Serpico, New York’s finest standing with Kaepernick
McCaffrey scores first touchdown in Panthers’ defeat
Three weeks before the 2017 NFL season begins, Colin Kaepernick has found an unlikely support group: the New York Police Department. Current and former officers staged a rally Saturday in Brooklyn to show support for the unemployed Kaepernick, who ignited a national conversation last season by taking a stance against social injustice and police violence. “What Colin Kaepernick did is try to bring awareness that this nation, unfortunately, has ignored for far too long,” Sgt. Edwin Raymond told the New York Daily News. “That’s the issue of racism in America and policing in America. We decided to gather here today because of the way he’s being railroaded for speaking the obvious truth.” Kaepernick, 29, endured a lot of hateful commentary when taking a knee during the national anthem. The rally Saturday included famous NYPD whistleblower Frank Serpico, who told the crowd he was “here to support anyone who has the courage to stand up against injustice and oppression anywhere in this country and the world.” Some have speculated that Kaepernick has been blackballed by NFL owners because of his controversial public stance and not his quarterbacking ability. The former Nevada-Reno star opted out of a contract with the 49ers in the spring to become a free agent. He said he would stand for the anthem this year, yet few teams showed any interest. “The fact that this man is no longer in the NFL has nothing to do with stats on the football field, but for taking a knee and pointing out some of the flaws that have been tormenting people of color in this country for decades,” said Darius Gordon of the Justice League NYC. The Daily News reported that dozens of officers wore black shirts with the logo “#ImWithKap.” City Council member Jumaane Williams wore a red Kaepernick jersey. The participants raised their fists and took a knee together near the end of the rally in a symbolistic display of support for Kaepernick. TITANS 34, PANTHERS 27 >> Marcus Mariota and the rest of the Titans offense finally got going in the preseason.
With some help from the Panthers.
Mariota threw a touchdown pass and the Titans edged the Panthers.
The Titans (1-1), who were held to just three points last week against the New York Jets, scored on their first three possessions.
Mariota finished 6 of 8 for 61 yards and one touchdown.
The Panthers scored early in the second quarter as first-round pick Christian McCaffrey had a nifty 17-yard touchdown run.
COWBOYS 24, COLTS 19 >> Dak Prescott and Dez Bryant offered a glimpse of how the Dallas offense could look without Ezekiel Elliott: the second-year star quarterback frequently finding his top receiver.
Indianapolis is still struggling to see what life without Andrew Luck might be like.
Prescott connected with Bryant for a 32-yard touchdown on their first series
of the preseason, 2016 NFL rushing champion Elliott sat again with his six-game suspension looming, and rookie Cooper Rush threw two scoring passes in the Cowboys’ exhibition win. CHIEFS 30, BENGALS 12 >> Rookie Patrick Mahomes threw a pair of touchdown passes, solidifying his spot as the Chiefs’ primary backup, and three Kansas City quarterbacks threw for a score in a win over Cincinnati.
STEELERS >> Martavis Bryant can’t wait to get back on the field for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The troubled but talented wide receiver will soon have his chance when he plays in his first game in more than 18 months on Sunday when the Steelers host the Atlanta Falcons.
“I’m just happy to get back on the field in general,” Bryant said. “It’s been a whole year since I played football. I’m excited to get back out there and see what
I can do.”
Bryant was suspended in March 2016 for a second violation of its substance abuse policy.
JAGUARS >> Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone isn’t quite ready to name Chad Henne his starting quarterback.
Or Blake Bortles, for that matter.
Marrone said he wants to “see how this thing goes” over the next few days before deciding who will start against the Carolina Panthers in a preseason game Thursday night.
Marrone opened up the team’s quarterback competition after another inconsistent performance from Bortles, the third overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft.
GIANTS >> For the past two seasons, Eli Manning has felt a little awkward heading into the preseason opener.
It has nothing to do with the football. It’s the lack of it that has bothered the two-time Super Bowl MVP.
Coach Ben McAdoo has sat Manning in the preseason opener the past two seasons, and he has been forced to watch Ryan Nassib get the start last year and Josh Johnson get the call this year.
So while he threw a couple of balls and put on his uniform before a 20-12 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers a week ago Friday, that was about it.
“You’re kind of not included in some of the stuff,” Manning said, looking forward to his preseason debut on Monday in Cleveland. “The guys got a game plan sheet and they didn’t give me one, so it’s still a little awkward. I like to be out there with my teammates.”
DOLPHINS >> Linebacker Rey Maualuga has signed with Miami, which put wide receiver Isaiah Ford on injured reserve.