Football,f1 motorsports,NBA,Premier League

We are already in week 9 of the NFL season. Week 8 is usually considered the half way point of the NFL season. Since we are right around the halfway mark for the season, it’s a great time to look at a few players who might call it a career after this season. Some of these players could be in the Hall of Fame in a few years. Some could also be tired of just sitting on the bench and are ready to just call it a career.

Honorable Mention: Adam Vinatieri, Phil Dawson, Troy Polamalu, Terence Newman and Dwight Freeney.

We are already in week 9 of the NFL season. Week 8 is usually considered the half way point of the NFL season. Since we are right around the halfway mark for the season, it’s a great time to look at a few players who might call it a career after this season. Some of these players could be in the Hall of Fame in a few years. Some could also be tired of just sitting on the bench and are ready to just call it a career.

Honorable Mention: Adam Vinatieri, Phil Dawson, Troy Polamalu, Terence Newman and Dwight Freeney.

We are already in week 9 of the NFL season. Week 8 is usually considered the half way point of the NFL season. Since we are right around the halfway mark for the season, it’s a great time to look at a few players who might call it a career after this season. Some of these players could be in the Hall of Fame in a few years. Some could also be tired of just sitting on the bench and are ready to just call it a career.

Honorable Mention: Adam Vinatieri, Phil Dawson, Troy Polamalu, Terence Newman and Dwight Freeney.

We are already in week 9 of the NFL season. Week 8 is usually considered the half way point of the NFL season. Since we are right around the halfway mark for the season, it’s a great time to look at a few players who might call it a career after this season. Some of these players could be in the Hall of Fame in a few years. Some could also be tired of just sitting on the bench and are ready to just call it a career.

Honorable Mention: Adam Vinatieri, Phil Dawson, Troy Polamalu, Terence Newman and Dwight Freeney.

Through 8 weeks of the NFL Season we have seen some running backs surprise us, like DeMarco Murray rushing for over 100 yards in all 8 games so far this season. We have also seen some running backs
disappoint us, like Jamaal Charles failing to surpass 100 rushing yards yet this season and starting the season with 23 rushing yards in the first two games.

Here are the best Running Backs in the NFL so far this season. If you expected to see Eddie Lacy, Marshawn Lynch, and Jamaal Charles on this list or LeSean McCoy high on this list, do yourself a favor and
head directly down to the comments section and start complaining.

Honorable Mention: Lamar Miller, Ronnie Hillman, Brandon Oliver, Shane Vereen, and the combination of Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon.

Without further delay, here are the best Running Backs in the NFL this season through Week 8.

Through 8 weeks of the NFL Season we have seen some running backs surprise us, like DeMarco Murray rushing for over 100 yards in all 8 games so far this season. We have also seen some running backs
disappoint us, like Jamaal Charles failing to surpass 100 rushing yards yet this season and starting the season with 23 rushing yards in the first two games.

Here are the best Running Backs in the NFL so far this season. If you expected to see Eddie Lacy, Marshawn Lynch, and Jamaal Charles on this list or LeSean McCoy high on this list, do yourself a favor and
head directly down to the comments section and start complaining.

Honorable Mention: Lamar Miller, Ronnie Hillman, Brandon Oliver, Shane Vereen, and the combination of Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon.

Without further delay, here are the best Running Backs in the NFL this season through Week 8.

Through 8 weeks of the NFL Season we have seen some running backs surprise us, like DeMarco Murray rushing for over 100 yards in all 8 games so far this season. We have also seen some running backs
disappoint us, like Jamaal Charles failing to surpass 100 rushing yards yet this season and starting the season with 23 rushing yards in the first two games.

Here are the best Running Backs in the NFL so far this season. If you expected to see Eddie Lacy, Marshawn Lynch, and Jamaal Charles on this list or LeSean McCoy high on this list, do yourself a favor and
head directly down to the comments section and start complaining.

Honorable Mention: Lamar Miller, Ronnie Hillman, Brandon Oliver, Shane Vereen, and the combination of Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon.

Without further delay, here are the best Running Backs in the NFL this season through Week 8.

No Todd Gurley, no problem. Georgia still wins. Questions about Jameis Winston still creep around the campus at Florida State. No problem, the Seminoles have won 22 straight games. Alabama wins, but there are still questions as Arkansas plays the Tide tough. Auburn loses to the Bulldogs and the state of Mississippi erupts in banter and cheer as the state now claims the top and third spot in the college rankings.

Yes, the south has risen again.

In any event, the Heisman Trophy figures to have a huge southern flavor or southern influence again this season, making it difficult for the west and Midwest to catch up. This isn’t a southern or east coast bias, it’s just the truth.

Here are the top seven candidates today.

7. SHANE CARDEN. ECU

Carden and ECU had just enough in the tank to get past upset-minded South Florida, though just-good-enough performances won't lift Carden higher on the Heisman list or continue ECU's path for a major bowl. The production has been there, however, and Carden and this offense should regain top-notch form against some of the American's weakest teams.

6. BRYCE PETTY, BAYLOR

His 510-yard, six-touchdown performance in leading Baylor through a 21-point deficit and past TCU should help us forget Petty's early season, which was stymied and slowed by a painful back injury.

Baylor is now the fourth ranked team in the nation and a serious contender for a playoff spot.

5. AMEER ABDULLAH, NEBRASKA

Despite his lackluster performance in the Cornhuskers' loss to Michigan State. That'll be an aberration: Abdullah will rebound to near the 2,000-yard mark when all is said and done, and if in conjunction with a 10-win regular season should keep him among the top five throughout the season.

4. EVERETTE GOLSON, NOTRE DAME

Golson threw for 300 yards and three scores and ran for 71 yards in the Fighting Irish's 50-43 shootout win over North Carolina.

The game this weekend in Tallahassee could be his showcase game that will kick him up a few notches in the eyes of the voters. Should Notre Dame run the table, Golson will appear in New York.

3. MELVIN GORDON, WISCONSIN

Gordon found the end zone four times against a soft Illinois defense. He finished the day with 175 yards on 27 carries. It was Gordon's fifth game of the season with at least 140 rushing yards.

He is quickly becoming a favorite of the NFL. Gurley figures to be the first back chosen, but Gordon is winning teams over with his grit.

2. MARCUS MARIOTA, OREGON

Oregon's QB was 17-for-27, passing for 210 yards and two touchdowns, but he was even deadlier on the ground. Mariota rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. Maybe most importantly, he wasn't sacked.

The Arizona loss was a blemish on his resume, but he can still re-take the Heisman lead should the Bulldogs stumble or loss in the Egg Bowl.

1. DAK PRESCOTT, MISSISSIPPI STATE

Against No. 2 Auburn, Prescott rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns. He also overcame two costly interceptions to finish 18-for-34 with another touchdown through the air. Altogether: 367 all-purpose yards and a big win at home.

Now that the Bulldogs are No. 1 in the most recent polls, as long as the team wins and Prescott shines, he is the front runner.

This isn’t 1993. This isn’t about Charlie Ward or a stinging defense or Matt Frier crying after the game – begging pollsters to give the Seminoles one more chance at a national title. This isn’t about South Bend or Lou Holtz or changing history or losing the following week to Boston College.

This is 2014. This is about FSU trying to remain undefeated. This is about Everette Golson having a chance to do the unthinkable and end a 22-game losing streak. This is about the Fighting Irish proving they are as good as their No. 5 ranking says they are.

This may not be the “Game of the Century” as the contest 21 years ago was promoted as, but it is pretty important for both teams and their chances of winning a national title.

And for the Florida State Seminoles, who are arguably the most hated team in college sports today, their star quarterback cannot have a poor game. That would only magnify the issues the redshirt-sophomore has faced in recent weeks, both on and off the field.

Here are five things to know about this contest.

THE LAST ONE STANDING

It is a potential Playoff elimination game. Both teams are flawed but undefeated, with FSU (6-0, No. 2) dealing with injuries and inconsistency (and a tendency to only look good when it absolutely has to) and Notre Dame (6-0, No. 5) flirting with disaster before getting bailed out by quarterback Everett Golson.

WHERE DO THEY STAND?

This game will help us figure out the narrative for the second half of the season. Is this where FSU finally finds its groove? Is this where we figure out exactly how seriously we should be taking Notre Dame? Are these teams what we thought they were two months ago?

FINDING HIS TARGETS

Due to either strengths (Jameis Winston to Rashad Greene) or weaknesses (Karlos Williams averaging just 4.8 yards per carry), Florida State has passed with a higher frequency this season than in 2013. The Seminoles have been pretty good at it, though Winston got a little bit careless with the ball against NC State and Oklahoma State (five touchdowns, four interceptions).

On standard downs, Winston has targeted Greene frequently (37 targets, 23 catches, 337 yards) while still feeding efficiency targets Nick O'Leary (21 targets, 17 catches, 187 yards) and Jesus Wilson (18 targets, 13 catches, 124 yards). On passing downs, it's been Greene or bust -- his 30 passing-downs targets (with 21 catches and 346 yards) are more than that of the next three targets (O'Leary, Wilson, Travis Rudolph) combined.

THE DOUBLE EDGE SWORD

Basically, Notre Dame is on average worse against the pass than against the run, and Florida State is more than happy to pass 60-plus percent of the time if it needs to. FSU will occasionally try to run, and the 'Noles will have Williams back after he missed the Syracuse game with injury. (His backups, Dalvin Cook and now-injured Mario Pender, were actually more efficient and explosive than Williams had been.)

That probably means a lot of passes to Greene, the best receiver Notre Dame has faced this year, but if Notre Dame blankets him like it did Montgomery, that will put pressure on not only Winston, but also O'Leary, Wilson, and others in a high-ceiling, low-experience receiving corps.

HOPE FOR THE IRISH

if Notre Dame wins, it will be because Everett Golson had a lovely game with his arm.

In the absence of suspended former leading receiver DaVaris Daniels, sophomore William Fuller has emerged as a quality No. 1 guy, averaging 10.0 yards per target over about 8.3 targets per game. If the run is working at all, he and Corey Robinson can provide play-fake threats on standard downs, and Fuller, Robinson, and C.J. Procise have combined to average a decent 8.0 yards per target on passing downs.

FSU's pass defense has been a bit unstable. Four of six opponents have produced passer ratings under 130.0, and in the last two weeks, Wake Forest and Syracuse found little to no success through the air. But both of those teams stink at passing, and two offenses that don't (Clemson and NC State) found a little success: 54-for-83, 665 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, albeit with five sacks.

TROUBLE WITH THE LEGS

Because you can run on FSU, and because FSU can't always run on you, the Seminoles are vulnerable to field flipping, and while Beatty has improved (FSU ranks a mighty 89th in Net Punting), he still leaves something to be desired. Punting is the primary reason why FSU ranks just 57th in special teams efficiency despite having an incredible place-kicker in Roberto Aguayo.

As a whole, Florida State's offensive stats look worse than they should -- Jameis Winston missed the Clemson game, and FSU has faced solid run defenses. The Seminoles have advantages to exploit, but if they're working on a field that is 10 yards longer than the one on which Notre Dame is working, it will be difficult to make up the advantage. FSU doesn't have to win the field position battle, but the 'Noles can't lose it too badly.

PREDICTION

FSU 34 NOTRE DAME 27

No Todd Gurley, no problem. Georgia still wins. Questions about Jameis Winston still creep around the campus at Florida State. No problem, the Seminoles have won 22 straight games. Alabama wins, but there are still questions as Arkansas plays the Tide tough. Auburn loses to the Bulldogs and the state of Mississippi erupts in banter and cheer as the state now claims the top and third spot in the college rankings.

Yes, the south has risen again.

In any event, the Heisman Trophy figures to have a huge southern flavor or southern influence again this season, making it difficult for the west and Midwest to catch up. This isn’t a southern or east coast bias, it’s just the truth.

Here are the top seven candidates today.

7. SHANE CARDEN. ECU

Carden and ECU had just enough in the tank to get past upset-minded South Florida, though just-good-enough performances won't lift Carden higher on the Heisman list or continue ECU's path for a major bowl. The production has been there, however, and Carden and this offense should regain top-notch form against some of the American's weakest teams.

6. BRYCE PETTY, BAYLOR

His 510-yard, six-touchdown performance in leading Baylor through a 21-point deficit and past TCU should help us forget Petty's early season, which was stymied and slowed by a painful back injury.

Baylor is now the fourth ranked team in the nation and a serious contender for a playoff spot.

5. AMEER ABDULLAH, NEBRASKA

Despite his lackluster performance in the Cornhuskers' loss to Michigan State. That'll be an aberration: Abdullah will rebound to near the 2,000-yard mark when all is said and done, and if in conjunction with a 10-win regular season should keep him among the top five throughout the season.

4. EVERETTE GOLSON, NOTRE DAME

Golson threw for 300 yards and three scores and ran for 71 yards in the Fighting Irish's 50-43 shootout win over North Carolina.

The game this weekend in Tallahassee could be his showcase game that will kick him up a few notches in the eyes of the voters. Should Notre Dame run the table, Golson will appear in New York.

3. MELVIN GORDON, WISCONSIN

Gordon found the end zone four times against a soft Illinois defense. He finished the day with 175 yards on 27 carries. It was Gordon's fifth game of the season with at least 140 rushing yards.

He is quickly becoming a favorite of the NFL. Gurley figures to be the first back chosen, but Gordon is winning teams over with his grit.

2. MARCUS MARIOTA, OREGON

Oregon's QB was 17-for-27, passing for 210 yards and two touchdowns, but he was even deadlier on the ground. Mariota rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. Maybe most importantly, he wasn't sacked.

The Arizona loss was a blemish on his resume, but he can still re-take the Heisman lead should the Bulldogs stumble or loss in the Egg Bowl.

1. DAK PRESCOTT, MISSISSIPPI STATE

Against No. 2 Auburn, Prescott rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns. He also overcame two costly interceptions to finish 18-for-34 with another touchdown through the air. Altogether: 367 all-purpose yards and a big win at home.

Now that the Bulldogs are No. 1 in the most recent polls, as long as the team wins and Prescott shines, he is the front runner.

No Todd Gurley, no problem. Georgia still wins. Questions about Jameis Winston still creep around the campus at Florida State. No problem, the Seminoles have won 22 straight games. Alabama wins, but there are still questions as Arkansas plays the Tide tough. Auburn loses to the Bulldogs and the state of Mississippi erupts in banter and cheer as the state now claims the top and third spot in the college rankings.

Yes, the south has risen again.

In any event, the Heisman Trophy figures to have a huge southern flavor or southern influence again this season, making it difficult for the west and Midwest to catch up. This isn’t a southern or east coast bias, it’s just the truth.

Here are the top seven candidates today.

7. SHANE CARDEN. ECU

Carden and ECU had just enough in the tank to get past upset-minded South Florida, though just-good-enough performances won't lift Carden higher on the Heisman list or continue ECU's path for a major bowl. The production has been there, however, and Carden and this offense should regain top-notch form against some of the American's weakest teams.

6. BRYCE PETTY, BAYLOR

His 510-yard, six-touchdown performance in leading Baylor through a 21-point deficit and past TCU should help us forget Petty's early season, which was stymied and slowed by a painful back injury.

Baylor is now the fourth ranked team in the nation and a serious contender for a playoff spot.

5. AMEER ABDULLAH, NEBRASKA

Despite his lackluster performance in the Cornhuskers' loss to Michigan State. That'll be an aberration: Abdullah will rebound to near the 2,000-yard mark when all is said and done, and if in conjunction with a 10-win regular season should keep him among the top five throughout the season.

4. EVERETTE GOLSON, NOTRE DAME

Golson threw for 300 yards and three scores and ran for 71 yards in the Fighting Irish's 50-43 shootout win over North Carolina.

The game this weekend in Tallahassee could be his showcase game that will kick him up a few notches in the eyes of the voters. Should Notre Dame run the table, Golson will appear in New York.

3. MELVIN GORDON, WISCONSIN

Gordon found the end zone four times against a soft Illinois defense. He finished the day with 175 yards on 27 carries. It was Gordon's fifth game of the season with at least 140 rushing yards.

He is quickly becoming a favorite of the NFL. Gurley figures to be the first back chosen, but Gordon is winning teams over with his grit.

2. MARCUS MARIOTA, OREGON

Oregon's QB was 17-for-27, passing for 210 yards and two touchdowns, but he was even deadlier on the ground. Mariota rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. Maybe most importantly, he wasn't sacked.

The Arizona loss was a blemish on his resume, but he can still re-take the Heisman lead should the Bulldogs stumble or loss in the Egg Bowl.

1. DAK PRESCOTT, MISSISSIPPI STATE

Against No. 2 Auburn, Prescott rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns. He also overcame two costly interceptions to finish 18-for-34 with another touchdown through the air. Altogether: 367 all-purpose yards and a big win at home.

Now that the Bulldogs are No. 1 in the most recent polls, as long as the team wins and Prescott shines, he is the front runner.

It's easy to lose sight of the fact that there are real people with real lives that contribute to this game we love. Between just getting caught up in the action on the field itself to all the off the field issues which are prevalent, we tend to forget that the men on the field are not robots, they are human beings with families, just like the rest of us.

Devon Still was selected in the 2nd round of the 2012 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He played for 4 years at Penn State, earning the 2011 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award amongst many other accolades. Still played both the 2012 and 2013 seasons for the Bengals.

Earlier in 2014, Still's daughter, Leah Sari, was diagnosed with cancer. Understandably, Devon's focus completely shifted to caring for his child, saying "Sports is not more important than me being there while my daughter is fighting for her life." In addition to focusing on his daughter, Still was battling his own injuries through training camp and did not make the Bengals roster for 2014. Devon understood the decision, saying "I can't give Football 100% right now."

Certainly a tough decision, the Bengals have done everything they can to support Still and his family during this trying time. In fact, the outpouring of support from around the league and its fans has been overwhelming. While a lot of negativity has swirled around the league all year, this has truly been a moment where many have reminded us of some positive things. A few examples:

• The Bengals immediately offered him a spot on the practice squad so he could continue paying for his Daughter's treatment
• Cincinnati continued selling Still's jersey to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research, donating profits to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
• New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton personally purchased and donated 100 jerseys.
• During a SNF game at New England, the Patriots organized several tributes, including a video tribute for Leah and the Pats cheerleaders wearing Still's Bengals jersey. Patriots owner Robert Kraft also donated to the Hospital in Leah's name.
• A video Devon posted on Instagram of him speaking to his daughter pre-surgery went viral.
• Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly sent flowers and gifts to Leah.
• An outpouring of support from fans on Twitter - #StillStrong.
• Still shaved his head and will only grow his hair back when Leah's does.

In addition to the above, the story has received enormous media attention. Still has shown incredible courage and heart, and provides a tremendous role model for parents, other players, and generally all of us. Still returned to the active roster for a game against the Atlanta Falcons, and has since recorded seven tackles. Leah underwent surgery to remove her tumor and continues to recover.

It's easy to lose sight of the fact that there are real people with real lives that contribute to this game we love. Between just getting caught up in the action on the field itself to all the off the field issues which are prevalent, we tend to forget that the men on the field are not robots, they are human beings with families, just like the rest of us.

Devon Still was selected in the 2nd round of the 2012 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. He played for 4 years at Penn State, earning the 2011 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award amongst many other accolades. Still played both the 2012 and 2013 seasons for the Bengals.

Earlier in 2014, Still's daughter, Leah Sari, was diagnosed with cancer. Understandably, Devon's focus completely shifted to caring for his child, saying "Sports is not more important than me being there while my daughter is fighting for her life." In addition to focusing on his daughter, Still was battling his own injuries through training camp and did not make the Bengals roster for 2014. Devon understood the decision, saying "I can't give Football 100% right now."

Certainly a tough decision, the Bengals have done everything they can to support Still and his family during this trying time. In fact, the outpouring of support from around the league and its fans has been overwhelming. While a lot of negativity has swirled around the league all year, this has truly been a moment where many have reminded us of some positive things. A few examples:

• The Bengals immediately offered him a spot on the practice squad so he could continue paying for his Daughter's treatment
• Cincinnati continued selling Still's jersey to raise awareness for pediatric cancer research, donating profits to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
• New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton personally purchased and donated 100 jerseys.
• During a SNF game at New England, the Patriots organized several tributes, including a video tribute for Leah and the Pats cheerleaders wearing Still's Bengals jersey. Patriots owner Robert Kraft also donated to the Hospital in Leah's name.
• A video Devon posted on Instagram of him speaking to his daughter pre-surgery went viral.
• Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly sent flowers and gifts to Leah.
• An outpouring of support from fans on Twitter - #StillStrong.
• Still shaved his head and will only grow his hair back when Leah's does.

In addition to the above, the story has received enormous media attention. Still has shown incredible courage and heart, and provides a tremendous role model for parents, other players, and generally all of us. Still returned to the active roster for a game against the Atlanta Falcons, and has since recorded seven tackles. Leah underwent surgery to remove her tumor and continues to recover.

We are over a quarter of the way through the NFL season. There has been some surprising teams and players so far, but there has also been some disappointing teams and players. Here are the 10 most disappointing players so far (in no particular order).

LeSean McCoy

McCoy is one of the best running backs in the NFL the last couple of years, but this year has been a struggle to say the least. McCoy has yet to have a game where he got over 100 yards on the ground. In 5 games this year, McCoy has rushed for only 273 yards combined with one touchdown. Last year McCoy had three games where he rushed over 150 yards. If Chip Kelly hopes to go far in the playoffs he needs McCoy to get back on track.

Geno Smith

At this point I think we can say the whole New York Jets team has been a disappointment, but i'm only going to focus on Geno Smith. Smith is 22nd in passing yards and in last week's game versus the San Diego Chargers Smith only passed for 27 yards before being replaced by Michael Vick. Rex Ryan better hope Smith gets back on track or it will be a long season.

Montee Ball

This was suppose to be Ball’s year as the number one running back. Ball struggled last year which made Denver Broncos coach John Fox turn to Knowshon Moreno. Moreno had a great season, which then led to Moreno leaving this past offseason to the Miami Dolphins. John Fox was hoping Ball would be able to handle being the starting running back this year in his second year as a pro. Ball has only rushed for 172 yards and one touchdown, and to make things worse Ball hurt his groin last week. He will be out a couple of weeks.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady, the man who has won 3 Super Bowls, 2 Super Bowl MVP’s and 2 time regular season MVP's, has not looked like the Tom Brady we are use to seeing. Many people were wondering two weeks ago if it was time for the New England Patriots to bench Brady and bring in rookie Jimmy Garoppolo. Brady looked better though last week versus the Cincinnati Bengals where he almost threw for 300 yards. So far this season Brady is on pace to throw for under 3,500 yards, which would be his second lowest total since 2001 which is when he became the Patroit's full time starter.

EJ Manuel

This is Manuel’s second year in the NFL. The Bills were hoping that moving up in this year's draft to select wide receiver Sammy Watkins would help Manuel become the Quarterback they envisioned, but things haven't gone according to plan. The Bills benched Manuel for journeyman quarterback Kyle Orton.

Robert Quinn

Fresh off a new 6 year 65.6 million dollar contract extension, people were expecting big things this year from Quinn. Last year Quinn got 19 sacks , which was 3.5 sacks from tying Michael Strahan for the most sacks in a season. So far this season Quinn only has 9 tackles and zero sacks.

Torrey Smith

Smith was suppose to be the number one receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, but so far this year he is 3rd on the team in receiving yards behind Steve Smith and Owen Daniels. Many people are wondering if Torrey is a fit in the new offense under offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. Kubiak’s offense is made for short passes, but Torrey’s game is made for the deep pass.

Percy Harvin

Harvin has had a rough time since signing with the Seattle Seahawks last year. Last year Harvin only played in two games, one regular season game and the Super Bowl. Everyone knows Harvin has the playmaking ability, he just always gets hurt. So far this year he has played all 5 games but he has only 133 yards on 19 catches. Last week against the Washington Redskins Harvin had 3 touchdowns called back because of penalties so maybe Harvin is finally getting started.

Toby Gerhart

This was going to be Gerhart’s time to shine this year. Gerhart was finally going to be set free from being Adrian Peterson’s back up for 4 years with the Minnesota Vikings. Gerhart signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars to be their starting running back this year. So far this year Gerhart has rushed for 123 yards and one touchdown. No, that’s not his stats from one game that’s his stats from 5 combined games. He is 54th in the NFL in rushing yards. Gerhart could possibly be finding his way to the bench as soon as this week.

Cordarrelle Patterson

Patterson was going to be a big part of the Vikings offense this year. Patterson has big playmaking ability, but so far he has yet to show it. His big play game week one was on a 67 yard rushing touchdown. He hasn’t done much since then. He only has 189 receiving yards so far this season. It doesn’t help that the Vikings are 27th in the league in passing yards per game.

We are over a quarter of the way through the NFL season. There has been some surprising teams and players so far, but there has also been some disappointing teams and players. Here are the 10 most disappointing players so far (in no particular order).

LeSean McCoy

McCoy is one of the best running backs in the NFL the last couple of years, but this year has been a struggle to say the least. McCoy has yet to have a game where he got over 100 yards on the ground. In 5 games this year, McCoy has rushed for only 273 yards combined with one touchdown. Last year McCoy had three games where he rushed over 150 yards. If Chip Kelly hopes to go far in the playoffs he needs McCoy to get back on track.

Geno Smith

At this point I think we can say the whole New York Jets team has been a disappointment, but i'm only going to focus on Geno Smith. Smith is 22nd in passing yards and in last week's game versus the San Diego Chargers Smith only passed for 27 yards before being replaced by Michael Vick. Rex Ryan better hope Smith gets back on track or it will be a long season.

Montee Ball

This was suppose to be Ball’s year as the number one running back. Ball struggled last year which made Denver Broncos coach John Fox turn to Knowshon Moreno. Moreno had a great season, which then led to Moreno leaving this past offseason to the Miami Dolphins. John Fox was hoping Ball would be able to handle being the starting running back this year in his second year as a pro. Ball has only rushed for 172 yards and one touchdown, and to make things worse Ball hurt his groin last week. He will be out a couple of weeks.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady, the man who has won 3 Super Bowls, 2 Super Bowl MVP’s and 2 time regular season MVP's, has not looked like the Tom Brady we are use to seeing. Many people were wondering two weeks ago if it was time for the New England Patriots to bench Brady and bring in rookie Jimmy Garoppolo. Brady looked better though last week versus the Cincinnati Bengals where he almost threw for 300 yards. So far this season Brady is on pace to throw for under 3,500 yards, which would be his second lowest total since 2001 which is when he became the Patroit's full time starter.

EJ Manuel

This is Manuel’s second year in the NFL. The Bills were hoping that moving up in this year's draft to select wide receiver Sammy Watkins would help Manuel become the Quarterback they envisioned, but things haven't gone according to plan. The Bills benched Manuel for journeyman quarterback Kyle Orton.

Robert Quinn

Fresh off a new 6 year 65.6 million dollar contract extension, people were expecting big things this year from Quinn. Last year Quinn got 19 sacks , which was 3.5 sacks from tying Michael Strahan for the most sacks in a season. So far this season Quinn only has 9 tackles and zero sacks.

Torrey Smith

Smith was suppose to be the number one receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, but so far this year he is 3rd on the team in receiving yards behind Steve Smith and Owen Daniels. Many people are wondering if Torrey is a fit in the new offense under offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak. Kubiak’s offense is made for short passes, but Torrey’s game is made for the deep pass.

Percy Harvin

Harvin has had a rough time since signing with the Seattle Seahawks last year. Last year Harvin only played in two games, one regular season game and the Super Bowl. Everyone knows Harvin has the playmaking ability, he just always gets hurt. So far this year he has played all 5 games but he has only 133 yards on 19 catches. Last week against the Washington Redskins Harvin had 3 touchdowns called back because of penalties so maybe Harvin is finally getting started.

Toby Gerhart

This was going to be Gerhart’s time to shine this year. Gerhart was finally going to be set free from being Adrian Peterson’s back up for 4 years with the Minnesota Vikings. Gerhart signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars to be their starting running back this year. So far this year Gerhart has rushed for 123 yards and one touchdown. No, that’s not his stats from one game that’s his stats from 5 combined games. He is 54th in the NFL in rushing yards. Gerhart could possibly be finding his way to the bench as soon as this week.

Cordarrelle Patterson

Patterson was going to be a big part of the Vikings offense this year. Patterson has big playmaking ability, but so far he has yet to show it. His big play game week one was on a 67 yard rushing touchdown. He hasn’t done much since then. He only has 189 receiving yards so far this season. It doesn’t help that the Vikings are 27th in the league in passing yards per game.

This Saturday the LSU Tigers travel to the Swamp to face off against the Florida Gators. It has been a down year for both the Tigers and Gators to their standards early on this season. This game on Saturday will go a long ways in determining how the rest of this 2014 season plays out for both teams.

So, the question entering this game is which team needs this victory more, the Gators or the Tigers? It is a question that you have to think about in several different ways.

First off, this game isn’t getting nearly the national attention it has in past years. It is easy to forget that these two teams have combined to win three national titles since 2006. This contest usually has significant national title implications, but this year both have come on hard times and just staying alive in their respective SEC division is all that is at stake.

The Gators have had their issues on offense despite bringing in Kurt Roper from Duke to help Gators’ quarterback Jeff Driskel in the passing game. Driskel has yet to show any signs of major improvement this season and most of the Gators’ success on offense has come from running the football.

Florida plays in the SEC East, which luckily for them is the much easier of the two divisions in the SEC. Florida is 2-1 in SEC play, but listening to people you would swear they were 0-3. The Gators could get a huge boost with a win on Saturday against the Tigers in their quest to win the SEC East.

On the other side the LSU Tigers are in the midst of one of their worst seasons in the past decade. The Tigers had to rally from 24-7 in week one to beat Wisconsin and it has gone downhill from there.

LSU sets at 0-2 in the SEC and unfortunately for them in the tough SEC West that start is basically a death nail for them just a month into the season. The Tigers are in a different position than the Gators this season however.

LSU has had a run of success the past couple of seasons while the Gators were struggling following the departure of Urban Meyer and hiring of Will Muschamp. The Tigers were in contention to play for the national title at some point of the season each of the last four seasons. That is something the Gators cannot say, especially following their 4-8 season last year.

So, Florida clearly needs this game more for the fact Florida’s coach Will Muschamp is on the hot seat, Florida is in need of a winning season and most of all they are still alive in the SEC East. The Gators cannot afford another average season, whereas the Tigers of LSU realize it’s a rebuilding period with freshman quarterback Brandon Harris.

The Gators have a veteran quarterback in Driskel that is expected to win this season and a coach that knows he is gone if the Gators don’t get to nine or ten wins this season. If the Gators lose at home Saturday against LSU, then the hot seat talk picks up once again for Muschamp and their season is basically over in terms of winning the SEC championship.

I believe this game will be a great one to watch despite it not receiving the national attention it does in a normal year. The Gators are in a must win, but the Tigers are in a position where getting valuable road SEC experience is great in itself.

Yes, fans of LSU don’t want to hear this and every game is a must win for every fan base, but in the grand scheme of things I believe 2015 LSU will be right back in the national title conversation.

Florida must win on Saturday and if not the scene is Gainesville, Florida will be a depressing one for Gator fans. It will be an interesting matchup on Saturday in the Swamp, but who comes out on top will go a long way in determining how these two teams finish out the 2014 season.

This Saturday the LSU Tigers travel to the Swamp to face off against the Florida Gators. It has been a down year for both the Tigers and Gators to their standards early on this season. This game on Saturday will go a long ways in determining how the rest of this 2014 season plays out for both teams.

So, the question entering this game is which team needs this victory more, the Gators or the Tigers? It is a question that you have to think about in several different ways.

First off, this game isn’t getting nearly the national attention it has in past years. It is easy to forget that these two teams have combined to win three national titles since 2006. This contest usually has significant national title implications, but this year both have come on hard times and just staying alive in their respective SEC division is all that is at stake.

The Gators have had their issues on offense despite bringing in Kurt Roper from Duke to help Gators’ quarterback Jeff Driskel in the passing game. Driskel has yet to show any signs of major improvement this season and most of the Gators’ success on offense has come from running the football.

Florida plays in the SEC East, which luckily for them is the much easier of the two divisions in the SEC. Florida is 2-1 in SEC play, but listening to people you would swear they were 0-3. The Gators could get a huge boost with a win on Saturday against the Tigers in their quest to win the SEC East.

On the other side the LSU Tigers are in the midst of one of their worst seasons in the past decade. The Tigers had to rally from 24-7 in week one to beat Wisconsin and it has gone downhill from there.

LSU sets at 0-2 in the SEC and unfortunately for them in the tough SEC West that start is basically a death nail for them just a month into the season. The Tigers are in a different position than the Gators this season however.

LSU has had a run of success the past couple of seasons while the Gators were struggling following the departure of Urban Meyer and hiring of Will Muschamp. The Tigers were in contention to play for the national title at some point of the season each of the last four seasons. That is something the Gators cannot say, especially following their 4-8 season last year.

So, Florida clearly needs this game more for the fact Florida’s coach Will Muschamp is on the hot seat, Florida is in need of a winning season and most of all they are still alive in the SEC East. The Gators cannot afford another average season, whereas the Tigers of LSU realize it’s a rebuilding period with freshman quarterback Brandon Harris.

The Gators have a veteran quarterback in Driskel that is expected to win this season and a coach that knows he is gone if the Gators don’t get to nine or ten wins this season. If the Gators lose at home Saturday against LSU, then the hot seat talk picks up once again for Muschamp and their season is basically over in terms of winning the SEC championship.

I believe this game will be a great one to watch despite it not receiving the national attention it does in a normal year. The Gators are in a must win, but the Tigers are in a position where getting valuable road SEC experience is great in itself.

Yes, fans of LSU don’t want to hear this and every game is a must win for every fan base, but in the grand scheme of things I believe 2015 LSU will be right back in the national title conversation.

Florida must win on Saturday and if not the scene is Gainesville, Florida will be a depressing one for Gator fans. It will be an interesting matchup on Saturday in the Swamp, but who comes out on top will go a long way in determining how these two teams finish out the 2014 season.

You could tell by the expression on Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley’s face he was not happy with the results on Sunday. Following a 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bradley was not short on words, and his sentences were succinct – losing is not a part of the team’s culture. After the fifth straight loss of this season and the eighth overall since the Jaguars celebrated a victory which was last season.

One, there definitely was improvement.

“As a team, I truly believe we’re getting better,” Bradley said Monday afternoon, a day after the Jaguars’ 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Field.

Bradley said he saw improvement individually, from a defense that had its best game of the season and from rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.

He also said the team’s spirit and will to improve remains strong – and he said that’s important.

At the same time …

“I also pointed out, to make something clear, that it’s not OK to lose,” Bradley said. “That’s also part of our culture. It is not OK. We set up our culture, we strive to get better, and we strive to be our best all for the very reason so that we can reach the objective of winning.

“It’s that strict. I want to make sure it’s clear to them that it’s not OK. They know it, but I think it’s a message that needs to be stressed.”

After continual double-digit losses, the nine-point loss has to be a step in the right direction. Right now, Jacksonville is one of two teams right now (Oakland) that does not have a victory this season. Fighting for the first pick in the NFL Draft was not what team general manager Dave Caldwell and Bradley had in mind for this season. Instead, there were thoughts by NFL media that this team would compete for a playoff spot. Right now, that is a pipe dream at best.

The Jaguars, after losing their first four games by a combined 152-58, trailed 10-9 early in the fourth quarter Sunday before Steelers cornerback Brice McClain intercepted Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles and scored untouched on a 23-yard return.

The Jaguars held the Steelers offense to 10 points a week after allowing three long pass plays to Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in a 33-14 loss.

“I feel like we’re getting closer,” Bradley said. “Our team feels like we’re getting closer, but it feels like we’re not there yet.  That was really the message for the team. They’re in good spirits, although you can tell it stings them. They felt like we missed an opportunity and we did, but we’ll learn from it and grow and move forward.”

Bradley during his meeting with the media emphasized the play of several players Sunday, including cornerback Demetrius McCray, running back Storm Johnson, defensive end Chris Clemons, safety Johnathan Cyprien and safety Josh Evans.

You could tell by the expression on Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley’s face he was not happy with the results on Sunday. Following a 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bradley was not short on words, and his sentences were succinct – losing is not a part of the team’s culture. After the fifth straight loss of this season and the eighth overall since the Jaguars celebrated a victory which was last season.

One, there definitely was improvement.

“As a team, I truly believe we’re getting better,” Bradley said Monday afternoon, a day after the Jaguars’ 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Field.

Bradley said he saw improvement individually, from a defense that had its best game of the season and from rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.

He also said the team’s spirit and will to improve remains strong – and he said that’s important.

At the same time …

“I also pointed out, to make something clear, that it’s not OK to lose,” Bradley said. “That’s also part of our culture. It is not OK. We set up our culture, we strive to get better, and we strive to be our best all for the very reason so that we can reach the objective of winning.

“It’s that strict. I want to make sure it’s clear to them that it’s not OK. They know it, but I think it’s a message that needs to be stressed.”

After continual double-digit losses, the nine-point loss has to be a step in the right direction. Right now, Jacksonville is one of two teams right now (Oakland) that does not have a victory this season. Fighting for the first pick in the NFL Draft was not what team general manager Dave Caldwell and Bradley had in mind for this season. Instead, there were thoughts by NFL media that this team would compete for a playoff spot. Right now, that is a pipe dream at best.

The Jaguars, after losing their first four games by a combined 152-58, trailed 10-9 early in the fourth quarter Sunday before Steelers cornerback Brice McClain intercepted Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles and scored untouched on a 23-yard return.

The Jaguars held the Steelers offense to 10 points a week after allowing three long pass plays to Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in a 33-14 loss.

“I feel like we’re getting closer,” Bradley said. “Our team feels like we’re getting closer, but it feels like we’re not there yet.  That was really the message for the team. They’re in good spirits, although you can tell it stings them. They felt like we missed an opportunity and we did, but we’ll learn from it and grow and move forward.”

Bradley during his meeting with the media emphasized the play of several players Sunday, including cornerback Demetrius McCray, running back Storm Johnson, defensive end Chris Clemons, safety Johnathan Cyprien and safety Josh Evans.

You could tell by the expression on Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley’s face he was not happy with the results on Sunday. Following a 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bradley was not short on words, and his sentences were succinct – losing is not a part of the team’s culture. After the fifth straight loss of this season and the eighth overall since the Jaguars celebrated a victory which was last season.

One, there definitely was improvement.

“As a team, I truly believe we’re getting better,” Bradley said Monday afternoon, a day after the Jaguars’ 17-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at EverBank Field.

Bradley said he saw improvement individually, from a defense that had its best game of the season and from rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.

He also said the team’s spirit and will to improve remains strong – and he said that’s important.

At the same time …

“I also pointed out, to make something clear, that it’s not OK to lose,” Bradley said. “That’s also part of our culture. It is not OK. We set up our culture, we strive to get better, and we strive to be our best all for the very reason so that we can reach the objective of winning.

“It’s that strict. I want to make sure it’s clear to them that it’s not OK. They know it, but I think it’s a message that needs to be stressed.”

After continual double-digit losses, the nine-point loss has to be a step in the right direction. Right now, Jacksonville is one of two teams right now (Oakland) that does not have a victory this season. Fighting for the first pick in the NFL Draft was not what team general manager Dave Caldwell and Bradley had in mind for this season. Instead, there were thoughts by NFL media that this team would compete for a playoff spot. Right now, that is a pipe dream at best.

The Jaguars, after losing their first four games by a combined 152-58, trailed 10-9 early in the fourth quarter Sunday before Steelers cornerback Brice McClain intercepted Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles and scored untouched on a 23-yard return.

The Jaguars held the Steelers offense to 10 points a week after allowing three long pass plays to Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in a 33-14 loss.

“I feel like we’re getting closer,” Bradley said. “Our team feels like we’re getting closer, but it feels like we’re not there yet.  That was really the message for the team. They’re in good spirits, although you can tell it stings them. They felt like we missed an opportunity and we did, but we’ll learn from it and grow and move forward.”

Bradley during his meeting with the media emphasized the play of several players Sunday, including cornerback Demetrius McCray, running back Storm Johnson, defensive end Chris Clemons, safety Johnathan Cyprien and safety Josh Evans.