SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2015 SPORTS

NFL season marked by mediocrity, not parity in 2015

NEW YORK: The NFL likes to call it parity. epitomize how disappointing the level But also recall that Kansas City lost below) is the inability of linemen, tight those don’t like what they have. There is This season, it looks closer to mediocrity. of play has been in so many cities. They five in a row, going into a funk after ends and running backs to provide pro- hope with the likes of Jameis Winston, From the porous offensive lines to the brought in a high-profile coach and blowing a game against Denver. Seattle tection. Marcus Mariota, Derek Carr, Teddy suspect quarterbacking and poor tack- upgraded their talent level. They paid wasted the best home-field advantage No area requires bonding more than Bridgewater and Blake Bortles as the ling, from the inconsistent officiating to huge salaries to hold on to some key in the sport, falling twice at CenturyLink the O-line, but even some units that new wave, and with Newton and Russell the multitude of key injuries, the 2015 players. And they flopped. Field and basically being handed a win enjoy that continuity have underper- Wilson in the MVP conversation. But season has been filled with the unwatch- “I mean, I could tell you the common over Detroit by incorrect officiating. formed. If the Broncos disappear quickly future eliteness for QBs is unpredictable able. thread is this: that when you have high Pittsburgh was 4-4 and somehow lost to in the race to the Super Bowl, the lack of - see Matt Ryan - and when the aging Yes, the playoff races, particularly for expectations and you don’t reach those Baltimore at home. solid blocking could be the determining crop of stars leaves, it’s hard to see the the AFC wild card, have been intriguing. things, that obviously you’re going to Most disturbing, even laughable, has factor. On the other side, it might be dif- college game producing an ample num- Carolina’s chase for perfection has been have a little more questioning,” Ryan been the level of play and coaching ficult to find a dozen fundamentally ber of replacements. worthy of headlines. The performances says. Here’s what has been most worth throughout the NFC East and AFC South. strong tacklers in the entire NFL. In their, by the league’s top players - particularly questioning through 15 of the 17 weeks It’s still possible both wretched divisions uh, defense, the rules about what’s a OFFICIATING the ones making substantial break- on the schedule: will be won by teams without winning legal hit have made some of them gun- For decades, it’s been fashionable for throughs such as Cam Newton and records, who then deservedly will be shy or confused. But the very basics of fans to blame the officials for losses, Doug Baldwin on offense, Khalil Mack PARITY underdogs as hosts to a wild card in the wrapping up and keeping the head out while team owners, general managers and Ziggy Ansah on defense - have been If what the NFL wants is nearly every playoffs. of the play have been lost. and coaches have bitten their tongues mesmerizing. team in contention to win a division or The league can brag all it wants and tried to shrug off officiating prob- There’s also the noteworthy, if mad- grab a wild card when the calendar turns about how packed together so many QUARTERBACKING lems. Not anymore. dening, race to relocate to Los Angeles to December, it came close to that goal clubs are. It’s sort of like finding a slew of Someone recently wondered why the There’s a growing sentiment that involving the Rams, Raiders and in 2015. fast-food restaurants together along a league doesn’t simply expand to get game officials have lost their way, and Chargers. As for the rest, well, let’s hope If what it wants is high-quality foot- busy roadway. teams into Los Angeles - or the cities the NFL will need to look long and hard the playoffs and Super Bowl go in a dif- ball from many of those teams, sorry. abandoned through relocation - and into how it handles who is blowing the ferent direction than we’ve witnessed It’s worthwhile to praise the work of BLOCKING AND TACKLING maybe even into London in the near whistles; how to simplify the rule book; since September. the Panthers and Patriots, Cardinals, Shield your eyes. future. One good reason: Where will and how to better use the ever-improv- One team not concerned with the Broncos and Bengals, who pretty much These basic skills appear to have NFL-quality quarterbacks come from? ing technology. postseason for the 16th straight time - for the entire season have risen above gone the way of the chip shot extra And what is NFL-quality for the posi- One thing the NFL must hope as this remarkable in itself that anyone could the morass. Second-half surges by the point (one of the good things about this tion today? It’s seems fair to say that half season of mediocrity winds down is that miss the playoffs that many years in a Chiefs, Steelers and Seahawks have been season, incidentally). One reason quar- of the 32 teams aren’t sure what they a wrong call doesn’t decide that big row - is Buffalo. The Bills under Rex Ryan impressive. terbacking has been so spotty (see have behind center, and a bunch of game Feb. 7. — AP

Cue Card pips in vintage King George battle

LONDON: pipped Vautour on the say that there was a lot more left in the line to land a vintage King George VI Chase tank, but if anyone can get this horse back at the fourth attempt at Kempton yester- to win the Gold Cup, it’s going to be Colin day. Tizzard.” Vautour (3-1) appeared to be set for vic- Mullins found defeat hard to take. “”We tory, leading over the last fence and up the did everything right until the last 20 yards,” run-in only for Cue Card (9-2), under a the Irish trainer told Channel 4. “He proba- determined ride by , to reel bly didn’t just jump the last as efficiently as him in to edge the Boxing Day showcase by he could have, but it was a very brave run a head. , the 15-8 favourite, and a very brave run by Cue Card - that’s held every chance when falling at the sec- .” Mullins didn’t leave Kempton ond last. empty handed, as his set himself Cue Card’s previous best showing in the up for a defence of his Champion Hurdle three-mile Grade One was runner-up to crown next March, justifying cramped odds , winner of the last two run- of 1-4 in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle. nings but who only played a bit role this Bouncing back after surprise defeat on time. his seasonal return at Punchestown, Leading early on, Paul Nicholls’ runner Mullins’ classy hurdler was too quick for The lost his grip on the race down the back New One in second. Earlier, Lizzie Kelly straight as Vautour jumped to the front, became the first woman jockey to win a with Cue Card tracking. Don Cossack was British Grade 1 chase on Tea For Two in the getting ready to launch his bid for glory Kauto Star Novices Chase won 12 months when crashing out of the picture two ago by Coneygree who went on to win the fences from home. . “Awesome! I That left Cue Card as the only live dan- thought two fences out I’m going to win,” ger to Vautour with Brennan conjuring up a said the history-making rider. final stride lunge on ’s rejuve- Kelly’s mother and assistant trainer Jane nated nine-year-old to emerge triumphant Williams said: “I’m thrilled for her. after an epic battle. “It’s important for girls to make it in rac- “This is the best day of my life - it’s truly ing and we set out to try to prove girls can LONDON: Tottenham Hotspurís Erik Lamela, left, is beaten to a cross by Norwich’s Declan Rudd, right, and Norwich’s Ryan Bennett, centre, dur- unbelievable,” said Brennan. “I won’t lie and win Grade Ones.” —AFP ing the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City at White Hart Lane in London, yesterday.— AP

Toulouse and Toulon lock Harry Kane in tune as horns as Top 14 returns Tottenham down Norwich PARIS: French heavyweights Toulouse and levels of performance, especially given that Toulon lock horns as the Top 14 returns a poor result at Clermont could knock today, while leaders Clermont will bid to Racing out of the top six. Lamela launched a rapid break as he fed Alli, on the rebound, but Rudd kicked away the keep hold of top spot when they host “In a league where everything is so tight who picked out Kane on the right-hand side of Argentine’s low shot. Another Kane shot was Racing 92. and competitive, no one can afford to Tottenham 3 the area. Kane took one touch and smashed it repelled by Rudd, who then denied Lamela a Home-and-away wins over fellow three- relax,” said Chavancy, who has been tipped low and hard into the far corner past Rudd for spectacular ‘rabona’ strike as he wrapped his time champions Leinster revived Toulon’s for a first France call-up ahead of the Six his 13th club goal of the season. Rudd kept kicking leg around the back of the standing leg quest to land a fourth successive European Nations. Norwich from going further behind after to try the cheeky effort. With 10 minutes remain- Tottenham carved through the visitors’ defence. ing, Ca rroll lashed his first Premier League goal crown, but Toulouse’s Champions Cup “The Michelin is an almost impregnable Norwich 0 hopes were shattered by a pair of defeats stadium, how many defeats have there When Alli’s shot was saved, Lamela pounced for Tottenham low into the far corner. —AFP to Ulster. been in the past four or five seasons? With just domestic honours to play for, “In any case, I know that Racing have third-placed Toulouse are hoping to arrest never won there. We know wherever we LONDON: Harry Kane hit all the right notes as their slide against a second-placed Toulon step foot that we’ll be met, it’s up to us to the Tottenham striker’s double clinched a 3-0 outfit that appears to have turned the cor- battle with the weapons we have.” win over Norwich that kept his side’s top four ner after a sluggish start to the campaign. Clermont avenged an earlier defeat to bid on track yesterday. Toulouse coach Jean-Baptiste Elissalde Exeter with a crushing 42-10 victory over Kane was inspired by some unorthodox pre- said his side’s upcoming fixtures, which also the English side at the weekend to reignite match motivation from Tottenham manager include a January 3 trip to struggling cham- their European hopes. Mauricio Pochettino, who quoted Britney pions Stade Francais, would be crucial but Stade Francais have won just four of 10 Spears and Will.I.Am’s song ‘Scream and Shout’ not necessarily decisive. “We suspected domestic matches this term but the Paris- in an attempt to keep his players’ minds focused once we saw the calendar that it was going based side will look to build on resounding on their own perfo rmances. to be a turning point in the season,” said wins over Italians Treviso when they make Pochettino had been asked if Arsenal’s title Elissalde. “But it’s not the only one because the trip to bottom side Oyonnax. challenge would overshadow Tottenham’s bid even if we lose things won’t become irre- Bordeaux, who resisted a late fightback for a top-four finish. “I think it’s like what Britney versible. to beat Welsh side Ospreys on Saturday, Spears and Will.I.Am sing: ‘Everybody in the “We experienced a run of defeats last have a third straight Top 14 win in their club, all eyes on us, all eyes on us,’” the season. But the players knew how to react sights when they take on Grenoble. Argentine said. That odd soundbite seemed to and got themselves to within a few points Fifth-placed Brive, who go to Castres, have the desired effect on Kane and his team- of the (Top 14) final. It’s up to the players to were in action in the Challenge Cup where mates as they brushed aside the struggling decide their future.” they routed Russian debutants Enisei 33-3, Canaries thanks to a first-half brace from the making amends for a shock defeats to the England international and Tom Carroll’s late RARE HOME LOSS same opposition a week earlier. strike at White Hart Lane. Both Toulouse and Toulon, who dealt Pau are at home to La Rochelle, while Tottenham have now lost just one of their Clermont a rare home loss last month, are Agen visit a Montpellier side aiming to last 17 Premier League matches, keeping them just a point off the pace and will be out to break into the play-off places. in fourth place and firmly in the hunt for a profit on any potential slip up when the Fixtures (kick-off times 1500 GMT unless Champions League berth next season. Norwich, LONDON: Tottenham’s Harry Kane celebrates after scoring a penalty during the English leaders host Racing 92. stated): unable to build on their shock 2-1 win at Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City. — AP Racing enter the 11th round of fixtures Manchester United last weekend, are hove ring unbeaten in five matches, including Sunday just above the relegation zone on goal differ- Friday’s 9-9 European Champions Cup draw Oyonnax v Stade Francais (1300 GMT), ence. Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was at Northampton which left them top of Pau v La Rochelle, Montpellier v Agen, celebrating his 29th birthday and the French 2 Browns players arrested Pool 3, and just three points adrift of Castres v Brive, Bordeaux-Begles v Grenoble, international was in no mood to hand out any Clermont. Centre Henry Chavancy stressed Clermont v Racing 92 (1700 GMT), Toulouse gi fts to Norwich as he turned away Vadis after Christmas traffic stop the importance of maintaining their recent v Toulon (2000 GMT). — AFP Odjidja’s long-range strike in the early stages. Norwich should have taken the lead when Cameron Jerome headed over from close-range. CLEVELAND: Browns linebacker Armonty policy. There were no immediate details Bryant will not play in today’s game at Kansas about the arrests. The state highway patrol SPECTACULAR ‘RABONA’ STRIKE City after he and safety De’Ante Saunders said no information will be available until But that narrow escape sparked Tottenham were arrested Christmas morning following a after 10 pm. Browns coach Mike Pettine gave into life and Kane fired wide after Kyle Walker’s traffic stop. his players the holiday off so they could be initial effort was blocked. Kane was beginning Bryant, who has a history of legal troubles, with their families. Bryant is second on the to find space behind the Norwich rearguard is not traveling with the team so he can tend team with 5 1/2 sacks this season, his third with some astute runs and another well-timed to the legal matter. Browns general manager with the Browns. The 25-year-old was drafted break onto Dele Alli’s clever pass ended with Ray Farmer issued a statement on Saturday in the seventh round in 2013 from East Canaries goalkeeper Declan Rudd fo rced to race condemning the players’ behavior. Central Oklahoma, where he had some off- off his line to foul the striker. “These are charges that we take very seri- field problems. He was arrested for driving It was a clear penalty and Kane stepped up ously,” Farmer said. “The importance of under the influence less than a week after to send Rudd the wrong way with the spot-kick. responsible decision-making is something Cleveland drafted him. He was also suspend- Pochettino’s side almost doubled their lead we continually stress to all members of our ed for three games in college for selling mari- when Toby Alderweireld’s header from a corner organization, which makes it extremely dis- juana to an undercover officer. forced Rudd to save and Alli followed up with a appointing that these two individuals would Saunders has been on Cleveland’s practice put themselves in this situation by making squad. The Browns (3-11) will visit the Chiefs ST PETERSBURG: Marshall wide receiver Deandre Reaves (19) eludes a diving tackle by header of his own that the keeper tipped over. Tottenham were rampant now and Kane such poor decisions.” Farmer added the inci- on Sunday before ending the regular season Connecticut safety Obi Melifonwu (20) during the first quarter of the St. Petersburg dent is subject to the NFL’s personal conduct at home against Pittsburgh on Jan 3.—AP Bowl NCAA college football game yesterday, in St Petersburg, Florida. — AP struck again three minutes before half-time. Erik