advantage in the eighth end by scoring five points for a 7

PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Coach Rex Ryan was back to making predictions Wednesday, declaring that his Buffalo Bills defense will be better in 2016 despite key injuries to rookies Shaq Lawson (shoulder) and Reggie Ragland (knee), as well as Tuesdays four-game suspension of star defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.I see the big picture. I also see this defense is improving, Ryan said. Ive said it from Day 1: were going to be better. We will definitely be better than we were last year, in my opinion. Regardless of those [injuries and suspension], this defense will be better.The Bills finished 19th in yards allowed last season, which was Ryans first year as Bills coach. The team had the NFLs fourth-ranked defense in 2014 and Ryan predicted upon taking the job that his unit would be the NFLs best in 2015.Dareus was suspended for the first four games of the regular season for a violation of the NFLs substance abuse policy. The sixth-year defensive tackle and two-time Pro Bowler said Wednesday that he missed a drug test.I really dont have much to say, Dareus said. Words really doesnt mean anything now. Its all action. Thats all Im going to do. Im going to come back and do the best I can. I just apologize to my team and my family. I embarrassed my kids, and who I am and who Im working to be.The Bills rebuked Dareus, who was also suspended for the first game of last season following a marijuana arrest, in a statement Tuesday, saying he put himself first and let down the team.Im frustrated and disappointed, Ryan added Wednesday. As is everybody in this organization. Every teammate from top to bottom. And Im sure our fans are feeling the same way. We all know the sort of player Marcell is -- and hes a good person too -- but hes got to make better choices, better decisions, and understand that it affects the whole football team and not just himself.Dareus said he learned of the suspension following last Saturdays preseason-opening loss to the Indianapolis Colts, while Ryan said he found out at the same time [you reporters] learned.In addition to Dareus suspension, The Buffalo News reported Tuesday that outside linebacker Manny Lawson faces a possible one-game suspension for an unspecified domestic violence incident.Lawson adamantly denied the report Wednesday, saying his girlfriend texted him about it Tuesday and that Lawson immediately contacted the NFL to inquire about the report. He said Wednesday that he that has yet to hear back from the league.I honestly do not know what is happening or where that came from, but were looking to get into the bottom of it, Lawson said. I wish I knew [where it came from]. I dont know where and how or why that would come up about me, but were going to look into it.Ryan also was surprised about the report regarding Lawson.I never even heard about it [Tuesday]. I saw it in the [newspaper] today, Ryan said. I was like, When did this happen? So I never even knew about it last night or whenever it came out. So I can tell you this: I dont know anything about it. Steve Grogan Youth Jersey . Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced Wednesday that the team would assign Swedish forward Elias Lindholm to his nations team for the upcoming tournament. Stephon Gilmore Youth Jersey . Louis. To which I would say two things: 1. Where there is smoke, there is or perhaps has been a little fire. Or, in other words, the two teams would appear to have at least spoken. And spoken is defined as one calling the other to inquire, no more, no less. http://www.shoptheofficialpatriots.com/Elite-Tedy-Bruschi-Patriots-Jersey/ . 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TULSA, Okla. -- Albert Owens and Jalen Bradley matched their career highs with 21 points as Oral Roberts held off Division II Rogers State 87-76 on Monday night.Emmanuel Nzekwesi had nine points and pulled down 17 rebounds for Oral Roberts (1-1). Aaron Anderson chipped in 11 points and had nine boards, six assists and four steals.The Golden Eagles jumped out to an early led, 10-2, with 13:39 left in the first half and held a 42-39 advantage at the break. Rogers State closed to 60-59 when Travis Heester nailed a 3 with 10:28 remaining in the game.dddddddddddd Bradley answered with two straight jumpers, then stole the ball and drove for a layup to give the Golden Eagles a 66-60 lead with 8:45 left.ORU led throughout but the Hillcats stayed close.Oral Roberts won the rebound battled 43 to 32.Hester led Rogers State with 20 points, making 5 of 9 from beyond the arc. ' ' '