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The Oakland Raiders got some good news in free

in Balance Discussion Wed Aug 01, 2018 9:24 am
by jinshuiqian0713 • Farseer | 1.260 Posts | 12600 Points

ALAMEDA, Calif. Miami Dolphins Jerseys . -- The Oakland Raiders got some good news in free agency Thursday, one day after voiding top target Rodger Saffolds contract because of a bad shoulder. The Raiders signed defensive end Justin Tuck and linebacker LaMarr Woodley to two-year deals in an effort to bolster their pass rush. ESPN reported that Tuck will be paid $11 million and Woodleys deal is worth up to $12 million. The two pass rushers have combined for 117.5 career sacks, reached double figures in a season seven times and have won three Super Bowl titles in their careers. Tuck joins the Raiders following nine seasons with the New York Giants during which he helped the team win two Super Bowl titles. Tuck has made two Pro Bowls and has 60.5 career sacks, 20 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries in 127 career games with New York. "Last week, I absolutely did not see it coming," Tuck said. "It wasnt necessarily on my radar at that point in time, but everything accelerated pretty quickly, and Im excited. I really am. I like the direction that this team is talking about going in, and I just want to be a part of it." Woodley, 29, had 57 sacks in seven seasons in Pittsburgh and helped the Steelers win it all following the 2008 season. Woodley struggled with injuries the past three seasons but was still an effective rusher when healthy. He ended last season on injured reserve with a calf injury and the Steelers released him because of his high salary. After averaging 11 sacks per season from 2008-11, Woodley has only nine sacks in 24 games the past two years. He did have eight quarterback hits and 24 hurries and was one of the most efficient pass rushers last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Woodley played linebacker in Pittsburghs 3-4 defence but is also able to play defensive end in Oaklands four-man front. The Raiders need help on their pass rush after losing last years leading sacker and most consistent defender, LaMarr Houston, to Chicago in free agency. The other three starting defensive linemen -- Pat Sims, Vance Walker and Jason Hunter -- are also free agents. Tuck, who turns 31 this month, was rated as the ninth best pass rushing defensive end by Pro Football Focus last season when he had 11 sacks, 12 quarterback hits and 44 hurries. Oakland has not had a player reach double figures in sacks since Derrick Burgess and Warren Sapp both did it in 2006. "Everyone talks about once you turn 30, its all downhill," Tuck said. "I dont believe in that. I dont look at myself in that regard. I feel like I have a lot of great football left in me." The Raiders have now made three free-agent additions this week, having previously signed right tackle Austin Howard to a five-year, $30 million deal. Running back Darren McFadden also agreed to re-sign with the Raiders on a one-year deal worth up to $4 million. Saffold was expected to be in the mix before the Raiders were scared off because of a shoulder injury and voided the five-year, $42.5 million contract that included $21.5 million in guarantees. Howard and Saffold were supposed to help anchor a rebuilt offensive line but now Oakland still needs to look for a left tackle to replace the departed Jared Veldheer. "We were excited about maybe getting the chance to play together," Howard said. "But thats the way this business works. Hes a tremendous guy, a tremendous athlete. I believe he really would have fit in well here and we would have been really excited to play together. Thats how it goes. Its very unfortunate." Oakland was burned last off-season by the acquisition of two players with existing injuries. Quarterback Matt Flynn was acquired despite a shoulder injury and he lacked arm strength before being released early in the season. Oakland used a first-round pick on cornerback D.J. Hayden, who had a near-fatal heart injury in college. Hayden missed the entire off-season and was limited in training camp because of the injury and struggled his rookie year before a sports hernia injury sidelined him for the season in November. The Raiders could fill the left tackle void with last years second-round pick, Menelik Watson, who played sparingly as a rookie because of injuries, a draft pick or with a second-tier free agent after most of the top available left tackles have signed elsewhere. Kalen Ballage Jersey .J. -- Kyle Palmieri thrilled his personal rooting section with an overtime winner that sent the Anaheim Ducks to their seventh straight win. Dan Marino Jersey . Observant Muslims avoid food and liquids from dawn to dusk during Ramadan but can, and often do, skip it if travelling or doing hard physical labour. Some devout Muslim athletes choose to fast during training or competition, but it can create selection difficulties for the coaches in team sports. http://www.dolphinsteamauthenticshop.com/c-8-customized.aspx . Even if he is shooting 38 per cent from the field overall this season, the Utah Jazz rookie always feels like his final shot is going in.Five games to go with reason to believe playoff soccer may be on the horizon. Toronto FC saved their season last Saturday in a dramatic 3-2 come-from-behind victory over the Portland Timbers. Sixty minutes of poor play turned into 30-plus minutes of inspired football from the home side, keeping Toronto in the playoff hunt. A loss or a draw wouldnt have mathematically washed away playoff hopes. But the psychological lift a big win against a difficult opponent provided is invaluable for a team that has experienced more lows than highs in recent months. The win over Portland was the ultimate high: a much needed shot in the arm for a team and fanbase that has become accustomed to self-loathing and expecting the worse. The three-second half goals and ultimately three points stand as arguably the most important in the eight-year life of the franchise. The noise in the stadium and lasting buzz after the final whistle can only be compared with Danny Dichios first goal in franchise history and the seat cushions thrown in celebration. The biggest win in franchise history? Sure. Why not? Certainly the most memorable and meaningful. Toronto played just about as bad as they could over the first half of the match. Yet despite the mistake-ridden 45, it never felt the game was out of reach. TFC should have had two first half goals with a ball going off the post and Gilberto missing a sitter. As the defensive structure improved, so did the confidence and pressure on the ball. Torontos resiliency ended in three scrappy goals, trademark of a character team. It was the second time in team history TFC came back from a 2-0 deficit. Forget the negative headlines of recent weeks, this Toronto FC team now has the most wins and points they have ever had in franchise history. Next step: playoffs. Toronto FC sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, just one point back of the New York Red Bulls with a game in hand. Most important, Toronto FC remains in control of its own playoff destiny. Here are my Five Thoughts ahead of Saturday nights (10:30pm et/7:30pm pt) Los Angeles Galaxy-Toronto FC match-up. 1) Redemption a€“ Nick Hagglund and Toronto FCs back four had as bad of a first 45 minutes imaginable against Portland. The rookie centre-half was culpable on the first goal against, far too casual in distribution giving away the ball to gift Portland the opener. The Timbers could have scored more than twice in the opening half, carving up an unbalanced and unsure defensive unit. It was painful to watch to the point it made sense for the manager to make changes. Vanney stuck to his guns, entrusting Hagglund and others to sort it out. Vanneys patience was rewarded. It became a tale of two halves. Hagglund was standout in the second half: aggressive, instinctual and tidy, over-powering and out-playing a talented Timbers frontline. Fanendo Adi left the field looking as if he had been through a war, with former Reds striker Maximillano Urruti playing the role of spectator upon his second half introduction. Hagglunds two headed goals (the first of his young career) meant redemption for the 22-year-old, all within 90 minutes of football. The goals were timely, but his passionate, character performance in the second half will also be memorable. Overcoming in-match adversity is difficult for the most experienced player. Hagglund continues to prove hes more than capable alongside Steven Caldwell. At this point he seems a preferable option over Doneil Henry at the position. Its a matter of consistency, not talent. 2) Midfield Mash-up a€“ Its decision-time for Vanney with a full compliment of midfielders at his disposal for the trip out west. Collen Warner (hamstring) and Jackson (suspension) are both available for selection. Its a positive dilemma for the manager to have. Michael Bradley is the only player guaranteed a spot in the starting XI. Vanney may choose to re-insert Warner alongside Bradley, although the duo has lacked cohesion, playing similar roles causing imbalance through the middle. The Bradley-Warner combination however may be preferable against a very good attacking side. Jonathan Osorio will look to keep his place, being a better fit in a more attacking role down the middle. Osorio was unable to influence the match against Portland as Toronto was out-matched and out-numbered in the midfield for long-stretches. Kyyle Bekker came on in the 75th minute and was an immediate factor, giving his manager something to think about going forward. Daniel Kilgore Dolphins Jersey. . The decision on the wings isnt much easier. Dominic Oduro was solid in the start, as was Daniel Lovitz who continues to improve. Jackson is another option and may be preferred to Oduro. The Brazilian was the best player on the field 10 days ago against Chivas before losing composure and being sent off. Hes more reliable defensibly than Oduro, which may lead to a prompt return to the starting line-up despite drawing the ire of Vanney. Dwayne De Rosario and Andrew Wiedeman are other options, although both will most likely remain on the periphery. Both were positive substitutions in the comeback win. Vanney has options. Its up to the inexperienced manager how to use them best. 3) Forward Planning a€“ Vanney likewise has difficult decisions to make up front with Jermain Defoe likely available. Defoe last played August 23, sidelined with a groin injury. Luke Moore and Gilberto have grown in confidence in Defoes absence but have only combined for two goals in the six games missed by the star forward. Defoe still leads Toronto in scoring by four goals (11) despite appearing in just 16 matches. Defoe will play if fit, but the question begs when and how much? Perhaps Vanney takes a cautious approach against the Galaxy. It will be a tough game in Los Angeles and Vanney may think its not worth risking Defoe from the start with more winnable games ahead. If Saturdays game remains close, Defoe could then come on as a second half sub and attempt to play difference-maker. This is the most likely scenario. If Defoe is fit to start, then Moore should make way. Moore has looked less lively than Gilberto, with the pace of the Brazilian causing problems for the opposition. However, the Defoe-Moore partnership was a more effective pairing early this season. There is plenty to think about. If Gilberto were more consistent in front of goal, the decision would be a no-brainer. As a Designated Player, this should be Gilbertos time to shine. 4) Out of this Galaxy a€“ Torontos final regular season match against a Western Conference opponent comes against arguably the best. No team is hotter in MLS, undefeated in their last nine, scoring 28 goals in the process. The strike force of Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes is the most dangerous in MLS, scoring a combined 33 goals. The Landon Donovan retirement tour rolls on, with the all-time great adding 10 goals and an incredible 18 assists along the way. No question this will be the Toronto back fours stiffest test yet. The Galaxy have already qualified for the MLS playoffs and are pushing for the Supporters Shield, level on points (57) with the Seattle Sounders. The Galaxy are tops in MLS in goals for (63) and have the best defensive record (31) as well. Add it all up and a draw would be massive on the most difficult away match yet. Temper expectations. Litmus test, coming up. 5) Eastern Promise a€“ Scoreboard watching is inevitable this time of year. The Chicago Fire did Toronto a favour Thursday, drawing the Philadelphia Union 1-1. The Union has played two games more and remain one point back of Toronto. Good news. Two other huge Eastern Conference match-ups are worth following Saturday. The Red Bulls host the Houston Dynamo, who also remain in the playoff mix. Its a must-win game for the Dynamo, five points back of their opponent heading in. New York leads Toronto by one point for the final playoff spot, as previously mentioned. Elsewhere the surging New England Revolution host the Columbus Crew in a battle of two teams Toronto is chasing. The Revs moved into second place in the conference on 45 points last weekend after a big 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City, also on 45 points. The Crew is in fourth on 43 points. The hope is New England continues to roll, as the sooner the Revs lock up a playoff berth the better. Toronto FC pays a trip to New England in their final game of the season. A meaningless game for the Revs would set up well for the travelling Reds who will most likely go down to the wire in their playoff push. You can listen to Los Angeles Galaxy v. Toronto FC on TSN 1050 Radio (pre-match at 10pm et) and watch on TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, and TSN5. You can reach Gareth Wheeler @WheelerTSN and gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca Stitched NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys Stitched Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Camo Youth NFL Jerseys China NFL Jerseys Outlet Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys ' ' '

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