BUFFALO - Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone opted out of his contract Wednesday to pursue another coaching position, team owner Doug Pagula said.
"Doug Marrone informed me late today that he has decided to exercise the option clause in his contract and relinquish his responsibilities as our head coach," Pegula said in a statement.
Marrone led the Bills to a 15-17 record in two seasons with the club, improving from a 6-10 campaign in 2013 to a 9-7 mark this season and a second-place spot in the AFC East.
"We are disappointed that Coach Marrone will no longer be an important part of our organization," Pagula added. "We thank him for all of his hard work and leadership during his tenure and wish him and his family the best with the next chapter in their lives."
Wednesday marked the third of a three-day window for him to opt out of his contract, a clause added when the Bills were sold to Pagula following the death of team founder Ralph Wilson this year.
"We will now begin the important process of conducting a thorough search for a new head coach as we continue to strive to reach our goal of returning to the playoffs and bringing a championship to Buffalo for our fans," Pagula said, who also owns the NHL's Buffalo Sabres.
Marrone is a free agent to seek any coaching position and will receive a guaranteed $4 million without that amount counting as an offset against any future salary he may earn elsewhere.
Buffalo fielded the fourth-best defense in football and the 26th-best offensive eleven and quarterback Kyle Orton announced his retirement at season's end.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Steelers: Bell questionable, Tate signed
PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Steelers tailback Le'Veon Bell is questionable for Sunday's AFC Wild Card game against Baltimore and the team signed Ben Tate to replace him.
"My leg feels great," Bell said. "It feels good to be able to move around and not think about it much."
Bell hyperextended his right knee in Pittsburgh's regular season finale Sunday night against Cincinnati when Bengals safety Reggie Nelson tackled him in the open field on a rush attempt.
Nelson led with his helmet into the collision and Bell did not return to the game, a 27-17 victory for Pittsburgh. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and Nelson exchanged words after the game.
The second-year back from Michigan State did not practice Wednesday though did ride a stationary bike and tried some light jogging, and he remains confident he will see the field for the Steelers' playoff opener.
"I didn't expect to be feeling this well this early," he said via Scott Brown of ESPN. "I'm going to try to do more tomorrow."
Bell has 1,361 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns for the Steelers.
Ben Tate featured for the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings this season, and is expected to play alongside Dri Archer and Josh Harris should Bell miss the game. Harris was signed from the team's practice squad last month.
"My leg feels great," Bell said. "It feels good to be able to move around and not think about it much."
Bell hyperextended his right knee in Pittsburgh's regular season finale Sunday night against Cincinnati when Bengals safety Reggie Nelson tackled him in the open field on a rush attempt.
Nelson led with his helmet into the collision and Bell did not return to the game, a 27-17 victory for Pittsburgh. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and Nelson exchanged words after the game.
The second-year back from Michigan State did not practice Wednesday though did ride a stationary bike and tried some light jogging, and he remains confident he will see the field for the Steelers' playoff opener.
"I didn't expect to be feeling this well this early," he said via Scott Brown of ESPN. "I'm going to try to do more tomorrow."
Bell has 1,361 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns for the Steelers.
Ben Tate featured for the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings this season, and is expected to play alongside Dri Archer and Josh Harris should Bell miss the game. Harris was signed from the team's practice squad last month.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Redskins: Gruden says QB spot open
ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said the team's quarterback position will be opened up to competition for the 2015 season.
Washington's three quarterbacks were responsible for 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions and four victories against 12 defeats this season.
All of which leaves first-year man Jay Gruden in somewhat of a bind, giving him the inspiration to start over again.
"I'd like to pick one as soon as I could so we could try to work and grind on him and develop him," Gruden said. "But until that position is earned, you have to have a competition. I anticipate us having a competition at a lot of spots, and quarterback is no different next year."
Robert Griffin and Colt McCoy both lost time to injury and Kirk Cousins was turnover-prone, responsible for half the team's interceptions, including 4 on one Monday night against the Giants.
"All three quarterbacks have shown the ability that they can play quarterback in the NFL," Gruden said. "But all three have shown they need some work. That's the case with most teams who are out of the playoffs right now. We're going to go through that process slowly but surely. But we will get there."
But Griffin, still the favorite of team owner Daniel Snyder, is clearly the greatest disappointment for the Redskins.
He featured in seven games this season after dislocating his ankle in Week 2. Backup Cousins would later be benched in favor of McCoy, who led the 'Skins to two of their four wins before Griffin returned from his injury in Week 9 at Minnesota.
Griffin completed 68.7 percent of his 214 pass attempts in that time for 1,694 yards, slinging four touchdowns and six interceptions as Washington acquired two wins in contests he started, against Jacksonville and Philadelphia.
Though Griffin would suffer the same fate as Cousins, being benched for McCoy before the Redskins' third-stringer fell to a neck injury twice, and Gruden was forced to start Griffin again.
"Obviously as a young quarterback he's going to go through some growing pains," Gruden said of him. "We all have a long way to go as far as learning each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we've just got to grow from there. He's got the arm talent to be a good quarterback. Obviously some issues in the pocket have to be worked with - anticipation, accuracy. There's a lot that can be improved on."
Washington's three quarterbacks were responsible for 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions and four victories against 12 defeats this season.
All of which leaves first-year man Jay Gruden in somewhat of a bind, giving him the inspiration to start over again.
"I'd like to pick one as soon as I could so we could try to work and grind on him and develop him," Gruden said. "But until that position is earned, you have to have a competition. I anticipate us having a competition at a lot of spots, and quarterback is no different next year."
Robert Griffin and Colt McCoy both lost time to injury and Kirk Cousins was turnover-prone, responsible for half the team's interceptions, including 4 on one Monday night against the Giants.
"All three quarterbacks have shown the ability that they can play quarterback in the NFL," Gruden said. "But all three have shown they need some work. That's the case with most teams who are out of the playoffs right now. We're going to go through that process slowly but surely. But we will get there."
But Griffin, still the favorite of team owner Daniel Snyder, is clearly the greatest disappointment for the Redskins.
He featured in seven games this season after dislocating his ankle in Week 2. Backup Cousins would later be benched in favor of McCoy, who led the 'Skins to two of their four wins before Griffin returned from his injury in Week 9 at Minnesota.
Griffin completed 68.7 percent of his 214 pass attempts in that time for 1,694 yards, slinging four touchdowns and six interceptions as Washington acquired two wins in contests he started, against Jacksonville and Philadelphia.
Though Griffin would suffer the same fate as Cousins, being benched for McCoy before the Redskins' third-stringer fell to a neck injury twice, and Gruden was forced to start Griffin again.
"Obviously as a young quarterback he's going to go through some growing pains," Gruden said of him. "We all have a long way to go as far as learning each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we've just got to grow from there. He's got the arm talent to be a good quarterback. Obviously some issues in the pocket have to be worked with - anticipation, accuracy. There's a lot that can be improved on."
Irish edge LSU with field goal as time expires
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Malik Zaire held and Kyle Brindza kicked the winning field goal as time expired to secure the Music City Bowl for Notre Dame over LSU 31-28 on Tuesday.
Zaire passed and rushed both for 96 yards in his first collegiate start as the Irish defeat an SEC team after being outscored 83-28 in their last two chances, against LSU, and Alabama in the 2012 national championship game.
Notre Dame and LSU last met in the 2007 Sugar Bowl, a 41-14 Tiger victory.
Former Irish starter Everett Golson completed 6-of-11 passes for 90 yards as Brian Kelly announced before the game that his team would field two quarterbacks.
It was a back-and-forth contest defined by long-gaining plays and touchdown strikes as Notre Dame secured the upset and put the axe to a four-game losing skid.
Tigers running back Leonard Fournette rushed for two touchdowns and added a 100 yard kickoff return score in the second quarter, finishing with 143 yards on eleven rushes.
LSU (8-5) would strike for 14 straight points in the third frame. Anthony Jennings connected with John Diarse for a 75 yard bomb and Fournette would pound through for an 85 yard touchdown to give the Tigers a seven-point advantage.
But golden-domer C.J. Prosise would strike pay dirt from 50 yards with four minutes left in the third, and after a quiet fourth quarter that found LSU possess the ball once on a 20 yard drive, Notre Dame would chip 71 yards in almost six minutes to produce the game-winning kick.
Zaire passed and rushed both for 96 yards in his first collegiate start as the Irish defeat an SEC team after being outscored 83-28 in their last two chances, against LSU, and Alabama in the 2012 national championship game.
Notre Dame and LSU last met in the 2007 Sugar Bowl, a 41-14 Tiger victory.
Former Irish starter Everett Golson completed 6-of-11 passes for 90 yards as Brian Kelly announced before the game that his team would field two quarterbacks.
It was a back-and-forth contest defined by long-gaining plays and touchdown strikes as Notre Dame secured the upset and put the axe to a four-game losing skid.
Tigers running back Leonard Fournette rushed for two touchdowns and added a 100 yard kickoff return score in the second quarter, finishing with 143 yards on eleven rushes.
LSU (8-5) would strike for 14 straight points in the third frame. Anthony Jennings connected with John Diarse for a 75 yard bomb and Fournette would pound through for an 85 yard touchdown to give the Tigers a seven-point advantage.
But golden-domer C.J. Prosise would strike pay dirt from 50 yards with four minutes left in the third, and after a quiet fourth quarter that found LSU possess the ball once on a 20 yard drive, Notre Dame would chip 71 yards in almost six minutes to produce the game-winning kick.
Lions: Suh wins appeal, will play at Dallas
NEW YORK - Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh won his appeal against the 1 game suspension he received this week and will appear in the team's Wild Card game at Dallas on Sunday.
He will be fined $70,000 for the incident, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Suh was suspended for one game after he twice stepped on the leg of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he lay on the turf in last Sunday's game between Detroit and Green Bay that decided the NFC North champion.
He was not flagged on the play, despite protests from Rodgers afterwards to many of the surrounding officials.
Following that game, the NFL ruled Rodgers to be "in a defenseless posture" as Suh was coming off his block. He appeared to have a chance to stop his momentum, though took two steps backwards onto Rodgers' leg.
The league noted that Suh was "applying pressure and unnecessarily pushing off Rodgers' unprotected leg with his left foot, violating playing rules prohibiting unnecessary roughness."
"If you step on something in your everyday life or if you step on somebody on the field, the first reactions seems to be looking back and maybe apologizing with your hands or maybe pulling your foot back right away, and I'm just not sure that's what happened on Sunday," Aaron Rodgers said during his radio show to ESPN Milwaukee.
Rodgers had injured his leg earlier in the game while throwing one of his two touchdowns to Randall Cobb and left the field momentarily before returning in the second half. Green Bay defeated Detroit 30-20 on Sunday.
He will be fined $70,000 for the incident, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Suh was suspended for one game after he twice stepped on the leg of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he lay on the turf in last Sunday's game between Detroit and Green Bay that decided the NFC North champion.
He was not flagged on the play, despite protests from Rodgers afterwards to many of the surrounding officials.
Following that game, the NFL ruled Rodgers to be "in a defenseless posture" as Suh was coming off his block. He appeared to have a chance to stop his momentum, though took two steps backwards onto Rodgers' leg.
The league noted that Suh was "applying pressure and unnecessarily pushing off Rodgers' unprotected leg with his left foot, violating playing rules prohibiting unnecessary roughness."
"If you step on something in your everyday life or if you step on somebody on the field, the first reactions seems to be looking back and maybe apologizing with your hands or maybe pulling your foot back right away, and I'm just not sure that's what happened on Sunday," Aaron Rodgers said during his radio show to ESPN Milwaukee.
Rodgers had injured his leg earlier in the game while throwing one of his two touchdowns to Randall Cobb and left the field momentarily before returning in the second half. Green Bay defeated Detroit 30-20 on Sunday.
Fournette returns kick 100 yards for TD
NASHVILLE - Leonard Fournette raced for a 100 yard kickoff return touchdown in the second quarter as LSU ties Notre Dame 14-14 in a back-and-forth Music City Bowl on Tuesday.
Fournette secured the reception on his goal-line, easily outraced the first wave and took off to the right for open field after the Irish committed to the left side.
LSU took possession after Notre Dame regained a 14-7 lead on quarterback Malik Zaire's rushing score.
Fournette produced a 7-7 tie on an 8 yard touchdown rush to cap off a 76 yard drive begun when Notre Dame failed on a 4th-and-1 attempt.
Zaire connected with William Fuller on Notre Dame's first possession, a 12 yard touchdown that earned the Irish (7-5) the early advantage.
Fournette secured the reception on his goal-line, easily outraced the first wave and took off to the right for open field after the Irish committed to the left side.
LSU took possession after Notre Dame regained a 14-7 lead on quarterback Malik Zaire's rushing score.
Fournette produced a 7-7 tie on an 8 yard touchdown rush to cap off a 76 yard drive begun when Notre Dame failed on a 4th-and-1 attempt.
Zaire connected with William Fuller on Notre Dame's first possession, a 12 yard touchdown that earned the Irish (7-5) the early advantage.
Notre Dame, LSU tied after first quarter
NASHVILLE - Tigers back Leonard Fournette took a pitch left and rushed for an 8 yard touchdown to level the Music City Bowl 7-7 between LSU and Notre Dame on Tuesday at LP Field.
Travin Dural took a concealed handoff crouched behind the line around left end for a 24 yard rush to the Irish 31. Fournette followed with an 18 yard carry the old fashioned way, off tackle to the Irish 13 before adding his score.
Malik Zaire drove Notre Dame (7-5) down for the early touchdown lead on a 12 yard toss to William Fuller. Zaire converted a 4th-and-9 with his feet on the 66 yard charge.
Zaire and C.J. Prosise rushed for 26 and 27 yards to the LSU 29 before Zaire was tackled behind the line on a 4th-and-1 on the Tigers 20.
Notre Dame is seeking their first victory in four outings and No. 23 LSU to take the lead in the two programs' all-time rivalry.
Travin Dural took a concealed handoff crouched behind the line around left end for a 24 yard rush to the Irish 31. Fournette followed with an 18 yard carry the old fashioned way, off tackle to the Irish 13 before adding his score.
Malik Zaire drove Notre Dame (7-5) down for the early touchdown lead on a 12 yard toss to William Fuller. Zaire converted a 4th-and-9 with his feet on the 66 yard charge.
Zaire and C.J. Prosise rushed for 26 and 27 yards to the LSU 29 before Zaire was tackled behind the line on a 4th-and-1 on the Tigers 20.
Notre Dame is seeking their first victory in four outings and No. 23 LSU to take the lead in the two programs' all-time rivalry.
Irish leading LSU early in Music City Bowl
NASHVILLE - Malik Zaire converted a 4th-and-9 on the ground into the red zone and capped off a 66 drive over eight minutes with a 12 yard touchdown toss to William Fuller as Notre Dame leads the LSU Tigers 7-0 early in the Music City Bowl.
Notre Dame chipped away in 15 plays against the SEC's best defense to take the advantage in search of their first victory in four contests.
Tuesday's contest is Zaire's first collegiate start after relieving starter Everett Golson in Notre Dame's season finale at USC.
Zaire is 5-of-6 for 34 yards passing with 16 yards rushing for the Irish (7-5), who are appearing in their fifth bowl game in coach Brian Kelly' fifth season, the first coach in program history to achieve that feat.
Notre Dame chipped away in 15 plays against the SEC's best defense to take the advantage in search of their first victory in four contests.
Tuesday's contest is Zaire's first collegiate start after relieving starter Everett Golson in Notre Dame's season finale at USC.
Zaire is 5-of-6 for 34 yards passing with 16 yards rushing for the Irish (7-5), who are appearing in their fifth bowl game in coach Brian Kelly' fifth season, the first coach in program history to achieve that feat.
Eagles: Chip Kelly has faith in Billy Davis
PHILADELPHIA - Eagles head coach Chip Kelly is confident in his defensive coordinator Billy Davis despite his secondary unit allowing the most big plays in football.
"I thought Billy did a really good job," Kelly said through the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I thought our defense improved in a lot of categories. There's still things we need to clean up."
First on the list: the Eagles' secondary, ranked 31st in pass defense at season's end, behind only Atlanta, allowed the most plays of over 20 yards (72) and of over 40 yards (18).
"It's broke and we've got to fix it," Davis said, whose defending eleven allowed 30 touchdowns over 16 contests, fourth-most in the league.
"We have to get better," he added. "There's no question about that. We improved in every category except the deep passes, and the deep passes, that's what gets the touchdowns and the points and the long yards, and we have to get that fixed, and we will in this offseason."
The Eagles did see improvements in yards allowed, opposing quarterback's completion percentage, an increase in sacks, and lower third-down conversions and rushing yards permitted.
Philadelphia's run defense ranked 18th in the league this season behind its fifth-best sack artist in Connor Barwin (14.5), though did still allow more than 100 yards rushing per game and the fifth-most yards (375.6).
Their postseason fate would be sealed in what Chip Kelly calls "X-plays," those of 20 or more yards.
Last season, Davis' first at the defensive helm, found the Eagles allow 62 X-plays, the fourth most in football and their passing defense ranked last in yards.
"We were really good in 2013 in X-plays," Kelly said. "We weren't good at all in 2014 in X-plays. I thought our run defense got better. I thought our transition from coming in here and [last season] playing a wide-9, 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense over the last two years [helped]."
Dez Bryant caught a career-best three touchdowns in the Eagles-Cowboys rematch that determined first-place in the NFC East, all against cornerback Bradley Fletcher. Fletcher allowed two passes of more than 50 yards from DeSean Jackson in the team's season finale against the Redskins. Jackson also had an 81 yard touchdown reception in their first meeting in September.
"The goal is to have the best secondary in the NFL," Davis said. "That's the goal. Because it is a passing league. Our goal is to have the best secondary in the NFL and we have to work to get that."
"I thought Billy did a really good job," Kelly said through the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I thought our defense improved in a lot of categories. There's still things we need to clean up."
First on the list: the Eagles' secondary, ranked 31st in pass defense at season's end, behind only Atlanta, allowed the most plays of over 20 yards (72) and of over 40 yards (18).
"It's broke and we've got to fix it," Davis said, whose defending eleven allowed 30 touchdowns over 16 contests, fourth-most in the league.
"We have to get better," he added. "There's no question about that. We improved in every category except the deep passes, and the deep passes, that's what gets the touchdowns and the points and the long yards, and we have to get that fixed, and we will in this offseason."
The Eagles did see improvements in yards allowed, opposing quarterback's completion percentage, an increase in sacks, and lower third-down conversions and rushing yards permitted.
Philadelphia's run defense ranked 18th in the league this season behind its fifth-best sack artist in Connor Barwin (14.5), though did still allow more than 100 yards rushing per game and the fifth-most yards (375.6).
Their postseason fate would be sealed in what Chip Kelly calls "X-plays," those of 20 or more yards.
Last season, Davis' first at the defensive helm, found the Eagles allow 62 X-plays, the fourth most in football and their passing defense ranked last in yards.
"We were really good in 2013 in X-plays," Kelly said. "We weren't good at all in 2014 in X-plays. I thought our run defense got better. I thought our transition from coming in here and [last season] playing a wide-9, 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense over the last two years [helped]."
Dez Bryant caught a career-best three touchdowns in the Eagles-Cowboys rematch that determined first-place in the NFC East, all against cornerback Bradley Fletcher. Fletcher allowed two passes of more than 50 yards from DeSean Jackson in the team's season finale against the Redskins. Jackson also had an 81 yard touchdown reception in their first meeting in September.
"The goal is to have the best secondary in the NFL," Davis said. "That's the goal. Because it is a passing league. Our goal is to have the best secondary in the NFL and we have to work to get that."
Redskins: Cousins denies he demanded a trade
ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins backup quarterback Kirk Cousins on Tuesday sought to clarify comments he made on Monday about wanting to be traded from the team should Robert Griffin be named the starter next season.
"Isn't it obvious I couldn't stay here?" he told Dianna Marie Russini of NBC Washington on Monday following the end of the regular season.
But the next day, Cousins said he is not demanding a trade from the team in a conference call set up by the Redskins public relations staff.
"I don't demand anything," he said. "I'm under contract. I'm going to honor that contract if that's what it comes to. I'm focused on getting better. We all know that I have a long ways to go. I have a lot of work to do. I had two awful quarters this year and threw nine interceptions, which is way too many. I have plenty to work on to get better. That's the message that I want out. I'm excited to get back to work. Because I do think that with another offseason in the system, with more time to develop and talk about the system and improve and get practice reps, that I can really take another step forward."
The third-year quarterback from Michigan State has 18 touchdowns and 19 interceptions this season in five starts for the Redskins before being replaced by Colt McCoy in Week 8.
"Isn't it obvious I couldn't stay here?" he told Dianna Marie Russini of NBC Washington on Monday following the end of the regular season.
But the next day, Cousins said he is not demanding a trade from the team in a conference call set up by the Redskins public relations staff.
"I don't demand anything," he said. "I'm under contract. I'm going to honor that contract if that's what it comes to. I'm focused on getting better. We all know that I have a long ways to go. I have a lot of work to do. I had two awful quarters this year and threw nine interceptions, which is way too many. I have plenty to work on to get better. That's the message that I want out. I'm excited to get back to work. Because I do think that with another offseason in the system, with more time to develop and talk about the system and improve and get practice reps, that I can really take another step forward."
The third-year quarterback from Michigan State has 18 touchdowns and 19 interceptions this season in five starts for the Redskins before being replaced by Colt McCoy in Week 8.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Bruins rebound at Red Wings' expense, 5-2
BOSTON - The slumping Boston Bruins took advantage of a three-goal first period before adding two more in the third to down the Detroit Red Wings 5-2 on Monday night.
Five different skaters propelled the Bruins to the winning side of the ledger, entering the first intermission with a 3-1 advantage from which they would hardly look back.
And in the process end Atlantic Division rival Detroit's two-game winning habit.
"They're in our division," Carl Soderberg said, picking up three points off a goal and two assists. "We have to win these games."
Boston's Rielly Smith lit the lamp at 2:44 in the first with a blast from the blue line that landed over Jimmy Howard's left shoulder. Dougie Hamilton took the assist, lingering along the near boards before handing Smith the pass that would float through traffic to open scoring.
"That was a great example of how we need to play for pretty much the rest of the season," Boston captain Zdeno Chara said. "It's pretty simple. We had the right attitude and right approach right from the first drop of the puck."
Justin Abdelkader produced the 1-1 stalemate at 11:21, shooting a clean backhander as he fell to the ice through a twelve-inch space between Tuukka Rask's left leg and the post. Rask stuffed 28-of-30 for Boston on the night otherwise.
But the Bruins are 12-6-2 at home this season, seeking to prove the fact as they notched two goals in a 1:13 span to close the first frame.
Gregory Campbell recorded his 4th goal this season as the recipient of a lucky pass and deflection from Torey Krug, who flung a one-timer that squirted out of a heavy scrum in the crease.
His chance clinked off the right post into the path of Campbell from six inches out, who tapped the leading goal past Howard's left foot at 16:12.
Carl Soderberg took an assist on that shot, and soon after would record a goal of his own, firing from close range to the left side of the Wings net off a pass from Loui Erikkson behind the net.
"That's what I wanted to see from our team," Bruins head coach Claude Julien said afterwards. "It's the kind of game that we need."
Boston's skates cooled in the middle section, allowing the Red Wings back within a goal courtesy of Tomas Tatar, who cashed in on Detroit's third-best power-play.
Chris Kelly tripped Detroit's leading scorer Gustav Nyquist forty seconds earlier, setting up Tatar's 15th strike this season, off an assist from Danny DeKeyser.
But Kelly would add the empty-netter with three minutes left to clinch the win for the home side, who are 3-3-0 in their last six outings.
"I think everyone was focused on going over the boards and doing their job for the 40 or 50 seconds they were on the ice," Kelly said of the Bruins' effort. "It was wave after wave. Every line contributed and played really well."
Boston (19-15-3) was without points-leader Patrice Bergeron and Milan Lucic for undisclosed reasons.
The Bruins enjoyed four power-play chances, and in the third period Seth Griffith would skate past Detroit's second-best penalty killing unit to regain the two-goal advantage.
David Krejci took possession in the left circle deep in the Wings zone, skating backwards along the boards before slipping what became an assist through two Detroit defenders to Griffith, who flung a wrister from the circle past Howard's right arm.
"They threw in a lot of pucks and created chances off that," Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said. "We tried to do that, too, but we've got to have the puck. We didn't win a lot of faceoffs in the first period and it's tough to start without the puck."
Jimmy Howard stopped 40-of-45 shots in net for Detroit (19-9-9) as the Bruins record their season-high in shots.
"We've been walking that fine line here for a little bit," Howard said of the Wings' recent losing ways. "We have to find a way to start on time. There have been too many times this year where we wait until the second period to get going."
Detroit hosts New Jersey before embarking on a six-game road trip, and Boston will treat Toronto to a New Year's Eve meeting at the Garden.
Five different skaters propelled the Bruins to the winning side of the ledger, entering the first intermission with a 3-1 advantage from which they would hardly look back.
And in the process end Atlantic Division rival Detroit's two-game winning habit.
"They're in our division," Carl Soderberg said, picking up three points off a goal and two assists. "We have to win these games."
Boston's Rielly Smith lit the lamp at 2:44 in the first with a blast from the blue line that landed over Jimmy Howard's left shoulder. Dougie Hamilton took the assist, lingering along the near boards before handing Smith the pass that would float through traffic to open scoring.
"That was a great example of how we need to play for pretty much the rest of the season," Boston captain Zdeno Chara said. "It's pretty simple. We had the right attitude and right approach right from the first drop of the puck."
Justin Abdelkader produced the 1-1 stalemate at 11:21, shooting a clean backhander as he fell to the ice through a twelve-inch space between Tuukka Rask's left leg and the post. Rask stuffed 28-of-30 for Boston on the night otherwise.
But the Bruins are 12-6-2 at home this season, seeking to prove the fact as they notched two goals in a 1:13 span to close the first frame.
Gregory Campbell recorded his 4th goal this season as the recipient of a lucky pass and deflection from Torey Krug, who flung a one-timer that squirted out of a heavy scrum in the crease.
His chance clinked off the right post into the path of Campbell from six inches out, who tapped the leading goal past Howard's left foot at 16:12.
Carl Soderberg took an assist on that shot, and soon after would record a goal of his own, firing from close range to the left side of the Wings net off a pass from Loui Erikkson behind the net.
"That's what I wanted to see from our team," Bruins head coach Claude Julien said afterwards. "It's the kind of game that we need."
Boston's skates cooled in the middle section, allowing the Red Wings back within a goal courtesy of Tomas Tatar, who cashed in on Detroit's third-best power-play.
Chris Kelly tripped Detroit's leading scorer Gustav Nyquist forty seconds earlier, setting up Tatar's 15th strike this season, off an assist from Danny DeKeyser.
But Kelly would add the empty-netter with three minutes left to clinch the win for the home side, who are 3-3-0 in their last six outings.
"I think everyone was focused on going over the boards and doing their job for the 40 or 50 seconds they were on the ice," Kelly said of the Bruins' effort. "It was wave after wave. Every line contributed and played really well."
Boston (19-15-3) was without points-leader Patrice Bergeron and Milan Lucic for undisclosed reasons.
The Bruins enjoyed four power-play chances, and in the third period Seth Griffith would skate past Detroit's second-best penalty killing unit to regain the two-goal advantage.
David Krejci took possession in the left circle deep in the Wings zone, skating backwards along the boards before slipping what became an assist through two Detroit defenders to Griffith, who flung a wrister from the circle past Howard's right arm.
"They threw in a lot of pucks and created chances off that," Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said. "We tried to do that, too, but we've got to have the puck. We didn't win a lot of faceoffs in the first period and it's tough to start without the puck."
Jimmy Howard stopped 40-of-45 shots in net for Detroit (19-9-9) as the Bruins record their season-high in shots.
"We've been walking that fine line here for a little bit," Howard said of the Wings' recent losing ways. "We have to find a way to start on time. There have been too many times this year where we wait until the second period to get going."
Detroit hosts New Jersey before embarking on a six-game road trip, and Boston will treat Toronto to a New Year's Eve meeting at the Garden.
Bears: Virginia McCaskey is "pissed off"
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Yes, Virginia, the Bears stink.
To that effect, Monday afternoon found the press conference assembled at Halas Hall to discuss the resulting dismissal of head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery after a woeful five-win campaign and 13 victories against 19 defeats in two seasons.
Concerning those firings and the performance of the franchise overall, George McCaskey, chairman of the Chicago Bears, was asked about the feelings of his mother, team owner Virginia Halas McCaskey.
Mrs. McCaskey is the daughter of George "Papa Bear" Halas, the Bears' beloved founder and former coach.
"She's been very supportive. She agrees with the decisions that we've made," chairman McCaskey said, pausing for a few seconds.
"She's pissed off," he said of Mrs. McCaskey's sentiments. "I can't think of a 91-year-old woman that that description would apply to, but in this case, I can't think of a more accurate description."
Chicago (5-11) missed the postseason for the fourth straight season and the seventh out of eight chances.
"She's been on this earth for eight of the Bears' nine championships, and she wants more. She feels that it's been too long since the last one, and that dissatisfaction is shared by her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.
"She's fed up with mediocrity," McCaskey said. "She feels that she and Bears fans everywhere deserve better."
To that effect, Monday afternoon found the press conference assembled at Halas Hall to discuss the resulting dismissal of head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery after a woeful five-win campaign and 13 victories against 19 defeats in two seasons.
Concerning those firings and the performance of the franchise overall, George McCaskey, chairman of the Chicago Bears, was asked about the feelings of his mother, team owner Virginia Halas McCaskey.
Mrs. McCaskey is the daughter of George "Papa Bear" Halas, the Bears' beloved founder and former coach.
"She's been very supportive. She agrees with the decisions that we've made," chairman McCaskey said, pausing for a few seconds.
"She's pissed off," he said of Mrs. McCaskey's sentiments. "I can't think of a 91-year-old woman that that description would apply to, but in this case, I can't think of a more accurate description."
Chicago (5-11) missed the postseason for the fourth straight season and the seventh out of eight chances.
"She's been on this earth for eight of the Bears' nine championships, and she wants more. She feels that it's been too long since the last one, and that dissatisfaction is shared by her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.
"She's fed up with mediocrity," McCaskey said. "She feels that she and Bears fans everywhere deserve better."
Cowboys: Melton may miss playoffs
IRVING, Tex. - Enjoying a resurgent campaign that includes their first division championship since 2009, the Dallas Cowboys will host the Detroit Lions on Jan. 4 in an NFC Wild Card contest.
Though the high spirits may have been dealt a heavy blow on the injury side.
Defensive tackle Henry Melton has a bruised bone in his right knee, acquired in the Cowboys' 44-17 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday, and is likely to miss "a few weeks," according to his agent, Jordan Woy.
A fourth-round pick to the Bears in 2009, Melton leads the Cowboys with five sacks and has played in every game this season. He signed a one-year deal with Dallas that includes a three-year option.
Though the high spirits may have been dealt a heavy blow on the injury side.
Defensive tackle Henry Melton has a bruised bone in his right knee, acquired in the Cowboys' 44-17 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday, and is likely to miss "a few weeks," according to his agent, Jordan Woy.
A fourth-round pick to the Bears in 2009, Melton leads the Cowboys with five sacks and has played in every game this season. He signed a one-year deal with Dallas that includes a three-year option.
Clemson handling Oklahoma in first
ORLANDO - Clemson barrelled out to a 20-0 first quarter lead on the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2014 Athletic Bowl on Monday night.
Cole Stoudt is 6-for-6 on 108 yards passing and a 65 yard touchdown pass to Artavis Scott on Clemson's first drive of the night, a 1-play, 12 second burst off a flanker screen play that had the Sooner secondary on the wrong side of the turf.
Oklahoma's Trevor Knight would supply the Tigers' second trip to the end zone when his pass for Sterling Shepard was high and off the receiver's hands.
Clemson's Ben Boulware was the beneficiary of that throw, securing the interception and scampering through traffic the other way for a 46 yard score.
Ammon Lakip booted through 2-of-3 field goals for the Tigers.
Clemson outgained Oklahoma 123-31 in the opening frame.
Cole Stoudt is 6-for-6 on 108 yards passing and a 65 yard touchdown pass to Artavis Scott on Clemson's first drive of the night, a 1-play, 12 second burst off a flanker screen play that had the Sooner secondary on the wrong side of the turf.
Oklahoma's Trevor Knight would supply the Tigers' second trip to the end zone when his pass for Sterling Shepard was high and off the receiver's hands.
Clemson's Ben Boulware was the beneficiary of that throw, securing the interception and scampering through traffic the other way for a 46 yard score.
Ammon Lakip booted through 2-of-3 field goals for the Tigers.
Clemson outgained Oklahoma 123-31 in the opening frame.
Lions' Suh out 1 game for stomping on Rodgers
NEW YORK - Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has been suspended 1 game without pay by the NFL for stepping on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' leg in their game on Sunday.
"You necessarily stepped on your opponent's unprotected leg as he lay on the ground unable to protect himself," said Merton Hanks, league vice president of football operations, in his letter to Suh.
Suh stepped on Rodgers' leg twice when the quarterback was down after making a pass attempt in the third quarter. Suh had released his block and was stepping backwards, apparently viewing the play downfield, though did appear to have the chance to stop himself.
Hanks ruled Aaron Rodgers to be "in a defenseless posture."
"You did not respond in the manner of someone who had lost his balance and accidentally contacted another player who was lying on the ground," Hanks added. "This is illegal contact, specifically the second step and push off with your left foot, clearly could have been avoided."
Rodgers had missed two series in Sunday's game with an aggravation of a calf injury in the same leg Suh stepped on. Green Bay defeated Detroit 30-20 to clinch the NFC North championship.
This is the second time Suh has been suspended for purposefully stepping on an opponent, missing two games in 2011 after stomping on the arm of Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith.
Detroit will miss Suh in their defensive front as they travel to the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC Wild Card game on Jan. 4.
"You necessarily stepped on your opponent's unprotected leg as he lay on the ground unable to protect himself," said Merton Hanks, league vice president of football operations, in his letter to Suh.
Suh stepped on Rodgers' leg twice when the quarterback was down after making a pass attempt in the third quarter. Suh had released his block and was stepping backwards, apparently viewing the play downfield, though did appear to have the chance to stop himself.
Hanks ruled Aaron Rodgers to be "in a defenseless posture."
"You did not respond in the manner of someone who had lost his balance and accidentally contacted another player who was lying on the ground," Hanks added. "This is illegal contact, specifically the second step and push off with your left foot, clearly could have been avoided."
Rodgers had missed two series in Sunday's game with an aggravation of a calf injury in the same leg Suh stepped on. Green Bay defeated Detroit 30-20 to clinch the NFC North championship.
This is the second time Suh has been suspended for purposefully stepping on an opponent, missing two games in 2011 after stomping on the arm of Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith.
Detroit will miss Suh in their defensive front as they travel to the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC Wild Card game on Jan. 4.
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