Ilhan Omar's GOP challenger eyes upset in November, hits 'unthinking' call to defund police
Rep. Ilhan Omar’s, D-Minn., Republican challenger is pushing back against what he calls the radical congresswoman’s “unthinking” call to defund the Minneapolis Police Department -- and says he believes he has a good chance of climbing a “political Mount Everest” and unseating her in November.
AOC raises $10.5 million ahead of heated June 23 primary
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., once again proved her fundraising prowess by raising $2.4 million in just two months as she kicks up her campaign operation before her June 23 primary election, according to federal campaign finance reports she filed this week.
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield explained why he "absolutely" plans to kneel during the national anthem next season.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield said that he will "absolutely" kneel during the national anthem next NFL season to support protests of social injustice, racism and police brutality.
On Saturday, Mayfield stated his intent to kneel as he replied to a fan on his Instagram page. As the fan asked Mayfield to confirm that he would not be kneeling next season, Bayfield wrote, "Pull your head out. I absolutely am."
Mayfield joins other NFL players that plan to kneel during the national anthem next season following protests spurred by George Floyd, a black man who was killed under police custody as an officer kneeled on his neck for over eight minutes in Minneapolis, Minn. Mayfield wore the words of Floyd, "I Can't Breathe," on his shirt in the workout video posted to Instagram.
Following his initial comment, Mayfield expanded on his plans to kneel in a message on his Instagram story, stating he does not have a problem if he loses fans for his actions.
"Everybody so upset about my comment doesn't understand the reason behind kneeling in the first place," Mayfield wrote. "I have the utmost respect for our military, cops, and people that serve OUR country. It's about equality and everybody being treated the same because we are all human. It's been ignored for too long and that is my fault as well for not becoming more educated and staying silent. If I lose fans, that's OK. I've always spoken my mind. And that's from the heart."
On Thursday, Mayfield said that this is a "pivotal time for change" and that "what's being addressed now obviously has been going on for a long time." Following Colin Kaepernick's kneeling protests four years ago, commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL was "wrong" for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourages all to "speak out and peacefully protest."
The MLBPA has rejected MLB's proposal start to the season and says it will not counter, leaving the league to set the schedule unilaterally for the 2020 season.
The Major League Baseball Players Association has rejected the league's latest proposal to resume the season and does not plan to submit a counter offer, the union announced Saturday.
On Friday, MLB submitted its latest proposal, which included a 72-game season to begin on July 14 with 70% prorated salaries for the regular season and 80% if the postseason is completed. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the players' union asked MLB to provide information as to how the season would proceed if one were to take place this year.
"If it is your intention to unilaterally impose a season, we again request that you inform us and our members of how many games you intend to play and when and where players should report," the MLBPA's letter read. "It is unfair to leave players and the fans hanging at this point."
The MLBPA reportedly asked to be informed of the league's plans by "close of business" on Monday, June 15. Union negotiator Bruce Meyer said in a letter to deputy commissioner Dan Halem that “there remain several open issues that will need to be addressed soon” on health and safety protocols, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
"It unfortunately appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile," the statement read. "It's time to get back to work. Tell us when and where."
The MLBPA has been reluctant to accept an additional pay cut of players' per-game rate of salaries in negotiations with MLB. The union cites a March 26 agreement with MLB in which the sides came to an agreement to pay players according to the number of games played in an abbreviated season. The league says that agreement was based on the assumption that there would be fans in attendance. Without gate fees, the owners contend they will lose a significant amount of revenue and to off-set the cost, they contend the players would need to take an additional pay cut.
As Verducci wrote Friday, "If no agreement is reached, MLB could schedule a season of 48 games with players receiving 100% pay on a prorated basis." This format would be a regular season beginning Aug. 3 and ending Sept. 27. This appears to be the most likely scenario now that the union is no longer discussing salaries with the league.
Bombs, guns, lions, crocodiles, snakes, and armed rebels all wanted to claim the lives of these 20,000 boys. And one man was determined to lead them all to safety.
Nine new cases in Victoria, but pubs and restaurants will be able to have 50 people in each enclosed space from midnight next Sunday, Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed.
Bombs, guns, lions, crocodiles, snakes, and armed rebels all wanted to claim the lives of these 20,000 boys. And one man was determined to lead them all to safety.
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Nine new cases in Victoria, but pubs and restaurants will be able to have 50 people in each enclosed space from midnight next Sunday, Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed.
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Days after U.S. Soccer repealed its policy requiring its players to stand for the national anthem, President Trump weighed in on the matter.
Three days after U.S. Soccer announced it was repealing a policy that required players to stand during the national anthem, President Donald Trump weighed in on the matter.
Quote-tweeting a story from a local ABC news outlet in Florida, in which Florida representative Matt Gaetz said "I’d rather the US not have a soccer team than have a soccer team that won’t stand for the National Anthem," Trump said on Saturday, "I won't be watching much anymore!"
In its announcement about the repeal, U.S. Soccer apologized for not listening to its players, who were vocal about supporting rights to peaceful protests.
“We have not done enough to listen—especially to our players—to understand and acknowledge the very real and meaningful experiences of Black and other minority communities in our country," U.S. said in a statement. "We apologize to our players—especially our Black players—staff, fans, and all who support eradicating racism. Sports are a powerful platform for good, and we have not used our platform as effectively as we should have. We can do more on these specific issues and we will."
On Monday, Trump tweeted about a video released by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in which Goodell admitted the league was wrong to not support Colin Kaepernick when he began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016. In the video, Goodell's statement included support for the Black Lives Matter movement:
"We, the National Football League, condemn racism, and the systematic oppression of Black people. We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier, and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest," Goodell said. "We, the National Football League, believe Black Lives Matter."
In response, Trump questioned Goodell's motives for releasing the video, suggesting the commissioner was encouraging players to kneel during the anthem, "thereby disrespecting our Country & our Flag."
Last week, Trump tweeted in support of Saints quarterback Drew Brees' comments about not agreeing with anyone who kneels during the anthem. Brees later apologized for his remarks, but Trump said he shouldn't have issued an apology. Brees later countered Trump's praise, saying of kneeling during the anthem: "This is not an issue about the American flag. It has never been."
Riot police fired tear gas and charged at violent protesters at an anti-racism rally in Paris on Saturday, while in London far-right protesters clashed with anti-racism demonstrators and the police
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Two challenges against the Queensland government's right to keep the state isolated amid the coronavirus crisis are unlikely to be heard before the borders reopen, according to a High Court judge.
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HHS reverses ObamaCare rule that included abortion, gender identity in sex discrimination protections
The Department of Housing and Human Services finalized a regulation Friday reversing an ObamaCare rule which sought to protect transgender rights and abortion access.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka calls defunding police a 'bourgeois liberal' solution
The progressive mayor of Newark, N.J., pushed back Thursday on calls to defund police forces across the country, arguing the movement was a “bourgeois liberal” answer for deeper issues of systemic racial inequality in law enforcement.
Seattle mayor in denial over growing unrest: Alveda King
Alveda King, who is the niece of Martin Luther King Jr., says Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan (D) must take responsibility and address the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone in her city.
Republicans pick Jacksonville for alternative convention site
The Republican National Committee chooses Jacksonville, Florida to host part of the party convention, after abandoning Charlotte, North Carolina over disagreements on coronavirus-related crowd restrictions; Doug McKelway reports.
MLK's niece criticizes Biden comments: 'Why is it necessary to compare Martin Luther King Jr. and George Floyd?'
The niece of Martin Luther King Jr. said former Vice President Joe Biden was speaking from a different reality when he said the death of George Floyd had a larger global impact than the assassination of the Civil Rights icon.
Federal judge orders Seattle Police to temporarily stop using tear gas against peaceful protesters
A federal judge in Seattle has issued a temporary injunction preventing police in the city from using tear gas or other “chemical irritants” against peaceful protesters.
Biden narrows list of VP contenders, ex-Obama adviser Susan Rice among them
Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden has narrowed his reported list of vice presidential contenders who will be part of the second round of vetting, with several black women in contention, sources tell The Associated Press.
Rep. Max Rose to IRS: Extend tax filing deadline to Oct. 15
Rep. Max Rose, D-N.Y., urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Friday to extend the tax filing deadline another three months, citing the ongoing financial fallout of the coronavirus pandemic on families and small businesses.
Minneapolis' City Council unanimously passes a resolution laying the foundation for dismantling the police department and transforming the city’s public safety system; Matt Finn reports.
Independent growers are shaking things up, creating an artisanal product that is proving a hit with champagne lovers. Can they survive in a market long dominated by French conglomerates?
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Bill Lark kicked off the Tasmanian distilling revolution when he co-founded Lark Distillery in 1992. But his daughter, Kristy Booth-Lark, was not to be outdone.
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The founder of the Dilmah tea company has his faith – and his mother – to thank for an approach to life that benefits not just his business and family, but those in need.
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Officeworks national merchandise manager Jim Berndelis said the usual suspects such as furniture and technology sold in huge numbers but a few other lines took him by surprise.
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Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has long made creating jobs for women central to his economic policy, but now they are suffering a bigger share of the pain as the country heads for its worst economic slump since WWII.
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He is mostly invisible to the public and says he has "no vision" but Manoj Modi has quietly become one of the most powerful forces behind one of the biggest corporate empires in the world.
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More protesters are set to hit the streets of Melbourne this weekend, with refugee advocates vowing to rally despite warnings from health authorities and threats of fines from police.
Diners would hear their food arrive before they smelt it as waiters pounded the creaky wooden floors, navigating the warren of converted bedrooms and living rooms to serve up grub that was a cut above the rest.
More protesters are set to hit the streets of Melbourne this weekend, with refugee advocates vowing to rally despite warnings from health authorities and threats of fines from police.
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Free daily horoscope for each star sign from renowned Astrologer Hedy Damari. Forecasts for the day ahead in life, love and career.Your Daily Horoscope for Thursday, June 11
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Diners would hear their food arrive before they smelt it as waiters pounded the creaky wooden floors, navigating the warren of converted bedrooms and living rooms to serve up grub that was a cut above the rest.
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US President Donald Trump has forcefully rejected complaints about widespread police brutality and mocked "radical efforts to defund, dismantle and disband the police" in a discussion on race and policing.
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LeBron James and a number of other top Black athletes and entertainers are creating a new group which will work to protect African-American voting rights.
NBA star LeBron James and a number of other top Black athletes and entertainers are creating a new group which will work to protect African-American voting rights, James said Wednesday to the New York Times' Jonathan Martin.
“Because of everything that’s going on, people are finally starting to listen to us—we feel like we’re finally getting a foot in the door,” James told The Times. “How long is up to us. We don’t know. But we feel like we’re getting some ears and some attention, and this is the time for us to finally make a difference.”
The organization, named More Than a Vote, is looking to inspire African-Americans to vote in the upcoming election, but will also try and go beyond traditional measures, especially those taken by celebrities.
“Yes, we want you to go out and vote, but we’re also going to give you the tutorial,” James said. “We’re going to give you the background of how to vote and what they’re trying to do, the other side, to stop you from voting.
"We want to be beautiful once again.”
James' off-court achievements are already vast, with the Lakers star opening his own school in Akron and helping cover the costs of attending the University of Akron for low-income students, among other notable achievements. Just since the NBA suspended play in mid-March, James has provided thousands of meals for Akron residents and been a staunch advocate for the equal rights of Black people in America. He took to social media on multiple occasions to address the death of George Floyd, writing, “Why Doesn’t America Love US!!!!!???? TOO" in one particular tweet.
This past Tuesday marked an Election Day for several states conducting their primaries and James weighed in on reports of long lines throughout predominantly Black neighborhoods.
But as Martin notes, the new organization might be James' most significant move toward electoral politics.
Trae Young, Jalen Rose, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Draymond Green, Alvin Kamara and Udonis Haslem are some of the current and former athletes who are joining the organization. Actor Kevin Hart has also committed to the group and James told The Times he is speaking to a number of musicians as well.
James and his business partner and friend Maverick Carter are putting up the initial funding for the organization, per The Times.
On Wednesday, the Red Sox released a statement confirming Torii Hunter's claims of encountering racist slurs while playing as a visitor at Fenway Park.
Less than a week after former Major League outfielder Torii Hunter discussed being called the N-word in Boston "100 times," the Red Sox released a statement Wednesday confirming Hunter's account.
“Torii Hunter’s experience is real," the statement read. "If you doubt him because you’ve never heard it yourself, take it from us, it happens."
The team said there were seven reported incidents at Fenway Park last season in which fans used racial slurs.
"Those are just the ones we know about. And it’s not only players. It happens to the dedicated Black employees who work for us on game days. Their uniforms may be different, but their voices and experiences are just as important. We are grateful to everyone who had spoken up and remain committed to using our platform to amplify the many voices who are calling out injustice.
"This small group of fans does not represent who we are, but are rather a reflection of larger systemic issues that as an organization we need to address. True change starts from within, and as we identify how we do better, please know we are listening. We hear you, and we believe you.”
Hunter is not the only Black player who's described dealing with racist slurs when playing as a visiting player in Boston. Hunter said the abuse caused him to never want to play for the Red Sox, and he included the team on every no-trade clause list in each contract he signed.
“I’ve been called the N-word in Boston 100 times, and I said something about it,” Hunter said on ESPN’s Golic and Wingo on Thursday. “(I didn‘t speak up because people would say) ‘Oh, he’s just a militant, he’s lying, this didn’t happen.' No, it happened. All the time. From little kids. And grown-ups right next to them didn’t say anything. ... So I had a no-trade clause in everything I had not to go to Boston. Not because of all the people, not because of the teammates, not because of the front office. Because if you’re doing that and it’s allowed amongst the people, I don’t want to be there. And that’s why I had a no-trade clause to Boston. Every contract I’ve ever had. And I always wanted to play for them. It sucks.”
Hunter quote-tweeted the Red Sox's statement, commenting "Change starts now."
Hunter spent 19 years in the league, with five All-Star appearances and nine Gold Glove awards. His teams were eliminated from the playoffs twice against the Red Sox—once with the Angels (2008) and once with the Tigers (2013).
Police allege a number of people were seen throwing petrol on one of the boats at Hope Harbour Marina about 11.15pm on June 2. Five boats were damaged.
The young teenager ate four large serves of McDonald's chips and nuggets after his 46-hour ordeal lost in the bush. His mother Penny can't wait to meet the man who rescued her son.
A second van allegedly stolen by the man at knifepoint was stopped by police about 6pm after he hit a police car in an attempt to push it out of the way.
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan's military said Wednesday that two of its soldiers were killed and two others wounded when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in a remote volatile region next to the Afghan b
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An annual U.S. government report finds religious freedom under assault throughout the world, notably in what the State Department calls Countries of Particular Concern - China, Iran, North Korea am
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Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has warned fans to expect an ugly, dour battle at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night as both the Hawks and Cats look to reignite their seasons with a win.
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Exciting Richmond tall Noah Balta has pushed his claims for an AFL call-up with an eye-catching display in defence in a scratch match against Collingwood.
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The International Cricket Council insists it will not make a decision on whether this year's T20 World Cup in Australia will go ahead until next month.
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A second van allegedly stolen by the man at knifepoint was stopped by police about 6pm after he hit a police car in an attempt to push it out of the way.
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Former Australia speedster Brett Lee has backed the idea of using wax to shine the ball as players were banned from the age-old technique of using saliva.
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Investors have either forgotten why authorities are having to take wartime counter measures, or ignore that a V-shaped economic recovery isn't happening anywhere.
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As Claire Nelson lay under the desert sun of California’s Joshua Tree National Park, unable to move due to a shattered pelvis, she had a profound revelation.
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The WTA is expecting its players to return to Wuhan - the starting point of COVID-19 - in spring, according to a schedule leaked on social media on Tuesday.
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Electronics and furniture retailer Harvey Norman will pay shareholders a special dividend of 6 cents a share after reporting five months of booming trade.
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Buddhist bank teller Junelle Kugin pitched the album idea to the Dalai Lama's office five years ago. Now it will be released to mark his 85th birthday.
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The date for Shayna Jack's appeal hearing for a four-year doping violation ban has been kept secret as the Australian swimmer fights to clear her name.
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Electronics and furniture retailer Harvey Norman will pay shareholders a special dividend of 6 cents a share after reporting five months of booming trade.
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Fantasy owners need to remember there's a whole roster in Nashville with potential growth, so you need to see more than just Derrick Henry when you see the Tennessee Titans.
Coaching Staff
The Tennessee Titans went 9-7 in each of the last four seasons with two playoff appearances. Head coach Mike Vrabel has an 18-14 record in his first two seasons. All six years of his coaching experience in the NFL comes on the defense side of the ball. Vrabel played in the league for 14 seasons. His ties to New England and three Super Bowl titles were a big part of his path to a head coaching job.
Tennessee worked their way to 10th in points scored (402), and 12th in yards gained. They scored more points than in 2018. The Titans haven't had a top ten offense since 2003.
Arthur Smith shined in his first season running Tennessee’s offense. He worked in the Titans’ system since 2011 with a variety of jobs on the offensive side of the ball. From 2016 to 2018, Smith held the tight end coaches job.
This season the Titans won’t add a defensive coordinator, which puts Vrabel in the power position on that side of the ball. After making strides in 2018 in points allowed (303 – 3rd) and yards allowed (8th), Tennessee regressed in both areas (331 points allowed) and (21st in yards allowed) last year.
Free Agency
The top player lost in the offseason for the Titans was T Jack Conklin, who signed with the Browns. Conklin was an edge in run blocking while only being league average in pass protection.
They parted ways with QB Marcus Mariota after signing QB Ryan Tannehill to a big contract.
Tennessee moved on from CB Logan Ryan, TE Delanie Walker, DE Cameron Wake, CB Tramaine Brock, LB Wesley Woodyard, RB Dion Lewis, CB Tye Smith, DT Austin Johnson, CB LeShaun Sims, LB Daren Bates, K Ryan Succop, and G Kevin Pamphile. The only player to have success last year was Brock.
WR Tajae Sharpe found a new home in Minnesota. The Titans added DE Vic Beasley to their defense after underperforming over his last three years for Atlanta.
Draft
The Titans only had six picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.
T Isaiah Wilson was the choice in the first round. His resume is short in college while needing more game experience to improve his vision vs. moving targets in pass protection. Wilson has a beast feel once his foundation skill set improves. His best value out of the gate should come in the run game.
In the second, Tennessee selected CB Kristian Fulton. His first read on him is that Fulton will gain value once the field shortens. He can play physical in at the line of scrimmage while lacking the chase speed to make up for mistakes early in coverage. Fulton will gamble at times, but his instincts give him a thinker feel at this point in his career.
Tennessee stole RB Darrynton Evans in the third round. At first glance, Evans jumps off the rookie running back rankings due to his combination of speed (4.41 forty yard dash) and strength (20 reps in the bench press at the NFL combine). He comes to the NFL undersized (5’10” and 205 lbs.).
Evans attacks quickly after the snap with the idea of making big plays. His movements in space will threaten every level of the defense. He’ll break tackles with the moves and quickness to beat defenders to the hole. Evans needs to improve as an inside runner. I expect him to hold his own in pass protection while having the upside feel in the passing game.
The Titans invested in DT Larrell Murchison in the fifth round. Sometimes smarts, feel, and hard work outweigh some explosive traits. Murchison has an excellent feel for the game, allowing him to find the right amount of space to make plays. His range is limited while owning enough power to hold his ground vs. the run.
Their swing at a backup quarterback was Cole McDonald. He played in a high-volume pass offense where quick reads paid winning dividends. His arm falls short of NFL expectations, but McDonald is working hard to get stronger and add more bulk. Overall, his game takes a big back in value with a shorter passing window—more of a project than a prospect at this point in his career.
With their final pick in the seventh round, Tennessee brought in CB Chris Jackson. His speed earns him a shot in the NFL, but his technique is lacking. Jackson is getting stronger. He can’t take a further step forward without trusting his game.
Offensive Line
The Titans pushed to 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards (2,223) with 21 TDs and 14 runs over 20 yards. Their ball carriers gained 5.0 yards per rush.
Tennessee climbed to 21st in passing yards (3,956) with only 29 passing TDs and eight Ints. Their QBs gained only 8.8 yards per pass attempt with only 58 completions over 20 yards. The Titans’ offensive line allowed 56 sacks and 99 QB hits.
LT Taylor Lewan
Lewan has been a top player at his position over his six seasons in the league. His best value comes in pass protection while showing strength in run blocking in most of his years in the league. Lewan is a former first-round draft pick (2014).
LG Rodger Saffold
Saffold signed a four-year $44 million contract in 2019. His game was elite from 2012 to 2014 as a pass protector while developing into an excellent balanced player over the previous four seasons. Safford did allow more sacks than expected last year.
C Ben Jones
Jones now has six straight years on his resume, where he’s been a league-average player or better in all areas. Jones hasn’t missed a game over his past six seasons after being drafted in the fourth round in 2012.
RG Nate Davis
Davis struggled in his first season after getting drafted in the third round in 2019. He allowed too many sacks while also grading poorly in run blocking. Coming into the league, his skill set bolds well for a power run game where his ability to move will help create openings in space. Davis may have a limited range in pass protection if he needs his hands to slow down an oncoming rusher.
RT Isaiah Wilson
Wilson should move right into the starting lineup in his rookie season after getting drafted in the first round. He fits right into the Titans style of offense in the run game. Wilson adds power to their rushing attack on the right side of the offensive line.
Offensive Line Outlook
Tennessee has one of the best offensive lines in the run game. The Titans need improvement in the play on the right side of the line in the passing game to push this offense to an elite level.
Offensive Schedule
The data shows the strength of schedule as far as rushing attempts (RATT), rushing yards (YDS), yards per attempt rushing (YA), rushing touchdowns (TDs), completions (COMP), passing attempts (PATT), passing yards (YDS), yards per attempt passing (YA), and passing touchdowns (TDS).
This information is based on 2019, which will work as our starting point for 2020. We’ll look at all the changes on offense on each team in the NFL plus the upgrades and downgrades on each team on the defensive side. We’ll update this table when we finish the research on all 32 teams.
2019 LG Average = the league average of all stats from all 32 teams in 2019.
2019 Results = this is the results for each team in the NFL.
2019 Adjustment is based on the 2019 league average and the 2019 results for each team, this number will show if each team is above or below the league average in each stat category and the basis for the strength of schedule.
The Titans have four games (CLE, CIN, and JAX X 2) that look favorable for their rushing offense. Baltimore's defense presents the most significant problem while having four other matchups (BUF, CHI, and IND X 2) vs. defenses that allowed fewer than the league average in rushing yards in 2019.
On the passing side, they have three favorable games (DET and HOU X 2). Tennessee may struggle to throw the ball in six other contests (DEN, CHI, CLE, BAL, PIT, and BUF), with the latter three presenting the biggest test.
Offense
Last year the Titans had success as a high volume rushing team. After the change to Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, Tennessee added big-play ability to their passing game. They ran the ball 49.8 percent of the time while gaining a league-high 8.8 yards per pass attempt. Their one glaring weakness last year was the 56 sacks allowed by their offensive line.
Here’s a look at the early projections for Tennessee, which will be fluid all summer after taking in all injury updates and training camp news:
Quarterbacks
Ryan Tannehill
The change to Tannehill at QB for the Titans led to 234 points (33.4 per week) over the final seven games. Over this stretch, he gained 2,270 combined yards with 21 TDs and four Ints. His best value came in Week 12 (299 combined yards with four TDs) and Week 14 (410 combined yards with three TDs). He had two touchdowns or more in 12 of his final 13 starts, which included the playoffs.
Despite his high level of success, Tannehill still averaged under 30.0 passes per game while Tennessee piled up rushing yards (1,916) and TDs (14) on the ground.
The Titans signed him to a $118 million deal in March. Based on receiving weapons, WR A.J. Brown is a stud in the making, but WR Corey Davis continued to underachieve his first-round draft value.
A real tricky player as his 2019 success rated well, and Tennessee should be able to build on that path this year. My conservative projections for Tannehill in May came to 4,041 combined yards with 28 TDs and 12 Ints. I’ll go out on a limb and say he sets a career-high in both passing yards (4,208 in 2015) and TDs (28 in 2014). Fantasy owners have him priced as the 17th quarterback option in the early draft season with an ADP of 109.
Other options: Logan Woodside, Cole McDonald
Running Backs
Over the past three seasons, the Titans’ RBs averaged 382 rushes for 1,698 yards and 17 TDs with 57 catches. In 2019, Tennessee rode Derrick Henry to 5.05 yards per catch with a step forward in yards per catch (9.02). Touchdowns should be plentiful while coming up short in chances in the passing game.
Henry was more steady than explosive over his first nine games (806 yards with eight TDs and 11 catches) in 2019, while averaging 3.9 yards per carry. The change to Ryan Tannehill led to an incredible run over his next eight games (203/1273/11 with ten catches for 71 yards). Over this span, Henry had six games with 149 yards rushing or more and four games with multiple TDs.
He had two highlight three-game stretches (532 combined yards with five TDs and six catches and 67 combined yards with four TDs and three catches). Henry had the most success in Week 17 (32/211/3).
His only weakness when matched up with the big boys at RBs is the lack of value in the passing game (18/206/2). Power runner with a chance to push over 375 touches this year. I have projected for 1,741 combined yards with 17 TDs and 31 catches with 325 combined touches. Fantasy owners have him priced as the sixth running back drafted with an ADP of eight.
I’m a fan of RB Darrynton Evans, who may work his way into a third-down role in the passing game.
In 2018 in college, he worked more as a change of pace back (179/1187/7), which led to 6.6 yards per rush and minimal chances in the passing game (12/87/1). Last year Evans developed into a lead runner with value on three downs (1,678 combined yards with 23 touchdowns and 21 catches on 276 touches). His best game came in Week 2 against Charlotte (19/234/3).
Evans brings plus speed and change of pace value. The Titans will get him on the field, but he projects more as an upside handcuff with minimal opportunity.
There hasn’t been an excellent opportunity for wide receivers in the Titans’ offense over the past three seasons. In 2019, the addition of A.J. Brown led growth in catches (172), receiving yards (2,582), and TD (16) with similar targets (256) as in 2017 (245) and 2018 (266). Their wide receivers gained 15.01 yards per catch, leading to 66 percent of the Titans’ passing yards.
Brown was my favorite rookie receiver in 2019, and I drafted in almost every league. Unfortunately, he was a tough start over the first 12 games due to the Titans only looking his way 54 times (4.5 targets per week).
Over this stretch, Brown shined in three contests (3/100, 3/94/2, and 4/135/1). His season ended with three stellar games (5/153/2, 8/114/1, and 4/124/1) over the final four weeks while averaging 9.3 targets in these showings.
Despite his explosiveness, defenses did take him away in the playoffs (1/4, 1/9, and 3/51). There is a lot of intrigue here supported by his league-high in yards per catch (20.2) and catches over 40 yards (8). The trick is getting him closer to eight targets per game, which would give him about a top-12 WR opportunity.
When doing the first run of the 2020 projections, Brown ranked as the tenth wide receiver in PPR leagues with 82 catches for 1,228 yards and nine TDs. His early ADP (39) paints him as the 14th wide receiver drafted. An outstanding player who looks to be an upside WR2, especially if other owners overlook him on draft day.
Corey Davis
Davis remains a mystery to the Titans and fantasy owners after getting drafted in the first round in 2017. He looks to be in a free agent next year with Tennessee looking to move on after his underperforming start to his career.
WR A.J. Brown jumped ahead of him as the WR1, which led to only 4.6 targets per game. Davis gained under 50 yards in 14 of his 18 games (including in the playoffs). His only two contests of value came in Week 4 (5/91/1) and Week 7 (6/80/1).
The bottom line for me is Davis doesn’t make tough catches in tight coverage while rarely making big plays. Bet on the come in his fourth year in the league, but snake eyes may be staring back at you at the finish line. I set his bar at 55 catches for 715 yards and five TDs with an ADP of 242.
Adam Humphries
Over his first four years in the NFL, Humphries improved each season. Last year he finished with 37 catches for 374 yards and two TDs on 47 targets with one game of value (6/93). His catch rate has been elite over the last three years (73.5, 72.4, and 78.7), which commands respect from the coaching staff and quarterback.
In 2018, he set career highs in catches (76), targets (105), receiving yards (816), and TDs (5) as the WR3 for Tampa.
Possession type wide receiver that will be found in the free-agent pool in most redraft leagues.
Tennessee will look for their tight ends at the goal line, leading to 20 TDs over the past three seasons. Delanie Walker (74/807/3) was a big piece of the passing game in 2017 with success in 2015 (94/1088/6) and 2016 (65/800/7) as well. The Titans relied on a rotation of options at tight ends over the last two seasons, which still resulted in productive results.
Jonnu Smith
With Delanie Walker out of the picture for more of 2019, Smith secured over 70 percent of the playing time at tight end for the Titans.
Unfortunately, his bump in snaps led to about 46 percent of the catches (76) and receiving yards (948) while ranking lower (42.1 percent) in overall targets (107) for the TEs on Tennessee.
Smith teased in Week 8 (6/78/1) but followed up with only nine catches for 48 yards on 13 targets over his next four games. Tennessee gave him over five targets in just two contests.
Improving for sure, but his ceiling doesn’t look high enough to project over a mid-tier TE2 at this point in his career. I expect 54 catches for 613 yards and four TDs while being drafted as about the 16th TE in the early 2020 draft season with an ADP of 143.
Other options: Anthony Firkser, MyCole Pruitt, Cole Herdman, Parker Hesse, Tommy Hudson
Kicker
Greg Joseph
Joseph failed to win the Browns kicking job last preseason, which led to him sitting out the first 15 weeks in 2019.
Over five games for the Titans between the regular season and the playoffs, he finished with only one successful field goal while making all 18 of his extra points.
Last year Tennessee scored 54 touchdowns, but they created only 18 field goal chances. In his rookie season, Joseph flashed upside by making 17 of his 20 field goals (85.0 percent) while showing more risk in his college career (57-for-82 in field goals). More of a bet on the Titans’ offense than the leg of Joseph.
Defensive Schedule
Tennessee’s defense will be challenged by the Ravens’ run game while having six other midtier games (MIN, BUF, IND X 2, and HOU X 2). They have three matchups (PIT, CHI, and CIN) against teams that struggled to run the ball last year.
The Titans don’t have one game against a team that threw the ball well in 2019. Seven games (DEN, PIT, BUF, CHI, BAL, and IND X 2) offer a significant edge for their pass defense plus two other favorable games (MIN and CLE). They have the best schedule in 2020 against the pass based on last year’s stats.
Defense
The Titans climbed to 12th in rushing yards allowed (1,672) in 2019 while allowing 14 TDs and six runs over 20 yards. Ball carriers gained 4.0 yards per rush while averaging only 25.9 rushing attempts per game.
Tennessee fell to 24th in passing yards allowed (4,080) with QBs tossing 25 TDs and 41 Ints. Their defense had 43 sacks while holding offenses to 7.3 yards per pass attempts.
Before the 2019 NFL Draft, Simmons suffered a torn ACL in his left knee. The Titans still thought enough of him to draft him 19th overall.
He offers a disruptive skill set that will improve the run defense and add pressure to the pass rush. His next step in his development is understanding what teams are trying to do against him and staying home in his assignments. Simmons will be an impact player when at full strength.
After missing the first six games last year, Simmons made 32 tackles with two sacks. His play vs. the run graded favorably.
DT DaQuan Jones
Jones played all 32 games over the last two years, but he recorded only one sack while continuing to be an asset defending the run. The Titans signed him to a new three-year contract in March of 2018 for $121 million. Last season Jones had 42 tackles and three defended passes.
DE Isaiah Mack
The second defensive end position looks to be in flux, with no one standing out as a top option. Mack only made one start last year after joining the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He didn’t offer an edge in any area.
LB Vic Beasley
In his fifth year in the league, Beasley posted his second-highest total in sacks (8) and a career-high in tackles (42). His play continues to fade vs. the run while struggling to make consistent tackles.
LB Jayon Brown
Brown set a career-high in tackles (105) in 2019 with some growth in pass coverage (one Int, eight defended passes, and one TD). His plays improved against the run for the second straight year. In 2018, he played much better when rushing the quarterback (six sacks).
LB Rashaan Evans
In the first round in 2018, LB Rashaan Evans was the choice at pick 22. Evans should be a great linebacker vs. the run where his speed, vision, and instincts will offer an edge. He’ll add value to the pass rush while needing to prove his worth in pass coverage. His challenge at the next level will be overcoming weaker talent on the defensive line compared to his years at Alabama.
Last year he doubled his output in tackles (111) while adding 2.5 sacks. Evans played well in both seasons in the NFL against the run.
LB Harold Landry
Landry has a chance to be an impact pass rusher thanks to his speed and quickness. He has strength, but he doesn’t have the size (6’2” and 255 lbs.) to beat NFL linemen consistently on the defensive line. Harold needs to improve when asked to change direction.
In his second year in the NFL, Landry picked up nine sacks with growth as well in tackles (68). He pushed his way to a top player in run support.
CB Malcolm Butler
Butler is a cornerback that offers more risk than reward. Receivers will score plenty of TDs with failure in yards allowed and a rising completion rate against. Butler missed the final seven games of the regular season with a broken wrist.
CB Adoree Jackson
Jackson has the feel of a developing cornerback. He’s a former first-round draft pick (2017). His best play comes in coverage, which tends to allow short yards per catch with improved play in touchdowns allowed. He missed five games with a foot injury.
S Kevin Byard
Byard has been a top player at safety over the last three seasons. He continues to be an impact player in run support (84 tackles) while making plenty of plays in coverage (five Ints and nine defended passes).
S Kenny Vaccaro
Vaccaro has never played well in coverage in his career, even with receivers catching low yards per catch in most years. He’ll add value vs. the run while adding a sack or two per season.
Team Defense Outlook
Tennessee has talent at linebacker and with one top player on the defensive line. I don’t trust their cornerbacks while their safeties should add value to their defense. Viable top 12 defense, but they don’t have enough playmakers in their secondary.
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After finishing with over 1,200 rushing yards en route to an MVP, what can we expect from the dual-threat QB in 2020? SI Gambling Insider Frankie Taddeo dives in.
The debate will rage all summer long amongst fantasy players as to when to step out and invest high draft capital on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. In only three years removed from winning the Heisman Trophy, he set the NFL single-season rushing record for a quarterback after gaining 1,206 yards on the ground in 2019. In 2019, Jackson became only the second quarterback in NFL history to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a season, helping him earn NFL MVP honors in just his second season in the league.
Michael Vick previously held the quarterback single-season rushing record thanks to his dynamic season with the Falcons in 2006; gaining 1,039 yards on the ground.
What Are the Oddsmakers Saying?
Jackson ran for 695 yards his rookie year, but only started seven games. After exceeding 1,200 in 2019, FanDuel Sportsbook currently has Jackson’s total rushing yards number in 2020 set at 919.5 yards.
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Jackson’s Fantasy Value in 2020
In his first full season as the Ravens starter, the former Louisville standout completed 66.1 percent of his passes for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns. Jackson guided the Ravens to a 14-2 record and an AFC North crown through his performance both through the air and on the ground. Even more impressive is Jackson finished as the league leader in touchdown passes; despite only 401 attempts (26.7 per game) ranking 26th amongst all NFL QBs.
Jackson’s talents were on full display when he took his game to the next level in 2019. While leading the club with 6.9 yards per carry, he also found the endzone seven times on the ground; delighting fantasy owners who invested mid-round draft capital in acquiring him last summer.
To put his rushing feat in perspective, Jackson’s 1,206 rushing yards last season ranked sixth among all runners in 2019. That’s ahead of star running backs including Saquon Barkley, Dalvin Cook, Aaron Jones and Alvin Kamara. Arizona Cardinals rookie Kyler Murray posted the second most rushing yards with 544, a distant 662 yards behind Jackson.
For where he was selected in drafts at the Fantasy Football World Championships (FFWC), Jackson surpassed all value and carried fantasy owners in 2019. 2020 projections indicate another monster year is on deck for Jackson and the Ravens, who will compete with Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes for the first quarterback off draft boards this summer. The big difference is with an early ADP, Jackson will command valuable first or second round draft capital from any fantasy player looking to acquire him this season.
2020 Schedule
Schedule courtesy of BaltimoreRavens.com
Betting Advice:
Baltimore was the top scoring offense last season, averaging 33.2 points per game, slotting in second overall with 407.6 yards per game. As we often stress to bettors here at SI Gambling, it's imperative to always shop around for the best numbers. After doing so, we discovered that Caesars Sportsbook in Las Vegas currently has the over/under for Jackson’s rushing yards in 2020 set at 935.5 yards (-110).
Jackson eclipsing 1,000 yards again would mark just the third time a quarterback has accomplished that feat in a single season.
“Jackson became just the second player in NFL history to win the NFL's Most Valuable Player by a unanimous vote, joining Tom Brady in 2010… His main focus is now leading the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory.”
Although each of the previous three quarterbacks to rush for more than 900 yards in a season recorded less than 600 rushing yards the following year, my model has Jackson not seeing the regression most anticipated in 2020. Since both Mahomes and Jackson are so closely ranked in my projections, I will be sure to own as many shares of both Mahomes and Jackson as I can in fantasy leagues this season. My model has his rushing total in 2020 with a projection of 952 yards. Therefore, I see value in going over the number currently being offered by FanDuel sportsbook.
