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A18 SPORTS
Saturday 21 OctOber 2017
Super Bowl rematch doesn’t have a real super look

By BARRY WILNER at home to Miami. New Washington and bring the journey with the Saints on or that Brett Hundley makes
AP Pro Football Writer England was down 14-0 at top-ranked rush defense Oct. 1. Then he was dealt his first career start behind
The rematch of the Super the Jets before rallying to into this prime-timer. to Arizona, which lost its star center.
Bowl with an historic finish win. But, coincidentally, the running back, David John- Baltimore (3-3) at Minne-
doesn’t have much of a su- “We obviously haven’t Redskins have more road son, in the opener. So now sota (4-2)
per look right now. played as well as we’re wins (42) vs. the Eagles than the Cardinals play across Minnesota has to be think-
The Patriots are 4-2 and capable of through five any other opponent. They the pond, though in Twick- ing big thoughts with Rodg-
have not cruised in any games,” Ryan says. “But are getting strong perfor- enham rather than Wemb- ers down in Green Bay. The
game, mainly because of we’re certainly close. mances from QB Kirk Cous- ley. first step for the Vikings is to
a leaky defense. The Fal- We’ve done a lot of really ins and an underrated de- “It’s definitely different,” not stumble against the in-
cons are 3-2 and easily good things at times.” fense led by Ryan Kerrigan. Cardinals quarterback consistent Ravens.
could have one win. Off this week are Houston Philly already is 2-0 in the Carson Palmer says of hav- Joe Flacco is having a
Still, NBC must be salivating and Detroit, both 3-3. division and can take solid ing Peterson behind him. miserable time and ranks
to have Tom Brady vs. Matt 31st in passer ratings. Bal-
Ryan, particularly with both timore’s offense doesn’t
teams vulnerable when make enough big plays,
they don’t have the ball. and the Vikings’ defense
And, of course, each side leads the NFL in third downs,
has memories — joyful surrendering 18 of 72 con-
and painful — of New Eng- versions for a league-low
land’s rally from a 25-point 25 percent. The sides have
second-half hole to win the met only five times, but the
championship in February. previous one was a doozy.
“Well, I mean those games, They combined for an NFL-
they live with you the rest record five touchdowns in
of your life — the wins and the final 125 seconds in Bal-
the losses,” Brady says. “I timore as the Ravens won
mean, I think there’s ob- 29-26.
viously 18 years for me. Tampa Bay (2-3) at Buffalo
... There’s probably some (3-2)
games early in my career in Only the second time the
the middle of October that Bucs have played at Or-
I don’t really remember chard Park. They come off
that well, but I would say what could have been one
the Super Bowl ones you of their worst defeats until
always remember pretty they set franchise records
well. In this Feb. 5, 2017, file photo, New England Patriots’ Tom Brady raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy by scoring 33 points in the
“I mean, there was a lot on after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game in Houston. second half and 27 in the
the line. You know, it’s just Associated Press fourth quarter against Ari-
the reality of it. As players, zona despite losing. The Bills
you hope you’re in that Washington (3-2) at Phila- control with a win. “Adrian is one of one. must find a way to spring
position. You’d rather be delphia (5-1), Monday Denver (3-2) at Los Angeles There’s nobody in the loose LeSean McCoy, and
in that game than not be night Chargers (2-4) league like him right now, the Bucs are ranked 12th in
in that game, win or lose. For the NFC East lead. Yes, After four losses, most of that runs the ball the way rushing defense; they are
It’s great to win and it stinks you hard that correctly. them in close decisions, the he does. Any time you only 31st against the pass.
to lose, but that’s playing The Eagles have been a Chargers have won two add somebody who’s that In nine seasons, McCoy
sports.” revelation this season, with straight. With the Dodg- special or that unique, it has never started a season
Atlanta comes off blowing the best record in the NFC. ers still playing, it’s unlikely changes things.” The Rams without a TD through five
a 17-point lead and losing They already have a win at many Angelenos will notice don’t want to change games. He hasn’t topped
if the Bolts win again. much of anything. One of 80 yards rushing since
Denver, which beat LA in the NFL’s surprise squads gaining 110 in a season-
the opener, has the NFL’s under first-year coach Sean opening win over the Jets.
top-ranked defense. The McVay — the youngest in He can take some solace
Paradise in the Caribbean Broncos have won 11 of league history at 31 — the in this: Tampa allowed Pe-
the past 13 meetings with Rams are 3-0 on the road terson to rush for 134 yards
the Chargers. for the first time since 2001. and two TDs last week in his
Of note: Broncos offensive New Orleans (3-2) at Green Arizona debut.
coordinator Mike McCoy Bay (4-2) Cincinnati (2-3) at Pitts-
has his second meeting No Drew Brees-Aaron Rod- burgh (4-2)
with the Chargers since gers matchup here, with The Bungles have become
getting fired as their coach. A-Rod out with a collar- Bengals again, winning two
New Chargers head coach bone injury. Brees is up to in a row after dropping
Anthony Lynn won two Su- old tricks with his accuracy their first three. This, howev-
per Bowls as a Broncos run- and finding the end zone, er, is a tough spot for Cin-
ning back and served as and he excels vs. Green cinnati: The Steelers have
assistant coach in Denver Bay. New Orleans has won won seven of the past eight
from 2000-02. three straight. meetings between the AFC
Arizona (3-3) vs. Los Ange- It won’t help the Pack- North rivals, including the
les Rams (4-2) at London ers that their secondary is past three. Pittsburgh has
Cheers, Adrian. Welcome banged up — why does won all nine of the most
SALES OFFICE +297 2801005 info@leventaruba.com back to London. this team always seem to recent October games
MOBILE +297 5927275 www.leventaruba.com Adrian Peterson made this have so many injuries? — against Cincinnati.q