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1. Pat Howard Remains the man under most direct pressure to justify the Australian teams dire recent run of performances, as per the Argus review diktat to create a single point of accountability. A little more than three years ago, Howard responded to a similar point of pressure by sacking Mickey Arthur and replacing him with Darren Lehmann. This time around, Howard is out of contract in the middle of next year, and is also the man who must make monthly reports to Cricket Australias board of directors. He can expect, at best, a robust grilling at the next one.2. James Sutherland Part of the spotlight on Sutherland relates to the fact he has been at Cricket Australia for so many years - chief executive for the last 15 years. But there are also two other significant factors, neither of which figured the last time he came under sustained pressure following the 2010-11 Ashes. First, he is no longer on a fixed-term contract, reverting to an employee salary arrangement with CA in September 2014. Secondly, there is now a man in place at CAs Jolimont headquarters with the requisite background and skills to replace him: Kevin Roberts, the former NSW batsman, accomplished business figure and ex-board director. It is Roberts who is to lead MoU negotiations with the players over the next year, a role Sutherland himself once performed before replacing Malcolm Speed, the chairman of the board, in 2001.3. Darren Lehmann Lehmann had secured a long-term contract extension in August, which, on the face of it, is expected to see him through to the end of the 2019 Ashes series in England. However, as his predecessor Arthur can testify, a coachs contract is only so binding as the ability of the governing body to pay it out if things get grim for the team. Lehmann was an excellent coach for an older team, and initially seemed the right man to help develop a new captain in Steven Smith. But he has been unable to arrest a batting slide that began in Sri Lanka, and his attacking philosophies, often light on detail, seem to require a greater technical and mental underpinning with this younger team. Should CA move on Lehmann, Justin Langer has already enjoyed a successful stand-in stint in the recent past, a tri-series in the Caribbean.4. The selectors Some of the scrutiny of the selection panel, of which Lehmann is also a member, has been diffused by the fact that the chairman, Rod Marsh, is set to retire from his role in the middle of next year. Nevertheless, Howard has indicated that his fellow selectors, Trevor Hohns and Mark Waugh, may also finish up at that time, following a series of decisions and judgements that have grown increasingly difficult to justify. There have also been queries raised about why Marsh, a distinguished figure in Australian cricket, is being granted such a long lead-out from the job. The example of Michael Husseys playing retirement has been raised, whereby he asked for the chance to play out the summers ODIs after his Test exit, and was refused. More defeats and the process may well be expedited.5. The assistant coaches In the lead-up to the announcement of his contract extension, Lehmann refreshed his support staff. Figures such as the bowling coach Craig McDermott, batting coach Michael Di Venuto, the strength and conditioning expert Damian Mednis, the physio Alex Kountouris, and the freelance fielding coach Mike Young were no longer around the team. In their places, respectively, are David Saker, Graeme Hick, Aaron Kellett, David Beakley and Greg Blewett. While it is not uncommon for assistant coaches to be turned over in this way, the question to be asked is whether the new men are adding exactly what the team requires in its present state.6. Gavin Dovey Before the Argus review and all its changes, CAs former head of operations Michael Brown appointed Dovey to replace the long-time team manager Steve Bernard. Chosen from outside cricket, Doveys high-functioning and attentive-to-detail style has managed to be sustained through the past five years, but there have been questions at various times about how far his influence has run. During the latter period of Arthurs tenure it was clear he had taken a sizeable role in determining team culture, but Lehmanns arrival saw his terms of reference pared back to something more logistical. Sharing a rugby background with Howard, Dovey has at times butted heads with cricket culture. Safe in his job: Steven Smith What was clear from the scenes in the middle of Bellerive Oval over the past four days was that Smith is a rare Australian batsman currently, with the skills required to stick around when the going is tough. What was equally clear from his anguished and impassioned post-play words is that he is in dire need of others to help him. Criticism of Smiths tactical decisions has perhaps underplayed his status as Australias youngest leader since Kim Hughes. The consensus within CA is that Smith must be persevered with despite his faults, after the fashion of Allan Border. Custom Cleveland Indians Jerseys .R. Smith realized how easily basketball can be taken from him, and he wasnt going to take his place in the NBA for granted anymore. Cleveland Indians Pro Shop . Pirlo limped out of Sundays 1-0 win over Udinese after just 13 minutes. Juventus says Pirlo underwent tests on Monday which revealed he has "a second-degree lesion to the collateral medial ligament in his right knee. https://www.cheapindiansonline.com/ . For the Wild it was their first win of the season and they now have a record of 1-1-2 while the Jets fall to 2-2. Jets start a six game home stand Friday with another divisional game, home to the Dallas Stars. Cheap Indians Jerseys . This should be celebrated because it will not always be this way. With the amount of money given to players by their clubs these days, it is a wonder that so many of those teams allow the sport to continue to take away many of their assets so they can play for a different team in the middle of their season. Cleveland Indians Store . Now, correct me if Im wrong but I saw one official distinctly pointing at the net indicating a good goal but after an inconclusive review they overturned the goal. Shouldnt the ruling on the ice (good goal) stand after an inconclusive review? Why was this overturned? James Veaudry Pembroke, ON -- Hey Kerry, Youll get a lot of these, but why was the Montreal goal against Nashville Saturday night overturned? Eller puts the puck on net and the on ice ruling from the ref behind the net is a Montreal goal. Finally, the 2016 NFL regular season is upon us. NFL Nation reporters preview the seasons for all 32 teams, with analysis on why each team will -- and wont -- make the playoffs, X factors who could swing the season, fantasy breakout players destined to surge, and much more. Dan Graziano also debuts his QB Confidence Index, an unscientific measurement that gives teams a 1-10 score based on how much confidence they have in their overall quarterback situation -- not just their starter -- to begin the season.Click the links after each team to read the previews and game-by-game predictions, organized by our Week 1 power rankings.?This season will come down to the Seahawks biggest unknown: the offensive line. Seattle will go with at least three new starters, and Justin Britt, who played left guard last year, is moving to center. No team in the league has less money committed to the offensive line in 2016 than the Seahawks. If this group can be competent, the Seahawks are a legitimate Super Bowl contender. If not, this season will end in disappointment. Read more.?| Game-by-game predictions.The Steelers need one young draft pick -- preferably defensive end Stephon Tuitt or outside linebacker Bud Dupree -- to become a force of nature in the front seven and follow the path to Steelers stardom. This defense is predicated on consistent pressure, and without it, good quarterbacks will capitalize.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.With so much attention on quarterbacks, lets not overlook the defense, which produced eight turnovers through the first three preseason games and might be called upon to win games as the Patriots navigate through their early-season schedule without Tom Brady.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.This team is built to win the Super Bowl, no question. But the Cardinals have to stop reading their press clippings and tune out the pressure and chatter that comes with that kind of hype. If they can do that and stay healthy, the Cardinals should end up in Houston in February.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.Coach Ron Rivera has become an expert at playing the no respect/underdog card. He cant do that any longer. Carolina has a big target on its back. Cam Newton may have an even bigger target. But minus Josh Norman, one easily can argue that this roster is better and deeper than a year ago. The Panthers might not go 15-1 in the regular season again, but its hard to imagine anything less than 12-4.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.Jordy Nelsons knee and Eddie Lacys weight will impact whether the Packers can make another run at a Super Bowl. But if Nelson shows hes back in form, and if Lacy keeps his conditioning where the Packers want it, then everything should be in place. Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The team hasnt won a playoff game since before some of its players were born, but the Bengals are going to have to pretend theyve been there before. Emotions got the best of some players in the meltdown against the Steelers, and theyll need to put that behind them quickly with a rematch coming up.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The Broncos, with a new quarterback under center, open against Carolina, followed by Indianapolis and Cincinnati before a trip to Tampa in Week 4. But unless they are decimated by injuries or slowed by complacency, they should play high-end, defensive football. Von Miller could well be in the mix for Defensive Player of the Year if he transfers what he has done on the practice field into games. ?Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.Keep an eye on Alex Smiths touchdown passes. His record for a season is 23, and he needs to not just break it but finish in the upper 20s. This is the best surrounding cast he has had since he came to the Chiefs, so if its going to happen, it will be this year. The Chiefs will need the increased offensive production from their veteran quarterback.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The Jets playoff hopes hinge on whether Ryan Fitzpatrick?can duplicate last season, when he set the franchise record with 31 touchdown passes. He held his ground during a long contract dispute and got what he wanted, a one-year, $12 million contract, and now he has to prove that last season wasnt an aberration. If hes successful, the Jets will be one of the top teams in the AFC.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.Yes, Latavius Murray rushed for 1,066 yards last season, but it took him 266 carries to get there, so while Jack Del Rio wants more attempts from Murray, he also wants more explosive productivity than 4.0 yards per rush and 66.6 yards rushing per game. So if Murray gets closer to the 5.2 yards per carry he averaged in 2014 and DeAndre Washington provides a true change-of-pace option and produces, the Raiders passing game will also benefit because opponents wont be able to focus on one option. That would mean the Raiders offense in general, and Derek Carr in particular, could take that next step.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The Vikings had Super Bowl aspirations before Teddy Bridgewaters injury, and their bold trade for Sam Bradford signals they still believe they can get there with the right mix at QB. Its now up to coach Mike Zimmer to rally the team back from the bitter disappointment of losing Bridgewater. Thats our job: Find a way, Zimmer said the day Bridgewater got hurt. Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The key to the Texans repeating as AFC South champions is consistency from Brock Osweiler, as well as receivers Will Fuller, Braxton Miller and Jaelen Strong being able to help out Pro Bowler DeAndre Hopkins and give their QB more options. The 25-year-old Osweiler has a lot of help, and if he can put up the numbers and run the offense as coach Bill OBrien and general manager Rick Smith expect, the Texans could win the division for the second year in a row.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.Kirk Cousins did an excellent job protecting the ball over the final half of the season with only two interceptions (after nine in the first eight games). He clearly understands how to use the talent around him, but what he cant do is revert to the inconsistent decision-making that plagued him in the past. He has definitely grown and is capable of another strong year, but with questions surrounding other parts of the team, he must continue taking care of the ball.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.In order to rebound this season, the Ravens need to find playmakers who can step up at critical times. Baltimore lost an NFL-worst nine games by eight points or fewer last season. It wouldve been a different season if the Ravens had come through in the red zone (26th in the league) and generated turnovers (NFL-low six). Whether its Joe Flacco or Steve Smith Sr. or Terrell Suggs, the Ravens have to find players to deliver when it matters most or theyll miss out on the playoffs for the third time in four seasons.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The Bills might be more stocked with talent than theyve been in a decade, and their skill-position players might match up with most of the NFLs top teams. But teams that earn playoff spots and make noise in the postseason are usually more than just collections of talent; they are cohesive, disciplined groups with depth to persevere through injuries. The Bills lacked cohesion and discipline last season, while their depth was questionable. Excitement over Tyrod Taylor, Sammy Watkins, LeSean McCoy and others will quickly fade if those issues from last season are duplicated. Both Rex Ryan and general manager Doug Whaley have much to prove this fall.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.This should be a better, improved Giants team. They cant possibly get any worse defensively, and after spending $200-plus million this offseason on reinforcements, they have some reliable talent on that side of the ball. With the NFC East lacking a dominant, well-rounded team, the Giants should be able to compete for the division, especially if they can stay relatively healthy and new coach Been McAdoo keeps their respect.dddddddddddd? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The Colts have started 0-2 in both of the past two seasons. A slow start again this season could spell trouble. The schedule shifts against them starting in Week 8, when they have back-to-back games against Kansas City and at Green Bay before closing out the season against Pittsburgh, the New York Jets, Houston, Minnesota, Oakland and Jacksonville, all teams that could be competing for a playoff spot.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.Owner Shad Khan said a winning record in 2016 is everybodys reasonable expectation at this point. For that to happen, the defense has to be better. The thing is, it doesnt have to be a top-10 defense. It just needs to go from being one of the leagues worst to middle of the pack, especially on third down, in the red zone and in scoring (28.0 PPG last year). The offense has plenty of playmakers (Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns and Julius Thomas for starters) and will score points, even if the line is still below average. But the Jags cant continue to play from behind. Topping six victories will be tough if the defense cant make more plays and keep games close.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The success or failure of the Lions will reside with the offensive line. If the O-line can figure out the new blocking scheme being installed by OC Jim Bob Cooter and line coach Ron Prince, then Detroit has a chance to be a playoff team. If not? Itll be a long season for the Lions and for Matthew Stafford -- likely ending with a record well below .500 and leaving general manager Bob Quinn with a tough decision to make on the future of Jim Caldwell.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.Adam Gase has a strong reputation for improving quarterbacks. If he gets Ryan Tannehill to play at a higher level this season, that could do wonders for the Dolphins 2016 outlook. Tannehill has the numbers but hasnt been very efficient. Gase should help Tannehill be a better and more efficient quarterback in Year 5.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The relationship between Matt Ryan and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, along with the production of the pass rush, will be the two key factors that determine whether the Falcons experience their first winning season since 2012. Ryan contends he is comfortable in Year 2 of Shanahans scheme, although his performance during the preseason would say otherwise. Ryan has to be willing to go through his progressions or get rid of the ball out of bounds if the play isnt there. And he knows he has to make better decisions in the red zone.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.Dallas success has largely been built on Tony Romos shoulders. The Cowboys will have to prove they can win without him. When he returns, he has to play at a high level, but he cant be put in a situation where he feels like he has to do everything. There is enough talent to win offensively. The defense is the bigger question, even with Romos absence. At different points over the summer, the defense showed some unexpected promise. It doesnt have to be the third coming of Doomsday, but if it can crack the top 12 and take the ball away, the Cowboys could run away with the NFC East.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The Bucs could get two or even three more wins with the new additions theyve made to a defense that gave up a 70 percent completion percentage last year and 46 percent of third-down conversions. Between those new pieces and defensive coordinator Mike Smith, the unit looks much improved. But the Bucs success this season all starts with the continued development of Jameis Winston, who has the look of a quarterback ready to make a big leap in his second season.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.Sam Bradford was originally kept in Philadelphia because management thought he gave the Eagles the best chance to win. That remained the thought heading into Week 1 of the regular season, but the plan changed after the Vikings made an offer that the Eagles simply couldnt turn down. This move is with the future in mind, and may come at the expense of their 2016 aspirations. Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The Chargers have the best quarterback in the AFC West in Philip Rivers. But how free-agent additions like receiver Travis Benjamin, safety Dwight Lowery, center Matt Slauson and nose tackle?Brandon Mebane perform around the veteran quarterback will determine whether the Chargers make the playoffs. If San Diego can stay relatively healthy and the defense plays to its potential, then the Chargers can be in the postseason conversation at the end of the season.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The Saints are stuck in neutral. They have a quarterback who is still capable of winning a Super Bowl at age 37, but New Orleans has been wasting the back end of Drew Brees prime because of its inability to rebuild the defense and the offensive line around him. A playoff run is still possible this year -- but the Saints will be counting on a lot of young defensive players to develop quickly.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.With Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald, Jared Goff and a handful of other exciting young players, the Rams certainly have the panache to command attention in the competitive Los Angeles market. Still, they may not have the overall depth to get over the .500 mark and reach the playoffs in a tough NFC West.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.One of John Foxs catchphrases is that, He wants to understate and overproduce. Well, the Bears have definitely been understated in the preseason. Its hard to remember a Bears team that had less buzz surrounding it. Maybe thats the price for missing the playoffs eight out of the past nine years -- Chicago has reached the postseason only five times since the club fired Mike Ditka in 1992 -- and the Cubs whipping the city into a frenzy. The Bears handed Fox complete control in the aftermath of the Marc Trestman debacle. Its Foxs show, for better or worse. The Bears dont have to overproduce necessarily. They just need to produce more than seven or eight wins for the season to be a success.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.There are so many questions for a team that won five games over the past two seasons. The top one is whether Mike Mularkey, with a staff that includes a 78-year-old defensive coordinator in Dick LeBeau, a 63-year-old special-teams coordinator in Bobby April and a 61-year-old offensive coordinator in Terry Robiskie, can thrive in the NFL of 2016. The group brings a lot of experience and wisdom. But as the Titans look to be a throwback, smashmouth team built around a run game, it adds to the question of whether their core philosophies can work in todays NFL. Can the Titans make a giant emphasis on the run sexy again? Or will they look like dinosaurs?? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The Browns main focus is usually on the quarterback. This season its also on the coach. Hue Jackson is like an Alka-Seltzer dropped into water: Hes always fizzing and effervescent. Hes a positive coach who believes in himself and his system, and he holds players accountable. Jackson wont accept a tough season. Hell demand excellence. A coachs demand doesnt raise the talent level, but it can make the most of the talent. The Browns have been through an assembly line of coaches, but Jackson seems to be a guy whom ownership wants to be committed to for the long term.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions.The 49ers still play in one of the NFLs toughest divisions, and they are counting on a roster that will likely be one of the youngest in the league to take a big step forward. Its probably asking too much for all of those youngsters to evolve in one season, but this team is talented and deep enough up front to be a nuisance to playoff contenders in what amounts to a rebuilding year.? Read more.?|?Game-by-game predictions. ' ' '