Wednesday, August 31, 2016

TV Tonight 8.31


By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

MLB
Twins @ Indians (STO, 7pm)
(ESPN, 7pm)

TENNIS
2016 U.S. Open, Second Round (ESPN 2, 7pm)

MMA & BOXING
The Ultimate Fighter (FOX Sports 1, 10pm)

====

America's Got Talent (NBC, 8pm)
MasterChef (FOX, 8pm)
Big Brother (CBS, 8pm)

America's Got Talent (NBC, 9pm)
Suits (USA, 9pm)

The Night Shift (NBC, 10pm)
American Gothic (CBS, 10pm)
Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons (HBO, 10pm)
Catfish (MTV, 10pm)
Tyrant (FX, 10pm)
You're The Worst, PREMIERE (FXX, 10pm)
Mr. Robot (USA, 10pm)

Unlocking The Truth (MTV, 11pm)

Spread Offense 8.31.16: It's College Kickoff Time!


By Pat Luhta, @PLuhta

After a long, long offseason, college football is officially back! Fans around the country will be treated to games from Thursday through Monday as the NCAA rolls out the red carpet to spotlight their product in a big way. College football takes full advantage of a 3-day weekend combined with no NFL games to start the season out with a huge bang. Here's what to look forward to on the first full slate of games of the season.

Thursday Sept. 1st

Thursday games are more of the appetizer, something to watch but nothing that would fill a college football fans' hunger.

The SEC will be on display as the big game of the night is a conference match-up between South Carolina and Vanderbilt. While neither team is ranked, the intrigue here is Will Muschamp in his 1st season as Gamecocks Head Coach, taking over for Steve Spurrier who retired after 11 seasons at South Carolina. Muschamp was once the heir apparent at Texas, but after a disasterous tenure as Head Coach of the Florida Gators, he is now looking to bounce back and regain that coaching reputation that he once had.
Again, it may not be much but it's football. 

Other games of note: Appalachian State at #9 Tennessee, Oregon State at Minnesota.

Friday Sept. 2nd

While Thursday was something to just get us started, Friday offers us a big spotlight game.

Kansas State at Stanford gives us a big time Heisman candidate in Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey looks to lead the Cardinal this season to another Pac-12 title and hopefully a playoff berth this season. The Heisman runner-up goes up against a Kansas State defense that allowed over 450 yards of offense. Uncertainty at QB could be the achilles heel for Stanford, Kevin Hogan is now gone and Head Coach Davis Shaw has said that both Ryan Burns and Keller Chryst will play as they are not yet ready to name either as a lock for the job.

In order for Kansas State to pull off the upset, they will have to rely on their offense to keep pace with Stanford. QB Jesse Ertz is back as starter after a season-ending injury on the first snap of the season last year,  he along with their run game attack could cause problems for Stanford.

Other games of note: Colorado State vs. Colorado at Sports Authority field in Denver, Northwestern St at #23 Baylor and Furman at #12 Michigan State.

Saturday Sept. 3rd

And away we go! The first Saturday of College Football delivers in a big way with marquee matchups at every turn.

The noon games give us a big time matchup as the #3 Oklahoma Sooners are at the #15 Houston Cougars. Oklahoma looks to return to the playoffs this season, but a big test to start the season(both this week and in week 3 against Ohio State) could derail their chances. QB Baker Mayfield is a Heisman candidate and could start an early campaign with a statement win here. Houston bursted onto the scene last season under 1st year Head Coach Tom Herman. Led by QB Greg Ward Jr., Houston rolled to a 13-1 record last season capping it off with a Peach Bowl win over Florida State. They are experienced and have performed well on the big stage before, this game could be very dynamic.

Heading into 3:30, we have not one but two big match-ups.

#13 UCLA and their sophomore phenom QB Josh Rosen look to be the team to knock Stanford off in the Pac-12. The Bruins will head to Texas A&M to take on an Aggies team that had quite a tumultuous offseason. On paper, UCLA is the better team and should win this game. The Bruins are a potential playoff team while the Aggies have seen both their 5 star QB recruits transfer, numerous current commits back off their commitment after a coach's tweet and 2 assistant coaches suspended after degrading comments towards women(at a symposium for female fans to help educate them about the game). But never count out the Aggies at home, Kyle Field provides one of the biggest home field advantages in the country and will be a big struggle for UCLA to get over that key component there.

And in the other 3:30 big game, #5 LSU heads way north to take on Wisconsin with the game being played at Lambeau Field. The focus for LSU centers around RB Leonard Fournette, with some saying that he's not only a Heisman candidate, but the Heisman frontrunner. Wisconsin though is always known for the rough, tough defense and although they lost their defensive coordinator(to LSU, ironically), their defense that ranked #2 in total yards last season looks to continue their dominance and do what they can to contain Fournette. LSU's speed may prove to be the biggest factor as they may make it tough for Wisconsin to move the ball much on offense, even with Corey Clement returning after a hernia cut his 2015 season short.

Sandwiched in between the 3:30 and the 8pm games, is a big 5:30 matchup between two ranked teams. #22 North Carolina takes on #18 Georgia on a "neutral" field(game is played at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta), in a game that could be decided by UNC's run defense. North Carolina's run defense seemed to be non-existent toward the end of last season and with RB standout Nick Chubb being medically cleared to play for the Bulldogs, it could be a matter of how improved the Tar Heels are, if at all. UGA still has not named a QB even, so North Carolina's ability to stop Chubb and make their QB throw looks to be the big factor.

And then, the main event kicks off at 8pm! With the game being played at Jerry World in Dallas, the #20 USC Trojans face off against the defending national champs and preseason ranked #1, the Alabama Crimson Tide. This game will feature playmakers everywhere on the field, from Alabama's Cam Ridley and O.J. Howard to USC's JuJu Smith-Schuster, Adoree Jackson and Ronald Jones II. The Alabama defense though, will be the big thing to watch as they have 1st round talent at all 3 levels, including 2 at linebacker. USC will need newly named starting QB Max Browne to be smart and precise with his decisions in order for the Trojans to win this game, utilizing his playmakers while not turning the ball over. Alabama yet again is replacing their starting QB and RB, with the way they recruit though there's little doubt that they have the players to step up and not miss a beat on offense. This top match-up is the type of fireworks on week 1 that gets the college football fans' heart racing!

But there's still 1 more to go on this Saturday night, kicking off at 9pm. Under the lights at Jordan-Hare Stadium, the Auburn Tigers host the #2 Clemson Tigers. Clemson QB Deshaun Watson will be the center of attention here, as he seems to be garnering the most Heisman hype but the Tigers have their eyes set on getting back to the college football championship game and avenging their loss to Alabama. Auburn is a team with a lot of unknowns, especially on offense. There isn't a lot of experience and numerous true freshmen may be getting some playing time, not exactly a good formula for going up against the #2 team in the country. They will need that home crowd to give them the big, much needed advantage but looks like Clemson will be too much for them.

Other games of note: Bowling Green at #6 Ohio State, Hawaii at #7 Michigan, Rutgers at #14 Washington.

Sunday Sept. 4th

On Sunday, we get one primetime game that kicks off at 7:30 pm between 2 blue blood programs, with #10 Notre Dame heads to Austin to take on the Texas Longhorns. Both teams have big questions marks at QB, Notre Dame saying they will play 2 QB's while Texas is not announcing who their starting QB is. While some are considering Notre Dame as a possible playoff team this season, the Irish are among the teams that are returning the least amount of starters, and also have a few players suspended for this game. The Longhorns are looking for a statement win to start the season and build on that. Although they only won 5 games last season, two of those wins came against Oklahoma and Baylor. If the Longhorns can start the season with a big win and use it to propel them this season, then they could end up as a "surprise" team in the Big 12.

Monday Sept. 5th

One last game to cap off week 1, Monday Night Football college edition starts up at 8 pm. #11 Ole Miss and #4 Florida State link up in the Citrus Bowl, quite the grand finale for an epic Holiday weekend of games. Florida State boasts Heisman hopeful Dalvin Cook at RB,who will be relied on heavily as Florida State will be starting redshirt freshman Deandre Fracois at QB(although last time they started a redshirt freshman, it turned out ok for them.) Ole Miss, on the other hand, has no questions about their starting QB as Senior Chad Kelly may be a dark horse Heisman candidate this season. This game should be electric with both offenses being able to move the ball and create big plays, as this game could just be a perfect ending to an exhilarating opening weekend.

#WCW 8.31.16: Tazmin Raye (@tazminraye on Instagram)


This week's Woman Crush Wednesday is Instagram model, Tazmin Raye!
By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

**PREVIOUS**
WCW: Elizabeth Gillies
WCW: Liv Morgan
WCW: Cheyenne Telgt
WCW: Laci Kay Somers
WCW: Tori Hughes
WCW: Polina Sitnova
WCW: Rebecca Holly
WCW: Vanessa Reena
WCW: Best Of Woman Crush Wednesday 2016... So Far

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 8.31.16: SmackDown Live

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, is here with your Smackdown Live Recap Edition.  

This week's Smackdown Live took place in Dallas, Texas. The journey to crown the first WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions continues with round one of an eight team tournament. The renewed rivalry between Smackdown Live GM Daniel Bryan and The Miz continues. #1 Contender AJ Styles battled Apollo Crews in one on one action. Bray Wyatt challenges Randy Orton to a match at WWE Backlash. Nattie Neidhart and Alexa Bliss battled Becky Lynch and Naomi in Women's Division tag team action, while Carmella and Nikki Bella continued their feud. In the main event, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dean Ambrose battled Baron Corbin in a one on one non-title match.

*** Smackdown Live ***

- Backstage, Shane McMahon feels that Daniel Bryan owes The Miz an apology after what happened on Talking Smack last week, even though Shane agrees with what Bryan said. Shane feels Bryan shouldn't get involved with the talent. Bryan questions Shane about his issue with Brock Lesnar.

- The Miz Promo: Miz says after 148 days he has made a championship with no prestige prestigious again, whether Daniel Bryan apologizes or not, Miz knows what really goes on backstage. Miz doesn't understand how he is seen as unworthy as he's gone 10 solid and dedicated years in the WWE injury free and given his all. Miz is sick of seeing useless talent get repeated opportunities while guys like him are considered unworthy. Dolph Ziggler interrupts and says that the fans see right through his charade, that's why no one cares about him and that's why Daniel Bryan thinks he's a soft coward. Ziggler says each and every week Miz proves what a coward he is, but if he wants to prove that he's not a coward then start tonight with Ziggler, with no title on the line, no referee and no bell to stop and start the match. Miz accepts the challenge, but then leaves the ring. Ziggler says Bryan was right, Miz is a coward. Maryse holds Miz back to end the promo.

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Tournament Match": The Vaudevillains vs. The Hype Bros: The match closes out with English and Gotch double teaming Ryder. Gotch with a rolling fireman's carry and English with a flying clothesline. Mojo finally tags in and unloads clotheslines on English and then a corner splash. Ryder tags back in and nails the Broski Boot on Gotch. Mojo and Ryder hit the Hype Ryder to score the pinfall.
Winners: The Hype Bros, by pinfall, to advance in the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Tournament.

- Backstage, AJ Styles says hello to everyone and reminds Apollo Crews that he's the face that runs the place. Styles spells out place for Crews.

- AJ Styles Promo: Styles says he's the face that runs the place, beats up John Cena, beat Cena at Summer Slam and who'll beat Dean Ambrose at WWE Backlash. Apollo Crews interrupts Styles. Styles asks Crews if he's here to challenge him to a spelling bee. Crews says Daniel Bryan just gave him a match against Styles and it starts now.

- AJ Styles vs. Apollo Crews: The match closes out with Styles hitting a lariat on Crews, but gets caught on a cross body attempt and dropped with a Samoan drop for a near fall. Styles lands a boot on Crews, a jawbreaker and picks up the pinfall with the Phenomenal Forearm.
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall.

- A video from earlier shows Heath Slater, Rhyno and Heath's wife Beulah in Slater's West Virginia home. Slater talks about not being drafted, being Randy Orton's first opponent back, standing up to Brock Lesnar and how he and Rhyno will be the first ever WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Champions.

- Bray Wyatt Promo: Bray says he doesn't fear snakes or monsters, Randy Orton is just a man that thinks he has venom in his veins, but Orton's flaws have all been exposed thanks to Brock Lesnar. Orton is now a damaged man and the voices inside Orton's head better tell him to run. Randy Orton interrupts and says the voices in his head are asking who the hell is Bray Wyatt? Orton says he's been damaged a long time and that's what gives him his charm. Bray says that Orton is no longer the predator, Bray is and a predator kills. Orton says he's been told that time and time again and has survived many huge matches and came back. Orton accepts Bray's challenge for Backlash and says he's not afraid to fight someone that thinks they're a god. Orton says he's not afraid to kick Bray's ass right now. Orton heads to the ring, but the lights go out. The lights pop back on and Bray is gone. 

- Nattie Neidhart and Alexa Bliss vs. Naomi and Becky Lynch: Nikki Bella is on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Becky getting a near fall exploder suplex on Alexa. Carmella comes outta nowhere and attacks Nikki Bella at ringside. Nikki sends Carmella into the ring post. Carmella unloads on Nikki and sends her into the barricade. Becky gets distracted by Carmella and Nikki outside brawling. Alexa rolls up Becky with a handful of tights for the pinfall.
Winners: Nattie Neidhart and Alexa Bliss, by pinfall.

- "WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Tournament Match": Heath Slater and Rhyno vs. The Headbangers: The match closes out with  The Headbangers double teaming Slater for a near fall. Mosh hits Slater with a forearm and a running butt splash before knocking Rhyno off the apron. The Headbangers hit their Stage Dive finisher on Slater, but Rhyno tosses Mosh outside and tags himself in. Rhyno nails the Gore on Thrasher and scores the pinfall.
Winners: Heath Slater and Rhyno, by pinfall, to advance in the WWE Smackdown Live World Tag Team Championship Tournament.

- An unknown local wrestler challenges anyone to a match right now. Kane stalks to the ring and lays out the local wrestler with a choke slam. 

- Dean Ambrose vs. Baron Corbin: AJ Styles is on commentary for this match. The match closes out with Corbin hitting Deep Six on Ambrose for a near fall. Corbin sends Ambrose into the barricade and then talks smack to Styles. Ambrose shoves Corbin into Styles. Back in the ring, Ambrose hits a flying elbow on Corbin for a near fall. Styles leaps onto the apron and gets some shots in on Ambrose, causing a DQ. After the match, Ambrose suicide dives onto Styles.
Styles tosses Ambrose over the announcers table. Ambrose hits a flying clothesline off the announcers table onto Styles. Corbin attacks Ambrose from behind and throws him into the ring. Ambrose plants Corbin with Dirty Deeds. Styles goes for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Ambrose drops Styles crotch first on the ropes. Ambrose shakes the ropes up and down on Styles,  shakes Styles hand, grabs his title and leaves.
Winner: Dean Ambrose, by DQ.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

TV Tonight 8.30


By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

MLB
Twins @ Indians (STO, 7pm)
Pirates @ Cubs OR Cardinals @ Brewers (MLB, 8pm)

NFL
Hard Knocks: Training Camp With The Los Angeles Rams (HBO, 10pm)

TENNIS
2016 U.S. Open Tennis, First Round (ESPN, 7pm)

WNBA
Phoenix Mercury @ Indiana Fever (NBA TV, 7pm)

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WWE SmackDown Live (USA, 8pm)
America's Got Talent (NBC, 8pm)
Bachelor In Paradise (ABC, 8pm)
Pretty Little Liars (Freeform, 8pm)

Bachelor In Paradise: After Paradise (ABC, 9pm)
Zoo (CBS, 9pm)
Mad TV (The CW, 9pm)
Dead Of Summer (Freeform, 9pm)

Better Late Than Never (NBC, 10pm)
Halt And Catch Fire (AMC, 10pm)
Chopped (Food Network, 10pm)
Chrisley Knows Best (USA, 10pm & 10:30pm)
Ridiculousness (MTV, 10pm, 10:30pm)

Wild N' On Tour (MTV 2, 11pm)
Guy Code vs. Girl Code (MTV 2, 11:30pm)

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon 8.30.16: RAW Recap

By Brandon Albright, @B_Rock1978

Wrestling Lockup with Brandon, brought to you by Triple Threat CLE, is back with this week's RAW Recap Edition. 

This week's RAW was live in Houston, Texas. WWE crowned a new WWE Universal Champion, as Seth Rollins battled Roman Reigns, Big Cass and Kevin Owens in a Fatal Four Way Elimination Match for the vacant championship. Chris Jericho battled Neville in one on one action. Up and comer Myon looks to defeat Nia Jax in one on one Women's Division action. Sami Zayn battled Jinder Mahal in one on one action. The New Day and Bayley team up and battled The Club and Dana Brooke in a Six Person Tag Team Match. Sheamus battled Cesaro in match #2 in their Best of Seven Series. Up and comer Americo tries to take down the monster Braun Strowman in one on one action. Stephanie McMahon orders an apology from Brock Lesnar for touching Shane McMahon at Summer Slam. Titus O'Neil battled Darren Young in a one on one match.

*** RAW ***

- A tribute to the late Mr. Fuji, who passed away this weekend is shown.

- Seth Rollins, Big Cass, Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns Promo: All four #1 contenders to tonight's WWE Universal Championship Fatal Four Way Elimination Match are in the ring. Rollins brags about injuring Finn Balor, mocks the other three superstars and guarantees he's winning the title tonight. Owens says he's a prizefighter, Rollins talks big, but Owens delivers bigger, Owens fights smarter than Reigns and Cass has nothing accept his height. Cass says no one expected him in this match, which gives him nothing to lose. Rollins says Enzo already bet against Cass winning. Reigns finally heard enough and punches Owens as Rollins and Cass trade shots. Reigns faces off with Cass before tossing Cass outside. Reigns nails a Superman Punch on Rollins and stands tall in the ring to end the promo.

- Backstage, Chris Jericho predicts a Kevin Owens WWE Universal Championship win tonight and promises to give the Gift Of Jericho to Neville next.

- Chris Jericho vs. Neville: The match closes out with Neville connecting with a super kick on Jericho. Neville goes for the Red Arrow, but Jericho rolls out of the way, forcing Neville to roll through back to his feet on the landing. Jericho catches Neville attempting a hurricanrana, traps him in the Liontamer submission and forces Neville to tap out.
Winner: Chris Jericho, by submission.

- Backstage, Bayley approaches The New Day and they flip with excitement. Dana Brooke interrupts and says Bayley will never succeed because she doesn't belong in the WWE. The New Day remind Dana that Bayley beat her last week. Dana says she's going to go recruit The Club. The New Day tell her to do it and they'll be waiting.

- Nia Jax vs. Hyan: The match closes out with Jax making quick work of Hyan. Jax hits a lariat, an elbow drop, tosses Hyan across the ring by her hair and finally hits a Samoan Drop into a side slam for the pinfall.
Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall.

- Backstage, The Club are again dressed like doctors and have Dana Brooke dressed as their nurse. They plan on finally curing The New Day disease tonight.

- Sami Zayn vs. Jinder Mahal: The match closes out with Mahal working over Zayn's ankle. Mahal hits a clothesline, but Zayn fires back and lands an exploder suplex. Zayn charges and hits the Helluva Kick on Mahal for the pinfall.
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall.

- "Six Person Tag Team Match": The New Day and Bayley vs. The Club and Dana Brooke: The match closes out with Karl Anderson unloading on Kofi in the corner. Kofi fires back and lands a double foot stomp on Anderson. Bayley tags in and unloads a combo on Dana. Bayley gets pulled outside by Luke Gallows. The Club and The New Day brawl on the floor as Dana gets a near fall rollup on Bayley. Bayley hits Bayley To Belly on Dana and scores the pinfall.
Winners: The New Day and Bayley, by pinfall.

- "Best of Seven Series, Match #2": Sheamus vs. Cesaro: The match closes out with Sheamus trying to steal a rollup with his feet on the ropes, but the referee catches him. Cesaro unloads uppercuts on Sheamus and then drop kicks Sheamus off the top rope. Sheamus back body drops Cesaro into the ring post and tosses Cesaro back into the ring. Sheamus locks in the Texas Cloverleaf and forces Cesaro to tap out.
Winner: Sheamus, by submission, taking a 2-0 lead in the series.

- Braun Strowman vs. Americo: The match closes out with Strowman making quick work of Americo. Strowman flap jacks Americo and then hits the reverse choke slam for the pinfall. After the match, Strowman rips off Americo's mask.
Winner: Braun Strowman, by pinfall.

- Stephanie McMahon Promo: Stephanie mentions Brock Lesnar touching Shane McMahon and says no one will get away with that. Paul Heyman interrupts and heads to the ring. Stephanie tells Heyman he needs to apologize. Heyman says she should be happy because it was a victory for RAW and Lesnar was protecting Shane. Heyman agrees to pay Lesnar's $500 fine and throws singles in the ring while counting. Stephanie says there's a storm coming Heyman's way. Heyman says Lesnar is the storm. Heyman begs Stephanie to accept this as Lesnar's fine paid, a lesson learned and an apology accepted. Stephanie accepts the apology and walks away as Heyman laughs with her back turned.

- Titus O’Neil vs. Darren Young: The match closes out with Titus slamming Young and then tossing Young into the corner. Young starts to unload on Titus, but Titus regains control. Young escapes Titus and rolls him up for the pinfall. After the match, Titus attacks Young and Bob Backlund and beats them both down. 
Winner: Darren Young, by pinfall.

- "WWE Universal Championship, Fatal Four Way Elimination Match": Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins vs. Big Cass vs. Kevin Owens:

-- Elimination #1: Cass hits a splash on Owens and Rollins and then boots Owens. Rollins with a near fall rollup on Cass. Cass slams Rollins and hits the Empire Elbow. Reigns hits the Superman Punch on Cass. Rollins tosses Reigns into the ring post and gets a near fall kick on Cass. Owens hits a frog splash on Cass and scores the pinfall.
** Big Cass Eliminated, by pinfall **

-- Elimination #2: Owens rolls to the floor as Rollins goes for a Pedigree on Reigns. Reigns counters and hits a sit down power bomb on Rollins for a near fall. Rollins tries to roll outside to escape, but Reigns follows and nails the Drive By drop kick on Rollins. Reigns hits the Superman Punch on Owens and then spears Rollins. Suddenly, Triple H appears out of nowhere and attacks Reigns. Triple H hits the Pedigree on Reigns and orders Rollins to pin him, which he gladly does for the elimination.
** Reigns Eliminated, by pinfall **

- Final Elimination: Triple H enters the ring and immediately stalks towards Owens. Triple H suddenly stops, turns on Rollins and boots him in the gut. Triple H nails a Pedigree on Rollins as Owens looks on stunned. Owens and Triple H have a stare off for a second before Triple H steps aside and let's Owens score the pinfall on Rollins. After the match, Triple H shakes Owens' hand as Owens is the new WWE Universal Champion.
Winner: Kevin Owens, by pinfall, to win the WWE Universal Championship.

Monday, August 29, 2016

TV Tonight 8.29


By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

MLB
Twins @ Indians (STO, 7pm)
Mariners @ Rangers (ESPN, 8pm)

TENNIS
2016 U.S. Open, First Round (ESPN 2, 7pm)

======

WWE Raw (USA, 8pm)
American Ninja Warrior (NBC, 8pm)
Bachelor In Paradise (ABC, 8pm)
So You Think You Can Dance (FOX, 8pm)

Rizzoli @ Isles (TNT, 9pm)

The Making Of The Mob: Chicago, SEASON FINALE (AMC, 10pm)
Running Wild with Bear Grylls (NBC, 10pm)
Mistresses (ABC, 10pm)
Major Crimes (TNT, 10pm)

Leadoff with Lee 8.29.16


By Chris Lee, @TripleThreatLee

- On Saturday the Dallas Cowboys announced that QB Tony Romo suffered  a compression fracture of his L1 vertebrae,an injury that could sideline him 6-10 weeks. Head coach Jason Garrett said should return this season. Best case scenario is that Romo returns by week 4 against the Houston Texans. Worse case he returns Oct. 30 vs. Eagles. Once cleared he may need a epidural. Remember in 2014, Romo played with a broken bone in his back.

- The Oakland Raiders have not officially made the move to Las Vegas, but a few trademark filings may serve as a sign for what is to come. On August 20, 2016, the Raiders filed trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the mark “Las Vegas Raiders.” All of the filings, which span a variety of goods and service classifications, were filed with an intent to use the mark in commerce in the future. The Raiders  also have made little to no progress securing a new stadium in the Oakland area and have committed to lining up $500 million toward building a new one in Las Vegas.
Any team relocation needs the blessing of three-quarters of NFL owners, so developers are rushing to prepare their pitch by January, when the owners next meet. Along with releasing renderings of a new stadium in Vegas, proponents also promised it would house UNLV's football team, which has long sought a stadium closer to campus, and hinted that an unnamed Major League Soccer franchise was also interested in using the space. The price tag of the new  stadium is estimated to be about $1.9B

- "I'll continue to sit. ... I'm going to continue to stand with the people that are being oppressed. To me, this is something that has to change, and when there's significant change — and I feel like that flag represents what it's supposed to represent, and this country is representing people the way it's supposed to — I'll stand."

Those were the words from San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick 2 days after the media noticed he didn't stand during the National Anthem. But the #MajorKey here is he hasn't stood during the anthem the entire pre-season. The only reason why anyone even noticed was because he was making his first start of the pre-season. Kaepernick continued by saying " There are a lot things that are going on that are unjust," he said. "People aren’t being held accountable for. And that’s something that needs to change. That’s something that this country stands for freedom, liberty and justice for all. And it’s not happening for all right now." At the end of the day, if something happens, that’s only proving my point. Love it or hate it, I personally think Kaepernick has a point.

- Over the next few days the "cut-man" will be lurking the Browns Locker room and team hotel. Does the team finally cut ties with cornerback Justin Gilbert? But K'Waun Williams maybe on the bubble, he was suspended for 2 weeks and fined 1 game check for conducted detrimental to the team. At the same time Williams is recovering from ankle surgery after having bone chips removed. Will the emergence of Jamar Taylor impact the status of K'Waun? Here go the NFL key dates:                                                     

Sept. 3: Prior to 4 p.m. ET, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List.   

Sept. 3: Simultaneously with the cut-down to 53, clubs that have players in the categories of Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness must select one of the following options: place player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; request waivers; terminate contract; trade contract; or continue to count the player on the Active List.                                        

Sept. 4: Claiming period for players placed on waivers at the final roster reduction will expire at noon ET.

Sept. 4: Upon receipt of the Personnel Notice at approximately 1 p.m. ET, clubs may establish a Practice Squad of 10 players. No club, including the player's prior club, will be permitted to sign a player to a Practice Player Contract until all clubs have received simultaneous notification via the above Personnel Notice that such player's prior NFL player contract has been terminated via the waiver system.

Sept. 5-9: In accordance with the 2016 Personnel (Injury) Report Policy, each club is required to file a Practice Report with its conference communications contact by 4 p.m. ET, (or as soon as possible after the completion of practice) every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for a regular season Saturday or Sunday game; Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for a Thursday game; or Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for a Monday game.

Sept. 5-9: Each club must also file a weekly regular season Game Status Report with its conference communications contact by 4 p.m. ET (or as soon as possible after the completion of practice) on Wednesday for a Thursday game, Friday for a Saturday or Sunday game, and Saturday for a Monday game. An update must be reported if there is any change in a player's condition after the initial Game Status Report is filed.

- Ohio State names 7 captains for the  2016 season. Which will include all six of Ohio State's returning starters on offense and defense from a year ago. J.T. Barrett, Raekwon McMillan, Pat Elflein, Billy Price, Tyquan Lewis, Gareon Conley and Joe Buger.