Super Bowl rematch has lost some luster
The rematch of the Super Bowl with a historic finish doesn’t have much of a super look right now.
The Patriots are 4-2 and have not cruised in any game, mainly because of a leaky defense. The Falcons are 3-2 and easily could have one win.
Still, NBC must be salivating for tonight’s game, particularly with both teams vulnerable when they don’t have the ball.
And, of course, each side has memories joyful and painful of New England’s rally from a 25-point second-half hole to win the championship in February.
“Well, I mean those games, they live with you the rest of your life — the wins and the losses,” Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said. “I mean, I think there’s obviously 18 years for me. ... There’s probably some games early in my career in the middle of October that I don’t really remember that well, but I would say the Super Bowl ones you always remember pretty well.”
Atlanta comes off blowing a 17-point lead and losing at home to Miami, and New England was down 14-0 at the Jets before rallying to win last week.
“We obviously haven’t played as well as we’re capable of through five games,” Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said. “But we’re certainly close. We’ve done a lot of really good things at times.”
Britt must step up
Kenny Britt’s disappointing start with the Browns worsened.
Britt and fellow wide receiver Corey Coleman were sent back to Cleveland last week for missing curfew Saturday night while the team was in Houston to play the Texans.
The players were told to leave the following morning, were fined and apologized to teammates.
The Browns lost, 33-17, and fell to 0-6 and 1-21 in two seasons under Coach Hue Jackson.
Britt has not delivered in his first season with the Browns, who signed him to a four-year, $32.5 million contract in March. He has eight catches for 121 yards in four games and has been plagued by dropped passes and penalties.
Earlier this week, Jackson said there was still time for Britt to salvage his season, but he is running out of patience as well.
“Obviously, there are 10 games left, so yes, he can. It starts this week,” Jackson said of today’s home game against the Tennessee Titans. “He needs to go out and make plays for the football team, create separation for the quarterback so the quarterback feels comfortable letting the ball go and be a steadying influence among that group as we go forward . ... It’s a one-week opportunity. Here’s his resume this weekend. We’ll go from there and keep moving forward.”
Jaguars promote WR
The Jacksonville Jaguars have promoted receiver Jaydon Mickens to the active roster and waived receiver Max McCaffrey.
Mickens was originally signed by Oakland as an undrafted rookie in May. He spent the entire 2016 season on Oakland’s practice squad, was waived in final cuts and signed to Jacksonville’s practice squad two weeks later.
McCaffrey caught one pass for 4 yards in five games with the Jaguars (33), who play at Indianapolis (2-4) today. He also was ineffective on special teams, where he was being counted on.
Jacksonville is looking for some much-needed help at receiver and in the return game. The Jaguars are without Allen Robinson and rookie Dede Westbook. Marqise Lee is also dealing with a knee injury, meaning Mickens could be the primary punt returner against the Colts.