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Atlanta Falcons: The Dirty Birds | In 60 Seconds | NFL
Atlanta Falcons veteran starting strong safety William Moore is the type of player thats easy to root for, especially if you are the fan of a team that hasnt had too many playmakers on the defensive side of the ball in recent years. With his leadership, willingness to take responsibility for mistakes, and the fact that hes just one three defensive backs(Earl Thomas and Charles Woodson are the others) with at least 35 passes defended, 15picks, four fumbles recovered, and ten fumbles forced since the 2010 season, hes become a fixture in Atlanta.
The problem is that his playmaking ability mars the fact that hes a mistake-prone player, and the 2015 season has provided us with another example of how the plays he generates shroud these issues. Moore, who admitted in the piece on 247Sports linked above that he isnt a pure strong safety, has struggled to consistently come up and make plays in run defense this year, in addition to making mistakes in coverage.
Quarterbacks have picked on Moores coverage frequently this season, because, per Pro Football Focus, no other safety has faced more targets as a proportion of their total snaps in coverage. Moores deficiencies in pass defense in the Kam Chancellor role have been exposed frequently, most namely in the loss to the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football and the Week 1 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Is Moore a bad safety? No. But he misses tackles, blows coverage assignments, and is no longer the same player he used to be. Not only are the Falcons deeper at safety than before, but they have also added young, cheap talent. One of those young, cheap players is Kemal Ishmael, who is just 24 and received the start at SS last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Moore out with a groin injury. Ishmael held up well overall, as Jameis Winston and the Bucs werent able to get much going against a player who will make just $675,000 in the final year of his contract in 2016.
Meanwhile, Moore is slated tocount $6.65 million against the cap next season as a 31-year-old, and his cap hit jumps up to an untenable $8.625 million in the final year of his contract in 2017. Only 12 safeties count more money against the capthis season than Moores $5.368 million cap hit, so you can only imagine where hed rank in 2016 and 2017 when that number rises. Even with $3.3 million and $1.65 million in dead cap, respectively, in the final two seasons of his deal due to remaining signing bonus money, Moore is very much a cut candidate upon the conclusion of the 2015 season.
Basically, the Falcons are going to have to make a tough decision on Moore sooner rather than later, and my gut feeling is that it might not be so tough for Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff. While Moore is still a starting-caliber safety in this league, its hard to call him an above-average starter. Yes, he has two interceptions on the season with four passes defended and is good for a game-changing hit, but his stat sheet is filled with empty tackles and doesnt reflect underlying issues.
Of course, the NFL is all about the bottom line, and expensive, 30-year-old safeties on a rebuilding defense with younger, less expensive options generally dont stick around. The Falcons could use a veteran leader like Moore around, but its starting to become hard to argue that hes a better option at strong safety than, say, Ishmael. Perhaps calling him a liability is too strong, but, well, a player who is set to count $6.65 million against the cap needs to be a clear asset in order to justify the cost.
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Considering the fact that Moore played in just seven games in 2014 and missed last weeks game with an injury, health is a background issue worth keeping in the back of our minds here. Every week, Moore is trying to prove to the organization that hes worth keeping beyond the 2015 season, and further improvement from Ishmael and other safeties on the roster like Robensen Therezie would make his chances of returning seem even less likely.
Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons strong safety William Moore (25) in action against the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
At this point, I think Moore is on the outs, because it doesnt matter what hes done in the past or how many highlight-reel interceptions or big hits he makes. What matters is cost, overall effectiveness, fit, and the other options around him. None of these four factors are working in his favor, so the playmaking is merely a superficial benefit in this case.
The Falcons defense has been surprisingly strong in Quinns first year, as they are in the top half of the league in yards allowed and points per game allowed after unquestionably being one of the NFLs worst units in 2014.
This rapid improvement has little to do with Moore, meaning that its hard to see the 30-year-old having a future with the team beyond the 2015 season. The Falcons already have players who qualify as leaders and building blocks, so age is more of a detriment than experience a positive for Moores chances of sticking around.
Eight People Hospitalized After Eating Chipotle - The Drop Presented By ADD
Stocks (^GSPC) (^DJI) (^IXIC)are aiming to start November with more gains after finishing the best month in four years in October as the deal making frenzy continues on Wall Street.
Get the Latest Market Data and News with the Yahoo Finance App
Visa(V)confirms it"s buying its European counterpart, Visa Europe, in a deal worth up to $23.4 billion. The deal will help Visa better compete against rivals such as MasterCard (MA) by bringing all its operations under one roof. Separately, Visa reported an earnings per share miss for its fiscal fourth quarter, while revenue came in right in line with estimates.
Food combo
ConAgra Foods(CAG)is selling its private brands business to TreeHouse Foods (THS) for $2.7 billion in cash so it could focus more on its name brands such as Chef Boyardee pastas and Slim Jim beef jerky.The deal will create the the biggest U.S. private label food and drinks maker with annual revenue of nearly $7 billion dollars.
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Dyax(DYAX) is being bought by Shire (SHPG) for $5.9 billion in cash. That comes out to about $37.30 a share. The deal will give Shire access to a treatment for rare genetic disorder that attacks the immune system. If the drug is approved by regulators Dyax shareholders may then receive an additional $4 in cash per share, or $646 million.
HP splits
Hewlett-Packard(HPQ) is officially splitting into two companies after a yearlong process. HP will largely consist of personal computers and printers while Hewlett Packard Enterprise, orHPE, will sell sell the computer servers, data storage, networking, software and consulting services.
Chipotle(CMG) said it has closed 43 restaurants in the Seattle and Portland area due to an E.Coli outbreak that appears to be linked to the restaurants. At least 20 people have gotten sick after eating at the restaurants.
Sprint cost cuts coming
Another company feeling some pain is Sprint (S). According to several news reports, the company is trying to pare $2.5 billion in costs by targeting everything from snacks and raises and even the spectre of job cuts. Sprint expected to report quarterly results on Tuesday.
Holiday hiring hurdle
The holiday season is upon us, but are retailers finding themselves in a pinch? The Wall Street Journal reports retailers are having to offer higher pay and more hours in order to attract seasonal workers - with one CEO claiming theyre not getting as many job seekers in the past.
AP Top 25 College Basketball Rankings 2015 Poll Standings
AP 9:23 a.m. EST November 2, 2015
(Photo: The Associated Press)
One of the most bizarre finishes in sports history and a startlingly perplexing coach"s decision.
Aside from those things not much happened in college football this week, proving yet again that even dullest Saturdays can be eventful.
Miami"s miracle (or fiasco) and Minnesota"s mishap did not have much effect on the AP Top 25 as half of the top 10 was off.
Before the College Football Playoff selection committee weighs in for the first time this season, Heat check breezes through a mostly unchanged AP Top 25.
No. 1 Ohio State (8-0)
The Buckeyes third-string quarterback is redshirt freshman Stephen Collier from Georgia, just in case you were wondering. He has yet to throw a pass.
Next: Minnesota.
Heat check: Too hot.
No. 2 Baylor (7-0)
Freshman QB Jarrett Stidham makes his first start for the Bears.
Next: at Kansas State, Thursday.
Heat check: Too hot.
No. 3 Clemson (8-0)
The Tigers" defense had a bad day against North Carolina State and Clemson still won going away. Good sign.
Next: No. 17 Florida State.
Heat check: Too cold.
No. 4 LSU (7-0)
The Tigers have toughest November in the SEC: Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Arkansas.
Next: at No. 7 Alabama.
Heat check: Too cold.
No. 5 TCU (8-0)
QB Trevone Boykin is gaining on LSU TB Leonard Fournette in the Heisman Trophy race.
Next: at No. 12 Oklahoma State.
Heat check: Too cold.
No. 6 Michigan State (8-0)
Speaking of the Heisman race: Michigan State starting to push QB Connor Cook for the award.
Next: at Nebraska.
Heat check: Too hot.
No. 7 Alabama (7-1)
Since Nick Saban took over in Tuscaloosa, no rivalry in the SEC has been more consistently competitive and nationally relevant than Alabama-LSU.
Next: No. 4 LSU.
Heat check: Too cold.
No. 8 Notre Dame (7-1)
No, the Fighting Irish did not play their best against Temple. Yes, beating the Owls was a good win.
Next: at Pittsburgh.
Heat check: Too cold.
No. 9 Stanford (7-1)
The Cardinal got lucky against Washington State. It happens.
Next: at Colorado.
Heat check: Just right.
No. 10 Iowa (8-0)
For all the grief the Hawkeyes get about their soft schedule, consider: Iowa"s opponents" record is 36-29. Alabama"s opponents" record is 37-29.
Next: at Indiana.
Heat check: Still, too hot.
No. 11 Florida (7-1)
Gators beat Georgia about as badly as Alabama beat Georgia and Florida beat Ole Miss, which beat Alabama. So, yes, Gators fans, feel free to complain.
Next: Vanderbilt.
Heat check: Too cold.
No. 12 Oklahoma State (8-0)
Heat check is just about ready to start buying in on the Cowboys, but might as well wait a few more days to see how they do against the Frogs.
Next: No. 5 TCU
Heat check: Too hot.
No. 13 Utah (7-1)
We"re not arguing about the Utes anymore, but they are still in great shape to get to the Pac-12 title game.
Next: at Washington.
Heat check: Too cold.
No. 14 Oklahoma (7-1)
Having your fate in any way tied to the fortunes of Texas is just not a great place to be. The Sooners are there now.
Next: Iowa State.
Heat check: Too cold.
No. 15 Memphis (8-0)
The American Athletic Conference schedule upticks now for the Tigers.
Next: Navy.
Heat check: Too cold.
No. 16 Michigan (6-2)
The Wolverines got a little lucky, too. But maybe that was Karma trying to balance out the Michigan State loss.
Next: Rutgers.
Heat check: Just right.
No. 17 Florida State (7-1)
Seminoles rested banged-up stars (TB Dalvin Cook and QB Everett Golson) and still rolled Syracuse. Now they should be ready for Clemson.
Next: at No. 3 Clemson.
Heat check: Just right.
No. 18 Houston (8-0)
The Cougars still have not beaten a team with a winning record.
Next: Cincinnati.
Heat check: Too hot.
No. 19 Mississippi (6-2)
QB Chad Kelly plays like a more physically gifted Bo Wallace. Greater upside, but still prone to big mistakes.
Next: Arkansas.
Heat check: Too cold.
No. 20 Toledo (7-0)
The Rockets face their MAC nemesis, Northern Illinois, trying to break a five-game losing streak to the Huskies.
Next: Northern Illinois, Tuesday.
Heat check: Just right.
No. 21 North Carolina (7-1)
Welcome to the rankings, Tar Heels. You earned it.
Next: Duke.
Heat check: Just right.
No. 22 UCLA (6-2)
For all the injuries and inconsistency, the Bruins still control their road to the Pac-12 South crown.
Next: at Oregon State.
Heat check: UCLA has Heat Check stumped.
No. 23 Temple (7-1)
If you liked the Owls before Notre Dame, there is no reason to like them less after.
Next: at SMU, Friday.
Heat check: Too cold.
No. 24 Mississippi State (6-2)
The Bulldogs can still be a spoiler in the SEC West with game against Alabama and Ole Miss left.
Next: at Missouri.
Heat check: Too hot.
No. 25 Texas A&M (6-2)
It was a while ago, but the Aggies did beat Mississippi State.
Next: Auburn.
Heat check: Too cold.
___
AP college football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org
___
Follow Ralph D. Russo at www.Twitter.com/ralphDrussoAp
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
FanDuel Insider 11/1: Steelers RB Le"Veon Bell leaves game with knee injury
Pittsburgh Steelers running back LeVeon Bell is out for the rest of theseason with a badly torn MCL.
The loss thing that Pittsburgh Steelers fans wanted to hear was that an offensive weapon was out for the season just when Big Ben was returning to action. The absolute last thing fans or the team wanted to hear was for said player to be running back LeVeon Bell.
Thats the case though, as Bell left Sundays loss to the Bengals with what is now being called a badly torn MCL. Its an injury that according to Ian Rapoport from NFL Network, might probably end up costing Bell the rest of his season.
Theres no definitive word on whether hes out for the season or not, but the Steelers arent making things sound optimistic when they describe the injury as badly torn when telling anyone about it. He might come back near the end of the year, but hes out for the foreseeable future which is something that drastically changes things for the Steelers as they try to stay afloat in the AFC Wild Card picture.
One of Blues clues should probably be used to find Steve Burns dead body. Nevermind, hes alive and has spoken about the rumor to the contrary. Likewise, he recalled his experience of learning about his own death.
A viral report states that Steve Burns was pronounced dead on October 31, 2015, approximately around 7 p.m. According to MSMBC (Not MSNBC), he was involved in a one-car accident which left him overturned on Route 422, in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Supposedly, Steve Burns sustained severe head trauma during the wreck. Once authorities arrived at the scene, they tried as best as possible to save him. However, it was said that he died when he arrived to the Reading Hospital and Medical Center.
The report also mentions that Nickelodeon spokesperson James Vanderbilt sent his condolences.
This is obviously a tragedy. Were shocked and saddened by this news. Steve was a positive role model to millions of children who invited him into their homes everyday. His passing is a great loss to countless fans and to all of us here.
Moreover, as for the accident, he was driving a Dodge Challenger, according to the source.
Well, things arent as they seem. Steve read the article, himself. After doing so, he mentioned that the part about the Charger was the worst part of his death rumor.
I think the worst part about the latest rumor of my demise is that in it I was driving a Dodge Charger. Still arguably #alive, folks. Sorry.
Steve Burns (@SteveBurnsAlive) November 1, 2015
According to Steve Burns, himself via his Twitter profile, Mr. Blues Clues stated that the article, as well as his death situation, is arguable. He tweeted that hes still alive and well. However, the information in the initial article was slightly inaccurate. Only slightly (sarcasm).
This seems to have happened to him before as well. Epoch Times reports that he came under similar allegations years ago, rumors yelled that Steve had died due to a heroin overdose. Even then, he went through similar speculation. People were tweeting and posting, R.I.P. Steve, just like this time.
Ironically, on October 22, 2015, Steve updated his Twitter, tackling an unrelated-but-relevant issue which would seem to show itself only days later.
Beware those who replace complicated questions with comforting answers and claim to have learned something.
Steve Burns (@SteveBurnsAlive) October 22, 2015
Ideally in this situation, the complicated questions could be understood as the concerns over his death rumors, and the comforting answers could be understood as people believing the report, as it is. As well, the learned something could be understood as people spreading the rumor further.
People dont generally share material that goes against their own thoughts. If people think something is funny, they share it. If they think something is horrible, they share it to get opinions from others who would think the same thing and relate, right?
Well, people relate with growing up in the Blues Clues era. During those times, Steve Burns was a part of nearly every household during childhood mornings. When Steve left, it felt like someone moved out. However, when Joe came on the scene, it just wasnt the same. You almost wanted to hold your childs hand in front of this new stranger. In the back of your head, while watching Blue struggle with the new owner, you wondered, Where the heck is Steve?? Come back!
Parts of #Pennsylvania are not #Walmart parts. pic.twitter.com/vLLAs8JfYO
Steve Burns (@SteveBurnsAlive) June 23, 2015
Did you not feel the same? Once Nickelodeon switched out Face and brought on Steve, it was quite the transition. But families learned to appreciate him. Well, at least hes alive and well. This rumor was debunked by Burns, himself.
Also, according to Epoch Times, MSMBC is a satirical news website. And given the viral story, their claim is understandable.
What are your thoughts? Feel free to share them in the comments section.
NEW YORK (AP) James Blake had success at another iconic New York sporting event.
The retired tennis star finished the New York City Marathon in 3 hours, 51 minutes on Sunday.
""It"s a little different, but both are amazing,"" Blake said of playing in the U.S. Open and running the marathon. ""Here they are cheering for so many people. The Open they are cheering for just you.""
He was greeted by his family at the finish line as well as two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, who had promised on Twitter to bring Blake a milkshake when he finished.
The 35-year-old, who was known on the court for his quick, high-intensity style, said earlier in the week that endurance running was something new for him.
""I had fun, but will leave this for the professionals,"" he said. ""I was nervous at the start and halfway through didn"t think I"d make it under four hours.""
Blake was running for his foundation, which raises money for early detection cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
He was in the news in September when he was standing in front of a Manhattan hotel and a New York Police Department officer grabbed his arm and tackled him to the ground in an arrest caught on surveillance video. Police said Blake, who was ranked as high as No. 4 in the world before retiring after the 2013 U.S. Open, had been mistakenly identified as a suspect in a cellphone fraud scheme. The mayor and police commissioner have apologized to Blake, and the city"s police watchdog agency has substantiated the excessive-force complaint Blake filed.
