<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59f9e1a74d05acd7028b4bdc-891/anquan-boldin.jpg" alt="Anquan Boldin" data-mce-source="AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes" /><p class="source"><span>AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>Anquan Boldin signed with the Bills in August, but retired from the NFL just two weeks later.</strong></li><li><strong>Ahead of the trade deadline, Boldin expressed a desire to return to the league, but not with the Bills.</strong></li><li><strong>Bills GM Brandon Beane refused to release Boldin's rights, keeping him out of the league for at least the rest of the year, and ensuring that he doesn't jump to a division rival.</strong></li></ul><hr /><p><br />Bills general manager <span>Brandon Beane says that the team will not be releasing the rights to wide receiver Anquan Boldin, preventing him from coming back to the league this season. </span></p><p><span>Boldin signed a one-year deal with the Bills in August, but <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-boldin-abruptly-retires-2-weeks-after-signing-with-bills-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">announced his retirement just two weeks later</a>, <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/10/31/brandon-beane-expects-anquan-boldin-to-stay-retired/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">saying</a> "I'm not coming back to play for a contender or to do anything else. I'm done with the game of football."</span></p><p><span>But just days before the trade deadline, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2017/10/27/16559596/anquan-boldin-retirement-trade-deadline-buffalo-bills" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Boldin requested and was granted permission to search for a potential trade partner</a> that could have potentially facilitated his comeback to the league. After the trade deadline passed, Boldin's only hope to making his NFL return outside of a Bills uniform would be if Buffalo released his rights, which Beane's comments make clear the organization has no plans of doing.</span></p><p><span>Beane <a href="https://twitter.com/BenVolin/status/925724845094199297" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">made his comments on SiriusXM NFL Radio</a>, and noted that he specifically wasn't going to give up Boldin's rights for fear of him joining a division rival.</span></p><p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span>"We made a commitment to Anquan, and he made a commitment to us back in camp. He left for the reasons he mentioned back in August. We invested in him-invested time and committed to him-and we wouldn't want to just put him out on the market to see him go sign with the Patriots or the Dolphins or anybody that can get in our way or work against us."</span></p><p><span>It's a smart, cautious move from Beane, and after Boldin's abrupt departure, he owes the Hall of Fame receiver no favors. With Julian Edelman out for the season and Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan both dealing with ongoing injuries, Boldin is just the type of pass-catching receiver and veteran presence that Belichick would likely be looking to bring into the Patriots offense.</span></p><p><span>Additionally, Beane was likely haunted by previous moves the Patriots have made on his players. Hogan signed with the Patriots while a restricted free agent in 2016 after four years with the Bills when Buffalo couldn't match New England's offer. Hogan immediately had the best season of his career, including putting up 94 yards and a score in his first game against his former team.</span></p><p><span>With the trade deadline passed and the Bills in control of Boldin's playing status, Boldin won't be able to get back into the league until next season should he still desire to make a return.</span></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/lebron-james-eats-diet-workout-routine-2017-6">Here's how LeBron James stays in incredible shape</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/bxDUuMEN-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

Star receiver Anquan Boldin can't come out of retirement because the Bills are afraid he will sign with the Patriots

<p><div class="image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/513e3b186bb3f7701b00000d-696-522/anquan-boldin-catch.jpg?maxX=400" border="0" alt="anquan boldin catch" width="400" /></div><p class="source">Harry How/Getty Images</p></div>The San Francisco 49ers <a href="https://twitter.com/RavensInsider/status/311207114913755136">have traded for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin</a>, Ravens beat writer Aaron Wilson reports.</p>
<p>Baltimore got just a 6th-round pick in return.</p>
<p>The deal came only a few hours after the rival Seattle Seahawks <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/seahawks-trade-percy-harvin-for-picks-2013-3">landed Percy Harvin for a 1st-round pick and a 7th-round pick</a>.</p>
<p>The two NFC West teams were already the clear favorites to win the NFC in 2013, and now they're even stronger.</p>
<p>Boldin is old for a skill player and his base salary is $6 million in 2013, which is why the 49ers got him for such a low pick.</p>
<p>On first glance, it's a good trade for San Francisco. Yeah, they have Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree. But those guys have been inconsistent and there wasn't any real depth behind them. In addition, Boldin showed in last year's playoffs that he can still be a productive option.</p>
<p>Only giving up a 6th-round pick is a steal for a guy who dominated in the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>BUT, if paying Boldin $6 million prevents the 49ers from addressing their secondary, this deal becomes an issue.</p>
<p>As we wrote when <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/rumor-49ers-interested-in-revis-trade-2013-3">they were named in Darrelle Revis trade rumors</a>, the 49ers' pass defense was their single biggest issue in 2012. T<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">hey gave up ~300 passing yards per game in the playoffs, ranking 11th out of 12 teams. They also gave up eight touchdown passes and 17 passes of 20 yards or more.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">So they need to do something there.</span></p>
<p>Wide receiver was certainly a need for San Francisco, but we probably can't judge this trade until we see what they do in the rest of the offseason.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/ClaytonESPN/status/311213789825622017">According to ESPN's John Clayton,</a> the 49ers will have ~$10 million in cap room (counting Boldin's $6 million) once they trade Alex Smith. So they do have some financial wiggle room to address the secondary.</p>
<p>For Baltimore: They didn't get much in return, but it is still a good trade for them.</p>
<p>They have young free agents they're desperately trying to hang out to in Dannell Ellerbe and Paul Kruger, and signing them long-term is more important than paying a 32-year-old wide receiver $6 million for one year.</p>

49ers Land Wide Receiver Anquan Boldin In The Second Huge NFL Trade Of The Day

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="103436" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="NFL">NFL</keyword> on Friday said it that supported players' rights to protest during the national anthem, saying "<keyword id="2771111" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="black-lives-matter">Black lives matter</keyword>."</li><li><keyword id="4469065" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="patrick-mahomes">Patrick Mahomes</keyword> was involved in a video made by NFL players encouraging the league to reconsider its stance on protests and to recognize the Black Lives matter movement.</li><li>According to Jason Reid of The Undefeated, Mahomes, as the face of the NFL, may have played a huge part in the league's new stance.</li></ul><p>Patrick Mahomes may have played a big role in the NFL reversing course and changing its stance on protests during the national anthem.</p><p>NFL Commissioner <keyword id="1489282" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Roger-Goodell">Roger Goodell</keyword> released a video on Friday telling players in a video that <a href="https://www.insider.com/video-roger-goodell-says-nfl-was-wrong-colin-kaepernick-2020-6">the league supports their right to protest during the national anthem</a>.</p><p>"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 in a video. "We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter."</p><p><div type="image" title="patrick mahomes roger goodell" height="1000" width="1333" msid="76272659" hostid="261"></div>The statement came amid nationwide Black Lives Matter protests, and echoed a video from NFL players asking the league to change its stance on the protests and to say, "Black Lives Matter."</p><p><a href="https://theundefeated.com/features/the-power-of-patrick-mahomes-saying-black-lives-matter/">According to Jason Reid of The Undefeated</a>, Mahomes' participation in that video was significant.</p><p>An NFL team official told Reid: "Getting Mahomes to participate [in the video] was so big."</p><p>The video featured several star players, including Deshaun Watson, Odell Beckham Jr., DeAndre Hopkins, and Saquon Barkley, saying that any of them could have been George Floyd. The players then named other victims of police brutality.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet blockquote" data-lang="en" data-cards="" data-conversation="">—Adam Schefter  (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/1268713016356454400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote><p>However, Mahomes, the youngest player to ever win MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and a Super Bowl, carried more weight. He is arguably the face of the NFL.</p><p>Doug Williams, the first black quarterback to start in the Super Bowl and win Super Bowl MVP, told Reid that Mahomes' participation was "powerful."</p><p>"We're not talking about a 15-year veteran," Williams said. "We're talking about a young man who's not even 25. He has been the MVP of this league. He has won a Super Bowl. Just right there, he's already made an incredible impact in this league.</p><p>"Then he goes and does this [participates in the video] at this time. With all these young people out here marching in the streets and demanding change, it's a different time right now. You see that there are so many young people leading. It says a lot that he wanted to be involved in pushing for that change. It was very powerful."</p><p>Last week, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees came under fire for saying he felt kneeling during the national anthem was "disrespecting" the flag. Brees later apologized, but many players criticized him for misconstruing the meaning of the protests.</p><p>Former NFL wide receiver Anquan Boldin told Reid that getting quarterbacks, the most recognizable players in the NFL, to get on-board with the messages makes a huge difference.</p><p>"My point, from the beginning, is that if we could have those guys begin to speak out, what a difference it could make because of the kind of pull quarterbacks have in this league. A quarterback's voice carries."</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/michael-jordan-brand-donating-100-million-10-years-racial-equality-2020-6">Michael Jordan and Nike's Jordan Brand are donating $100 million over 10 years to 'drive real impact for the Black Community'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/drew-brees-instagram-trump-nfl-player-protests-2020-6">Drew Brees fact checks Trump over NFL player protests: 'This is not an issue about the American flag'</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/dana-white-no-statement-george-floyd-blm-protests-2020-6">The UFC president Dana White appeared confused and lost for words when asked to comment on the Black Lives Matter movement</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/crossfit-athletes-boycott-sport-games-after-ceo-george-floyd-comment-2020-6">The world's top CrossFit athletes are boycotting the sport following the CEO's insensitive comments on George Floyd</a></li></ul>

Patrick Mahomes' involvement in NFL players' 'Black Lives Matter' video may have had a huge role in changing the league's stance

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/59c3d3f09803c51e008b8696-889/gettyimages-845340330.jpg" alt="Michael Bennett" data-mce-source="Joe Robbins/Getty" /><p class="source"><span>Joe Robbins/Getty</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>A group of four prominent NFL players reached out to the league in hopes of securing support for social activism and community involvement, <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/memo-4-players-sent-nfl-commissioner-roger-goodell-030818178.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">according to a memo obtained by Yahoo Sports</a>.</p><p>The memo, sent to the league in August, includes signatures from Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith, Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, and retired wide receiver Anquan Boldin, four of the NFL's most outspoken players on issues of racial inequality.</p><p>The memo begins with a rundown of activities undertaken by their "Players Coalition," such as visits to poverty-stricken neighborhoods and meetings with law enforcement officials. Later, the players make specific requests of league commissioner Roger Goodell, including the idea to dedicate one month of the season to highlighting player activism and community engagement, something akin to the recent "Breast Cancer Awareness" initiative implimented by the NFL.</p><p>Here's the paragraph in its entirety:</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">"To counter the vast amount of press attention being referred to as the 'national anthem protests' versus the large amount of grass roots work that many players around the league have invested their time and resources, we would like to request a league wide initiative that would include a month dedicated to a campaign initiative and related events. Similarly to what the league already implements for breast cancer awareness, honoring military, etc, we would like November to serve as a month of Unity for individual teams to engage and impact the community in their market."</p><p>The NFL's pushes <span>for breast cancer awareness and military support have caused controversy in recent years. While some applaud the league for supporting worthwhile causes, others have <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/10/02/nfl-ignores-domestic-violence-month-nancy-armour/16608243/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">criticized</a> it for being proactive on some issues while ignoring others.</span></p><p><span>Either way, it seems that this request was made with the aim of shedding a positive light on the wave of activism that has spread across the league. Currently, many fans are <a href="https://theundefeated.com/features/nfl-boycotts-from-both-sides-over-anthem-protests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">boycotting</a> the league's broadcasts due to the increasingly common national anthem protests, but an entire month dedicated to exploring how these same players are affecting their communities could change some minds.</span></p><p><span>The memo also includes a timeline for announcing the initiative prior to the 2017 season, though it seems those suggestions were ignored. It concludes with an outline of the players' vision for criminal justice reform, including bail reform, the elimination of mandatory minimum sentences, and ending the war on drugs.</span></p><p><span>All four players who signed the memo have called for racial equality in the past. Jenkins and Bennett have engaged in national anthem protests, while Smith frequently speaks his mind in interviews and on social media. Boldin has spoken on Capitol Hill in support of criminal justice reform.</span></p><p><span>You can read <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/memo-4-players-sent-nfl-commissioner-roger-goodell-030818178.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the entire memo at Yahoo Sports</a>.</span></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/how-46-year-old-wwe-superstar-chris-jericho-stays-in-shape-2017-9">How 46-year-old WWE superstar Chris Jericho stays in amazing shape</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/RfDcHdkk-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

Players asked the NFL to help bring awareness during the season to 'racial equality' efforts that go beyond national anthem protests

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5a20318c3dbef4ae078b91f7-889/gettyimages-615027954.jpg" alt="Colin Kaepernick" data-mce-source="Tom Szczerbowski/Getty" /><p class="source"><span>Tom Szczerbowski/Getty</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>Two prominent names, Michael Thomas and Eric Reid, have left the NFL Players Coalition.</strong></li><li><strong>They cited a number of reasons for their departure, including the exclusion of Colin Kaepernick and problems with leadership and communication within the group.</strong></li><li><strong>The NFL recently proposed an $89 million commitment to social justice causes, drawing a mixed reaction from the coalition.</strong></li></ul><hr /><p> </p><p>Weeks after a group of NFL players first met with league officials and owners to discuss activism and social justice, the Players Coalition has been fractured by a number of significant disagreements.</p><p>The coalition was founded in September by the Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins and retired wide receiver Anquan Boldin, but it now appears that at least two of the players took issue with their leadership style. On Wednesday, the Miami Dolphins safety Michael Thomas and the San Francisco 49ers safety Eric Reid tweeted <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael31Thomas/status/935883026235576321/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fnfl%2Fnews%2Freport-players-divided-over-nfls-100-million-social-justice-proposal%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener">identical statements</a> announcing their plans to leave the coalition.</p><p>"The Players Coalition was supposed to be formed as a group that represents NFL Athletes who have been silently protesting social injustices and racism," they wrote. "However, Malcolm and Anquan can no longer speak on our behalf as we don't believe the coalition's beliefs are in our best interests as a whole. We will continue to have dialogue with the league to find equitable solutions but without Malcolm and Anquan as our representatives."</p><p>The players disagreed on a number of issues, including the inclusion of Colin Kaepernick in the coalition. Reid said that Jenkins essentially removed the free agent quarterback without consulting the other members.</p><p>"Malcolm kicked Colin out of the coalition following the meeting in New York at the beginning of the season," he <a href="https://pro32.ap.org/article/players-coalition-members-odds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the Associated Press</a>. "There's a group message. [Jenkins] is the administrator and he took Colin out."</p><p>Jenkins didn't have much to say about the situation, saying he's "not sure about whether Kaepernick wants to be involved."</p><p>The Kaepernick question wasn't the only one that divided the group. ESPN <a href="http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21606390/nfl-offers-100-million-plan-social-justice-organizations-partnership-players" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently reported</a> that the NFL has proposed an $89 million donation to social justice projects in an apparent effort to curb the players' protests during the national anthem, an offer that drew a mixed reaction. But according to Reid, it was the lack of communication between Jenkins and the rest of the coalition that ultimately caused the split.</p><p>"Malcolm did text me this morning asking if we would be comfortable ending our demonstrations if the NFL made a donation," he said. "At that point, that was the last straw for me. He had a conversation with the NFL. We agreed that multiple people would be part of the conversations with the league so it just wouldn't be him. He didn't stand by his word on that."</p><p>Jenkins said he was "disappointed" that the disagreements were made public and restated his commitment to the coalition's aims. But according to the Dolphins wide receiver Kenny Stills, who remains with the coalition, Thomas and Reid weren't the only players unhappy with the group's leadership.</p><p>"We were trying to work together and bring all the players together to work together. It just hasn't been going that way," Stills told ESPN. "We don't feel like everyone was getting the same voice."</p><p>Beyond the communication issues, Reid was unhappy that Jenkins tried to broker an agreement that could potentially end the protests. Reid, the first player to join Kaepernick in taking a knee, said that the plan seemed to come out of nowhere.</p><p>"That was never discussed at any point. I feel like I've been misled," Reid said. "I won't accuse Malcolm of directly lying to me, because I don't think he's that type of guy. But I will say he's misled us. And shoot, if that's what lying is, then that's what it is."</p><p>The Players Coalition will continue on without Reid and Thomas. The NFL's $89 million proposal remains on the table.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/shaq-on-lavar-ball-lonzo-persona-nba-lakers-2017-11">'It's all marketing': Shaq weighs in on LaVar Ball's over-the-top persona</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/hNnAh3TB-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

NFL players are at odds after dismissal of Colin Kaepernick from Players Coalition by another player

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5473907eecad0422259f17b2-1200-924/anquan-boldin-49ers.jpg" border="0" alt="Anquan Boldin 49ers"><p class="source"><span>Cary Edmondson/Reuters</span></p><p class="caption">Anquan Boldin has 825 receiving yards this season.</p></img></div><p></p></div></div>In his two seasons in San Francisco, Anquan Boldin has been the 49ers' best wide receiver. </p>
<p>When the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/49ers-trade-for-anquan-boldin-2013-3">49ers traded for Boldin</a> in 2013, it was widely regarded as a solid move to secure depth at wide receiver. <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Boldin had just won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, and </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"></span><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/ravens/2013/03/09/baltimore-ravens-receiver-anquan-boldin-wont-retire-if-released/1975869/">was unwilling to take a pay cut</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> from his $6 million salary, so the Ravens traded him.</span></p>
<p>The Ravens had considered releasing him, but ended up getting a 6th-round pick from the 49ers instead.</p>
<p>It was a <a href="http://deadspin.com/49ers-trade-for-anquan-boldin-give-up-basically-nothin-452593369">low-risk move for San Francisco</a>. In the worst-case scenario, Boldin's production would decline at age 32 and they'd lose a 6th-round pick. In the best-case scenario, they'd pick up a No. 1 wide receiver for almost nothing. </p>
<p>Boldin hasn't just been a consistent receiver - he's been their best receiver the past two seasons.</p>
<p>In 2013, Boldin led the 49ers with 1,179 receiving yards to go with seven touchdowns. This season, Boldin has 825 receiving yards - nearly 300 more than the team's No. 2 receiver Michael Crabtree - and four touchdowns.</p>
<p>Boldin was supposed to be a receiver to complement Crabtree (who missed the first 11 games for the 49ers) in 2013, but he's since emerged as their top receiver and one of their best endzone targets. </p>
<p>On Sunday, Boldin had arguably the biggest play of the game in the 49ers' 17-13 win over the Washington Redskins. In the 4th quarter with the 49ers down 13-10, Boldin made a huge 23-yard catch, obliterating Washington safety Ryan Clark, gaining an additional six yards after the hit and 15 more yards when Washington got called for unnecessary roughness. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/54738b86ecad047c0b9f17b5/anquan boldin catch redskins.gif" border="0" alt="Anquan Boldin catch Redskins"><p class="source"><span>Via NFL.com</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></div></p>
<p>After that he made another 10-yard catch, setting the 49ers up for a running touchdown by Carlos Hyde to take the lead for good.</p>
<p>He finished with 137 yards for the game, his first 100-yard game of the season. </p>
<p>The Ravens used the 2013 6th-round pick from the Niners to move into the second-round in a trade with the Seahawks. The Ravens drafted Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown, who has 11 tackles in his second year with Baltimore.</p>

The San Francisco 49ers Got Their Top Wide Receiver For A 6th-Round Pick - And It Was A Total Steal

<p>One of the best highlights from the Super Bowl so far is this crazy completion by Flacco. He scrambles, and eventually throws the ball down field and it ends up in Anquan Boldin's arms:</p>
<p><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/510efd7a6bb3f7323c000017/flacco.gif" border="0" alt="joe flacco scrable gif" /></p>

Joe Flacco Somehow Completed This Pass After A Crazy Scramble

<p><div class="image-container float_right" style="width:480px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/51f6758f6bb3f7c326000022-1200-900/dennis-pitta-baltimore-ravens-tight-end.jpg?maxX=480" border="0" alt="dennis pitta baltimore ravens tight end" width="480" /><p class="source">Patrick Smith/Getty Images</p></div></div><keyword id="6420994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Training-camp">Training camp</keyword> isn't even a week old and there have already been three season-ending injuries to key players.</p>
<p>1. <keyword id="195002" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Baltimore-Ravens">Baltimore Ravens</keyword> tight end <a href="http://nfl.si.com/2013/07/27/dennis-pitta-injury-baltimore-ravens/">Dennis Pitta fractured and dislocated his hip</a> and will be out for the year. Pitta was second on the team in catches and touchdowns last year. The Ravens now have to replace him and leading receiver Anquan Boldin, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/49ers-trade-for-anquan-boldin-2013-3">who they traded to the 49ers for very little in the spring</a>. They've signed veteran tight end Visanthe Shiancoe to fill Pitta's role.</p>
<p>2. Denver Broncos center <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp13/story/_/id/9516558/denver-broncos-center-dan-koppen-tears-acl">Dan Koppen tore his ACL</a> and will be out for the year. Koppen was actually Denver's Plan B after JD Walton went down with an <keyword id="27288" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="injury">injury</keyword> in June. They're <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-power-rankings-training-camp-2013-7">one of the favorites in the AFC</a>, but they'll have to sort out their center situations in the next several weeks.</p>
<p>3. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/eagles/2013/07/27/jeremy-maclin-injury-philadelphia-eagles/2592659/">Jeremy Maclin tore his ACL</a> and will be out for all of 2013. While the Eagles were never expected to contend in the NFC East, their lone strength was at the skill positions with Maclin, Desean Jackson, and Lesean McCoy. Now that is gone. Riley Cooper will probably see a lot more action in his place.</p>
<p>The Ravens and Broncos are among the dozen or so teams that have a chance to win it all this year, and these injuries are significant. </p>

There Have Already Been Three Major Injuries In Less Than A Week Of NFL Training Camp

<p><div class="image-container float_right" style="width:480px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/5205143fecad04b94900000a-1200-924/adrian-peterson-2.jpg?maxX=480" border="0" alt="Adrian Peterson" width="480" /><p class="source"><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/player-adrian-peterson-accepts-award-for-best-comeback-news-photo/173777719">Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images</a></p><p class="caption"><keyword id="1440411" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Adrian-Peterson">Adrian Peterson</keyword> accepts award for Best Comeback Athlete onstage at The 2013 ESPY Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A.</p></div></div>Some NFL players are unhappy about the new rule requiring them to wear thigh and knee pads — not because of the added weight — because they aren't fashionable.</p>
<p><keyword id="300463" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Cleveland-Browns">Cleveland Browns</keyword> cornerback <keyword id="1811623" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Joe-Haden">Joe Haden</keyword> told the <a href="http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/browns-training-camp-new-pad-rule-annoys-some-players-but-they-must-comply-1.419159">Akron Beacon Journal</a> he "wasn't a fan of them at all," and said the pads restrict movement and don't look good.</p>
<p><span>“It’s a fashion thing, too,” Haden said. “It looks cool, your pants all the way slick.”</span></p>
<p><keyword id="195002" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Baltimore-Ravens">Baltimore Ravens</keyword> receiver <keyword id="1811624" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Torrey-Smith">Torrey Smith</keyword> told the <a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/what-nfl-players-say-about-new-pads?utm_campaign=NFL&amp;utm_source=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=Twitter">Associated Press</a> that when he arrived for his first day of practice with the organization in 2011, Anquan Boldin told him "Go take your pads off. Receivers don't wear [leg] pads in the league."</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Smith said he had no idea about the trend prior to that.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Marvin Lewis, the head coach of the <keyword id="842713" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Cincinnati-Bengals">Cincinnati Bengals</keyword>, told the <a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/what-nfl-players-say-about-new-pads?utm_campaign=NFL&amp;utm_source=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=Twitter">AP</a> the rule change was "cosmetic, really" and said the adjustment wouldn't be big one since players were mandated to wear the pads in youth and college football.</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The league is implementing the rule in hopes of reducing injuries and league MVP Adrian Peterson, who wears leg pads for that reason, commented on players who have an issue with the rule change.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"Guys like to be pretty, not wear the thigh pads and knee pads, but it protects you. There have been plenty of times I got hit in my knee and when I had my pants pulled up too high and that pad wasn't there to protect it. It didn't feel good," <a href="http://www.nflevolution.com/article/Evolution-Exclusive-Q-038-A-with-Merton-Hanks-on-leg-pad-issue?ref=13437">Peterson told NFL Evolution</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Peterson rushed for more than 2,000 yards wearing the pads last season.</span></p>
<p>The pads were mandatory in the NFL from 1979-1994 and only about one third of players wore them while they were optional.</p>

NFL Players Don't Like 'Unfashionable' Thigh And Knee Pads

<p><div class="image-container full" style="width:620px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/50fcbb4269beddfa6b000014-1000-500/ray-lewis-emotional-after-patriots-game-1.jpg?maxX=620" border="0" alt="ray lewis emotional after patriots game" width="620" /></div><p class="source">Al Bello/Getty Images</p></div>The heavily favored <keyword id="909846" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="New-England-Patriots">New England Patriots</keyword> have been upset by the <keyword id="195002" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Baltimore-Ravens">Baltimore Ravens</keyword> in the AFC Championship Game, 28-13.</p>
<p>Baltimore plays the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl in two weeks.</p>
<p>The Patriots looked like the better team in the first half, but they failed to get into field goal range multiple time and only led 13-7 at halftime. In the second half, the Ravens absolutely dominated on both sides of the ball.</p>
<p>It wasn't even all that close.</p>
<p>After the game, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/ray-lewis-has-emotional-breakdown-photos-2013-1">Ray Lewis was overcome with raw emotion</a>.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Here's how the game unfolded.</span></p>
<p>1. New England opened the scoring with a 31-yard field goal.</p>
<p>2. Baltimore took the lead on a short Ray Rice TD run after an impressive drive. Upset brewing?</p>
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/50fc8d2d6bb3f7637a000007/ray rice touchdown gif.gif" border="0" alt="ray rice touchdown gif" /></p>
<p>3. On the ensuing drive, New England dinked and dunked its way down the field and scored a touchdown on a short Wes Welker catch:</p>
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/50fc902eecad04f116000005/welker td.gif" border="0" alt="wes welker touchdown gif" /></p>
<p>4. The Patriots made it 13-7 with a short field goal.</p>
<p>5. The Ravens drove down the field 87 yards and scored on a TD catch by Dennis Pitta to snatch a 14-13 lead:</p>
<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/50fc9de16bb3f7861c00000b/ravens td.gif" border="0" alt="ravens touchdown gif" /></p>
<p>6. The Ravens made it 21-13 on a Anquan Boldin TD catch from the goal line. </p>
<p>7. After this truly disturbing helmet-to-helmet hit, the Ravens recovered a fumble and scored on another TD pass to make it 28-13. Awful:</p>
<p><table class="image-container" width="200"><tr><td><div class="image"><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/50fca45becad04c33d000006/ridleyhitpollard.gif" border="0" alt="steven ridley hit bernard pollard gif" /></div><p class="source"><a href="http://cjzero.com/gifs/RidleyHitPollard.gif">@cjzero</a></p></td></tr></table></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/live-patriots-ravens-score-highlights-2013-1">Click to refresh &gt;</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>We'll be updating this post with GIFs, screenshots, video, and anything else that pops up. Check back in throughout the game.</strong></p>
<p>Ray Lewis was incredibly emotional during the national anthem. This could be his last game ever (via <a href="https://twitter.com/BuzzFeedSports/status/293140608644706304/photo/1">BuzzFeed</a>):</p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container" style="width:620px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/50fc809b6bb3f78860000010-779-581/ray-lewis-anthem.jpg" border="0" alt="ray lewis" width="620" /></div><p class="source"><a href="https://twitter.com/BuzzFeedSports/status/293140608644706304/photo/1">BuzzFeed</a></p></div></strong></p>
<p><span>The Patriots are huge favorites, but recent history says this will be a tight one. Baltimore won 31-30 in </span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/video-bill-belichick-grabs-replacement-ref-in-anger-after-controversial-ending-2012-9">a replacement ref-plagued game earlier this year</a><span>, and New England won last year's AFC title game in overtime.</span></p>
<p>Winner plays the 49ers, who <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/live-falcons-49ers-score-highlights-2013-1">won the NFC title game in a thriller earlier today</a>.</p>
<p><strong><br /></strong></p>

The Ravens Shock The Patriots In A Massive Upset, Will Face The 49ers In The Super Bowl

<p><div class="image-container full" style="width:620px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/51101aa9eab8eade69000007-1000/chris-culliver-super-bowl-3.jpg?maxX=620" border="0" alt="chris culliver super bowl" width="620" /></div><p class="source">Getty Images</p></div></p>
<p>Even though Colin Kaepernick is catching flack for his first-half jitters in the <keyword id="101238" type="SPORT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Super-Bowl">Super Bowl</keyword>, the 49ers defense — the secondary specifically — was the real reason why they lost last night.</p>
<p>Joe Flacco completed 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards and 3 TDs. He didn't just dink and dunk San Francisco to death, he supplemented his short passes with a handful of back-breaking deep balls. He was getting anything he wanted.</p>
<p>We probably should have seen it coming.</p>
<p>The 49ers' secondary got sliced up by Matt Ryan in the first half of the NFC title game, and gave up 31 points to the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round.</p>
<p>ESPN Stats &amp; Info had <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/61395/flacco-dominant-down field-against-niners">an eye-popping stat about the collapse of the 49ers' secondary this morning</a>:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"Including the Super Bowl, the 49ers allowed five touchdowns and a 67.5 completion percentage on passes more than 10 yards down field in the postseason. In the regular season, the 49ers allowed only three touchdowns (fewest) on those throws and a 38.7 completion percentage (third best)."</p>
<p>So the 49ers' secondary was basically twice as bad in the playoffs as they were in the regular season.</p>
<p>Chris Culliver — the 49ers cornerback who made anti-gay statements during Super Bowl week — <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/chris-culliver-struggles-in-super-bowl-2013-2">was one of the main culprits</a>. He got beat by Anquan Boldin a bunch, and let Jacoby Jones run right by him on this TD pass:</p>
<p><table class="image-container" width="200"><tr><td><div class="image"><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/510f0efa69bedde534000000/jones-td-2-3-13.gif" border="0" alt="jacoby jones td" /></div><p class="source">Big Lead</p></td></tr></table></p>
<p>The 49ers' defense gave up 29.7 points per game in the playoffs, compared to 17.1 points per game in the regular season.</p>
<p>The 49ers' offense scored 34.7 points per game in the playoffs, compared to 24.8 points per game in the regular season.</p>
<p>The offense got better, but the defense fell apart, and that's why they lost.</p>
<p><strong>But how does a secondary suddenly fall apart?</strong></p>
<p>There's no definitive answers. They didn't have any significant injuries, and you typically don't see an entire unit of a team suddenly go into a slump at once.</p>
<p>One theory is that the 49ers' pass rush is actually to blame. Aldon Smith — the league's second-leading pass rusher — didn't have a single sack in the playoffs, and defensive lineman Justin Smith has been playing hurt.</p>
<p>But the pass rush actually wasn't that bad last night. They sacked Flacco only twice, but they knocked him down on seven of his 33 pass attempts. That's not a terrible percentage.</p>
<p>So there isn't a definitive reason why the 49ers suddenly couldn't cover anyone. All we know is that was the real reason they lost last night.</p>

The 49ers Lost Because Their Pass Defense Mysteriously Collapsed In The Playoffs

<p><div class="image-container" style="width:620px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/510f2e0eeab8ea4850000005-800/joe-flacco-2.jpg?maxX=620" border="0" alt="joe flacco" width="620" /></div><p class="source">Christian Petersen/Getty Images</p></div></p>
<p>The <keyword id="195002" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Baltimore-Ravens">Baltimore Ravens</keyword> have won the <keyword id="101238" type="SPORT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Super-Bowl">Super Bowl</keyword>, beating the <keyword id="922792" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="San-Francisco-49ers">San Francisco 49ers</keyword> 34–31 in New Orleans.</p>
<p>After finding themselves in a 22-point hole, the 49ers staged a furious comeback to pull within 5: 34–29.</p>
<p>At 34–29, San Fran had a chance to score a touchdown on 1st and goal at the two-minute warning. But the Ravens stopped them four-straight times in one of the more amazing goal-line stands in <keyword id="103436" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="NFL">NFL</keyword> history.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/power-goes-out-at-super-bowl-2013-2">There was a 35-minute delay in the third quarter because of a power outage</a>. After the outage, the 49ers came to life, but it was too little, too late.</p>
<p>Joe Flacco won MVP. He was fantastic tonight.</p>
<p>Here's how we got there:</p>
<p>1. The touchdown came on a pass from Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin to make it 7-0 (<a href="https://twitter.com/BuzzFeedSports">via BuzzFeed Sports</a>):</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/510ef72669bedd9478000004/726808993.gif" border="0" alt="flacco boldin touchdown GIF" /></p>
<p>2. A chip-shot David Akers field goal to make it 7-3.</p>
<p>3. A short Joe Flacco to Dennis Pitta TD to make it 14-3.</p>
<p>4. A Flacco bomb to Jacoby Jones to make it 21-3:</p>
<p><table class="image-container" width="200"><tr><td><div class="image"><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/510f0efa69bedde534000000/jones-td-2-3-13.gif" border="0" alt="jacoby jones td" /></div><p class="source">Big Lead</p></td></tr></table></p>
<p>5. A David Akers chip-shot field goal to make it 21-6 on the stroke of halftime.</p>
<p>6. Jacoby Jones 109-yard kick return TD to make it 28-6</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/510f14986bb3f7536900000e/kickoff.gif" border="0" alt="jones kick off return gif" /></p>
<p>7. A Kaepernick TD pass to Michael Crabtree to make it 28-13.</p>
<p><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/510f1d33eab8eafc29000000/49ers td.gif" border="0" alt="49ers TD gif" /></p>
<p>8. A short TD run by Frank Gore to make it 28-20.</p>
<p>9. A David Akers field goal to make it 28-23.</p>
<p>10. A Justin Tucker field goal to make it 31-23.</p>
<p>11. A Kaepernick scramble TD to make it 31-29 (missed the two-point conversion):</p>
<p><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/510f2713eab8ea1e3e000012/kaepernick-1.gif" border="0" alt="kaepernick touchdown gif" /></p>
<p>12. A Justin Tucker FG to make it 34-29.</p>
<p>13. An intentional safety by the Ravens to waste time.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/joe-flacco-scramble-2013-2"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The other highlight came on this crazy Joe Flacco scramble.</span></a></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">We'll be here all night with GIFs, video, screenshots, photos, and more. Check back in once a quarter or so and everything you need to know will be here.</span></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/live-super-bowl-score-highlights-video-2013-2">Click here to refresh &gt;</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>49ers coach Jim Harbaugh is not pleased:</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container" style="width:500px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/510f00e4eab8ea4a6800000c-1200-1800/jim-harbaugh-woah.jpg" border="0" alt="jim harbaugh super bowl" width="500" /></div><p class="source">Chris Graythen/Getty Images</p></div><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>CBS has new graphics for the game. We think they look great:</strong></p>
<p><strong><table class="image-container" width="200"><tr><td><div class="image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/510ef52aeab8eaa74a000022-600-336/726807891.jpg" border="0" alt="cbs super bowl graphics" /></div><p class="source"><a href="http://twitpic.com/c0q0k3">@cjzero</a></p></td></tr></table><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Ray Lewis is intense:</strong></p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container" style="width:620px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/510ef25aeab8eafb4200001a-828-470/ray-lewis-yay.jpg" border="0" alt="ray lewis before the super bowl" width="620" /></div><p class="source"><a href="https://twitter.com/jose3030/status/298210449890095106/photo/1">@jose3030</a></p></div><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Here's a great photo of the Harbaugh brothers hanging out before the game:</strong></p>
<p><div class="image-container" style="width:620px"><div class="image"><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/510eec77ecad04f02d00000b-1200-948/harbaugh-brothers.jpg" border="0" alt="jim harbaugh john harbaugh" width="620" /></div><p class="source">AP</p></div></p>
<p>The 49ers are small favorites. But quarterback Colin Kaepernick has only played two playoff games in his life, and the Ravens have already upset the Broncos and Patriots on their way to the Super Bowl.</p>

RAVENS WIN: Here's Everything You Need To Know

<p><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/51dedbff6bb3f79728000023-1200-924/peyton-manning-nfl-2013-preview.jpg?maxX=800" border="0" alt="Peyton Manning NFL 2013 Preview" width="800" />The sports calender is a little light right now. Following the alternating nightly rush of watching the NBA or NHL finals all June, the July lull leaves sports fans itching for a fix.</p>
<p>The <keyword id="103436" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="NFL">NFL</keyword> hiatus breaks July 23 when the Arizona Cardinals start the <keyword id="6420994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Training-camp">training camp</keyword> season. Since the end of last season you have likely been mulling over a few areas of concern for your favorite team, and contemplating transactions and draft picks. </p>
<p>Training camp offers clues. Is the revamped offensive line holding its own? How's the top rookie looking? Were the free agency dollars well spent?</p>
<p>With training camp less than two weeks away we take a look at one major question in every AFC division.</p>
<p><strong><img class="float_right" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/51deda14ecad04c317000006-1200-924/tom-brady-nfl-2013-preview.jpg" border="0" alt="Tom Brady NFL 2013 Preview" width="480" />AFC East: New England is stumbling, but does it matter?</strong></p>
<p>The Patriots' top five receivers from last season are gone or on the mend. Wes Welker went to the Broncos, Rob Gronkowski is rehabbing from back and forearm surgery, Danny Woodhead is a Charger, Brandon Lloyd is unemployed and Aaron Hernandez <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/aaron-hernandez-murder-timeline-2013-6">has been accused of murder</a>. Are free agent signings Danny Amendola and Michael Jenkins the answers? </p>
<p>Even if the New England offense isn't the finely tuned machine we are used to watching, it likely won't matter. Who else can win this division? Kevin Kolb and his Bills? Second year quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins? Don't start with the Jets. Miami might be the best of the bunch with rookie pass rusher Dion Jordan and free agent receiver Mike Wallace in the fold, but we don't see anyone taking this division from the Pats.</p>
<p><strong><img class="float_right" src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/51dedaa169bedd454600000e-1200-924/baltimore-ravens-afc-north-cincinnati-bengals.jpg" border="0" alt="Baltimore Ravens AFC North Cincinnati Bengals" width="480" />AFC North: Can the champs sustain as they reload?</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>The Ravens defense was nothing special last year, allowing a middle of the pack 21.5 points per game last season. But how will the loss of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed impact the defending champions? The addition of Elvis Dumervil, <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/21939833/elvis-dumervil-ravens-agree-to-terms-on-five-year-contract">thanks to a clerical error</a>, gives the defense a pair of whirling dervish edge rushers along with Terrell Suggs.</p>
<p>Perhaps the biggest loss will be receiver Anquan Boldin, who was traded to San Francisco. The 32-year-old receiver finally looked like the pass catching machine everyone envisioned when he joined Baltimore in 2010, grabbing 22 balls for 380 yards and four touchdowns in the postseason. </p>
<p>The loss of several key pieces will likely prevent the Ravens from repeating, and others in the division look capable of capitalizing on a comparable late season hot streak.</p>
<p>The Bengals, like the Ravens, were 10-6 last year. After knocking on the doorstep for two seasons, Cincinnati may be ready to break through. The defense is expected to be one of the best in the league and the addition of Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert gives the Bengals a fearsome tight end duo with Jermaine Gresham. </p>
<p>If Pittsburgh can get a full season from Ben Roethlisberger they too will be in the mix. The ability of Emmanuel Sanders to replace deep threat Mike Wallace will play a big factor in the Steelers offensive balance. After averaging an anemic 96.1 rushing yards per game, the Steelers must rediscover their ground game, whether its with rookie Le'Veon Bell or last year's leader Jonathan Dwyer.  </p>
<p><strong><img class="float_right" src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/51dedb6beab8ea9b0b000000-1200-924/houston-texans-arian-foster-afc-south-2013.jpg" border="0" alt="Houston Texans Arian Foster AFC South 2013" width="480" />AFC South: Will the Luck continue in Indianapolis?</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>Despite a -12 turnover differential, a 22nd ranked rushing game, 21st ranked pass defense and 29th ranked rushing defense, the Colts went 11-5. Is that a miracle season, or a warning shot? It's hard to tell if the Colts will win more games with better stats or were a team that thrived on the struggle. Quarterback Andrew Luck will be in his second season, but the Colts remain an enigma.</p>
<p>Once again the division will run through Houston, and again the question will be if the Texans are able to get over the hump. They looked like the best team in the league at times last year before stumbling late and bowing out to the Patriots in the divisional round. The stretch running game will continue and anything less than a Super Bowl will be a disappointment in Houston. </p>
<p>Tennessee and Jacksonville, meanwhile, are in shambles. Ryan Fitzpatrick will challenge Jake Locker for the Titans quarterback job and the selection of guard Chance Warmack will finally lead to some open holes for Chris Johnson to run through. It's hard to see the Jaguars being anything but the worst team in the league, again.</p>
<p><strong>AFC West: Will Rahim Moore stay deep?</strong></p>
<p>The Denver free safety's offseason was shorter than most—his team made the playoffs—but no one's offseason dragged longer. It was Moore's blown coverage that led to this play in the waning seconds of regulation in the division playoffs:</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="335" frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ajYgQjWUk80"></iframe></p>
<p>The Broncos would go on to lose, reminding fans that sometimes a year's worth of preparation and work can fall apart with a single mistake. It was Ravens only the year prior who saw their Super Bowl dreams fade on a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIH-GrnnPVM">Lee Evans dropped touchdown</a>. The Broncos return as the overwhelming favorites in their division, adding Wes Welker to an already solid receiving corps. This team has what it takes to win a Super Bowl, the only question will be execution.</p>

The 4 Most Important Questions In The AFC Heading Into Training Camp

<p><strong><div class="image-container click-to-enlarge"><div class="image"><a title_source="Andy King/Getty Images" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/51e02ed16bb3f7002c00000b-960/adrian-peterson-vikings-nfl-preseason.jpg"><span class="click-to-enlarge-icon" title="Click to enlarge"></span><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/51e02ed16bb3f7002c00000b-1200-924/adrian-peterson-vikings-nfl-preseason.jpg?maxX=800" border="0" alt="Adrian Peterson Vikings NFL Preseason" width="800" /></a><p class="source">Andy King/Getty Images</p></div></div><keyword id="6409450" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="NFC">NFC</keyword> North: Are the Packers still the team to beat?</strong></p>
<p>Three teams earned double-digit wins in this division last year. At 11-5, the Packers beat the Vikings at home in the Wild Card round while Chicago sat at home, rueing their December 2 home collapse to Seattle. <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Last year's strongest division looks promising again this year, each team entering training camp with profound strengths countered by areas of uncertainty.</span></p>
<p>The Bears welcome new coach Marc Trestman, formerly the head coach of the CFL's Montreal Alouettes.<strong> </strong>Trestman's biggest challenge will be to tame his quarterback Jay Cutler. For all his ability, the Bears passing attack ranked 29th in yards per game last season. Much of that can be blamed on the revolving door offensive line Cutler operated in front of last season. The addition of Pro Bowl left tackle Jermon Bushrod should shore up the blind side while much attention will be focused on rookie right guard Kyle Long. If the aerial scheme and blocking improves, Chicago could be a serious contender. </p>
<p>For all the awesome efficiency an Aaron Rodgers led offense will operate with, Green Bay will only go as far as their defense takes them. For years the Green Bay defense has thrived with a lead but has worn down in tight games. Health on defense will be Green Bay's biggest concern.</p>
<p>The only team with three first round picks in this year's draft, the Vikings are strong in every area except secondary and under center, which is bad news in a passing league. A quarterback battle of lowest ineptitude is brewing between Christian Ponder and Matt Cassel, and whoever wins will spend much of his time turning around to hand the ball to 2012 MVP and preternatural freak <keyword id="1440411" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Adrian-Peterson">Adrian Peterson</keyword>.</p>
<p>The Lions just paid a quarterback with <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000216964/article/is-matthew-stafford-being-overpaid-by-detroit-lions">one career victory against a winning</a> team <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/matthew-staffords-new-contract-2013-7">$78 million for six more seasons</a>.</p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container float_right click-to-enlarge"><div class="image"><a title_source="Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/51e02e616bb3f7a929000016-960/tony-gonzalez-falcons-nfl-preseason.jpg"><span class="click-to-enlarge-icon" title="Click to enlarge"></span><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/51e02e616bb3f7a929000016-1200-924/tony-gonzalez-falcons-nfl-preseason.jpg" border="0" alt="Tony Gonzalez Falcons NFL Preseason" width="480" /></a><p class="source">Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images</p></div></div>NFC South: Will Atlanta break through?</strong></p>
<p>Following consecutive one and done trips to the playoffs, Atlanta knocked off the scorching hot Seattle Seahawks last year before falling to NFC champion San Francisco. The Falcons replaced running back Michael Turner with Steven Jackson and return tight end Tony Gonzalez after he flirted with retirement. Last year's fifth best scoring defense brings in some new faces, with rookie Desmond Trufant expected to start at corner. Will this be the year the Falcons piece it all together in the postseason? The rest of their division, all coming of 7-9 records, look to give them a tougher go.</p>
<p>The Saints defense <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJshw2Axsqc">couldn't stop a nose bleed</a> last year, but they hope a change to the 3-4 defense and the addition of rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro will take some pressure off Drew Brees.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/10458/darrelle-revis">Revis Island</a> floated down the East Coast to Tampa this offseason, and along with free agent Dashon Goldson, Tampa's secondary should drastically improve from it's league worst performance last year. </p>
<p>Carolina will look for quarterback Cam Newton to take the leap beyond his sophomore season, which was essentially a repeat of his rookie year with less touchdowns. </p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container float_right click-to-enlarge"><div class="image"><a title_source="Patrick McDermott/Getty Images" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/51e02d85eab8eaa838000016-960/robert-griffin-iii-redskins-nfl-preseason.jpg"><span class="click-to-enlarge-icon" title="Click to enlarge"></span><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/51e02d85eab8eaa838000016-1200-924/robert-griffin-iii-redskins-nfl-preseason.jpg" border="0" alt="Robert Griffin III Redskins NFL Preseason" width="480" /></a><p class="source">Patrick McDermott/Getty Images</p></div></div>NFC East: How's that knee, RGIII?</strong></p>
<p>Washington's offense was a purist's dream last year, running the ball down opponent's throats without abandon. However, Robert Griffin III paid the price for his scrambling last season, tearing his right knee. The Washington offense returns every key piece. While most of the medical attention will surround RGIII's knee, Washington will also return pass rusher Brian Orakpo, who played his last game in Week 2 after tearing his left pectoral muscle. </p>
<p>While much of the attention in Philadelphia will be about Chip Kelly's ability to transfer his speed game from Oregon to the pros, the biggest challenge will be improving on last year's -24 turnover differential. </p>
<p>New York looks primed for another year of big wins, perplexing loses and late season talk about how no one wants to play them in the Wild Card, if they make it.</p>
<p>Somewhere in Dallas a running game is hiding. The second worst team on the ground last season, the Cowboys must create some holes for DeMarco Murray to improve on last season's 8-8 mark. Jerry Jones began addressing the issue with his selection of center Travis Frederick from Wisconsin in the first round. </p>
<p><strong><div class="image-container float_right click-to-enlarge"><div class="image"><a title_source="Brian Bahr/Getty Images" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/51e02cb26bb3f7ac27000009-960/russell-wilson-nfl-preseason-seahawks-49ers.jpg"><span class="click-to-enlarge-icon" title="Click to enlarge"></span><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/51e02cb26bb3f7ac27000009-1200-924/russell-wilson-nfl-preseason-seahawks-49ers.jpg" border="0" alt="Russell Wilson NFL Preseason Seahawks 49ers" width="480" /></a><p class="source">Brian Bahr/Getty Images</p></div></div>NFC West: Who is leading the arms race?</strong></p>
<p>The talent depth in this division is unmatched. After falling short in last year's Super Bowl, the 49ers added Anquan Boldin, Glenn Dorsey and 11 draft picks. The 49ers roster is the envy of every team in league.</p>
<p>Except perhaps in Seattle. One year after a stunning 11-5 season, the Seahawks added game breaker Percy Harvin to an already explosive offense and defensive end Cliff Avril arrived from Detroit in free agency. Seattle's home game in Week 2 against the 49ers on NBC Sunday Night <keyword id="64" type="SPORT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Football">Football</keyword> will be an early must-watch.</p>
<p>Perhaps the best under the radar team in the league, St. Louis looks prepared to break through. The Rams went from 2-14 to 7-8-1 last season. Despite their grueling division, the Rams, behind a bevy of young talent, could easily be this year's surprise playoff team.  </p>
<p>The Arizona Cardinals will go as far a quarterback Carson Palmer will take them. Palmer had a solid 2012, throwing for over 4,000 yards with 22 touchdowns. While the Cards won't contend, it will be fun to watch a secondary featuring LSU standouts Patrick Peterson and Tyrann "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg">Honey Badger</a>" Mathieu. </p>

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