyrod Taylor. It is tough to dislike Burrow … but even if he wound up John Elway’s equal, he’s eventually going to need a supporting cast that can sustain a legitimate ground game — and slow one on defense.
Cardinals (+6 ¹/₂) over 49ERS: The Cards are anything but helpless, so long as mighty-mite Kyler Murray finds harmony with wideout DeAndre Hopkins, though expect Niners QB Jimmy Garoppolo to rebound off an unpleasant come-from-ahead Super Bowl.
Buccaneers (+3½) over SAINTS: Hosts typically have late-season peak in view. Tom Brady has Rob Gronkowski on his side … an attractive add of RB Leonard Fournette, with his fresh legs, and key Bucs receiver Mike Evans’ hammy has been upgraded.
Cowboys (-2 ½) over RAMS: Hold Dallas in higher regard than in recent years. Rams defense may be good enough, but QB Jared Goff needs to learn from disappointments and develop greater range. Boys’ improved ground defense could tempt Goff to overextend when attempting to maximize air game.
Monday
Steelers (-6) over GIANTS: Big Blue has improved defensively, after last season’s wipeout. Ben Roethlisberger’s return for Mike Tomlin is appreciated by JuJu Smith-Schuster. Jason Garrett’s arrival as latest Giants offensive coordinator is unlikely to scare the muscular Steelers defense.
BRONCOS (+2) over Titans: Von Miller’s injury has generated value with historically stellar home dog. Derrick Henry will have his moments for the visitors — but the AFC South tends to treat defensive intensity as an afterthought. Broncos QB Drew Lock still has plenty to prove despite John Elway’s bullishness — but any surprises are likely positive.
Last season: 108-122-4
Playoffs: 13-8-1


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Ex Theranos CEO may claim ‘mental disease’ in swindle case

Theranos ex-CEO and founder Elizabeth Holmes plans to claim a “ mental disease ” defense in her upcoming investor fraud trial , according to new court documents .
Holmes ’ lawyers have told the government that they intend to “ introduce expert evidence relating to a mental disease or defect or any other mental condition of the defendant bearing on … the issue of guilt , ” CNN reported of the filing .
In a resulting next step , Judge Edward Davila of the US District Court for the Northern District of California this week told federal prosecutors they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and psychiatrist .
Holmes plans to mount her psychiatric defense using psychiatrist Dr. Mindy Mechanic , Bloomberg News has reported .
Mechanic works at the California State University and specializes in “ psychosocial consequences of violence , trauma and victimization with an emphasis on violence against women and other forms of interpersonal violence.
” Holmes and her COO at the failed blood-test firm were indicted on federal wire fraud in June 2018 when authorities alleged they used false claims to scam investors out of millions of dollars .
Both face up to 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not guilty .
Holmes ’ trial , originally set to begin last March , has been postponed until March 2021 , due to the coronavirus .
Co-defendant Ramesh “ Sunny ” Balwani will be tried separately from Holmes once her trial is over .

Theranos ex-CEO and founder Elizabeth Holmes plans to claim a “mental disease” defense in her upcoming investor fraud trial, according to new court documents.
Holmes’ lawyers have told the government that they intend to “introduce expert evidence relating to a mental disease or defect or any other mental condition of the defendant bearing on … the issue of guilt,” CNN reported of the filing.
In a resulting next step, Judge Edward Davila of the US District Court for the Northern District of California this week told federal prosecutors they can have Holmes examined by their own psychologist and psychiatrist.
Holmes plans to mount her psychiatric defense using psychiatrist Dr. Mindy Mechanic, Bloomberg News has reported.
Mechanic works at the California State University and specializes in “psychosocial consequences of violence, trauma and victimization with an emphasis on violence against women and other forms of interpersonal violence.”
Holmes and her COO at the failed blood-test firm were indicted on federal wire fraud in June 2018 when authorities alleged they used false claims to scam investors out of millions of dollars.
Both face up to 20 years of prison, and have pleaded not guilty.
Holmes’ trial, originally set to begin last March, has been postponed until March 2021, due to the coronavirus.
Co-defendant Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani will be tried separately from Holmes once her trial is over.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Duquesne University professor on leave after apparently using slur repeatedly in class

A Duquesne University professor has been placed on paid leave after he was caught using the “ N-word ” repeatedly during a recent online educational psychology class .
Audio that appeared to be from the class was posted to Twitter .
“ I ’ m giving you permission to use the word , okay ?
Because we ’ re using the word in a pedagogical sense , ” he appears to tell the class .
“ What ’ s the one word about race that we ’ re not allowed not allowed to use ?
” he is heard asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with silence from his students , he blunders on , “ I ’ ll give you a hint .
It starts with ‘ N . '
” “ Again , I ’ m not using it in any way other than to demonstrate a point.
” He then goes on to say the word himself , and describe some of its common , derogatory uses from “ when I was a young man.
” “ Could we do that now guys ?
” he asks .
“ No , ” a few students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , ” he agrees .
The private , Catholic university in Pittsburgh , Penn.
, told CBS News that Shank has been placed on paid leave pending an investigation .

A Duquesne University professor has been placed on paid leave after he was caught using the “N-word ” repeatedly during a recent online educational psychology class.
Audio that appeared to be from the class was posted to Twitter.
“I’m giving you permission to use the word, okay? Because we’re using the word in a pedagogical sense,” he appears to tell the class.
“What’s the one word about race that we’re not allowed not allowed to use?” he is heard asking in the tweeted audio.
When greeted with silence from his students, he blunders on, “I’ll give you a hint. It starts with ‘N.'”
More silence.
“Again, I’m not using it in any way other than to demonstrate a point.”
He then goes on to say the word himself, and describe some of its common, derogatory uses from “when I was a young man.”
“Could we do that now guys?” he asks. “No,” a few students can be heard responding. “Absolutely not,” he agrees.
The private, Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Penn., told CBS News that Shank has been placed on paid leave pending an investigation.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Mets’ Jake Marisnick exits with right hamstring tightness

BUFFALO — Jake Marisnick isn ’ t playing favorites when it comes to hamstrings .
After spending time on the injured list last month with a left hamstring strain , the Mets outfielder departed Saturday ’ s game against the Blue Jays with tightness in the right one .
Marisnick , who started in center field , went 1-for-2 with an RBI double in the Mets ’ 3-2 loss at Sahlen Field .
For now there is hope he will avoid the IL .
“ We didn ’ t want to push him any more to see if he can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manager Luis Rojas said .
Marisnick has thrived in a part-time role against lefty pitchers .
He is 11-for-29 ( .379 ) for the season with two homers and five RBIs , providing a dependable glove in center .
Wilson Ramos ’ awakening bat was reason enough for the Mets to stick with him behind the plate .
Though Seth Lugo had meshed with Robinson Chirinos during the right-hander ’ s previous start , Rojas examined other factors in filling out his lineup card against the Blue Jays .
Most notably , Ramos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a satisfactory manner and finished 3-for-5 with a homer .
Ramos entered play 10-for-34 ( .294 ) with three homers and seven RBIs over his previous 11 games .
Ramos went 1-for-3 , but hit into a double play in the ninth inning after Brandon Nimmo had drawn a leadoff walk .
Steven Matz worked out with teammates before the game , but was not activated .
Rojas indicated the left-hander will soon be removed from the injured list , where he ’ s spent the last two weeks rehabbing from left shoulder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option , but appears more likely for a return to the bullpen , providing length if a starting pitcher gets knocked out early .
Rojas expects to announce his rotation for the week on Sunday .
The Mets have the option of skipping Michael Wacha because of Monday ’ s day off .
In that scenario , Rick Porcello could open the series in Philadelphia on full rest , with deGrom and Lugo slotting behind him .
The Mets won ’ t need a fifth starter until next Saturday .

BUFFALO — Jake Marisnick isn’t playing favorites when it comes to hamstrings.
After spending time on the injured list last month with a left hamstring strain, the Mets outfielder departed Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays with tightness in the right one.
Marisnick, who started in center field, went 1-for-2 with an RBI double in the Mets’ 3-2 loss at Sahlen Field. For now there is hope he will avoid the IL.
“We didn’t want to push him any more to see if he can have him [Sunday],” manager Luis Rojas said.
Marisnick has thrived in a part-time role against lefty pitchers. He is 11-for-29 (.379) for the season with two homers and five RBIs, providing a dependable glove in center.
Wilson Ramos’ awakening bat was reason enough for the Mets to stick with him behind the plate.
Though Seth Lugo had meshed with Robinson Chirinos during the right-hander’s previous start, Rojas examined other factors in filling out his lineup card against the Blue Jays.
Most notably, Ramos handled Jacob deGrom and Erasmo Ramirez in a satisfactory manner and finished 3-for-5 with a homer. Ramos entered play 10-for-34 (.294) with three homers and seven RBIs over his previous 11 games.
Ramos went 1-for-3, but hit into a double play in the ninth inning after Brandon Nimmo had drawn a leadoff walk.
Steven Matz worked out with teammates before the game, but was not activated. Rojas indicated the left-hander will soon be removed from the injured list, where he’s spent the last two weeks rehabbing from left shoulder bursitis. Matz could be a rotation option, but appears more likely for a return to the bullpen, providing length if a starting pitcher gets knocked out early.
Rojas expects to announce his rotation for the week on Sunday. The Mets have the option of skipping Michael Wacha because of Monday’s day off. In that scenario, Rick Porcello could open the series in Philadelphia on full rest, with deGrom and Lugo slotting behind him. The Mets won’t need a fifth starter until next Saturday.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Jets expecting this opener against Bills to be different

ORCHARD PARK — Different year , same opponent .
And the Jets are hoping a different result .
The Jets open the season against the Bills for the second straight year , kicking off their season Sunday at Bills Stadium .
A year ago , the Jets had a 16-0 lead in Week 1 at MetLife Stadium .
Then , they collapsed in the fourth quarter and lost 17-16 , sending the team into tailspin .
A few days later , quarterback Sam Darnold was diagnosed with mononucleosis , which he surely played with in that loss .
“ Thanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jokingly this week when asked about looking back at that game .
A year later , the Jets believe they are a better team than the one that stumbled that day .
Just three offensive starters for the team that day are expected to start Sunday .
“ It was good just to be able to look back on that and see all the improvements we made throughout the year and then in this offseason , all the different things that I learned from the mistakes that I made , not only from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that followed that , ” Darnold said .
“ I continued to improve throughout the year , and I feel like all that experience just kind of all builds up and it leads to better games ahead .
And so , I think I am going to take that experience and run with it.
” The Bills enter this season as the favorites to win the AFC East in the minds of many .
They have largely the same team back that went 10-6 and made the playoffs .
They added wide receiver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another weapon and are expected to have one of the best defenses in football .
It is an immediate challenge for a Jets offense that revamped its line and wide receiving corps in the offseason .
Second-year coach Adam Gase is promising better results on offense this season .
They can ’ t be any worse after finishing dead last in total offense a year ago .
“ I mean , it was atrocious everything last year , just throw it out , all the stats were terrible , ” Gase said this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with very little expected from them .
They could send a message with a win over the Bills .
“ We have a great challenge in going up and facing a division opponent , an opponent that was in the playoffs last year , ” general manager Joe Douglas said early this week .
“ So , I know that there ’ s a lot of hungry guys that want to go out there and just prove a lot of people wrong , frankly .
… I ’ m excited for the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of guys we have going up to Buffalo this weekend .
”

ORCHARD PARK — Different year, same opponent. And the Jets are hoping a different result.
The Jets open the season against the Bills for the second straight year, kicking off their season Sunday at Bills Stadium. A year ago, the Jets had a 16-0 lead in Week 1 at MetLife Stadium. Then, they collapsed in the fourth quarter and lost 17-16, sending the team into tailspin.
A few days later, quarterback Sam Darnold was diagnosed with mononucleosis, which he surely played with in that loss.
“Thanks for reminding me,” Darnold said jokingly this week when asked about looking back at that game.
A year later, the Jets believe they are a better team than the one that stumbled that day. Just three offensive starters for the team that day are expected to start Sunday.
“It was good just to be able to look back on that and see all the improvements we made throughout the year and then in this offseason, all the different things that I learned from the mistakes that I made, not only from that game, but the other weeks that followed that,” Darnold said. “I continued to improve throughout the year, and I feel like all that experience just kind of all builds up and it leads to better games ahead. And so, I think I am going to take that experience and run with it.”
The Bills enter this season as the favorites to win the AFC East in the minds of many. They have largely the same team back that went 10-6 and made the playoffs. They added wide receiver Stefon Diggs to give quarterback Josh Allen another weapon and are expected to have one of the best defenses in football.
It is an immediate challenge for a Jets offense that revamped its line and wide receiving corps in the offseason. Second-year coach Adam Gase is promising better results on offense this season. They can’t be any worse after finishing dead last in total offense a year ago.
“I mean, it was atrocious everything last year, just throw it out, all the stats were terrible,” Gase said this week.
The Jets enter this season with very little expected from them. They could send a message with a win over the Bills.
“We have a great challenge in going up and facing a division opponent, an opponent that was in the playoffs last year,” general manager Joe Douglas said early this week. “So, I know that there’s a lot of hungry guys that want to go out there and just prove a lot of people wrong, frankly. … I’m excited for the season and I’m excited about these group of guys we have going up to Buffalo this weekend.”


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Iran weighing plot to kill US to South Africa: report

The Iranian government is weighing a plot to assassinate the US ambassador to South Africa , a report said on Sunday .
Authorities have been aware of a general threat against ambassador Lana Marks since the spring , but intelligence reports about the plot have become more specific in recent weeks , Politico reported , citing two unnamed government officials .
The intelligence community isn ’ t sure why Iran would target Marks , who does not appear to have any known links to the country , according to the report .
But the plot seems to be an effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration for the killing of its top general Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike in January .
Days after Soleimani ’ s death , Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting two bases housing US forces in Iraq , causing traumatic brain injuries among dozens of American troops .
President Trump announced fresh sanctions on Iran and warned it against other retaliatory moves .
But US officials believe attacking Marks is one of several options Iran ’ s regime is considering as payback .
A personal friend of the late Princess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known Trump for more than two decades .
She was sworn in as US ambassador last October .
The report said that she has been made aware of the possible threat to her life .

The Iranian government is weighing a plot to assassinate the US ambassador to South Africa, a report said Sunday.
Authorities have been aware of a general threat against Ambassador Lana Marks since the spring, but intelligence reports about the plot have become more specific in recent weeks, Politico reported, citing two unnamed government officials.
The intelligence community isn’t sure why Iran would target Marks, who does not appear to have any known links to the country, according to the report.
But the plot seems to be an effort by Iran to retaliate against the Trump administration for the killing of its top general, Qassem Soleimani, in a US drone strike in January.
Days after Soleimani’s death, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting two bases housing US forces in Iraq, causing traumatic brain injuries among dozens of American troops.
President Trump announced fresh sanctions on Iran and warned it against other retaliatory moves.
But US officials believe attacking Marks is one of several options Iran’s regime is considering as payback.
A personal friend of the late Princess Diana, Marks, 66, has known Trump for more than two decades. She was sworn in as US ambassador last October.
The report said she has been made aware of the possible threat to her life.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Joe Judge talks everything Giants before head-coaching debut

One of the most important jobs in football has not ...

Joe Judge will be on the sidelines as a head coach for the first time in his career on Monday night. But before his Giants play host to the Steelers, he sat down for a little question-and-answer with The Post’s Steve Serby.
Q: From the time you were hired, what coaches or people have you used as resources?
A: Well, I’ve used everyone in my own personal network as a resource. I’ve gone from Coach [Bill] Belichick and Coach [Nick] Saban, people that I’ve known throughout the business — whether it be Mike Vrabel, Matt Patricia, Brian Flores, the guys that have gone through similar experiences to myself. I’ve called the other young coaches in the league, guys that have gone through their first year within the last couple of years. And then as well, I’ve reached out to all the former Giants coaches, you have Coach [Bill] Parcells and Coach [Tom] Coughlin, and really kind of lean on them a little bit in terms of this area and what are the things I should be aware of as the head coach here.
Q: What did Coach Coughlin tell you about coaching in this area?
A: Just the respect he had for the area and how special a place it is. There were a lot of things on the phone call that I’ll keep between me and him, but you could feel the passion in his voice when he talked about the area.
Q: And how about Coach Parcells?
A: Same thing. Both guys, I’ll let them speak for themselves, but obviously I could pick up on how special a place it was for each one of them, and obviously the care they had for the organization, people willing to help me going forward, and making my start here.
Q: What do you know about late owner Wellington Mara?
A: The Duke? I know he was very instrumental in the formation of our league, on decisions he made that allowed football to nationally take off as a professional sport, and the benefits we have as a league right now are directly because of his actions of making sure that the revenue sharing went across the league and allowed other teams to have success professionally and bloom in the league.
Q: Who are the people you might be thinking about on opening night?
A: I think someone I always think about before the game obviously is my father, he was always the last phone call, the last conversation I had before any game in my life before he passed away, so even the last couple of years where he’s been gone, I think every game there’s at least a thought before I take the field, what that conversation would have been.
Q: What do you like best about Daniel Jones?
A: I can’t give you one thing, I like a whole lot about him. He’s a pleasure to work with. I love the way he’s matured on the field. I love the way he’s matured personality-wise and as a leader on our team. He was voted captain for a reason. He is a pleasure to work with on a daily basis.
Q: When you played high school quarterback, did you see some of the same things in Daniel that reminds you of you?
A: (Laugh) He’s a starting quarterback in the NFL, he’s a whole lot better than I ever was.
Q: I know that, but I mean leadership-wise.
A: I think there’s similarities to anyone who loves football, and I think we both share that love for the game which comes out in how we work every day.
Q: Your other captains: Dalvin Tomlinson?
A: Leadership, commitment to the team. I think that really kind of goes across the board for all of them, but Dalvin’s a very intelligent person. You can see he takes his time and gathers his thoughts before giving a response. He’s very insightful, and he has everyone’s respect — coaches and players.
Q: Nate Ebner?
A: Nate’s an experienced player, brings a lot of knowledge from what he’s done on the field. For a guy who has a little bit quiet nature, he’s one of the best communicators I’ve ever been around. In meetings and on the field, he gets everybody involved and keeps everybody alert.
Q: Jabrill Peppers?
A: Passion. He’s a ball of energy. I’m really proud to be able to say that he’s on our team. I just love watching him play because he loves football.
Q: Saquon Barkley?
A: His work ethic is tremendous. And I think there’s a lot of things with being a guy who’s got his level of ability, he definitely doesn’t take it for granted, he definitely works every day, and he maximizes everything that he’s been given.
Q: Blake Martinez?
A: Very smart. Again like Nate, he’s a very good communicator, he’s a guy that gets everybody involved, and he’s a great team player. I think that’s probably something that stuck out with our players early on is that he’s a guy who involves everyone on the team in everything we’re doing, and whether it’s meetings or on the field, he’s got a great passion for the game and he’s got a great ability to get others involved with him.
Q: A couple of other players: Andrew Thomas?
A: I love the way Andrew’s worked so far. Obviously he’s under a great challenge this week, going against the matchups he’s gonna have. But he’s a guy that comes in every day and he puts in a full day’s worth of work. Doesn’t say a whole lot unless asked, but he’s a real upbeat personality that when you get him going, it really comes out fast.
Q: Lorenzo Carter?
A: Got a lot of versatility. ’Zo’s a guy that’s played a variety of positions. And he’s fun to be around. He’s always smiling, he’s got great eyes, very observant, very attentive in meetings. He’s always listening, he’s always learning from others’ experiences as well. He brings a lot to our team in terms of how he works on and off the field, the energy he brings. But then also positional value, how he can be a factor in different spots in our packages.
Q: From the start of training camp until now, where has your team made the biggest leap?
A: I think in all areas. They’ve done a good job every day of coming in and being urgent and being focused and making gains in every area of the program, and that’s important.
Q: Do you think it’s an advantage having a young team as far as fourth-quarter conditioning?
A: No, I’ve been on young teams before and I’ve been on old teams before. As a young team, you have to know that you have young legs, but I’ve been on teams where we had an older veteran team, we ran circles around opponents, so to me it goes into who prepares the best through the conditioning.
Q: What do you sense hunger-wise from this team?
A: I think the way they’ve worked for us on a daily basis has demonstrated the commitment to the team, and their commitment to excellence.
Q: How about New York Giants pride?
A: Well actually, we see it in all of our players every day with the way they work. If you have pride in this organization, if you have pride in this area, you have pride being a member of this community, then you come to work every day and you give it 100 percent, and I’ve seen this from the players.
Q: What do you recall about opening day last year, a Patriots home rout of the Steelers?
A: Hey listen, it’s opening day, and you’re going out there trying to have a clean operation as a team. Obviously I remember a lot of excitement. I remember a lot of energy, and you’re in front of a lot of new players getting their first chance to go out there for a regular-season game and trying to help guide them through it.
Q: Do you remember the very first game you coached at MetLife?
A: You know what, I do. It was a preseason game against the Giants (laugh), I remember it distinctly. It’s a beautiful stadium, that kind of stuck out to me right away as far as the size, just the way it’s shaped. It’s a great, classy shape. At the time, I was working with special teams. The first thing that stuck out to me was that’s a very favorable stadium for specialists in terms of the way the wind pattern is, and the way the wind gets going. But I really enjoyed playing here.
Q: What COVID-19 precautions do you take when you leave the building?
A: Well, I think we all have to be very responsible in terms of what we do when we’re outside the building. I think the inside of the building is the safe space. To me, it’s when you leave the building, knowing who you surround yourself with. The sacrifices that all these players’ families and coaches’ families are making to allow this season to happen are tremendous. I don’t think that’s something that should go under the radar, I think it’s something that people need to take note of. … We’re not gonna have fans at our stadium, that means our families can’t be there. My wife and children, the players’ wives and children, they’ve put a lot in to enable us to be able to do what we love and support us from home. And that’s something that the fans will never get a chance to see. But their involvement in this game is heavy, the emotional connection they have to what happens on the field, because it directly affects their livelihood. … To me, it’s the sacrifices they’re making, and where they’re going, who they’re hanging around, really stretching out for the team. I think that’s something people need to really understand and recognize that the people behind the scenes are very, very important. There’s a reason when people have success in the Super Bowls, the families come on the field. Even though you go out there the entire season with your team, with the teammates and the coaches — you’re looking for your family, because they’re every bit a part of this team, have gone through the ups and downs and the struggles, so to me the family is in the background right now. I think there needs to be a lot of credit given to them because they’re doing a lot of things to make this season happen that maybe the fans aren’t aware of.
Q: What would you want to say about the first responders in New York who were under the gun when the pandemic began in March and April?
A: Just point blank, I have respect and appreciation for everybody that comes to our help when we need it. I can’t ask for someone’s help and have them show up and not appreciate them in times where I don’t need their help. Look, obviously we’re dealing with a lot of things, we’re talking through a lot of conversations as a team, as a society, but there’s a lot of appreciation that’s never changed for me in any way.
Q: How have your discussions with your team about social change gone lately?
A: Very good, very productive. We have a culture in this building where we’re open and we’re honest with each other, we look each other in the eye and we’re able to tell each other what we’re thinking. We have the ability to put our feelings aside, and to respect everybody else’s viewpoints and move forward as a team. I think one of the best things about being on a team like this is we understand everybody comes from different backgrounds, everybody has a different story, and that’s what makes us stronger, that’s what makes it unique to be in this profession, this kind of a team. We have to understand that the differences are what make us unique and what make us special.
Q: What is so neat about being head coach of the New York Football Giants?
A: It’s special having the opportunity to come to work for such a storied franchise every day, and being able to represent this area and work with a crew of great players.
Q: Your message to New York Giants fans.
A: We appreciate everything they’re doing. We understand that right now they can’t be at the games. I can assure them that they’re every bit a part of this game. We want them there as soon as possible, and as soon as the gates are opened up for us and some of the stuff clears up, we can’t wait to hear them in the stands with us. And in the meantime, we’re gonna do everything we can to make them proud, to put on a Giants hat, a Giants sweatshirt, and know that what they’re supporting represents how they work on a daily basis with their blue-collar mentality.
Q: And where will the more famous of the two family dogs, Abby Judge, be watching the game?
A: I’m sure she’s gonna be either hooked up on the couch or sleeping at the foot of my bed, one of the two.
Q: Is this a fun job?
A: Absolutely. I get to wake up every day and coach the New York Giants. That’s not work at all.


newyorkpost--2020-09-13--Jets’ dismal showing should leave you fearing the worst

When Bills 27 , Jets 17 was mercifully over , Sam Darnold ...

ORCHARD PARK — Well, that was something
And, yes: Maybe the first Monday of football season is the home office for overreaction, and maybe teams that look like Super Bowl shoo-ins in Week 1 aren’t always as good as they seem, and maybe teams that look like tomato cans in Week 1 don’t always follow the pathway to Palookaville.
But the Jets sure look like one awful football team. You can qualify that any way you like — no preseason games, road opener against a division favorite, lots of moving parts all trying to work themselves onto the same page. And that’s fine. And maybe that makes you feel a little bit better in the wake of this 27-17 loss to the Bills.
(Feel-good mantra: IT COULDA BEEN WORSE!)
“We just really did not play well,” Jets coach Adam Gase said. “It’s disappointing. Watching the guys work all week, the excitement all week …”
His voice trailed off. He shook his head.
“We’ve got a lot to work on,” he said. “We’ve got a lot that’s got to get fixed.”
A lot to get fixed? The Jets, right now, are a football jalopy: a calamity on offense, a catastrophe on defense. The foundational hope, quarterback Sam Darnold, regressed so much, it was like he was playing this game in reverse. The defense, though feisty, is severely undermanned and profoundly overmatched.
Are we missing anything?
“No excuses,” Darnold said. “I have to be better.”
He does, there’s no question about that, or this season that already seemed destined for 5-11 or 6-10 is bound for something more closely resembling 2-14. But it would actually be better if the Jets could just write this off to the growing pains of a stagnating quarterback. This wasn’t that. This was far worse than that.
Think about it: The Jets lost by double digits — you lose by double digits in the NFL, that’s usually a pretty bad day at the office — and the immediate, instinctual response was: It sure felt worse than that. And there’s a reason for that: It was worse than that. It was way worse than that.
Consider: Josh Allen, who otherwise had his way with the Jets defense (302 yards passing, 57 rushing, three touchdowns total) gifted them a couple of fumbles deep in Jets territory. Tyler Bass missed two short field goal attempts. It doesn’t take an awful lot of imagination for 27-17 to become 47-17.
Which would have been a far more representative score for how dreadful the Jets played, with rare exception, on both sides of the ball, for the full 60 minutes.
(Feel-good mantra: IT’S JUST ONE GAME!)
“There’s just so much for us to clean up,” Gase said. “It was a rough game. We didn’t play well enough. We have to get stuff fixed in a short period of time.”
Lucky for the Jets, they get to play at home next Sunday. Less lucky is the opponent: the San Francisco 49ers, who played in the Super Bowl last February and looked, for about 50 of the 60 minutes of that game, like they were going to go home with the Lombardi Trophy. The easy way to describe the 49ers is this way: They’re like the Bills, only probably about 30 percent better. Both sides. All ways.
Oh, yeah.
“Losing sucks,” Darnold says. “No matter who it is.”
But there is losing and then there is losing. Sixteen teams will lose this week and will feel like the sky is falling because that’s what Week 1 overreacting is all about. We can assume there isn’t a lot of Zen going on in Philadelphia on Monday morning, or in Minneapolis, or in Cleveland. Atlanta could probably feel better about itself, and so could Carolina …
(… although old friend Robby Anderson probably feels pretty good about his 75-yard touchdown catch against the Vegas Raiders …)
But most of those cities really are overreacting. Our city — or at least the green half of it? What you’re feeling isn’t an overreaction. If you’re feeling anything other than numb, actually, it probably is an accurate fear that as abysmal as you might have already thought this season would be …
Well, to quote Micheal Ray Richardson, when he was asked just how low things could get for the Knicks one year: “The sky’s the limit.”