In six Test innings in 2016, Ross Taylor averages 183. Carl Soderberg Jersey .50. He has scored 367 runs of which 364 came in three unbeaten innings in Zimbabwe - 173*, 124*, 67*. In the three other innings this year, in South Africa, he has scored 2*, 1, and 0. In a sense, this year has been a microcosm of Taylors entire Test career - he has had streaks of prolific run-making, but they have been offset by inexplicable periods of inconsistency, which is why he has never made the leap to the next level as a Test batsman.Now 32, Taylor is in his ninth year in Test cricket, and at an age when batsmen usually attain their peak. The prolific and precocious Kane Williamson has moved ahead of him in the pecking order among New Zealand batsmen, but Taylor remains a hugely important cog in the New Zealand batting wheel. He averages more than 55 in the last four-and-a-half years, and has the second-highest score by a New Zealand batsman during this period - his 290 in Perth is next only to Brendon McCullums 302 against India in Wellington.However, for all his run-making and high average, Taylor doesnt figure in discussions around the best batsman in the game currently. Thats because of his inconsistency, and the lack of a sustained run of excellence against top opposition. That was on display again in Centurion against South Africa when, coming off a superb series in Zimbabwe, he made one run in two innings in a Test where New Zealands batsmen were constantly under pressure. (He wasnt entirely to blame for the dismissals, though, getting run-out in the first innings, and getting a grubber in the second.)Centurion was just one Test match, but through much of 2014 and 2015, Taylor disappointed after promising plenty in the two previous years: in 2012 and 2013, his average soared to 62.40, with six centuries in 20 Tests. At the end of 2013, Taylor was 29, and that should have been the beginning of a prolific period for him. What followed, though, was two fairly ordinary years, in which he managed just two hundreds from 31 innings, and averaged 39.21. In those 31 innings, only nine times did he go past 40, while 15 times he was dismissed under 25. Twenty-six percent of his runs during this period came in one innings, the 290 he scored in Perth. Exclude that innings, and his average falls drastically to 29.92, which hardly befits a batsman of his stature. Even in 2012-13 when his overall numbers were outstanding, Taylor averaged less than 40 in four out of eight series. Even with those inconsistencies, Taylors overall Test stats in the last four-hand-a-half years are superb: 3150 runs from 72 innings, at an average of 55.26. That is better than the averages for Williamson, Joe Root, Younis Khan, David Warner, Misbah-ul-Haq and Virat Kohli, among several others. With a cut-off of 2500 runs, only five batsmen have a higher average. However, those numbers dont tell the complete story about Taylors batting during this period. Apart from his inconsistent streak, Taylor has also tended to get most of his runs against poorer bowling attacks. Since the start of 2012, Taylor has played four innings against Zimbabwe, and scored 486 runs without being dismissed; his scores are 122*, 173*, 124* and 67*. Against Bangladesh, he has scored 135 runs at 67.50, and against West Indies during the same period he has amassed 808 runs in eight Tests at an average of 73.45.The numbers against West Indies are particularly interesting: in five away Tests against them he averages only 34.77, but in three home Tests in 2013-14 he got on another run-spree, racking up scores of 217*, 16*, 129, 131 and 2* - 495 runs at 247.50.While these runs show his appetite for huge scores, they also indicate a tendency to make them against relatively weaker bowling attacks, for it is undeniable that these three teams have had the poorest attacks over the last few years. Exclude the matches against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, and Taylors average drops to 45.98, which is 14th out of 19 batsmen who have scored at least 2000-plus runs during this period. Exclude West Indies as well, and the average plummets further, to 39.11, which is 24th out of the 31 batsmen who have scored at least 1500 runs against the other teams. Williamson, on the other hand, is sixth in this list with an average of 52.03, better than all batsmen except Root (52.85), de Villiers (53.56), Amla (55.92), Smith (57.63) and Clarke (58.86). These numbers clearly explain why Taylor isnt included in the top bracket of batsmen.Even though Taylor has an overall average of 55.26 since the start of 2012, his average against most of the top teams during this period is in the 30s: it is 31.16 versus England, 33.50 versus India, 34.72 against Sri Lanka, 34.80 against South Africa, and 37 against Pakistan. The only top team against whom Taylor has done well is Australia (average 81 in six innings), but his only 50-plus score against them is the 290 he made in Perth in 2015; exclude that, and his average against them drops to 28.75. His numbers in India during this period are similarly lopsided - 157 runs in four innings, but 113 of them came in a single innings. It isnt as if he has performed in tough conditions: in his last Test match as captain, with New Zealand 1-0 down in the series in Sri Lanka, Taylor scored 142 and 74 in a match-winning and series-leveling performance. However, it is also true that these tough runs havent come often enough. On the current tour to India, New Zealands batsmen are likely to find the conditions and Indias spinners pretty challenging. For Taylor, who is New Zealands third-highest run-getter in Tests and their most experienced batsman in the current line-up, it is a fine opportunity to prove that he can consistently score runs in challenging conditions. The runs, or lack of them, by Williamson and Taylor will probably be a key factor in deciding how the series pans out. Willy Lindstrom Jersey . Brazilian national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed that the veteran goalkeeper is set to join Toronto on loan, saying it will help him be ready for the World Cup. Thomas Steen Jersey . Despite dominating possession, Schalke needed an own goal from Nicolas Hoefler for the breakthrough a minute before the interval. The Freiburg midfielder misjudged Jefferson Farfans corner and bundled the ball into his own net. https://www.cheapcoyotes.com/628z-paul-m...ey-coyotes.html .Y. -- Sabres forward Drew Stafford has witnessed plenty of turmoil during his eight seasons in Buffalo. NFL Nation reporters detail the biggest storylines -- and what they mean going forward -- for every team coming out of Week 9.?NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC WestNFC EAST?Dallas Cowboys?(7-1)With a 7-1 record at the midway point, the Cowboys are the best team in the NFC. After Sundays win against the Browns, however, there was no celebration in the locker room. There will be bigger challenges in the second half of the season, be it from other teams or injuries. So far, the Cowboys have had answers for every question posed since their loss to the Giants in the season opener. Our mindset is that we have to play a certain way, tight end?Jason Witten said. Week in and week out we re-commit to that process. -- Todd ArcherWeek 10: at Pittsburgh, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETNew York Giants?(5-3) ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??The new-look Giants made some personnel changes during their bye week. Wide receiver Roger Lewis, running back Paul Perkins and tight end Jerell Adams?-- all rookies -- saw an increase in playing time in the Giants win over the Eagles on Sunday. Lewis even scored a 30-yard touchdown. But the trio could pay even bigger dividends down the road. The Giants are 5-3 at the midway point, and theyre in the thick of the NFC playoff picture. If the rookies continue to grow and contribute more, it could be the difference between a postseason appearance or another playoff-less season. The Giants appear intent on relying on the three rookies in the second half of the season. -- Jordan RaananWeek 10: vs. Cincinnati, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ETPhiladelphia Eagles?(4-4)The Eagles head into the second half of their schedule still lacking an identity on offense. Coach Doug Pederson went ultra-conservative against the Cowboys last weekend, and then he got overly aggressive Sunday in the loss to?the Giants. With the Falcons, Seahawks and Packers up next, the 4-4 Eagles need to find the right recipe, and quick. -- Tim McManusWeek 10: vs. Atlanta, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETWashington Redskins?(4-3-1)Can the Redskins win without left tackle Trent Williams? Theyll learn that answer over the next four games as he serves his suspension. Ty Nsekhe will start for Williams, but nobody offers Williams athleticism. Therefore, the Redskins will have to ditch certain plays that tap into his skills. But they also have a banged-up right tackle in Morgan Moses (ankle). The Redskins still arent sure about running back Matt Jones (knee), but hes no longer considered their clear-cut starter. And the Redskins hope the bye week helped receiver DeSean Jackson (hamstring/shoulder/head) heal. They also have safety Will Blackmon coming off thumb surgery and dont know if hell be available Sunday vs. Minnesota. -- John KeimWeek 10: vs. Minnesota, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETNFC NORTHChicago Bears?(2-6)After returning from their bye week, the Bears hope to have back starting guards Kyle Long (triceps) and Josh Sitton (ankle) for Sundays game at Tampa Bay. Coach John Fox gave the team almost the whole week off to reward them for knocking off Minnesota on Halloween night. While the playoffs are likely out of the question, the Bears do have plenty of winnable games left on the schedule in the second half, beginning with the Bucs. The Bears won at Raymond James Stadium in 2015 behind two touchdowns by KaDeem Carey and four field goals by ex-kicker Robbie Gould. -- Jeff DickersonWeek 10: at Tampa Bay, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETDetroit Lions?(5-4)Detroit enters the bye week at 5-4 and in contention in the NFC North -- something that seemed unlikely a month ago after the Lions lost to Chicago in Week 4 to drop to 1-3. But the Lions are one of the hottest teams in the league now, having won four of the past five, and will rest for most of the week before the stretch of the season. Their five victories have been come-from-behind wins in the fourth quarter or overtime, which makes them a team prepared for any situation, but the Lions also play with little margin for error every week. That can only get more stressful as games start to have bigger implications. -- Michael RothsteinWeek 10:?ByeGreen Bay Packers?(4-4)After Sundays loss to the Colts at Lambeau Field, the Packers seem to be in a bad spot. They dont play at home again until Dec. 4, which means the upcoming three-game road swing will be critical to their season -- if theyre going to stay in the playoff hunt. At 4-4, the Pack are only a game behind the first-place Vikings in the NFC North. But the Packers third loss in their past four games has put them in an unenviable position heading into the second half of the season. -- Rob DemovskyWeek 10: at Tennessee, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETMinnesota Vikings?(5-3)Having lost three in a row for the first time since Oct. 2014, the Vikings head to Washington hoping for a bounceback win. In the NFL, your success is completely derived from your ability to bounce back. linebacker Chad Greenway said. S--- is going to happen. Its the NFL. Everyone is good; it doesnt matter who you play. Youre never judged on one game. Thats the beauty of it. At the same time, you have to win games. Our success moving forward is all going to be in regard to our ability to move forward. -- Ben GoesslingWeek 10: at Washington, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETNFC SOUTHAtlanta Falcons?(6-3)The biggest question going into this week is the status of Pro Bowl cornerback?Desmond Trufant. He injured his left shoulder in Thursdays win over the Buccaneers. Trufant did not wear a sling after suffering the injury, but coach Dan Quinn said more clarity was needed regarding Trufants status. If Trufant is sidelined for any period of time, an already suspect defense could experience a significant decline. Former second-round pick Jalen Collins could be the next man up, although coaches were excited about converted wide receiver C.J. Goodwin?at the start of the season. -- Vaughn McClureWeek 10: at Philadelphia, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETCarolina Panthers?(3-5)The Panthers feel much better about where their season is headed at the midway point after consecutive wins against Arizona and Los Angeles. Even an ugly win against the Rams didnt dampen the mood. The Panthers are still a long way from being a playoff contender, but quarterback Cam Newton said he could see the season turning before his eyes. With two home games up next against Kansas City and New Orleans, the goal is to reach 5-5 and go from there. -- David NewtonWeek 10: vs. Kansas City, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETNew Orleans Saints?(4-4)The Saints obviously feel great about turning around their season after an 0-3 start, but they wont become overconfident -- not after allowing Colin Kaepernick to throw for 398 yards in Sundays win over the 49ers and not with two games coming up against the Broncos and Panthers in a five-day span. The Saints clawed their way back to .500 under similar circumstances in each of the past two seasons -- but they never eclipsed .500 and finished 7-9 both times. -- Mike TriplettWeek 10: vs. Denver, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETTampa Bay Buccaneers?(3-5)The Bucs started the season by competing for a division title, but on Thursday, they suffered their fifth loss of the season to the Falcons. The Bucs have been overtaken by the Saints for second place, and Carolina has matched Tampa Bays record. Whats even worse? The injuries keep piling up, with Antone Smith and Howard Jones the latest players to go down for the season. Jameis Winston took a hard hit to the knee and had to leave Thursdays game in the fourth quarter. Mike Evans is currently in the concussion protocol, but coach Dirk Koetter said Friday that the team?expects the receiver to participate in a light practice Monday. Kevin Pamphile, who is also in the protocol, is not expected back yet. -- Jenna LaineWeek 10: vs. Chicago, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETNFC WESTArizona Cardinals?(3-4-1)This is the Cardinals opportunity to reset their season at 3-4-1. Theyre still in the playoff hunt, and a few wins would put them in the thick of the playoff picture. When the Cards return to practice Tuesday, theyll see whos healthy after spending more than a week resting. With five road trips over the next eight weeks, Arizona needs to be as healthy as possible. -- Josh WeinfussWeek 10: vs. San Francisco, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETLos Angeles Rams?(3-5)The clamoring for rookie Jared Goff has never been louder. Literally. A crowd of 86,109 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum booed Case Keenum almost every time he threw an incompletion. And near the midway mark of an eventual loss to the Panthers, loud We want Goff! chants broke out. Keenum wound up going 27-of-46 with an interception, and he nearly lost a fumble. But afterward, Rams coach Jeff Fisher said Keenum was not the reason we lost and added: I dont think Cases play was indicating of raising the question for a quarterback change. He could always change his mind, though. -- Alden GonzalezWeek 10: at New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETSan Francisco 49ers?(1-7)Quarterback Colin Kaepernick said hes getting more comfortable with Chip Kellys offense, as evidenced by his 398 passing yards Sunday. But even if Kaepernick and the offense continue to take steps forward, its not going to mean much if the defense continues to give up more than 500 yards and 30-plus points every week. The Niners loss Sunday was their seventh in a row. Linebacker Eli Harold said opposing offenses are circling the Niners on the calendar knowing what big numbers might follow. The Niners travel to Arizona next week and play three of the next four on the road -- the lone home gaame will be against New England. Ray Whitney Jersey. Until something changes defensively, its hard to find more wins for the 49ers anytime soon. -- Nick WagonerWeek 10: at Arizona, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETSeattle Seahawks?(4-2-1)This will be one of the most hectic weeks of their season. The Seahawks host the Bills on Monday night and then face a quick turnaround before flying across the country to take on the Patriots (who are coming off a bye) in Week 10. In between, there will be plenty of talk about Super Bowl XLIX. Coach Pete Carroll implied all week that quarterback?Russell Wilson has made a significant step forward in terms of getting healthy. That will be the No. 1 thing to watch against a Bills defense that is producing sacks on 8.6 percent of their opponents dropbacks, the best mark in the NFL. -- Sheil KapadiaWeek 10: at New England, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ETAFC EASTBuffalo Bills?(4-4)Running back?LeSean McCoy, listed as questionable, should be back for Monday nights game in Seattle. After being limited in practice this week, its unclear what sort of workload the Bills will give McCoy. When I asked coach Rex Ryan this week if backup Mike Gillislee could get more carries than he did in Week 7, when McCoy was on the field for most of the first half despite playing on an injured hamstring, Ryan said he did not yet know. Splitting time between the two backs seems like the right move as the Bills try to move the ball against the NFLs sixth-ranked defense. -- Mike RodakWeek 10: ByeMiami Dolphins?(4-4)Dolphins rookie running back Kenyan Drakes 96-yard, game-winning kickoff return against the Jets is part of a growing trend for Miami. Its rookie class, which also consists of offensive lineman?Laremy Tunsil, returner?Jakeem Grant and wide receiver?Leonte Carroo, is playing well and making quality contributions early. That bodes well as the Dolphins enter the second half of their season. -- James WalkerWeek 10: at San Diego, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ETNew England Patriots?(7-1)Running back Dion Lewis has until Nov. 17 to be officially activated to the Patriots 53-man roster after he opened the season on the physically unable to perform list. He?has had two weeks of practices, and the Patriots have four practices scheduled this week before deciding if hes ready to play Sunday night at home against the Seahawks. Its a case of the rich possibly getting richer: The 7-1 Patriots are coming off their bye and could possibly get Lewis back for the second half of the season. -- Mike ReissWeek 10: vs. Seattle, Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ETNew York Jets?(3-6)Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will have an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of a left knee injury he suffered in the loss to the Dolphins. He was able to return to the game, wearing a brace. Bryce Petty, in his NFL debut, finished out a series. Fans are calling for Petty to start the rest of the season, but Fitzpatrick will start next week against the Rams, if healthy, coach Todd Bowles said. -- Rich CiminiWeek 10: vs. Los Angeles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETAFC NORTHBaltimore Ravens?(4-4)The Ravens suddenly went from reeling to jumping to the top of the division. With a win over the Steelers, the Ravens ended a four-game losing streak and took over first place in the AFC North. Baltimore can strengthen its hold by defeating the winless Browns at home Thursday night. The reason why the Ravens are on top of the division? Their underrated defense. Baltimore shut down LeVeon Bell (32 yards), contained Antonio Brown (85 yards) and continually frustrated Ben Roethlisberger (264 yards). Now, this defense faces the Browns, who have been held to 20 points or fewer in six of nine games this season. -- Jamison HensleyWeek 10: vs. Cleveland, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ETCincinnati Bengals?(3-4-1)The Bengals had their chance to capitalize on a flailing division last week and could only muster a tie. But fresh off a bye and with the second half of the season in front of them, they could make moves in the AFC North if they can beat the Giants on Monday night. With the Ravens defeating the Steelers on Sunday, the division is now up for grabs. -- Katherine TerrellWeek 10: at New York Giants, Monday, 8:30 p.m. ETCleveland Browns?(0-9)The Browns have been playing football in the NFL since 1950. They have never started a season 0-10. But now, they could set a record in Baltimore on Thursday. -- Pat McManamonWeek 10: at Baltimore, Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ETPittsburgh Steelers?(4-4)The Steelers high-octane offense isnt used to being called pretty pathetic, but thats exactly how guard David DeCastro felt about the Steelers third straight sluggish road loss, which raised questions about the teams unflinching ability to attack defenses. The biggest question out of the Steelers locker room: Can the offense take flight and once again lift a 4-4 team into the playoffs? LeVeon Bell says yes. We know what we can do, Bell said. We know what were able to do. Weve just got to put it all together. -- Jeremy FowlerWeek 10: vs. Dallas, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETAFC SOUTHHouston Texans?(5-3)The Texans enter the second half of their season at 5-3 despite inconsistent play, especially from quarterback Brock Osweiler. Houston leads the AFC South, but its schedule gets tougher in the second half. The Texans will play four of their next five games on the road, where they are 0-3 this season. Even though those three teams -- the Patriots, Vikings and Broncos -- are good, the Texans need to play better away from NRG Stadium, and they will get a chance when they travel to Jacksonville on Sunday. -- Sarah BarshopWeek 10: at Jacksonville, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETIndianapolis Colts?(4-5)The Colts are heading into their bye on a positive note. Their victory over Green Bay put them at 4-5 and back in the mix in the AFC South. The Colts host all three AFC South teams at home in their final seven games, starting with Houston on Nov. 20. -- Mike WellsWeek 10:?ByeJacksonville Jaguars?(2-6)The Jaguars finally found their running game (205 yards), but theres still a lot of work to be done for new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Quarterback?Blake Bortles still had trouble hitting open receivers and made some questionable decisions -- one throw was picked off and two others should have been -- while?Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon had costly fumbles. Still, the Jaguars offense looked the best it has in more than a month, and the players are encouraged for what that means in the second half of the season. -- Mike DiRoccoWeek 10: vs. Houston, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETTennessee Titans?(4-5)If the Titans are going to beat the Packers in Nashville next week, quarterback Marcus Mariota will have to play mistake-free. He threw two interceptions and lost a fumble in the loss at San Diego, handing the Chargers two defensive touchdowns. Mariota now has five giveaways this season that have produced defensive touchdowns. Thats two more than Andrew Luck of the Colts and Case Keenum of the Rams; they rank second with three apiece. -- Paul KuharskyWeek 10: vs. Green Bay, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETAFC WESTDenver Broncos?(6-3)Those things the Broncos keep saying will get corrected -- the run game, run defense and their work in the offensive line - are not corrected. Denver has, finally, lost its grip on the top spot in the AFC West as the Raiders pounded out 218 rushing yards in their win over the Broncos. Denvers struggles on offense meant it didnt have enough of a response to do what it has done so often -- win a game with the division lead on the line. -- Jeff LegwoldWeek 10: at New Orleans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETKansas City Chiefs?(6-2)The Chiefs know theyll need to play better when the competition ramps up in next weeks game against the Panthers. But if nothing else, the Chiefs deserve credit for their resiliency?in their win over the Jaguars. The Chiefs played without quarterback Alex Smith and running back Spencer Ware and also lost leading wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in the first quarter with an injury. But they should get back Smith next week and could get back Ware and Maclin, too. They also could have linebacker Justin Houston?in their lineup next week for the first time this season. So all is not lost just because they had to sweat out the finish of a home victory against the Jaguars. -- Adam TeicherWeek 10: at Carolina, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETOakland Raiders?(7-2)The Raiders proved they are the real deal with Sunday nights thumping of the Super Bowl champion Broncos to anyone who still had doubts, and on national television to improve to 7-2 and solely take over first place in the AFC West. Latavius Murray gashed the Broncos defense for 114 rushing yards and a career-best three rushing TDs, all from 1 yard out as Oakland rushed for 218 yards as a team. As such, the Raiders have something positive to chew on entering their bye week before an international affair on Monday Night Football in Mexico City against the Texans on Nov. 21. -- Paul GutierrezWeek 10: ByeSan Diego Chargers?(4-5)Melvin Gordon looks like the real deal. The Wisconsin product finished with a career-high 194 rushing yards and served as the engine for San Diegos offense in Sundays win over the Titans. Gordon eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the second straight game and leads the league with 11 total touchdowns. Hes running assertively and with more confidence, giving this Philip Rivers-led offense the balance it needs. -- Eric D. WilliamsWeek 10: vs. Miami, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET ' ' '