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ZAC TAYLOR

Pitts puts on show at Florida’s pro day for NFL evaluators

(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)GAINESVILLE, Fla. – There was no shortage of Kyle Pitts highlights at Florida’s pro day Wednesday, from his measurables to his moves to even his mindset. It was a refresher course for anyone who watched the versatile tight end play last season. Pitts and several teammates — most notably quarterback Kyle Trask, cornerback Marco Wilson and receivers Kadarius Toney and Trevon Grimes — worked out for talent evaluators from 31 of 32 NFL teams. AdIt’s still entirely possible for Pitts to be the highest-drafted tight end in the modern era (since 1970). “He’s a different bird than what a traditional tight end has been or certainly has been when I played,” said Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell, a tight end who played 11 NFL seasons.

Chargers hire Rams DC Brandon Staley as head coach

FILE - In this Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, file photo, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley watches his players before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Fla. On Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, the Los Angeles Chargers hired Staley to become the team's head coach. (AP Photo/Doug Murray, File)COSTA MESA, Calif. – Brandon Staley won't have to move that far for his first head coaching opportunity. Staley agreed to become the Los Angeles Chargers' coach on Sunday night after one season as the defensive coordinator for the crosstown Rams. “It’s not just that Brandon possesses a tremendous football mind that makes him the ideal head coach to lead our team forward,” general manager Tom Telesco said in a statement. He is the third assistant under Rams coach Sean McVay to get an NFL head coaching job, joining Green Bay's Matt LaFleur and Cincinnati's Zac Taylor.

Mr. Smith goes to Washington, takes another team to playoffs

Washington Football Team's Alex Smith plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. Alex Smith is the biggest reason Washington became the first team in the Super Bowl era to start 2-7 and make the playoffs. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)If the Alex Smith story becomes a movie, Alex Smith doesn't want to see it. “When Alex Smith plays quarterback, they’re a heck of a football team,” Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said. "They’re an extremely well-coached team, a ton of talent on that defensive front, but Alex Smith is really the key to everything.”How is that possible?

Burrow, Bengals hit road vs Browns on NFL's 100th birthday

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) reacts after running for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Cincinnati. Outside, Burrow got lessons on Paul Brown, Jim Brown, Boomer Esiason, Bernie Kosar, The Ickey Shuffle and Dawg Pound. “In my eyes I played terrible through 3 1/2 quarters and then played up to my standards in the last drive and almost won the game,” Burrow said. RUN OVERThe Bengals significantly overhauled the NFL’s worst run defense of last season — 149 yards allowed per game —- and had a tough start against the Chargers, who ran for 155. Bengals coach Zac Taylor expects Bullock, who fully practiced on Tuesday, to handle kicking duties against the Browns.

Joe Cool: Burrow confident in adapting to Bengals offense

CINCINNATI Back in pads for the first time since he won a national championship at LSU, Joe Burrow got a baptism in NFL red-zone defense. The new Bengals quarterback fumbled a snap a steady rain contributed and had trouble completing passes in tight quarters. Asked if he's nervous in adapting to the NFL, Burrow responded:Absolutely not," he said. Burrow got to run the offense in short-field situations for the first time with the scheduled season opener less than a month away. It wasn't what you'd like to see on a red-zone day, but it was the first one, Burrow said.

Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter supporters gather in Middleburg

Across the street, Blue Lives Matter supporters gathered. “When we say Black Lives Matter, that it solely means Black lives are better,” said Kevin Connor with Black Lives Matter Clay County. Standing on the same side of the road of the Black Lives Matter supporters was Norm Brewer, a Blue Lives Matter supporter. I mean, it’s just that simple.”Brewer explained further why he stood with the Black Lives Matter supporters even though he supports the Blue Lives Matter movement. At last weekend’s rally, a group of Blue Lives Matter supporters counter-demonstrated across the street from the Black Lives Matter rally near the corner of Blanding Boulevard and Kingsley Avenue.

Patriots deny stealing Bengals' signs, say filming on sidelines was for documentary

The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly think the Patriots tried stealing signs after a Patriots production crew was caught filming the Bengals' sideline during their game Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. The Patriots, who were punished in 2007 for taping opponents, said the crew was there to film for a documentary series. As the Cleveland Browns claimed victory over the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, suspicions brewed in the press box above. A Bengals official said he saw a Patriots employee inappropriately filming the sidelines during the game, and notified the NFL. "I'm aware that there was an incident but I know the league is investigating it, so I have no comment," Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said.

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Jaguars at Bengals: Four keys to victory in Cincinnati

JACKSONVILLE, FLA - The Jaguars travel to Cincinnati to face the winless Bengals on Sunday. Although this is just Week 7, the Jaguars face a tremendously important game if they want to return to playoff contention. If the Bengals try the same approach, Minshew needs to be able to make plays downfield from the pocket. The Bengals are anything but potent and there isn't a matchup with a wide receiver that should scare the Jaguars this week. Leonard Fournette was not happy that the Jaguars traded Ramey.