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No team wants to stand out from last season – or even the year before – more than the Cleveland Browns.
They have the chance to prove that all these off-season maneuvers paid off when they hosted their archrivers, the Steelers, on Sunday.
No, it's not fair to fully judge Cleveland's progress in the first game. It is tempting, however, to see how alignment has been revamped and enthusiasm increased.
"Honestly, I prefer not to look back," says Browns coach, Hue Jackson, and why would he have a record of 1-31? & # 39; & # 39; I feel really good in this group. We must prepare to play. It's a big game this week. It's against the best team in our division. It's a huge game. & # 39; & # 39;
The Browns were also not penalized by the fact that Pittsburgh missed one of his best players, the star running back and striker The Vein Bell.
Yet, as Jackson notes, the Steelers have been the cream of the AFC North for a long time, while the Browns have been the oppressed.
Regardless of Bell's status – James Conner is the alternate – the Steelers have a dynamic attack thanks to receiver Antonio Brown, perhaps the best player in the NFL; quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, still strong in his 15th pro season; and a talented offensive line.
"If we start with James, I think everything will be fine," said guard Ramon Foster. & # 39; & # 39; It's a guy who has made progress. He trusted us in him. So, it starts, we ride with him. Without wanting to disrespect (Bell), we have to move. It's a moving train. & # 39; & # 39;
The season began Thursday night when reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Atlanta Falcons 18-12 in a sloppy and penalty-filled game.
Jay Ajayi scored his second touchdown on a 11-yard run with 2:19 left, and the Eagles held off a two-minute drive from Matt Ryan and the Falcons. the line of 5 yards.
The match was marked by penalties, lost passes, missed homework and weak quarterbacks. Foles pitched 117 yards and interception, and Ryan completed less than 50% of his passes. Neither one nor the other have launched for a touchdown.
San Francisco Minnesota
Yes, quarterbacks are getting too much attention these days. Nevertheless, this is a game where they must be the focal point.
The Vikings spent just about the entire state budget in Minnesota for Kirk Cousins after playing two seasons under the franchise label in Washington. While the return of rookie sensation (until it hurts his knee) is quite intriguing for Dalvin Cook, most eyes will be on how Cousins have the most talent around. him.
San Francisco was in QB purgatory a year ago, and then signed a contract for the month of October with Jimmy Garoppolo. The youngster who has not lost seven career starts has also got a huge contract. He will face one of the toughest defenses of the NFL in this case.
New York Jets in Detroit, Monday night
OK, excuse us if, once again, we focus on the quarter. This is Sam Darnold, the only member of the first five passers of this year's draft to start. He has cold blood, a lot of talent and escape.
Of course, he is also a Q-J-E-T-S; The last real franchisee was Joe Namath.
"I know that just being named a starter does not mean we won the game on Monday night," says Southern Cal. "It's great and I'm really happy to be the starting quarterback, but I also know that I have to go and do my job."
He will try to do that against the defensive flair of new Lions coach Matt Patricia. Patricia comes from New England, so the pedigree is impressive.
Los Angeles Rams in Oakland, Monday night
Another newcomer of 2018 – actually a megastar back – is Raiders coach Jon Gruden. Coming out of the ESPN booth, in full swing in Oakland with a lot of money, Gruden has already evolved his power by exchanging the best player of the Raiders, the supreme smuggler Khalil Mack.
This is probably not going to temper the rage in the black hole for the opening game. What could be a Rams club with perhaps the most talented list of the NFL, led by DT Aaron Donald and RB Todd Gurley.
Cincinnati to Indianapolis
Andrew Luck for the Colts is another key returnee (and yes, a QB). A shoulder injury that some people misdiagnosed, according to others, was mismanaged, but it was ruled out for the entire year 2017. In good health, it is elite, even if the training of new coach Frank Reich seems anything but.
Cincinnati brought back Marvin Lewis, the second-longest NFL coach, and also returned to his two best defensemen, Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins. They will try to wreak havoc on Luck.
Tennessee in Miami
Mike Vrabel has won three Super Bowls as linebacker and sometimes receiver of TD. He is picking up a Titans team that has played in the playoffs and upset Kansas City last winter, and is looking to build on that success in South AFC. Offensive Derrick Henry will be on the offensive and CB Malcolm Butler will try to show he deserved to play for the Patriots in the Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia.
The dolphin season could depend on how much Frank Gore left as running back. Gore is nearing fourth place in the list of career rookies, apparently references to the Pantheon.
Washington, Arizona
Like Patricia and, to a lesser extent, Vrabel, the new Cardinals coach, Steve Wilks, made his reputation as a defensive coordinator with Carolina. One thing is certain, the Cardinals will play a more physical style than in recent seasons. At the attack, he recovers a fantastic football against David Johnson on the return.
With the cousin years, Alex Smith has been acquired and will make some mistakes in the quarter. It's not a lot of work with, unless recently signed Adrian Peterson still excels. Do not bet against Peterson.
Jacksonville to New York Giants
Giants owner John Mara calls what happened to his club last season "a perfect storm". New York attempted to straighten the boat by hiring Pat Shurmur as coach and Dave Gettleman as general manager. If the Giants are in good health and the second overall draft pick is Saquon Barkley, it will be LT's second coming – LaDainian Tomlinson, not Lawrence Taylor – it could be a dangerous team.
The first test is massive, largely because after spending 10 minutes at the Super Bowl, the Jags are among the favorites of the AFC. Even more thorny: Tom Coughlin, who led the two-man Giants as a coach and now oversees Jacksonville's football operations, returns to Meadowlands.
Chicago to Green Bay
Tell us how to add spice, that's exactly what Mack will do for the Monsters of the Midway. It may not happen Sunday night at Lambeau Field; let the outstanding defender get into football shape first.
Chicago has hired offensive guru Matt Nagy as a coach, but it is Mack and the D who will probably wear the Bears.
No question who will wear the Packers. Aaron Rodgers is coming back from his shoulder troubles that have derailed the 2017 season. His main interest could be the arrival of Jimmy Graham, who must regain his elite status after several years.
Houston to New England
What could be a very revealing match for the first weekend of the calendar.
Like many teams, the Texans hope to stay away from the injury that ruined them last season. Returning J.J. Watt, probably the best defensive player in the NFL for half a dozen years, and Whitney Mercilus is huge. So he has Deshaun Watson at quarterback after his sensational rookie performance before breaking his knee.
More than ever, New England will focus on defensive improvement. Unless age catches up with him – and he plans to play until he is 45 – Tom Brady at age 41 remains Michael Jordan / Wayne Gretzky of football.
Tampa Bay in New Orleans
The Saints look very jazzy after strong water markings and staff moves allowed them to win the match last season. They had the first two RB Alvin Kamara and CB Marshon Lattimore winners, while Drew Brees will probably set more career records at the age of 39.
It's hard to say the same about a Buccaneers team that will have suspended Jameis Winston's quarterback for three games for violating the league's driving policy. Tampa Bay has been very active in strengthening their defense, a must in the NFC South against Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton.
Kansas City to Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have a lot of love for their second season playing in a football stadium. Rightly, given their strengths in the race to pass and with a balanced offense. Remember, they lost their first four games before finishing 9-7 and barely out of the playoffs.
Not so much love outside the Arrowhead stadium is pitched against the Chiefs, so a road win against AFC West's favorite would bring a massive boost. Coach Andy Reid has a way to win with as much talent as possible, at least in the regular season.
Dallas to Carolina
The big questions in Big D:
– How many times will Zeke Elliott be in the backfield all season?
Can Dak Prescott replicate his great rookie year with Elliott behind him?
-Who will catch the ball with Jason Witten and Dez Bryant gone?
-When a solid pass rush, what does Dallas have in defense?
There are fewer queries in Carolina, although repeating 11-5 in the South of the NFC probably will not be crowned with division. Watch RB Christian McCaffrey for really going out.
Seattle to Denver
Yes, the teams that fought for the NFL crown in 2013 now have that look. The list makeovers are to blame.
The masterful defense of Seattle is being rebuilt, while, apart from the superb Russell Wilson who launched the superb Doug Baldwin, it is difficult to find a lot of back to get excited.
Denver brought Case Keenum after being Minnesota's quarterback in the NFC championship game in his first tee-off. It's the Orange Crush defense, however, that will have to swing games for the Broncos.
Buffalo to Baltimore
Sorry, but we'll finish with more quarterbacks.
This could have been a glimpse of the first two of April, Buffalo's Josh Allen versus Lamar Jackson of Baltimore. Both will come on the bench, however, and at least in the case of the Bills, it's understandable. Coach Sean McDermott probably did not want Allen to make his debut against the aggressive and powerful defense of the Ravens.
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More NFL AP: https://apnews.com/tag/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP-NFL
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