miaowang123: seasons in New England. "I take that personally.

seasons in New England. "I take that personally.

15 Sep 2018 at 02:36

MADRID, Spain -- Coach Carlo Ancelotti wants Real Madrid to focus on winning its last three games and not the points permutations involved in the Spanish league title race. Madrid travels to Real Valladolid on Wednesday knowing victory lifts it one point above Barcelona and within two of leader Atletico Madrid with two games left for all three. "The mathematics of it say there is still no champion, so we just have to believe in ourselves and win the last three games," Ancelotti said. "Im certain all teams will try to win their final games. We saw surprising results last week. All the teams are fighting right up to the last minute." Atletico needs four points to clinch its first title since 1996, which would mean even if Madrid wins its last three games and ties its city rival it wouldnt be enough because Atletico holds the edge in the head-to-head tiebreaker. Barcelona is still in the hunt although there are concerns in the Spanish capital the Catalan side would prefer Atletico as champion to its biggest rival. Atletico plays at Barcelona in the final round. "Were all professionals," Ancelotti said of the speculation. "With everyones image in mind, I think Barcelona will play to its best ability against Atletico." Atletico, which remains in control of its destiny, leads the standings with 88 points, Barcelona has 85, and Madrid 83. Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has shaken off a thigh injury that kept the Croatia midfielder from Sundays 2-2 draw against Valencia, to return to the squad, but forward Gareth Bale and defender Dani Carvajal are doubts against Valladolid after missing Tuesday training. Forward Cristiano Ronaldo did not complete the training session either as he has recently returned from a left leg injury. Iker Casillas is also expected to make his first league start since January 2013 as Ancelotti looks to give the Spain goalkeeper more playing time in preparation of the Champions League final against Atletico on May 24. Valladolid is 19th in the 20-team league, one point from safety ahead of Wednesdays match, which makes up for a 34th-round date. "Valladolid needs to win to get out of the drop zone and we need to win to keep our chances of winning the league alive, so it will be a difficult contest," Ancelotti said, "and well have to play our best to win." ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalos notoriously long, harsh winters have their advantages as far as Jim Schwartz is concerned. The nasty weather that stretched well into April provided the Bills new defensive co-ordinator an additional excuse to stay indoors and become more familiar with his players and staff. "One of the good things about being here in Buffalo is the weather was so bad that we had plenty of time as coaches to stay together," Schwartz said with a laugh, following a voluntary minicamp practice this week. "When the snow was rolling and it was 5 degrees outside, we were holed up in the room watching all their stuff from last year." It was an invaluable experience for the defensive-minded specialist, who finds himself back in his element in Buffalo a few months after losing his job following a five-year stint as the Detroit Lions head coach. "You can spin coaching changes any way you want. The one thing I would say is the players do have a clean slate," Schwartz said. "They have to prove themselves. And Im in the same boat. Ive got to prove myself all over again. Its exciting. Thatll bring out the best in players. Itll bring out the best in coaches." Filling the vacancy after Mike Pettine left to take over the Cleveland Browns, Schwartz inherits a Bills defence that began shedding its once-porous and passive reputation by emerging as the teams strength last season. While Buffalo (6-10) struggled on offence in large part because of rookie quarterback EJ Manuels inconsistencies and injuries, the defence finished 10th in the NFL in yards allowed -- the units best ranking in nine years. The Bills also finished second in the league with 23 interceptions and a franchise-record 57 sacks. And they had four defenders earn Pro Bowl selections, including tackle Marcell ;Dareus, who was added as an injury replacement. The only area of concern was Buffalos inability to stop the run. The BBills gave up 150 or more yards rushing six times, and finished 28th in allowing an average 129 net yards rushing per game.dddddddddddd Schwartz has a strong track record in devising schemes to stop the run. During his eight seasons as Tennessees defensive co-ordinator, the Titans finished sixth or better in rushing yards allowed six times from 2001-08. Its on Schwartz to build on that success with a unit that features a few new wrinkles at linebacker, where the team added Brandon Spikes and Keith Rivers in free agency, and was unable to re-sign three-time Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd. Schwartz is Buffalos fourth defensive co-ordinator in four seasons. He doesnt anticipate a difficult transition, even though hes making the switch to a 4-3 style of defence, and his philosophy is considered less aggressive than Pettines pressure-the-passer approach. Schwartz is keeping much of the same play-calling terminology. And he said the switch to four linemen and three linebackers shouldnt be regarded as significant, because his and Pettines defences share similar elements. Veteran defensive tackle Kyle Williams doesnt foresee much change in the Bills approach. "No, were not going to be read-and-react. Were going to attack guys," Williams said. "Now, if we do it with four rushers, five rushers or six, thatll have to be game-planned. But were going to be on the move. And were going to attack." Spikes liked what hes seen after two weeks of minicamp practices. "Weve still got a long way to go, but if we can take these necessary steps, I think we can be great this season and shock the world," said Spikes, who was signed in part because of his reputation as a run-stuffer during his first four seasons in New England. "I take that personally. If you can stop the run, you can make them one-dimensional," Spikes said. "I think this season therell be some eye-openers." Cheap Saints Hoodies Cheap Lions Hoodies Cheap Eagles Hoodies Cheap Raiders Hoodies Cheap Vikings Hoodies Cheap Dolphins Hoodies Cheap Bears Hoodies Cheap 49ers Hoodies Cheap Giants Hoodies Cheap Seahawks Hoodies Cheap Broncos Hoodies Cheap Packers Hoodies Cheap Patriots HoodiesCheap Cowboys Hoodies Cheap Steelers Hoodies Cheap Redskins Hoodies ' ' '



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