NEU » failures for a team whose pote

NEW YORK -- The New York Jets signed quarterback Geno Smith, their second-round draft pick, on Monday to a four-year contract that is worth about $5 million. Smith, drafted 39th overall after an unexpected slide out of the first round in April, is competing with incumbent Mark Sanchez for the starting quarterback job. The signing was announced by the team, which still has its two first-round picks -- cornerback Dee Milliner and defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson -- unsigned. The Jets veteran players report for training camp in Cortland, N.Y., on Thursday, but rookies were reporting Monday at the teams facility in Florham Park, N.J. Smith and Sanchez are competing in what has been called by team officials an "open competition," and neither noticeably outperformed the other in minicamp last month. But both appear to be confident about their chances. Sanchez, at his recent annual "Jets West" camp in Southern California, said he "absolutely" expects to remain the Jets starting quarterback. Meanwhile, Smith -- who raised some eyebrows when he chose to not attend Sanchezs camp but said the quarterbacks are "cool" -- told the Charleston Gazette over the weekend that feels "like I have a great shot" at winning the job. The competition could go deep into camp as both quarterbacks try to show they have picked up and mastered offensive co-ordinator Marty Mornhinwegs West Coast-style system. It has been a somewhat tumultuous off-season for Smith, who set a slew of records at West Virginia and established himself as one of college footballs most exciting players. He was projected as a possible top-10 pick in the draft, but questions by some about his overall abilities and commitment caused him to slide in the draft. Smith was at the draft site at Radio City Music Hall, but went unselected on the first day and appeared frustrated and embarrassed at being passed over. The Jets, wanting competition for Sanchez, jumped at the chance to bring in Smith on the drafts second day. Smith fired his original agents shortly after the draft, and signed with hip-hop artist Jay-Zs new Roc Nation Sports to represent him. The decision prompted the NFL Players Association to look into Jay-Zs role in getting Smith to sign with his agency, and if the leagues "runner rule" was violated. Agents not certified by the NFLPA cant recruit players to sign with certified agents; Smiths representative Kimberly Miale is certified. Smith later caused some confusion when he responded with a "no comment" when asked if he would attend Sanchezs camp. He later explained he hadnt heard of "Jets West" and didnt understand what he was being asked about. Sanchez said everyone is always invited, but Smith chose to work out on his own in Florida. While it appeared to be a possible snub to Sanchez, both insisted said there are "no hard feelings" between the two. Smith threw for 11,662 yards -- including back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons -- with 98 touchdowns and only 21 interceptions in four years at West Virginia. Nike Air Max Vyprodej .S. Open champion Justin Rose birdied the first hole with a blind shot he hit to a foot of the pin, and he stayed in front Tuesday until he completed a 4-under 67 for a two-shot lead over Jason Dufner in PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Boty Nike Air Max . Tests earlier this week revealed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain for Sabathia, who was hurt in last Fridays start against San Francisco. Its an injury that will require about eight weeks to heal. He finished a disappointing campaign just 14-13 with a career-worst 4. http://www.airmaxlevneboty.cz/ . Rinne played two periods in his first game since left hip surgery in early May. Gabriel Bourque scored 3:07 into the second period and Austin Watson tallied 5:15 later for Nashville. Air Max Boty Levně . Soukalova missed only one target and completed the 15-kilometre course in 40 minutes, 32.6 seconds for both victories in this seasons individual discipline. Darya Domracheva of Belarus was second, 34. Air Max Levně Outlet . With the first unit struggling of late and Amir Johnson - one of the teams iron men - hobbling on an injured right ankle, Patterson knew he could get the nod in a challenging matchup against one of the leagues up and coming players at his position. LOS ANGELES -- The Clippers regular-season record of 166-80 in Doc Rivers first three years as coach proves theyre one of the better teams in the NBA.Their postseason results, however, suggest something else.Theyve never gotten past the second round of the playoffs in pursuit of the franchises first-ever NBA championship.Now, time is ticking on Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, who enter their sixth year together. Griffin and Paul will be free agents at seasons end, while J.J. Redick is also in the final year of his contract.If the Clippers dont at least make the Western Conference finals, speculation is rife that the team could be broken up and rebuilt.We have the talent, leadership, tangibles and coaches, Griffin said, we just have to put it together.The Clippers went 53-29 in the regular season and lost to Portland in the first round of the playoffs, when Paul broke his right hand and Griffin reinjured his left quadriceps tendon, forcing both to miss the last two games of the series, which the Clippers lost in six.It was the latest in a series of playoff failures for a team whose potential has yet to be fully realized.In 2015, the Clippers lost to Houston in seven games in the Western Conference semifinals after blowing a 3-1 lead. In 2014, they bowed out in six games to Oklahoma City in the second round.This is the deepest, most talented group weve had since Ive been here, Rivers said. Thats why this year should be great.Los Angeles opens the season on Oct. 27 at Portland in a rematch of last seasons playoff series and opens at home against Utah three days later.Some things to watch for this season with the Clippers:HOW GRIFFIN GOES: After missing much of last season because of a broken hand and the quad injury, he figures to have extra motivation. Griffin averaged 21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists while limited to 35 regular-season games. His hand injury was the result of a fight with a former staff member and landed him a four-game suspension and a loss oof pay.ddddddddddddBesides demonstrating greater maturity, Griffin needs to stay injury-free and boost a shooting pe