March 01, 2006
NFL labor talks are 'deadlocked'
NEW YORK -- NFL labor talks broke off Tuesday three days before the start of free agency, leaving teams and players in a quandary about negotiating new contracts.
Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association, spent the last three days meeting in New York and Washington with commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
"We're deadlocked. There's nowhere to go," Upshaw said. "There's no reason to continue meeting."
The NFL acknowledged the talks had broken off and said no further discussions were scheduled. The league said it would not extend Friday's deadline for the start of free agency.
Although the contract does not expire until after the 2007 season, this is a critical period in the negotiations to extend the 12-year-old agreement. Talks have been going on for more than a year.
Free agency is scheduled to start Friday. If the deal is not extended, this would be the last year with a salary cap, so agents and team officials want to know how to structure contracts.
For example, if there is no extension, the salary cap is expected to be about $95 million this season and annual raises after 2006 in a long-term deal would be limited to 30 percent. If the deal is extended the cap could be $10 million or more higher.
The sides have agreed on a number of issues. The biggest one is changing the formula for the amount of money to go to the players from "designated gross revenues" -- primarily television and ticket sales -- to "total gross revenues," which include almost every bit a money a a team generates.
They differ, however, on the percentage of revenues to be allocated to the players -- the union is asking for 60 percent and the league's current offer is 56.2 percent.
But there are also disputes among groups of owners on that issue, too. Tagliabue has called a league meeting in New York for Thursday.
Teams with lower revenues -- mostly small-market clubs -- say that if the contributions to the players' fund are equally apportioned among 32 franchises, they will have to pay a substantially larger proportion of their nontelevision and ticket money because they have less. Owners of high-revenue teams, like Dallas' Jerry Jones, claim spreading the load equally would force some teams to work harder to generate new sources of money.
Another high-revenue owner, New England's Robert Kraft, says the formula does not take stadium debt into account, as he has on Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said "internal revenue-sharing issues" would not be discussed at the meeting.
Posted by admin at 02:24 PM | Comments (0)
February 07, 2006
SUPER BOWL XL MIRED IN CONTROVERSY
This year's Super Bowl is shaping up to be the most controversial since Janet's mammary made a surprise appearance during the halftime show two years ago. With NFL officials still reeling from the embarrassment of the blown interception call two weeks ago in Indy, a large shadow of doubt has been cast across the offices of Mike Pereira, NFL Director of Officiating.
Charges of favoritism and trying to orchestrate the "ultimate" Super Bowl by having the media darling Colts advance over the lunchbucket Steelers have been called "absurd" by league spokespeople. Other charges of referees having a vested interest in the game by placing wagers with offshore sportsbooks in Costa Rica were dropped due to a lack of evidence. Nonetheless, the whole incident has raised the hackles of league commissioner Paul Tagliabue who has vowed to uphold the integrity of his officials and promised fair and unbiased officiating at this year's main event.
Others are not convinced and say that this has become typical in recent years as the NFL tries to maximize viewership of the game by having 'marquee matchups' such as last year's Eagles vs. Patriots game.
An enraged Doug Krikorian, a columnist for Press Telegram was quoted as saying: "…the NFL officials, indisputably the most incompetent in professional sports, will flash the same awful form in the Super Bowl that they do during the regular season, too often making ridiculous calls that make sense to no one but themselves and their Park Avenue enablers in New York, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and NFL Director of Officiating Mike Pereira."
Pereira has acknowledged that Pete Morelli had made a mistake although no disciplinary action has been taken. Krikorian went on to say, "When you have a bunch of guys who have 9-to-5 jobs during the week and suddenly find themselves on weekends working important NFL games in front of 80,000 passionate folk, you're going to wind up with guys like Pete Morelli who freeze up in crisis moments.".
Not everyone is upset with the NFL's bumbling officials. A caller to a sports radio talk-show in New York expressed his opinion on the game this way. "I'm disappointed the Colts lost because I put a ton of money on them with my bookie. When Morelli made that call I could have kissed him, they should run that bum Vanderjagt out of town!"
Offshore sportsbooks like www.nine.com located in Costa Rica have posted the smallest pointspread on the Super Bowl contenders in recent memory, which has left many gamblers scratching their heads. Instead of looking at stats and matchups, many are focused on how the game is going to be called. If you want a sure winner this year you may only have to ask the ref's bookie which side he bet on.
Posted by admin at 06:36 PM | Comments (0)
February 05, 2006
One for the thumb! Steelers win
MVP Ward scores on trick play in 21-10 victory as Bettis goes out in style
DETROIT - Paint this Super Bowl black and gold. With a whole lot of satisfaction for Jerome Bettis, Bill Cowher and his Pittsburgh Steelers.
The final Bus stop featured a little trickery starring MVP Hines Ward, a bunch of help from the Seattle Seahawks and a huge boost from the Terrible Towels, a handful of football fortune that added up to One for the Thumb.
The Steelers’ 21-10 victory in the Super Bowl on Sunday was their record-tying fifth, but the first since 1980 and the first ever for Bettis and Cowher.
“It’s been an incredible ride,” Bettis said.
Moments after the Rolling Stones rocked a Ford Field that could easily have been Heinz Field — or Hines’ field — Willie Parker broke a record 75-yard touchdown run. The Steelers earned that elusive ring and completed a magic Bus ride that made Bettis’ homecoming — and farewell — a success.
“I’m a champion. I think the Bus’ last stop is here in Detroit,” Bettis said. “It’s official, like the referee whistle.”
On this night, satisfaction was more than Mick Jagger’s signature song that closed the halftime show.
It was sweet validation for Cowher with a title in his 14th season as their coach, the longest tenure in the NFL. The tough guy, who lost his only previous Super Bowl 10 years ago to Dallas, teared up as he walked to midfield to embrace Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren.
“A lot of people tell you you can’t do it, but you know what, it doesn’t mean you don’t go out and try,” Cowher said. “History was not going to determine our fate. Our effort today decided this game and that’s what’s great.
“It’s surreal. I’m going to tell you, this is a special group of coaches, a special group of players. I was one small part of this.”
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February 04, 2006
Super showdown
Launch the slide show
Check out the best images from before, during and after Super Bowl XL.
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January 18, 2006
Title-game bound
Conference Championships
Sunday, Jan. 22
AFC -- Pittsburgh at Denver 3:00 p.m. CBS
NFC -- Carolina at Seattle 6:30 p.m. FOX
Super Bowl XL -- Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
Sunday, Feb. 5
AFC Champion vs. NFC Champion 6:00 p.m. ABC
AFC-NFC Pro Bowl -- Sun., Feb. 12, 6 p.m. -- Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii
Posted by admin at 07:32 PM | Comments (0)
January 16, 2006
Browncos’ are no joke
Four transplants from Cleveland key to Denver's defensive resurgence
DENVER - Back in August, during an extended preseason trip to Houston, new Bronco Gerard Warren was hot, tired and definitely sick of being the national butt of the NFL jokesters.
The mammoth defensive tackle was the centerpiece of the Denver Browncos. He was the main inspiration for all the laughter. He had heard the chuckles all the way from Lake Erie.
"They’ll stop laughing, especially in Cleveland, when we win that Super Bowl," Warren said. "When I’m in Detroit, waving that Denver Bronco flag after we win the Super Bowl, they’ll stop laughing. I’ll be there smiling and waving to Cleveland, and telling them that I’m a Super Bowl champion."
A fun retort from a player who was sick of hearing his and his buddies’ names being picked on is suddenly close to reality. Five months later, it’s no preseason fantasy. The Broncos might win the Super Bowl. And Warren might be waving that flag.
Denver is the new favorite to win the Super Bowl, in large part because of several offseason acquisitions, mostly notably four defensive lineman from Cleveland.
Denver’s offseason was highly criticized. Nationally, pundits couldn’t understand why, in three separate moves, the Broncos took the Browns’ front four.
After all, this was the group that was ranked No. 28 in the NFL against the run. It was a group that the Browns' new coach, defensive guru Romeo Crennel, didn’t want. It was a group of malingers, accident-prone and journeymen.
Why would Denver want Warren, Courtney Brown, Ebenezer Ekuban and Michael Myers? The Browns didn’t want them, and the Browns were horrible.
In retrospect, why not? Why didn’t any other team want them?
Heading into the AFC championship game against Pittsburgh, Denver has been fueled by its defense. The unit is a veteran group that has been ball-hawking opponents all year.
The Broncos have the NFL’s most reliable running game and an efficient Jake Plummer at quarterback, but make no mistake: Denver is two wins from its third Super Bowl title because of defense.
"It all starts up front," coach Mike Shanahan said. "Our front has been outstanding."
Thank you, Cleveland.
Last February, the Denver defensive line was in a shambles as the team was coming off its second consecutive blowout playoff loss at Indianapolis. Star Trevor Pryce had missed virtually all of 2004, and sack leader Reggie Hayward was on his way to Jacksonville for $25 million.
Who was going to play on the defensive front in Denver? Hello, Cleveland.
First, the Broncos dealt for Warren. With All-Pro ability, Warren was an underachiever in Cleveland after being the No. 3 overall pick four years earlier. He was known more for his mouth and off-field issues than for his play on the field.
Then, Denver signed Brown. The No. 1 overall pick in 2000, Brown spent more times in hospitals than huddles as a Brown.
Then, the Broncos completed their foursome by trading 1,000-yard rusher Reuben Droughns for Ekuban and Myers.
One, two, three, four … Browns?
"We heard all the jokes," Denver general manager Ted Sundquist said. "But we knew what we were getting. We knew Gerard would be revitalized, we knew Courtney would be dominant if healthy, and we knew Ebenezer and Michael were very underrated, hard working guys. This has worked out very well for us."
Warren has people in Denver wondering where that "lazy" tag came from. He has instantly become a locker room leader and has amazed coaches with his sideline-to-sideline approach in practice. Every day.
Warren has dominated some games and has been a huge cog in the middle of the field. He is a major reason why Denver was the No. 2-ranked run defense in the NFL.
Brown has been healthy all season for the first time in three seasons and has also excelled against the run. He caused a key fumble against New England in the divisional playoffs that set up the go-ahead touchdown.
Ekuban has brought an incredible energy off the bench and has emerged one of the most respected veterans in the locker room.
Myers stole a starting job in minicamp and hasn’t looked back. Insiders in the organization say he’s the motor that starts the entire line. And he was a throw-in in the Droughns’ deal.
"We knew we that Denver was getting a good deal," Warren said. "Now the whole country knows it."
Stop laughing.
Bill Williamson
Posted by admin at 07:28 PM | Comments (0)
January 09, 2006
Top images as the NFL postseason gets underway
SCHEDULE
Divisional playoffs
Saturday, Jan. 14
Washington at Seattle, 4:30 p.m. (FOX)
New England at Denver, 8 p.m. (CBS)
Sunday, Jan. 15
Pittsburgh at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Carolina at Chicago, 4:30 p.m. (FOX)
Jan. 22
AFC game, 3 p.m. (CBS)
NFC game, 6:30 p.m. (FOX)
Feb. 5
Super Bowl XL, 6:30 p.m. ET, ABC
Wild-card playoffs
Saturday, Jan. 7
Washington 17, Tampa Bay 10
New England 28, Jacksonville 3
Sunday, Jan. 8
Carolina 23, N.Y. Giants 0
Pittsburgh 31, Cincinnati 17
Washington: There’s not a lot to talk about here, which makes it fortunate that the Redskins are coached by the legendary Joe Gibbs, who at least gives the media someone to write about. Their quarterback is the aging veteran Mark Brunell, a competent field general despite his poor showing in the wild-card win over the Bucs. The Redskins, like all good NFC East teams, would prefer to run first, and Clinton Portis can be a force. Wideout Santana Moss is a dangerous big-play receiver and returner. Linebackers Marcus Washington and Lemar Marshall lead the defense in tackles, end Phillip Daniels is the primary pass rusher, and Marshall also leads in interceptions with four.
Seattle: Seattle was the best regular-season team in the NFC, largely because of Shaun Alexander, who led the league in rushing with 1,880 yards and set a league record with 28 touchdowns, 27 of which came on the ground. Alexander isn’t a big pass-receiving threat, but with the ground game he provides, the Seahawks don’t need to do a lot in the air. Matt Hasselbeck is an efficient quarterback who threw for 24 touchdowns with just nine interceptions. Bobby Engram is Hasselbeck’s leading target, but not by a lot; the Hawks spread it around fairly evenly to Joe Jurevicius, Jerramy Stevens and Darrell Jackson, now healthy, as well. The Seahawks defense can get after you and had an impressive total of 50 sacks on the year, led by end Rocky Bernard’s 8.5 and linebacker Leroy Hill’s 7.5. Rookie linebacker Lofa Tatupu from USC has been an impact player on defense and leads the team in tackles.
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Redskins win if ...
As luck would have it, they have a template, having beaten the Hawks 20-17 in overtime back on Oct. 2. The key that day was 141 yards rushing, 90 by Portis, and just one turnover as Brunell went 20-for-36, two touchdowns and one interception. That same formula should work again: rush the ball, don’t make mistakes, and hope their kicker misses the game winner. If they want to be sure of winning, scoring two touchdowns off turnovers, as they did in the wild-card win over the Bucs, would provide the guarantee.
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Patriots: They’re all getting to be household names, which is what happens when you win two straight Super Bowls and three out of four. Quarterback Tom Brady has carried this team all year and continues to do so. Corey Dillon leads a modest running game, but the Patriots are primarily a passing team. Deion Branch and David Givens are the top receivers, but Brady spreads it around as well as anyone. In goal-line situations, linebacker Mike Vrabel is a dangerous target working out of the tight-end position. Defensively, linebackers Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi and Willie McGinest always seem to make big plays; end Richard Seymour is often the one helping them. In close games, no one’s better at pressure field goals than Adam Vinatieri.
Broncos: All eyes will be on quarterback Jake Plummer, who’s always had a strong arm, but, until this year, never used it very wisely. Plummer’s touchdowns are down from 27 last year to 17 this year, but his interceptions have dropped from 20 to 7. The result has been the best year of his career and the second seed in the AFC. But now the games really count and coach Mike Shanahan hasn’t won a playoff game since John Elway retired with the second of his back-to-back Super Bowl trophies. Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell share the duties at running back and combined for nearly 2,000 yards. Rod Smith, a 12th-year veteran, is the go-to receiver. Defensively, the Broncos don’t strike fear into quarterbacks –- at least not physical fear; they had just 28 sacks on the year. But Champ Bailey is a premier cornerback who picked off eight passes in a year in which he missed two games. Former Buc safety John Lynch has added needed toughness to the defense, as well.
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Steelers: The Steelers are masters at taking control of a game on the ground and mixing in a very efficient passing game led by second-year quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Willie Parker is the featured running back, and, when the Steelers need short yardage, they turn to the Bus, Jerome Bettis, who is playing the final games of a Hall of Fame career. Bettis has nine of the team’s 25 rushing touchdowns. Of the 21 passing TDs, premier wideout Hines Ward has 11 and Heath Miller, a quality tight end, has six. Antwaan Randle El is a big-play receiver who can also break a punt return. Defensively, the Steelers feature stout linebacking, led by James Farrior, Larry Foote, and Joey Porter, who also leads the team in sacks with 10.5.
Colts: It’s not all Peyton Manning; it just seems that way. Manning threw 28 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions to lead Indy to the top seed in the AFC. As big a star as Manning is, everybody will be watching coach Tony Dungy, whose son, James, committed suicide just before Christmas. How he is able to focus and how the team rallies around him will determine how far they go. Marvin Harrison is one of the best wideouts in the league, and fellow wideout Reggie Wayne actually caught more passes than Harrison. Edgerrin James is the featured back, and he’s one of the most versatile in the league. The difference in the Colts this year is defense. Ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis combined for 22.5 sacks this year. Gary Brackett, the middle linebacker, leads the team in tackles.
Posted by admin at 07:06 PM | Comments (0)
January 03, 2006
Top stars of the NFL postseason
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December 27, 2005
WEEK 17
| WEEK 17 | ||||||||
| Saturday, Dec. 31 | ||||||||
| GAME | TIME | DIRECTV® | SIRIUS Radio | |||||
| AWAY | HOME | |||||||
| Denver at San Diego | 4:30 p.m. | 125 | 123 | |||||
| N.Y. Giants at Oakland | 8:00 p.m. | 125 | 123 | |||||
| Sunday, Jan. 1 | ||||||||
| GAME | TIME | DIRECTV® | SIRIUS Radio | |||||
| AWAY | HOME | |||||||
| Arizona at Indianapolis | 1:00 p.m. | 705 | 125 | 126 | ||||
| Baltimore at Cleveland | 1:00 p.m. | 709 | 111 | 110 | ||||
| Buffalo at N.Y. Jets | 1:00 p.m. | 712 | 123 | 131 | ||||
| Carolina at Atlanta | 1:00 p.m. | 704 | 107 | 144 | ||||
| Cincinnati at Kansas City | 1:00 p.m. | 710 | 145 | 119 | ||||
| Detroit at Pittsburgh | 1:00 p.m. | 707 | 121 | 118 | ||||
| Miami at New England | 1:00 p.m. | 711 | 117 | 147 | ||||
| New Orleans at Tampa Bay | 1:00 p.m. | 708 | 181 | 111 | ||||
| Seattle at Green Bay | 1:00 p.m. | 713 | 111 | 117 | ||||
| Houston at San Francisco | 4:05 p.m. | 716 | 126 | 147 | ||||
| Tennessee at Jacksonville | 4:05 p.m. | 715 | 181 | |||||
| Chicago at Minnesota | 4:15 p.m. | 706 | 143 | 146 | ||||
| Washington at Philadelphia | 4:15 p.m. | 714 | 110 | 125 | ||||
| St. Louis at Dallas | 8:30 p.m. | 126 | 110 | |||||
Posted by admin at 03:07 PM | Comments (0)
December 26, 2005
Week 16 snapshots NFL
Tampa Bay 27, Atlanta 24 (OT):
Dallas 24, Carolina 20:
Kansas City 20, San Diego 7:
Miami 24, Tennessee 10:
Pittsburgh 41, Cleveland 0:
Jacksonville 38, Houston 20:
Buffalo 37, Cincinnati 27:
Detroit 13, New Orleans 12:
San Francisco 24, St. Louis 20:
Seattle 28, Indianapolis 13:
Denver 22, Oakland 3:
Arizona 27, Philadelphia 21:
Would anyone want to tangle with the Washington Redskins in the playoffs? I don't think so. The Redskins are as hot as any team in the NFC, extending their winning streak to four with their 35-20 triumph over the New York Giants. The Redskins have their offense humming, getting touchdown passes against the Giants from three different players (two by Mark Brunell, one by Patrick Ramsey, and even one by running back Clinton Portis). Portis also was highly effective on the ground with 108 rushing yards and a touchdown. Ever since the Redskins began playing to the strength of their offensive line, which is blocking for the run, they have been able to consistently take (and keep) control of their games. In holding Tiki Barber to 80 rushing yards, the Redskins defense did precisely what it needed to do to slam the door on the Giants.
Posted by admin at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
December 23, 2005
WEEK 16
| THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE - WEEK 16 | ||||||||
| Saturday, Dec. 24 | ||||||||
| GAME | TIME | DIRECTV® | SIRIUS Radio | |||||
| AWAY | HOME | |||||||
| Atlanta at Tampa Bay | 1:00 p.m. | 712 | 111 | 107 | ||||
| Buffalo at Cincinnati | 1:00 p.m. | 704 | 143 | 144 | ||||
| Dallas at Carolina | 1:00 p.m. | 709 | 146 | 145 | ||||
| Detroit at New Orleans (San Antonio, TX) | 1:00 p.m. | 710 | 159 | 119 | ||||
| Jacksonville at Houston | 1:00 p.m. | 706 | 147 | 122 | ||||
| N.Y. Giants at Washington | 1:00 p.m. | 713 | 181 | 131 | ||||
| Pittsburgh at Cleveland | 1:00 p.m. | 705 | 125 | 118 | ||||
| San Diego at Kansas City | 1:00 p.m. | 707 | 121 | 123 | ||||
| San Francisco at St. Louis | 1:00 p.m. | 711 | 126 | 180 | ||||
| Tennessee at Miami | 1:00 p.m. | 708 | 110 | |||||
| Philadelphia at Arizona | 4:05 p.m. | 716 | 123 | 117 | ||||
| Indianapolis at Seattle | 4:15 p.m. | 715 | 143 | 110 | ||||
| Oakland at Denver | 4:15 p.m. | 714 | 125 | 126 | ||||
| Sunday, Dec. 25 | ||||||||
| GAME | TIME | DIRECTV® | SIRIUS Radio | |||||
| AWAY | HOME | |||||||
| Chicago at Green Bay | 5:00 p.m. | 126 | 123 | |||||
| Minnesota at Baltimore | 8:30 p.m. | 126 | 123 | |||||
| Monday, Dec. 26 | ||||||||
| GAME | TIME | DIRECTV® | SIRIUS Radio | |||||
| AWAY | HOME | |||||||
| New England at N.Y. Jets | 9:00 p.m. | 125 | 124 | |||||
Posted by admin at 07:02 PM | Comments (0)
December 21, 2005
Previewing NFL's Week 16
Giants-Redskins, Cowboys-Panthers, Colts-Seahawks among top games. SATURDAY
Giants at Redskins: If the Giants win, they’ll clinch the NFC East title. If the Redskins win, they’ll keep their boring wild-card chase alive. There’s lot at stake.
Cowboys at Panthers: The Panthers are in a hot battle with the Buccaneers for the NFC South title. So beating the Cowboys is a must-win, assuming the Panthers can stop laughing at what the Patriots did to the Bucs last week.
Falcons at Buccaneers: Michael Vick versus Chris Simms. Vick will be running around, looking for an open man. Simms will be running around, looking for an open stadium exit.
49ers at Rams: Shocking, but the Niners are suddenly in the hunt for Reggie Bush, because the Texans won last week. The 49ers should rest their starters, and the second and third strings, too.
Titans at Dolphins: The Dolphins have won four straight. The Titans are 1-5 on the road. Miami hasn’t been this excited since Stan Van Gundy decided to spend more time with his family.
Lions at Saints: You know things are bad in Detroit when the Lions envy the Saints’ plethora of quality quarterbacks. Also, the “Fire Millen” contingent gets a road trip.
Bills at Bengals: The Bills have lost seven of their past eight. They’re playing a team that has clinched a division title for the first time since 1990. Maybe that will inspire Buffalo to remember what it was like to be good.
Jaguars at Texans: Can the Texans make it two straight? It’s unlikely. The issue here is that, by beating the Cardinals last week for their second victory, they reached their preseason goal.
Steelers at Browns: The Browns are tough at home, but the Steelers are coming off a huge road victory at Minnesota. Rivalry. Snow. Barking Dawgs. Kinda makes you glad you’ll be watching indoors.
Chargers at Chiefs: The desperate Chargers ended the Colts’ pursuit of perfection last week. But they’ll have to be perfect the rest of the way if they want to join the Colts’ postseason party.
Eagles at Cardinals: Which team is the bigger disappointment to its fans? The Eagles certainly had a huge lead in that race, but the Cardinals made up a lot of ground by losing to the Texans.
Colts at Seahawks: Will Tony Dungy rest his starters now that the Colts have home-field advantage throughout? The guess here is no, since they’re already fairly rested from doing nothing last week.
Raiders at Broncos: The Broncos have a playoff berth locked up. Don’t be surprised if Mike Shanahan dances around on the sideline while pointing at Al Davis in the press box and yelling, “We have a playoff berth locked up!”
Sunday
Bears at Packers: The Bears have an excellent team, but no quarterback. The Pack has an excellent quarterback, but little else. This is parity, except for the disparity in records.
Vikings at Ravens: The Vikings had their winning streak ended at six by the Steelers. This is one of the few games Vikings fans can boast, “Our coach is better than your coach” and get no argument back.
Monday, Dec. 26
Patriots at Jets: Looks like the Pats are revving up toward the postseason. Herm Edwards might have to give one of his “You play to win the game!” speeches, just to jog his players’ memories.
Posted by admin at 02:27 PM | Comments (0)
December 12, 2005
Week 14 snapshots
Pittsburgh 21, Chicago 9:
ampa Bay 20, Carolina 10:
Dallas 31, Kansas City 28:
N.Y. Giants 26, Philadelphia 23 (OT):
Minnesota 27, St. Louis 13:
New England 35, Buffalo 7:
Miami 23, San Diego 21:
Cincinnati 23, Cleveland 20:
Seattle 41, San Francisco 3:
Denver 12, Baltimore 10:
Washington 17, Arizona 13:
N.Y. Jets 26, Oakland 10:
Tennessee 13, Houston 10:
(Dec. 11, 2005) -- Call it Statement Game Two. Statement Game One was the Indianapolis Colts' Monday Night Football romp over the Pittsburgh Steelers. That time, the Colts showed the nation they could do whatever they wanted, on both sides of the ball. In disposing of the Jacksonville Jaguars, 26-18, the Colts pretty much did the same. Their loudest statement was that they could effectively move the ball and operate their quick-striking offense to perfection against a strong defense. Having captured home-field advantage through the playoffs, the 13-0 Colts now have intensified the debate that has already been heard for weeks: Do they go for a perfect regular-season record or do they limit the playing time of Peyton Manning and other starters through the remaining three games. I say Tony Dungy will, and should, do the latter because the only goal is to win the Super Bowl. I'm not bothered by a 13-3 regular season if it results in a 3-0 postseason. If the Colts happen to go 19-0, fine, but there is absolutely no need to risk the health of the players who give them their best/only chance to win it all. The challenge for Dungy is finding the right balance between playing his starters enough to be sharp for the postseason while not taking too large of a risk with their health in games that cannot improve their postseason status.
Pittsburgh 21, Chicago 9: When the Steelers are balanced on offense and stay committed to the run, they are very difficult to stop -- even for the best defense in the NFL. Jerome Bettis' big rushing day (101 yards and two touchdowns) and Willie Parker's 68 yards on the ground were a nice complement to the efficient passing of Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh's defense did a splendid job of stuffing Chicago's running game, and putting the onus on rookie quarterback Kyle Orton to carry the offensive load. Not surprisingly, Orton was unable to deliver, leading the Bears to only one touchdown and a field goal.
Tampa Bay 20, Carolina 10: The Buccaneers showed plenty with this triumph. First, they showed that they have what it takes mentally and emotionally to step up to the challenge of battling for the top spot in the NFC South. Second, they showed that they can still play smothering defense when it counts, holding DeShaun Foster to a mere 46 rushing yards and Jake Delhomme to 220 yards through the air while intercepting him once. Delhomme did connect with Ricky Proehl for a touchdown, but that was pretty much the extent of the Panthers offense. Third, the Bucs showed that they still have an outstanding ground game with Cadillac Williams, who ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns. That paved the way for young quarterback Chris Simms to run an efficient, though not particularly explosive, passing game that saw him complete passes to seven different receivers.
Dallas 31, Kansas City 28: Drew Bledsoe can still throw a football with the best of them ... if he has the time. And, thanks to some strong work by young tackles Torrin Tucker and Rob Petitti, he had the time to throw for three touchdowns in a 332-yard passing performance. Larry Johnson was his typically dominant self, rushing for 143 yards and three touchdowns. And Trent Green held his own with Bledsoe by throwing for 340 yards and a score. These were evenly matched teams, and the Cowboys showed that when Bledsoe has the time to sit in the pocket and wait for receivers to get open (which hadn't been the case recently), he is extremely difficult to stop.
N.Y. Giants 26, Philadelphia 23 (OT): This time in overtime, Jay Feely kicked the winning field goal … on his first try. Of course, this game didn't figure to come down to that, especially considering the sorry state of the Eagles. But the Giants had to earn every inch of this win, even though Eli Manning threw for 312 yards and a touchdown and Tiki Barber ran for 124 yards. Manning did throw three interceptions, however, which has to create some major concerns about the state of the Giants as they move closer to the postseason. Andy Reid deserves credit for finding a way to inspire his team to try and recapture its dignity after the humiliating Week 14 shutout against the Seahawks. And Ryan Moats deserves recognition for stepping in for injured Brian Westbrook and running for 114 yards and two touchdowns.
Minnesota 27, St. Louis 13: No, the Rams aren't much of a test, just as the Lions weren't much of a test in Week 13. But winning six games in a row in the NFL is impressive, regardless of the opponents. After their disastrous start, the Vikings have no reason to apologize for their recent run of success. And Mike Tice doesn't have to apologize for being prominently mentioned as a coach-of-the-year candidate. He does deserve some of the blame for his players' embarrassing indiscretions during their bye, but he also deserves much of the credit for the team climbing back from the abyss. Some of the credit includes picking the right quarterback to lead this amazing comeback in Brad Johnson, who is 6-0 as a starter. Minnesota's defense also has done a tremendous job of making plays, intercepting rookie quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick five times and forcing a fumble, and stuffing the run.
New England 35, Buffalo 7: The Patriots are playing as a team on a mission, which is to wrap up another AFC East championship. Many have scoffed at the Pats' chances for a Super Bowl three-peat, particularly with the dominance of the Colts. But if/when the Pats secure another playoff spot, they should be considered dangerous, if only because they know their way to the top of the mountain. After their Week 13 meltdown in Miami and the controversy over the team's decision to suspend Eric Moulds for one game, the Bills are in as much turmoil as they have ever been in recent memory. Speculation that front-office and coaching changes could be forthcoming will continue to intensify, but owner Ralph Wilson is not going to do anything hasty. He will think through the situation carefully, and render a verdict after the season.
Miami 23, San Diego 21: Gus Frerotte, showing no ill effects from the blow to the head he took in Week 13 vs. Buffalo, threw two touchdowns to the red-hot Chris Chambers to prevent the Patriots from clinching the AFC East. The Dolphins, who are playing hard for first-year coach Nick Saban, had no success running the ball, but were opportunistic on defense. On a day when LaDainian Tomlinson had what, for him, was a modest 75 rushing yards, Drew Brees seemingly provided San Diego with enough offense by throwing for a pair of touchdowns. But the Chargers suffered from too many turnovers, including an interception and fumble by Brees and a fumble by reserve running back Darren Sproles.
Cincinnati 23, Cleveland 20: Maybe it wasn't as easy as or as pretty as it should have been. The Bengals don't care. At least, they shouldn't care. The fact they found a way to win against a Browns team with plenty of fight left was impressive. The Bengals struggled because their main cog, Carson Palmer, struggled. He threw for only 93 yards and a touchdown, and was intercepted. Cincinnati's workhorse was Rudi Johnson, who ran for 169 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, the Browns continue to play hard for first-year coach Romeo Crennel and to receive an encouraging glimpse of the future with another strong game from Charlie Frye, who threw for a touchdown and ran for another.
Seattle 41, San Francisco 3: Eighty-three points in two weeks. That pretty much sums up the dominance of the Seahawks, doesn't it? In Week 13, the Seahawks overwhelmed the Eagles, 42-0, with a strong defensive effort. Against the 49ers, the Seahawks did it with offense. Matt Hasselbeck threw for four touchdowns. Shaun Alexander ran for 108 yards and a score. And the 49ers got nowhere against Seattle's defense, which has taken its game to a championship level at the perfect time.
Denver 12, Baltimore 10: The Broncos are 10-3, but you wouldn't know it by the way they struggled to beat the 4-9 Ravens. Denver could not get its running game going to the level it had been when the Broncos established themselves as one of the top teams in the league. Jake Plummer had a solid day, throwing for a touchdown without being intercepted. The Broncos did intercept Kyle Boller twice. Boller and running back Chester Taylor each lost a fumble as well, giving the anemic Ravens the virtually impossible task of overcoming four turnovers.
Washington 17, Arizona 13: The Redskins are playing to their strength offensively by pounding the ball on the ground. For the second week in a row, they asked their big Hogs to muscle up and plow open holes for Clinton Portis, who finished with 105 rushing yards and a touchdown. That helped Washington overcome the three interceptions by Mark Brunell. The Redskins defense stuffed the run and forced Kurt Warner to attempt 41 passes. The result was a score, an interception, and not nearly enough offense despite Washington's limited offensive production.
N.Y. Jets 26, Oakland 10: The Jets still aren't overwhelming anyone with an offense devastated at quarterback. Mike Nugent kicked four field goals, and that would have been enough to beat a Raiders team that has turned the keys to the offense over to Marques Tuiasosopo, who threw two interceptions to one touchdown pass. Brooks Bollinger barely did enough to move the offense missing injured running back Curtis Martin, but for a team struggling as badly as the Jets, they'll take a win any way they can get it.
Tennessee 13, Houston 10: The Titans had Steve McNair at quarterback. The Texans had David Carr. In the end, McNair was more effective at making plays and moving the ball, and that was all of the edge Tennessee needed to win the game against a team moving closer to the top overall pick of the draft. Domanick Davis' 139-yard rushing day was impressive, but it could not overcome the mere 116 yards Carr had through the air.
Posted by admin at 03:09 PM | Comments (0)
December 11, 2005
Limping Brady leads Patriots past struggling Bills
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- If a sore left leg couldn't stop Tom Brady, the unraveling Buffalo Bills certainly didn't have a chance to slow down the New England quarterback.
Not with the Patriots moving toward another division title.
Despite a noticeable limp and playing on a slick, snowy field, Brady kept his feet and his poise in leading New England to a 35-7 victory over the Bills on Sunday.
"He sucked it up and made plays for us as he always does," New England receiver Troy Brown said.
Brady shrugged off the praise, saying he wasn't going to come out after getting hurt when he was tackled in the end zone following a 3-yard scamper that opened the scoring.
"I'm just playing," Brady said. "It's going to be hard to ever get me out of there."
Finishing 29-of-38 for 329 yards passing, Brady did it all. He ran for a touchdown, threw for two more and even set a block to open the way for Deion Branch on a reverse.
Posted by admin at 03:26 PM | Comments (0)
December 04, 2005
Week 13 snapshots
N.Y. Giants 17, Dallas 10
Kansas City 31, Denver 27
Carolina 24, Atlanta 6
Minnesota 21, Detroit 16
Chicago 19, Green Bay 7
Indianapolis 35, Tennessee 3
Jacksonville 20, Cleveland 14
Tampa Bay 10, New Orleans 3
Washington 24, St. Louis 9
Baltimore 16, Houston 15
Miami 24, Buffalo 23
Arizona 17, San Francisco 10
(Dec. 4, 2005) -- Whatever questions the Cincinnati Bengals might have raised with their home loss to the Steelers in October were erased with their 38-31 victory at Pittsburgh. The Bengals insisted that they were the better of these AFC North rivals two months ago, and they proved it by displaying the offensive firepower that was too much for the Steelers defense to handle. Carson Palmer can't be eliminated from any MVP discussion after adding three more touchdown passes to push his season total to 26. Covering Bengals receivers has become nearly impossible because Palmer can find them open practically everywhere. Of the seven Cincinnati receivers who caught passes, three (T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chad Johnson and Chris Henry) caught five apiece. ...>>>
The Steelers did hold their own in this shootout, with Ben Roethlisberger overcoming a sore thumb to throw for 386 yards and three touchdowns. However, unlike the previous meetings of the teams, Pittsburgh relied far too heavily on Big Ben's passing, and the result was three interceptions. The Steelers ended up running 28 times, compared with the 47 times they ran in the October game, which did plenty to keep Palmer on the sidelines. In scoring his first career victory against the Steelers, Palmer deserves plenty of recognition for figuring out the complexities of a defense that went a long way toward causing him to have a horrendous game in October.
N.Y. Giants 17, Dallas 10: As expected, immobile Drew Bledsoe faced a long day of pressure from a Giants defense that had far better pass-rushing ability than the Cowboys' offensive line had pass-protection skills. Bledsoe was sacked four times, hurried on several other occasions, threw two interceptions, and lost two fumbles. Antonio Pierce returned one of them for a touchdown that gave the Giants all of the cushion they needed in this battle for NFC East supremacy. This win came down to a strong performance from the Giants defense, which is a good sign for a team with legitimately strong postseason expectations. On a day when Eli Manning struggled (two interceptions and only 152 passing yards), the Giants should feel a certain sense of relief that they are able to lean on their defense and the strong running of Tiki Barber (115 yards on 30 carries).
Kansas City 31, Denver 27: It has been said, over and over again, that the Broncos are benefiting greatly by the efficiency of Jake Plummer -- a quarterback who has been burdened by a reputation for being less than efficient. Plummer wasn't so efficient in this game, throwing two interceptions. He threw a touchdown pass, and for the most part, he didn't get the kind of strong rushing support he had received for most of the season. Trent Green had two touchdown throws and two interceptions of his own. But he also had Larry Johnson rushing for 140 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos remain a top team. Losing at Arrowhead isn't exactly a source of shame. And, with their third win in a row, the Chiefs are surging into the playoff picture. It is still difficult to tell whether they are complete enough or deep enough on both sides of the ball to make it into the playoffs -- or last beyond one game if they get there. But they are moving in the right direction.
Carolina 24, Atlanta 6: The Panthers have found their running game, and that is bad news for the rest of the NFC South and perhaps for the rest of the NFC. DeShaun Foster ran for 131 yards and a touchdown, which, by itself, allowed Carolina's offense to be effective. But it also did plenty to help Jake Delhomme in throwing for a pair of touchdowns (including one to Steve Smith, who finished with a game-high seven receptions) because it did plenty to soften Atlanta's defense, which is slightly better against the pass. By often building a loose human net around the pocket, the Panthers defense did a nice job of containing Michael Vick and forcing him into two interceptions. It also didn't allow Atlanta's running game to dominate.
Minnesota 21, Detroit 16: Five wins in a row. That, by itself, makes a very loud statement about the Vikings, who continue to put significant distance between themselves and the nightmarish start to their season. In fact, they have every reason to think they will extend that winning streak to six after facing St. Louis in Week 14. Brad Johnson has had plenty to do with making this a different team than the unfocused, undisciplined bunch it was at the beginning of the year. He has brought stability and savvy to the quarterback spot, and the rest of the team has come to believe in him as a leader. He threw for 256 yards and two touchdown passes. The Vikings defense also keeps performing at an impressive level, intercepting Jeff Garcia and keeping Detroit's running game mostly under control. So much for the Lions getting a boost from Dick Jauron taking over as interim coach after the firing of Steve Mariucci.
Chicago 19, Green Bay 7: The Bears have a strong enough defense and a solid enough running game to make their case as a team to beat in the NFC. Against a struggling opponent such as the Packers, they can get away with modest offensive production. However, at some point -- and it will probably come in the postseason -- the Bears will need to figure out how to generate more points. It won't happen as long as Kyle Orton has games like this one (68 passing yards, no touchdowns and one interception).
Indianapolis 35, Tennessee 3: The Colts remain in a league of their own. They can dominate the good teams and the not-so-good teams. They make it look so easy on both sides of the ball that there is every reason to believe that they will finish the regular season at 16-0 ... except for one. Tony Dungy will preserve his starters once the Colts wrap up home-field advantage for the postseason. His focus is on doing everything possible to allow his team to win a Super Bowl, not have a perfect regular season.
Jacksonville 20, Cleveland 14: Good teams overcome major adversity, and the Jaguars did exactly that on two counts in this game. First, they won without injured starting quarterback Byron Leftwich. Second, they scored 17 unanswered points behind Leftwich's replacement, David Garrard, who threw two touchdown passes. Not only was it Jacksonville's fifth successive victory, but it also was the second time the Jags have won three road games in a row since 2001 (the only NFL team to do so). The Jaguars, who got a solid performance from their defense and 103 rushing yards from Greg Jones, refuse to allow hardships to stand in the way of their pursuit of a playoff spot. The Browns did find a bright spot: Rookie Charlie Frye, making his first NFL start in place of injured Trent Dilfer, was impressive and gives the team optimism that he could end up being its long-term answer at quarterback. He threw two first-half touchdowns to fellow rookie Braylon Edwards, who left the game with a knee injury of unknown severity.
Tampa Bay 10, New Orleans 3: The Buccaneers defense is flexing its muscles in preparation for a postseason run. The Bucs intercepted Aaron Brooks four times (three by Ronde Barber), kept him from making any scoring throws and held New Orleans' running game in check. Meanwhile, Chris Simms only needed to be efficient and hook up, once again, with Joey Galloway for a touchdown. Cadillac Williams made a nice contribution with 96 rushing yards, while Michael Pittman added 40 more on the ground. Tampa Bay has gotten good at figuring out how to win close games.
Washington 24, St. Louis 9: The Redskins made this win look pretty simple, which probably says as much about their persistence to escape a three-game tailspin as it does about the Rams' inconsistency and turmoil. Clinton Portis set the tone for the Redskins by rushing for a 47-yard touchdown on Washington's second possession. He would finish the day with 136 yards and two scores on the ground. And that made it fairly easy for Mark Brunell to succeed with a solid, 156-yard, one-touchdown passing day. Rookie Ryan Fitzpatrick, who threw for 163 yards and was intercepted once, had little chance for success in his first quarterback start for the Rams because he received absolutely no help from his running game.
Baltimore 16, Houston 15: It's hard to look at the Ravens' final statistics and see how they were able to win this game. Certainly, Kyle Boller did nothing overly impressive with his throwing arm. And the Ravens got nothing going with their running game, either. In fact, Baltimore had three turnovers to two by Houston, and allowed Texans running back Domanick Davis to run for 155 yards on 29 carries. But the Ravens were just good enough to find a way to dispose of a team that has the real prospect of having the top overall pick of the 2006 draft to look forward to. It counts as a win, but it still leaves Brian Billick and his coaching staff plenty to work on.
Miami 24, Buffalo 23: Turn this game off in the third quarter, and you would have arrived at the following conclusions: J.P. Losman has found his groove as a starting quarterback; Losman and other players weren't merely dispensing hot air with talk that the Bills still were very much in the postseason hunt and intended to perform accordingly the rest of the way; media speculation that Bills president Tom Donahoe's future was in doubt was premature; the Dolphins' passing game is a mess; and Miami is going nowhere with Gus Frerotte as its starting quarterback. But if you stuck around for the fourth quarter, you would have seen the major difference -- Sage Rosenfels taking over after Frerotte was injured while being sacked for a safety in the third quarter -- what a quarterback switch can mean in a very short time. The Dolphins erased a 23-3 deficit with 12 minutes left, as Rosenfels led them on a drive for a touchdown run and then threw two touchdown passes, the second a 4-yard toss on fourth down that Chris Chambers snagged with six seconds left. The Bills saw their defense vanish, along with virtually any hope of winning their once-winnable division.
Arizona 17, San Francisco 10: The Cardinals keep playing hard. It might not be pretty, but it gets the job done, particularly against a struggling opponent such as the 49ers. Kurt Warner threw for 354 yards and a touchdown, while throwing a pair of interceptions. Anquan Boldin proved impossible for the 49ers to cover, catching 11 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown. Alex Smith? The top overall pick of the draft looked like, well, a rookie, throwing three interceptions on a 185-yard passing day. Of course, neither quarterback was helped by the one-dimensional nature of his offense, because a running game was not to be found from either club.
Posted by admin at 04:50 PM | Comments (0)
November 29, 2005
Week 12 snapshots
(Nov. 29, 2005) -- It's an old-school formula, but it works. Prevent the opponent from scoring, or at least minimize its point total, and your chances for victory improve greatly. The Chicago Bears have followed this approach all season, and it has allowed them to win seven consecutive games and build a fairly solid perch atop the NFC North. With the NFL's top-ranked defense, the Bears only needed some offensive efficiency and a little good fortune in the form of a late missed chip-shot field-goal attempt by Matt Bryant on the way to a 13-10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bears' defensive dominance begins with a line that has been virtually unstoppable in rushing the passer. And their lone touchdown was set up on the Buccaneers' first possession when Chris Simms fumbled while being sacked by end Alex Brown. Simms was sacked four times and was never able to consistently make big plays. Chicago also kept Tampa Bay's running game mostly in check. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers did precisely what they needed to do to have their best shot at victory by shutting down the Bears' ground attack and forcing Kyle Orton to attempt 28 passes. He ended up with only 134 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Still, the Bears formula has them as a team that is very much a factor in the battle for NFC supremacy.
Seattle 24, N.Y. Giants 21
San Diego 23, Washington 17
Kansas City 26, New England 16
St. Louis 33, Houston 27
Minnesota 24, Cleveland 12
Cincinnati 42, Baltimore 29
Carolina 13, Buffalo 9
Jacksonville 24, Arizona 17
Miami 33, Oakland 21
Philadelphia 19, Green Bay 14
Tennessee 33, San Francisco 22
Seattle 24, N.Y. Giants 21 (OT): On a day of multiple statement games for the NFC, the Seahawks made a huge one by surviving -- yes, that's the right word -- to win this game. Jay Feely had three chances to win the game with a field goal, once at the end of regulation and twice in overtime, and missed them all. The Giants did an amazing job of bottling up Shaun Alexander, and that went a long way toward making this game so close for its duration. But Alexander finally got going when it counted, with back-to-back runs of eight and 13 yards in overtime to help set up Josh Brown's winning kick. For the Giants, frustration will go beyond the fact that it was a game they thought they had won three different times. They will also look at the squandered brilliant performances by Tiki Barber (151 rushing yards and five receptions for 27 yards) and Eli Manning (29 of 53 for 344 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception). It was a draining performance, but the Seahawks still have the distinction of being one of two teams to beat -- if not THE team -- in the NFC.
San Diego 23, Washington 17 (OT): Let's not get too hasty about that Shaun Alexander for MVP talk. LaDainian Tomlinson keeps himself very much in the conversation by doing the sort of thing he did in this game, which is score three touchdowns, including a 41-yarder in overtime. Tomlinson ripped through a very good defense for 184 rushing yards, and also caught six passes for 29 more yards. His efforts allowed the Chargers to overcome a three-interception day for Drew Brees, who seemingly could do no wrong in Week 11 against Buffalo. San Diego's defense merits recognition for limiting Mark Brunell to under 200 passing yards and one scoring throw, and holding Clinton Portis to 83 yards on the ground. Once again, the Redskins were not able to get any big plays because their biggest play-maker, Santana Moss, finished with a mere 65 receiving yards (and a long of 22) on six catches.
Kansas City 26, New England 16: It's tough enough to win at Arrowhead Stadium with a complete offense. It's nearly impossible to do so without the help of a running game. And the Patriots simply don't have one, which allowed KC's defense to intercept Tom Brady four times. Brady has done a remarkable job of carrying the Super Bowl champions on his passing arm, but the load has become too heavy. The Chiefs dominated this game in all phases. With the ground support of Larry Johnson's 119 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries, Trent Green was free to further take apart New England's injury-shredded defense for 323 yards and a score. Amazingly, the loss did nothing to damage New England's hold on first place in the AFC East, because the Bills also lost. Even more incredible is that the Patriots, at 6-5, still have the inside track on winning the division.
St. Louis 33, Houston 27 (OT): The indication of a poor team isn't limited to its won-loss record, which told the story of the Texans' nightmarish season long before kickoff. No, it is when a team goes to unbelievable lengths to find a way to lose, as the Texans did in falling to 1-10. They found a way to squander a 21-point halftime lead. Perhaps, as a team that has found itself buried so deeply in a losing atmosphere this season, the Texans simply didn't know how to go about closing the sale. The Rams deserve credit for their big-hearted effort, especially considering they were without injured starting quarterback Marc Bulger and that rookie third-stringer Ryan Fitzpatrick led the comeback after Jamie Martin left late in the first quarter with a blow to the head. The Texans sacked Fitzpatrick five times, but he kept his composure well enough to throw for 310 yards and three touchdowns.
Minnesota 24, Cleveland 12: The Vikings have become perhaps the best story of the second half of the season. To merely pick up the shattered pieces of their first half of the year is impressive enough. To put themselves into the postseason hunt is almost beyond comprehension. Like the Bears, the Vikings are doing it with defense. Minnesota made it a long and miserable day for Trent Dilfer, forcing him into four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumbles), while also discouraging the Browns from getting their usual strong production from Reuben Droughns. And with the Vikings' defensive dominance setting the tone, Brad Johnson, who has been a steadying force since replacing injured Daunte Culpepper at quarterback, was in great position to throw for three touchdowns.
Cincinnati 42, Baltimore 29: The Ravens certainly opened a few eyes with their stunning win against the Steelers in Week 11, but they returned to reality seven days later. The Bengals had no problem doing anything they pleased against Baltimore's defense. And it all began with the constant big-play threat of Cincinnati's passing game, which saw Carson Palmer throw for 300-plus yards and three touchdowns along with an interception. Rudi Johnson complemented Palmer with a 100-plus-yard, two-touchdown rushing day as the Bengals offensive line once again demonstrated its ability to dominate. The Bengals and Steelers are going to continue to wage this two-team battle for the AFC North title, and the outcome will likely be decided by how each team does in games it is supposed to win.
Carolina 13, Buffalo 9: Despite the Panthers' 7-3 record entering the game, this was a critical win. After their Week 11 loss to Chicago, the Panthers needed to keep their solid footing in the competitive NFC postseason picture, and they have done so by assuming sole possession of first place in the NFC South. Their defense did enough to make the difference in the outcome, holding Willis McGahee to a mere 53 rushing yards and constantly harassing J.P. Losman, who was sacked four times and threw a late interception to seal the game. But their offense -- especially their running game -- struggled too much against a beat-up and struggling Bills defense that can't stop anyone on the ground.
Jacksonville 24, Arizona 17: The Jaguars had the necessary depth at quarterback and running back, to go along with a solid defensive performance, to dispose of the Cardinals. David Garrard took over after Byron Leftwich left with what reportedly is a broken ankle. Although Garrard didn't do anything special with his arm, he did run for 61 yards and a touchdown. Garrard also avoided mistakes and kept the Jags offense on track. Greg Jones, filling in for injured Fred Taylor at running back, produced 78 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Jacksonville's defense forced Kurt Warner to throw an interception and lose a fumble. It was the sort of effort that continues to make the Jaguars a strong factor in the AFC playoff picture, but the team could have serious trouble down the stretch with Leftwich likely out for an extended period.
Miami 33, Oakland 21: By the end, it seemed as if neither team wanted to win. The Raiders had opportunity after opportunity, and failed to capitalize. Ditto for the Dolphins. But after such a dreadful showing in Cleveland in Week 11, the Dolphins did show plenty by traveling across the country and coming out with a win that keeps them alive in the AFC East, a division that none of its members seem to want to win. Ricky Williams was impressive, rushing for 82 yards and a touchdown. Gus Frerotte was effective enough, throwing for 261 yards and two scores, while also throwing an interception. But at the end of the day, Miami's MVP might very well have been Kerry Collins, who threw for no scores, had two interceptions and fumbled. The one Raiders bright spot: LaMont Jordan's 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Philadelphia 19, Green Bay 14: Who said the Eagles can't run the ball? They churned out 180 yards, including 117 and a touchdown from Brian Westbrook. And that was all the Eagles needed on a day when the Packers had a decent running game of their own (111 yards by Samkon Gado) but killed themselves with mistakes. Brett Favre threw two interceptions, and Green Bay also lost three fumbles. Mike McMahon didn't do all that much to help the Eagles win, but he did nothing to hurt them in throwing for 91 yards.
Tennessee 33, San Francisco 22: There was no coincidence that Steve McNair had his best performance since 2003 against the league's lowest-ranked overall defense and pass defense. But let's not take anything away from McNair. Regardless of the opponent, he did look like the McNair of old, throwing for 343 yards and three touchdowns. The Titans also looked like their old, playmaking selves on defense, forcing four turnovers (including two interceptions and a fumble by Niners quarterback Ken Dorsey).
Posted by admin at 03:47 PM | Comments (0)
November 28, 2005
Danny Maciocia captures Grey Cup victory as rookie head coach
VANCOUVER (CP) - Danny Maciocia shed the monicker of rookie head coach in style Sunday night.
Maciocia, 38, capped his rookie season as the Edmonton Eskimos head coach by watching his team earn a wild 38-35 overtime decision over the Montreal Alouettes in the Grey Cup.
With the win, the Montreal-born Maciocia became just the seventh coach in CFL history to win a championship in his first year and first to do so since Adam Rita with Toronto in 1991.
"It means as of right now you can stop calling me a rookie head coach," said a champagne-drenched Maciocia. "Honestly, it feels pretty good.
"But I really feel good for the guys, they made it easy for me."
Well, not really.
The Eskimos could've cemented the victory with nine seconds left in regulation when defensive backs Keyuo Craver and Donnie Brady both took turns bobbling and dropping an errant Anthony Calvillo pass. That allowed Alouettes kicker Damon Duval to boot a 27-yard field goal on the final play of the fourth quarter and force overtime.
"My first thought was, 'Maybe this just isn't destined to be,' " Maciocia said. "But I turned around and the guys just weren't going to quit.
"The support is unbelievable. This is the best team I've ever been associated with."
Brady said he desperately wanted a second chance for his head coach.
"I'm relieved but I'm kicking myself in the butt for not ending the game," he said. "It will weigh on me all off-season but I will work on my hands so that if I get an opportunity that won't happen again.
"But coach Maciocia did a great job this year. That's a big load to be a head coach of a pro team and for it to be your first head-coaching experience and to handle some grown men. He did an awesome job."
Maciocia also showed some intestinal fortitude late in the second half.
When Edmonton struggled in the third and fell behind after leading 10-1 at halftime, Maciocia opted to stick with starter Ricky Ray. In both the West Division semifinal and final, Maciocia yanked Ray in favour of backup Jason Maas, who rallied the Eskimos to victories in both games.
The move paid off as Ray finished 35 of 45 passing for 359 yards and two touchdowns. Ray's completion total was a Grey Cup record.
"I just looked at him and said, 'You're going to do it,' " Maciocia said. "Ricky isn't a guy who says a lot, but he said, 'I know I will.'
"That was good enough for me."
With Edmonton sitting third-four from the Montreal 50-yard line with the Als leading 25-20 late in the fourth quarter, Maciocia predictably went for the gamble. But instead of going for a safe, short pass, he made a gutsy call by having Ray throw deep to slotback Derrell (Mookie) Mitchell.
Again, the move paid off. Mitchell, in single coverage and beat his man to the outside, hauled in a key 35-yard pass that set up Ray's one-yard TD run and subsequent two-point conversion to Jason Tucker that put Edmonton ahead 28-25.
"It was a calculated risk . . . but I wanted to isolate Mookie and run him on a corner route," Maciocia said. "Mookie beat him on a great move.
"And what about the throw?"
Maciocia made his fourth Grey Cup appearance and earned his second victory - his first was as Edmonton's offensive co-ordinator in the club's 34-22 win over Montreal in 2003. The victories are somewhat bitter-sweet because Maciocia grew up a diehard Alouettes fan and his first CFL coaching job was as a volunteer with the club in 2000.
"Edmonton is home now," Maciocia said. "I love being in Edmonton, I love the fans and I'm hoping I can stay in Edmonton for a long, long time and do them proud.
"I'll tell you what, though, this game was unbelievalbe. I'll probably have to watch it in a couple of weeks just to re-live it again."
Posted by admin at 02:50 PM | Comments (0)
November 22, 2005
Ten down, six to go
Here's what we learned about the Indianapolis Colts in their 45-37 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals:
The Colts can do it all.
Relying on its defense for most of the season, Indianapolis put on an offensive show to raise its record to a perfect 10-0. Winning with offense or defense is a luxury the Colts have never had under Tony Dungy. Now, they have a six-game season to become the first NFL team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins to have an unbeaten regular season.
A Week 16 trip to Seattle will be the only tough game in which Indy will have to deal with the elements. The Colts still have to face the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers, but they'll be playing them at home. You have to like Indianapolis' chances in a controlled climate.
Cincinnati fared a lot better than it did in its previous big test of the season – a Week 7 loss to the Steelers. The Bengals feel like they can beat the Colts, and in any other year, Cincinnati would be right there at the top. But this is Indy's year. The Colts have put everything together, and they are the team to beat.
Posted by admin at 03:08 PM | Comments (0)
November 07, 2005
NFL roundup: Sunday?s action on the gridiron
Dick Vermeil was going to be the biggest fool or the shrewdest gambler in the NFL.
Call this man shrewd. With five seconds left Sunday, the Chiefs trailed by three and the ball was on the Oakland 1. Kick a field goal to force overtime or go for the touchdown and risk losing? Vermeil went for the TD, and Larry Johnson dived over the pile for a memorable 27-23 victory over the Raiders.
Elsewhere in the National Football League on Sunday, it was: Carolina 34, Tampa Bay 14; Atlanta 17, Miami 10; San Diego 31, New York Jets 26; Jacksonville 21, Houston 14; Cincinnati 21, Baltimore 9; Minnesota 27, Detroit 14; Cleveland 20, Tennessee 14; Pittsburgh 20, Green Bay 10; Chicago 20, New Orleans 17; New York Giants 24, San Francisco 6; and Seattle 33, Arizona 19.
Call this man shrewd. With five seconds left Sunday, the Chiefs trailed by three and the ball was on the Oakland 1. Kick a field goal to force overtime or go for the touchdown and risk losing? Vermeil went for the TD, and Larry Johnson dived over the pile for a memorable 27-23 victory over the Raiders.
Elsewhere in the National Football League on Sunday, it was: Carolina 34, Tampa Bay 14; Atlanta 17, Miami 10; San Diego 31, New York Jets 26; Jacksonville 21, Houston 14; Cincinnati 21, Baltimore 9; Minnesota 27, Detroit 14; Cleveland 20, Tennessee 14; Pittsburgh 20, Green Bay 10; Chicago 20, New Orleans 17; New York Giants 24, San Francisco 6; and Seattle 33, Arizona 19.
At Kansas City, Mo., placekicker Lawrence Tynes, who already had two field goals and hasn't missed in 13 straight attempts, was warmed up and ready. But in one of the toughest decisions of his career, Vermeil opted to go for the win.
Randy Moss, who hadn't caught a pass all day, beat Dewayne Washington in the corner of the end zone for a seven-yard reception with 1:45 left, giving the Raiders (3-5) the lead. Then Trent Green, playing through the pain of his father's funeral just four days earlier, whipped the Chiefs (5-3) downfield 72 yards.
The Chiefs, who have beaten the Raiders six in a row, were missing their best running back (Priest Holmes), best offensive lineman (Willie Roaf) and best cornerback (Patrick Surtain), as well as two of their top backups in the secondary.
Panthers 34, Buccaneers 14
At Tampa, Fla., Stephen Davis ran for two touchdowns, Steve Smith caught his ninth TD pass of the season and Chris Gamble scored on a 61-yard interception return to lead surging Carolina over the Bucs for its fifth straight victory.
Falcons 17, Dolphins 10
At Miami, Michael Vick led four drives of more than 70 yards, and Keion Carpenter's interception stopped a scoring threat with less than three minutes left to help Atlanta beat the Dolphins for its third win a row.
Chargers 31, Jets 26
At East Rutherford, N.J., LaDainian Tomlinson scored a career-high four touchdowns - three rushing, one receiving - and San Diego needed every one of them to hold off pesky Brooks Bollinger and the Jets.
Jaguars 21, Texans 14
At Jacksonville, Fla., Byron Leftwich directed two long scoring drives in the fourth quarter to rally the Jaguars over injury-riddled Houston.
Bengals 21, Ravens 9
At Baltimore, Carson Palmer threw two touchdown passes, Rudi Johnson ran for 97 yards and a score, and Cincinnati kept the Ravens out of the end zone.
Vikings 27, Lions 14
At Minneapolis, Brad Johnson passed for 136 yards and two touchdowns in relief of the injured Daunte Culpepper, Michael Bennett rushed 18 times for 106 yards and the Vikings beat the Lions to create a tie for second place in the punchless NFC North.
Browns 20, Titans 14
At Cleveland, Reuben Droughns, arrested earlier in the week on a drunken driving charge, rushed for 116 yards and caught a crucial third-down pass for 51 yards, powering the Browns over Tennessee.
Steelers 20, Packers 10
At Green Bay, Wis., Troy Polamalu returned Brett Favre's fumble 77 yards for a touchdown, and Tyrone Carter's interception set up the offence's only touchdown in Pittsburgh's win over the Packers.
Bears 20, Saints 17
At Baton Rouge, La., Adrian Peterson and Cedric Benson combined for 137 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown in place of the injured Thomas Jones, and Robbie Gould hit the winning field goal with six seconds to go for Chicago in a win over New Orleans.
Giants 24, 49ers 6
At San Francisco, Eli Manning passed for 251 yards and a touchdown, Brandon Jacobs rushed for two short fourth-quarter scores and New York yielded just 138 total yards to beat the 49ers.
Seahawks 33, Cardinals 19
At Tempe, Ariz., Shaun Alexander gained 173 yards on 23 carries, including touchdown runs of 88 and 14 yards, and Seattle won its fourth in a row by beating the Cardinals.
Redskins 17, Eagles 10
At Landover, Md., with or without Terrell Owens, the Eagles are losing and in danger of slipping out of the playoff race.
The Eagles (4-4) fell to sole possession of last place in the NFC East because of their anemic running game and an offense that produced only one touchdown. The Redskins, rebounding from the worst loss of coach Joe Gibbs' career, rode a more balanced attack and touchdown runs by Mike Sellers and Clinton Portis.
Posted by admin at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)
October 29, 2005
DIRTY DOZEN
DIRTY DOZEN: The top six and bottom six teams based on current level of play:
1. Indianapolis (7-0). A week off, then on to Foxborough.
2. Pittsburgh (4-2). The Bengals found out who runs the division.
3. Philadelphia (4-2). The NFC's best despite everything.
4. Jacksonville (4-2). Solid team, soft schedule.
5. Washington (4-2). Brunell and Moss give offence punch. But don't get carried away.
6. New York Giants (4-2). In honour of the Duke.
27. Baltimore (2-4) and New York Jets (2-5). Jets are down three QBs; the Ravens are down a QB and two defensive MVPs.
28. New Orleans (2-5). Play their first game in Louisiana on Sunday.
29. Tennessee (2-5). Too young.
30. Cleveland (2-4). Might be Texans' first victim.
31. Houston (0-6). Respectable first half against Colts moves them up.
32. San Francisco (1-5). Last even if they win.
(AP) - A few years ago, after a game in Dallas, Wellington Mara had to catch a plane to an NFL owners' meeting while the rest of the New York Giants flew home on their charter.
DAVE GOLDBERG
Team officials, fearing Mara would be late if he waited for the team bus, called for a car to get their owner to the airport. A stretch limo showed up. "I'm not taking that," Mara said. "Go ahead, it's here, just take it," he was told.
"I don't need one of those," grumped Mara, who waited for the team and barely made his flight.
That was typical of the the Giants' longtime owner, who died Tuesday at the age of 89, the patriarch of the NFL and a man whose commitment to revenue sharing more than 40 years ago is the most important reason it is America's premier sports league.
In a "look at me" era, even among owners, he put himself last. His family, his religion, his players and Giants fans were 1-2-3-4 in whatever order you'd care to put them.
"In a way, it was the Marine ethic," said Ernie Accorsi, the Giants general manager. "You know the rules? It's the officers who eat last. He would always consider himself last."
Somewhere, Mara is probably smiling in his shy (and sly) way about all the praise heaped upon him over the last few days, especially kind words from the likes of Daniel Snyder, Jerry Jones and George Steinbrenner, whose ownership style was the antithesis of his.
Talk to anyone who met him for the first time and the reaction was always a surprised "He's so humble, so gentle, so friendly."
Absolutely.
From a distance, Mara seemed on a pedestal somewhere between George Washington and Vince Lombardi. In reality, he shunned celebrity, even scorned it. It was that real smile and a wry sense of humour that made him truly unique for a man of wealth and power.
When he stood up at owners meetings, a normally raucous room would turn silent and his counsel was almost always heeded. Yet he left the room inconspicuously, while others (Jones most often) headed for the television cameras.
Twenty years ago, Mara, Art Modell, Dan Rooney, Tex Schramm and others sat with Pete Rozelle in a federal courtroom almost every day during the USFL's lawsuit against the league.
It was a tense time. Donald Trump, another man whose persona was the antithesis of Mara's, was trying to force a merger of the spring league and the NFL, hoping to collect billions in the process. Worse, the NFL had a long losing streak in court and its lawyers, including Paul Tagliabue, were worried.
One morning, the USFL's witness was Howard Cosell, who had, for reasons long forgotten, turned on Rozelle. He carried on to the point that Frank Rothman, the NFL's lead lawyer, finally sat down and let him ramble about the 1969 New York Jets, Muhammad Ali, and other Cosell favorites.
At the lunch break, Mara came up to a reporter, flashed his sly smile, and whispered: "Who's that guy doing a parody of Howard Cosell?"
The NFL finally won by losing. The jury found it had violated antitrust law, but fined it only $1 US, trebled to $3. The USFL went out of business and the Giants got a huge benefit - four ex-USFL players helped them win their first Super Bowl the next year, and they traded their rights to another, Gary Zimmerman, for draft picks they turned into players who helped them win again in 1990.
Mara, of course, was delighted with the victories in court and on the field. He was a competitor and suffered for nearly two decades as the front man for a losing team, the man who sat and watched planes fly over his stadium trailing banners with messages like: "Fifteen years of lousy football . . . We've had enough."
Mara cared about the fans then, regularly answering even the most hostile letters. And it was the fans who were in his thoughts when he made major decisions.
Two years ago, a team that entered the season hoping to challenge for a Super Bowl berth collapsed in the second half of the season. The last straw was a game against Buffalo that began with a full stadium that was three-quarters empty by the fourth quarter of a 24-7 loss.
It was then he decided to fire Jim Fassel, a coach who a few years earlier had taken the team to the Super Bowl, and only a year before had earned a hearty though private endorsement from the owner. "The message comes across loud and clear," Mara said of the fan exodus. "All it tells me is that we need to improve the product."
And how many sports owners are loved by their players?
Mara was, in part because he was at practice almost every day, always congratulated them after wins and losses, and considered himself more a football man than a businessman although, unlike some, he never got involved Xs and Os.
And he was always there in a crisis.
During a period from the late 1970s to the mid '80s, an unlikely number of Giants contracted cancer: Doug Kotar, Dan Lloyd, John Tuggle, Karl Nelson and the retired Spider Lockhart. Mara made sure the team paid for their treatment, hired limousines to transport them to hospitals and pushed for studies to ensure that nothing in the ground or air near his stadium in the New Jersey Meadowlands was contributing to the statistical anomaly of cancer in young athletes.
The current player who clicked with him, surprisingly, was Jeremy Shockey, the tight end whose sometimes outrageous behaviour seemed the antithesis of Mara's strict moral code. And Shockey was one of his favourites.
While all the other players called him "Mr. Mara," Shockey addressed him by his nickname, "Duke."
So it wasn't surprising that Shockey, along with running back Tiki Barber, was invited by the family to Mara's home the day before he died to pay their last respects on behalf of the players.
Yes, Mara had a major role in making the NFL what it is. But it tells as much about the man that he also cared about anonymous Giants fans, a rare trait in these days when fans are just a vehicle for turning a buck.
He was the classiest of class acts.
DIRTY DOZEN: The top six and bottom six teams based on current level of play:
1. Indianapolis (7-0). A week off, then on to Foxborough.
2. Pittsburgh (4-2). The Bengals found out who runs the division.
3. Philadelphia (4-2). The NFC's best despite everything.
4. Jacksonville (4-2). Solid team, soft schedule.
5. Washington (4-2). Brunell and Moss give offence punch. But don't get carried away.
6. New York Giants (4-2). In honour of the Duke.
27. Baltimore (2-4) and New York Jets (2-5). Jets are down three QBs; the Ravens are down a QB and two defensive MVPs.
28. New Orleans (2-5). Play their first game in Louisiana on Sunday.
29. Tennessee (2-5). Too young.
30. Cleveland (2-4). Might be Texans' first victim.
31. Houston (0-6). Respectable first half against Colts moves them up.
32. San Francisco (1-5). Last even if they win.
Posted by admin at 03:05 PM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2005
Schedule week 7 NFL
| WEEK 7 | ||||||||
| Sunday, Oct. 23 | ||||||||
| GAME | TIME | DIRECTV® | Sirius Radio | |||||
| AWAY | HOME | |||||||
| Detroit at Cleveland | 1:00 p.m. | 709 | 125 | 126 | ||||
| Green Bay at Minnesota | 1:00 p.m. | 710 | 127 | 110 | ||||
| Indianapolis at Houston | 1:00 p.m. | 705 | 121 | 131 | ||||
| Kansas City at Miami | 1:00 p.m. | 706 | 144 | 145 | ||||
| New Orleans at St. Louis | 1:00 p.m. | 711 | 147 | 181 | ||||
| Pittsburgh at Cincinnati | 1:00 p.m. | 704 | 111 | 117 | ||||
| San Diego at Philadelphia | 1:00 p.m. | 707 | 123 | 107 | ||||
| San Francisco at Washington | 1:00 p.m. | 712 | 146 | 119 | ||||
| Dallas at Seattle | 4:05 p.m. | 708 | 144 | 143 | ||||
| Baltimore at Chicago | 4:15 p.m. | 714 | 117 | 110 | ||||
| Buffalo at Oakland | 4:15 p.m. | 716 | 123 | 125 | ||||
| Denver at N.Y. Giants | 4:15 p.m. | 715 | ||||||
| Tennessee at Arizona | 4:15 p.m. | 713 | 146 | |||||
| Monday, Oct. 24 | ||||||||
| GAME | TIME | DIRECTV® | Sirius Radio | |||||
| AWAY | HOME | |||||||
| N.Y. Jets at Atlanta | 9:00 p.m. | 125 | 124 | |||||
| Open date: Carolina, Jacksonville, New England, Tampa Bay | ||||||||
Posted by admin at 03:46 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2005
Alexander, Tomlinson first players with 10 rushing TDs in five straight seasons
SEATTLE (AP) - Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander joined LaDainian Tomlinson as the first players in NFL history to rush for 10 or more touchdowns in five consecutive seasons Sunday.
Alexander had two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter against Houston, bringing his season total to 10. He scored on a 4-yard run with 8:12 left in the quarter and added a five-yard TD run. He had nine carries for 52 yards in the first quarter.
SEATTLE (AP) - Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander joined LaDainian Tomlinson as the first players in NFL history to rush for 10 or more touchdowns in five consecutive seasons Sunday.
Alexander had two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter against Houston, bringing his season total to 10. He scored on a 4-yard run with 8:12 left in the quarter and added a five-yard TD run. He had nine carries for 52 yards in the first quarter.
Tomlinson had a sevens-yard TD run in the first quarter of San Diego's 27-14 win over Oakland. Tomlinson also became the seventh player in NFL history to run, catch and throw a touchdown in the same game - he caught a 35-yard TD from Drew Brees and threw a four-yard pass to Justin Peelle.
Last season, Alexander and Tomlinson joined Earl Campbell, Eric Dickerson and Walter Payton as the only players to rush for 10 TDs in four consecutive seasons.
Posted by admin at 03:18 PM | Comments (0)
October 13, 2005
Bengals' loss brings out Chad's frustration
CINCINNATI (AP) - First, Chad Johnson went facemask-to-facemask with Jaguars cornerbacks, talking a little trash about their efforts to stop him. Then, he went to the sideline and did a little more venting.
The Cincinnati Bengals' first loss of the season demonstrated that there's a fine line between coming off as hot stuff or a hothead.
A 23-20 loss in Jacksonville on Sunday night exposed the Bengals' shortcomings. A dozen more penalties made them the league leader in that category, and the defence gave up 4.9 yards per rush.
CINCINNATI (AP) - First, Chad Johnson went facemask-to-facemask with Jaguars cornerbacks, talking a little trash about their efforts to stop him. Then, he went to the sideline and did a little more venting.
The Cincinnati Bengals' first loss of the season demonstrated that there's a fine line between coming off as hot stuff or a hothead.
A 23-20 loss in Jacksonville on Sunday night exposed the Bengals' shortcomings. A dozen more penalties made them the league leader in that category, and the defence gave up 4.9 yards per rush.
And, as far as their Pro Bowl receiver is concerned, it showed what happens when they don't get the ball to him often enough.
Johnson did CPR on the football after his touchdown Sunday night, but finished with only five catches for 52 yards. He drew so much double coverage that Carson Palmer didn't even try to throw to him for long stretches, frustrating Johnson.
"Last night, I felt like I wished I wasn't Chad Johnson," he said Monday. "Last night, I felt like I wished I wasn't good. I had to keep from crying on the sideline because I wished I wasn't that good because I wouldn't be getting the attention I'm getting. I just want to catch the ball, that's it."
After one series, he went to the sideline and lobbied for the ball. And, he got it - along with comparisons to Terrell Owens, who berates his quarterbacks, and cousin Keyshawn Johnson, who had it out with quarterback Drew Bledsoe on the sideline Sunday.
Johnson thinks his situation is entirely different.
"It's not a selfish act," the receiver said. "Everyone considers me a game breaker. One play, I can change the entire game. All I want is the opportunity to do that. That's it. Now if you give me those opportunities and I don't get it done, I can't say nothing. When I don't get the opportunity, I've got to be able to voice myself here.
"I've done enough here to where I think I should be able to do that, for real. Think about it. I'm not a bad guy. I'm not a knucklehead. I do everything the right way."
His team did enough things wrong to be reminded of what it's like to lose. The Bengals (4-1) overcame plenty of penalties while winning their first four games, but the sloppiness finally caught up with them.
"We made a lot of mistakes," coach Marvin Lewis said Monday. "When you make a lot of mistakes, you can lose the football game. That's the way it is. We've said this before. It's medicine. It doesn't taste good, but it's good for you."
Even though they lost, the Bengals showed improvement in one aspect. During their 14-year streak without so much as a winning record, they developed a habit of imploding on the road, letting their mistakes turn into lopsided losses.
This time, they almost overcame them. The Bengals were at the Jaguars 45-yard line - one completion out of field goal range - when Palmer was stripped of the ball with 1:16 to go.
"I thought we were going to pull it out," running back Rudi Johnson said. "We're right there the whole game. We kept fighting our way back. That's a big plus for us - on the road, playing against a team like that and we were able to do some things."
Lewis also was encouraged by the way his team nearly pulled one out.
"It just tells you that we have a good football team, but we need to play good at all times or that's what's going to happen," Lewis said. "We have enough good players and a team that has some resolve."
It also has a receiver who has a resolve to get the football, and will let everyone know when it's not happening. Lewis said he had no problem with how his star handled himself during Sunday's game.
"He did a fine job last night, probably his best game that I remember where he didn't have eight to 10 catches because he hustled his tail off, he blocked," Lewis said. "So as I watched that tape this morning, I was proud of Chad Johnson for how he played."
Posted by admin at 04:02 PM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2005
Reed kicks field goal with six seconds left as Steelers beat Chargers 24-22
SAN DIEGO (AP) - It's a good thing the Bus is back, because now the Pittsburgh Steelers could be without Ben Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger was helped off the field with an apparent knee injury shortly before Jeff Reed kicked a 40-yard field goal with six seconds left to give the Steelers a 24-22 win over the San Diego Chargers on Monday night. Roethlisberger thrust both fists in the air in celebration from the bench, his left leg wrapped in ice and bandages. "He laid it on the line," receiver Hines Ward said of the second-year quarterback. "He's lying there hurt on the ground, and he said to me, 'At least we're in field goal range."'
SAN DIEGO (AP) - It's a good thing the Bus is back, because now the Pittsburgh Steelers could be without Ben Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger was helped off the field with an apparent knee injury shortly before Jeff Reed kicked a 40-yard field goal with six seconds left to give the Steelers a 24-22 win over the San Diego Chargers on Monday night. Roethlisberger thrust both fists in the air in celebration from the bench, his left leg wrapped in ice and bandages. "He laid it on the line," receiver Hines Ward said of the second-year quarterback. "He's lying there hurt on the ground, and he said to me, 'At least we're in field goal range."'
Steelers coach Bill Cowher had no information on the exact nature or severity of his QB's injury.
"It looked bad from what I saw up on the screen," Cowher said.
Trailing 22-21 in the fourth quarter, Roethlisberger moved the Steelers into San Diego territory and had completed a nine-yard pass to Antwaan Randle El when he was hit on the knee by the helmet of Chargers rookie lineman Luis Castillo.
Roethlisberger, whose knee was bent back awkwardly on the hit, was driven off the field on a cart after the final gun.
Roethlisberger was replaced by Charlie Batch, who has played only a handful of downs the last three years. Batch handed off three straight times to Jerome Bettis before Reed's kick.
The Bus carried seven times for 21 yards on the winning drive.
"I went to Charlie and said, 'Give it to me, look it all the way in, follow me as I go through, and I'll do the rest,"' said Bettis, who missed the first three games with a calf injury sustained during the exhibition season.
Roethlisberger ran for one touchdown and threw for another, and Bettis rushed for a TD in his season debut for the Steelers (3-1). San Diego (2-3) had its two-game winning streak snapped.
"I feel great, I feel fresh," Bettis said after scoring a touchdown in his season debut.
San Diego had gone ahead on LaDainian Tomlinson's two-yard run with 4:42 left. Tomlinson was stuffed on a two-point conversion attempt that would have given the Chargers a 24-21 lead.
"It's 50-50 there," Chargers quarterback Drew Brees said. "Give it to the best running back in the league or throw it to the best tight end in the league," he said, referring to Antonio Gates.
Tomlinson extended his NFL record by scoring a rushing touchdown in 17 straight games.
Stung by a loss to New England 15 days earlier and coming off their bye, the Steelers bounced back with a crisp game by Roethlisberger and the defence, which made Tomlinson and the rest of the San Diego offence look average.
Tomlinson was held to 62 yards on 18 carries. Brees threw his first interception in three games, which set up Bettis' TD run.
"That was probably the best defence I've faced as far as the run game in my career," Tomlinson said.
Roethlisberger gave the Steelers a 21-16 lead on a 16-yard pass to Heath Miller with 10:30 to go. He was impressive on the go-ahead drive, completing it in only three passes. Starting on the Pittsburgh 38, the second-year pro had completions of 33 and 13 yards to Ward before hitting Miller for the touchdown.
Roethlisberger was 17-of-26 passing for 225 yards, with no interceptions. Bettis gained 54 yards on 17 carries.
Bettis and Roethlisberger both scored in the second quarter. On third-5 from the Chargers 7, Roethlisberger lined up in the shotgun, took the snap and scrambled into the end zone.
His TD came four plays after his apparent 47-yard touchdown pass to Hines Ward was overturned after a challenge by Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer.
Bettis scored on a one-yard run. which capped a drive set up when James Harrison intercepted Brees, hurdled Tomlinson and gained 25 yards before being tripped up by Brees. An unnecessary roughness call against Chargers guard Kris Dielman added 15 yards.
San Diego pulled to 14-7 on an 11-yard scoring pass from Brees to Gates with 34 seconds left before halftime. That drive started after a 48-yard kickoff return by rookie Darren Sproles.
The Chargers had gone ahead 16-14 on Nate Kaeding's third field goal of the second half, from 41 yards with 11:41 to play. Kaeding also had field goals of 34 and 32 yards in the third quarter.
Kaeding's 32-yarder, with 3:54 left in the third, came one play after Willie Williams broke up a pass from Brees to Gates in the end zone.
Notes: San Diego had scored 12 touchdowns in 15 trips inside the opponents' 20-yard line coming in, but was held to one TD and two field goals the three times they got inside the Steelers 20. ... The game drew a Chargers record crowd of 68,537.
Posted by admin at 03:51 PM | Comments (0)
October 02, 2005
Battered McNabb steps up and passes for 369 yards as Eagles beat Chiefs 37-31
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - By the look of things, all those aches and pains were getting to Donovan McNabb. Philadelphia's first three drives yielded two punts and a blocked field goal, and the Eagles were suddenly down 17-0 in the second quarter at Kansas City.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - By the look of things, all those aches and pains were getting to Donovan McNabb. Philadelphia's first three drives yielded two punts and a blocked field goal, and the Eagles were suddenly down 17-0 in the second quarter at Kansas City.
Turns out McNabb is as good leading a comeback as he is at enduring pain.
In rallying the Eagles to a 37-31 victory over the crestfallen Chiefs, neither a painful sports hernia nor a determined Kansas City defence could stop McNabb from doing something Sunday that no other Philadelphia quarterback had before: pass for more than 300 yards in three straight games.
The Eagles (3-1) scored 28 straight points against the same defence that had nearly shut out the New York Jets a few weeks earlier on the same field.
McNabb, who was also playing with a chest bruise and a sore shin, completed 33 of 48 passes for 369 yards and three touchdowns.
"I was just doing whatever I had to help my team win," said McNabb, who was diagnosed last week with a painful strain in the lower abdomen known as a sports hernia.
"Nothing is easy in this game especially when your body is in a position where you feel like can't do what you're used to doing," he said.
Terrell Owens fuelled the comeback by consistently getting open and making 11 catches for 171 yards and a TD.
The Chiefs (2-2) closed to within six points with 1:24 left on Trent Green's 15-yard TD pass to Hall, but the Eagles recovered the onside kick.
"He didn't look like he was hurting one bit," said Chiefs defensive lineman Lionel Dalton. "He looked like the normal McNabb, one of the greatest quarterbacks in this league."
McNabb took a few pretty good whacks but nothing slowed him down.
"It felt like I tweaked it a little," he said. "Nothing major. This is just something I have to get used to. My body's reacting differently."
The Chiefs (2-2) took a 24-6 lead with 4:27 left when Dante Hall went 96 yards with a kickoff return following Sheldon Brown's 40-yard return of an interception of Trent Green.
Then Owens and McNabb awakened the defending NFC champs. After Sam Rayburn recovered a Larry Johnson fumble on the 50, McNabb hit Owens for 28 yards and then capped the quick drive with a 7-yard TD pass to the Eagles' top receiver.
"It was like they got all the momentum right there," said Chiefs guard Brian Waters. "But we just made too many mistakes, too many turnovers."
Todd France, whose first NFL field goal attempt was blocked, made good on a 44-yarder to bring the Eagles to within 24-16.
Then McNabb hit Owens twice for a total of 58 yards in a four-play, 60-yard drive capped by Mike Bartrum's 3-yard TD catch.
A two-point conversion pass to Brian Westbrook tied it 24-24 with 1:54 left in the third and hushed the sellout crowd that had become almost deafening a few minutes before.
France put the Eagles ahead 27-24 with a 37-yarder in the fourth quarter. Then Hall fumbled away the ensuing kickoff and McNabb needed just six plays to cover 25 yards, hitting L.J. Smith with a one-yard TD toss after Smith made a circus catch of a tipped ball on third and seven.
France added a 26-yard field goal with 3:22 to go.
"We couldn't knock McNabb down even though we hit him," said Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil. "What a great football player!"
Trent Green completed his first eight passes and Priest Holmes scored on a seven-yard run on Kansas City's opening possession. The next time the Chiefs got the ball, Green hit Eddie Kennison perfectly in stride for a 49-yard gain that set up Lawrence Tynes' 38-yarder.
The next sequence is one that Philadelphia's Roderick Hood would like to forget. First, he fumbled during the kickoff return and Chris Griffin recovered for Kansas City on the 27.
Six plays later, Kennison beat Hood in the end zone on an eight-yard touchdown pass.
Hall, who electrified the NFL in 2003 by returning kicks for touchdowns in four consecutive games, tied the NFL record with six kickoff returns for touchdowns.
But it's McNabb that everybody went home talking about.
"He's unbelievable, man," said Chiefs cornerback Patrick Surtain. "The second half, they got on a roll and it was like they were doing anything they wanted."
Notes: Eagles DE Jevon Kearse, held without a sack for the first three games of the season, picked up his first with just over 10 minutes left in the third quarter. ... Brown's two-interception game was the first of his career. ... The scoreboards and play clocks at Arrowhead Stadium went out for much of the second quarter. ... Chiefs rookie Dustin Colquitt got off a 62-yard punt in the third quarter, his longest of the year. ... Hicks has both of Kansas City's blocked field goals this season. ... Holmes became Kansas City's career leader in attempts from scrimmage (rushes and receptions), with 1,466. Eagles defensive tackle Paul Grasmanis re-tore his Achilles' tendon.
Posted by admin at 02:34 PM | Comments (0)
September 27, 2005
NFL FOOTBALL schedule week 4
| WEEK 4 | |||
| DATE | GAME | TIME | DIRECTV® |
| Sunday, Oct. 2 | Buffalo at New Orleans | 1:00 p.m. | 712 |
| Denver at Jacksonville | 1:00 p.m. | 710 | |
| Detroit at Tampa Bay | 1:00 p.m. | 706 | |
| Houston at Cincinnati | 1:00 p.m. | 709 | |
| Indianapolis at Tennessee | 1:00 p.m. | 708 | |
| San Diego at New England | 1:00 p.m. | 711 | |
| Seattle at Washington | 1:00 p.m. | 707 | |
| St. Louis at N.Y. Giants | 1:00 p.m. | 705 | |
| N.Y. Jets at Baltimore | 4:05 p.m. | 715 | |
| Dallas at Oakland | 4:15 p.m. | 714 | |
| Minnesota at Atlanta | 4:15 p.m. | 713 | |
| Philadelphia at Kansas City | 4:15 p.m. | 704 | |
| San Francisco at Arizona | 8:30 p.m. | ||
| Monday, Oct. 3 | Green Bay at Carolina | 9:00 p.m. | |
| Open date: Chicago, Cleveland, Miami, Pittsburgh | |||
Posted by admin at 03:45 PM | Comments (0)
September 26, 2005
Week 3 snapshots
It looked like an ending from a cheesy sports movie, but this was the real thing. Eagles kicker David Akers, hobbled by a sore hamstring in his plant leg that he aggravated during the opening kickoff, limped onto the field to boot the winning field goal in the final seconds of regulation to give the Eagles a 23-20 win over the Raiders. He could barely celebrate his accomplishment, crumpling to the field in pain. The Eagles celebrated as if this was something more important than the third game of the season, and in some respects it was. After such a tumultuous preseason, the Eagles recognize the importance of building some strong momentum, and that is exactly what they are doing. In a game this close, it's easy to find difference-making areas. Perhaps the biggest was the fact that Brian Westbrook caught six passes for 140 yards and a touchdown in addition to his 63 rushing yards. Terrell Owens caught more passes than Randy Moss (nine to five) and Moss had more yards (86 to 80), but Owens was the only one of the two to have a touchdown.
It looked like an ending from a cheesy sports movie, but this was the real thing. Eagles kicker David Akers, hobbled by a sore hamstring in his plant leg that he aggravated during the opening kickoff, limped onto the field to boot the winning field goal in the final seconds of regulation to give the Eagles a 23-20 win over the Raiders. He could barely celebrate his accomplishment, crumpling to the field in pain. The Eagles celebrated as if this was something more important than the third game of the season, and in some respects it was. After such a tumultuous preseason, the Eagles recognize the importance of building some strong momentum, and that is exactly what they are doing. In a game this close, it's easy to find difference-making areas. Perhaps the biggest was the fact that Brian Westbrook caught six passes for 140 yards and a touchdown in addition to his 63 rushing yards. Terrell Owens caught more passes than Randy Moss (nine to five) and Moss had more yards (86 to 80), but Owens was the only one of the two to have a touchdown.
Dallas 34, San Francisco 31: Monday Night Football hangover? Sure, Drew Bledsoe threw a couple of interceptions to Tony Parrish, who returned one for a touchdown. But Tim Rattay threw a couple of interceptions as well. Bledsoe also threw a couple of touchdown passes; Rattay threw three. The Cowboys had just enough of an edge, though, in a Bledsoe touchdown run and in Julius Jones running for 85 yards and a pair of scores. And Bledsoe showed his veteran poise to lead the Cowboys on the winning, 76-yard scoring drive that ended with his 14-yard touchdown pass to Keyshawn Johnson with 1:51 remaining. If the Cowboys were still reeling from the effects of their crushing prime-time loss to Washington in Week 2, they were able to shake them off and rally from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Jacksonville 26, N.Y. Jets 20 (OT): The Jaguars know this roadmap for success well: Byron Leftwich launches a last-second scoring throw to decide the outcome. This time, he found Jimmy Smith, who on only his second reception of the day did a remarkable job of keeping his feet in bounds and diving with the ball inside the pylon for a 36-yard score. The Jets continually pounded on Leftwich, who already was playing on a sore knee from an injury suffered at Indianapolis in Week 2. It was amazing that he was able to remain upright to make the winning play, but we have come to expect such heroics from Leftwich. Jets quarterback Chad Pennington also was fighting through an injury late in the game, and probably shouldn't have been on the field. But after leaving the field with a strained shoulder, his replacement, Jay Fiedler, suffered a shoulder injury of his own and Pennington returned to throw the second of two interceptions.
Miami 27, Carolina 24: The ignorant assumption in some circles that Dolphins rookie running back Ronnie Brown could be deemed a bust after two games should be put to rest -- at least for another week. Brown scored his first NFL touchdown and became the first Miami rookie in a half-dozen years to rush for 100 yards. His 132-yard outing (including a 58-yard run to set up a field goal) was reflective of the talent that allowed him to become the second overall pick of the draft. Gus Frerotte was solid and as effective as a quarterback can expect to be against Carolina's defense. This is a major confidence-building win for the Dolphins, who each week buy more heavily into the new program of coach Nick Saban. Especially linebacker Zach Thomas, who was credited with 17 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a pass deflection. At 1-2, the Panthers are naturally going to begin to have doubts about what it will take for them to return to the consistency that they showed in their Super Bowl season of a couple of years ago.
Indianapolis 13, Cleveland 6: Let's face facts about the kind of team the Colts have become. They are not the points-producing machine of a year ago. Now, instead of counting on Peyton Manning's touchdown passes to win games, they find a way to win even when he doesn't have a single scoring throw. And that way is with a methodical, ball-controlling offense and a bend-but-don't-break defense. Other than for some distraught fantasy owners who have Manning in their lineup, the formula is not a problem. In fact, the Colts should be able to rely on it while living up to expectations as a likely Super Bowl contender.
Tampa Bay 17, Green Bay 16: First, we need to acknowledge the impressive work of the 3-0 Buccaneers. They continue to play well on both sides of the ball, with Carnell Williams building a foundation to establish himself as one of the greatest rookie rushing talents the game has ever seen. Tampa Bay's defense also continues to be as dominant as it has ever been in what seems like a permanent perch atop the league. But we can't help but take a hard look at the state of the Packers. At 0-3, they seem to have dug a hole from which they are going to have a very difficult time escaping. And the questions surrounding the status of Brett Favre continue to pile up. After another loss, his three interceptions are going to be all that is remembered from a performance that included two scoring throws. Brian Griese had a pair of touchdown passes of his own, along with an interception, but he also had the backing of Williams' 158 rushing yards compared to the team-leading 58 of the Packers' Ahman Green.
Cincinnati 24, Chicago 7: It would be impressive enough to simply admire the Bengals' 3-0 record, which has caused the rest of the NFL to stand up and take notice. But the Bengals also are making history. They are off to their best start in 15 years, and after swiping five passes from rookie Kyle Orton, they became the first team in 34 years to intercept five passes in consecutive games. Carson Palmer made it look too easy by throwing three touchdowns against a quality defense. And Cincinnati's defense did an excellent job of rattling Orton and making him look like a rookie after throwing only one interception in the first two weeks. The Bengals continue to show that they are a very complete and very dangerous team.
Atlanta 24, Buffalo 16: So much for concerns about Michael Vick's hamstring. He ran nine times for 64 yards, but what made a major difference was the fact he generally moved well in the pocket while looking to throw. Vick's passing yards were modest, but he did have a pair of touchdown passes. The Falcons certainly can feel good about the fact their defense, missing four injured starters, generally held its own. They intercepted J.P. Losman, forced him to fumble, and stopped him on a fourth-and-1 drive late in the game. It's hard for the Bills to find any satisfaction in a second successive loss, but Willis McGahee did make a strong comeback from a poor showing in Tampa with 140 yards and a touchdown.
Minnesota 33, New Orleans 16: If the Vikings' 0-2 start was all about Daunte Culpepper's struggles, their get-well game against the Saints is all about him returning to his dominant form. He threw three touchdown passes, two to Travis Taylo