Month: October 2016

You can excuse Holland and the Red Wings if they’re not overly eager to rip out

October 31, 2016

In Detroit, it’s a culture of winning that has been handed down from Steve Yzerman to Nicklas Lidstrom to Henrik Zetterberg and now to Dylan Larkin, Petr Mrazek and Andreas Athanasiou.

You can excuse Holland and the Red Wings if Sebastian Aho Jersey they’re not overly eager to rip out that fabric of success in exchange for the opportunity to draft somewhere closer to the top.

But I’ll admit that I’ve wondered if a few down years might do the Red Wings some good. I’ve suggested as much. I’ve wondered what this organization could do if it added a couple of top-10 picks to its talented young core. I certainly understood why some fans were puzzled the past couple of years that Detroit brought in guys such as Mike Green, Vanek and Ott instead Brandon Dubinsky Jersey of young players who might be able to do the same thing much more cheaply, gain experience, lose a few more games and help improve the draft odds.

Holland has done the analysis — and decided that the cost and risk of going down that path far outweighed a possible reward.

But on Tuesday, Larkin joined the party with a two-goal game against the Carolina Hurricanes. They were his first goals of the season. Athanasiou scored for the second consecutive game, showing what it can look like when all generations are contributing for the Red Wings.

Detroit has opted not to go all-in on the youth movement, and if there’s a franchise that has earned the benefit of the doubt, it’s this one.

“The media wants a young game, they want the speed, they want the addiction,” Ott said, before being interrupted momentarily.

Given the struggles of goaltenders around the NHL, Red Wings GM Ken Holland is in a position of strength with two solid netminders. Does that change?

“No, I think it’s true,” he continued. “Who is the model that built completely young and won everything? It hasn’t happened. Why has that not happened? You tell me.”

Because successful teams need a mix of youth and experience. It’s early, but the Red Wings believe they have the right mix. They’re winning with veterans and young guns, they have a kid in forward Anthony Mantha, who is banging on the door with six goals in five AHL games. They don’t think Tyler Bertuzzi is too far behind him. Eventually Evgeny Svechnikov will be there, too.

There’s a plan in place to keep the success going. No, the Red Wings are not interested in tearing it down. Just winning, as they’ve done for two and a half decades. Perhaps, in Detroit, they’ve earned the right to keep trying.

I’ve also heard the argument that players will be demoralized by failing to go for two early and then get shut down, but I’m more skeptical there. The Browns had every reason to turn off the switch after failing to score their two-pointer, given the general hopelessness of the short-term situation in Cleveland, and they promptly played their butts off to get the ball back and score again.

Vikings backup QB out 3 months after getting injured trying to break into his house

October 28, 2016

NFL teams are opening training camp, but Minnesota Vikings quarterback Taylor Heinicke won’t be among his teammates on the practice field. It’s not abnormal for NFL players to miss time with ankle injuries. It is, however, abnormal for NFL players to miss time with ankle injuries suffered while trying to kick in their own front door.

Mark Wilf, the team’s owner Shane Ray Authentic Womens Jersey and president, identified Zimmer’s strong relationship with Vikings general manager Rick Spielman as part of the reason the team decided to take action on an extension for Zimmer at this time.

“His leadership and the strong partnership he has with Rick Spielman has helped transform the culture of our football team,” Mark Wilf said. “They have established a positive identity for this team with tough minded, disciplined, and smart football players and we believe Mike’s continued leadership bodes very well for our future.”

While details about compensation and Shannon Sharpe Authentic Womens Jersey the length of the contract were not disclosed, Spielman said Thursday that Zimmer would “be our coach for a long time.”

Zimmer’s 18 wins in his first two seasons in Minnesota trail only Dennis Green’s 20 wins for the most in any coach’s first two seasons with the Vikings.
Gary Kubiak was eager to tell the world that the Siemian, a seventh-round pick in 2015, had a legitimate shot at the starting quarterback job. Having watched Sanchez over the last six seasons, I was inclined to believe him. But it was Sanchez who took all the first-team reps in minicamp. Last week, Sylvester Williams revealed that Kubiak was opening camp with Sanchez sitting atop the depth chart.

Rookie Paxton Lynch could play at some point, but a rough spring has the first-round pick buried third on the depth chart and headed for a redshirt year.

However the competition shakes out, it’s not a good situation, unless you’re a Raiders or Chiefs fan.

Fast forward a bit, and Gleason is well in the grips of the disease. He’s still walking, but it isn’t easy. He heads to midfield in the Super Dome to lead Saints fans and his former teammates in the “Who Dat” chant, accompanied by former teammate Will Smith and leaning heavily on Drew Brees for support. Gleason is overcome with emotion, as are his former teammates and fans.

By 2012 when the team dedicated a statue of his blocked punt outside the Super Dome, Gleason had lost the ability to speak or walk or even control his bowels. Gleason interprets this experience with perfect clarity.

“It’s an incredible example of polarities and dichotomies and juxtapositions that is my life,” he says.

For Gleason, coming to terms with battling ALS meant being confronted with not being able to do things that were once second nature. It happens very quickly for ALS patients.

They lose fine motor control. They begin to slur their speech. They develop muscle weakness. Walking becomes difficult. They’re confined to wheelchairs. Breathing becomes a challenge. The typical lifespan for a patient after an ALS diagnosis is two to five years. Their independence and their ability to connect and communicate with loved ones disintegrates rapidly.

The film details the founding of Team Gleason and the personal meaning the mission of the organization carries for Gleason and his wife, Michel. They focus on providing technology and life experiences for those suffering from ALS, and Gleason devotes his life to helping others with this disease be able to live as fully as he does.

We see Gleason, too, becoming more and more dependent on that technology, eventually losing the ability to speak and becoming reliant on a computer to speak for him.

The film allows us to see Gleason pursuing experimental treatments, trying to stave off the effects of this brutal disease. As he comes to terms, on camera, with the fact that his ability to speak is waning, his anguish is palpable. We see him suffer because of the ravages of ALS, and we see him suffer because of the impact his disease has on those he loves. It’s wrenching.

Fans who missed Hall of Fame Game plan to sue the NFL

October 26, 2016

The debacle that was the Hall of Fame Game left fans with tickets frustrated that they didn’t get to see the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. Now a group of those fans are planning a lawsuit against the NFL with hopes of getting more than just a refund for their troubles.

Attorney Michael Avenatti told the Associated Press that fans traveled from other states to attend the game, including Colts and Packers fans who traveled from Indiana and Wisconsin to the site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Pro Football Focus even listed Bernie Kosar Jersey Ragland as the No. 5 offseason addition in the NFL, behind four veterans who were added in free agency:

Ragland will have to prove himself capable of handling his coverage responsibilities in the NFL, but he’ll be a dramatic upgrade from day one against Briean Boddy-Calhoun Jersey the run. Ragland’s instincts and burst to close sideline to sideline stand out. He should make an instant impact for Buffalo.

The Bills will instead have to wait for that impact until later and have Zach Brown or Brandon Spikes fill in the void until then.

For Dungy, the most important thing about his career was the relationships he built over the years.

“I cherish every single relationship that I was able to make over those 31 years, and I’ll always be grateful to the National Football League for giving me my life’s work,” Dungy said.

After a brief NFL career, Dungy entered the coaching ranks in 1980 as an assistant at his alma mater, the University of Minnesota. One year later, then-Steelers head coach Chuck Noll hired Dungy, and he stayed on the staff until 1989.

Dungy’s first coaching break came when he was named Vikings defensive coordinator in 1992. Minnesota had one of the best defenses in the league under Dungy, which prodded the Buccaneers to hire him as their head coach in 1996. Dungy popularized the “Tampa 2” defense while with the Buccaneers and won 96 games in six seasons, turning around the previously moribund franchise.

But Dungy is best known for his work as head coach of the Colts from 2002-08. With Peyton Manning leading a prolific offense, the Colts were Super Bowl contenders for the entirety of Dungy’s tenure. His career climax came in February 2007 when Indianapolis defeated the Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

The Vikings aren’t doomed without Teddy Bridgewater

October 24, 2016

It’s not all bad news for the Vikings. Teddy Bridgewater has a torn ACL and a dislocated knee, but no nerve damage. In other words, his career isn’t far, over from it, but his season is. The bigger question now is whether the Vikings’ season is over, too.

Minnesota’s gotten a lot of hype in the offseason. For good reason, after finishing with an 11-5 record last year and a missed field goal away from beating the Seahawks in the playoffs. The defense looks much better. They still have an offense built around Adrian Peterson, and the offensive line got a much needed upgrade.

Building a winning team around a good ground game and a strong defense isn’t exactly new. It’s not flashy, and Vikings fans probably aren’t going to find much solace in the fact that the team has been forced into the season with the same approach Jeff Fisher uses.

But don’t forget, the Vikings have Mike Zimmer, too, a coach who’s shown over and over again that he’s smart, tough as nails, and able to adjust to circumstances.

More: Mike Zimmer wasn’t afraid to say Cornelius Lucas Jersey how much he loves Teddy Bridgewater, and for some reason that’s rare
Offensive line — No quarterback was pressured more than Bridgewater was last season. He was pressured on 46.8 percent of his dropbacks, and it took a big bite out of the Vikings passing game, especially the deep passing game. Minnesota didn’t have Phil Loadholt at right tackle last year. They don’t have him this year either — he retired — but they installed Andre Smith in his place. The guards should be much better too thanks to the addition of Alex Boone. Don’t Dan Orlovsky Jersey forget, the Vikings also brought in a new offensive line coach, Tony Sparano, who’s got a much better record at that job than, say, interim head coach.

Head coach Chip Kelly acknowledged Kaepernick’s right to protest but said it didn’t shift the team’s focus from preparing for the final preseason game and for the regular season.

“We recognize his right to express his feelings, but that doesn’t affect what we do at 8:15 in the morning until we leave at 8 o’clock at night,” Kelly said. “We’re all about preparing for the Chargers game obviously this Thursday and, more importantly, for the Rams season opens up on Monday night.”

Prior to the game, Kaepernick met with Nate Boyer, former Green Beret and NFL long snapper, to discuss his decision to protest. Boyer had written an open letter saying that Kaepernick has the right to protest, but that he wished to understand better where Kaepernick was coming from.

Boyer and Kaepernick spent about 90 minutes together before the 49ers faced the Chargers. According to Fox’s Jay Glazer, the meeting was productive.

Thursday was yet another rough outing for the first overall pick from this year’s draft. Jared Goff finished 6 for 16 with 67 yards, a pick and a touchdown in the Rams’ 27-25 loss to the Vikings. Goff’s play through the preseason has been uninspiring enough that head coach Jeff Fisher said he’ll be the third-stringer, behind Case Keenum and Sean Mannion, a third-round pick last year, when the season opens.

Sam Bradford and the Vikings ring in their new stadium with 17-14 win over Packers

October 21, 2016

Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football with a final score of 17-14. After quarterback Teddy Bridgewater went down with a gruesome knee injury prior to the start of the season, Mike Zimmer said nobody should count out the Vikings. On Sunday, they demonstrated why Zimmer’s statement was true.

Minnesota beat Jahleel Addae Jersey the Titans in Week 1 on turnovers, and against the Packers, the defense was just as aggressive. The Vikings forced four fumbles, and Green Bay managed to recover all but one of them.

The announcement broke a week of silence regarding the team’s quarterback competition. Head coach Mike Zimmer was tight-lipped Jason Verrett Jersey throughout Week 2’s practices, but made sure to compliment Bradford’s abilities when asked about his newest passer.

“The upside is that he’s a veteran,” Zimmer said of Bradford. “[He’s] seen a lot of stuff. He throws the ball great, got a good arm, gets the ball out quick.”

Those comments, along with reports Bradford had been working with the first team throughout the week’s practices, led Packers coach Mike McCarthy to expect to see the former top overall pick behind center in Week 2.

Bradford, 28, was acquired by the Vikings just eight days before the team’s opener against the Tennessee Titans after incumbent starter Teddy Bridgewater suffered a serious knee injury in a practice that ended his 2016 season. Minnesota sent the Philadelphia Eagles a first-round pick for Bradford, so there was no question that the former No. 1 overall pick would eventually take over for Hill.

But given just a week to prepare for the game, the Vikings left Bradford on the bench to begin the season and turned to Hill to lead the way against the Titans.

The 36-year-old journeyman quarterback was competent but unspectacular in the start. He completed 18 of his 33 passes for 236 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Minnesota only gained 301 total yards with Hill behind center, the sixth-lowest total in the league for Week 1. The Vikings failed to score an offensive touchdown, instead relying on a pair of defensive scores to defeat Tennessee, 25-16.

Bradford, the No. 1 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, started four seasons for the Rams before missing the entire 2014 season with an ACL tear. In 2015, Bradford was traded to the Eagles and finished his only season in Philadelphia with a career-best 3,725 passing yards along with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

He was replaced by rookie Jacoby Brissett, who was selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Brissett did just enough to preserve the win for the Patriots. He didn’t throw any interceptions, and his only fumble was recovered by his teammate James White, so no harm done.

He has a good shot and is said to be a hard worker

October 18, 2016

Position: Left wing Ht wt: 6, 212 | Shoots: Left 2014 stats: 18 goals, 15 assists, plus-4 rating, 14 penalty minutes Salary cap hit: $4 million A 13-year veteran, the 36-year-old would provide depth up front for the Red the event Johan Franzen isn’t able to return this from a concussion. Position: Defenseman Ht wt: 6, 207 | Shoots: Right 2014 stats: Five goals, 31 assists, plus-8 rating, 22 Michael Cooper Jersey penalty minutes Cap hit: $6 million A two-time Trophy runnerup, the 29-year-old Green would provide offense after scoring at least 12 goals four times 10 NHL seasons with a career-high 31 2008. But he’s unrestricted free agent this year. Position: Defense Ht wt: 6, 210 | Shoots: Right 2014 stats: Two goals, six assists, minus-6 rating, 12 penalty minutes Salary cap hit: $4 million Michalek, 32, would give the Red size and the right-handed shot they covet on the blue line but he won’t provide much offense and is a similar player to rookie Alexey Marchenko. Position: Defenseman Ht wt: 6, 200 | Shoots: Right 2014 stats: Four goals, 11 assists, minus-25 rating, 32 penalty minutes Salary cap hit: $3 million Petry, 27, is the son of former Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Dan Petry. He has a good shot and is said to be a hard worker.

Can log a lot minutes. Postion: Defenseman Nick Young Jersey Ht wt: 6, 208 | Shoots: Right 2014 stats: Seven goals, 21 assists, minus-11 rating, 32 penalty minutes Salary cap hit: $5 million Wisniewski, a 31-year-old Michigan native who played junior hockey for the Plymouth Whalers, has two years remaining on his contract at $5 million and the Red are reluctant to take on that kind of money.

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MANCHESTER UNITED have made a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels. Hummels’ future with Dortmund has been the subject of intense speculation recent months, and the international, 25, has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the Westfalenstadion. According to reports, Premier League duo Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested signing the former Bayern Munich centre-half, who joined Dortmund 2009. The Bundesliga giants have ruled out selling Hummels on numerous occasions and have insisted he is not available for any amount of money. But sources Italy have suggested their resolve is currently being tested. Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari claims the Red Devils have made offer to acquire the centre-back’s services. Longari has not confirmed the amount United have bid for the, but the offer is believed to be the region of £35m.

He has never faced the Blue Jays

October 16, 2016

All eyes be on Samardzija on when he makes his first start as a member of the Oakland A’s. Samardzija joined the green Bob Cousy Jersey and gold Saturday, when Oakland officially announced its blockbuster trade with the Cubs. Along with Jason Hammel, Samardzija look to put the American League West leaders over the top. The right-hander introduce himself to the Coliseum crowd ‘s four-game series finale against the Blue Jays. I’m right where I need to be, man, Samardzija said Saturday, when he joined the team Oakland. I’ve been begging for this for a while, situation-wise, of coming every day to win.

The A’s ranked second the Majors at 3 entering Saturday, but general manager Billy Beane still felt his pitching staff would benefit from added depth. This was area a few weeks ago we absolutely felt like we had to address, Beane said Saturday morning. Really started the process of trying to find at least one and ultimately decided we needed two guys … We thought they were two of the best guys available. Samardzija is having All–caliber season, despite having just two wins to his name. His is 2, and he has fanned 103 batters while Brandon Bass Jersey walking just 31. The 29-year-old right-hander has spent the first six-plus years of his career with the Cubs, meaning mark his first time pitching for American League team. 15 Interleague appearances, Samardzija is 2 with a 4.

He has never faced the Blue Jays. Samardzija be a tough assignment for the Jays. Their offense is sputtering of late, and they have won just two of their last nine series. Right-hander Drew Hutchison get the ball for Toronto on the heels of one of his best starts of 2014. Hutchinson held the Brewers — the second-leading offense the National League — to one run over seven innings on Tuesday, notching a career-high 10 strikeouts. Like Samardzija, Hutchison be seeing his opponent for the first time. Blue Jays: Encarnacion leaves Saturday’s game with soreness Jays first baseman Encarnacion exited Saturday’s game the first inning with right quadricep soreness. Encarnacion went down after beating out a potential double-play ball that brought home Toronto’s first run. He remained on the for several minutes before being helped off the field. Lind replaced Encarnacion — who was credited with his 70th RBI — at first base. A’s: Milone sent down to make room for Samardzija Left-hander started Milone became a victim of numbers Saturday the wake of Oakland’s blockbuster trade with the Cubs, getting optioned to Triple-A Sacramento to make room on the 25-man roster for Samardzija. A number of factors were working against Milone after the trade, including the Athletics’ desire for bullpen depth after a 12-inning contest, coupled with the fact that Milone would not be available to pitch again for several days. Mills, who be replaced by Samardzija the rotation, gave the A’s eighth bullpen option Saturday. Milone has been fantastic since May 9, going 6 with a 2 11 starts.

Manager Bob struggled to find the right words to break the news to his southpaw. If you’re position, what do you even say to a like that? said. He was a little bit shocked, and understandably so. But you haven’t seen the last of Milone here. Worth Noting: • Donaldson, Yoenis Cespedes and were all line to start the All- Game advance of ‘s roster announcement. The A’s have not had a fan-elected player since 2000. • Encarnacion leads the Majors with 49 extra-base hits, ahead of the Angels’ Trout.

Stewart tossed 4 complete and struck out a team-high 75 98 innings of work

October 14, 2016

Stewart tossed 4 complete and struck out a team-high 75 98 innings of work. 2012, the right-hander was named a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper and the MAAC Rookie of the Year. Round 10 LHP WILLIAM STRODE AGE DOB: 22, 10 College: State University BATS THROWS: L L HEIGHT WEIGHT: 6 185 Signed 6 Strode went 3 with a 1 and 14 saves 30 appearances with State University his Danny Lansanah Jersey senior campaign. Had a similar year 2014, going 2 with a 2 and 49 strikeouts 48 innings pitched. The Parkland, native was named to the All-ACC Academic 2014 and the ACC Academic Honor Roll from 2012 and 2013. Round 11 RHP CHANDLER NEWMAN AGE DOB: 18, Feb. 5 High School: Richmond Hill HS BATS THROWS: R R HEIGHT WEIGHT: 6 175 A 2015 graduate of Richmond Hill High School, Newman was honorable mention to the Perfect Game Preseason Southeast Region All-High School team. The Southern commit boasts a fastball that sits at 95 mph and helped guide the Richmond Hill Wildcats to three straight GHSA Region 3-AAAAA titles. The righthander’s older brother, Hunter, currently pitches at LSU. Round 12 LHP PEREZ AGE DOB: 21, Oct 27 College: University BATS THROWS: S L HEIGHT WEIGHT: 6 190 Signed 6 Perez went 4 for the University Eagles with a 4 12 appearances 3 starts the 2015.

The switch-pitcher Dashon Goldson Jersey struck out 33 batters while allowing 16 walks. Perez also tallied 3 saves on the year. He was the 2014 West All- MVP while playing for Hyannis the Cape Cod League. Round 13 C SALTERS AGE DOB: 22, Feb. 5 College: Baptist BATS THROWS: L R HEIGHT WEIGHT: 6 210 Signed 6 Started 57 for the Baptist Patriots 2015, batting.261 with 15 doubles, one triple and 4 HR. Salters also tallied 36 RBI and 31 walks. He was originally drafted by the Washington Nationals 2014, but did not sign. The catcher was named to the 2015 All-Regional as the Patriots went 3 at the NCAA Regional. Round 14 RHP ESPARZA AGE DOB: 20, Aug 22 College: UC Irvine BATS THROWS: L R HEIGHT WEIGHT: 6 195 Signed 6 Started 16 this, finishing 8 with a 3 for the Anteaters. The right-hander struck out 81 hitters and surrendered 35 walks. 2014, Esparza was a first team All-Orange Empire Conference selection while with Cypress College. Round 15 RHP SPRINKLE AGE DOB: 18, Oct. 14 High School: White Hall HS BATS THROWS: R R HEIGHT WEIGHT: 6 230 The 6, 230-pounder is Auburn University commit. The White Hall, Arkansas native led his team to the 5A State Championship 2014, giving up 3 hits and striking out 8 a complete-game performance that earned him the State Most Valuable Player. Was named a PRO-DAY Prep Gear All-American Honorable Mention as a sophomore and a PRO-DAY Prep Gear Second- All-American as a.

Round 16 INF COBIE AGE DOB: 17, Aug. 24 High School: Pine HS BATS THROWS: R R HEIGHT WEIGHT: 5 185 The 2015 graduate of Pine High School and Alabama commit was a preseason Perfect Game first team selection the Atlantic Region. was also a 2013 and 2014 Underclass Honorable Mention. 2014, he hit.405 with 7 doubles and 30 runs scored. Round 17 INF NICK MADRIGAL AGE DOB: 18, 5 High School: Elk Grove HS BATS THROWS: R R HEIGHT WEIGHT: 5 145 and was a member of the 2014 USA Baseball U18 National that took Gold La Paz, Mexico. Madrigal hit.481 with one triple, 7 RBI and 7 stolen bases at the Pan Am, playing all 8. He was selected as a Preps All-American after his. From on Madrigal: A small middle infielder with sparkplug type skills, Madrigal has shown a penchant for playing above his tools against very good competition. The high school shortstop was a standout for USA Baseball’s 18 and Under team last on both sides of the ball. He handles the bat well putting the ball play consistently; he didn’t strike out once with USA. He’s not particularly physical and power never be a part of his game, leading to more David Eckstein comps than, say, Pedroia or Altuve. He has plenty of speed and maximizes it as a base-stealing threat.

The Oregon State commit has the tools to stay at shortstop thanks to his quickness and accuracy, though without pure arm strength. He’s a natural leader and a coach on the field from short. Teams have to look past Madrigal’s size and project some added strength when deciding to take him. With his tools and plus makeup, he’s the type who proves any skeptics wrong. Round 18 INF ANTHONY MILLER AGE DOB: 20, Oct. 4 College: County CC BATS THROWS: L R HEIGHT WEIGHT: 6 240 Signed 6 Hit.443 60 2015 at County Community College. tallied 26 HR, 15 doubles, 5 triples and 79 RBI, while walking 43 times against 28 strikeouts.

The Rhinos were denied a try two minutes after the restart.

October 7, 2016

The Rhinos were denied a try two minutes after the restart. Hodgson lost possession a big hit from Leuluai and Brett Delaney swept on the loose ball to score. But after deliberation, video ­referee Phil Bentham ruled that ­Leuluai had knocked on after making the ­tackle.

And Warrington Willie McCovey Jersey struck again for their third try when play was switched to the left for Ryan Atkins to put Chris Reilly over the corner, but Hodgson couldn’t add the extras. The Wolves were full flow now. ­Atkins went from Hodgson’s pass ­before McCarthy burst over from Westwood’s offload. Hodgson converted both scores with Briers slotting over a 62nd-minute drop goal.

Jones-Buchanan returned to the fray for Leeds who pulled four points back with a Kallum Watkins try from a Zak Hardaker. Hodgson dummied over on 75 ­minutes and converted his try. Leeds kept ­fighting with Watkins getting his ­second try of the afternoon but they couldn’t live with Warrington’s ­second-half assault.

Warrington coach Tony Smith Ahtyba Rubin Jersey ­saluted the diminutive, 12-stone Hodgson ­saying: He may not be the fastest, strongest or even the best looking but he knows how to play. He was ­fantastic. He copped a pounding but he ­recovered to show his smartness. But he had some help.

I thought Adrian Morley really lifted us when he came on and Michael Monaghan gave us a real spark. We turned over too much possession the first half on the half-way line. But we made things happen the ­second half and took opportunities when they came along. Leeds coach Brian McDermott thought that Delaney’s disallowed try should have stood. It was a big moment what ­happened the second half, he said. I didn’t see a knock-on, but ­Warrington were better on the day and deserved to win.