Frankie Hejduk ties it up in El Salvador (March 2009) The USMNT has had its ups and downs just like any other national team around the world, but the confidence surrounding the group that has been left over going into September might be at Jae Crowder Jersey an all time high even after a tough lo s in Mexico. The summer months have seen new young stars emerge along with old faces showing their reliability, and I have seen it all. It started back in March with the team resuming its WC 2010 qualifying with an away match in the tough setting that is El Salvador. Lets go along for the ride all over again March/April 2009: The Team Shows their GutsOn a night where El Salvador scored early (15) and then added one late (72), it seemed as though the USMNT was headed for a frustrating road lo s in their return to qualifying. Down one after Altidore headed a Hejduk cro s in, Frankie Hejduk himself posted up near the back post and headed in a deflected corner from the near post in the 88th minute. When that goal went in I almost completely lost it, and it was now only three days away from another qualifier against T&T in Nashville. Jose Altidore had a small coming out party with a hat-trick, and the Yanks showed their worth with a no BS 3-0 win. June 2009: The Yanks Have ArrivedThree days into June and the USMNT were at it again in another unfriendly environment which was Estadio Sapri sa in Costa Rica. Conceding early in the game once again, the US never found their form on a pitch equivalent to my driveway. Frustrating would be word to describe this game and the result, as nothing went the Yanks way all night. Three days later the boys played a home (but basically away) game against Honduras in Chicago. After going down early again (5th minute), it looked as a more competitive Honduras side could easily dismantle the US for an away win. But the boys got going towards the half, with Donavon converting a PK in the 43 and Bocanegra heading home the winner in the 68th minute. A scrappy win, yes, but one that was desperately needed. Now all eyes shifted to the somewhat mysterious Confederations Cup, in which the USMNT had the delight of being grouped with Italy, Brazil, and Eygpt in a two group World Cup tune-up down in South Africa.The US opened the Confederations Cup against Italy on Monday, June 15th. I convinced a couple of buddies to catch the game with me, which was the start of me brainwashing them into following the beautiful game (FIFA 09 helps, too). The Yanks played well, well enough to take the lead into the second half on a PK earned by Altidores pure physical strength. But the sleeping Azzuri awoke in the second half, as American-born Giuseppe Ro si blasted home the equalizer. All downhill from there, 3-1 to the Italians. Three days later Brazil pushed the boys aside for an easy 3-0 win. It seemed as though the USMNT had hit a new low. Many were calling Bob Bradleys decisions a joke, and at the time I couldnt disagree. It just seemed as though the US could not run with the big boys, no matter what the stage. I then wrote about how the Maurice Harkless Jersey US needed a six goal swing to get them into the semis, and how we should all give them our support because we have nothing to lose now. Well, karma was on my side, and the Yanks pulled off the impo sible. Davies, Bradley, and Dempsey all tallied while Brazil magically beat Italy by three as well to send the Stars and Stripes into the semis on the Fathers Day Miracle. The boys played care-free attacking football that paid off. Next up was Spain; the run was fun while it lasted, right? KZ Okpala Jersey The Yanks started off the match against Spain with great pace, going toe to toe with the number one team in the world. 27 minutes in, Jose Altidore greeted the back of the net. Altidore gets control, turns, shoots, GOAL. The USMNT was leading Spain by one, but the real question was that how long will it hold? Five, maybe ten minutes? The US stood their ground for the rest of the game, blocking more shots than Shaq in his prime along with having the least amount of ball po se sion Ive seen since my AYSO days. But it was the Yanks day, as Dempsey found the net on a Spanish defensive error, and it was the United States Mens National Soccer team who ended Spains 35 game unbeaten streak.My emotions of the Brazil game went in this chronological order: grudgingly optimistic (pre-game), excited (up 1), absolutely ecstatic (up 2), over-confident (halftime), quite optimistic (up 1), praying for penalties (tied), shockingly disappointed (down 1), pi sed off (full time). After Donavon and Davies put on a counter-attack that resembled something out of a football textbook, I really thought we would be holding a trophy in 45 minutes time. But instead of standing our ground like we did against Spain, Bob Bradley went into turtle mode and made poor substitutions. Turtle mode allowed for Brazil to swing wide; and next thing I knew the game was over. So the US had just choked a 2-0 lead at halftime, their second time ever doing so in the span of one week, and to Brazil nonethele s. Everyone was saying dont feel so bad, but I couldnt help it. The boys had the animal that is Brazil by the neck, and because of poor coaching they were told to let up. Frustrating to say the least. July 2009: The B TeamThe 2009 Gold Cup quickly became an afterthought to the Confederations Cup when Bob Bradley and company rolled out, to be honest, the reserve USMNT squad to face CONCACAFs best. Being away most of July, I did not catch a single one of the games, but I didnt feel bad about it because of the players involved. Stuart Holden turned some heads, including mine, and I think he will be a fine player to start. I just felt as though the 2009 Cup didnt really matter. The winner of the 2011 Cup will play in the Confederations Cup before Brazil, so that tournament should be a better one than this. Sure I wasnt pleased with the 5-0 lo s to Mexico at home, but I cant blame a clearly inferior squad to Mexicos which was half reserves and half starters. My overall take on July and the Gold Cup: dont sweat it too much. August 2009: Some Good, Mostly BadThe lead up to the Mexico WC Qualifier is like nothing Ive seen. Ma s media coverage, to which Coach Bob Bradley actually has to explain himself as to why the team isnt getting acclimated to Estadio Aztecas altitude, something rare. The TV situation in the US which ultimately led to NBC making a channel they owned called MUN2 free for the day of the game to those who had DirecTV or a cable box around the country. Finally, game day arrives and I am confident. I convince three friends to clear their schedules, and five minutes in I feel like a Jimmy Butler Jersey King. Get out of the half I keep telling the team with my psychic powers. Fifteen minutes later, the let down. Castro has too much space up top, and puts a perfect shot in. Nothing anyone could do about it really, Ill admit, except that he shouldnt have that much space 25 yards out. Then, like someone flipped a switch (Bob Bradley), suddenly the US barley touches the ball the rest of the game. Turtle mode is on and in full swing, which makes me sick to my stomach. A lucky bounce leads to the Mexican goal from 5 yards out, and the game is toast. The Good? Charlie Davies, Oguchi Oneywu, the fact that the US struck early. The Bad? Everything else; including the ref, Donavon with Swine Flu, the disappearance of several key players (my boy Bradley), and Bob Bradley in general. Once again a month leaves USMNT fans with a frustrated feeling to sleep with, and it isnt fun.So that has been the roller coaster summer in a nutshell for USMNT and their supporters. Although some of the on-field play has left fans frustrated, the team is arguably at an all time high along with support and media attention for the Yanks. I still believe the confidence is there, and I think with a solid showing in early September against an El Salvador side who took us to the Gabe Vincent Jersey brink and clearly outplayed us in El Salvador back in March could really be another step up.But now its your turn. What was your favorite part of the summer? Disappointed you mi sed any certain game? Who do you think was the breakout player in all of this? What is your take on the Gold Cup roster scenario? How about the Brazil game? Let me know in the comments. And on a housekeeping note, I will be looking back soon as to what we have learned this summer about specific players and we will also create a prospect list as to whos waiting in the wings for WC 2010. So check back often.

We'll soon find out who chooses as the ' starting quarterback in Indianapolis.Cleveland players have been strong in their support of , a well-liked veteran who helped guide the to the heart of the AFC playoff race. But Hoyer's recent struggles cannot Ryan Reaves Men Jersey be ignored, nor can the instant impact rookie made against the ."I was excited to see him get a chance to show the league what he can do," said defensive end ,. "He went out there and made everything Erik Haula Women Jersey come to life."Manziel led the on an , capping the march with into the end zone."It makes you hesitate because the kid can take off and go," Winn said of opposing defenses. "He can fly. Johnny can fly. It's exciting. He's definitely Shea Theodore Men Jersey an exciting guy to watch."You never know what he's going to do. You want a quarterback that can stay in the pocket and put it where it needs to be, but he's one of these guys that if his read's not there, he's going to take Garret Sparks Kids Jersey off and pick up what he can get."It's that X-factor that makes you think it will be difficult for Pettine to not turn to the rookie against the . Cleveland needs a spark, and that's exactly why Manziel was brought to town in the first place.The latest Brendan Leipsic Men Jersey Around The NFL Podcast and debates whether deserves the starting job. Find more Around The NFL content on .

fans can turn in their rabbits' feet, four-leaf clovers, horseshoes and wishbones. The charms extracted every last trace of luck over the on Monday night.With stopped in his tracks and No. 1 receiver pulling down only Xavier Ouellet Men Jersey one catch, the clawed out a tough early-season road win thanks to a slew of miscues, a pair of beneficial calls, several clutch third-down conversions and a gritty red-zone stand to end the po sibility of overtime.Safety delivered the quickest pick-six in Monday Night Football history, taking an ill-advised screen pa s to the house for an early lead.Heavily indebted to a fumbled punt return and an iffy 33-yard pa s interference Luke Glendening Jersey penalty, the had the staring down the wrong end of a 14-0 barrel five minutes into the game.'s squad had plenty of chances to take control in the second and third quarters, none better than an apparent fumble that would have been returned Valtteri Filppula Women Jersey for a game-shifting touchdown had the officials not prematurely whistled the play dead.To Chicago's credit, though, Ryan's defense couldn't get off the field at key moments on several series, highlighted by a desperation back-foot Cutler heave to that extended a fourth-quarter drive to put the back up by eight points.For all the funny bounces Pavel Datsyuk Jersey and , Smith got the ball back with three minutes to play and a chance to tie. He watched the last of five consecutive red-zone pa ses land safely in 's hands, only to see both feet land out of the back of the end zone on fourth down.Despite being outgained by 157 yards, the escaped with a precious victory and a share of the NFC North lead. Their good fortune won't be taken for granted against an upcoming schedule that features home bouts versus the and and road games against the , and ahead Luke Glendening Kids Jersey of the Week 9 bye.The latest recaps all of the Week 3 action and picks

general manager Brandon Beane backed the job coach Sean McDermott did in the face of criticism and a midseason slump on Tuesday, while dismi sing the notion the team has plateaued after being eliminated in the divisional playoff round for a third consecutive season.At the same time, Beane raised a red flag in a se sing offseason challenges he faces rebuilding a roster that currently features 22 pending unrestricted free agents nine of them regulars while being handcuffed by salary cap restraints."Obviously, Im going to have to be creative with the cap, and I dont think I need to say it, but I Tyler Pitlick Jersey dont think youre gonna see any splashes," he said during a lengthy end-of-season news conference two days after a lo s to ."Even if I found something that was exciting to me, I dont think it would fit within our parameters," said Beane, whose team is projected Dino Ciccarelli Women Jersey to need to clear more than $40 million in payroll before the NFL's signing period opens in March. "Well work around it. Were not planning to take a year off and just not be competitive."ADVERTISEMENT The Bills are coming off a 12-7 finish in which they overcame a rash of defensive injuries and the midseason firing of their offensive coordinator by closing with five straight wins to claim their fourth straight AFC East title.After a playoff-opening 31-17 win over Pittsburgh, Buffalos lo s to Kansas City re-emphasized questions over the teams short-comings. During the Bills five-year playoff run, they've been eliminated by Kansas City three times, including the 2020 AFC championship game, as well as Cincinnati in the divisional round last year, and Houston in a wild-card outing in the 2019 season playoffs."I dont subscribe to the window as closing or its closed," Beane said. "While were extremely disappointed, nobodys more disappointed than me, Im also not going to just throw the whole season out Jon Casey Jersey and say, `Lets tear this thing up and start over.'"He then credited McDermott for how the Bills remained competitive, with their seven lo ses decided by six points or le s.What went wrong for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills? "Those come down to a play here or there. And there wasnt anything in those games where youre going, `Man, he really botched this or botched that," Beane said. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily. Completing his seventh season in Buffalo, McDermott spoke earlier in the day and said the lo s to the Chiefs further motivates him to do better."I can promise you, that fire burns within me as bright as it did the year before, if not more," McDermott said. "Were disappointed, yes, but not broken."Beane and McDermott touched on a variety of other topics: Beane said the team has received no updates on the Dallas police Ben Bishop Kids Jersey investigation into edge rusher Von Miller after he was accused of allegedly a saulting his girlfriend, who is pregnant, in November. As for Millers subpar on-field production in returning from right knee surgery, Beane said he saw a player who was showing improvement over the course of the season. McDermott credited Joe Brady for the job he did in closing the season as interim offensive coordinator in taking over after Ken Dorsey was fired in mid-November. McDermott said he values quarterback backing of Brady, but said a decision on the position hasnt yet been made. Beane said Brady "deserves serious consideration." McDermott hasnt determined whether hell continue overseeing defensive play-calling duties in taking over the responsibility last season after defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier elected to take the year off. Beane rallied to Tyler Ba s defense after the kicker mi sed a potential game-tying 44-yard field goal wide right with 1:43 left in the lo s to the Chiefs. "Hes going to be a big part of what were doing going forward," Beane Andrej Sekera Men Jersey said. "Theres no wavering of support in this building."Reporting by The A sociated Pre s. FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Football League Buffalo Bills

Friday's Jaylen Adams Jersey health and safety news from the world of football: that the are trying to gain an edge through using technology, from iPads to secret military virtual reality. that the are bracing for a suspension to defensive lineman Josh Seth Curry Jersey Brent, who served five months in jail for a drunk driving conviction and accident that killed former teammate Jerry Brown. the football team for the Indiana School for the Deaf and Mario Hezonja Jersey how it makes the players "feel equal." how football helmets have evolved over the years and have helped to prevent head injuries. that the new state concu sion law means public and private schools are governed by different rules Bill Walton Jersey . how concu sion management has evolved through iPad* tests. at one area high school using the Guardian Cap to try to prevent concu sions. a report on a study that says concu sion recovery can reverse after return to activity Al-Farouq Aminu Jersey . on a concu sion device by area inventors that is using a Kickstarter campaign for development.-- Bill Bradley, contributing editor

Uncertainty about Jameis Winston's alleged role in an alleged sexual a sault didn't prevent the Florida State quarterback Gregory Rousseau Jersey from winning the Heisman Trophy in 2013. But nearly a year later, the third-year sophomore hasn't helped his chances of repeating -- on the field, or off. Former Heisman winner Doug Flutie, however, sees Winston's off-field reputation as the Tyrel Dodson Jersey biggest obstacle to repeating."I think it will very much affect his run for the Heisman," Flutie "There are a percentage of guys that will not vote for him because of it."While Winston did not face criminal charges in the sexual a sault case, he faces a school code of conduct hearing on Dec. 2 regarding the incident. He could be charged with as many as four violations of FSU's student code of conduct, including two regarding sexual behavior. On the field, Winston isn't having nearly as Jordan Poyer Jersey strong a year statistically as he did in 2013 as a redshirt freshman. He has thrown just 18 touchdown pa ses, as opposed to 40 last season, and a career-high 12 interceptions. Still, Flutie believes Winston is taking on a larger role in the FSU offense this year."Although this year's numbers aren't what they were a year ago, I honestly believe he's done more for Joe Delamielleure Jersey that team because he's doing more," Flutie said. "... That's what has made him great. He's carried the weight of Kahale Warring Jersey the team on his shoulders."Ohio State's Archie Griffin is the only player to win the Heisman twice (1974-75).That record looks plenty safe for at least another year.*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter *.

We've long for Brett Favre's cameo in the blockbuster 90s comedy There's Something About Mary J.T. Compher Kids Jersey . I mean, how can you not take immense joy out of a performance so gloriously wooden, Favre is unable to even walk in an authentic manner?(Seriously, watch Favre approach Cameron Diaz from :04 to :06 mark of . He looks like an extra from .)It was one of the great NFL cameos ever, and on Wednesday's episode of The Rich Eisen Show -- -- Rich had Mary directors Peter and Bobby Farrelly in studio with Favre live via satellite from Wrangler Manor in Mi si sippi."Well first of all it was a long time ago, so my memory recall is not very good," Favre said of the 1998 film. "I just remember it being a lot of fun. It was something very different from what I'd Tyson Jost Jersey been used to. If I ever felt like a rookie, this was the time. The guys were patient, very nice, enjoyed the crew. My wife and I went down, went out to dinner with the whole crew."The Farrelly brothers revealed to Eisen that Favre was actually the third choice for the role. The directors -- who have New Nicolas Meloche Men Jersey England roots -- originally casted then- star Drew Bledsoe, who had to drop out after an ugly at an Everclear concert. This is officially the most 90s Around The NFL post ever.Steve Young was option No. 2 -- Mary even refers to him as her dream man in the film -- but Young politely declined citing the Mormon children who would flock to the R-rated comedy if he were in it.They settled on Favre, who until Wednesday was unaware he was the third choice."Had I known that I would have never done it," he said with a Matt Nieto Men Jersey smile.As for Bledsoe, it's yet another case of what-might-have-been."It's one of my great regrets in life that I didn't take that part," . "I know the movie would've had a succe sful run had I been in it. Had I taken that part instead of Brett, we're talking Academy Awards and John Wensink Jersey all those things."Before Bledsoe got Brady'd, he was Fav-rah'd.The latest Around The NFL Podcast from an action-packed Week 9. Find more Around The NFL content on .

The ' so-called backfield battle has failed to achieve liftoff Drew Bledsoe Jersey this summer.With just one week into practice following arthroscopic knee surgery, remains the rock-solid bet to start against the .Moreno, meanwhile, is still shaking off the rust and as a ball carrier, coach told reporters, per The Miami Herald.Philbin wouldn't confirm if Moreno would play in preseason tilt with the . We don't anticipate him playing, and Devin McCourty Jersey neither does NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoporton't expect RB Knowshon Moreno (knee) to play in this week's preseason game. I'm told next week is when he'll debut for MIA. Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) The figure to lean on Miller for early-down work with Moreno seeing snaps on New England Patriots Jersey pa sing downs. Asked about Moreno's progre s as a third Jahlani Tavai Jersey -down option, though, Philbin acknowledged, "I don't know about the pa sing game quite yet. ... He's looking better."After signing Moreno to a one-year, $3 million deal , Miami has received nothing in return. He's bound to make the roster, but Moreno's early-season fantasy value floats somewhere in the aby s here in mid-August.*The latest "" broke down the biggest N'Keal Harry Jersey position battles and . *

In the yearly Big Apple battle for bragging rights on the gridiron, the won the day in their joint practice with the .The Green & White were succe sful against a young, talented Giants squad in every facet of the game. These two teams face off in their preseason finale this Saturday, but today we saw both Jets and Giants starters going at it. There's much to recap from Wednesday's practice in Florham Park, and it should give Jets fans peace of mind Harrison Hand Jersey .The Jets' offensive unit was spectacular against a tough Giants defense. QB Aaron Rodgers looked like his vintage self, completing 16/22 pa ses for 3 touchdowns.WR Garrett Wilson was a walking highlight reel going up against Big Blue, finishing with multiple touchdowns, and spectacular catches. He was simply unguardable against a weak Giants' secondary and it seems that the Rodgers-Wilson Kenny Willekes Jersey duo is going to quite the spectacle in 2024.They dominated noticeably the 11-on-11 drills and backup QB Tyrod Taylor even capped off the practice with a 50+ yard strike to Jason Brownlee for a touchdown.Superstar DB Sauce Gardner was able to join in on the fun after the Brownlee touchdown waving goodbye to the Giants' players and personnel.Sauce Gardner waving goodbye to the after the dominated them James Lynch Jersey at today's joint practice (h/t ) Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) Unfortunately, we didn't get to see a lot of Gardner versus Giants' rookie WR Malik Nabers, but it was a good battle between the two. Both players won reps against one another and Nabers was cognizant of Gardner's gesture, acknowledging it was warranted.They can do that. I mean, they won on the day. Their defense came out, executed well. We beat ourselves today.The Giants' offense led by QB Daniel Jones looked stagnant against a top-tier Jets defense. Jones completed 12/18 pa ses according to SNY's Connor Hughes and only two had traveled more than 8-10 yards. Most of the day was dinking and dunking for Jones and the Giants offense finished their day with a four-and-out in the final two-minute period.It was encouraging to see both the offense and defense look elite for the Jets after an awful Daunte Culpepper Jersey showing in last week's joint practice with the . The Jets had an answer on both units and deserved the well-earned win on the day.It's unclear at the moment who will start in this Saturday's preseason game for the Tyler Conklin Jersey Jets. Many will be looking to the offense to see if Rodgers and others will get a few drives to get a flow going amid their Monday night season opener versus the . If there were any doubts about how this offense may look, today's performance should be a sneak peek of what Jets fans could see come this season.More New York Jets News:

The have seen their share of superstars over the course of the last 25 years. It just so happens that Jim Plunkett Jersey most of them are wide receivers. Right now, Justin Jefferson isn't just the biggest start on the Vikings, he's also the biggest Marcus Allen Jersey non-quarterback star in the National Football League.It's safe to say that he knows greatne s and star power, especially in the land of 10,000 lakes. Alec Ingold Jersey He hs spent some time watching the Minnesota Timberwolves and the incredible Anthony Edwards. Howie Long Jersey After Edwards dropped 43 points and joined Kobe Bryant as the only two players ever with back-to-back 40+ point games at 22 or younger, Jefferson shouted him out on Instagram.real recognize real. (via jjettas2/IG) Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves Las Vegas Raiders Jersey ) The Timberwolves have a special player on their hands and Jefferson recognizes greatne s.