2019 NFL Team Preview - NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS                                        

2018 Record - 13-3-0


Head Coach - Sean Payton


Newcomers for 2019 - Latavius Murray (RB), Jared Cook (TE), Malcolm Brown (DL), Mario Edwards, Jr. (DL), Nick Easton (OL)


Keys on Offense - As always, the Saints offense begins and ends with quarterback Drew Brees, who is entering his 14th season in The Big Easy. Brees passed for 3,992 yards with 32 touchdowns and only five interceptions along with a ridiculous 74.4 completion percentage.
The two other main cogs are wide receiver Michael Thomas (125 receptions for 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns) and running back Alvin Kamara, who rushed 883 yards (4.6 ypc average) and had 14 rushing touchdowns along with four receiving scores and also had 81 receptions for 709 yards. Additional players coming on board in New Orleans in 2019 include tight end Jared Cook (68, 896, six TD with Oakland) and running back Latavius Murray, who rushed for 578 yards (4.1 ypc) and six touchdowns with the Minnesota Vikings last season. Ted Ginn, Jr.  provides depth at wide receiver.


Keys on Defense - Up front for the Saints will be DT Malcolm Brown, a free agent from New England, along with ends Cameron Jordan (12 QB sacks) and Marcus Davenport (4 1/2 sacks) and tackle Sheldon Rankins, who tallied eight sacks last year. Linebackers include Demario Davis, Alex Anzalone and A.J. Klein. In the secondary, four players each had two interceptions last season, including starting corners Eli Apple and Marshon Lattimore and safety Marcus Williams. Chris Banjo also snared two passes in 2018 as the Saints had twelve picks overall to go with 49 sacks.
The Saints ranked 14th overall (349 ypg allowed) but were supreme against the run allowing just 80 yards per game, which was second in the NFL. The pass defense lagged, ranking 29th by giving up 269 yards per game.
 

OUTLOOK - After two frustrating playoff exits the last two years, especially last season in the NFC Championship Game against the Rams in New Orleans, where they were robbed by a terrible non-call for pass interference in the red zone against the Rams defense in the closing minutes of the game, the Saints will be looking to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2009 season.
As long as the ageless Drew Brees continues to excel at quarterback, the Saints are bona fide Super Bowl contenders. Along with Head Coach Sean Payton, Brees led the NFL in passer rating once again last year and the Saints averaged 31.5 points per game, which was third in the NFL.
One big issue facing New Orleans as training camp began was the holdout for a new contract by All Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas. The Saints absolutely need to get him ready for the season because along with Brees and Kamara, Thomas is the vital third cog that makes the offense hum.
The Saints defense was decent a year ago, with a bend but don't always break approach, evidenced by their 14th overall rank in total yardage and points allowed (22.1) per game. As long as there are no major injuries to top players and Thomas is playing on the offense, the Saints should win another NFC South title with an 11-5 record and perhaps get to the Super Bowl for the first time in ten years.



TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1- vs. Houston
Week 2 - at LA Rams
Week 3 - at Seattle
Week 4 - vs. Dallas
Week 5 - vs. Tampa Bay
Week 6 - at Jacksonville
Week 7 - at Chicago
Week 8 - vs. Arizona
Week 9 - BYE
Week 10 - vs. Atlanta
Week 11 - at Tampa Bay
Week 12 - vs. Carolina
Week 13 - at Atlanta
Week 14 - vs. San Francisco
Week 15 - vs. Indianapolis
Week 16 - at Tennessee
Week 17 - at Carolina 

2019 NFL Team Preview - CAROLINA PANTHERS

CAROLINA PANTHERS                                       

2018 Record - 7-9-0


Head Coach - Ron Rivera


Newcomers for 2019 - Chris Hogan (WR), Bruce Irvin (DL), Matt Paradis (OL), Dillon Gordon (OL), Destiny Vaeao (DL)


Keys on Offense - Cam Newton is back at quarterback following a season that saw him shut down in the final two weeks with right shoulder injuries. Newton threw for 3,395 yards with 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 14 games. He also had 488 rushing yards (4.8 ypc) and scored four touchdowns. The Panthers drafted Will Grier (West Virginia) to be the primary back up for Newton.
Running back Christian McCaffrey (13 total touchdowns in 2018) is the main cog for the Carolina offense as he rushed for 1,098 yards last season (5.0 ypc average and seven touchdowns) and also led the team with 107 receptions for 867 yards and six touchdowns.
D.J. Moore (55, 788, two TD) and Jarius Wright (43, 447, one TD) are the top wide receivers coming into training camp while Chris Hogan (35, 532, three TD) comes over from the New England Patriots. The tight end is Greg Olsen (27, 190, two TD) provided he can stay healthy after lingering foot issues the past two seasons. Ian Thomas (36, 333, two TD) is ready to go should Olsen be sidelined again this season.


Keys on Defense - Two veterans from the defense are gone as Thomas Davis left via free agency and Julius Peppers retired. The Panthers defense was average a year ago, finishing 15th in the NFL (353.2 ypg allowed) while giving up 23.9 points per game.
Looking to improve the team this year will be defensive end Mario Addison (nine QB sacks) and linebacker Luke Kuechly (two sacks) along with Gerald McCoy (six sacks with Tampa Bay in 2018) and Bruce Irvin (DE), who comes over from Atlanta in free agency.
Top rookie draft pick Brian Burns (Florida State) is an end rusher/linebacker who will look to make an immediate impact for the Panthers. Another rookie is linebacker Christian Miller (Alabama) and he may find his way into a staring role this season.
The secondary has cornerbacks Donte Jackson (four interceptions) and James Bradberry along with safeties Eric Reid and Rashaan Gaulden.


OUTLOOK - A lot depends on the health of quarterback Cam Newton (right shoulder) coming into the 2019 season. He is a former league Most Valuable Player (2015) and makes the offense go. Along with Newton is McCaffrey, who is Mr. Everything in the offense after leading the Panthers in rushing and receiving yardage in addition to scoring 13 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Panthers had 35 quarterback sacks and 13 interceptions a year ago while getting a plus-1 in the turnover category. Head Coach Ron Rivera is known as a gambler and he would love to see the teams aggressive style on both sides of the ball translate into another winning season after the team slipped to third place in 2018 following a playoff appearance.
If Newton is back to form passing and running the football and the rest of the offensive personnel chips in, this team can score enough points to help keep pressure off the defense. It all hinges on Newton though, so if that happens, the Panthers are a legitimate playoff contender in the NFC for sure. If not, another losing season is likely. The call here is an 8-8 finish this season for Carolina. 



TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - vs. LA Rams
Week 2 - vs. Tampa Bay
Week 3 - at Arizona
Week 4 - at Houston
Week 5 - vs. Jacksonville
Week 6 - at Tampa Bay (in London)
Week 7 - BYE
Week 8 - at San Francisco
Week 9 - vs. Tennessee
Week 10 - at Green Bay
Week 11 - vs. Atlanta
Week 12 - at New Orleans
Week 13 - vs. Washington
Week 14 - at Atlanta
Week 15 - vs. Seattle
Week 16 - at Indianapolis
Week 17 - vs. New Orleans

2019 NFL Team Preview - ATLANTA FALCONS

ATLANTA  FALCONS                                              

2018 Record - 7-9-0


Head Coach - Dan Quinn



Newcomers for 2019 - Kenjon Barner (RB), J.J. Wilcox (DB), Jamon Brown (OL), James Carpenter (OL), Tyeler Davison (DL), John Wetzel (OL), Adrian Clayborn (DL)


Keys on Offense - Matt Ryan continues to excel at quarterback, passing for 4,924 yards last season with 35 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions. The wide receivers are Julio Jones (113 receptions for 1,677 yards and eight touchdowns), Mohamed Sanu (66, 838, four TD) and Calvin Ridley, who had 64 receptions for 821 yards and ten touchdowns. Austin Hooper (71, 660, four TD) is the tight end.
Running back Devonta Freeman is looking to come back from a lost season due to injuries while Ito Smith will be the man should Freeman falter once again. Smith rushed for 315 yards last season as a rookie and scored four touchdowns while spelling Tevin Coleman, who joined San Francisco in the off-season.
The running attack was weak a year ago, ranking 28th in the league while gaining just 98.3 yards per game.


Keys on Defense - After putting up some impressive sack and tackle totals in recent seasons, defensive end Vic Beasley, Jr. will be looking to rebound after getting just five QB sacks last season. Takkarist McKinley led the team with seven sacks and tackles Jack Crawford and Grady Jarrett each had six sacks. Deion Jones mans the middle at linebacker and had two interceptions and a sack last season.
The secondary has safety Damontae Kazee, who tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions last year while Desmond Trufant is at cornerback, along with Isaiah Oliver and safety J.J. Wilcox, who signed as a free agent.


OUTLOOK - The offense can score points, averaging 26 points per game in 2018, but the defense must improve this season as they allowed 26.4 points per game last year. Head Coach Dan Quinn was considered a defensive guru in Seattle, so he would like to see the Falcons defense take the next step and improve in all areas after finishing near the bottom of the league in every major category.
This team slipped to 7-9 last year after back-to-back playoff appearances, including a near Super Bowl victory just three years ago, so the window is still open for the core players to make things happen.
As long as Ryan stays healthy and the players around him play to their abilities, the Falcons can soar back into the playoffs and perhaps even make one more Super Bowl run, but the running game has to improve while the defense must also step up and limit opposing offenses.  A 9-7 finish looks likely this season, which might be enough to get a wild card berth.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1- at Minnesota
Week 2 - vs. Philadelphia
Week 3 - at Indianapolis
Week 4 - vs. Tennessee
Week 5 - at Houston
Week 6 - at Arizona
Week 7 - vs. LA Rams
Week 8 - vs. Seattle
Week 9 - BYE 
Week 10 - at New Orleans
Week 11 - at Carolina
Week 12 - vs. Tampa Bay
Week 13 - vs. New Orleans
Week 14 - vs. Carolina
Week 15 - at San Francisco
Week 16 - vs. Jacksonville
Week 17 - at Tampa Bay

2019 NFL Team Preview - PITTSBURGH STEELERS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS                                       

2018 Record - 9-6-1


Head Coach - Mike Tomlin


Newcomers for 2019 - Donte Moncrief (WR), Mark Barron (LB), Steven Nelson (CB)


Keys on Offense - Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger put up eye popping numbers a year ago, passing for 5,129 yards with 34 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He will be without two stalwarts in past years for the Steelers offense as running back Le'Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown have moved on to different teams.
JuJu Smith-Schuster led the Steelers in 2018 with 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. Donte Moncrief (48, 668, three TD with Jacksonville) will team with Smith-Schuster and Vance McDonald (50, 610, four TD) is the tight end. James Washington and rookie Diontae Johnson (Toledo) will add depth to the receiving corps.
James Connor, who rushed for 973 yards (4.5 ypc average) and twelve scores and also had 55 receptions for 497 yards and a touchdown, stepped right in place for Bell (holdout for all of 2018 season) and will be looking to improve on those stats this season.


Keys on Defense - After finishing sixth overall last season (327.2 ypg allowed) in total defense, the Steelers will add top rookie draft pick Devin Bush (Michigan) at linebacker, along with outside backer T.J. Watt, who led the team with 13 QB sacks last season. Up front is Cameron Hayward (eight sacks), Javon Hargrave (6 1/2 sacks) and Stephon Tuitt (5 1/2 sacks).
The secondary has Steven Nelson (four interceptions with Kansas City) in tow this season at cornerback along with Joe Haden, who had two picks a year ago. The Steelers had 52 sacks (tied for first in NFL) last season, but only eight interceptions and ranked 16th in scoring defense, giving up 22.5 points per game.


OUTLOOK FOR 2019 - After a lackluster 2-4 finish in 2018, which included losses to Denver and Oakland, the Steelers are looking to get back to the playoffs after missing them for the first time since 2013. Head Coach Mike Tomlin just received a contract extension, so for now he appears to be off the proverbial "hot seat" as the season approaches.
The key to everything is a healthy Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback and the "new" guys filling in the voids on offense. Losing Brown at wide receiver was big, but if the Steelers can maintain consistency on the offense, where they ranked fourth overall in 2018 (403.3 ypg) and sixth in scoring (26.8 points per game, they will definitely be in the mix in the AFC North, where anything is possible this season.
The defense is solid in the front seven and the secondary was decent a year ago, but more turnovers would be a plus as the Steelers were a minus-11 in that category. The schedule appears very tough, especially the first six games, but the Steelers have a good mix of veterans and young players to cope with the rigors of another NFL season. Two games in three weeks against the (on paper) revamped Cleveland Browns will likely go a long way in determining the winner of the AFC North this year.
The Steelers should finish 11-5 this season, which should be enough to capture the division title and get them back to the playoffs. How far they can go from there will depend on the defense and Big Ben and company's performances.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - at New England
Week 2 - vs. Seattle
Week 3 - at San Francisco
Week 4 - vs. Cincinnati
Week 5 - vs. Baltimore
Week 6 - at LA Chargers
Week 7 - BYE
Week 8 - vs. Miami
Week 9 - vs. Indianapolis
Week 10 - vs. LA Rams
Week 11 - at Cleveland
Week 12 - at Cincinnati
Week 13 - vs. Cleveland
Week 14 - at Arizona
Week 15 - vs. Buffalo
Week 16 - at NY Jets
Week 17 - at Baltimore 

Major League Baseball - Week In Review

With the Major League Baseball trade deadline looming this coming week (July 31), things are heating up throughout the big leagues as rumors continue to swirl about which players could be dealt.
With that, the action on the field continues to happen and this past week (through Friday) four different players had three home run games as Robinson Cano (New York Mets), Paul DeJong (St. Louis Cardinals), Nelson Cruz (Minnesota Twins) and Mookie Betts (Boston Red Sox) accomplished that feat.
Betts slammed three homers to lead the way with five RBI in a 10-5 rout of the visiting New York Yankees on Friday night. It was the second consecutive blowout win for the Bosox over the Bronx Bombers as they won 19-3 on Thursday night. Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka allowed 12 earned runs in just two innings in that game. The Yanks still have a huge lead over both the Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East division.
Over in the AL Central, the Cleveland Indians continue to take advantage of a favorable schedule as they have narrowed the Minnesota Twins first place lead to just two games as they beat up on Kansas City, Detroit and Toronto while the Twins have had to deal with the Yankees and Oakland A's.
The Houston Astros won a huge series against the Oakland A's this week and now have a comfortable eight game lead heading into the weekend.
In the National League, the Atlanta Braves pasted the Philadelphia Phillies, 9-2 on Friday and the Washington Nationals lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4-2. The Nationals are 5 1/2 games behind the first place Braves while the Phillies trail by 6 1/2 games in the East division race.
Over in the NL West, nothing new as far as first place goes. The Los Angeles Dodgers have the biggest lead in the majors and are on cruise control as the 100-game mark has arrived. However, the San Francisco Giants are now in second place as a result of an 8-2 stretch and they are also within 2 1/2 games of a wild card spot in the senior circuit.
The best race shaping up is in the NL Central where the St. Louis Cardinals have been red hot (six consecutive victories) and are now in first place after roaring back against the visiting Houston Astros on Friday for a 5-3 win to propel them past the slumping Chicago Cubs, who dropped a 3-2 decision in Milwaukee. The Brewers are just two games off the pace in the division race.




AL STANDINGS (through July 26)                                  NL STANDINGS (through July 26)
East                                                                                     East
New York 66-37                                                                 Atlanta 61-43            
Tampa Bay 59-47                                                               Washington 55-48
Boston 58-47                                                                      Philadelphia 54-49
Toronto 39-66                                                                     New York 48-55
Baltimore 34-69                                                                  Miami 39-62

Central                                                                                Central
Minnesota 63-40                                                                  St. Louis 56-47
Cleveland 61-42                                                                   Chicago 55-48
Chicago 45-56                                                                      Milwaukee 55-50
Kansas City 39-66                                                                Cincinnati 46-55
Detroit 30-69                                                                        Pittsburgh 46-57
                                                                                                                                 
West                                                                                     West
Houston 66-39                                                                      LA Dodgers 68-37
Oakland 58-47                                                                      San Francisco 53-51
LA Angels 54-51                                                                  Arizona 52-52
Texas 53-51                                                                          Colorado 49-55
Seattle 44-63                                                                         San Diego 48-55    

2019 NFL Team Preview - CLEVELAND BROWNS

CLEVELAND BROWNS                                        

2018 Record - 7-8-1


Head Coach - Freddie Kitchens



Newcomers for 2019 - Odell Beckham, Jr. (WR), Kareem Hunt (RB), Sheldon Richardson (DL), Olivier Vernon (DL), Kendall Lamm (OL), Eric Kush (OL), Morgan Burnett (DB), Eric Murray (DB)


Keys on Offense - Baker Mayfield is back at quarterback after a decent rookie season in which he passed for 3,725 yards along with 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The running game has Nick Chubb (996 rushing yards in 2018 with a 5.2 ypc average and ten total touchdowns) and will get a boost when Kareem Hunt joins the team following an eight game suspension. Hunt played with Kansas City and went for over 1,300 yards as a rookie in 2017. Duke Johnson (47 receptions, three for touchdowns and a 5.0 ypc average) is a solid backup and provides the option as a third down back as well.
The wide receivers are Jarvis Landry (81 receptions for 976 yards and four touchdowns) and Odell Beckham, Jr. (77, 1,052, six TD with the Giants). Rashard Higgins caught 39 passes for 572 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. Tight end David Njoku had 56 receptions for 639 yards and four scores last season.


Keys on Defense - The Browns defense will feature Myles Garrett (13 1/2 QB sacks), Olivier Vernon (seven sacks with Giants) and Sheldon Richardson (4 1/2 sacks with Vikings) up front while Genard Avery, Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey (two interceptions) will play linebacker. Rookie draft pick Sione Takitaki (BYU) will add depth as well. In the secondary is free safety   Damarious Randall, who had four interceptions last season. Also in the mix will be top rookie draft pick Greedy Williams (LSU) at cornerback. Denzel Ward (three picks) is the other corner and Morgan Burnett (free agent from Pittsburgh Steelers) plays safety.


OUTLOOK FOR 2019 - After winning only one game over two seasons spanning 2016-17, the Browns are serving notice they are no longer the doormat of the NFL as they signed some big time free agents and also acquired All-Pro wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. as well as adding a new Head Coach in Freddie Kitchens.
The offense showed promise under rookie QB Baker Mayfield, finishing 13th overall (368.7 ypg) and also averaging 22.4 points per game (20th in NFL). The defense needs to improve after ranking 30th overall (393 yards allowed per game), including 135 yards rushing allowed. Cleveland gave up 24.5 points per game last season, but with the additions of some big name free agents and two rookie draft picks, one of which is expected to start at cornerback, there should be noticeable improvement.
The key for the Browns this season will hinge on a good start and then the month of December, when they will play four divisional games in five weeks to close the season.
If they can be close enough in the division race when that time arrives, they will have a legitimate shot at winning the AFC North. A 9-7 finish this season would be an improvement, but may not be enough to get into the playoffs, However, don't be surprised if the Browns win ten or more games this season and snap a 17-year playoff drought.



TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - vs. Tennessee
Week 2 - at NY Jets
Week 3 - vs. LA Rams
Week 4 - at Baltimore
Week 5 - at San Francisco
Week 6 - vs. Seattle
Week 7 - BYE
Week 8 - at New England
Week 9 - at Denver
Week 10 - vs. Buffalo
Week 11 - vs. Pittsburgh
Week 12 - vs. Miami
Week 13 - at Pittsburgh
Week 14 - vs. Cincinnati
Week 15 - at Arizona
Week 16 - vs. Baltimore
Week 17 - at Cincinnati

2019 NFL Team Preview - CINCINNATI BENGALS

CINCINNATI BENGALS                                           

2018 Record - 6-10-0


Head Coach - Zac Taylor



Newcomers for 2019 - John Miller (OL), B.W. Webb (DB), Kerry Wynn (DL)


Keys on Offense - After losing quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green to injuries last season, the Bengals need them back on the field. Dalton passed for 2,566 yards with 21 touchdowns and eleven interceptions. Green had 46 receptions for 694 yards and six touchdowns in only nine games. Tyler Boyd led the team with 76 receptions with 1,028 yards and seven touchdowns. He and Green form a solid duo for Dalton. John Ross (21, 210, seven TD) is also in the mix. Tight end Tyler Eifert is looking to make a comeback from injuries after playing in just four games last season.
Running back Joe Mixon is solid, averaging 4.9 yards per carry last season while rushing for 1,168 yards and scoring eight rushing touchdowns. In addition, Mixon had 43 receptions for 296 yards and one score. Gio Bernard is also in the mix in the backfield after an injury riddled season.


Keys on Defense - Geno Atkins had ten sacks in 2018 and anchors the line along with Carlos Dunlap, who registered eight sacks. Sam Hubbard (six sacks) is another key player on defense. The linebackers are Preston Brown, Nick Vigil and Jordan Evans while Shawn Williams (five interceptions), Jessie Bates (three picks) and Dre Kirkpatrick man the secondary.
The Bengals finished last in the NFL in total defense (413.7 yards allowed per game) while giving up 28.4 points per game (28th in NFL). The run defense was weak, allowing 138 yards per game (29th) and the pass defense gave up a league worst 276 yards per game last season.



OUTLOOK FOR 2019 - Long time Head Coach Marvin Lewis stepped aside after 16 seasons in Cincinnati following the 2018 season and now it is Zac Taylor who is the Head Coach for the Bengals.
The team suffered with some big time injuries to major players last year and the defense was downright terrible as the Bengals finished in last place in the AFC North. If they want to move up, they must stay healthy and see big time bounce back seasons from Andy Dalton and the entire defense. There are play makers on offense and the Bengals averaged 23 points per game last season, which ranked 17th overall.
The schedule doesn't appear too overwhelming in the first seven games, so getting off to a good start would be a big plus for Cincinnati. Winning games against their divisional opponents will make or break the season as far as a possible playoff spot goes, but the team would like to get back in the battle for the AFC north race after winning just one game within the division a year ago. Anything is possible in today's NFL, but keeping it real, the Bengals will likely go 6-10 once again and miss the playoffs for a fourth straight season.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - at Seattle
Week 2 - vs. San Francisco
Week 3 - at Buffalo
Week 4 - at Pittsburgh
Week 5 - vs. Arizona
Week 6 - at Baltimore
Week 7 - vs. Jacksonville
Week 8 - at LA Rams (in London)
Week 9 - BYE
Week 10 - vs. Baltimore
Week 11 - at Oakland
Week 12 - vs. Pittsburgh
Week 13 - vs. NY Jets
Week 14 - at Cleveland
Week 15 - vs. New England
Week 16 - at Miami
Week 17 - vs. Cleveland

2019 NFL Team Preview - BALTIMORE RAVENS

BALTIMORE RAVENS                                        

2018 Record - 10-6-0


Head Coach - John Harbaugh



Newcomers for 2019 - Mark Ingram (RB), Earl Thomas (DB), Seth Roberts (WR), Justin Bethel (DB)


Keys on Offense - The Ravens will once again feature Lamar Jackson as the starting quarterback after the rookie ran wild in the second half last season, gaining 695 rushing yards to lead the team to a playoff spot. He passed for 1,201 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. Robert Griffin III is the back up.
The running game will have Mark Ingram (former Saints player) in the backfield. Ingram gained 645 yards a year ago (4.7 ypc average) and scored six touchdowns. Gus Edwards (712 yards, 5.2 ypc, two TD) led the Ravens in rushing in 2018 and will form the one-two punch with Ingram.
Wide receivers include Willie Snead IV 62 receptions, 651 yards, one TD), Seth Roberts (45, 494, two TD with Oakland), Chris Moore (19, 196, one TD) and top rookie draft pick Marquise Brown (Oklahoma) as well as Miles Boykin (Notre Dame) in the third round. Mark Andrews in the tight end and he caught 34 passes for 552 yards with three TD grabs in 2018.



Keys on Defense - The defense will have new faces as Terrell Suggs, C.J. Moseley and Za'Darius Smith have moved on from last year's top defense in the NFL. Up front will be Brandon Williams (nose tackle) and ends Chris Wormley and Michael Pierce. Linebackers Patrick Onwuasor (5 1/2 QB sacks) and Matthew Judon (seven sacks) are back in the revamped unit. In the secondary is Jimmy Smith (two interceptions) at cornerback along with Brandon Carr (two INT) and Marlon Humphrey, who also had two picks last season. Earl Thomas comes over from Seattle to play safety.



OUTLOOK FOR 2019 - The Baltimore Ravens made the playoffs last year, led by rookie QB Lamar Jackson and his all out play making abilities, particularly as a running quarterback. However, they lost to the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round as Jackson was stymied by the 'Bolts defense, which featured five defensive backs, including playing them up in the linebacker positions to quell the speed of Jackson.
Head Coach John Harbaugh and his staff will have to counter that this season as well as helping Jackson develop more as a prototype NFL quarterback. The Ravens showed they can run the football, finishing second in the league in that area. The passing game was subpar, finishing 22nd overall so it remains to be seen how that will go this season. 
On defense, there will be some new faces taking the reigns form the old guard that helped to form the best defense in the NFL last year. The team had 43 QB sacks last season and made twelve interceptions while also finishing second in scoring defense, allowing only 17.9 points per game. More of that will be a huge shot in the arm for the Ravens this season.
The AFC North is a strong division with Pittsburgh and perhaps the new look Cleveland Browns wanting to knock the Ravens from their perch as division champions.
Baltimore still has enough talent to remain in contention in the division and a post-season appearance could happen once again. However, with many pieces having to fall into place on both sides of the ball, a 7-9 finish appears to be looming this season.



TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - at Miami
Week 2 - vs. Arizona
Week 3 - at Kansas City
Week 4 - vs. Cleveland
Week 5 - at Pittsburgh
Week 6 - vs. Cincinnati
Week 7 - at Seattle
Week 8 - BYE 
Week 9 - vs. New England
Week 10 - at Cincinnati
Week 11- vs. Houston
Week 12 - at LA Rams
Week 13 - vs. San Francisco
Week 14 - at Buffalo
Week 15 - vs. NY Jets
Week 16 - at Cleveland
Week 17 - vs. Pittsburgh

2019 NFL Team Preview - MINNESOTA VIKINGS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS                                         

2018 Record - 8-7-1


Head Coach - Mike Zimmer


Newcomers for 2019 -Dakota Dozier(OL), Josh Kline (OL), Shamar Stephen (DL), Sean Mannion (QB), Jordan Taylor (WR)


Keys on Offense - Quarterback Kirk Cousins being consistent and a healthy Dalvin Cook at running back is what the team needs most on offense. Cousins passed for 4,298 yards with 30 touchdowns and ten interceptions. Cook is the primary back but was limited to only 133 carries a year ago, going for 615 yards (4.6 ypc average) and two touchdowns. He also had 40 receptions for 305 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The receiving tandem is in fine hands with Stefon Diggs (102 receptions, 1,021 yards and nine TD) and Adam Thielen (113, 1,373, nine TD) and tight end Kyle Rudolph, who made 64 catches for 634 yards and four touchdowns. Laquon Treadwell (35, 302, one TD) and newcomer Jordan Taylor add some depth to the position.



Keys on Defense - Danielle Hunter had 14 1/2 sacks a year ago from the end position and leads the charge up front. Everson Griffen had 5 1/2 sacks from the opposite end position.
Eric Kendricks (two interceptions), Ben Gedeon and Anthony Barr anchor a solid linebacking unit while Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith each had three interceptions in the secondary and along with cornerbacks Trae Waynes and Xavier Rhodes form an excellent squad in the defensive backfield.
Minnesota ranked fourth overall on defense in 2018 (309.7 ypg allowed) and was third against the pass, allowing 196.3 yards per game. The Vikings registered 50 QB sacks and made twelve interceptions while giving up 21.3 points per game, which was ninth best in the NFL.


OUTLOOK FOR 2019 - After a disappointing season which saw them drop out of the playoffs following an appearance in the NFC title game in 2017, the Vikings are looking to challenge the Chicago Bears in the NFC North.
Head Coach Mike Zimmer has an outstanding defense, especially against the pass. The Vikings can get after quarterbacks while limiting opponents on the ground (14th against run in 2018) and that gives them a chance each week.
Whether Cousins and the offense can step it up on offense remains to be seen, but having Cook back at full strength in the running game would be a huge lift. Cousins was sacked 40 times a year ago, so taking some pressure off him and getting better protection when he drops back would help the team get back to where they want to be.
The division is always a battle and the Vikings know they must win these games. If they have success there, a second division crown in three seasons could happen. Whether they can get back to that level and make the playoffs will be a challenge with a rough schedule and question marks on the offense. A 9-7 finish seems likely this season, but with some breaks, the Vikings could do better and get back to the post-season.


TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - vs. Atlanta
Week 2 - at Green Bay
Week 3 - vs. Oakland
Week 4 - at Chicago
Week 5 - at NY Giants
Week 6 - vs. Philadelphia
Week 7 - at Detroit
Week 8 - vs. Washington
Week 9 - at Kansas City
Week 10 - at Dallas
Week 11 - vs. Denver
Week 12 - BYE 
Week 13 - at Seattle
Week 14 - vs. Detroit
Week 15 - at LA Chargers
Week 16 - vs. Green Bay
Week 17 - vs. Chicago

2019 NFL Team Preview - GREEN BAY PACKERS

GREEN BAY PACKERS                                           

2018 Record - 6-9-1


Head Coach - Matt LaFleur


Newcomers for 2019 - Billy Turner (OL), Preston Smith (LB), Za'Darius Smith (LB), Adrian Amos (DB), Sam Ficken (K)



Keys on Offense - Back for his twelfth season as the Packers starting quarterback is Aaron Rodgers, who had 4,442 passing yards last year with 25 touchdown passes and only four interceptions.
The primary receivers are Davante Adams (111 receptions, 1,386 yards, 13 TD), Geronimo Allison (20, 303, two TD) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had 38 receptions for 581 yards and two scores. Jimmy Graham is the tight end and made 55 receptions for 636 yards and two touchdowns.
The running game features Aaron Jones (728 rushing yards, 5.5 ypc average and eight TD) and Jamaal Williams, who rushed for 464 yards (3.8 ypc average) and scored three touchdowns. Both of these backs can catch the ball as well. Williams had 27 receptions a year ago while Jones made 26 catches.


Keys on Defense - Top rookie draft pick Rashan Gary (Michigan) is expected to start on the end spot and will team with nose tackle Kenny Clark (six QB sacks) and outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (10 1/2 sacks) to provide pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Other stalwarts on defense include linebackers Blake Martinez (five sacks), Preston Smith (four sacks with Washington) and Za'Darius Smith, who had 8 1/2 sacks with the Baltimore Ravens last season. The secondary has Tramon Williams and Jaire Alexander at the corner spots with Adrian Amos (two interceptions with Chicago in 2018) and possibly rookie Darnell Savage (Maryland) at the safety positions.


OUTLOOK FOR 2019 - The Packers fired Mike McCarthy and now have Matt LaFleur as their Head Coach. It will be interesting to see how he and Rodgers work together as it became obvious the relationship between A-Rod and McCarthy had gone sour.
The Packers are not used to losing, but they have endured two consecutive losing seasons and are anxious to get back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season. The key will be the offense getting back on track after faltering a year ago, finishing in the middle of the pack in total yardage (369 yards per game) as well as scoring (23.5 points per game). The offensive line must be better at protecting Rodgers, as they gave up 53 sacks last season.
The defense was up and down in 2018, finishing 17th overall (allowed 354 yards per game) and 22nd in scoring defense, allowing 25 points per game. The Packers got after enemy quarterbacks (44 sacks) but they also gave up too many big pass plays and made only seven interceptions for the season.
The schedule is a tough one and the Packers need to get off to a good start, especially with division foes Chicago and Minnesota looming large once again this year. Another losing season (7-9) is a strong possibility, but don't be surprised if this team finishes at .500 (or slightly better) and possibly challenge for a wild card berth.
If Rodgers is feeling refreshed this season (with new coach in tow) and can stay healthy, the Packers are always going to be in any game they play. They must be consistent on both sides of the ball and buy into what the new coaching staff is offering.
Stay tuned.


2019 TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - at Chicago
Week 2 - vs. Minnesota
Week 3 - vs. Denver
Week 4 - vs. Philadelphia
Week 5 - at Dallas
Week 6 - vs. Detroit
Week 7 - vs. Oakland
Week 8 - at Kansas City
Week 9 - at LA Chargers
Week 10 - vs. Carolina
Week 11 - BYE
Week 12 - at San Francisco
Week 13 - at NY Giants
Week 14 - vs. Washington
Week 15 - vs. Chicago
Week 16 - at Minnesota
Week 17 - at Detroit

2019 NFL Team Preview - DETROIT LIONS

DETROIT LIONS                                                    

2018 Record - 6-10-0
 

Head Coach - Matt Patricia


Newcomers for 2019 - Trey Flowers (DE), Danny Amendola (WR), Jesse James (TE), C.J. Anderson (RB), Logan Thomas (TE), Tommylee Lewis (WR), Justin Coleman (DB), Rashaan Melvin (DB)


Keys on Offense - Matthew Stafford is back to quarterback the Lions after putting up fairly decent  numbers last season (3,777 passing yards with 21 TD passes and 11 interceptions) but the team struggled on offense due to lack of a running game.
Kerryon Johnson (641 rushing yards, 5.4 ypc average and three TD) and C.J. Anderson (299 yards with two TD in limited action with the LA Rams in 2018) will be the backs to carry the ball this year. Theo Riddick is the third down back and made 61 catches last season.
The wide receiving corps consists of Kenny Golladay (70 receptions, 1,063 yards, five TD) and Marvin Jones, Jr. (35, 508, five TD) while newcomers to the team will be Danny Amendola and Tommylee Lewis.
Amendola had 59 receptions with Miami a year ago and Lewis played sparingly with the Saints. The tight end is likely to be top draft pick T.J. Hockenson (Iowa) along with Jesse James (30, 423, two TD with the Steelers) while Logan Thomas, a free agent from Buffalo, will be on hand as well.


Keys on Defense - Trey Flowers comes over from New England to play defensive end and he had 7 1/2 QB sacks last season for the Super Bowl champions. Romeo Okwara (seven sacks) is another stalwart along with Damon Harrison (3 1/2 sacks) up front while Devon Kennard anchors the linebackers. Kennard had seven sacks and along with Jarrad Davis (six sacks) is a big part of a defense that was tenth overall last season, giving up 335 yards per game.
Quandre Diggs and Darius Slay each had three interceptions and will be the key to the secondary unit again this season. Rashaan Melvin comes over from Oakland to provide depth.



OUTLOOK  FOR 2019 - The Lions, under first year Head Coach Matt Patricia, finished in last place in the NFC North division in 2018 and will look to do better this season.
The running game was 23rd overall last year while the passing attack was 20th as the team averaged a paltry 327 yards per game and just over 20 points scored per game. That has to improve if Detroit wants to have any shot at getting out of the basement. Stafford was fair last season, but has shown the ability in past seasons to put up big numbers.
The defense was pretty solid (ranked tenth overall and also tenth against the run and eighth against the pass) but the secondary only made seven interceptions all season. The Lions can get after the quarterback and had 43 sacks (11th in the NFL) in 2018. Patricia insists on an attacking defense and now has a familiar face (Flowers) on the defense.
The likelihood is another losing record, but an 8-8 finish for the Lions would be better than the last place results in 2018. Detroit is looking to make the playoffs for the first time in three years.
If the offense can muster up some better production and the line can protect Stafford, this team should improve and with some breaks, maybe challenge for a wild card spot. One never knows from one season to another these days around the NFL as far as turnarounds go.




2019 TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1- at Arizona
Week 2 - vs. LA Chargers
Week 3 - at Philadelphia
Week 4 - vs. Kansas City
Week 5 - BYE 
Week 6 - at Green Bay
Week 7 - vs. Minnesota
Week 8 - vs. NY Giants
Week 9 - at Oakland
Week 10 - at Chicago
Week 11 - vs. Dallas
Week 12 - at Washington
Week 13 - vs. Chicago
Week 14 - at Minnesota
Week 15 - vs. Tampa Bay
Week 16 - at Denver
Week 17 - vs. Green Bay 

2019 NFL Team Preview - CHICAGO BEARS

CHICAGO BEARS                                                   

2018 Record - 12-4-0


Head Coach - Matt Nagy


Newcomers for 2019 - Mike Davis (RB), Buster Skrine (DB), Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (DB), Ted Larsen (OL), Cordarrelle Patterson (WR/KR), Marvin Hall (WR)


Keys on Offense -  Bears QB Mitch Trubisky will be in his third season and he showed real signs of progress last season, throwing for 3,223 yards. He had 24 touchdown passes with 12 interceptions and also showed he can run when needed, gaining 421 yards with three rushing touchdowns.
Tarik Cohen gained 444 yards on the ground and averaged 4.5 yards per carry with three touchdowns, but his best was receiving (71 receptions to lead the team) out of the backfield and he scored five more touchdowns on receptions. Along with Cohen, the Bears will have rookie David Montgomery (Iowa State) and free agent Mike Davis, who rushed for 514 yards (4.6 ypc, four TD) and also had 34 receptions, one for a score.
The receivers are deep with Taylor Gabriel (67, 688, two TD), Allen Robinson (55, 754, four TD) and Anthony Miller, who had seven TD receptions to lead the team in his rookie season. Miller snared 33 catches for 423 yards. The tight end is Trey Burton (54, 569, six TD). Cordarrelle Patterson, Marvin Hall and rookie Riley Ridley (Georgia) will be in the fold in the passing attack.

Keys on Defense -  Linebacker Khalil Mack is the heart and soul of the defense, getting 12 1/2 sacks last year while pumping up fans and teammates alike when he signed as a free agent just before the season opener. The rest of the linebacking unit is solid with Danny Trevathan (two sacks and two interceptions), Roquan Smith (five sacks) and Leonard Floyd (four sacks).
Defensive End Akiem Hicks had 7 1/2 sacks and anchors the front line while the secondary is a ball hawking unit featuring safeties Eddie Jackson (six INT, two for touchdowns) and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who had three picks while splitting time in 2018 with Green Bay and Washington. The corners are Prince Amukamara (three INT) and Kyle Fuller, who tied for the league lead with seven interceptions. Buster Skrine comes over as a free agent to add depth.

OUTLOOK FOR 2019 -  As long as the team stays healthy, as they did last season, they should be in a good spot to win a second consecutive NFC North division title.
Head Coach Matt Nagy made believers out of his players in the system and team philosphy last season and will look to repeat the effort. Although defensive coordinator Vic Fangio left to become the top man in Denver, the team will have Chuck Pagano this season to run the defense.
His style is aggressive and the team thrived on pressure defense a year ago, leading the league with 27 interceptions while also topping the NFL in scoring defense (17.7 points allowed per game), run defense (8o ypg allowed) and ranking third in total yards allowed per game as well as ranking third with 50 quarterback sacks.
The offense will look to Trubisky to show even more leadership as he matures under the system Nagy runs. The Bears averaged 26.3 points per game last year (9th in NFL) while finishing in the middle of the pack in yards per game (343.9) which was 21st in the league. With a solid receiving corps and two new running backs to go along with the electric Cohen, the offense should continue to get better.
Of course, let's not forget the kicking game.
The Bears were victims of a subpar kicker a year ago, and it cost them dearly in the Wild Card game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Soldier Field last January when Cody Parker had the infamous "double doink" missed field goal as time expired in a 16-15 defeat.
This team is solid, especially on defense and should repeat as division champions. Look for a 11-5 finish with the tougher schedule this time around. The big question is whether the Bears can advance in the post-season and reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 13 seasons.
It just might happen.


2019 TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - vs. Green Bay
Week 2 - at Denver
Week 3 - at Washington
Week 4 - vs. Minnesota
Week 5 - at Oakland (in London)
Week 6 - BYE 
Week 7 - vs. New Orleans
Week 8 - vs. LA Chargers
Week 9 - at Philadelphia
Week 10 - vs. Detroit
Week 11 - at LA Rams
Week 12 - vs. NY Giants
Week 13 - at Detroit
Week 14 - vs. Dallas
Week 15 - at Green Bay
Week 16 - vs. Kansas City
Week 17 - at Minnesota

Major League Baseball - Week In Review

Can anybody stop those New York Yankees?  How about the Cleveland Indians or the San Francisco Giants while we're at it.
Those three teams are without a doubt the hottest teams going in Major League Baseball.
The Yankees swept the Tampa Bay Rays this past week in The Bronx and have opened up a commanding nine game lead in the American League East division. The Rays at one point this season held a huge lead in the American League Wild Card chase, but now find themselves on the outside looking in as the Indians and Oakland A's have passed them for the two post-season spots.
Both Cleveland and Oakland have gone 8-2 in the last ten games with the Tribe winning six straight games after dropping two of three games last weekend to the A.L. Central leading Minnesota Twins. The Twins have seen their once 10 1/2 game lead at the end of June drop to just a measly three games over the Indians following their 5-3 loss to the A's on Friday night. The Indians blasted Kansas City, 10-5 on Friday and have taken advantage of a softer schedule by beating up on the Royals and Detroit Tigers this week.
In the A.L. West, it has turned into a two-team race as the Houston Astros continue to lead the A's for the division lead by 5 1/2 games. Texas and the Los Angeles Angels are further back and will likely have to look to the wild card race if they want to make the post-season.
Over in the National League, the San Francisco Giants have risen from the dead and are actually a .500 team (49-49) following their second consecutive extra inning victory against the New York Mets, winning 1-0 on Friday night. In fact, the Giants are just two games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second wild card spot in the senior circuit.
The surging Washington Nationals are the top dog in the wild card race and have split the first two games of a huge four-game series in Atlanta against the first place Braves in the N.L. East race. The Braves have a 6 1/2 game edge over the Nats and 7 1/2 games over the Philadelphia Phillies.
In the National League Central, the Chicago Cubs have suddenly caught fire, winning their third straight game on Friday in a 6-5 decision over the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. The Cubbies have gone 8-2 in their last ten games and have a 2 1/2 game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals and three games over the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Red Birds won a wild road game in Cincinnati on Friday night, rallying from a 7-0 hole to win 12-11. The Cardinals scored ten runs in the sixth inning to help provide the difference in the final outcome. Meanwhile, the Brewers dropped to third in the division race as they lost in Arizona, which snapped their three-game win streak.

Finally, the Baseball Hall-of-Fame in Cooperstown, NY will induct six new members on Sunday
afternoon as Mariano Rivera (New York Yankees relief pitcher), the late Roy Halladay (pitcher), Edgar Martinez (Seattle Mariners DH), Mike Mussina (pitcher) and holdovers Harold Baines (OF/DH) and Lee Smith (relief pitcher) will enter. Rivera became the first player ever to receive a unanimous vote for the selection.
The Hall is a MUST visit for any baseball fan and yours truly thoroughly enjoyed my one visit there five years ago in early July.





AL STANDINGS (through July 19)                                   NL STANDINGS (through July 19)
East                                                                                     East
New York 63-33                                                                 Atlanta 59-40            
Tampa Bay 56-44                                                               Washington 51-45
Boston 53-45                                                                      Philadelphia 51-47
Toronto 37-62                                                                     New York 44-53
Baltimore 30-66                                                                  Miami 36-59

Central                                                                                Central
Minnesota 59-37                                                                  Chicago 53-44
Cleveland 56-40                                                                   St. Louis 50-46
Chicago 43-51                                                                      Milwaukee 51-48
Kansas City 36-63                                                                Pittsburgh 45-51
Detroit 29-64                                                                        Cincinnati 43-52
                                                                                                                                 
West                                                                                     West
Houston 62-37                                                                      LA Dodgers 65-35
Oakland 56-42                                                                      Arizona 50-48
Texas 50-47                                                                          San Francisco 49-49
LA Angels 50-49                                                                  Colorado 46-51
Seattle 40-60                                                                         San Diego 46-51   

Major League Baseball - Week In Review

The All-Star Game took place in Cleveland this past Tuesday and the American League won, 4-3 as Indians pitcher Shane Bieber won the Most Valuable Player award, striking out the side in the fifth inning. Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka was credited with the win for the A.L. while Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw took the loss.
There were only two home runs hit in the game. Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon hit one out in the sixth inning to bring the N.L. to within 2-1. Texas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo smacked a solo homer in the seventh inning as the A.L. drew out to a 4-1 lead.
The National League scored a pair of runs in the eighth inning against Indians reliever Brad Hand to account for the final score. Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning, which included a strike out to finish the game.
The teams around the league got it going again on Friday and the story of the night was the Los Angeles Angels, playing in their first home game since pitcher Tyler Skaggs tragic passing on July 1. The Angels all wore number 45 (Skaggs jersey number) and beat the Seattle Mariners, 13-0 behind a combined no-hitter by Taylor Cole and Felix Pena. Angels OF Mike Trout hit a home run and had six RBI to pace the rout before an emotional crowd. Following the game, the players laid their jerseys on the pitcher's mound in honor of Skaggs.
The Minnesota Twins beat the host Cleveland Indians, 5-3 on Friday as they rallied from a 3-1 deficit to put a little more distance between the teams in the A.L. Central race. Cleveland had cut the deficit from ten-plus games down to just 5 1/2 games at the All Star break.
The Texas Rangers won the first two games of a four-game set against the Houston Astros, including a 9-8 comeback win on Friday night. On Thursday, the Rangers shut out the Astros, 5-0 to get back on the winning track after a recent slump before the break.
In the National League, the Washington Nationals, behind stellar pitching by Stephen Strasburg, shut out the host Philadelphia Phillies, 4-0 and are the top team in the wild card race as the "second half" of the season gets going. The Nationals have been one of the hottest team in the majors since the end of May.
The Chicago Cubs got a clutch single from OF Jason Heyward in the bottom of the eighth inning to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-3 on Friday afternoon. Pirates OF Starling Marte smashed a three-run homer to tie the game in the top of the eighth. Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel worked a perfect ninth inning for the save.
In a rematch of the 2018 World Series, the Boston Red Sox blasted the Los Angeles Dodgers, 8-1 as shortstop Xander Bogaerts  hit a three-run home run and pitcher Eduardo Rodrgiuez fanned ten batters to pace the easy win at Fenway Park.



AL STANDINGS (through July 12)                                   NL STANDINGS (through July 12)
East                                                                                     East
New York 58-31                                                                 Atlanta 55-37            
Tampa Bay 53-39                                                               Washington 48-42
Boston 50-41                                                                      Philadelphia 47-44
Toronto 34-58                                                                     New York 40-51
Baltimore 27-63                                                                  Miami 34-55


Central                                                                                Central
Minnesota 57-33                                                                  Chicago 48-43
Cleveland 50-39                                                                   Milwaukee 47-45
Chicago 42-45                                                                      St. Louis 44-45
Kansas City 31-61                                                                Pittsburgh 44-46
Detroit 28-58                                                                        Cincinnati 41-47
                                                                                                                                 

West                                                                                     West
Houston 57-35                                                                      LA Dodgers 60-33
Oakland 51-41                                                                      Arizona 47-45
Texas 50-42                                                                          Colorado 45-45
LA Angels 46-46                                                                  San Diego 44-46
Seattle 39-56                                                                         San Francisco 42-48  

Major League Baseball - All Star Break

The best players in Major League Baseball are gathering this week for the All Star Game, which will be played on Tuesday, July 9 in Cleveland, Ohio.
It is time for the annual All Star Break around the game of baseball, but on a sad note, the following week saw Los Angeles Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs pass away suddenly on July 1 at the age of 27 while the team was on a road trip against the Texas Rangers. The two teams cancelled the game that evening before getting back at it again the following night.
The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox played a pair of games last weekend in London, England and the Yanks won both games (17-13 and 12-8) as they continue to pace the American League standings entering the break. They have a 6 1/2 game lead on the second place Tampa Bay Rays in the division and also have the best record in the American League.
The Cleveland Indians are heating up and don't look now, but they are just 5 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins in the A.L. Central race following a two-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds this weekend. The Tribe has won six straight games following a pair of 13-0 losses on successive nights to the lowly Baltimore Orioles. Also, Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco (who hasn't pitched since May) has been diagnosed with leukemia.
In the AL West, the Houston Astros lead the surging Oakland A's by 7 1/2 games and the suddenly reeling Texas Rangers by nine full games heading into the All Star break. The Astros will have three position players starting in the game as Alex Bregman (third base) and outfielders George Springer and Michael Brantley were chosen by the fans for the starting lineup.
Over in the National League, the Atlanta Braves continue to lead the East division race, but the Washington Nationals, led by stellar pitching and timely hitting are back in the fold and in second place, six games behind Atlanta at the break. The Philadelphia Phillies are 6 1/2 games back in the chase.
The N.L. West is all Dodgers as the boys from L.A. have a 13 1/2 game cushion. Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger has 30 home runs and trails Milwaukee's Christian Yelich (31) for the home run lead. New York Mets rookie first baseman Pete Alonso has also belted 30 round trippers and is a National League reserve on the All Star team.
In the N.L. Central, the Chicago Cubs limp into the break with a half-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers while the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates are right there as well. Even the fifth place Cincinnati Reds are the thick of the division race, trailing first place Chicago by just 4 1/2 games.
The All Star Game should be another good one as the Home Run Derby takes place July 8 with the teams then playing on July 9, looking to entertain the crowd in Cleveland. Then it's on to the second half of the season. 






AL STANDINGS (All Star Break)                                   NL STANDINGS (All Star Break)
East                                                                                     East
New York 57-31                                                                 Atlanta 54-37            
Tampa Bay 52-39                                                               Washington 47-42
Boston 49-41                                                                      Philadelphia 47-43
Toronto 34-57                                                                     New York 40-50
Baltimore 27-62                                                                  Miami 33-55


Central                                                                                Central
Minnesota 56-33                                                                  Chicago 47-43
Cleveland 50-38                                                                   Milwaukee 47-44
Chicago 42-44                                                                      St. Louis 44-44
Detroit 28-57                                                                        Pittsburgh 44-45
Kansas City 30-61                                                                Cincinnati 41-46
                                                                                                                                 

West                                                                                     West
Houston 57-33                                                                      LA Dodgers 60-32
Oakland 50-41                                                                      Arizona 46-45
Texas 48-42                                                                          San Diego 45-45
LA Angels 45-46                                                                  Colorado 44-45
Seattle 39-55                                                                         San Francisco 41-48