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Even more timeless than Bengals all-time leading scorer Jim Breech’s NFL record of 9-for-9 in overtime is the advice he received from the first pure kicker to ever make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They are words that apply today to kickers such as the Bengals' Mike Nugent and the Patriots' Stephen Gostkowski.
Clock ticking on Brandon Thompson's return
With a knee brace hanging over his left shoulder in his locker, Brandon Thompson picked through some vegetables on his lunch plate as he watched his teammates mull about the locker room in preparation for their trip to London. The 27-year-old defensive tackle was staying behind to continue his rehabilitation from a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in the final regular season game of 2015.
Doc: Here's what hurts the Bengals' defense
Nelson was a good player who came up big when it mattered most, worked extremely well in tandem with G. Iloka and was Ben’s worst nightmare. I was right. The passing game with Eifert will be fine. The offense generally is starting to roll. The defense lacks without Nelson.
Kai Forbath among those brought in with Bengals K Mike Nugent struggling
The Cincinnati Bengals tried out several kickers during their bye week with veteran Mike Nugent struggling. There are not any indications the Bengals have decided to sign any of them. Sources indicate they simply are updating their lists should the struggles continue. Two of those kickers were veterans Kai Forbath and Zach Hocker, according to sources. Randy Bullock also was brought in, according to an NFL Network report.
AFC North Bytes
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin isn't buying Joe Flacco criticism
Much has been made of quarterback Joe Flacco’s uneven play this season, and the role that has had in the Ravens four-game losing streak and 3-4 record through seven games.
Browns not ready to decide which QB to play this week
The entire city of Cleveland is on the edge of its collective seat. The tension is palpable. The fans can practically taste it. But no, they’re just going to have to live with the suspense.
Insider Buzz: Ben Roethlisberger Expected to Play vs. Ravens
Does Ben Roethlisberger expect to play against Baltimore? Does Steelers coach Mike Tomlin think Roethlisberger will start this week? Is Roethlisberger driven by the chance to win another Super Bowl?
Random Bytes
NFL Midseason All Pro Team: Julio Jones, Ezekiel Elliott
We’ve reached the halfway point of the 2016 NFL season, and what better time to honor the top players at each position so far? Our team of NFL writers and editors each submitted their All-Pro picks for each position and the votes have been tallied to create the team presented here.
Report: Calais Campbell fined for hit on Cam Newton
When NFL senior V.P. of officiating Dean Blandino said earlier this week that officials missed calling a roughing penalty against Calais Campbell for a low hit on Cam Newton, it was all but assured that a fine would follow.
Mike Freeman's 10-Point Stance: Can Anyone Stop the Pats? Don't Sleep on Dallas
Here we are again. Another year. Another dominant Patriots team. Another Tom Brady Revenge Tour. What number revenge tour is this, anyway? Two? Five? I lost count. Anyhoo, here we are again, New England possessing the best team in football because, once again, it has the best player in football in Brady. Right now, barring an injury to Brady, or something deflated, or videotaped, the Patriots are the team to beat.
Nick Foles to start in place of Alex Smith vs. Jaguars
Nick Foles is once again a starting NFL quarterback. The Kansas City Chiefs announced Wednesday that Foles would start Sunday versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in place of Alex Smith.
Cubs win! Cubs win! Epic Game 7 victory ends Series curse
Are the skies black with locusts? Has Lake Michigan turned red? Two days after Halloween, the curse has been cursed. The Comeback on the Cuyahoga is complete. After a century and eight years, the Chicago Cubs are world champions, and they did it by surviving a game for the ages, a contest in which they finally slew demons that refused to be exorcised.