2016 International Series Games announced and the NFL’s concussion protocols are reviewed.

The Big Stories

2016 International Series Announced

Following last month’s announcement, that Twickenham would join Wembley in hosting the NFL, the league has revealed the fixtures for the 2016 International Series.

On Sunday, October 2, “London’s team”, the Jacksonville Jaguars will host the Indianapolis Colts, in an AFC divisional match-up, at Wembley Stadium.

Three weeks later, on October 23, Twickenham will host the St Louis Rams as they face the NFC East team with the same ranking as theirs in the NFC West.

Five weeks from the end of the season, and the NFC East continues to be a moveable feast, with all four teams, the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins, jostling for position.

The final game of the series will see the Redskins make the journey across the Atlantic on October 30, to face the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium.

“The passion our UK fans have shown for the NFL is overwhelming,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We are very appreciative of the strong and growing fan support, not only for the games, but all of the related NFL events we host in the UK throughout the year.”

2015 season ticket holders will be able to renew their tickets from 10am on Thursday, December 3, with details of when individual game tickets go on sale yet to be announced.

For more information visit nfluk.com

Concussion Protocol Review

The NFL’s concussion protocol is once again under review, after the St Louis Rams quarterback, Case Keenum, was left on the field after a heavy sack.

Footage shows Keenum hit the back of his head hard, on the ground, clutching his helmet, and struggling to stand, even with the help of a teammate.

However, he remained in the game for the next two plays, throwing an incompletion and a lost fumble that cost the Rams the win.

Rams head coach, Jeff Fisher, said on Monday that trainer, Reggie Scott, spoke to Keenum on the field, who told him he was OK, and that he, himself, didn’t see Keenum struggling, saying that if he had, he would have removed the quarterback from the game.

While Fishser didn’t notice, others did, including back-up quarterback, Nick Foles, who grabbed his helmet and began to warm up on the sidelines.

In a statement on Monday, the league said that it would review what happened in the Rams game, and that they were reinforcing to teams ‘the need to ensure that these injuries are properly identified and addressed in a manner consistent with our protocols.’

Keenum is now in concussion protocol and his status for the Rams’ game, against the Bengals, is in question.

Officiating Makes the Headlines

Yet again officials have made headlines when an inadvertent whistle potentially cost the Patriots a touchdown, in Monday Night Football.

During the third quarter of the game against the Bills, a sideline official blew his whistle as Brady threw to Danny Amendola, who caught it with an open field.

The whistle blew while the ball was still in the air, and after reviewing the footage it was clear that, despite being close to sidelines, neither Brady nor Amendola were out of bounds.

Referee, Gene Steratore, placed the ball at the site of Amendola’s catch, for a gain of 14 yards, and with Belichick calling for the booing Foxborourgh crowd to be quiet, the Patriots quickly continued the drive, which ended in an errant field goal attempt.

These officiating mistakes are becoming more and more prominent this season, and while it is worth remembering that officials are human, their ‘mistakes’ are having an impact on the outcome of games.

Manziel loses starting job

Last week Johnny Manziel was riding high after the Browns made him starting quarterback, for the rest of the season, and the NFL decided not to discipline him for an incident involving his girlfriend.

One week later, and without playing a single game, coach, Mike Pettine, demoted Manziel to third quarterback, behind Josh McCown and Connor Shaw.

The decision followed the release of a series of photos and videos that show Manziel allegedly partying during the Browns’ bye week, and holding a champagne bottle, just months after completing rehab.

Commenting on his decision, Pettine said: “Everyone in this organisation wants what is best for Johnny just like we do for every player in our locker room…

“The improvements from last year to this year have been tremendous but he still has to consistently demonstrate that he has gained a good understanding of what it takes to be successful at the quarterback position on this level. It goes well beyond the field.”

While there is potential for Manziel to take to the field for the Browns again, they are 2-8 and bottom of the AFC North and he has proven his on field capabilities, he needs to sort out his life off the field first.

Additional Note: It was announced this week that the Superbowl 50 halftime act will be revealed, during the Packers-Lions game, on Thursday, December 3.

Speculation is rife as to who will take to the stage, with suggestions including Maroon 5 and Bruno Mars.

Week Twelve Preview

San Diego Chargers @ Jacksonville Jaguars

In a surprising turn of events, the Jacksonville Jaguars are in the playoff race, third in the AFC South on 4-6, behind the Colts and the Texans, both on 5-5.

With home-field advantage, the Jaguars have to put pressure on Philip Rivers, a quarterback, who in week six almost beat Aaron Rodger’s Packers at Lambeau Field, before Green Bay’s offense started to disintegrate.

To do this, the Jaguars front four need to be more effective and get sacks, with cornerback, Aaron Colvin, having registered the most.

If the Jaguars can put pressure on Rivers, early and often, he could hand them valuable opportunities by mis-throwing the ball.

For the Chargers to prevent this, they need to establish a running game.

They have averaged 3.4 yards per rush this season, which has forced Rivers to rely on receivers getting open.

With the Jaguars playing well, the Chargers need to give Rivers more options and keep hold of the ball.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Indianapolis Colts

This match-up sees the NFL’s youngest starting quarterback, 21-year-old, Jameis Winston, take on the league’s oldest, 40-year-old, Matt Hasslebeck.

Winston tied a rookie record last weekend with five touchdown passes in the game against the Eagles, and has helped transform the Buccaneers offense into a dynamic force that is fun to watch.

The Colts are tied with Houston atop the AFC South, but with many players out injured, things are getting harder.

Hasslebeck managed to steer the team out of trouble in the game against the Falcons, to keep his perfect record, as he stands in for a battered Andrew Luck.

The Colts will need to keep Winston off the field for as long as possible, to give themselves the best chance of getting that all important win.

New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos

With Peyton Manning injured this is not the clash everyone was hoping for, but with both teams coming off big wins and wanting to keep the momentum going, it could get interesting.

The Patriots, despite being undefeated, are starting to look vulnerable, with several big players out injured.

However, one of the keys to their success over the past 15 years has been Brady and Belichick’s ability to adapt to the team they have, on any given week, and still play well.

The Bronco’s defense, currently one of the best in the league, will want to take a leaf out of Rex Ryan’s playbook, after the Bills managed to limit Rob Gronkowski to two catches for 27 yards, by double teaming him on Monday Night.

Fans were given an insight into coach, Gary Kubrick’s, game plan for the Bronco’s offense, as he took complete control of play calling last weekend.

Back-up quarterback, Brock Osweiler, proved capable of getting points on the board, but was slow to start, something he will have to change this week, as Brady won’t willingly give him many opportunities.

Those wanting another Brady/Manning showdown will have to hope for a playoff match-up and a healthy Peyton Manning.

However, a young Tom Brady took the world by surprise when he defeated the talented Manning, in 2001.

Perhaps Osweiler can pull off a similar surprise and hand the Patriots their first defeat of the season.

Next Week: It’s the next chapter in one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL, as the Dallas Cowboys visit the Washington Redskins.