any real fixes are found remains to be seen, but a

After losing all the Tests in a series they would have been hopeful of doing well in, Kane Williamson managed to retain some humour, but he knew his side was done in by a mix of difficult conditions for them, the quality of their opposition in those conditions, and their own lack of application at times. In packed schedules nowadays, you hardly get time to acclimatise, which means you dont have too many second chances. The most disappointing aspect for New Zealand will be that when they got a surface in Indore that resembled classic Indian pitches, they couldnt bat for long enough. It didnt help that they never won a toss, and India always were in the ascendency.When asked about R Ashwins hold on him - the leading wicket-taker of the series took out Williamson all four times he batted - Williamson joked: He didnt get me out 27 times. He got a few other blokes out too.On a serious note, Williamson did make a mention of the conditions. Hes a good bowler, Williamson said of Ashwin. Were always learning playing internationals. I guess its a new thing, personally as well. Come over here with so much rough, which is nice to bowl into. I suppose I was a victim of it a few times. I guess, when you are put in that situation where you are dismissed in a similar situation, you are able to learn and try to improve from that. The conditions guys are exposed to, and the quality of bowling, in a backhanded way, we can be thankful for those experiences that help move your game forward.Even before the season began, India had a good chance of going unbeaten through a long season of 13 home Tests. New Zealand, on paper, seemed the team likeliest to challenge India, which will now make India look invincible this season. Williamson, though, felt - and it did bring out some laughs - that the toss can be crucial in these conditions. The previous home season had a shift in the pitches India play on, and they have won all seven tosses since then.Winning the toss would be helpful, I think, Williamson said, when asked what advice he could give to the teams that are following him in Indias home season. Which is a challenge in itself: South Africa lost every toss as well. Certainly have to be at your best. Whether you win the toss, lose the toss, India were far superior in this series. It depends on the surfaces. Every surface has been different in this series, they were different in the South Africa series. Whether it is a good one… it is important to spend time at the crease, creating pressure. Batting first would be nice. It would help, certainly, in being more competitive. This India side is a very good team, and they certainly know these conditions better than anyone.Williamson said that while the conditions were more difficult when they batted in Indore, this was a pitch where they could have played more assured cricket. Speaking on finding the right balance between defence and attack, Williamson said: It is a challenge, certainly on wickets very conducive to spin that make attacking tough as well. Sometimes, being positive when it is doing a little bit more is the way forward. It is up to the individual how they want to skin it, but in this Test, which was probably a little bit more like Test matches of old where its that war of attrition and you have to play long game like India showed, as opposed to Test matches prior, where 300 was a very good score, where you go out there and play positively and you get them before they get you, here was a little bit different.They exploited conditions better than us. They played very patiently with the bat, and batting was not easy when it came our time. Not just because conditions had deteriorated, but the very good bowling attack they have. Important that we come away from here, although frustrated, having learnt a huge amount as a young group being exposed in these conditions.Williamson didnt shy away from giving India the credit and said he was disappointed his team couldnt adapt quickly enough, but added that in conditions so challenging he felt the need to send players early for more experience.The more you can play in these conditions, the better youll be, Williamson said. That has to be a given. The more experiences you get in any conditions, it is a good thing. People talk a lot about county cricket and then, when you go to England, you certainly are far more aware of what to expect. I suppose this is no different. If guys can have more experience in these conditions, it will certainly be helpful.When asked if he felt his side had spent enough time here before the series, Williamson brought up the practical issue of the packed schedules. I suppose there is always those discussions, Williamson said. Another tough point as well is that you are playing so much international cricket, it is tricky to get that extra preparation you would like. So, you are having to learn on the job a bit, which is the nature of the beast, but at the same time, it is an important thing. Whether its A teams where guys are able to get extra time to come over, particularly in these conditions where you are playing more and more cricket. Indias home summer this year is 13 Test matches. So you are playing more and more in these conditions.New Zealand now have the five-ODI series to look forward to, which will be played on flatter surfaces. Williamson hoped the team doesnt carry the scars of losing the Tests into that series. Disappointing to lose the Test series, he said. At the same time, the guys are looking forward to the change of format. It will be tough again. We know India are a very good side at that as well. Its exciting. We know that wickets will more than likely be quite different again.We have got to adapt. Go out and play with that freedom, knowing that when we do play with that freedom, we play our best cricket. There will be a little bit of scarring coming out of a three-nil Test defeat. Obviously winning is a lot better than losing. Unfortunately we have lost a few on the trot, but nice to have new personnel come in who are fresh and looking forward to the one-day series. Harrison Bader Cardinals Jersey . Olli Jokinen, Mark Scheifele, and Bryan Little each had a goal and an assist as Winnipeg won 5-2, handing Calgary its record-setting seventh consecutive loss on home ice. Jose Martinez Jersey . The Americans, skipped by John Shuster, seized the advantage in the eighth end by scoring five points for a 7-3 lead. The Czechs pulled two back in the ninth, but Shusters team of third Jeff Isaacson, second Jared Zezel and lead John Landsteiner ended with another point to secure the last Olympic berth on offer. https://www.cheapcardinalsonline.com/594t-bobby-tolan-jersey-cardinals.html . - After leading the Saints to a fourth playoff appearance in five seasons, Drew Brees expressed confidence in the direction of his team and, perhaps more importantly, showed a willingness to listen to contract proposals if the team needs his help getting under the NFLs salary cap. Jose Martinez Cardinals Jersey . Self was acquired from the Buffalo Bandits in a trade for Alex Hill midway through last season, and made his debut in Rochester on March 16, 2013. Stan Musial Cardinals Jersey . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery. NFL Nation reporters detail the biggest storylines for every team coming out of Week 8 and what they mean going forward.AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC West NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC WestAFC EASTBuffalo Bills?(4-4)At 4-4, the Bills are now playing for a wild-card spot. Rex Ryan effectively conceded the AFC East to the 7-1 Patriots after Sundays loss, admitting that the Bills have little chance to catch up in the division. With games at Seattle and at Cincinnati looming, the Bills season is beginning to unravel. -- Mike RodakWeek 9:?at Seattle, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ETMiami Dolphins?(3-4)The big story with the Dolphins headed into Week 9 is whether they can stay hot following their bye week. Miami?is in the middle?of its first two-game winning streak of the season with recent victories over the Steelers and Bills. The team took five days off during the bye to rest, however, and will work on shaking off rust before Sundays division game against the Jets. -- James WalkerWeek 9:?vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETNew England Patriots?(7-1)Tight end Rob Gronkowski?on Sunday set the Patriots record for touchdowns, scoring his 69th on a 53-yard connection with Tom Brady in the second quarter as New England rolled over the Bills. Gronkowski said after the game that he received a phone call in the locker room from wide receiver?Stanley Morgan (1977-1989) to congratulate him on breaking his record, adding that it was an honor to do so close to where he grew up in western New York. The Patriots head into their bye week with four straight wins, and a tough game against the Seahawks?looms in Week 10. ?-- Mike ReissWeek 9:?ByeNew York Jets?(3-5)The Jets might actually make it through a week without a quarterback controversy. Ryan Fitzpatrick rallied the Jets to a win over the Browns, which should quiet the pro-Bryce Petty crowd for at least a week. Coach Todd Bowles said he never considered a change at halftime despite a poor performance by Fitzpatrick. It showed that Bowles doesnt think Petty, the new No. 2 now that Geno Smith is out for the season, is a viable alternative. Yet. -- Rich CiminiWeek 9:?at Miami, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETAFC NORTHBaltimore Ravens?(3-4)The Ravens will be in first place in the AFC North on Sunday if they can beat the Steelers and end a four-game losing streak. Baltimore hasnt won since Sept. 25, but the Ravens are getting healthier. Five injured starters -- wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., linebackers Terrell Suggs and C.J. Mosley, guard Marshal Yanda and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley -- are all expected to be available after the bye. Thats something thats really important and valuable, and Im excited about that, coach John Harbaugh said of the return of his big-name players. -- Jamison HensleyWeek 9:?vs. Pittsburgh, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETCincinnati Bengals?(3-4-1)A team with Super Bowl aspirations heading into the season needed some momentum after a ho-hum win over the winless Browns, but the Bengals were unable to capitalize on opportunities in settling for a tie against the Redskins.?The Bengals 3-4-1 record doesnt ruin their playoff hopes in a suddenly below-average AFC North, but bad penalties, defensive lapses and kicker Mike Nugent missing a field goal and extra point give the coaching staff plenty to think before a Monday night road game against the Giants on Nov. 14. -- ESPN.com staffWeek 9:?ByeCleveland Browns?(0-8)The Browns are staring at the likelihood an 0-16 season. The first half of the season ended without a win and with a poor performance against a beatable team in the Jets. The next opponent is Dallas, which figures to be a big favorite. There are no easy answers on the schedule when it comes to the Browns erasing that zero in the win?column. -- Pat McManamonWeek 9:?vs. Dallas, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETPittsburgh Steelers?(4-3)The presence of Ben Roethlisberger looms large as the Steelers prepare for the rival Ravens. Coming off the bye week, Pittsburgh will start to prepare Landry Jones for his second consecutive start while Roethlisberger continues to recover from a torn meniscus. If Roethlisberger can complete a full practice before Sunday, he might just be ready to take the field less than three weeks after corrective surgery. But thats hardly a guarantee, even if Roethlisbergers light throwing sessions last week were encouraging. -- Jeremy FowlerWeek 9:?at Baltimore, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETAFC SOUTHHouston Texans?(5-3)At the midpoint of the season, the Texans have not played as well as their 5-3 record indicates. And quarterback?Brock Osweiler said after Sundays victory over the Lions that thats a good thing. The Texans enter their bye week leading the division and are 2-0 against?AFC South teams. Houston has a lot of banged-up players, including running back Lamar Miller, who played through a painful shoulder injury on Sunday. Now the Texans have almost two weeks to get healthy, and Osweiler said they will use the time to get some guys healthy and hit the reset button. -- Sarah BarshopWeek 9:?ByeIndianapolis Colts?(3-5)Playing Green Bay at Lambeau Field is a tough enough challenge when it healthy. Its a major challenge when you have a bunch of injuries. That could be the case next weekend for the Colts. Among the players injured in Sundays loss to Kansas City:?cornerback Vontae Davis (concussion) and right tackle Joe Reitz (concussion), while right guard Denzelle Good left the locker room with a boot on his left foot, and receiver Phillip Dorsett left with his left shoulder wrapped. The Colts were already without tight end Dwayne Allen (ankle), defensive lineman Kendall Langford (knee) and defensive lineman Henry Anderson (knee) against the Chiefs. -- Mike WellsWeek 9:?at Green Bay, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETJacksonville Jaguars?(2-5)Coach Gus Bradley fired offensive coordinator Greg Olson earlier this week and promoted quarterbacks?coach Nathaniel Hackett. Bradley and Hackett?will speak to the media on Monday and hopefully explain how the offense will change before this weekends game at Kansas City. There may have been some disconnect between Olson and quarterback?Blake Bortles, but the main issue for the offenses struggles has been?Bortles poor play all season. -- Mike DiRoccoWeek 9:?at Kansas City, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETTennessee Titans?(4-4)While players report back to team headquarters Monday after three days off, the coaching staff was at the facility Sunday to begin construction of a game plan for the Chargers. The Titans have lost six consecutive games in San Diego, including a January 2008 wild-card game. Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt coached the Titans for 21 games in 2014 and 2015 and will have some insight into their personnel. The Titans are in second place in the AFC South, just a game off of Houstons pace. -- Paul KuharskyWeek 9:?at San Diego, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETAFC WESTDenver Broncos?(6-2)The Broncos were without two starters on defense -- and even went more than a half without defensive coordinator Wade Phillips calling plays -- and yet the defense continues to roll. They had three interceptions and sacked Philip Rivers four times in a victory over the Chargers. It means the Broncos are 6-2 at the halfway point and continue to cover up most blemishes with a defense that takes it all as business as usual. Phillips was taken to the hospital after a sideline collision Sunday, Bradley Roby started at cornerback for Pro Bowler Aqib Talib and Corey Nelson started at linebacker for Brandon Marshall. No one is waiting around for somebody else to make a play, linebacker Von Miller. said. We feel like the next play is our chance to make a play for our team. -- Jeff LegwoldWeek 9:?at Oakland, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ETKansas City Chiefs?(5-2)The transition to Nick Foles at quarterback Sunday against the Colts wasnt just seamless. The Chiefs were better with Foles than they were with Alex Smith, who exited the game with a concussion. Foles brought some life to the downfield passing game by completing four passes of 28 yards or more. The Chiefs had only eight such pass plays in their first six games. I dont think anybody blinked an eye, said wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, who played with Foles for a time with the Eagles. He is a guy that everyone knows likes to throw the ball down the field. The Chiefs have no reason to fear if Foles has to start next Sunday against the Jaguars. That will depend?on how quickly Smith mends. -- Adam TeicherWeek 9:?vs. Jacksonville, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETOakland Raiders?(6-2)If the Raiders can escape with an overtime?victory in Tampa Bay from so many self-inflicted wounds -- an NFL-record 23 penalties for a franchise-record 200 yards -- how good can they be with a much cleaner effort? Oakland will have that chance to find out next week with the defending champion Broncos coming to town for a nationally televised Sunday night game. I already started on them in the locker room, said Raiders quarterback?Derek Carr, who passed for a franchise-record 513 yards and four touchdowns?against the Buccaneers. My mind is already there ... the road to the Super Bowl goes through them. Added left tackle Donald Penn, who caught a TD pass in his return to Tampa: Were going to go out there and show the world what weve got. Big game. -- Paul GutierrezWeek 9:?vs. Denver, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ETSan Diego Chargers?(3-5)Even though the Chargers suffered a tough loss to the Broncos on the road Sunday, quarterback Philip Rivers said the team can hang its hat on the fact that it split the season series with the defending Super Bowl champs this season. With a 3-5 record at the midpoint of the season, Rivers believes the Chargers can get back in the playoff hunt. San Diego hosts the Titans at Qualcomm Stadium next week, followed by the Dolphins before heading into the bye week. Im fired up, Rivers said. Shoot, weve got to two at home to get to 5-5 at the bye ... Then weve got a six-game season. -- Eric D. WilliamsWeeek 9:?vs.dddddddddddd Tennessee, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETNFC EASTDallas Cowboys (6-1)Dez Bryants 53-yard catch in the first quarter in the overtime win over Philadelphia on Sunday was his longest since a 65-yarder in the 2014 finale and Dak Prescotts longest completion of his career. As the Cowboys see more defenses focus more on stopping Ezekiel Elliott, they will have to make plays down the field in the passing game. Thats what happened in 2014 when DeMarco Murray finished with 1,845 yards and Bryant coming alive with 10 touchdown receptions in the last seven games. Now the Cowboys attention turns to the winless Browns -- and the Cowboys looming quarterback decision. -- Todd ArcherWeek 9: at Cleveland, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETNew York Giants?(4-3)The Giants return Monday from the bye week, and theyll have to shake off the stink from the Josh Brown situation. Brown was released on Tuesday, not long after the players escaped for their week off. Theyll return with the black cloud hanging over the franchise, and with a key divisional matchup with the Eagles on the horizon. Its a crucial game for the Giants in a competitive NFC East. -- Jordan RaananWeek 9:?vs. Philadelphia, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETPhiladelphia Eagles (4-3)The Eagles offensive inconsistencies will be one of the dominant stories this week, as quarterback Carson Wentz averaged just 4.1 yards per pass and the team averaged just 4.1 yards per play. But Tuesdays trade deadline is also worth watching -- Philadelphia has been linked to a few players, including wide receivers Torrey Smith and Alshon Jeffery. One answer to help in opening the offense could come in a trade, but the cost might be too high for general manager Howie Roseman. -- ESPN.com staffWeek 9: at New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETWashington Redskins?(4-3-1)The Redskins top offensive priority entering the second half of the season must be the red zone. It cost them Sunday as they converted just one of four trips into touchdowns, a big reason why they ended in a tie with the Bengals. But that was just a continuation of the season as Washington entered this game ranked 28th with a 42.9 percent success rate. They were good here last year. Defenses caught up to us, now we have to stay ahead of defenses, receiver Pierre Garcon said. -- John KeimWeek 9: ByeNFC NORTHChicago Bears?(1-6)The Bears best chance to steal a victory on Monday night is for quarterback Jay Cutler to play like, well, Jay Cutler. Chicagos offense skewed far too conservative the past two games under Brian Hoyer. Cutler is not nearly as cautious. History tells us Cutler will attempt to show off his big arm and take shots down the field to Alshon Jeffery, even against Minnesotas top-rated defense. Maybe taking an occasional calculated risk is what the Bears offense -- ranked 32nd in points scored (15.9) -- needs to get going. The Vikings are such a superior operation from top to bottom that its hard to envision the Bears pulling off the upset unless Cutler goes off. -- Jeff DickersonWeek 9:?ByeDetroit Lions?(4-4)Games in the NFL are often going to be close, but the Lions have to figure out a way to avoid their penchant for needing last-minute drives from quarterback Matthew Stafford to bail them out. Stafford has been very good all season long, but -- as Sundays loss to Houston showed -- Detroits way of winning games is not sustainable on a?consistent basis this season. Particularly on the road, where the Lions are 1-3. -- Michael RothsteinWeek 9:?at Minnesota, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETGreen Bay Packers?(4-3)Get ready for some more shootouts. After the way Matt Ryan and the Falcons threw the ball in their high-scoring win over the Packers on Sunday in Atlanta, you can bet most teams -- beginning with Andrew Luck and the Colts this coming week -- will try to do the same thing. Aaron Rodgers did his best to keep up, but four touchdown passes werent good enough. -- Rob DemovskyWeek 9:?vs. Indianapolis, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETMinnesota Vikings?(5-1)The Vikings offense struggled in Philadelphia last weekend, and though they could have an easier task in Chicago on Monday night, theyll have to adjust their offense with several skill position players injured. Running back Jerick McKinnon wont play because of a sprained ankle, and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was still in the NFL concussion protocol on Saturday, though coach Mike Zimmer thought Patterson would play Monday. Wide receiver Jarius Wright will also miss the game. The Vikings will have to lean on Matt Asiata in the running game, and could look for a contribution from Ronnie Hillman, who played his first snaps for the team last week. -- Ben GoesslingWeek 9:?vs. Detroit, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETNFC SOUTHAtlanta Falcons?(5-3)Matt Ryan talked leading into Sundays game about how the Falcons needed to show mental toughness. Well, Ryan definitely set an example for his teammates by directing his 34th-career game-winning drive -- capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass to Mohamed Sanu -- in a win over the Packers. It helped the Falcons break a two-game losing streak. And the resilience displayed by Ryan and the Falcons is something they can build off of going into a crucial NFC South game against the Buccaneers on Thursday night in Tampa. -- Vaughn McClureWeek 9:?at Tampa Bay, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ETCarolina Panthers?(2-5)The win against Arizona on Sunday lifted a big weight off the shoulders of a Carolina team that hadnt won in a month. The Panthers hope the pressure they got defensively (eight sacks) will carry them forward and help turn around the season. Quarterback Cam Newton got something off his chest, calling out officials for not calling late hits when hes in the pocket. The NFL MVP said he will take his case to commissioner Roger Goodell. -- David NewtonWeek 9:?at Los Angeles, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ETNew Orleans Saints?(3-4)The Saints have shown an impressive amount of patience and resilience to climb back to 3-4 after an 0-3 start. They have a great chance to get back to .500 with a trip to San Francisco coming up and key defensive players Delvin Breaux and Sheldon Rankins returning soon from injuries. That patience and resilience was also the formula to outlast Seattle on Sunday after trailing 14-3 early. The Saints 35 rushing attempts matched Drew Brees 35 pass attempts as they held the ball for more than 36 minutes. Wheres the stat guy in the room to say the last time that happened? Brees said. (The answer was 2014.) -- Mike TriplettWeek 9:?at San Francisco, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ETTampa Bay Buccaneers?(3-4)Against the Raiders, the Bucs surrendered a record-number of total yards (626) and passing yards (513) in a heart-breaking overtime?loss. To make matters worse, they face the Falcons on Thursday night and may be without running back?Jacquizz Rodgers, who left the game with a foot/ankle injury and did not return. Coach?Dirk Koetter said, I dont think its probably good. For Bucs fans, neither is the fact that every other team in the NFC South won their game Sunday, making the Bucs chances of winning the division?a whole lot tougher. -- Jenna LaineWeek 9:?vs.?Atlanta, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ETNFC WESTArizona Cardinals?(3-4-1)The Cardinals enter their bye week 3-4-1, but theyre optimistic they can go on a run when their second half begins in two weeks against the 49ers, who theyve already beaten once this season. Arizona needs to use the bye week to get healthy and fix some issues that have been plaguing them all season. The latest? Protecting quarterback?Carson Palmer. In Sundays loss to the Panthers, the Cards offensive line allowed a season-high eight sacks. -- Josh WeinfussWeek 9:?ByeLos Angeles Rams?(3-4)The Rams had a nice day for a team that didnt play, with the division-rival Seahawks (now 4-2-1) and Cardinals (3-4-1) both losing. The Rams have lost three straight games, but they have a nice opportunity to make up some ground coming out of their bye week. Their next four opponents -- the Panthers, Jets, Dolphins and Saints -- are a combined 11-18. The Rams will also be pretty healthy, with cornerback Trumaine Johnson and defensive tackle Michael Brockers the only players?nursing serious injuries, and both having a chance to play in Week 9. -- Alden GonzalezWeek 9:?vs. Carolina, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ETSan Francisco 49ers?(1-6)The good news for the 49ers is that Week 8 represented the first time since the opener that they didnt lose. The bad news is that they didnt get a win to end their six-game losing streak because it was their bye week. Last week, coach Chip Kelly shouldered the blame for San Franciscos struggles and said he and his coaching staff would be working hard to find solutions to their many problems during their down time. Whether any real fixes are found remains to be seen, but at least as the Niners host New Orleans next week they should be healthier than they were before the bye. -- Nick WagonerWeek 9:?vs. New Orleans, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ETSeattle Seahawks?(4-2-1)There will be a lot of focus on the officiating from the Seahawks loss to the Saints, but in terms of what the team can actually control, the focus this week will be on the offense. Against the worst scoring defense in the NFL, Russell Wilson & Co. managed just one touchdown on nine offensive possessions. The Seahawks have gotten in the end zone just once in their past 23 drives. The offense has no rhythm right now, and the team is having a difficult time coming up with solutions. Wilson has played through three different injuries. The offensive line has had issues. And the run game has been inconsistent. The defense will keep the Seahawks in a lot of games, but if the offense cant do its part, the next stretch of games, which includes the Bills, Patriots and Eagles, could be rough. -- Sheil KapadiaWeek 9:?vs. Buffalo, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET ' ' '