Introduction: Keiser University, a name synonymous with academic excellence and innovation, stands out as a beacon in the landscape of higher education. With a rich history, a commitment to student success, and a forward-thinking approach to education, Keiser University has become a trusted institution for learners seeking a transformative educational experience. In this article, we will explore the key facets that define Keiser University and contribute to its standing as a prominent educational institution.

History and Founding Principles: Established in 1977 by Dr. Arthur Keiser, Keiser University has its roots firmly planted in a commitment to providing career-focused education. The institution was founded with the goal of addressing the demand for skilled professionals in various industries, and this commitment to practical, career-oriented learning remains a cornerstone of Keiser University’s identity.

Accreditation and Academic Rigor: One of the pillars supporting Keiser University’s reputation is its commitment to academic rigor and accreditation. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a mark of quality assurance in higher education. This accreditation ensures that Keiser University meets or exceeds established standards for educational quality and institutional effectiveness.

Career-Focused Programs: Keiser University distinguishes itself by offering a wide array of career-focused programs. Whether in business, healthcare, information technology, or the arts, each program is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen professions. The curriculum is continuously updated to align with industry trends, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the workforce.

Modern Learning Environment: Keiser University embraces modernity in its approach to education. State-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and innovative teaching methods contribute to a dynamic learning environment. The institution recognizes the importance of staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of education, and this commitment to modernity enhances the overall educational experience for students.

Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention: A distinguishing feature of Keiser University is its commitment to maintaining small class sizes and providing personalized attention to students. This student-centric approach fosters a sense of community and allows for meaningful interactions between students and faculty. The intimate learning environment facilitates a more engaged and personalized educational experience.

Online and Flexible Learning Options: Acknowledging the diverse needs of today’s learners, Keiser University offers a range of learning options, including online and hybrid programs. This flexibility accommodates students with various schedules and preferences, making education accessible to a broader audience.

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility: Keiser University actively engages with the community through outreach programs, partnerships with local organizations, and community service initiatives. The institution instills a sense of social responsibility in its students, emphasizing the importance of making a positive impact beyond the classroom.

Conclusion: Keiser University stands as a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation, providing a holistic and dynamic educational experience. With a focus on academic excellence, career-oriented programs, modern learning environments, and a commitment to community engagement, Keiser University continues to shape the future of education. For those seeking a transformative and forward-thinking educational journey, Keiser University remains a compelling choice.

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Introduction: A crucial component of any educational institution is its course catalog, serving as a roadmap for students on their academic journey. Keiser University, known for its commitment to excellence, offers a diverse array of programs designed to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. In this article, we will delve into the Keiser University Course Catalog, exploring the various programs, specialties, and unique features that make it an indispensable resource for students seeking a quality education.

Diverse Range of Programs: The Keiser University Course Catalog is a treasure trove of educational opportunities, featuring a diverse range of programs across various disciplines. From business and healthcare to information technology and the arts, the catalog reflects the institution’s commitment to providing students with a comprehensive and well-rounded education.

Specialized Degrees and Concentrations: One of the strengths of the Keiser University Course Catalog lies in its offering of specialized degrees and concentrations. Whether students are interested in a specific area within their chosen field or wish to explore interdisciplinary options, the catalog provides a detailed overview of the available concentrations, allowing for a tailored educational experience.

Flexible Learning Options: Keiser University understands the evolving needs of today’s learners and, consequently, offers flexible learning options. The course catalog outlines traditional on-campus programs as well as online and hybrid courses, providing students with the flexibility to choose a format that aligns with their lifestyle and preferences.

Real-World Applicability: An outstanding feature of the Keiser University Course Catalog is the emphasis on real-world applicability. The curriculum for each program is carefully crafted to equip students with practical skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to their chosen industries. This commitment to applied learning enhances graduates’ readiness for the workforce.

Faculty Expertise: The course catalog introduces students to the esteemed faculty members who play a pivotal role in delivering quality education. Faculty profiles provide insights into their academic backgrounds, industry experience, and research contributions, offering students a glimpse into the expertise that will shape their learning experience.

Comprehensive Course Descriptions: Within the Keiser University Course Catalog, students can find detailed course descriptions for each program and course offered. These descriptions outline learning objectives, prerequisites, and the skills students can expect to develop, providing a comprehensive overview of the academic journey.

Academic Policies and Procedures: In addition to detailing programs and courses, the course catalog also serves as a reference for academic policies and procedures. Students can find information on admission requirements, grading systems, and other essential guidelines to navigate their academic path successfully.

Conclusion: The Keiser University Course Catalog stands as a cornerstone of the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and student success. With its diverse range of programs, specialized concentrations, flexible learning options, emphasis on real-world applicability, esteemed faculty, and comprehensive course descriptions, the catalog is an invaluable resource for both prospective and current students. Navigating this guide opens the door to a world of educational opportunities, providing a roadmap for students to pursue their academic aspirations at Keiser University.

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Introduction: Choosing the right university is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact one’s academic and professional journey. Among the myriad of options available, Keiser University often emerges as a compelling choice for many students. However, the question persists: Is Keiser University worth it? In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive examination of the factors that contribute to the value proposition of Keiser University.

Academic Reputation and Accreditation: Keiser University boasts a solid academic reputation built on its commitment to excellence. Accredited by reputable accrediting bodies, the university ensures that its programs meet rigorous standards. Prospective students can rest assured that a degree from Keiser University holds weight in the professional world, offering a solid foundation for career advancement.

Career-Focused Programs: One of the defining features that make Keiser University worth considering is its emphasis on career-focused programs. The curriculum is designed to align with industry needs, providing students with practical skills and knowledge relevant to their chosen fields. This focus on real-world applicability enhances graduates’ employability and positions them for success in their careers.

Flexible Learning Options: Keiser University recognizes the diverse needs of its student body, offering flexible learning options such as online courses and blended learning. This adaptability accommodates individuals with various schedules and learning preferences, making education more accessible and convenient.

Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention: A key aspect contributing to the value of a Keiser University education is the commitment to small class sizes and personalized attention. Unlike larger institutions, Keiser prioritizes creating an intimate learning environment where students can engage with faculty, receive individualized support, and actively participate in their education.

Support Services: Keiser University invests in comprehensive support services to ensure the success of its students. From academic advising to career counseling, the institution is dedicated to providing the resources necessary for students to thrive throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Modern Facilities and Technology: Keiser University continually invests in modern facilities and technology to enhance the learning experience. State-of-the-art labs, up-to-date equipment, and cutting-edge technology contribute to a dynamic educational environment, preparing students for the demands of today’s workforce.

Alumni Success Stories: The success stories of Keiser University alumni serve as a testament to the institution’s value. Many graduates have gone on to achieve notable success in their respective fields, showcasing the practical impact of a Keiser education on professional trajectories.

Financial Considerations: While the benefits of a Keiser University education are evident, it’s essential to consider the financial aspect. Prospective students should weigh the cost of tuition against the potential return on investment in terms of career opportunities and earning potential.

Conclusion: Is Keiser University worth it? The answer lies in the alignment of its offerings with your academic and career goals. With a strong academic reputation, career-focused programs, flexible learning options, personalized attention, support services, modern facilities, and successful alumni, Keiser University presents a compelling case for those seeking a valuable and transformative educational experience. Ultimately, prospective students should carefully assess their individual needs, aspirations, and financial considerations to determine if Keiser University is the right fit for them.

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Introduction: Keiser University Tradition stands as a testament to academic excellence, innovation, and a commitment to shaping the future of education. As a prominent institution, Keiser University Tradition has carved a niche for itself by blending tradition with modernity, creating a unique learning environment that has garnered widespread recognition. In this article, we will delve into the rich tradition of Keiser University Tradition and explore the factors that have contributed to its success.

Founding Principles: Founded on the principles of providing accessible, career-focused education, Keiser University Tradition has remained true to its core values since its inception. The university’s commitment to fostering an environment of academic rigor, ethical conduct, and student success has set the foundation for its tradition of excellence.

Academic Excellence: Keiser University Tradition has consistently placed a strong emphasis on academic excellence across its diverse range of programs. From business and healthcare to information technology and the arts, the university’s curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields. The commitment to rigorous academic standards has contributed to the institution’s reputation for producing highly qualified and sought-after graduates.

Innovative Teaching Methods: One of the hallmarks of Keiser University Tradition is its dedication to staying at the forefront of educational innovation. The institution has embraced modern teaching methods, integrating technology into the learning experience. Blended learning, online courses, and state-of-the-art facilities are just a few examples of how Keiser University Tradition has adapted to meet the needs of today’s students.

Student-Centric Approach: A key element of Keiser University Tradition’s tradition is its unwavering focus on the student experience. The institution goes beyond conventional teaching methods, providing personalized attention, small class sizes, and comprehensive support services. This student-centric approach fosters a supportive learning community where students can thrive academically and personally.

Diversity and Inclusion: The tradition of Keiser University Tradition extends to embracing diversity and promoting an inclusive campus environment. Recognizing the value of a diverse student body and faculty, the university has actively worked to create a welcoming atmosphere for individuals from various backgrounds. This commitment to diversity enhances the overall learning experience and prepares students for success in a globalized world.

Community Engagement: Keiser University Tradition takes pride in its tradition of community engagement. Through various outreach programs, partnerships with local organizations, and community service initiatives, the institution encourages students to make a positive impact beyond the classroom. This commitment to social responsibility is an integral part of the university’s tradition and contributes to the holistic development of its students.

Conclusion: Keiser University Tradition’s rich tradition is a blend of founding principles, academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, a student-centric approach, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement. As the institution continues to evolve, it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a transformative education that prepares students for success in their chosen careers and in life. The tradition of excellence at Keiser University Tradition is not merely a historical legacy but an ongoing commitment to shaping the future of education.

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Introduction: In a surprising turn of events, Keiser University, a well-known institution with a strong reputation, has recently announced its closure. This decision has left many students, faculty, and the community in shock, prompting a closer look at the circumstances surrounding this development. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Keiser University’s closure and discuss the potential impact on its stakeholders.

Understanding the Keiser University Closure: Keiser University, a prominent player in the education sector, has been providing quality education for several years. However, a combination of factors has led to its unexpected decision to close its doors. While the university has not released an official statement, industry experts speculate that financial challenges, changing educational landscapes, and shifting student preferences may have contributed to this decision.

Financial Challenges: Running an educational institution comes with its own set of financial challenges, and Keiser University is no exception. Rising operational costs, decreased enrollment rates, and changes in government funding for higher education can all impact the financial stability of a university. It is crucial to understand the specific financial hurdles that Keiser University faced and how they may have influenced the decision to close.

Changing Educational Landscapes: The field of higher education is constantly evolving, with new technologies and teaching methodologies emerging regularly. Institutions that fail to adapt to these changes may find themselves struggling to attract and retain students. Keiser University’s closure may be a reflection of its challenges in keeping up with the dynamic nature of the educational landscape.

Shifting Student Preferences: Student preferences play a significant role in the success or failure of educational institutions. Changes in students’ preferences for online learning, flexible schedules, and alternative education models can impact traditional brick-and-mortar universities. Keiser University’s closure could be a result of its inability to align with these changing preferences and provide the educational experience that modern students seek.

Impact on Students and Faculty: The closure of Keiser University undoubtedly has a profound impact on its students and faculty members. Current students may face challenges in completing their education, while faculty members may find themselves seeking new employment opportunities. This situation emphasizes the importance of clear communication and support services for those affected by the closure.

Conclusion: The closure of Keiser University serves as a reminder of the challenges that educational institutions face in today’s rapidly changing landscape. As we navigate these changes, it is essential to learn from such experiences and work towards creating a more resilient and adaptable education system. The impact on students and faculty should not be overlooked, and efforts should be made to support those affected by this closure.

In the coming months, the educational community will likely witness further discussions and analyses surrounding Keiser University’s closure. As we move forward, it is crucial for institutions to assess their financial strategies, adapt to evolving educational landscapes, and prioritize the needs and preferences of their students. Only by doing so can universities hope to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic environment.

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Watch Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira full fight video highlights from the main event of UFC 280, courtesy of the UFC and other outlets.

UFC 280: Oliveira vs. Makhachev took place Oct. 22 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (33-9, 1 NC) and Islam Makhachev (23-1) collided with the vacant UFC lightweight title on the line in the night’s main event.

Catch the video highlights below.

Round 1

Oliveira comes out in orthodox, Islam in southpaw. Oliveira leafs with a jumping kick that misses by a lot and he’s bring the pressure early. Islam lands a left hand early that gets Oliveira’s attention. We’re getting right to it.

Oliveira steps in and grabs a body lock and goes to the floor with Islam on top of him. Oliveira is cut open but he’s got the legs working already, fishing for a triangle. Islam defends and starts chipping away from full guard. The crowd chants “Islam.”

Oliveira trapping arms in the full guard. Islam staying heavy and defensive, looking for shots. Oliveira lands an elbow from the bottom. Islam uses a scramble from Oliveira to pass and bow Oliveira is looking to sweep. He can’t but he uses it to get to the feet and now he’s got a clinch with Islam against fence. Knee from Oliveira lands.

Islam hits a hip toss/trip from here though and he’s in top half guard. Oliveira gets guard back though. Islam staying heavy, and back to work. Good pace to start. Islam has Oliveira in his corner though and now he smashing him down and chipping away. Oliveira isn’t getting much going right now here and Islam postures which gets Oliveira fighting grips.

Short elbows from Islam, just making Oliveira uncomfortable. Oliveira still using an overhook to hold an arm and look for attacks. Islam using the fence theo crush Oliveira though and now he opens up with some big ground and pound. Oliveira defends now, but more elbows. So far, it’s Islam winning the ground game.

Islam stacks wit short time and Oliveira lands a big upkick and some elbows before the horn.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Makhachev.

Round 2

Watching the replay, great left hand from Makhachev tagged Islam early. He was getting wild on the feet though. And he’s breathing a bit heavy in the corner.

Oliveira on the attack to start Round 2, but Islam staying away. Lands a good left hand and gets a clinch ere he lands a knee. Oliveira lands a good elbow though and looks for his own takedown, but Islam defends. Now Islam has Oliveira against the fence, using an underhook and looking to drag him down.

Islam gets double unders and Oliveira really doing well to fight off this takedown. He blocks one but Islam staying tight to him. Big knee from both men inside and we get a break.

Islam lands a big left counter but Oliveira is pressuring again and lands a body kick. Islam lands again but so does Oliveira. Oliveira shakes his arms out though, might be feeling the wrestling so far. And Islam is on the lead now and lands a right hand.

Head kick blocked by Oliveira. He’s showing better defense this fight, but less offense. He’s taking his time right now but gets tagged stepping in.

HUGE RIGHT HAND FROM ISLAM DROPS OLIVEIRA!!!!

He’s hurt!!!!! Islam goes after him and Oliveira is in serious trouble! Islam on top and immediately looking for an arm-triangle and HE DID IT!!!! OLIVEIRA TAPS!!!!!!!

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Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Plus the surging Giants, the sorry Cardinals and more Winners and Losers.

There are good teams in the NFL, bad ones, and every striation in between — but no organization looks more disinterested in playing football this season than the Green Bay Packers. Even when this team has been winning it’s in the most bland, uninteresting fashion. Every step of the way, and each week that passes we’re seeing the pride, the bravado, the swagger of the Packers fade, and the loss to the Jets on Sunday was the final rattle. We can call it, time of death approximately 3 p.m. CT, October 16th.

It’s really tempting to put this all at Aaron Rodgers’ feet. To point out how woefully uninspired he was about returning to football this year. Rodgers seemed far more interested in embarking on his “free thinker” crusade, doing ayahuasca to find himself, and displaying infinitely more life during Tuesday appearances on The Pat MacAfee Show than Sundays for the Packers.

There’s a joke here about Rodgers quiet quitting Green Bay, but man … I don’t know if I can blame him at this point. Reduced to brass tacks, yes, the Packers are losing because of Rodgers — not insofar as he’s costing them games, but rather that he just seems over trying to pull off superhuman heroics to get the team over the line every single time. So much of this team’s ethos during the Rodgers era has been about a quarterback so obscenely talented that he’s able to mitigate a mostly-lacking running game, receivers who are never replenished, and an up-and-down defense to still not only win games, but a damn Super Bowl.

That’s where this idea of Rodgers “quiet quitting” comes from, and as much as the concept of filling a professional role without destroying a work/life balance is argued and abhorred by older generations, I get it. This is a hopeless, lost, sad team and head coach Matt LeFleur is a huge reason why. This is not an offense that was having success against the Jets. The pass rush was teeing off on Rodgers all afternoon, the offensive line was completely overwhelmed — and No. 12 struggled to throw just 6.0 YPA on the game.

What do you do when this is happening? You flip the script, even if you’re down. There is value in stabilizing, instead of continuing to throw when it’s not working — but the Packers’ run/pass balance was an utter mess. Green Bay quarterbacks (including Jordan Love’s late replacement snaps) passed a total of 45 times, running the ball only 19 times. Sure, maybe this makes some logical sense if all your talent is stacked at wide receiver, but this team has effectively no talent at WR. Allen Lazard would be, at best, a No. 2 option on most top teams, and I think I’m even being generous there. In Green Bay he’s the No. 1, and on Sunday there was no separation by Randall Cobb or Romeo Doubs to make up the difference.

This led to tight end Robert Tonyan being the biggest receiving threat at Lambeau on Sunday, which is embarrassing. He’s a fine player, sure — but watching the Packers this season is like watching Lewis Hamilton be asked to drive a Toyota Corolla in the British GP. It’s just sad to watch.

You know things are going atrociously wrong when a ROOKIE FOR THE NEW YORK JETS is stunting on you at home.

Rodgers is playing football the same way Dante opened the Quick Stop in Clerks: Hastily, agitated, muttering to himself “I’m not even supposed to be here today,” and trying to coast along on the bare minimum. I can’t even blame him anymore, because no top quarterback is being asked to do more, with less — and I just don’t think he’s interested in carrying any entire organization anymore.

The fire he once had to prove this organization didn’t need to draft another QB when they selected Love — it’s been snuffed. Instead Rodgers is just turning up to work, punching the clock, and getting out of there as soon as possible. It wouldn’t be a problem if he wasn’t just signed to a massive extension.

This week the Packers are the biggest, most colossal losers — and they only have themselves to blame.

Winner: The New York Football Giants

The only way the Giants’ success doesn’t make sense is if you’re stuck in the thinking that teams can’t win without a quarterback — which has been categorically proven to be false over the years.

Perhaps the strangest thing about all this is that Daniel Jones, who is unquestionably a mediocre quarterback, is more or less playing on-par with circa 2007 Eli Manning, who was also mediocre as hell, when the team won the Super Bowl.

Eli Manning (2007): 3,336 yards, 23 TD, 20 INT, 6.2 YPA — 73.9 passer rating
Daniel Jones (2022, adjusted for 16 games): 2,722 yards, 13 TD, 5 INT — 90.15 passer rating

Granted, the 2022 defense isn’t as talented as the 2007 iteration when Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, and Michael Strahan were wrecking shop — but they’re not that far off. Meanwhile the running game is light years ahead, with Saquon Barkley on pace for over 1,800 yards rushing, compared to Brandon Jacobs’ 1,006 in ‘07. This difference in production more than makes up for the passing differential, and yeah … in a weak NFC I would not be shocked to see this team make a run.

Scoff at that all you want, but bad QBs have rings — Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson come to mind first, and god, it would be so weird to have to utter the phrase “Daniel Jones, Super Bowl winning quarterback” but this Giants team keeps finding ways to win.

Just like they did in 2007.

Loser: The sorry-ass Cardinals

We’re past excuses time. The Cardinals are just bad. This was a team supposed to be challenging for the NFC West championship, not whatever they’re doing right now. I also don’t want to hear receiver excuses — because a lot of teams don’t have optimal players right now.

Furthermore, I don’t think you can add DeAndre Hopkins back to this team and say “yes, they’ll make the playoffs now.” There is no running game, the offense is completely lost, and the strategy right now is basically tantamount to asking Kyler Murray to play hero ball, and he’s struggling to do everything himself.

While it’s nice to see Kliff Kingsbury take on the blame, saying it’s on him — we’re also beyond the point of that being acceptable. On Sunday the Cardinals faced a Seattle team who have given up 30.8 points per game this season, and Arizona scored nine. They are playing so far below their potential there are no answers, and that’s led to players refusing to offer comments, or avoid interviews.

That’s a bad sign, and I don’t have confidence that anyone in that organization knows how to get things back on track.

Winner: Bailey Zappe

Is it time to start talking about Zappe? I think it might be time to start talking about Bailey Zappe. What kind of witchcraft is this? Anyway, the Patriots were really mired in a looming quarterback crisis which came out of nowhere.

Mac Jones was never an outstanding QB, but he was safe with the football and gave New England a chance to win — then he totally lost it this season and became the Patriots liability.

Now we’re facing a wild scenario: The Patriots getting a potential franchise QB nobody else was looking at, deep on their board. That’s never happened before, I’m sure of it.

Serious though, Zappe is showing an incredible command of the pocket, poise under pressure, and he’s making all the right plays. On Sunday he was facing a solid Browns defense (which should be better than they’re playing), but he still shredded them and for 309 yards on 34 attempts. It’s impactful, high efficiency football without making mistakes.

We can pump the breaks just a little on Zappe because everyone got carried away with Jones a year ago too, but just watch this space. We could be seeing something special.

Loser: Everything about this

The Panthers are a flaming dumpster fire, and in one moment one of their most likely trade chips just tanked his own value and ensured Carolina would get almost nothing for him.

Winner: Buffalo, obviously

I don’t think we should read too deep into the game vs. the Chiefs, because it was a shootout and without doubt the best matchup of the weekend. That said, there’s value in building confidence against a team that good, especially after looking shaky in back-to-back weeks against the Dolphins and Ravens.

Buffalo got back on track, returned to looking like the scariest team in the NFL, and this bodes well for the future.

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The Dolphins’ stadium gives the home team a 30-degree reprieve from the boiling sun

As the Miami Dolphins hosted the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 6 matchup, the truest home field advantage in the NFL gained a significant amount of exposure thanks to the FOX broadcast crew. With the the game in the second quarter, FOX cameras showed the difference in the temperature on each sideline at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

The Vikings’ sideline was about 122 degrees Fahrenheit, while the Dolphins sideline was about 90 degrees. Minnesota was ultimately able to overcome their scorching sideline with a 24-16 win, but not before the thermometer reading went viral.

There’s a logical explanation for the temperature difference inside the stadium, and let’s just say it’s not an accident that Miami’s side is cooler.

When Hard Rock Stadium was renovated in 2015 and 2016, the Dolphins wisely gave themselves some shade on the sidelines while visiting teams cooked under the sun.

This has been issue for away teams coming to Miami for a few years now. Back in 2019, the Patriots tried to pitch tents over their sidelines in a game they went on to win 43-0. Bills fans were also not happy about the temperature difference on the sidelines when Buffalo lost its only game of this season at Miami. Reddit has been on this for at least four years.

Hard Rock Stadium was absolutely designed to give the Dolphins a ton of shade on their sideline during hot days in southern Florida, while the away team cooked under the sun. It didn’t help the Dolphins against the Vikings on Sunday, and it really hasn’t helped them much at all since the stadium was redesigned: Miami’s 2016 trip to the playoffs was only time in the last 13 years they’ve played in the postseason entering this season.

Just remember, next time your favorite team travels to Miami in late summer or early fall, bring your own shade. The stadium design isn’t doing the away team any favors.

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Months of extensions and acquisitions made this play for the Bills, and it came to fruition Sunday

Sometimes, a plan takes months to come to fruition.

Rarely do you get instant results and long-term improvement, but the Buffalo Bills might have done just that through their defensive talent acquisition and retainment this season. It all came to light on the final play of their 24-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Let’s set the stage: in 2021, the Bills signed LB Matt Milano to a contract extension worth $44 million, and it might be more of a value play now than it ever has been. Milano has simply been one of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL, and his versatility in zone coverage and locking down bigger targets has been extremely valuable to a Bills team that plays a lot of man and zone matching coverages.

In October the Bills signed slot defender Taron Johnson to a three year, $24 million contract extension. Johnson has proven to be one of the best slot defenders in the NFL, a role that’s growing as the NFL moves their best receivers into the slot to try and create favorable matchups.

Once the Bills hit the offseason, they signed Von Miller to a six year, $120 million contract to rev up their pass rush, in hopes that when this game against this team came around, the results would be different.

And they were massively different, from the personnel all the way to the execution of the play.

On the final play of the game, the Chiefs came out in 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs). They’re in a trips set with three receivers to one side and one receiver tight to the other side. The Bills matched this with dime personnel, with three pass rushers, two linebackers and six defensive backs. This is notable, because before this game, Dime personnel was not in the Bills defensive diet. This was the game they had to break it out, they knew they would need it against Kansas City.

What’s also notable is dropping eight people into coverage. The Bills also NEVER do that, but now that you have Von Miller, you can rush three and drop eight, while still getting pressure. It’s why you go get Von Miller.

Before the snap, Milano is lined up to look like a pass rusher, but when the ball is snapped, he becomes a spy, designed to pressure Mahomes the moment he breaks contain. Miller uses an inside rush to force Mahomes out of the pocket to Milano. This is important because on the previous drives, Miller ended said drives with sacks and pressures, taking the game over up front.

In coverage, the Bills run a version of Cover 2, with a “Trap” call to the three-receiver side. This means the outside corner, Christian Benford in this example, will cut off any out-breaking route by the second receiver, and the safety to that side will take any vertical route by the outside receiver. What makes this fun is that they’re running zone to one side, and man to another, meaning that this is a zone match coverage to the field side.

Zone match coverage is kind of like a scientific hypothesis: IF X does this, THEN I will do Y. For example, let’s use Taron Johnson in this case. IF the second receiver runs an out and Travis Kelce runs a curl, THEN I’ll break on any route threatening my zone. It requires a lot of communication and experience, which is why they went and extended Johnson. For plays and moments like this.

The pressure forces Mahomes to his right, and Milano triggers on his first outside move. Because Mahomes sees the corners in press alignment, he assumes that he’ll have Skyy Moore on the drag in case he gets pressured. That’s when Johnson jumps the route and seals the game.

For one play, in that one moment, the Bills building and offseason acquisition of Von Miller proved to be useful, because all of those moves were made with this one team in mind. To beat the boogeyman wearing 15 for Kansas City. The Bills got the one up on the Chiefs, and possibly hold the keys to the playoff picture in the AFC.

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Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

New England is 3-3, but they now know what they are on offense

Early in the fourth quarter on Sunday, New England Patriots rookie passer Bailey Zappe linked up with wide receiver Jakobi Meyers on a 27-yard gain, to get the Patriots near midfield against the Cleveland Browns.

The play was one of many in New England’s comfortable 38-15 win on the road, and with the Patriots enjoying a 24-9 lead at the time of the completion, it did not wildly impact the Patriots’ win probability in the moment.

So why would anyone lead a column about the New England offense with that play? Because in many ways, it sums up the Patriots offense to this point in the season, as it was a variation, a change-of-pace, from one of their core offensive concepts, and helps illustrate how the Patriots have improved to 3-3 on the season, with a new offensive playcaller and a rookie fourth-round pick at the helm of their offense.

With 14:30 left in the game, the rookie passer making just his second NFL start lined up under center, for a 1st down play. Given the Patriots were ahead by 15 running the football was certainly on the menu, as the visitors looked to salt away the victory. Prior to the snap, it certainly looked like the Patriots were going to run the football, as they used 12 personnel, putting a pair of tight ends in the game.

That made the situation ideal for a play-action design, which is exactly what offensive playcaller and de facto offensive coordinator Matt Patricia sent in to his quarterback. The fact that Patricia went play-action in that moment was not notable, but the design was. Patricia dialed up a variation on the popular post/over concept that every team runs at least once on an NFL Sunday, including the Patriots, who ran it midway through the second quarter, with Jakobi Meyers catching a throw from Zappe on the over route for a 20-yard gain, also with 12 personnel on the field:

Then in the fourth quarter, the Patriots and Patricia hit Cleveland with the change-up.

On the right side of the formation, wide receiver Meyers ran the deep out-breaking pattern, first selling the defense on the over route he ran earlier in the game before breaking back towards the sideline. Watch as both the cornerback and the free safety anticipate Meyers breaking towards the middle of the field and react accordingly, only to be caught peeking as Meyers breaks towards the outside:

This little tweak is emblematic of the adjustments the Patriots have made over the past few weeks. Not just in terms of crafting an offense for a rookie, fourth-round draft pick, but in terms of the adjustments in the running game, and the willingness to lean into what the team does best, and not what the coaches hoped the offense would be.

All summer long, the stories out of New England relayed a new approach on offense, with an emphasis on condensed formations and outside zone running plays, with some boot-action designs off of those run looks sprinkled in. These were not necessarily new plays in the Patriots’ playbook — you can find these designs back in their 2003 playbook for example — but the emphasis was new.

However, the results did not instill confidence, as the offense sputtered and struggled in training camp. The palace intrigue over who would be calling plays gave way to concern over what plays would be called.

Then, the games began, and the Patriots opened the year with a loss to the Miami Dolphins. In that game, New England ran nine plays charted as outside zone runs, according to data from Sports Info Solutions. Only the Cincinnati Bengals ran more in the first week of the season.

Since then, they have only run 11 such plays, fifth-fewest in the league, according to SIS. Now, data is not in from Sunday’s game against the Browns, but from watching that game, it did not change. Studying that game, by my eye the Patriots ran three outside zone concepts on Sunday against the Browns.

Because during this stretch, the Patriots have shifted their focus in the ground game, relying more on gap and power concepts. Again, while the data from Sunday is not in yet, after Week 1 the Patriots ran 33 plays charted as gap or power concepts, which was fifth-most in the NFL during that four-game stretch.

On those 33 runs, according to SIS, they averaged 7.2 yards per carry (third-most in the league on those plays) and an Expected Points Added per Attempt (EPA/A) of 0.17, fourth-most in the league on those plays.

Another shift? More success on inside zone running designs. Back in Week 1, the Patriots ran five such plays, gaining just nine yards. Yet, they did not move away from the concept, and in Weeks 2 through 5, they ran 37 plays charted as inside zone, the second-most in the league during that period. On those plays, the Patriots posted an EPA/A of 0.08, eighth-most in the league.

Sunday’s big play in the running game, a 31-yard touchdown from Rhamondre Stevenson? It came on an inside zone design:

Even if this was the only adjustment made by the New England offense over the past few weeks, Patricia, Joe Judge and the rest of the offensive staff would deserve credit. For all the hand-wringing about who would be calling plays, and what those plays would be, from back in the summer, this coaching staff has done something that at times is rare in the NFL.

Change course.

Often, we see coaches come in and believe that their schematic philosophy is the solution to anything that ails an offense or a defense. Their schemes will solve the problems, and the players running the plays need to get on board. Under Bill Belichick, however, the Patriots have bucked this trend. They find what their players do best, and lean into those concepts on both sides of the ball.

A prime example comes from the 2018 season, when New England leaned into a 21 personnel, power running game down the stretch. That got them into the playoffs, and earned them a first-round bye in the postseason. This despite having Tom Brady under center, and having a vision of spread-heavy attack relying mightily on the passing game.

Now, despite the preseason vision of an offense relying heavily on outside zone concepts in the running game, the Patriots have again found a different approach, and leaned into what fits their personnel best.

Of course, the running game is just part of the story. The past few weeks, Patricia has been calling plays not for Mac Jones, their incumbent starting quarterback, but Zappe, a fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky who played one season of FBS football. The coaching staff has found ways to put Zappe in position to succeed, partly thanks to what they are doing in the running game, and partly through a holdover aspect of their preseason emphasis in the running game.

We can start with that latter point. One of the reasons the Patriots wanted to incorporate more outside zone running plays into their offense was a desire to operate out of more condensed formations, with more bunch looks from their receivers? Why? As a means of creating separation for those receivers due to formation and alignment. By compressing the field a bit, and putting more bodies into smaller areas, the Patriots could create traffic, springing receivers open in the passing game.

Take this play from last week against the Detroit Lions, as Meyers works himself open on a pivot route out of a bunch formation:

Or take this play from Sunday against the Browns:

In both examples, the Patriots operate out of a condensed, three-receiver bunch to one side of the field. You can see how these condensed formations stress the defense, by creating traffic and forcing the defenders to adjust as the receivers switch paths off the line of scrimmage. That puts the secondary into a read-and-react mode, which is a good thing for an offense. On the first play, Meyers is open on a pivot route, and Zappe hits him in stride to move the chains on 3rd and 5. In the example from Sunday, Kendrick Bourne gets open on a simple curl route, allowing Zappe to hit him in the space created by the releases of the other two receivers in the bunch.

The result? A 17-yard gain on 3rd and 7 to move the chains.

This holdover element from the emphasis in the running game from the summer has paid off in the passing game for New England.

The other aspect to the passing game that has worked with Zappe at the helm? Play-action designs off of their inside zone and power concepts. We have already seen this with the first two clips, but consider this play from Week 5 against the Lions. Another example of the Patriots running that post/over concept, working off a fake in the inside run game:

Then on Sunday against the Browns, Patricia again leaned into this inside run game to create a big play in the passing game. With the Patriots facing a 3rd and 1, they lined up in a heavy package, with reserve tackle Marcus Cannon in the game as a third tight end. Zappe faked an inside handoff to Stevenson, before hitting tight end Hunter Henry on an out route for a 31-yard touchdown:

Credit to Zappe on this play, for hanging in the pocket against a pressure package from Cleveland and punishing the blitz with the touchdown, something the rookie quarterback did well on Sunday:

Again, adjusting the offense to what you do well, leaning into that in both the passing game and the running game, and building off of those concepts to hit the defense with some change-ups. That is what good playcallers do, and it is what Patricia has done over the past few weeks.

The result? The Patriots are now 3-3, having been left for dead after a 1-3 start and with Jones sidelined with a high-ankle sprain. Instead of wondering whether New England was done and dusted, now we are asking if this can continue, and whether the Patriots actually have a quarterback controversy.

Let’s deal with the second point first. Perhaps the best way to frame what New England is facing at the quarterback position came from Matt Chatham, a former linebacker for the Patriots, when he termed the situation in New England not as a quarterback controversy, but a quarterback “luxury:”

Similar to the success of Cooper Rush for the Dallas Cowboys, at least prior to Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, the success of Zappe these past few weeks have bought the Patriots time. Time to let Jones completely heal so he can return at full strength for the second half of the season.

Having a solid backup option is today’s NFL is a luxury few teams enjoy. For many, if the starter goes down, the season goes south. Zappe’s play has given Jones time to heal, and it has also shown the coaching staff that if something happens to Jones in the future, the offense will be in capable hands.

When Jones is healthy, he is the starter in New England. But now the Patriots know if that changes, or the second-year passer suddenly becomes ineffective, they have an option behind him. Because Zappe has played well, and while his second touchdown pass Sunday was likely due more to scheme, situation and execution from those around him, his first touchdown pass was a result of his quick thinking in the pocket:

New England faces a 3rd and goal from the 2-yard line, and Patricia dials up a rub concept to the right side of the formation, where Henry and Meyers are aligned in a tight slot. Again, the Patriots are trying to create traffic, and spring Meyers open on a quick out route. But the Browns cover it well, and Zappe’s initial look is not an option.

What does the rookie do? He resets his eyes and feet to the middle of the field, spying fellow rookie Tyquan Thornton on a slant route. The rookie is open, and Zappe hits his second read on the play for the touchdown.

Zappe has been poised in the pocket, has made some big throws, and has shown solid decision-making for a rookie. And given the Patriots a solid backup option behind Jones, their first-round investment from a year ago.

As to the other question, and whether this can continue in New England. This was the stretch of the schedule where the Patriots would be expected to make some noise. After their first four games, they faced a three-game stretch with the Lions, Browns and next, the Chicago Bears. Three winnable games on their schedule. Following next week’s tilt against the Bears, the Patriots square off with the New York Jets, the Indianapolis Colts, and then the Jets again following their bye week.

Again, games that look winnable, although the Jets certainly look feisty right now.

That sets up their critical stretch to close the season out, with a pair of games against the Buffalo Bills, and a rematch of their Week 1 loss to the Dolphins. Throw in the Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving night, and the Cincinnati Bengals on Christmas Eve, and you have a tough slate of games in the drive to the playoffs.

But what have we seen from New England, that we have seen so many times before? A coaching staff taking the time in the first few weeks to figure out what they do best, and a corresponding emphasis on those elements as the team starts to gel and come together. It has been a winning recipe for the Patriots in the past, and while some of the names have changes, it looks like it could deliver similar results in New England this season.

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