LOS ANGELES RAMS (11-6)

OPEN CAMP: July 26 Blake Martinez Jersey Elite , UC Irvine, Irvine, California

LAST YEAR: Coach Sean McVay led one of most remarkable single-season transformations in recent NFL history. Rams ended their streaks of 12 consecutive non-playoff seasons and 13 straight non-winning seasons with rampage to first NFC West title since 2003. Franchise with NFL’s worst offense in 2016 became league’s highest-scoring team, racking up 478 points after scoring 224 in previous year. Quarterback Jared Goff emerged as solid starter in second season, and running back Todd Gurley was NFL’s top offensive player with relentless year. Coordinator Wade Phillips’ defense also took quantum leap, with NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald leading makeover into versatile, hard-nosed group. Despite tepid home playoff loss to Atlanta, Rams captured city’s attention in second year back in LA, shrugging off competition from relocated Chargers.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Marcus Peters Titans Elite Jerseys , CB Aqib Talib, WR Brandin Cooks.

IMPORTANT LOSSES: LB Robert Quinn, CB Trumaine Johnson, LB Alec Ogletree, WR Sammy Watkins, WR Tavon Austin, LB Connor Barwin, offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur.

CAMP NEEDS: Donald skipped all of last season’s training camp, and is likely to hold out again while he attempts to land one of biggest contracts in NFL history. His absence didn’t hurt much last season, but every day he waits to begin partnership with Suh is missed opportunity. Rams acquired four elite veteran talents in offseason Youth Ian Thomas Jersey , and they all must connect with teammates quickly. Defense must adjust to styles of Talib and Peters, its two new aggressive cornerbacks. New starting middle linebacker must be chosen after Ogletree’s cap-related departure, with Cory Littleton likely to get first shot. Goff and Cooks must build chemistry to keep McVay’s high-octane passing game in top form.

EXPECTATIONS: Rams all-in on pursuit of first Super Bowl berth since the 2001 season, and have talent to get there. They’ve brought back almost every important part of last season’s excellent offense, and added three game-breaking stars to defense. Even if they still haven’t written gargantuan check necessary to make Donald happy, Rams intend to contend for championships for next several years, starting now.

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鈥?The Miami Dolphins took an early lead for a change, and it grew from there.Xavien Howard returned an interception for the Dolphins’ second touchdown in a seven-second span during the first half, and they went on to snap a five-game losing streak by beating the reeling Denver Broncos, 35-9.The Dolphins were ahead at halftime for only the second time all season Authentic Ryon Healy Jersey , and led after three quarters for the first time.“It changes a lot,” coach Adam Gase said. “We’re able to turn those four pass rushers loose. It makes a big difference and puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback. They get there quick.”Thanks to a dominating defense, Miami (5-7) won for the first time since Week 7. The Broncos (3-9) went from bad to worse, losing their eighth game in a row to extend the franchise’s longest skid in 50 years.Miami scored two safeties in a game for the first time in franchise history and held Denver to 1 for 13 on third-down conversions. Trevor Siemian, the Broncos’ third starting quarterback in as many weeks, went 20 for 42 for 219 yards with three interceptions and three sacks.Kenyan Drake rushed for 120 yards for Miami on 23 carries, both career highs. He scored on a 42-yard touchdown run 鈥?only the Dolphins’ second rush for a TD this year.Howard scored on the first interception by a Miami outside cornerback all season, and added another pick in the fourth quarter to set up the Dolphins’ final touchdown.Gase didn’t hold back coaching against close friend and counterpart Vance Joseph. Miami pulled off a successful onside kick in the fourth quarter while leading 33-9.“We’re just playing for 60 minutes,” Gase said. “We’re not going to slow down, and I don’t care what the score is.”Jay Cutler went 18 for 31 for 235 yards and two scores but threw two interceptions. Justin Simmons scored Denver’s touchdown on a 65-yard interception return.BREAKOUT PERFORMANCEDrake had his first 100-yard rushing game and made three receptions for 21 yards. He said the workload was his heaviest since high school.“I could have ran it 20 more times the way the O-line was blocking Adidas Jamie Benn Jersey ,” Drake said. “Give all the credit to them.”The Dolphins won for the first time since they traded running back Jay Ajayi on Oct. 31.QUICK STRIKESMiami’s Julius Thomas celebrated a 9-yard scoring catch on his knees with a ride-’em-cowboy dance. One play later, Howard stepped in front of a pass intended for Demaryius Thomas for his first career interception and sprinted to the end zone.TWO-POINTERSDenver fell to 0-6 on the road and looked lost. Miami took a 2-0 lead when the Broncos botched a third-down play at their 5. Mark Paradis’ high snap deflected off Siemian’s hands, and the ball squirted out of the back of the end zone.Denver’s Isaiah McKenzie fumbled on a punt return and recovered in his end zone for another safety in the fourth quarter.INJURIESDolphins: C Mike Pouncey left the game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. … CB Cordrea Tankersley left the game with an injured shoulder, returned and departed again because of an ankle injury.Broncos: S Justin Simmons was evaluated for a possible concussion and cleared to return. … LB Joseph Jones was helped off the field in the fourth quarter.UP NEXTThe Dolphins host New England on Monday, Dec. 11. The Patriots beat Miami 35-17 a week ago.Denver returns home to face the New York Jets next Sunday..