November 26, 2007 -- Missouri and West Virginia have one more step to take before bumping into each other in New Orleans.
The Tigers and Mountaineers hold the top two spots in the Bowl Championship Series standings released yesterday with a week left in a topsy-turvy regular season.
The Tigers play Oklahoma (10-2) in the Big 12 championship game at San Antonio on Saturday and the Mountaineers face rival Pittsburgh (4-7) at home. If both win, it'll be Missouri-West Virginia in a most unlikely BCS championship game Jan. 7 at the Superdome.
A month ago, neither team was even in the top five of the BCS standings, but a string of upsets have left Chase Daniel and the Tigers and Pat White and the Mountaineers in control of their own destinies.
"I've been telling the guys, the more you win, the more that's at stake," West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez said in a conference call with reporters.
If either Missouri (11-1) or West Virginia (10-1) trip up next week, third-place Ohio State (11-1) is poised to take advantage and play in its second straight title game.
If the Tigers and Mountaineers both lose, the national title picture gets very murky.
Georgia was fourth in the standings, followed by Kansas (11-1). Neither will play in their conference title games, but both still have a shot to play for a national championship.
Georgia (10-2) could become the first team with two losses to play for a national title and several other two-loss teams could make a claim to be in the championship game if the top two lose for a second consecutive week.
Sixth-place Virginia Tech (10-2), seventh-place LSU (10-2), eighth-place Southern California (9-2) and ninth-place Oklahoma all have one last opportunity to surge up the BCS standings on Saturday
Ohio State's regular season ended Nov. 17 with a victory over Michigan that made the Buckeyes the Big Ten champions. The week before, Ohio State was No. 1 in the country when it lost to Illinois at home and seemingly fell out of the title race.
At worst, the Buckeyes, who lost the national championship game 41-14 to Florida last season, will be in the Rose Bowl.
Hawaii moved up to 12th in the standings after beating Boise State 39-27 and winning the Western Athletic Conference, putting Colt Brennan and the Warriors in position to earn an automatic BCS bid.
The Warriors, the last remaining unbeaten team in the nation, finish the season at home against Washington and need to be in the top 12 when the final standings come out next Sunday.
Missouri was No. 1 in the Harris poll and West Virginia was No. 1 in the USA Today coaches' poll yesterday. Those polls make up a two-thirds of a team's BCS average. Missouri was first in the computer rankings with West Virginia second.
The Tigers' BCS average was .978 and the Mountaineers were at .971.
A Missouri-West Virginia final seemed to be a long shot when October ended. Both had a loss and were stuck behind a pile of teams in the BCS standings. On Oct. 28, West Virginia was seventh in the standings and Missouri was ninth.
Since then it's been a steady climb as the Tigers and Mountaineers have kept winning while the other contenders have tanked.
It started when Ohio State lost to Illinois on Nov. 10. A few days later, Oregon lost quarterback Dennis Dixon to an injury in the first quarter and the Ducks' national title hopes went with him in a loss at Arizona.
Two days later, Oklahoma lost its second game of the season at Texas Tech, leaving Missouri and Kansas as the Big 12's best hope for a national title.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Report: Redskins' Taylor Shot, In Critical Condition
Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor died Tuesday morning from injuries suffered in a shooting incident.
The Redskins were told of the death by Taylor's family. He was 24 years old.
"This is the worst imaginable tragedy," Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder was quoted as saying on the team's web site. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Sean's family."
Taylor died one day after being shot in the leg during an alleged home invasion.
Miami-Dade patrol officers received a call about 1:45 a.m. (et) Monday that a homeowner had been shot in the leg. Paramedics responded and found Taylor with a gunshot wound.
Taylor was flown to the Ryder Trauma Center of Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Reports Monday evening indicated that doctors were cautiously optimistic after Taylor was able to squeeze a nurse's hand. However, he apparently never regained consciousness.
"The entire NFL is deeply saddened by the death of Sean Taylor," said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement.
"We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Sean's family, friends, teammates and the Redskins' organization. This is a terrible tragedy involving the loss of a young man who leaves behind many people struggling to understand it. Our office is staying in close contact with the Redskins to provide all appropriate support to the club and Sean's family. We also are working to determine the facts surrounding this tragic event. We will honor the memory of Sean Taylor at all games this weekend."
Taylor was in his fourth NFL season, all with the Redskins, who selected him with the fifth overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft.
The former Miami-Florida All-American earned his first Pro Bowl berth last season and this year was leading the Redskins with five interceptions. He had missed the team's last two games with a knee injury.
Taylor was engaged to be married and leaves behind a one-year daughter named Jackie.
The Redskins were told of the death by Taylor's family. He was 24 years old.
"This is the worst imaginable tragedy," Redskins owner Daniel M. Snyder was quoted as saying on the team's web site. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Sean's family."
Taylor died one day after being shot in the leg during an alleged home invasion.
Miami-Dade patrol officers received a call about 1:45 a.m. (et) Monday that a homeowner had been shot in the leg. Paramedics responded and found Taylor with a gunshot wound.
Taylor was flown to the Ryder Trauma Center of Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
Reports Monday evening indicated that doctors were cautiously optimistic after Taylor was able to squeeze a nurse's hand. However, he apparently never regained consciousness.
"The entire NFL is deeply saddened by the death of Sean Taylor," said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement.
"We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Sean's family, friends, teammates and the Redskins' organization. This is a terrible tragedy involving the loss of a young man who leaves behind many people struggling to understand it. Our office is staying in close contact with the Redskins to provide all appropriate support to the club and Sean's family. We also are working to determine the facts surrounding this tragic event. We will honor the memory of Sean Taylor at all games this weekend."
Taylor was in his fourth NFL season, all with the Redskins, who selected him with the fifth overall pick of the 2004 NFL Draft.
The former Miami-Florida All-American earned his first Pro Bowl berth last season and this year was leading the Redskins with five interceptions. He had missed the team's last two games with a knee injury.
Taylor was engaged to be married and leaves behind a one-year daughter named Jackie.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Tom Brady Wants Time Off for Baby's Birth
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is seeking a timeout – for the birth of his first child with former girlfriend Bridget Moynahan.
"I hope so," Brady, 30, said Monday, noting that he'll need the approval of coach Bill Belichick in the face of his team's upcoming busy schedule.
"Bill has a lot to say," Brady acknowledged, according to the Associated Press, "so we'll deal with it when it happens."
On Friday, Brady and his team are due to play Carolina in the third of four exhibition games, with the Patriots' first regular season game slated for a Sept. 9 kick-off against the New York Jets.
Brady declined on Monday to say whether Moynahan will deliver their child before the Jets game. (The actress and Brady broke up last December, before her pregnancy was announced.)
Brady – who is now dating Gisele Bündchen – is unaware when he'll receive the call informing him he's about to be a dad.
"I wish I did," Brady said with a smile. "That's God's decision. The good lord is making that call. So I think everybody's anxious. I'll put it that way."
When asked if he jumps every time the phone rings, he added, "It's stuff that's very private to me and it's my family. I'm sure it won't be hard to figure out when it happens."
As for asking for personal time off, he said: "Certainly, a lot of people make sacrifices for their family, and I'm dealing with a certain situation, a very joyous, happy situation. And some people have dealt with death in the past and that's incredibly difficult."
Chimed in Coach Belichick: "[Personal situations] are all talked about and dealt with on an individual basis. It doesn't matter who the player is. There are plenty that have come up through the course of the year. I'll deal with them like I do all of them."
"I hope so," Brady, 30, said Monday, noting that he'll need the approval of coach Bill Belichick in the face of his team's upcoming busy schedule.
"Bill has a lot to say," Brady acknowledged, according to the Associated Press, "so we'll deal with it when it happens."
On Friday, Brady and his team are due to play Carolina in the third of four exhibition games, with the Patriots' first regular season game slated for a Sept. 9 kick-off against the New York Jets.
Brady declined on Monday to say whether Moynahan will deliver their child before the Jets game. (The actress and Brady broke up last December, before her pregnancy was announced.)
Brady – who is now dating Gisele Bündchen – is unaware when he'll receive the call informing him he's about to be a dad.
"I wish I did," Brady said with a smile. "That's God's decision. The good lord is making that call. So I think everybody's anxious. I'll put it that way."
When asked if he jumps every time the phone rings, he added, "It's stuff that's very private to me and it's my family. I'm sure it won't be hard to figure out when it happens."
As for asking for personal time off, he said: "Certainly, a lot of people make sacrifices for their family, and I'm dealing with a certain situation, a very joyous, happy situation. And some people have dealt with death in the past and that's incredibly difficult."
Chimed in Coach Belichick: "[Personal situations] are all talked about and dealt with on an individual basis. It doesn't matter who the player is. There are plenty that have come up through the course of the year. I'll deal with them like I do all of them."
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Sources: Larry Johnson Will Be Shut Down for the Season
According to Rotoworld, the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing to shut Larry Johnson down for the remainder of the 2007 season. An outcome that was speculated back on November 6th, but was later questioned when Johnson claimed he was going to return.
Sources close to Larry Johnson indicate that the Chiefs and their star runner are expecting to shut Johnson down for the season.
The decision was apparently made before the results of a Monday MRI are revealed. While the news may not officially announced right away, the team and Johnson were looking at a best case scenario in which Johnson would return for a few meaningless games.
And although nothing is official yet, it looks like Fox 31 in Colorado had it right in the first place.
With the Chiefs slowly going downhill, this seems like a logical decision. Even if Johnson were able to return, it probably wouldn't happen until week 16 or possibly even week 17. And even then, it would be rushed. So rather than risk his career, Kansas City will ask him to pocket his pride ego and watch Priest Holmes get all his carries.
Sources close to Larry Johnson indicate that the Chiefs and their star runner are expecting to shut Johnson down for the season.
The decision was apparently made before the results of a Monday MRI are revealed. While the news may not officially announced right away, the team and Johnson were looking at a best case scenario in which Johnson would return for a few meaningless games.
And although nothing is official yet, it looks like Fox 31 in Colorado had it right in the first place.
With the Chiefs slowly going downhill, this seems like a logical decision. Even if Johnson were able to return, it probably wouldn't happen until week 16 or possibly even week 17. And even then, it would be rushed. So rather than risk his career, Kansas City will ask him to pocket his pride ego and watch Priest Holmes get all his carries.
NFL to Get New Deal With Ticket Resellers: Are Fans Winners or Losers?
The NFL voted this month to choose one of six ticket sellers to be the official ticket reseller of the NFL. Having a league-wide deal would replace the team by team deals that currently exist.
The Patriots and Steelers have no reseller deals, and apparently, the new deal will have to be lucrative to replace the mid to high six figure deals the rest of the teams have. The league-wide deal also would not derail individual rules that prohibit resale of tickets.
The Patriots, for example are cracking down on the resellers. They are currently suing StubHub for ticket markups which are against local laws and the Patriots' rules against reselling tickets.
I don't know what to think about this issue. I know ticket resales will happen, and I have bought tickets through legal ticket brokers before. If the league knows that resales are going to happen, why shouldn't they profit from them?
But on the other hand, as a fan, I kind of like the Patriots' approach of banning resale for profit. Here's my explanation:
I'm a season ticket holder for the Texans. This year, the team has been emphasizing how we as fans are "The Homefield Advantage." But in the meantime, they are getting big coin from StubHub being the official ticket resellers for the Houston Texans. So, instead a Texan fan on the wait list getting the two tickets in front of mine, each week they are sold to mostly opposing fans. (I've been told through StubHub).
In addition, as a season ticket holder, I get StubHub spam in my email and in my mailbox because the Texans gave them that information. Oh lovely. Spam and junk mail reminding me that opposing fans will be sitting in front of me.
So as the Texans are imploring me to be the homefield advantage, they are undercutting that by encouraging their season ticket holders to sell their tickets for profit to the highest bidder, fan allegiance be damned.
I live in the United States, and I like capitalism as much as the next person, but it bothers me when it interferes with my fandom. If you are selling tickets to another person at your cost, it is likely going to be another fan of your team. If you are doing it week after week to make a profit or as your business, it is likely that a large number of those tickets will go to opposing fans.
It also probably means that traitorous profiteers very casual fans will keep their seats to resell them, instead of selling their personal seat licenses to someone who actually cares.
So I'm fine with the Patriots wanting the tickets to go to Patriot fans, and not resellers. I love the real season ticket holders, the ones I see and socialize with at every game. And I'd prefer not to wonder whether the opposing fans in the seats in front of me will be cool people or drunk jerks. (I think the ratio tends to be 1:3. I think that when opposing fans pay a ton of money for seats, they feel like they can behave like donkeys. Will say once in a while there are cool drunk people in those seats, but it's rare).
The Patriots care about winning and getting tickets in the hands of actual season ticket holders who go to games and are likely to root for the Patriots. And I guess most of the rest of the league is more interested in dollar signs. We should hear who the reseller choice is by the end of the month in time for the playoffs.
I'd be interested to hear what you think about this.
The Patriots and Steelers have no reseller deals, and apparently, the new deal will have to be lucrative to replace the mid to high six figure deals the rest of the teams have. The league-wide deal also would not derail individual rules that prohibit resale of tickets.
The Patriots, for example are cracking down on the resellers. They are currently suing StubHub for ticket markups which are against local laws and the Patriots' rules against reselling tickets.
I don't know what to think about this issue. I know ticket resales will happen, and I have bought tickets through legal ticket brokers before. If the league knows that resales are going to happen, why shouldn't they profit from them?
But on the other hand, as a fan, I kind of like the Patriots' approach of banning resale for profit. Here's my explanation:
I'm a season ticket holder for the Texans. This year, the team has been emphasizing how we as fans are "The Homefield Advantage." But in the meantime, they are getting big coin from StubHub being the official ticket resellers for the Houston Texans. So, instead a Texan fan on the wait list getting the two tickets in front of mine, each week they are sold to mostly opposing fans. (I've been told through StubHub).
In addition, as a season ticket holder, I get StubHub spam in my email and in my mailbox because the Texans gave them that information. Oh lovely. Spam and junk mail reminding me that opposing fans will be sitting in front of me.
So as the Texans are imploring me to be the homefield advantage, they are undercutting that by encouraging their season ticket holders to sell their tickets for profit to the highest bidder, fan allegiance be damned.
I live in the United States, and I like capitalism as much as the next person, but it bothers me when it interferes with my fandom. If you are selling tickets to another person at your cost, it is likely going to be another fan of your team. If you are doing it week after week to make a profit or as your business, it is likely that a large number of those tickets will go to opposing fans.
It also probably means that traitorous profiteers very casual fans will keep their seats to resell them, instead of selling their personal seat licenses to someone who actually cares.
So I'm fine with the Patriots wanting the tickets to go to Patriot fans, and not resellers. I love the real season ticket holders, the ones I see and socialize with at every game. And I'd prefer not to wonder whether the opposing fans in the seats in front of me will be cool people or drunk jerks. (I think the ratio tends to be 1:3. I think that when opposing fans pay a ton of money for seats, they feel like they can behave like donkeys. Will say once in a while there are cool drunk people in those seats, but it's rare).
The Patriots care about winning and getting tickets in the hands of actual season ticket holders who go to games and are likely to root for the Patriots. And I guess most of the rest of the league is more interested in dollar signs. We should hear who the reseller choice is by the end of the month in time for the playoffs.
I'd be interested to hear what you think about this.
NFL General Stats
Titans and Broncos MNF stats not included.
Points Scored
New England Patriots- 411
Dallas Cowboys- 324
Cleveland Browns- 288
Indianapolis Colts- 278
Pittsburgh Steelers- 269
Points Allowed
Pittsburgh Steelers- 145
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 151
Tennessee Titans- 152*
New England Patriots- 157
Green Bay Packers- 159
Indianapolis Colts- 159
Points Scored vs. Against
New England Patriots- +254
Pittsburgh Steelers- +124
Indianapolis Colts- +119
Dallas Cowboys- +106
Green Bay Packers- +100
Home Records
Pittsburgh Steelers- 6-0
New England Patriots- 5-0
Seattle Seahawks- 5-1
Green Bay Packers- 5-1
Cleveland Browns- 4-1
Detroit Lions- 4-1
Dallas Cowboys- 4-1
San Diego Chargers- 4-1
Indianapolis Colts- 4-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 4-1
Road Records
New England Patriots- 6-0
Dallas Cowboys- 5-0
Green Bay Packers- 4-0
Indianapolis Colts- 4-1
New York Giants- 4-1
Jacksonville Jaguars- 4-1
Undefeated in Division
New England Patriots- 4-0
Dallas Cowboys- 4-0
Pittsburgh Steelers- 4-0
Indianapolis Colts- 3-0
Detroit Lions- 3-0
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 3-0
Winning Streaks
New England Patriots- 10
Green Bay Packers- 5
Dallas Cowboys- 4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 2
Houston Texans- 2
Seattle Seahawks- 2
Jacksonville Jaguars- 2
Arizona Cardinals- 2
Philadelphia Eagles- 2
St. Louis Rams- 2
Points Scored
San Francisco 49ers- 113
Atlanta Falcons- 142
Kansas City Chiefs- 145
St. Louis Rams- 149
Denver Broncos- 153*
Buffalo Bills- 153
Points Allowed
Cleveland Browns- 294
Cincinnati Bengals- 286
Miami Dolphins- 274
St. Louis Rams- 257
New Orleans Saints- 246
Points Scored vs. Against
San Francisco 49ers- -110
St. Louis Rams- -108
Miami Dolphins- -91
Denver Broncos- -85
Atlanta Falcons- -71
Home Records
Miami Dolphins- 0-5
St. Louis Rams- 0-4
Carolina Panthers- 0-4
San Francisco 49ers- 1-4
Oakland Raiders- 1-4
Road Records
Miami Dolphins- 0-5
New York Jets- 0-4
San Francisco 49ers- 1-4
Atlanta Falcons- 1-4
Oakland Raiders- 1-4
Baltimore Ravens- 1-4
Cincinnati Bengals- 1-4
Minnesota Vikings- 1-4
San Diego Chargers- 1-4
Winless in Division
Baltimore Ravens- 0-5
Miami Dolphins- 0-3
Houston Texans- 0-3
Oakland Raiders- 0-3
Losing Streaks
Miami Dolphins- 10
San Francisco 49ers- 8
Oakland Raiders- 6
Baltimore Ravens- 4
Carolina Panthers- 4
Kansas City Chiefs- 3
Detroit Lions- 2
Washington Redskins- 2
New Orleans Saints- 2
Points Scored
New England Patriots- 411
Dallas Cowboys- 324
Cleveland Browns- 288
Indianapolis Colts- 278
Pittsburgh Steelers- 269
Points Allowed
Pittsburgh Steelers- 145
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 151
Tennessee Titans- 152*
New England Patriots- 157
Green Bay Packers- 159
Indianapolis Colts- 159
Points Scored vs. Against
New England Patriots- +254
Pittsburgh Steelers- +124
Indianapolis Colts- +119
Dallas Cowboys- +106
Green Bay Packers- +100
Home Records
Pittsburgh Steelers- 6-0
New England Patriots- 5-0
Seattle Seahawks- 5-1
Green Bay Packers- 5-1
Cleveland Browns- 4-1
Detroit Lions- 4-1
Dallas Cowboys- 4-1
San Diego Chargers- 4-1
Indianapolis Colts- 4-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 4-1
Road Records
New England Patriots- 6-0
Dallas Cowboys- 5-0
Green Bay Packers- 4-0
Indianapolis Colts- 4-1
New York Giants- 4-1
Jacksonville Jaguars- 4-1
Undefeated in Division
New England Patriots- 4-0
Dallas Cowboys- 4-0
Pittsburgh Steelers- 4-0
Indianapolis Colts- 3-0
Detroit Lions- 3-0
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 3-0
Winning Streaks
New England Patriots- 10
Green Bay Packers- 5
Dallas Cowboys- 4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 2
Houston Texans- 2
Seattle Seahawks- 2
Jacksonville Jaguars- 2
Arizona Cardinals- 2
Philadelphia Eagles- 2
St. Louis Rams- 2
Points Scored
San Francisco 49ers- 113
Atlanta Falcons- 142
Kansas City Chiefs- 145
St. Louis Rams- 149
Denver Broncos- 153*
Buffalo Bills- 153
Points Allowed
Cleveland Browns- 294
Cincinnati Bengals- 286
Miami Dolphins- 274
St. Louis Rams- 257
New Orleans Saints- 246
Points Scored vs. Against
San Francisco 49ers- -110
St. Louis Rams- -108
Miami Dolphins- -91
Denver Broncos- -85
Atlanta Falcons- -71
Home Records
Miami Dolphins- 0-5
St. Louis Rams- 0-4
Carolina Panthers- 0-4
San Francisco 49ers- 1-4
Oakland Raiders- 1-4
Road Records
Miami Dolphins- 0-5
New York Jets- 0-4
San Francisco 49ers- 1-4
Atlanta Falcons- 1-4
Oakland Raiders- 1-4
Baltimore Ravens- 1-4
Cincinnati Bengals- 1-4
Minnesota Vikings- 1-4
San Diego Chargers- 1-4
Winless in Division
Baltimore Ravens- 0-5
Miami Dolphins- 0-3
Houston Texans- 0-3
Oakland Raiders- 0-3
Losing Streaks
Miami Dolphins- 10
San Francisco 49ers- 8
Oakland Raiders- 6
Baltimore Ravens- 4
Carolina Panthers- 4
Kansas City Chiefs- 3
Detroit Lions- 2
Washington Redskins- 2
New Orleans Saints- 2
Horrible Division
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs 4-4
San Diego Chargers 4-4
Denver Broncos 3-5
Oakland Raiders 2-6
Look at the NFC West:
Seattle Seahawks: 4-4
Arizona Cardinals: 3-5
San Francisco 49'ers: 2-6
St. Louis Rams: winless
it sucks being 2-6
but being 2-6 and only 2 games back from the lead is just throwing salt on the wound, especially when you know your teamisnt good enough to make up that 2 game gap
if there was ever a year for us to contend for the division title, this was it
Kansas City Chiefs 4-4
San Diego Chargers 4-4
Denver Broncos 3-5
Oakland Raiders 2-6
Look at the NFC West:
Seattle Seahawks: 4-4
Arizona Cardinals: 3-5
San Francisco 49'ers: 2-6
St. Louis Rams: winless
it sucks being 2-6
but being 2-6 and only 2 games back from the lead is just throwing salt on the wound, especially when you know your teamisnt good enough to make up that 2 game gap
if there was ever a year for us to contend for the division title, this was it
Steelers' poor offensive line play becoming concern
Steelers' poor offensive line play becoming concern
By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
It has long been a tradition in the NFL for quarterbacks to take their offensive linemen out to dinner or lavish them with gifts in appreciation for the protection they provide.
Maybe the Steelers' offensive line should chip in and buy something for Ben Roethlisberger (personal masseuse, perhaps?) since the fourth-year quarterback could have been seen as covering for his, ahem, bodyguards following a 19-16 overtime loss to the New York Jets Sunday.
"When I drop back to pass, I have all the confidence in the world that those guys are going to get it done," Roethlisberger said. "That's not going to waver and it never will."
As admirable as Roethlisberger's post-game/post-beating comments were, the offensive line didn't get it done in the Steelers' most disappointing loss of the season. And its performance against New York raised more questions about a unit that allowed the Jets to sack Roethlisberger seven times and didn't create much running room for Willie Parker (52 yards on 21 carries).
story continues below
"We'll look at the film and see what went wrong," center Sean Mahan said, "so it doesn't happen again."
Yet, here is the stark reality for the Steelers: corrections cannot be made if the offensive line is simply getting overpowered.
That happened throughout the Jets' game, which in part explained why a team that had nine sacks in its first nine games nearly matched that total against the Steelers.
Dewayne Robertson had his way with Mahan, the Steelers' only significant free-agent signing in the offseason, notching two-and-a-half sacks.
What had to be particularly unsettling to the Steelers' coaches about Robertson's big game is that nose tackles generally don't generate much of a pass rush in a 3-4 defense.
"We knew if we could get them in (passing) situations, we could take advantage of their offensive line," said defensive end Shaun Ellis, who had two sacks.
And take advantage of the Steelers' line, they did.
When asked if the play of the offensive line is becoming a problem, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, "You could point fingers, but we all accept responsibility for this one."
Indeed, Roethlisberger attributed some of the sacks he took to the job the Jets did covering the Steelers' receivers (i.e. he had to hold onto the ball too long).
Mahan and left guard Alan Faneca said the Jets used their bye week to install some new things defensively, and they gave the offensive line some looks it didn't expect to see.
Keeping Roethlisberger upright, however, was not the only issue the line had.
Parker never got going even though the Jets entered the game with the worst run defense, at least statistically, in the NFL.
The Steelers have now twice played teams (Denver was the other) that ranked last in stopping the run. Parker's combined numbers in those games: 42 carries for 145 yards and no touchdowns.
The Steelers' offensive line will be judged just as harshly for the job it did, or rather didn't do, in protecting Roethlisberger.
His ability to escape trouble had masked some of problems the line has had against the pass rush, but New York exposed the Steelers' shortcomings in that area.
Faneca said the offensive line would "carry that burden" of not giving Roethlisberger the protection he needs.
"I'm taking it," Faneca said of the responsibility, "because I'm not exactly sure what was going on. No matter how you look at it, we probably should have given him more time."
tell me how yall feel about this
By Scott Brown
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
It has long been a tradition in the NFL for quarterbacks to take their offensive linemen out to dinner or lavish them with gifts in appreciation for the protection they provide.
Maybe the Steelers' offensive line should chip in and buy something for Ben Roethlisberger (personal masseuse, perhaps?) since the fourth-year quarterback could have been seen as covering for his, ahem, bodyguards following a 19-16 overtime loss to the New York Jets Sunday.
"When I drop back to pass, I have all the confidence in the world that those guys are going to get it done," Roethlisberger said. "That's not going to waver and it never will."
As admirable as Roethlisberger's post-game/post-beating comments were, the offensive line didn't get it done in the Steelers' most disappointing loss of the season. And its performance against New York raised more questions about a unit that allowed the Jets to sack Roethlisberger seven times and didn't create much running room for Willie Parker (52 yards on 21 carries).
story continues below
"We'll look at the film and see what went wrong," center Sean Mahan said, "so it doesn't happen again."
Yet, here is the stark reality for the Steelers: corrections cannot be made if the offensive line is simply getting overpowered.
That happened throughout the Jets' game, which in part explained why a team that had nine sacks in its first nine games nearly matched that total against the Steelers.
Dewayne Robertson had his way with Mahan, the Steelers' only significant free-agent signing in the offseason, notching two-and-a-half sacks.
What had to be particularly unsettling to the Steelers' coaches about Robertson's big game is that nose tackles generally don't generate much of a pass rush in a 3-4 defense.
"We knew if we could get them in (passing) situations, we could take advantage of their offensive line," said defensive end Shaun Ellis, who had two sacks.
And take advantage of the Steelers' line, they did.
When asked if the play of the offensive line is becoming a problem, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, "You could point fingers, but we all accept responsibility for this one."
Indeed, Roethlisberger attributed some of the sacks he took to the job the Jets did covering the Steelers' receivers (i.e. he had to hold onto the ball too long).
Mahan and left guard Alan Faneca said the Jets used their bye week to install some new things defensively, and they gave the offensive line some looks it didn't expect to see.
Keeping Roethlisberger upright, however, was not the only issue the line had.
Parker never got going even though the Jets entered the game with the worst run defense, at least statistically, in the NFL.
The Steelers have now twice played teams (Denver was the other) that ranked last in stopping the run. Parker's combined numbers in those games: 42 carries for 145 yards and no touchdowns.
The Steelers' offensive line will be judged just as harshly for the job it did, or rather didn't do, in protecting Roethlisberger.
His ability to escape trouble had masked some of problems the line has had against the pass rush, but New York exposed the Steelers' shortcomings in that area.
Faneca said the offensive line would "carry that burden" of not giving Roethlisberger the protection he needs.
"I'm taking it," Faneca said of the responsibility, "because I'm not exactly sure what was going on. No matter how you look at it, we probably should have given him more time."
tell me how yall feel about this
Monday, November 19, 2007
Broncos vs.Titans preview
Scouting report, November 19
The Rocky
Monday, November 19, 2007
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/new...t-november-19/
Matchups
When the Broncos run the ball*The skinny: The Titans defensive profile is one that has given the Broncos trouble this season. Tennessee has size and athleticism up front - especially if Albert Haynesworth plays, which isn't expected, after missing a game with a right hamstring injury - and speed at linebacker and it attacks the line of scrimmage. New Titans players such as linebacker Ryan Fowler, safety Chris Hope and rookie safety Michael Griffin also have fit in nicely this season. The Titans have surrendered only one run of more than 30 yards this season.
* It's a fact: In nine games this season, the Titans have surrendered at least 100 rushing yards to an opponent onceo Jacksonville finished with 166 on 44 carries Nov. 11.
When the Broncos pass the ball*The skinny: The Broncos will have to do a better job in pass protection than they have of late to keep the advantage here. Kyle Vanden Bosch, who has flipped sides in the formation, now plays on the defensive right after going to the Pro Bowl last season at left end. He's powerful, nonstop and is only that much tougher to deal with when Haynesworth plays up to his substantial abilities in the middle of the field. The Titans like to drop linebacker Keith Bulluck (four interceptions this season, three against New Orleans) into the passing lanes and quarterbacks often let one fly in his direction because they don't see him make the move.
*It's a fact: Each of the past five Broncos opponents has thrown for at least 200 yardso four of those have thrown for at least 246 yards.
When the Titans run the ball*The skinny: The Titans are a team that worries more about creating the opportunities to run the ball instead of what the average per carry looks like all the time. It can be hard on the eyes for those who don't appreciate it, but it is the Titans' intent to control things this way. The Broncos are playing with a little smaller defensive front than they were early in the season, but they also have played with eight around the line of scrimmage more often and pushed hard to get up the field a little more as well. The Titans will pound away with Denver native LenDale White at running back while veteran center Kevin Mawae calls the shots up front.
* It's a fact: Only twice in the previous seven years has the Titans' leading rusher averaged more than 4 yards a carry in a season. White is averaging 3.5 yards a carry this season.
When the Titans pass the ball*The skinny: Defensive coordinators all fear Titans quarterback Vince Young's ability to make something out of mayhem when things break down around him. But those defenses also have made a far more concerted effort to keep Young behind the line of scrimmage as well this season and not let him free. The result thus far has been his rushing average is down from 6.7 in 2006 to 3.9 this season and he already has thrown 10 interceptions in 192 pass attempts (one in every 19.2 attempts) compared with 13 in 357 attempts last season (one in every 27.5 attempts).
*It's a fact: Young has thrown one touchdown pass - it resulted in a juggling catch in the end zone by Justin Gage on Nov. 11 - in his past six games with eight interceptions during that same span.
Special teams*The skinny: This one is the danger zone for the Broncos punt returners. Titans punter Craig Hentrich has a knuckleball punt he can unload on a whim and has used it in almost any situation, including playoff games. It's best to leave the ball alone, but often those who try to catch it find themselves bouncing it off their face mask for a turnover. The Broncos have been better in coverage of late and rookie Andre Hall has shown a spark in kickoff returns. Broncos kicker Jason Elam played a on sore right leg Nov. 11 and still made kicks of 44 and 50 yards in Kansas City.
*It's a fact: Titans kicker Rob Bironas entered Week 11 leading the league with 82 points. He set an NFL record with eight field goals against the Texans last month. It also was only the second game this season in which he has attempted more than two kicks.
Intangibles*The skinny: This is the first of three remaining chances this season for the Broncos to show they still have some kind of home-field advantage. They are 2-3 on the home grass this season, 6-7 there since losing the AFC Championship Game to the Steelers in January 2006. They'll need an early lead in this one or the Titans simply will be content to pound away in the running game and take their chances they can make it a field-goal game. The Broncos haven't shown they can hold up in that kind of game.
Jeff Legwold's prediction: Broncos 19-13
Here is a .pdf from the Denver Post previewing the game:
http://extras.mnginteractive.com/liv...cout111907.pdf
The Rocky
Monday, November 19, 2007
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/new...t-november-19/
Matchups
When the Broncos run the ball*The skinny: The Titans defensive profile is one that has given the Broncos trouble this season. Tennessee has size and athleticism up front - especially if Albert Haynesworth plays, which isn't expected, after missing a game with a right hamstring injury - and speed at linebacker and it attacks the line of scrimmage. New Titans players such as linebacker Ryan Fowler, safety Chris Hope and rookie safety Michael Griffin also have fit in nicely this season. The Titans have surrendered only one run of more than 30 yards this season.
* It's a fact: In nine games this season, the Titans have surrendered at least 100 rushing yards to an opponent onceo Jacksonville finished with 166 on 44 carries Nov. 11.
When the Broncos pass the ball*The skinny: The Broncos will have to do a better job in pass protection than they have of late to keep the advantage here. Kyle Vanden Bosch, who has flipped sides in the formation, now plays on the defensive right after going to the Pro Bowl last season at left end. He's powerful, nonstop and is only that much tougher to deal with when Haynesworth plays up to his substantial abilities in the middle of the field. The Titans like to drop linebacker Keith Bulluck (four interceptions this season, three against New Orleans) into the passing lanes and quarterbacks often let one fly in his direction because they don't see him make the move.
*It's a fact: Each of the past five Broncos opponents has thrown for at least 200 yardso four of those have thrown for at least 246 yards.
When the Titans run the ball*The skinny: The Titans are a team that worries more about creating the opportunities to run the ball instead of what the average per carry looks like all the time. It can be hard on the eyes for those who don't appreciate it, but it is the Titans' intent to control things this way. The Broncos are playing with a little smaller defensive front than they were early in the season, but they also have played with eight around the line of scrimmage more often and pushed hard to get up the field a little more as well. The Titans will pound away with Denver native LenDale White at running back while veteran center Kevin Mawae calls the shots up front.
* It's a fact: Only twice in the previous seven years has the Titans' leading rusher averaged more than 4 yards a carry in a season. White is averaging 3.5 yards a carry this season.
When the Titans pass the ball*The skinny: Defensive coordinators all fear Titans quarterback Vince Young's ability to make something out of mayhem when things break down around him. But those defenses also have made a far more concerted effort to keep Young behind the line of scrimmage as well this season and not let him free. The result thus far has been his rushing average is down from 6.7 in 2006 to 3.9 this season and he already has thrown 10 interceptions in 192 pass attempts (one in every 19.2 attempts) compared with 13 in 357 attempts last season (one in every 27.5 attempts).
*It's a fact: Young has thrown one touchdown pass - it resulted in a juggling catch in the end zone by Justin Gage on Nov. 11 - in his past six games with eight interceptions during that same span.
Special teams*The skinny: This one is the danger zone for the Broncos punt returners. Titans punter Craig Hentrich has a knuckleball punt he can unload on a whim and has used it in almost any situation, including playoff games. It's best to leave the ball alone, but often those who try to catch it find themselves bouncing it off their face mask for a turnover. The Broncos have been better in coverage of late and rookie Andre Hall has shown a spark in kickoff returns. Broncos kicker Jason Elam played a on sore right leg Nov. 11 and still made kicks of 44 and 50 yards in Kansas City.
*It's a fact: Titans kicker Rob Bironas entered Week 11 leading the league with 82 points. He set an NFL record with eight field goals against the Texans last month. It also was only the second game this season in which he has attempted more than two kicks.
Intangibles*The skinny: This is the first of three remaining chances this season for the Broncos to show they still have some kind of home-field advantage. They are 2-3 on the home grass this season, 6-7 there since losing the AFC Championship Game to the Steelers in January 2006. They'll need an early lead in this one or the Titans simply will be content to pound away in the running game and take their chances they can make it a field-goal game. The Broncos haven't shown they can hold up in that kind of game.
Jeff Legwold's prediction: Broncos 19-13
Here is a .pdf from the Denver Post previewing the game:
http://extras.mnginteractive.com/liv...cout111907.pdf
Lambeau Leap Turns Dangerous When Fan Grabs Ruvell Martin's Crotch
When Packers receiver Ruvell Martin scored a touchdown on Sunday, he did what Packers players always do: The Lambeau Leap.
But as you can see in the picture above, which comes courtesy of Allen Frederickson and Newsradio 620 WTMJ, some fan did something wrong when Martin jumped into the stands. Really, really wrong. So wrong that if the perpetrator can't be caught, the Lambeau Leap may cease to exist.
Yes, that's a hand grabbing Martin in the place where he would least like to be grabbed. Martin's teammate, Donald Driver, said on WTMJ that what happened to Martin "just ain't right" and is the talk of the locker room.
You really can't see from the picture whose hand that is, but the hope is that by publicizing the photo, some fan who was sitting in the area can figure it out and help to find the crotch grabber. He cannot be permitted to get away with this.
UPDATE: You can watch Martin's Lambeau Leap on the NFL.com video highlights of the game (fast-forward to about 3:40). After watching the video, I have two conclusions: First, I think it's the guy in the white doing the grabbing. Second, I think he might be grabbing fabric and not anything underneath fabric. Not that I think Martin wants a guy grabbing the fabric of his pants like that, but I'm not sure that the fan actually grabbed Martin's crotch.
But as you can see in the picture above, which comes courtesy of Allen Frederickson and Newsradio 620 WTMJ, some fan did something wrong when Martin jumped into the stands. Really, really wrong. So wrong that if the perpetrator can't be caught, the Lambeau Leap may cease to exist.
Yes, that's a hand grabbing Martin in the place where he would least like to be grabbed. Martin's teammate, Donald Driver, said on WTMJ that what happened to Martin "just ain't right" and is the talk of the locker room.
You really can't see from the picture whose hand that is, but the hope is that by publicizing the photo, some fan who was sitting in the area can figure it out and help to find the crotch grabber. He cannot be permitted to get away with this.
UPDATE: You can watch Martin's Lambeau Leap on the NFL.com video highlights of the game (fast-forward to about 3:40). After watching the video, I have two conclusions: First, I think it's the guy in the white doing the grabbing. Second, I think he might be grabbing fabric and not anything underneath fabric. Not that I think Martin wants a guy grabbing the fabric of his pants like that, but I'm not sure that the fan actually grabbed Martin's crotch.
Fuck, Bitch, Mfer, cocksucker, Suck!!!!
This game was total bullshit! I can't remember a more pathetic suck ass lay down job by the Steelers like this in a longtime. My biggest questions are?
Do they have an offensive line?
Bruce arians has got to go.
Does Tomlin have any power or balls with this team? Who's running the show?
Troy P where have you been?
Hines where have you been?
Why not give the ball to Davenport?
3rd and 17 we run a draw?
Did the Steelers even prepare for this game?
Where are their leaders? Step up!
We lose to a 1-8 football team. Give up seven sacks? Get beat by a rookie qb? If I didn't know any better I'd think this team totally laid down. I can except a loss, it happens. But, when I see a piss poor performance, gutless, and heartless showing like I did today it pisses me off. I'm going to go watch a movie.
Do they have an offensive line?
Bruce arians has got to go.
Does Tomlin have any power or balls with this team? Who's running the show?
Troy P where have you been?
Hines where have you been?
Why not give the ball to Davenport?
3rd and 17 we run a draw?
Did the Steelers even prepare for this game?
Where are their leaders? Step up!
We lose to a 1-8 football team. Give up seven sacks? Get beat by a rookie qb? If I didn't know any better I'd think this team totally laid down. I can except a loss, it happens. But, when I see a piss poor performance, gutless, and heartless showing like I did today it pisses me off. I'm going to go watch a movie.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
People who just bandwagon
It's funny how if I'm talking about football at school, someone who doesn't know shit about it always brings up the patriots. They are all like, "oh patriots are my team, they have always been my team", bull shit. I mean, it just gets on my nerves when people suck up to the patriots. True NFL fans hate the Patriots because they are so damn overrated, or if you like them you are from the north or from NE period. Even my best friend does it. He was born and raised in Florida and moved to Texas, and when the Cowboys played the Pats he was like, I HOPE THE PATS WIN!! It's ok to have bandwagon teams on the side, because I'm not going to lie, I'm from Texas but I like the Colts, but the Cowboys are my main team. Just because NE is winning though, you sound like an idiot when you aren't even from NE and say they are your favorite team. I'm not trying to piss anybody off, but if that's why you like NE, seriously stop with this NE bandwagon BS.
7 Myths of the 2007 NFL Season?
The NFL is the most followed professional sports league in the United States. It has its own network devoting 24 hours of continuous coverage. ESPN, FOX, CBS, and NBC all have analyst breaking down various teams and players on a daily basis. There is sports talk radio and online coverage. Simply put, the NFL is not suffering from a lack of exposure crisis.
However, a lot of stuff that you watch, hear, and read is simply not true. There are a lot of myths that one person misreports, it gets picked up by a couple other people, and is suddenly reported as fact. Here are the 7 myths that I have heard the most often throughout the season that I want to set the record straight on.
The 6 contenders:
7) Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL – Adrian Peterson is having the best season by a running back in the NFL. Adrian Peterson is the NFL Rookie of the Year. He is not the best running back in the NFL. 9 good games will not give him that title. 2,000 yards this season will not either, although that is probably not possible with the knee injury suffered against Green Bay.
Last I checked the best running back in the NFL resides in San Diego. Since 2001 he has never had less than 1236 yards. He has never had less than 10 touchdowns. Both were in his rookie year. He has a career rush per carry average of 4.5. He caught 100 passes in 2003. He has won an MVP. His name is LT. While Adrian Peterson was breaking the single game rushing record, LT passed Jim Brown on the all time list for rushing touchdowns. LT is an all time great. A first ballot Hall of Famer. Adrian Peterson is the lone front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
In today’s fast food paced culture, we like to throw terms like Greatest around after 3 quarters of good football. We are all about the moment. Adrian Peterson is having a great year. Now he has to have 5 more to be in the LT discussion. LT is the best running back in the league, hands down. Until he starts having 700 yard 5 touchdown seasons, it will remain that way.
6) The Denver Broncos have the best pair of corners in the NFL – This isn’t true either. I won’t go as far as to say Champ Bailey isn’t the best corner in the league. One year playing with a bad run defense will not change that. However, the best pair of cornerbacks in the NFL resides in Green Bay, WI. Denver is ranked 11 slots higher in pass defense. They give up only 197.3 yards per game to the Packers 213.3. The main reason for that difference is that teams are too busy gashing the Bronco’s NFL worst run defense to pass the ball that many times.
Pass yards gained is not the entire story in evaluating cornerbacks. Teams have not had to challenge the Broncos cornerbacks. Bailey and Bly haven’t played as well as years past. James Jones and Greg Jennings were able to beat those corners deep in the same game. 79 and 82 yards deep. While both are fast, neither would be considered track stars. Then Kitna passed for 251 yards and 2 touchdowns and no picks in the Detroit blowout. Big Ben had 4 touchdown passes against Denver this season. There has definitely been something missing from the Denver duo’s game this season.
The Packers play a very unique style of football. In an era where Zone Blitzing and Cover 2 is all the rage, the Packers play primarily man-to-man defense. The key thing to look at with the Packers pass defense is that opposing QBs have a rating of 79.8 when facing the Packer defense to the Broncos 93.1. But the most impressive stat is that teams are only completing 57.9 % of their passes on the Packers defense, which is tied with Tennessee for 2nd best in the NFL. Only the Pittsburgh Steelers are better.
The fact is that defenses need the entire unit to succeed. Part of the reason the Packers are doing so well in pass defense is the pressure of the front 4 and the abilities of the linebackers. However, Harris and Woodson are playing with two young safeties that just got younger when Collins went down. When you consider the youth of the safeties and how much solo man to man coverage the Packers play, Al Harris and Charles Woodson are as good of a cornerback duo as any in the NFL, even though people don’t talk about it a lot.
It isn’t like these two just started playing well 8 games ago. Charles Woodson was great in Oakland, suffered through injuries, poor teams, and underachievement. He has rejuvenated his career in Green Bay. It is a crime that Al Harris has not been voted to a Pro Bowl in his career. These guys deserve a lot more recognition. That can be hard on a team whose headlines are dominated by the play of Brett Favre. While there are plenty of bigger names at the cornerback position, none are playing it as well as the duo in Green and Gold.
5) Vince Young is a winning QB - False. Vince Young plays with a winning defense. Vince Young has passed for 4 touchdowns and 10 picks this season. He has a QB rating of 62.2. To put that in perspective, his completion percentage is 60.9. I cannot think of an instance where a QB had a completion percentage and QB rating that close.
He has one game over 200 yards passing this season, which was the 257 yards in a blowout win by the Jags. Two of his four touchdowns came in the Saints game. Supporters will point to his strong running play making up for the lack of passing. His season high rushing is 57 yards and he has only gotten over 30 yards in 2 of his 8 starts. He has only 2 rushing touchdowns.
Because of the game he had against USC in the Rose Bowl, his rookie campaign with a team picked to win 4 games, and the Madden Cover; he is being hyped as the next big thing. He is a great leader. The Titans players believe they can win any game with him on the field. He has the intangibles that many feel Eli Manning lacks. While Young may end up being a capable starting NLF QB, he is not one right now.
Part of the problem is his weapons. He doesn’t have a go to receiver or an All-Pro Running back. To his credit he is at his best when the game matters. However, this guy still has light years to go before he is an elite signal caller. The Titans are 6-3 because of their defense. A defense that is in the top 7 in points allowed, yards allowed, pass yards allowed, and rush yards allowed. Albert Haynesworth is the MVP of this team. How did that run D look without him in their on Sunday?
I do realize that statistics are not the sole measure of a player. However, he has escaped a lot of criticism so far. Rex Grossman was run out of Chicago for basically the same thing. Rex Grossman went 13-3 last season and people were calling for his job all season. If someone can explain to me the difference between Vince Young and Rex Grossman I would love to hear it.
4) Tom Brady is the MVP of the NFL – Don’t get me wrong, I understand why people think Brady is the MVP. MVP means different things to different people. In my opinion Tom Brady is the Offensive Player of the Year. I am aware of all the numbers. 2686 yards. 33 touchdowns. 4 interceptions. I also understand that if Brady goes down that Matt Cassel has no chance of leading this team anywhere in the playoffs. However, the Patriots could have a better backup if they chose to devote salary cap space to it. They have chosen not to. The measure of an MVP is how many other starters in the league could you plug into that position and have a reasonable chance of duplicating that result. It is not Who Has the Worst Backup Award.
To me the biggest difference in the 2006 Patriot and 2007 Patriots is not the play of Tom Brady. I’ve seen him there the last 5 years. While he has been a Pro Bowl QB he has not been this. He didn’t suddenly figure out how to put up big numbers this offseason. The difference is Randy Moss. Randy Moss is the new item in the equation that we have never seen in the Patriots scheme. He proved to be a difference maker with the Vikings. How different did the Minnesota offense look in 1997 to 1998? What was the change in the equation in that team? Trust me, it wasn’t the addition of Cunningham at QB. Culpepper had 39 touchdowns in 2004. How has that offense or Culpepper looked since Moss left?
Brady gets to throw jump balls, into double coverage, and can pass up on an open Ben Watson in the endzone. Randy Moss makes that happen. Randy Moss is the player that stretches out the defense and opens up everything underneath. You could probably go down to Jay Cutler, Jeff Garcia, or Phillip Rivers and still have a reasonable chance of scoring points and winning games with the current Patriots roster. Not 33 touchdowns and 4 interceptions good. But good enough to be a playoff contender with an offense that can put up points.
If you take Randy Moss of this team the only receiver you could replace him with and get similar results is TO. If he goes down, this offense suddenly lacks the explosiveness it has generated in the first 9 games. My 3 MVPs would be 1) Randy Moss, 2) Brett Favre, and 3) Adrian Peterson. Those are the 3 players that have produced the biggest numbers that would be impossible for any other player to step in and have the same effect on that ball club. How many other QBs could be 8-1 with a 32nd ranked rush offense? How many other Running Backs could have 1,000 yards with that cast of characters on offense? Those are the 3 MVP front-runners in the NFL. Tom Brady is the Offensive Player of the Year, not the MVP.
3) The AFC is the Powerhouse Conference and the NFC is the Ugly Stepchild - This is getting old too. This was the case the last 2-3 years ago. Two 8-8 wildcards in 2004 were the beginning of this trend. Another 8-8 wildcard last season that ended the season 2-6 also contributed to this reality. The NFC was a mediocre conference in 2004-2006. There were years where the two best teams that missed the playoffs in the AFC could have beaten the #3 through #6 seeds in the NFC.
The fact is that the NFC has closed the gap overall. The New England Patriots are head and shoulders above the NFC. They are also head and shoulders above the AFC.
Dallas and Green Bay are very talented and could probably give New England a run for their money. At least as good of a run as Pittsburgh. Indy is confusing because they have so many players going down. With the rosters as is Dallas and Green Bay would both give New England a better game this week. Tennessee and Jacksonville are 6-3 in the AFC. That isn’t necessarily a compliment for the conference. The AFC West is littered with 4-5 and 5-4 teams. The AFC East other than New England is disgraceful. That includes 5-4 Buffalo and their 13-10 win over the powerhouse Miami Dolphins. Three games against the Jets and Bills have inflated their record.
In 2005 the AFC was 34-26 against the NFC. The 6 AFC playoff teams went 20-4 against the NFC as opposed to the NFC playoff teams going 12-12 against the AFC. In 2006 the AFC was 40-24 against the NFC.
The NFC and AFC are 20-20 against one another this season. Part of that is because the NFC North and NFC East are playing the AFC East and AFC West. Still Arizona beat Pittsburgh. New Orleans destroyed Jacksonville. The 6 teams that would represent the AFC in the playoffs this season if the playoffs began next week have gone 13-5 against the NFC. The six NFC teams have gone 11-5 against the AFC.
While New England will be favored against any NFC team they face, they will against any AFC team as well. The fact is that the NFC as a whole has made a lot of strides this season to make this a two-conference league again. A lot of these claims of AFC supremacy are founded in stereotypes created by New England and Indy’s dominant starts and the last few seasons of inter conference competition. It is not founded in what has been going on in inter conference play in 2007.
2) Eli Manning is having a breakout season - Who has more passing yards, Joey Harrington or Eli Manning? Who has a higher completion percentage? More completions? Higher QB rating? Yards per attempt? If you answered yes to Joey Harrington on each statistic you are correct.
Now who has the 15th ranked scoring and 15th ranked yardage defense and who has the 12th ranked scoring defense and the 7th ranked yardage defense? Who has the 20th ranked rush offense as opposed to the 6th ranked rush offense? Who has Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey, and Brandon Jacobs? Who has Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, and an aging Warrick Dunn?
My point is that the media is portraying 2007 as Eli Manning’s breakout season. The validation we have been waiting for that he is an elite QB. I would rather have 15-20 QBs in the NFL over him. Just because he shares the same last name as Archie and Peyton does not make him a good QB. I have never been witness to a more over hyped team or an over hyped player.
The three best games on the Giants schedule have seen them lose by a combined score of 111-68 or by an average of 14.3 points per game. All three contests were lost by double digits. Two of those games were in New York. Their 6 game winning streak came by a combined score of 152-79 or by 12.17 points per game. The problem is those 6 games came against Washington, Philadelphia, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, San Fran 49ers, and Miami Dolphins. Teams with a combined winning percentage of 15-40 or a winning percentage of .230. When you consider that the Jets only victory is over the Dolphins and the Falcons have a victory over the 49ers it is really bad. There has never been a team this hyped over beating teams of such little consequence in recent memory.
As for Eli Manning. In the opener against the Giants he had 312 yards and 4 touchdowns against one pick. Since then he has one 300-yard game against Atlanta. He has no games with more than 2 touchdown passes. His highest rating is 87.9 against Atlanta. He has 4 out of 8 games where he hasn’t gotten to 200 yards. He has 10 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown compared to10 picks to go along with 3 lost fumbles. His season QB rating is 78.6, which includes the first Cowboys game.
What am I missing here? I would love to have any NFL expert or New York Giants fan explain to me why this is being labeled as Eli Manning’s break out season. Explain to me why he can’t play better with a top 10 run game and two Pro Bowl caliber targets. Why were the Giants being labeled as arguably the second best team in the NFC heading into that game? Why were the Giants picked by anyone to beat the Cowboys?
While the Giants will probably win 10 games and make the playoffs, this team doesn’t have a shot of beating either Dallas or Green Bay unless those teams beat themselves. They might not even win their first round game. They don’t have a chance of going anywhere in the near future with Eli Manning playing the way he has this season. With him now in his 4th year of playing, it is doubtful if he will ever play better.
But the Winner is: 1) Brett Favre is playing his best football in a decade:
Year W-L Comp Att Pct Yds YPA Td Int Rate
2001 12-4 314 510 61.6 3,921 7.7 32 15 94.1
2002 12-4 341 551 61.9 3,658 6.6 27 16 85.6
2003 10-6 308 471 65.4 3,361 7.1 32 21 90.4
2004 10-6 346 540 64.1 4,088 7.6 30 17 92.4
2007 8-1 238 354 67.2 2,757 7.8 16 8 96.2
Unless I’m missing something, 3 years is not a decade. His rating this season is comparable to 2001-2004. The Completion percentage and yards are higher. TDs, interception, and QB rating are about the same. The win & loss percentage is going to probably be higher than 03-04, but in the ballpark with 01-02. This is mainly because the Packers have a good defense in 07 like they did in 01-02 and didn’t in 03 and especially 04.
This is the myth that has been created by the poor 2005-2006 seasons. The myth that Brett Favre was an All-Pro QB back in 1995-1997 and that he hasn’t really done a lot since then. That he has been riding his Super Bowl glory for the better part of a decade. The Packers went 44-20 from 2001 to 2004. They won 3 division titles. In 2001 they finished a game back of the 13-3 Chicago Bears. Favre finished 2nd in the MVP race to Kurt Warner in 2001 and 2nd to Rich Gannon in 2002. He had three 30-touchdown seasons. He had 3 seasons with a rating over 90.0. 2002 was a respectable 85.6.
The difference between 1994-1997 and 2001-2004 wasn’t as much Favre’s play as the team’s playoff success. The Packers played in 3 Championship games from 1994 to 1998, 2 Super Bowls, winning one in 1996. From 2001 to 2004 the Packers were 2-4 in the playoffs and played in 0 Conference Championships. Part of that were the 10 interceptions Favre threw against the Rams and Vikings. Part of that was giving up a 4th and 26 to the Eagles. Part of that was a rash of injuries to close the 2002 season that left the team a mash unit against a young and up upcoming team in the Atlanta Falcons. That was when Michael Vick and the Falcons mattered.
Favre made too many bad throws in 2005 and 2006. He didn’t play as well as he should have. Part of that was caused by Favre trying to win games by himself. Part of that were injuries in 2005. Part of that was playing with the youngest team in the league in 2006. Just as Favre did not deserve all the blame in 2005 & 2006, he doesn’t deserve all the credit in 2007. The Packers have a championship level defense. Driver, Jennings, and Jones form one of the best receiving trios in the NFL. Donald Lee is playing amazing at tight end.
However, Favre was not in a witness protection program from 1998 to 2006 and suddenly materialized from a 10-year funk in 2007. He played MVP caliber football from 2001-2004. The numbers of 2005-2006 are making some people forget that. Whether this season ends with the playoffs results of 1995-1997 or the results of 2001-2004 still remains to be seen. However it is a disservice to an amazing career to act like he played bad football from 1999 to 2006. The statistics don’t support that ridiculous position. The people that keep saying that should know better.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It sends a terrible message. He's a cheat. He cheated and got rewarded for it."
However, a lot of stuff that you watch, hear, and read is simply not true. There are a lot of myths that one person misreports, it gets picked up by a couple other people, and is suddenly reported as fact. Here are the 7 myths that I have heard the most often throughout the season that I want to set the record straight on.
The 6 contenders:
7) Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL – Adrian Peterson is having the best season by a running back in the NFL. Adrian Peterson is the NFL Rookie of the Year. He is not the best running back in the NFL. 9 good games will not give him that title. 2,000 yards this season will not either, although that is probably not possible with the knee injury suffered against Green Bay.
Last I checked the best running back in the NFL resides in San Diego. Since 2001 he has never had less than 1236 yards. He has never had less than 10 touchdowns. Both were in his rookie year. He has a career rush per carry average of 4.5. He caught 100 passes in 2003. He has won an MVP. His name is LT. While Adrian Peterson was breaking the single game rushing record, LT passed Jim Brown on the all time list for rushing touchdowns. LT is an all time great. A first ballot Hall of Famer. Adrian Peterson is the lone front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
In today’s fast food paced culture, we like to throw terms like Greatest around after 3 quarters of good football. We are all about the moment. Adrian Peterson is having a great year. Now he has to have 5 more to be in the LT discussion. LT is the best running back in the league, hands down. Until he starts having 700 yard 5 touchdown seasons, it will remain that way.
6) The Denver Broncos have the best pair of corners in the NFL – This isn’t true either. I won’t go as far as to say Champ Bailey isn’t the best corner in the league. One year playing with a bad run defense will not change that. However, the best pair of cornerbacks in the NFL resides in Green Bay, WI. Denver is ranked 11 slots higher in pass defense. They give up only 197.3 yards per game to the Packers 213.3. The main reason for that difference is that teams are too busy gashing the Bronco’s NFL worst run defense to pass the ball that many times.
Pass yards gained is not the entire story in evaluating cornerbacks. Teams have not had to challenge the Broncos cornerbacks. Bailey and Bly haven’t played as well as years past. James Jones and Greg Jennings were able to beat those corners deep in the same game. 79 and 82 yards deep. While both are fast, neither would be considered track stars. Then Kitna passed for 251 yards and 2 touchdowns and no picks in the Detroit blowout. Big Ben had 4 touchdown passes against Denver this season. There has definitely been something missing from the Denver duo’s game this season.
The Packers play a very unique style of football. In an era where Zone Blitzing and Cover 2 is all the rage, the Packers play primarily man-to-man defense. The key thing to look at with the Packers pass defense is that opposing QBs have a rating of 79.8 when facing the Packer defense to the Broncos 93.1. But the most impressive stat is that teams are only completing 57.9 % of their passes on the Packers defense, which is tied with Tennessee for 2nd best in the NFL. Only the Pittsburgh Steelers are better.
The fact is that defenses need the entire unit to succeed. Part of the reason the Packers are doing so well in pass defense is the pressure of the front 4 and the abilities of the linebackers. However, Harris and Woodson are playing with two young safeties that just got younger when Collins went down. When you consider the youth of the safeties and how much solo man to man coverage the Packers play, Al Harris and Charles Woodson are as good of a cornerback duo as any in the NFL, even though people don’t talk about it a lot.
It isn’t like these two just started playing well 8 games ago. Charles Woodson was great in Oakland, suffered through injuries, poor teams, and underachievement. He has rejuvenated his career in Green Bay. It is a crime that Al Harris has not been voted to a Pro Bowl in his career. These guys deserve a lot more recognition. That can be hard on a team whose headlines are dominated by the play of Brett Favre. While there are plenty of bigger names at the cornerback position, none are playing it as well as the duo in Green and Gold.
5) Vince Young is a winning QB - False. Vince Young plays with a winning defense. Vince Young has passed for 4 touchdowns and 10 picks this season. He has a QB rating of 62.2. To put that in perspective, his completion percentage is 60.9. I cannot think of an instance where a QB had a completion percentage and QB rating that close.
He has one game over 200 yards passing this season, which was the 257 yards in a blowout win by the Jags. Two of his four touchdowns came in the Saints game. Supporters will point to his strong running play making up for the lack of passing. His season high rushing is 57 yards and he has only gotten over 30 yards in 2 of his 8 starts. He has only 2 rushing touchdowns.
Because of the game he had against USC in the Rose Bowl, his rookie campaign with a team picked to win 4 games, and the Madden Cover; he is being hyped as the next big thing. He is a great leader. The Titans players believe they can win any game with him on the field. He has the intangibles that many feel Eli Manning lacks. While Young may end up being a capable starting NLF QB, he is not one right now.
Part of the problem is his weapons. He doesn’t have a go to receiver or an All-Pro Running back. To his credit he is at his best when the game matters. However, this guy still has light years to go before he is an elite signal caller. The Titans are 6-3 because of their defense. A defense that is in the top 7 in points allowed, yards allowed, pass yards allowed, and rush yards allowed. Albert Haynesworth is the MVP of this team. How did that run D look without him in their on Sunday?
I do realize that statistics are not the sole measure of a player. However, he has escaped a lot of criticism so far. Rex Grossman was run out of Chicago for basically the same thing. Rex Grossman went 13-3 last season and people were calling for his job all season. If someone can explain to me the difference between Vince Young and Rex Grossman I would love to hear it.
4) Tom Brady is the MVP of the NFL – Don’t get me wrong, I understand why people think Brady is the MVP. MVP means different things to different people. In my opinion Tom Brady is the Offensive Player of the Year. I am aware of all the numbers. 2686 yards. 33 touchdowns. 4 interceptions. I also understand that if Brady goes down that Matt Cassel has no chance of leading this team anywhere in the playoffs. However, the Patriots could have a better backup if they chose to devote salary cap space to it. They have chosen not to. The measure of an MVP is how many other starters in the league could you plug into that position and have a reasonable chance of duplicating that result. It is not Who Has the Worst Backup Award.
To me the biggest difference in the 2006 Patriot and 2007 Patriots is not the play of Tom Brady. I’ve seen him there the last 5 years. While he has been a Pro Bowl QB he has not been this. He didn’t suddenly figure out how to put up big numbers this offseason. The difference is Randy Moss. Randy Moss is the new item in the equation that we have never seen in the Patriots scheme. He proved to be a difference maker with the Vikings. How different did the Minnesota offense look in 1997 to 1998? What was the change in the equation in that team? Trust me, it wasn’t the addition of Cunningham at QB. Culpepper had 39 touchdowns in 2004. How has that offense or Culpepper looked since Moss left?
Brady gets to throw jump balls, into double coverage, and can pass up on an open Ben Watson in the endzone. Randy Moss makes that happen. Randy Moss is the player that stretches out the defense and opens up everything underneath. You could probably go down to Jay Cutler, Jeff Garcia, or Phillip Rivers and still have a reasonable chance of scoring points and winning games with the current Patriots roster. Not 33 touchdowns and 4 interceptions good. But good enough to be a playoff contender with an offense that can put up points.
If you take Randy Moss of this team the only receiver you could replace him with and get similar results is TO. If he goes down, this offense suddenly lacks the explosiveness it has generated in the first 9 games. My 3 MVPs would be 1) Randy Moss, 2) Brett Favre, and 3) Adrian Peterson. Those are the 3 players that have produced the biggest numbers that would be impossible for any other player to step in and have the same effect on that ball club. How many other QBs could be 8-1 with a 32nd ranked rush offense? How many other Running Backs could have 1,000 yards with that cast of characters on offense? Those are the 3 MVP front-runners in the NFL. Tom Brady is the Offensive Player of the Year, not the MVP.
3) The AFC is the Powerhouse Conference and the NFC is the Ugly Stepchild - This is getting old too. This was the case the last 2-3 years ago. Two 8-8 wildcards in 2004 were the beginning of this trend. Another 8-8 wildcard last season that ended the season 2-6 also contributed to this reality. The NFC was a mediocre conference in 2004-2006. There were years where the two best teams that missed the playoffs in the AFC could have beaten the #3 through #6 seeds in the NFC.
The fact is that the NFC has closed the gap overall. The New England Patriots are head and shoulders above the NFC. They are also head and shoulders above the AFC.
Dallas and Green Bay are very talented and could probably give New England a run for their money. At least as good of a run as Pittsburgh. Indy is confusing because they have so many players going down. With the rosters as is Dallas and Green Bay would both give New England a better game this week. Tennessee and Jacksonville are 6-3 in the AFC. That isn’t necessarily a compliment for the conference. The AFC West is littered with 4-5 and 5-4 teams. The AFC East other than New England is disgraceful. That includes 5-4 Buffalo and their 13-10 win over the powerhouse Miami Dolphins. Three games against the Jets and Bills have inflated their record.
In 2005 the AFC was 34-26 against the NFC. The 6 AFC playoff teams went 20-4 against the NFC as opposed to the NFC playoff teams going 12-12 against the AFC. In 2006 the AFC was 40-24 against the NFC.
The NFC and AFC are 20-20 against one another this season. Part of that is because the NFC North and NFC East are playing the AFC East and AFC West. Still Arizona beat Pittsburgh. New Orleans destroyed Jacksonville. The 6 teams that would represent the AFC in the playoffs this season if the playoffs began next week have gone 13-5 against the NFC. The six NFC teams have gone 11-5 against the AFC.
While New England will be favored against any NFC team they face, they will against any AFC team as well. The fact is that the NFC as a whole has made a lot of strides this season to make this a two-conference league again. A lot of these claims of AFC supremacy are founded in stereotypes created by New England and Indy’s dominant starts and the last few seasons of inter conference competition. It is not founded in what has been going on in inter conference play in 2007.
2) Eli Manning is having a breakout season - Who has more passing yards, Joey Harrington or Eli Manning? Who has a higher completion percentage? More completions? Higher QB rating? Yards per attempt? If you answered yes to Joey Harrington on each statistic you are correct.
Now who has the 15th ranked scoring and 15th ranked yardage defense and who has the 12th ranked scoring defense and the 7th ranked yardage defense? Who has the 20th ranked rush offense as opposed to the 6th ranked rush offense? Who has Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey, and Brandon Jacobs? Who has Roddy White, Michael Jenkins, and an aging Warrick Dunn?
My point is that the media is portraying 2007 as Eli Manning’s breakout season. The validation we have been waiting for that he is an elite QB. I would rather have 15-20 QBs in the NFL over him. Just because he shares the same last name as Archie and Peyton does not make him a good QB. I have never been witness to a more over hyped team or an over hyped player.
The three best games on the Giants schedule have seen them lose by a combined score of 111-68 or by an average of 14.3 points per game. All three contests were lost by double digits. Two of those games were in New York. Their 6 game winning streak came by a combined score of 152-79 or by 12.17 points per game. The problem is those 6 games came against Washington, Philadelphia, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, San Fran 49ers, and Miami Dolphins. Teams with a combined winning percentage of 15-40 or a winning percentage of .230. When you consider that the Jets only victory is over the Dolphins and the Falcons have a victory over the 49ers it is really bad. There has never been a team this hyped over beating teams of such little consequence in recent memory.
As for Eli Manning. In the opener against the Giants he had 312 yards and 4 touchdowns against one pick. Since then he has one 300-yard game against Atlanta. He has no games with more than 2 touchdown passes. His highest rating is 87.9 against Atlanta. He has 4 out of 8 games where he hasn’t gotten to 200 yards. He has 10 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown compared to10 picks to go along with 3 lost fumbles. His season QB rating is 78.6, which includes the first Cowboys game.
What am I missing here? I would love to have any NFL expert or New York Giants fan explain to me why this is being labeled as Eli Manning’s break out season. Explain to me why he can’t play better with a top 10 run game and two Pro Bowl caliber targets. Why were the Giants being labeled as arguably the second best team in the NFC heading into that game? Why were the Giants picked by anyone to beat the Cowboys?
While the Giants will probably win 10 games and make the playoffs, this team doesn’t have a shot of beating either Dallas or Green Bay unless those teams beat themselves. They might not even win their first round game. They don’t have a chance of going anywhere in the near future with Eli Manning playing the way he has this season. With him now in his 4th year of playing, it is doubtful if he will ever play better.
But the Winner is: 1) Brett Favre is playing his best football in a decade:
Year W-L Comp Att Pct Yds YPA Td Int Rate
2001 12-4 314 510 61.6 3,921 7.7 32 15 94.1
2002 12-4 341 551 61.9 3,658 6.6 27 16 85.6
2003 10-6 308 471 65.4 3,361 7.1 32 21 90.4
2004 10-6 346 540 64.1 4,088 7.6 30 17 92.4
2007 8-1 238 354 67.2 2,757 7.8 16 8 96.2
Unless I’m missing something, 3 years is not a decade. His rating this season is comparable to 2001-2004. The Completion percentage and yards are higher. TDs, interception, and QB rating are about the same. The win & loss percentage is going to probably be higher than 03-04, but in the ballpark with 01-02. This is mainly because the Packers have a good defense in 07 like they did in 01-02 and didn’t in 03 and especially 04.
This is the myth that has been created by the poor 2005-2006 seasons. The myth that Brett Favre was an All-Pro QB back in 1995-1997 and that he hasn’t really done a lot since then. That he has been riding his Super Bowl glory for the better part of a decade. The Packers went 44-20 from 2001 to 2004. They won 3 division titles. In 2001 they finished a game back of the 13-3 Chicago Bears. Favre finished 2nd in the MVP race to Kurt Warner in 2001 and 2nd to Rich Gannon in 2002. He had three 30-touchdown seasons. He had 3 seasons with a rating over 90.0. 2002 was a respectable 85.6.
The difference between 1994-1997 and 2001-2004 wasn’t as much Favre’s play as the team’s playoff success. The Packers played in 3 Championship games from 1994 to 1998, 2 Super Bowls, winning one in 1996. From 2001 to 2004 the Packers were 2-4 in the playoffs and played in 0 Conference Championships. Part of that were the 10 interceptions Favre threw against the Rams and Vikings. Part of that was giving up a 4th and 26 to the Eagles. Part of that was a rash of injuries to close the 2002 season that left the team a mash unit against a young and up upcoming team in the Atlanta Falcons. That was when Michael Vick and the Falcons mattered.
Favre made too many bad throws in 2005 and 2006. He didn’t play as well as he should have. Part of that was caused by Favre trying to win games by himself. Part of that were injuries in 2005. Part of that was playing with the youngest team in the league in 2006. Just as Favre did not deserve all the blame in 2005 & 2006, he doesn’t deserve all the credit in 2007. The Packers have a championship level defense. Driver, Jennings, and Jones form one of the best receiving trios in the NFL. Donald Lee is playing amazing at tight end.
However, Favre was not in a witness protection program from 1998 to 2006 and suddenly materialized from a 10-year funk in 2007. He played MVP caliber football from 2001-2004. The numbers of 2005-2006 are making some people forget that. Whether this season ends with the playoffs results of 1995-1997 or the results of 2001-2004 still remains to be seen. However it is a disservice to an amazing career to act like he played bad football from 1999 to 2006. The statistics don’t support that ridiculous position. The people that keep saying that should know better.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It sends a terrible message. He's a cheat. He cheated and got rewarded for it."
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Super Bowl contender predictions
So with the top teams right now in the NFL being:
1. Pats
2. Colts
3. Cowboys/Packers(tied)
4. Determined by a game between #3
Who do you think it will be in the Super Bowl?
1. Pats vs. Cowboys
2. Pats vs. Packers
3. Colts vs. Cowboys
4. Colts vs. Packers
To be honest, it's going to be TOUGH to decide between who wins the AFC title match. I mean the Colts just barely got beat by NE at the last few minutes. Colts will be more into the game this time, and both teams will give it their best. Same with Dallas and Green Bay, Favre is wicked when it comes to throwing long passes but Tony Romo is known for pulling off the impossible.
I will go with #3 though, I think the Pats are looking at a huge upset to come late in the playoffs(maybe), and Green Bay is going to fuck up at the division finals and lose to Dallas.
1. Pats
2. Colts
3. Cowboys/Packers(tied)
4. Determined by a game between #3
Who do you think it will be in the Super Bowl?
1. Pats vs. Cowboys
2. Pats vs. Packers
3. Colts vs. Cowboys
4. Colts vs. Packers
To be honest, it's going to be TOUGH to decide between who wins the AFC title match. I mean the Colts just barely got beat by NE at the last few minutes. Colts will be more into the game this time, and both teams will give it their best. Same with Dallas and Green Bay, Favre is wicked when it comes to throwing long passes but Tony Romo is known for pulling off the impossible.
I will go with #3 though, I think the Pats are looking at a huge upset to come late in the playoffs(maybe), and Green Bay is going to fuck up at the division finals and lose to Dallas.
opinions of Wade Phillips?
what are they? good, bad, indifferent???
he just took the team Parcells made???
I honestly don't know what to think about him right now...
yeah he has some great talent to work with but so does Norv...so I can say that he for sure isn't doing a bad job so far at least....and I also don't think we would just have 1 loss if Mr. Conservative was still here...
he just took the team Parcells made???
I honestly don't know what to think about him right now...
yeah he has some great talent to work with but so does Norv...so I can say that he for sure isn't doing a bad job so far at least....and I also don't think we would just have 1 loss if Mr. Conservative was still here...
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Helmet-To-Helmet Hits Is A No-No
The NFL Made It Official!
From now on, anybody that does any helmet-to-helmet hits is getting kicked off the field. This policy was outlined saturday in a memo from supervisor of officials Mike Pereira. It was because of two stupid fines that the officiating department saw as hits against players in defensless positions.
One fine was against Washington Redskins safety Laron Landry, who will forfeit a game check of $16,764 for knocking New York Jets quaterback Kellen Clemens on his ass. The other was against Philadelphias defensive tackle Lejuan Ramsey, who was fined his game check of $21,176 for spearing Dallas' Julius Jones. (remindes me of wrestling!)
San Diego cornerback Drayton Florence Handed out a concussion to Houston quaterback Matt Schaub, and was fined $15,000.
After Florence was fined, the Texans complained the punishment wasn't good enough.
"Is that equitable? The punishment doesn't appear to fit the crime when all factors considered."
Im pissed off, How about you?
Tell me how you feel! Please reply!
From now on, anybody that does any helmet-to-helmet hits is getting kicked off the field. This policy was outlined saturday in a memo from supervisor of officials Mike Pereira. It was because of two stupid fines that the officiating department saw as hits against players in defensless positions.
One fine was against Washington Redskins safety Laron Landry, who will forfeit a game check of $16,764 for knocking New York Jets quaterback Kellen Clemens on his ass. The other was against Philadelphias defensive tackle Lejuan Ramsey, who was fined his game check of $21,176 for spearing Dallas' Julius Jones. (remindes me of wrestling!)
San Diego cornerback Drayton Florence Handed out a concussion to Houston quaterback Matt Schaub, and was fined $15,000.
After Florence was fined, the Texans complained the punishment wasn't good enough.
"Is that equitable? The punishment doesn't appear to fit the crime when all factors considered."
Im pissed off, How about you?
Tell me how you feel! Please reply!
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