soccer jerseys

ted the booty that was confiscated after the Battle of Megiddo, they did not name the opposing king whose possessions the Egyptians plundered, referri

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Gen 20:2, meaning that the only logical conclusion is to consider “abimelech” as a dynastic title also.[39] These two examples support the conclusion that “jabin” is a dynastic title similar to “pharaoh” and “abimelech,” and the writer of Judges simply followed the standard practice of the day in how he recorded it. This custom of using the dynastic title superfluously shows respect on the part of the writer for the royalty of the monarch and for his native tongue. Therefore, the two jabins are two different kings of Hazor, separated in their reigns by over 150 years in time.IV. THE FIERY DESTRUCTION OF THE LATE BRONZE AGE I CITYSince the biblical record now is seen to display two separate invasions of Hazor against two distinct monarchs, the archaeological record must be consulted to determine whether a destruction by conflagration might be confirmed as having taken place at Hazor during the Late Bronze Age I (ca. 1550–1400 BC). This period by far preceded the destruction of the final Canaanite city of Late Bronze IIB/III, which falls within the period of the judges and is both well documented and well known.[40] In fact, Yadin writes in reference to the lower city of this later era, “The end of Stratum 1A came about as the result of a violent fire, as indicated by ashes found in the less exposed areas excavated in Areas H and K.”[41] Of the upper city, he writes, “The total destruction of the LB III city (Stratum XIII) was evident in all excavated areas.”[42]But what is known about the Hazor of Joshua’s day, and its end? Yadin described Late Bronze I Hazor of the lower city (Stratum 2) as “one of great prosperity and cultural standards.”[43] Relatively few Egyptian objects of any kind have been found in Late Bronze Age contexts in Palestine, but Hazor’s own sparse amount of Egyptian materials from Late Bronze I is contrasted by a rich supply of cultic objects that reflect mostly Syrian, Anatolian, and Mesopotamian iconography, revealing the city of Joshua’s day to have been glorious, influential, and at least somewhat autonomous.[44] The picture of Hazor revealed by the spade matches perfectly with the description found in Josh 11:10, namely that “Hazor formerly was the head of all these kingdoms.” This description, probably written retrospectively before the middle of the 14th century BC to describe the city prior to this particular destruction, is a direct reference to Hazor at the time of the conquest under Joshua.[45]As for what is known of the demise of the Late Bronze I city, the opinion of most is that its destruction, visible both atop the tel and especially in the lower city, occurred sometime from ca. 1455–1400 BC. A temple district was unearthed by Yadin in Area H, at the northern tip of the lower city, during the excavations of 1955–1958. To the east of the main bamah, or high place, a heap of broken ritualistic vessels was discovered, along with fragments of clay models of animals’ livers for priestly divination.[46] This temple apparently had its own potter, who produced these votive vessels in order to sell them to those who worshipped at Hazor. His kiln was found, along with 22 miniature votive bowls that were still resting on the floor when discovered. Yadin notes accordingly “that the temple of stratum 2 was destroyed by an enemy and the people abandoned it abruptly.”[47] The destruction of Jericho’s City IV (Late Bronze I Age), which stratum is contemporaneous with Hazor’s Stratum 2 of the lower city, reveals a similar appearance of abrupt abandonment.[48]While much more evidence of the destruction of the Hazor of the Late Bronze I Age has been uncovered in the lower city, perhaps the most decisive evidence of the same destruction in the upper city is owed to the recent excavations on the slope of the tel, as reflected in the excavation reports published by Ben-Tor.[49] The following quote, which comes from the excavation report of 2000, relates to the Late Bronze I stratum in Area M,

which is located on the northern side of the upper
city and originally was dug by Yadin to verify that the inhabitants of the Solomonic city occupied only the western side of the tel (i.e. Areas A, AB, B, L, etc.).[50]Two fragmentary walls built on top of the paved [Late Bronze IIB/III] street, which were found covered by the destruction layer marking the end of the entire architectural assemblage, indicate that the last phase of occupation here [during the Late Bronze IIB/III Age] was of a rather poor nature. This is also attested by a huge pit dug through the paved street, immediately in front of the entrance into the citadel, entirely blocking the access to it. The nature of this pit could not be ascertained. The pit cut into an earlier accumulation of fallen mud-bricks and ashes: this is the only clear indication found so far for an earlier destruction, still in the Late Bronze Age, pre-dating the final destruction of the [last Canaanite] city. That earlier phase [i.e. of the Late Bronze I Age], extending beyond the excavated area, was apparently of a substantial nature, as indicated by an orthostat associated with it. The orthostats forming part of the paved open area in front of the podium adjacent to the citadel, some of them clearly in secondary use, may have originated in this earlier phase.[51]This “earlier accumulation of fallen mud-bricks and ashes” refers to the remains of the Late Bronze I city, which must have been burned to the ground after its destruction. A quote from the 2001 excavation report, an extremely relevant piece to the puzzle for understanding the demise of the Hazor of Joshua’s day, makes this abundantly clear. The results of these further excavations in Area M during the following summer represent a much more extensive portrayal of the end of Late Bronze I Hazor than was visible after the season of 2000.In this area the upper [Late Bronze IIB/III] pavement covering the street and the entrance to the “citadel” was removed in order to investigate earlier phases of construction. An earlier pavement, differing in nature from the later one, was revealed. This earlier pavement predates the construction of the “citadel”, the western wall of which cuts through it. This earlier phase ended in a conflagration, similar to the one that brought an end to the later phase. The ceramic assemblage associated with this earlier phase, albeit meager, seems to place the date of this earlier destruction somewhere in the Late Bronze Age I (15th century B.C.).[52]Given Ben-Tor’s comparison of the fiery destruction of the Late Bronze I city to that of the Late Bronze IIB/III city, together with Yadin’s description of a violent fire and a total destruction characterizing the fate of the latter, the Hazor of Joshua’s day clearly was destroyed by a massive conflagration, as well. Evidence of this conflagration is visible in Area M on the northern slope of the tel, thanks to the excavations of 2000 and 2001. Various sections of the burnline and residual burned areas, which measure half of a meter in some plearn french

Allegedly, pharaoh—the chief adversary

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was among the smitten Egyptians. If Amenhotep II actually was the exodus-pharaoh, then his reign would have ended abruptly during the year of the exodus, or ca. 1446 BC. Since he ruled at least 26 years, which will be proven below, his reign must have begun by ca. 1471 BC. The weakness with the death-in-the-Red-Sea theory, though, is that it cannot be synchronized with the reigns of the previous five pharaohs, whose regnal dates are known, being fixed by the Ebers Papyrus. Since regnal dates are known—except for that of Thutmose II, whose rule lasted from four to twelve years—Amenhotep II’s ninth year could not have begun in or before ca. 1471 BC. Even if Thutmose II ruled for the minimum of four years, the reign of Amenhotep II had to begin in ca. 1462 BC or later, leaving nine years too few for the reigns of all of the intervening monarchs. Therefore, due to limitations that represent fixed points in Biblical and Egyptian chronologies, if Amenhotep II was the exodus-pharaoh, he could not have died in the Red-Sea incident.If the exodus-pharaoh lived through the Red-Sea massacre, Ps 106:11 remains uncompromised. The text never specifically mentions pharaoh, so there is no reason to conclude that he drowned with his army. The hater and enemy of Israel is Egypt as a collective whole, and certainly not every Egyptian drowned in the Red Sea when “the water covered their adversaries,” so God delivered his people from Egypt itself. Only those Egyptian adversaries—as national representatives—who chased the Israelites into the sea were consumed by water, and since they were the taskforce dispatched on this mission, their defeat signals the demise of the entire nation.Moreover, not one of these representatives, who comprised the bulk of pharaoh’s vast imperial army, survived after the dividing walls of the sea collapsed. This is confirmed by the Mosaic text that probably provided the basis for the psalmist’s words: “The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, that is, in relation to Pharaoh’s entire army that followed them into the sea; not one of them remained” (Exod 14:28).2. Psalm 136:15 as a Proof-Text for the Death of the Exodus-Pharaoh in the Red Sea. The text most frequently used to assert that pharaoh died with his army is Ps 136:15. “But he overthrew pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea . . . .” A cursory reading of the text leads most to believe that because God “overthrew” pharaoh and his army, both parties must have died.60 However, the Hebrew verb ????????? (n‘r, “he shook off”) shows that God actually “shook off” the powerful pharaoh and his army, who were bothersome pests that God—whose might is far greater than theirs—merely brushed away. The same Hebrew verb is used in Ps 109:23, where David laments, “I am gone like a shadow when it lengthens; I am shaken off like the locust.” Here, he describes the sad condition of his suffering, as both lines of this synonymous parallelism indicate his feeling of being cast away, or discarded. The picture painted by the verb is that David has become as a locust that is casually flicked away from a man’s garment. Surely David was not describing his own demise and death! The context of Ps 136, which states that God “brought Israel out from their midst . . . with a strong hand and an outstretched arm” (Ps 136:11–12), confirms that the unequalled might of God is the thrust of the passage, thus accentuating the ease with which he shook off Israel’s adversary: the mighty Egyptian army.Another argument against the view that Ps 136:15 signals the death of pharaoh is that this verse is probably taken from Exod 14:27, which uses the same verb, “to shake off,” but (purposefully?) omits pharaoh from the list of those whom the Lord shook off from the Israelites’ garments. Instead, the text clearly states, “I [God] will be honored through pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord” (Exod 14:4; cf. 14:17). God was honored through pharaoh in the mass destruction of his army, but pharaoh did not have to die for this to occur.61 In Ps 136:15, the psalm writer was not rejoicing over the death of anyone, but that almighty God shook off the Egyptians from Israel’s garments by freeing them from their enemy’s clutches.3. The Death and Regnal Length of Amenhotep II.Under what circumstances, then, did Amenhotep II die? Fortunately, his mummified corpse has been preserved.62 Victor Loret, fresh from his discovery of the tomb of Thutmose III in the Valley of the Kings, discovered the royal tomb of Amenhotep II on 9 March 1898. Confirmation that this burial chamber belonged to Amenhotep II came when Loret identified his nomen and praenomen on the painted, quartzite sarcophagus. This magnificent sepulcher represented a first for the excavations in the Valley of the Kings, as the king actually was found in place in his own sarcophagus, albeit lying in a replacement cartonnage coffin.63a. An Indisputable Regnal Length of at Least 26 Years.While Thutmose III is documented to have died in Year 54, no evidence exists to date explicitly the regnal year of Amenhotep II’s death. The highest known regnal date among the indisputable evidence, Year 26, is inscribed on a wine juglet from the king’s Theban funerary temple.64 Redford, using questionable logic, asserts that since the juglet was found in the king’s funerary temple, Year 26 represents the end of his reign.65 Wente and Van Siclen dispute this assertion, though, showing evidence for the long-term storage of wine, and the active functioning of Egyptian mortuary temples long before the deaths of the pharaohs for whom they were built.66b. A Possible Regnal Length of at Least 30 or 35 Years.One source contributing to the argument that Amenhotep II reigned beyond 26 years is BM 10056. At least one scholar dates a fragmentary regnal year in v. 9,8 of this papyrus to “Year 30,” though he admits that the number also could be read differently, such as “Year 35.”67 If one of these readings is correct, Amenhotep II’s reign lasted at least 30 or 35 years. Many scholars have postulated that he reigned beyond 30 years because he observed a regnal jubilee called a sed festival, a celebration that historically marked the 30th year of a pharaoh’s reign. While the sed festival was used for centuries to honor this regnal anniversary,68 Der Manuelian warns against concluding too much about the regnal length of Amenhotep II just because he celebrated one: “No dates accompany the jubilee monuments [of Amenhotep II], and our understanding of the jubilee institution is too imperfect to allow us to assign an automatic ‘30th year’ at every mention of a hb-sed festival.”69c. A Possible Regnal Length of Exactly 37 1/3 Years.Certainly caution must be exercised before assigning a 30-year reign automatically to every pharaoh who celebrated this event, but the sed festival of Amenhotep II just may signify that his reign exceeded 30 years. More conclusive than the sed-festival evidence is that from Thutmose IV’s Lateran Obelisk, which was erected a full 35 years after the death of Thutmose III, to whom it was dedicated. Wente and Van Siclen suggest that the 35 years marks the length of the interceding reign of Amenhotep II minus the coregency with his father, which is known to be 2 1/3 years.70 If their argumentation is correct, Amenhotep II reigned exactly 37 1/3years, making him 55 years of age at the time of his death.d. A Lifespan of 55 Years.A lifespan of 55 years for Amenhotep II is deduced by adding his 37 1/3-year reign to the 18 years he lived before his coronation, a number taken from the larger of the two Sphinx Stelae of Amenhotep II: “Now his majesty appeared as king as a fine youth . . . having completed 18 years in his strength . . . ; now after these things, his majesty appeared as king.”71 An X-ray investigation of the royal mummies may assist in dating his regnal length. After an examination of the mummy of Amenhotep II,

Rosetta Stone

he was estimated to have died at 44 years of age,

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72 meaning that a 55-year lifespan exceeds the projections of the X-ray evidence, and thus is “an impossibly high result according to the medical evidence.”73 Yet Robins is convinced that when identifying a pharaoh’s age at death, there is good reason to cast doubt on X-ray evidence as a whole.74 Support for this criticism is found in the discrepancy over Thutmose III’s lifespan.75 While he lived at least until age 55, his mummy reportedly displays skeletal features of a man of 40–45 years old, meaning that the X-ray evidence makes him appear no less than 10–15 years younger than his actual age at death.76 Thus the 10-year discrepancy with Amenhotep II’s mummy is not problematic, and a reign of 37 1/3 years remains a fully realistic option.VI. THE SECOND ASIATIC CAMPAIGN AS THE RESULT OF THE EXODUS1. The Great Reduction in Campaigning and Expansionism.The renowned conqueror Thutmose III led 17 military campaigns into the Levant, but his son—in stark contrast—led only two or three. While many scholars have attempted to determine the exact number, there exists a virtual dearth of discussion about this sharp decline. Aharoni attributes it to an underlying diminishment of Egyptian power: “Already in the days of Amenhotep II, the son of Thutmose III, cracks began to appear in the structure of the Egyptian Empire.”77 Vandersleyen hints at the dissipation of Egypt’s might by the end of Amenhotep II’s reign: “It seems possible to consider this reign as unsuccessful, a time of decline: a few exploits abroad, a few preserved memorials, an almost complete absence of sources after the ninth year of the reign.”78 Yet the intervening years featured neither Egypt’s engagement/loss in war nor a significant change in the political climate. Der Manuelian writes, “Despite Thutmose III’s military success, Mitanni remained Egypt’s primary adversary in Dynasty 18, and there is no reason to doubt her continued aggressive policy in the reign of the young king Amenhotep II.”79While this may be true, Amenhotep II’s Year-9 campaign was the last to pit Egypt against Mitanni. During the reign of Thutmose IV, Mitanni—under threat from the Hittite King Tudhaliyas II—attempted to forge an alliance with its Egyptian arch-enemy, demonstrating a complete reversal in relations between these formerly incompatible superpowers. EA (Amarna Letter) 109 reveals that by the mid-14th century BC, Egypt held only nominal control of Palestine, as they no longer struck fear into the Canaanite rulers.80 One author notes that “this relative military inertness lasted until Horemheb’s coming to power” in ca. 1335 BC.81 How does one explain this great disparity in Egypt’s campaigning, the uncharacteristic change in political policy toward their bitter enemy to the north, and Egypt’s general loss of power and imperialistic dominance?2. The Motivation for the Recording of Amenhotep II’s Asiatic Campaigns.The relative shortage of military activity during Amenhotep II’s reign cannot be attributed to timidity. He recorded his few military excursions into Asia in The Annals of Amenhotep II, which contain not a complete, daily record of each stop on the various routes, but only a selection of the events that accentuate his courage and present him in a positive light.82 Pritchard adds that “Amenhotep II gloried in his reputation for personal strength and prowess. His records, therefore, contrast with those of his predecessor and father, Thutmose III, in emphasizing individual achievement.”83 Thus Amenhotep II’s exploits were motivated by a thirst to attain universal fame and glory.3. The Number of Amenhotep II’s Asiatic Campaigns.Prior to the discovery of the Memphis Stele, most scholars assumed that both Amenhotep II’s Asiatic campaign, as recounted on the fragmentary Karnak Stele, and the operations against Takhsi, mentioned in the Amada and Elephantine Stelae, describe one event. With the Memphis Stele’s discovery, it is still possible that the Karnak, Amada, and Elephantine Stelae refer to a common campaign, but the notion of only one campaign was proven false, since the Memphis Stele clearly delineates two distinct, separately numbered campaigns.84 However, its text presents a dilemma: “The translator finds it impossible to reconcile the dates in these several stelae.”85 The available evidence allows for two views: (1) Amenhotep II conducted three Asiatic campaigns; (2) Amenhotep II conducted two Asiatic campaigns. Relevant inscriptional evidence from antiquity solves this dispute, which is critical to this pharaoh’s biography.a. The Evidence from the Memphis Stele.Two sources record multiple Asiatic campaigns under Amenhotep II: the Memphis and Karnak Stelae, which are partially duplicates in content. Both stelae are attributable to this pharaoh with confidence, as they begin with his complete titulary. The Memphis Stele, later reused by a 21st-Dynasty prince as part of the ceiling of his burial chamber (ca. 875 BC), offers the more extensive text. It presents both an earlier campaign in central and northern Syria, and a later one in Palestine, dating “his first victorious campaign” to Year 7, Month 1, Season 3, Day 25 (ca. 15 May) and “his second victorious campaign” to Year 9, Month 3, Season 1, Day 25 (ca. 15 November).86b. The Evidence from the Karnak Stele.Another source that attests to the Asiatic campaigns, lying to the south of the Eighth Pylon at Karnak, is the Karnak Stele, which survives in a more damaged state than the Memphis Stele. The Karnak Stele consists of a two-part relief, with each displaying a pharaoh who is presenting an offering to Amun-Re. Between the two parts is a vertical line of text that records Seti I’s restoration of the monument.87 Whether this stele originally bore the same dates as those on the Memphis Stele is unknown, but that it recounts the same two campaigns described on the Memphis Stele is now clear. Hoffmeier even refers to them as “two nearly identical stelae,” though the Karnak Stele devotes much less space to the second campaign than does the Memphis Stele.88 Both stelae were hacked-up during the Amarna Revolution and restored during the 19th Dynasty, with the Karnak Stele betraying poorer restoration.89 Its postscript names Thutmose as the erector, assumed to be Thutmose IV, who evidently erected the stele after his accession.90c. The Evidence from the Amada and Elephantine Stelae.The Amada and Elephantine Stelae also offer evidence regarding the number of campaigns, as both speak of a “first victorious campaign” of Amenhotep II, during which seven Syrian chiefs were captured in the region of Takhsi. Both texts state that they were erected “after his majesty returned from Upper Retenu, having felled all those who had rebelled against him while he was extending the borders of Egypt.91 His majesty came joyously to his father Amun, having slain with his own bludgeon the seven chiefs who were in the district of Takhsi.”92 Both stelae commence with this date: Year 3, Month 3, Season 3, Day 15 (ca. 4 July), which coincides with a celebration after the Egyptians returned from the first campaign.93 This date demonstrates that the “first victorious campaign” transpired no later than Year 3 of Amenhotep II. How can this date be resolved with the Year-7 date on the Memphis Stele, when both describe his first campaign? These ancient sources allow for two theories on how many campaigns were launched. d. The Theory of Three Asiatic Campaigns Launched by Amenhotep II. Many scholars believe that Amenhotep II campaigned into Asia three times, with two options offered to resolve the conflicting information on the stelae. (1) The numbering of campaigns is particular to individual stelae. Drioton and Vandier suggest that Amenhotep II undertook Asiatic campaigns in Years 3, 7, and 9, and that the “first victorious campaign” on the Memphis Stele is the first of two campaigns described on that particular stele.94 Thus the scribe merely used

ed in this article is at the village of ‘Ezbet Helmi, indicated by the red circle. When Jacob and his family first came to the town, called Rowa

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ast of the royal compound was a military area, and to the southwest workshops and a residential area as revealed by the geomagnetic survey. Northeast of Palace F the survey detected enclosures and possibly a pier at the river shore. Unfortunately, this area is inaccessible for excavation due to the presence of the village of ‘Ezbet Helmi. The major Palace G, most likely the residence of Pharaoh himself, was constructed on a podium with an entrance ramp on the northeast side. Only the walls of the podium’s substructure are preserved, but they provide clues to palace plan. The exterior walls, designed to support a massive structure, were 14–15 ft (4.25–4.5 m) thick. The substructure was filled with earth except on the southeast where there were magazines and stairways leading to the upper story. At the base of the ramp, at ground level, was a bathing room with stone sinks, suggesting it was necessary to wash, and perhaps put on clean garments (see Gn 41:14), before ascending the ramp and entering the palace. At the southwest end of the southeast side of the foundation was a side entrance that led to a stairway to the private section of the palace. Here, just inside the door, was another bathroom, probably for the palace staff. According to the excavators, “It is apparent that each entrance to the palace passes a bathroom. A full bath must have been obligatory prior to entering the building” (Bietak and Forstner-Müller 2005: 73). Plan and reconstruction of Palace G. The throne room is probably where Moses and Aaron met with Pharaoh and said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go’” (Ex 5:1). (From Bietak 2005: 15; reprinted by permission of the Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Vienna, Austria.) Fifteenth century BC plumbing fit for the king’s servants! This limestone tub and drainage basin were in the ground-floor bathroom at the south entrance to Palace G which led to Pharaoh’s private quarters above. The tub was evidently used for bathing by Pharaoh’s servants prior to entering the palace. (From Bietak and Foster-Müller 2005: 74; reprinted by permission of the Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Vienna, Austria.). Small Palace J was oriented at a right angle to Palace G and separated from it by a narrow street. The plan was similar to that of Palace G, but much simpler. A square courtyard, with a columned porch at its rear and an adjoining colonnade, led to a vestibule with the foundations of a row of columns, and, behind that, the throne room with two rows of columns. At both sides the plan shows corridors, one probably a stairway, the other leading to the private part of the building. This consisted of a reception room, a bedroom and a bathroom. At the southeastern end was an open-air porch with a portico and terrace in front. Palace F differed from the other two palaces in that it had no private quarters. Evidently, it was used for ceremonial purposes only. Reconstruction of the bull-leaping scene from Palace F. Bull-leaping, a common theme in Minoan art,

Evidently was a popular sport in the Minoan culture.
From Bietak 2005: 16; reprinted by permission of the Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Vienna, Austria.) A great pile of fragments of Minoan7 frescoes were found at the base of the Palace F ramp. They were painted on highly polished lime plaster and date to the early 18th Dynasty. Motifs such as largesized griffins and lions no doubt flanked the throne on the rear wall of the throne room in Palace F in a similar fashion as at Knossos in Crete. Floor paintings with a maze pattern probably also came from the throne room, as well as bullleaping scenes, hunting scenes and scenes of lions and leopards chasing hoofed animals. Reliefs of bulls probably came from the colonnades of the central courtyard. Throne room at Knossos, Crete. The wall is decorated with a fresco depicting griffins, fabled monsters having the head of an eagle and the body of a lion. Against the wall is an alabaster throne. The throne room in Palace F may have been decorated in a similar fashion. Palace G also had Minoan frescoes, as well as paintings on mud plaster in the Egyptian style which also showed a Minoan influence. At the entrance through the enclosure wall which led to the base of the ramp of Palace G, fragments of a life-sized representation of a woman in a flounced skirt were found. A female mother-goddess with a flounced skirt is commonly depicted in Minoan art. Did Moses use this jug? This attractive bichrome vessel imported from Cyprus was found in the visitor’s bathroom at the base of the entry ramp of Palace G. It would have been used by visiting dignitaries and others who had official business in the palace as they prepared themselves to enter the presence of Pharaoh. (From Bietak and Foster-Müller 2005: 79; reprinted by permission of the Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften, vienna, Austria.). The reason why this strategic center in the eastern delta was abandoned is a mystery to the excavators. There is nothing recorded in Egyptian history to explain it. The excavators state: The palace districtlearn english

10 Mar 11 "Camelot" Is a Magical Movie, and a Primer in Civilized Human Relationships and Growth

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"Camelot" Is a Magical Movie, and a Primer in Civilized Human Relationships and GrowthBy: Ed Bagley .... Click author's name to view profile and articles!!!Retargeting by ChangoTweet ? 2007 Ed BagleyCamelot – 4 Stars (Excellent)"Camelot" is a wonderful Broadway musical that garnered Oscars for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design and Best Music, and Oscar nominations for Best Cinematography and Best Sound. In other words, Camelot was a superb technical triumph in its day.Camelot also won Golden Globes for Richard Harris for Best Actor (as King Arthur), Frederick Loewe for Best Original Score, and both Frederick Loewe (music) and Alan Jay Lerner (lyrics) for Best Original Song "If Ever I Should Leave You".Golden Globe nominations also went to Camelot for Best Picture, to Vanessa Redgrave for Best Actress (as Guenevere) and to Franco Nero for the Most Promising Newer (as Lancelot Du Lac).The cast was superb and included David Hemmings (as Mordred, who looked as slimy and cunning as possible), Lionel Jeffries (as King Pellinore) and Laurence Naismith (as Merlyn, the Magician).Joshua Logan directed this film like a beautiful flower ing into blossom where it is planted only to be destroyed by fire.Camelot, released in 1967, celebrates its 40th anniversary this October, and was based on the 1960 musical play Camelot written by Alan Jay Lerner with music by Frederic Loewe.The play was based on the King Arthur legend as adapted from the T. H. White novel "The Once and Future King" and ran on Broadway for 873 performances. To say the least, it was well received.The original cast for the play included Richard Burton as King Arthur, Julie Andrews as Queen Guenevere, Robert Goulet as Sir Lancelot, Roddy McDowell as Mordred, Robert Coote as King Pellinore and David Hurst as Merlyn with Moss Hart as the Director.Camelot became a modern day legend when it was immortalized-after President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963-by revealing that the show's original cast recording had been the favorite bedtime listening in the White House. Kennedy's favorite lines were in the final number (when King Arthur knights a young boy and tells him to pass on the story of Camelot to future generations):Don't let it be forgot,That once there was a spot,For one brief, shining momentThat was known as Camelot.Since then, Camelot has been associated with the Kennedy administration, and the glory and the tragedy of the Kennedy family. Kennedy was the youngest elected President, the first Roman Catholic President, and the youngest President to die.The following synopsis of Camelot from wikipedia is important in setting the stage for what I am about to reveal to you (the songs to acpany the scene are in parentheses):"Guenevere arrives in Camelot on a wintry morning to marry King Arthur (of England) and is greeted festively by the Court. Arthur, shy and nervous, hides in the nearby woods ("I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight?")."Guenevere es to the woods, uncertain about herself and her future ("The Simple Joys of Maidenhood"). She stumbles into Arthur, who tells her about life in Camelot ("Camelot"), and then discloses his identity. They are each happily charmed by the other."Arthur learns from Merlyn the wisdom of peace and brotherhood, and is inspired to establish the Round Table. The news of this reaches young Lancelot in France, who is determined to e to Camelot and join Arthur's knights ("C'est Moi")."A May Day celebration takes place on the castle grounds ("The Lusty Month of May"), where Arthur introduces his wife to Lancelot. Guenevere takes an instant dislike to the cocky young man and (challenges) him to engage three knights of the Round Table in a jousting match ("Then You May Take Me to the Fair"). Arthur is dismayed by this and (is) at a loss to understand a woman's way ("How to Handle a Woman")."In the jousting match Lancelot easily defeats all three knights, drawing the admiration of them all, including Guenevere. Lancelot falls in love with (Queen) Guenevere and is torn by the conflict between this love and his devotion to Arthur. He asks permission to leave Camelot for foreign conquests."Returning two years later, Arthur makes him a Knight of the Round Table. Arthur is painfully aware of the feelings between Lancelot and Guenevere but remains silent to preserve the tranquility of Camelot."Lancelot reveals his feelings to Guenevere ("If Every I Would Leave You"). Nevertheless, she remains faithful to Arthur, and helps him in carrying out the affairs of State ("What Do Simple Folks Do?")."Mordred, Arthur's illegitimate son, es to Camelot to dishonor the King and try to gain the throne for himself. He schemes . . . to trap Arthur in a forest one night. During the night, Lancelot visits Guenevere in her chambers, where she reveals her love for him ("I Loved You Once in Silence")."Mordred and some of the Knights of the Round Table interrupt, accuse Lancelot of treachery, and imprison him. Lancelot escapes, but Guenevere is sentenced to burn ("Guenevere"). At the last moment, Lancelot rescues her and takes her off with him to France."For the sake of his own honor and that of Camelot, Arthur must now wage war on France. Just before the final battle, he meets Lancelot and Guenevere, and forgives them both."In camp, Arthur meets a young stowaway who wants to join the Round Table. Arthur knights him on the field of battle and sends him back to England to grow up there and pass on to future generations the ideals of Camelot."Two side notes and then my revelation.First, the song "If Ever I Would Leave You" (erroneously called "If Ever I Should Leave You" in the Golden Globe citation) was nominated and won in the category Best Original Song Written for a Motion Picture, even though it was not written especially for the film.It was written for the original stage production of Camelot, and all the other nominees were songs especially written for films. This is the only instance in the history of the Golden Globe Awards that this has happened.Second, even though Richard Burton won a Tony for Best Actor in the stage play and was offered the same part as King Arthur in the film, he turned it down. Richard Harris was magnificent in his performance as King Arthur in the film.And the revelation? Camelot the play and Camelot the film were both truly inspirational musical productions, but I submit that the story Camelot was much more.I felt in my heart that Camelot was also a primer in civilized human relationships and personal growth as well as a step forward for humanity. Let me explain.When King Arthur realizes the relationship between his Queen and his chief knight, he says this, reacting like a man:"I love them and they answer me with pain and torment. Be it sin or not sin, they betray me in their hearts and that's far sin enough. I can feel it in their eyes. I can feel it when they speak, and they must pay for it and be punished. I shall not be wounded and not return it in kind! I'm through with feeble hoping! I demand a man's vengeance!When he calms down and says this, reacting like a king:"Proposition: I'm a king, not a man. And a very civilized king. Could it possibly be civilized to destroy the (ones) I love? Did they ask for this calamity? Can passion be selected?"In the end, King Arthur takes the high road. He would not punish either of them given his druthers, he realizes he still loves Guenevere and loves his best friend and knight, Lancelot, as a brother.He cannot, however, stop Guenevere from burning at the stake for her indiscretion. He enlists his confidant King Pellinore to watch and see if Lancelot will attempt to rescue her in time. Thankfully, Lancelot does.King Arthur sees the wisdom of the Round Table, bringing the knights of the kingdom together to protect the weak rather than fight among themselves at the expense of the weak.King Arthur sees the wisdom of a legal system that gives the accused his day in court rather than fighting for his life in a duel whether the accused is guilty or innocent. Poor King Pellinore does not understand or accept this precursor to rule by law rather than rule by might.King Arthur uses his love to overe his pain and suffering and ultimately loses not only the love of his life but his best friend.And, most important, despite going into a battle he may well lose and perhaps even die, he has the presence of mind to knight a young man to carry his hope into the future, so his vision will continue.Is Alan Jay Lerner a great writer of screenplays? Perhaps the best, ever. You decide.Camelot has been on my Top 10 Favorite Movie List for 40 years. Now you know why.Article Source: abcarticledirectoryEd Bagley is the Author of Ed Bagley's Blog, which he Publishes Daily with Fresh, Original Articles on Internet Marketing, Jobs and Careers, Movie Reviews, Sports and Recreation, and Lessons in Life intended to Delight, Inform, Educate and Motivate Readers. Visit Ed at . . .edbagleyblogMovieReviewArticles.htmledbagleyblogLessonsinLifeArticles.htmledbagleyblogInternetMarketingArticles.htmlNote: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, Ed BagleyRetargeting by ChangoDid You Like This Article? Share It With YourFriends!Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon to Receive Free Articles About Movies Film via RSS!Additional Articles From - Home Arts Movies FilmWhy Calibrate your High Definition TV?- By : Robert ShefferSweet Phone - By : Tim Webb.Find out Home Theater Methods! What You have Been Missing in Your TV and Movie Encounter.- By : Joesph MellbergPreparing and Setting up a Home Theater system is Easier Than you Think!- By : Zachariah DivensGrown Ups 2010 Movie In Review- By : Elenor CherryCamera Crew Hire- By : Mark A. WilsonReview of Drive Angry Movie- By : Gursel BatmazReturn Of The Horror Legend: Scream 4- By : Gursel BatmazMovie Review: Clash Of The Titans Leaves Audiences Wanting- By : Elenor CherryRed Riding Hood The Movie- By : Gursel Batmaz Still Searching? Last Chance to find what you're looking for. Try using Bing Search!

5 Mar 11 The Easiest Way To Grow An Affiliate Business

2011-03-05T04:36:00.000-08:00

The Easiest Way To Grow An Affiliate BusinessBy: Brian Wynn .... Click author's name to view profile and articles!!!Retargeting by ChangoTweet There are many ways to help your affiliate business grow, but one of the easiest and most overlooked ways is through building a strong mailing list. When building your web site, you should make sure to add a sign-up button where visitors can register their email addresses to receive email updates, newsletters, or other freebies you may want to offer. Affiliate programs are based on the number of sales you can make by NHL Jersey
enticing potential customers to visit your site and buy from it. Enticing people who have already visited the site or who have made purchases before is much easier. There are two ways you can create an emailing list:- Use a 'sign-up' button that will automatically save the customer's email address without the hassle of filling out a small form.- Create a small form that includes their name and email address.You can use either one you want, but make sure that the sign-up button is always working. Visitors that find links that are not working will get discouraged and will leave the site without signing up. You could lose many potential customers this way. After a few weeks, you may notice that your email list is growing. This is a great time to think about sending out an email to your customers prompting them to visit the site again. In your email, you may want to mention a new product, sale, or simply thank them for signing up and invite them to visit the site again. In order to make money online, you should try to be as personal as you can in your email. You should write an email that is conversational in tone and has personal touches. Using your customer's first name is an excellent way to establish a relationship. Most people do not like reading generated email that went out to a thousand people. This can be perceived as cold and uninviting. While you may want to invest in an autoresponder program when sending out sales information, you will want to keep other types of email correspondence as personal as possible.When sending out email, you do not want to write what is called a 'hard sell'. This type of email will turn people off. The 'hard sell' is a very persuasive letter that instills fear, anxiety, and a sense of urgency into the customer. You want to go with the 'soft sell', which may involve mentioning the benefits and features of your products, testimonials, or pre-selling items that will be available soon. You should send three emails in total during one email campaign. Any more and people may opt-out of your mailing list. You should create an Tampa Bay Lightning jersey
email campaign two or three times a year. This will keep customers interested and visiting your web site when you have something new to offer. The key to running a successful affiliate program is to stay in contact with customers through email campaigns and newsletters. Returning customers are easier to sell to and will allow you to keep making money online if business gets a little slow. Customers on your mailing list will also recommend your web site to their friends and family, which means free advertising for your site.Article Source: http://www.shop-on-sale.com The Millionaire League, founded by Brian Wynn, is the only millionaire's club that shows you how to become one! Just imagine waking up to $1,000+ every morning! Stop dreaming about making money and make money while you sleep instead! Visit www.TheMillionaireLeague.comNote: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, Brian WynnRetargeting by ChangoDid You Like This Article? Share It With YourFriends!Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon to Receive Free Articles About Affiliate Programs What Cloth Diaper Provides The Top Match For Newborns?- By : mirtagaylWhat is Affiliate Marketing and Why You Should Do It?- By : James A AndersonEarning Money Quickly With Email Marketing - True or False?- By : chad buistMoney Creating Tips For Individuals Involved In An Online Affiliate Marketing Home Business- By : Johnny BarrellGlobal Success Lightning jersey
Club And How To Make Money Online- By : Don SeanMake Cash Over The Internet With Affiliate Marketing- By : Leroy WheelerWhich Affiliate Networks To Look Out For When Promoting ?- By : Elsa Braxton Still Searching? Last Chance to find what you're looking for. Try using Bing Search!

24 Jan 11 College Football Edge: Texas and Oklahoma Bring Questions into Red River Game

2011-01-24T02:00:00.000-08:00

Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesTexasReebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
football is reeling after the UCLA loss, while Bob Stoops' Oklahoma football team seeks consistencyView complete "Matchup Stats" for Texas and Oklahoma at Big12Matchups.com.The aroma of fried food is wafting through the air at the State Fairgrounds in Dallas and people are lined up to ride the Texas Star. This means it is time for the Red River game Saturday with Texas and Oklahoma both looking to take a step forward in the Big 12 South.Oklahoma is coming off of another inconsistent performance against Big East member Cincinnati. The good news for Sooner fans is their team squeaked out a 31-29 win to remain undefeated on the season.Texas, meanwhile, did not fare as well in their match with UCLA. It was a dismal day for the Longhorns as the Bruins dominated the game from start to finish and left bruised feelings behind as they took Texas down, 34-12.So, how do Texas and Oklahoma look on paper? Consider first the Sooner offense against the Longhorn defense.Oklahoma moves the ball well and puts points on the scoreboard, but 71 percent of their offense comes through the air. While Texas may have looked lousy last weekend, it was not their pass-defense that was shredded. Nationally, against the pass, the Longhorns rank sixth. Against UCLA, they only gave up 27 yards passing, but in fairness, the Bruins tried less than two handfuls of passes.So who has the edge when Texas is on defense against the Sooners? Looking at the numbers, Texas gets the nod just because Oklahoma is not trying to do enough on the run.Want an iPhone app with stats, rosters schedules and more? Click here to visit the iTunes store.Running back DeMarco Murray is the key to flipping the advantage back to the Sooners. He is averaging 4.15 yards per carry this season and Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
has totaled 436 yards through Oklahomafirst four games. If the Oklahoma offense can score points while moving the balance of running and passing yards closer to 40/60, it will give them a huge boost in this game.Now, what does it look like when Texas has the football and Oklahoma is playing "D"?This season, Oklahoma has managed to give back all but eight yards of what their offense gains on average each game. So, while the Sooners are good at moving the ball, they are not doing very well when it comes to stopping the other guys.Oklahoma has not done too badly against the rush except when they faced Air Force and their option attack. In the other three games, they have only given up an average of 119 yards per game.Texas provided UCLA the shovel so they could bury them last Saturday. When you give up four fumbles and one interception during a game you are just gift-wrapping a win for the other team.So far, Texas has given the ball back to the other team 10 times this season. Think how much better the yards per game and scoring would look if they cut that number in half. Think about how much better the defense could look if they were not being called on to bail out the mistakes of the offense.Comparing the Oklahoma defense to the Texas offense is tricky, but by just the slightest of margins the edge goes to the Longhorns.There are two ways Oklahoma can regain the advantage over Texas when these units are on the field. First, they need to win on third down. Oklahoma currently allows other teams to convert at a rate of 40 percent on third down.To state the obvious, if your defense is off the field, then the offense has more opportunities to rack up points.Second, the Sooner defenders must swarm to the ball. If Texas drops the football, it increases the odds of Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
making the recovery if your side has lots of bodies there.The call for the game? Texas should win the game. Should.On paper they are also a better team than UCLA. Count on Bob Stoops to have his Sooners ready for this game and the energy to be more consistent with what was shown in their meeting with Florida State. Given the unanswered questions both team have, this game is a genuine toss-up.

22 Jan 11 Week 3 Recap: Nebraska Cornhuskers Dominate Washington Huskies

2011-01-22T06:03:00.000-08:00

Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesWeek three's SWOT analysis is, quite frankly, very easy to write. The first two games of the season were a mixed bag of great performances and head-scratching mistakes against inferior foes.It's true that the Huskers faced an easier opponent for the third consecutive Saturday, but at leastthey faceda BCS team on the road in a traditionally difficult environment for visitors. Many questions remained unanswered for Nebraskaafter the Idaho game:How do theystack up against BCS competition? How wouldfreshman QB Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
Taylor Martinez performin his first start on the road? Will the hostile, loud crowd contribute to the Husker's penchant for committing penalties? Will turnovers finally catch up to the offense against a much better Washingtonteam?Couldthe Huskerssecondary contain quarterback Jake Locker, who isexpected to be a top-five in the 2011NFL draft?Nebraska stomped into Husky stadium, asserted its will on the home team, destroyed a Heisman campaign, and turned a potential trap game into a laugher. In the end, itturns out that Idaho provided more of a challenge for themthan the Huskies. Now, on to the SWOT:Strengths7.1 yards and a cloud of dust.Last week I lamented that Nebraska proved it could score from the 50-yard line but seemed to have problems mounting sustained, clock-eating drives. Obviously Shawn Watson and Barney Cotton (the Husker's offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, respectively) read my analysis and decided to prove me wrong.The offensive line played like men against a pee wee team. A nearly 10 minute difference in time of possession solidified Watson's commitment to game management.Even better news: the time differential got better for the Huskers as the game wore on. Washington held the ball for over nine minutes in the first quarter while Nebraska won the clock battle in all succeeding quarters,including nearly 11 minutes in the fourth quarter.Martinized.Any questions about Nebraska's inexperienced freshman quarterback? Martinez had more miscues at home last week than on the road this week. Once again, he leads the team in rushing.His 7-11 and no INT passing performance was the model of efficiency in a hostile stadium. Sure, hewas sacked three timesbut did I mention he led the team in rushing? Again? Speaking of which...A little help from his friends.Martinez, or T-Mart, or T-Magic, or whatever the Husker fan base wants to call him (I sense another column coming up to squash this nickname issue) had some company in the 100-yard club. Along with the QB's 137 net yards, seniorReebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
Roy Helu, Jr. contributed 110 and sophomore Rex Burkhead pitched in 104. It was only the fifth time in school history that threeNebraska players rushed for 100+ yards. And the first time ever that Washington allowed that feat.Today's Pick-Six Winner is...Three interceptions returnedfor touchdowns in two games for the defense. This week CBAlfonzo Dennard got into the act. The Huskers need only three more to break the school record for a season. I'm looking at you, Missouri.WeaknessesMental Lapses.Ok, let's reach to find a weakness this week. The stellar, other-worldly defensive secondary had its once-a-game mental lapse on Heisman dope-ful Jake Locker's only TD pass of the day, a 45-yard strike to Jermaine Kearse that resulted from a missed assignment by Nebraska's safeties.It temporarily halted momentum forthe Huskersafter opening the second half on a one-play, 80-yard TD drive by Martinez that should have ended hope on the purple sideline.OpportunitiesScoreboard.Is it just me or does it seem like there is really no intimidating presence in the Big 12 this year? Check out these scores from around the Big 12: Oklahoma 27, Air Force 24; Missouri 27, San Diego State 24; Texas AM 27, Florida International 20. Kansas 16, Southern Miss 31.Colorado was down 10-0 at home at the half against Hawaii. Texas and Kansas State don't look awe-inspiring. Oklahoma State struggled against Troy last week. This could be a really special year for the Huskers.ThreatsStringing out the QBs.When Martinez started at quarterback in the firstweek of the season,the deepest position on the team seemed to be QB. Think about it: the starter is a freshman, the back-up is a sophomorewho started two games last year, and the third stringer is a senior who started in 12 games in 2009.Yet, Cody Green's two fumbles and the complete absence of Zac Lee makes one wonder where Nebraska would be if the unthinkable happened.Jacked-up.Nebraska rolled through its first three opponents and is eager to start their final Big 12 Conference campaign on a nationally-televised Thursday night game at Kansas State. But the team must not forget the trap game coming up this Saturday in Lincoln against a gritty South Dakota State team.A Husker let-down against a determined Jackrabbit squad would destroy Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
the season andoh, hell. Who am I kidding? I couldn't write this with a straight face. Next Saturday will be a great night to take the family out to dinner, with an ear piece on, of course.Get the Red out!Lil' Red was given face time on this ABC/ESPN regional telecast. The more this puffed-up balloon boy shows up on TV the less intimidating the Husker football team becomes. I've made my stance perfectly clear on who should be representing this program.So, Nebraska passes what wassupposed to beits first real test with flying colors. The question is, did they pass because Washington really is that bad or because Nebraska is really that good? Who cares? South Dakota State is next.

18 Jan 11 Wisconsin Football: Austin Peay Governors Coming To Madison With No Expectations

2011-01-18T04:44:00.000-08:00

When the Wisconsin Badgers Run Out Of The Tunnel At Camp Randall, The Austin Peay Governors Wil Find That Game Film Wont Prepare You For Gametime Atmospheres Like Camp RandallEthan Miller/Getty ImagesThe Austin Peay Governors (named after the Governor by the same name who served Tennessee Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
from 1923-27) are coming to Madison with very low expectations. Coach Rick Christophel hasn't had a winning year in his five year tenure, and says while the program is starting to turn the corner with pieces like running backs Ryan White and Terrence Holta standout seniorthey're nowhere where they'd like to be as a program. "We've got to get to that upper-echelon level. We're not there yet. There's three, four, five teams in our conference that are there. That's how you measure yourself. When you go outside the conference, then maybe you'll be able to compete." Christophel said. Austin Peay plays in the OVC, the Ohio Valley Conference of the FCS. For Austin Peay, staying on the field long enough at least competently, would be nice. "It's going to be hard to tell after a game like this because Wisconsin's so good," Christophel said. Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
"If we can just play our assignments and do the things we're supposed to do, then hopefully we can be competitiveve enough to stay on the field for a little while." The Governors have little to lose, but the intimidation factor will definitely be there, coming out of the tunnel on to the field to play the Badgers, with just a handful of fans in their corner, out of thousands.The offense of Austin Peay will be very limited, likely focused in large on Holt (700-plus rushing yards and 13 touchdowns last season) but the attack shouldn't be too much to handle. For the Badgers, it's a refresher on what needs to be worked on, where they can improve, and getting healthy against a lesser opponent. Starters will get their time on the field, but once the Badgers pull aheadand they willthe backups (namely Montee Ball, James White, some interior linemen) should get plenty of garbage time reps. Junior running back John Clay and his physical running style should make short work of the Governors defense, and continue into Big Ten play stronger than in previous weeks. Clay sits at 383 yards and five touchdowns, but I'm sure he'd love to bump those numbers up to perhaps 500 yards and seven or eight scores. That would certainly put him back in the discussion of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year again, an award he won last season. Quarterback Scott Tolzien will hopefully continue to grow into his role, and progress further as a passer for the Badgers. It's key that he keeps developing his passing game (which is already rather efficient and low on mistakes) because the runningReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
game needs the passing game to work well to keep defenses honest, keeping men in traditional positions rather than loading the box suspecting run. If the No. 11 Badgers want to make a serious BCS push, it starts Oct. 2nd, at Michigan St. If they can roll over Austin Peay Saturday, look for a hot Badgers team to roll into conference play with issues resolved.

15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams Week 1 Report Card Marc Bulger Leonard Little

2011-01-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

The more things change, the more they stay the same. In Sunday's win at home versus the Denver Broncos, the St. Louis Rams' defense forced five turnovers but couldn't stop the run. The Rams' offense displayed a vastly improved rushing attack but was still unable to find the end zone. The Rams' special teams contained the Broncos' returners and proved that Jeff Wilkins can still kick, yet were anything but special returning the ball themselves. As a result, the Rams' grades are something of a mixed bag:Quarterback: Considered among the most accurate passers in the Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
league, Marc Bulger turned in a pedestrian effort on Sunday. Bulger's career passing percentage is an impressive 65 percent, yet he managed only 18-for-34 for 217 yards, barely over 50 percent. What may be considered a decent outing for other quarterbacks is extremely average for Bulger. Continuing the touchdown drought of the preseason, Bulger should get better in subsequent games after he has knocked the rust off. He missed a couple throws he normally makes, including a wide open Torry Holt in the end zone. Grade: B -Receivers: A decent, if unspectacular outing. Holt and Issac Bruce had solid games, catching seven balls for 80 yards and five for 64, respectively. However, the Rams saw virtually nothing from third and fourth receivers Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonald. Head coach Scott Linehan's dedication to the run could come at the expense of opportunities for the Rams' talented backups. Note: Congratulations to Issac Bruce, who passed Shannon Sharpe and former Ram Henry Ellard for 11th place on the NFL all time list with 818 receptions. Grade: BRunning backs: It seems Linehan will afford Steven Jackson the opportunity he's been asking for; now he must literally take the ball and run with it. Jackson rushed for 121 yards on 22 attempts and generally looked strong throughout the game. Unfortunately, Jackson still shows a propensity for trying to juke the entire defense in the backfield, causing him to have multiple rushes for negative yardage (he led the league in this category last season). Although elusive at his size, Jackson is no Marshall Faulk and must learn to recognize when there are no holes and push the pile for a couple yards. Jackson can be downright scary when running north and south, evidenced by his dragging of defenders for first downs on Sunday. Tony Fisher was productive in his backup role, with two receptions for 54 yards. Grade: B +Offensive line: The line did a credible job opening up some holes for Jackson and generally looked strong early. Unfortunately, center Andy McCollum went down with what is being deemed a serious knee injury in the second quarter. Without McCollum, the Rams' linemen went on to give up three sacks and committed numerous penalties. Backup center Larry Turner watched Broncos' defensive end Kenard Lang blow byReebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
him and crush Bulger on a critical fourth-quarter drive. If McCollum is out for an extended period, look for some shuffling and veteran backup Todd Steussie to see some playing time. Grade: C +Defensive line: Leonard Little appeared unstoppable, racking up five tackles, two sacks and forcing a fumble. Little's constant harassment of Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer contributed to hurried throws and three interceptions. Anthony Hargrove contributed a sack and La'Roi Glover looked solid on the interior of the line. However, the Rams are still having trouble stopping the run, getting torched for a combined 161 yards on 25 attempts by the Denver running backs. Failing to stop the run could prove fatal in subsequent contests. Note: Jimmy Kennedy broke his hand but returned to the game with a cast. Grade: B (A - for Little's superior effort)Linebackers: Will Witherspoon earned every penny of his lucrative free agent deal, posting eight tackles and forcing a fumble to halt an early Denver drive. Witherspoon's tipped pass (and subsequent interception by Fakhir Brown) all but sealed the Broncos' fate. Pisa Tinoisamoa recovered a fumble and Brandon Chillar looked like he belongs with the first unit. Unfortunately, the Rams' linebackers must share the burden of not consistently holding up against the run and it keeps them from earning a higher grade. Grade: B +Secondary: Numerous penalties (including two pass-interference calls against Fakhir Brown) marred an otherwise stellar performance. The Rams' secondary was credited with three interceptions and a fumble recovery by O.J. Atogwe. Brown contributed a sack. They held Plummer to a mere 138 yards passing. The additions of Brown and Corey Chavous have shown immediate dividends. If the defense can continue to play at this level and the Rams' offense can return to form, St. Louis' opponents are in serious trouble. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's arrival has brought not only sweeping changes in personnel, but also in attitude. The aforementioned penalties (including a ridiculous unsportsmanlike conduct call for "Excessive Celebration," that could have proved costly) keep the secondary from earning a perfect score. Grade: A - Special teams: Jeff Wilkins' reliable leg simply won the game for the Rams, setting a franchise record with six field goals. Matt Turk proved to be a valuable asset, averaging 50 yards on three punts. While the Rams did nothing noteworthy returning kicks, they broke with tradition and stymied the Denver return game, disallowing any kind of meaningful gains. IfReebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
the special teams units can continue to contribute in this manner it will erase a perennial glaring weakness in the Rams. Grade: A -Much like last year the St. Louis Rams are committing far too many penalties and continue to struggle stopping the run. However, unlike last season, the Rams' defenders played inspired football and the offense proved it can run the ball. Indeed, the more things change the more they stay the same. However, the biggest change this time is the Rams pulled out a game that last year they would have lost.Get more St. Louis Rams insights (0)

14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks "If not Jim Mora, then whom?"

2011-01-13T22:35:00.000-08:00

If not Jim Mora, then whom?Mora was hired to coach the Seattle Seahawks' secondary this year, but that might not have been the primary purpose for bringing him to the team. As indicated by his other title -- "assistant head coach" -- the coach the Atlanta Falcons fired this offseason is now the No. 2 man behind Mike Holmgren in Seattle. And with Holmgren playing it one year at a time these days, team president Tim Ruskell obviously is bracing for Holmgren's departure by setting up Mora as a potential successor.While it seems like a sound contingency, it might be Carolina Panthers jersey
good for only one year. If Holmgren stays through his two-year contract, Mora might not be around to replace him in 2009 (or 2010 or whenever). As the Seahawks' assistant head coach, Mora can get out of his contract only for a head-coaching job, but he figures to get another such chance next offseason. Among those who could be looking for coaches then are the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders. Of course, former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher figures to get the job of his choice, assuming he plans to re-enter the NFL coaching ranks. That would leave Mora going against as many as a dozen legitimate candidates for perhaps five or six other jobs. Odds are pretty decent that Mora gets one of those jobs -- if he wants it.Assuming Mora does leave Seattle after one year and Ruskell's replacement plan does fall through, the Seahawks president would have to come up with Plan B to replace Coach H.So who then could Plan B be?The first thing to keep in mind is that Ruskell will want to keep the offense intact. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has put in too much time mastering Holmgren's West Coast scheme, and Ruskell surely would not want to make the Pro Bowl quarterback start all over and learn a new offense. The addition of Chicago Bears jersey
Mora indicates that Ruskell is in fact looking at defensive-minded coaching candidates, but any offensive coach who favors the West Coast scheme would probably be a candidate as well. Or Ruskell could favor a coach who has been there before and knows how to manage a team. Mora fits all of those qualities.So who else fits those profiles?Defensively, there could be a number of options. Jim Haslett, former coach of the New Orleans Saints, probably deserves another shot -- and probably could succeed with a better franchise. He interviewed with Detroit and Buffalo last year, and if he can revive the St. Louis defense in his second year with the Rams, he could quickly jump back into the pool of prime candidates. The Seahawks actually looked at him in 1999 before they hired Holmgren, and he favored the West Coast offense when he was with the Saints. If the Panthers let John Fox go, the former defensive coordinator for the Giants could become another recycled candidate. Rising defensive minds include Ron Rivera, Greg Manusky as well as Rob and Rex Ryan. Rivera, formerly the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator, has garnered the interest of at least 10 teams over the past two years. The Bears inexplicably allowed Rivera to leave this offseason -- he replaced Manusky as the linebackers coach in San Diego -- but Rivera should still command interest two years from now if the Seahawks are in the market for a new coach. So should Manusky, provided he can work wonders for San Francisco's porous defense over the next two seasons.The Ryan brothers, sons of former Chicago and Philadelphia defensive guru Buddy Ryan, both run their own NFL defenses these days. Rex is in charge of the Baltimore Ravens' vaunted unit, while Rob has turned the Oakland Raiders' defense into one of the league's better squads. A couple of experienced offensive coaches who could step in are Mike Sherman and Mike Mularkey. Sherman, who coached under Holmgren in Seattle in 1999, ran the same offense for several years in Green Bay. And Mularkey coached Buffalo for two years and is known by Ruskell from their days in Tampa Bay (1994-95).But the best choice could be someone who is not even in the NFL right now. Two years from now, Pete Carroll could be ready to leave USC. And the NFL already seems ready to have him back -- as the Miami Dolphins' interest this offseason showed. The only question would be whether Carroll would be willing to work under a general manager. But if he was, he would take over a team with a built-in offense Cincinnati Bengals jersey
and a bunch of defenders who play in a scheme similar to the one he runs at USC and who are led by one of his former stars, linebacker Lofa Tatupu. While Carroll might be a stretch, he could be the best option two years from now. Because if not Mora, then whom?RealFootball365.com: Where there's no such thing as an offseason for Seattle Seahawks football.

13 Jan 11 I'm Back...and So Are The Lakers at The Top

2011-01-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

Harry How/Getty ImagesBrought to you by the guys at Lakers101.Hello one and all. It is true. I have been gone missing. It not all my fault. In the past six months, during my absence from writing, I got a job, planned a wedding, attended a wedding as both a groomsman and a groom, honeymooned on a seven-day cruise through the Western Caribbean (which I highly recommend), moved into a new home, got my wife a new job at my place of work, oh, and made two very important purchases: 1) a new big screen to enjoy all my Lakers Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
games, 2) and of course NBA League Pass since it the only way to get EVERY Lakers game when you live on the East Coast.The saying is true. It much easier to fall out of a habit than it is to get back into it. Even with all that going on, that doesn excuse my long hiatus. But, just because Ive been out of sight from my readers, doesn mean I haven been paying attention to our boys (reference #1 2 above). At night, instead of writing for your enjoyment, I have been selfish and chose to watch Lakers games instead.But Im backand without further adeuFor the entire article please visit www.Lakers101.com.

12 Jan 11 New Jersey Nets: Calm Before the Storm

2011-01-12T02:43:00.000-08:00

Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesThe New Jersey Nets are in the midst of what might end up being the worst season in the history of the NBA. That just sounds horrible, the "Worst Team in the History of the NBA," no one would ever want attached to their name for eternity. Lets be honest, the Nets aren't nearly in as bad of shape as one would expect the "Worst Team in NBA History" to be in.This season might be a little hard to swallow, everyone in the Nets organization cannot wait for this 82 game season to be over. But it seems like their is a big light at the end ofHouston Texans jersey
this tunnel. First lets start with the young talented group New Jersey has pieced together of the past two seasons:Brook Lopez is one of the best young players in this league, averaging 19.0 points per game, 9.40 rebounds per game and 2 blocks per game, every night he gets a double double it seems.Devin Harris has fallen off a little, but he's also been injured and playing with worse talent. Harris can still be a star in this league and is still one of the better point guards in the league.Chris Douglas-Roberts does alot of things very well, and could be a very good 2 or 3 in a few years. Averaging 13.8 points per game, he's an average defender but has shown glimpses of brilliance this year.Terrence Williams has also had some big games for them this year, and could be a very good player.Well the first key for the Nets turning around is the obvious one, Get John Wall. Point blank, no other way of putting it. Get him and your team already added a superstar and it won't even be July by than. History shows that the team that's supposed to win the lottery doesn't, but the Nets really need this one, the lottery will be one of the most important days in the history of the Nets organization.Lets say they don't win and they pick No. 2 or No. 3, than they'll have to decide between Ohio States Evan Turner, Kansas's Xavier Henry, Syracuse's Wesley Johnson and Georgia Tech's Derrick Favor, who in my opinion will all be successful NBA players but none will touch the level of super stardom John Wall will. In this year's draft, if the season ended today they would have Indianapolis Colts jersey
the No. 1 overall pick, No. 23, and No. 31 picks, which could help fill a few of the holes on the team.Next step, sign one of the big name free agents; thinking they can convince two max contract guys to come to New Jersey is unrealistic, but signing Joe Johnson, Amar'e Stoudemire or Chris Bosh is realistic. Last week Amar'e Stoudemire said that New Jersey is a place he's keeping his eye on because of their ideal situation of good young talent and the possibility of playing with John Wall. Chris Bosh would fit in excellently on the Nets, who might be one of the few "max contract guys" who hasn't reached his full potential yet. I think they have a slight window for LeBron James to consider coming to New Jersey, that being his friendship with Nets part-owner Jay-Z. If that's the case, this is a completely different article, but it's being written assuming he's not coming to New Jersey.Now if everything falls right for the Nets and they win the John Wall lottery, Devin Harris, while being a very good player is expendable now. I can name a few teams that would love to have a Devin Harris (Portland, Phoenix [after Nash leaves], Lakers, Dallas (to replace Kidd, again), Minneasota) if the Nets can find a way to improve and add another player or two via trade, than they've given the team a face lift while keeping most of its young core in tact.The Nets are in an extremely interesting time for the franchise, in five years they could be in Newark sharing a building with ex-roommates the New Jersey Devils, or they could be the team that Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
brings back basketball to the Big Apple (which they desperately need). Regardless of where they are, the New Jersey Nets are a team to watch in the near future, but it all starts in May when their franchise's fate hangs in the balance of a bunch of ping pong balls.

10 Jan 11 Bleacher Report Goes Hollywood: Are the Los Angeles Clippers Ready To Set Sail?

2011-01-10T00:26:00.000-08:00

Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesWhile wondering what I should do with my Drew Gooden Clippers jerseyWelcome to the inaugural edition of Bleacher Report Goes Hollywood , where we look at the LA sports scene from a Tinsel town point of view. Each week well look at the major issues involving Southern California Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
franchises both college and professional. Also, on a completely unrelated note, well have a special feature at the end of each column called Pimp Slap of the Week , which needs no explanation, and deservedly so.Remember how in The Karate Kid when Daniel-San was always being beaten down by the Cobra Kai and finally getting the upper hand by crane-kicking Johnny in the tournament finals? Well for years Ive waited for the LA Clippers to do the same thing to their Staples Center brethren since they drafted Danny Manning No. 1 more than 20 years ago. Unfortunately though, knowing the Clippers history, Daniel-San crane kick was blocked, with him falling to the ground with a broken leg and Mr. Miyagi having to rely on washing windows.It as if for every draft pick for the Clippers that resulted in a Benoit Benjamin, Lamond Murray and even Michael Olowokandi No. 1 overall, there has always been that hope that they would finally rise up out of the incompetence of owner Donald Sterling and succeed in spite of his attempts to use former GM Elgin Baylor as the scapegoat for their failures. When they had a thrilling semi-final series against the Suns a few years ago in the playoffs, I thought their fortunes had changed. Since then Elton Brand went to sabotage his own career in Philly in a turncoat move worthy of Hulk Hogan-status, leaving Baron Davis and others to wonder whose dog they had ran over to end up in this situation.Yet, I remained hopeful when they selected Oklahoma Blake Griffin No. 1 in the 2009 NBA Draft. Then, in true Clipper fashion, he broke his kneecap on a fast-break dunk in the final preseason game, resulting in season-ending surgery and another year of setback. That being said, I do believe that THIS is the time in which the Clippers might finally awaken out of their own abyss.Now JR, Im sure you might be asking, when are you going to put the pipe down? This team hasn even won a game since Dumbleavy stepped down as coach? Well, the realist in me realizes this is the case, and yet the optimist in me looks at the recent moves and believes that perhaps Mike Dunleavy may know what he doing, despite the recent barbs fired by frustrated All-Star Center Chris Kaman . The recent trades have shed light into what appears to be an actual plan by the red-headed stepchildren of the Staples Center. Although Marcus Camby was leading the team in rebounding at 12.1/game, they made a shrewd move to send him to Portland for forward Travis Outlaw and point guard Steve Blake. Blake can provide a measure of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
leadership that the Blazers will miss out on come playoff time, and he will provide a solid back up presence when Baron Davis has to rest. Davis had grown to actually realize there are actually guys he can pass the ball to this year, and also developed a (gasp!) relationship with Dunleavy before he spared all of us of his head-scratching decisions.Also, in what was a very good cap-clearing trade, which is the modus operandi in Clipperland, they executed a three-way deal that sent Al Thornton and draft bust Sebastian Telfair to the Wizards and resulted in Drew Gooden, who will probably smash the Mike Morgan record for the most number of teams played for in a career should they decide that his soul patch isn worth keeping around. Now it puts them in a category where only a few will reach come July 1, 2010. They are now in position to shop for that mega-star that could finally put butts in seats not named Billy Crystal or Bill Simmons.The question is now who should they get to go alongside Kaman, a healthy Griffin, Baron, and up-and-coming guard Eric Gordon? They would need someone who can play the three and switch over to the two if they want to go big. Someone who can placate as playmaker when Baron decides to revert back to his Golden State days and will have no problem playing second, or even third banana, yet have All-Star talent.I have to agree with Simmons and suggest they go hard after Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks. He has spent the past five years making the Hawks relevant, and after another year of coming up short against the likes of Dwight Howard, LeBron, and KG, he will have had enough and want to go to a team that could possess legitimate title hopes with two strong post players. Also, JJ won have to feel like being the first go-to option all of the time, since he usually gets smothered come playoff time with no one else able to score consistently for Atlanta. That said, should Atlanta break through and reach the conference finals this year thanks to an improved Al Horford, Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford all bets are off.The Clips second best option would be Rudy Gay of Memphis. He is an unassuming slasher who can take a lot of guys off the dribble and won demand the ball as much. A lineup of Griffin, Gay, Kaman, Gordon and Baron as the veteran leader could create a lot of headaches out west.I don think LeBron will be willing to share top billing with Kobe in the Staples Center. Being in the same commercials is one issue, sharing the same court for six years is another altogether. All of the other potential big free agents (Bosh, Stoudemire, Boozer) will only hinder the development of Griffin, who actually looked interested in ending the so called Clippers curse after getting drafted. Dwayne Wade could be an option, but he seems like his mind is already focused on going north instead of west.Yes, the Clippers are 21-33, losers of six straight and are about to watch another season go up in ping-pong balls. However come October 2010 they might start off with one of the best starting fives in all of basketball without destroying their salary cap in the process. Here hoping they will finally be able to deliver that crane kick! PIMP SLAP OF THE WEEKThis is the portion of the column where we have to unfortunately smack some Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
sense into someone from the world of sports. However, for our first ever slap were headed in a totally different direction: were going towards those fans who actually believe Tiger Woods needs to apologize to them!Okay, I don necessarily like the fact that this man couldn figure out how to keep it in his pants, thus forcing his wife Elin to now place a house-arrest style ankle bracelet whenever Eldrick so much as goes to take out the trash. It won even matter what he says on his apology come Friday, the fact is that he doesn owe the fans any explanation because he didn cheat the game of golf, nor taint any of the majors that he won.Sure he a cheater to the nth degree, but the only people he needs to apologize too is to his family, case closed. It not his fault you bought Buicks, Titleist golf balls, and Nike gear because he said so. Besides, should he roll over to Augusta and shoot a first round 68 on the second Thursday in April, you fans will be the first ones running over family members to watch it on TV.Fans, time to a dose of reality, not every scumbag athlete needs to tell you Im sorry. For displaying a self-righteous desire to fulfill a sensitive ego, you deserve BRGH first Pimp Slap of the Week!

9 Jan 11 Nuggets, Best Team In The NBA?

2011-01-09T00:49:00.000-08:00

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesThe Denver Nuggets have played some excellent stretches of basketball this season, you could say that they have been the surprise team this year.They have been playing with confidence, poise, and swagger, most of that provided by veteran Chauncey Billups.They can blow by anybody in terms of scoring, and can play lock-down defense when it really matters.They have amassed a 12-2 record against the best competition the NBA has to offer, and they are a combined 6-0 against the Los Angeles Lakers (2-0) Cleveland Cavaliers (2-0), Carolina Panthers jersey
Orlando Magic (1-0) and Boston Celtics (1-0), all widely considered contenders for the Larry O'Brien trophy come June.They have veteran leadership in Chauncey Billups, who is also one of the best point guards in the game today, and one of the best scorers in Carmelo Anthony, who can also play lock-down defense when it matters.All seems swell in Denver right?Well, it's not as dandy as they would like it to be.Denver currently has eight combined losses to: Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks.They seem to have the same problems that they Los Angeles Lakers have, they seem to play according to their competition.Not much of a problem considering that when the Playoffs come around, their competition will be fairly good, or great when they play teams like the Lakers, Mavs, or if they get that far, the Cavs or Magic.I wouldn't say that they play according to their competition, but I would say that they have problems focusing.Guys like J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin can be real knuckle heads, and sometimes only take momentum away from the Nuggets.Especially if both are cold, because J.R. Smith has the tendency to shoot, shoot, and shoot, even when he's missing. Kenyon Martin also has the tendency Chicago Bears jersey
to take too many mid-range jumpers, even when they aren't falling.The Nuggets are a very talented team, and they will go far in the playoffs, but until they solve their focus problems, they will still be second in the West to the Lakers.Never mind that they are 2-0 against the Lakers this season, Orlando was also 2-0 against the Lakers last year, and they got beat in the Finals by the same Lakers' Squad.Are the Nuggets the best team in the NBA? Maybe the most talented, but they are not the best yet

8 Jan 11 Portland Trail Blazers VP of Basketball OperationsTom Penn Fired

2011-01-08T04:05:00.001-08:00

As reported by Jason Quick :Tom Penn, the right-hand man of general manager Kevin Pritchard, has been fired by the Trail Blazers, The Oregonian has learned. Tuesday's decision comes nearly 10 months after Penn was promoted to Vice President of Basketball Operations. It is unknown why Denver Broncos jersey
Penn was fired, but it is believed to have come from owner Paul Allen and not Pritchard.Wait, what? Just like that? Penn was reportedly getting offers for the GM position at other organizations last year. It was thought that his promotion was the result of Portland's desire to keep him in the fold for as long as possible. He's supposed to be the CBA guru that can manufacture trade exceptions from thin air. Right?Hopefully we get more details soon.UPDATE: Via the venerable Wendell Maxey, "philosophical differences ." How often do people get fired in this manner because of differences in philosophy? Still waiting for a real explanation.UPDATED UPDATE: In all the excitement I was a bit late to Senor Brian T. Smith's information on the firing: According to the source, there had been rumblings in recent weeks within the organization that Penn's job was at stake. The primary reason was that Penn had a tendency to rub many of those he worked with the wrong way, the source said, and was seen as being a "ladder climber."UPDATE TO THE UPDATED UPDATE: Detroit Lions
Tom Penn is both surprised and disappointed . Don't sweat it, Tom. Anyone who ever built an empire or changed the world sat where you are sitting, and it's because they sat there that they were able to do it.As you can tell I'm out of original thoughts so I am done for the night.Photo courtesy of the Oregonian.

8 Jan 11 Portland Trail Blazers VP of Basketball OperationsTom Penn Fired

2011-01-08T04:05:00.000-08:00

30 Dec 10 The Miami Heat Defense Fueling Its Recent Surge Up the NBA Standings

2010-12-30T02:54:00.000-08:00

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesThe Miami Heat are the NBA's hottest team right now, having won 14 out of its last 17 games and they currently own the league's longest winning streak at eight victories in a row.They had a stellar month of March, only dropping three games, which enabled them to climb all the way up the standings and regain the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.They had crucial wins over the Charlotte Bobcats and Milwaukee Bucks, who they overcame in the standings to get back to the fifth spot.In Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
addition, Miami has won six straight road games, which is their longest streak in three years. They sit nine games over the .500 mark at 43-34, which is also their best record since 2007.The Heat are playing their best ball of the season at the right time with only five games remaining and the team in the thick of the playoff race, holding a slim half game lead over the Bucks and a 2.5 game lead over the seventh-seeded Bobcats.Miami's recent surge is a product of their fierce defense that ranks best in the league in most categories.Second-year head coach Erik Spolestra has instilled a strong sense of defensive prowess in his team, which has been passed down to him from former Heat skipper Pat Riley and his defensive minded approach.The Heat have finally realized that their defense is what fuels their game and makes them successful. They have learned that their defense gives them a chance to win every night and it has been their formula for success in their recent winning streak.Miami is now second in the NBA in points allowed, limiting opponents to an impressive 94 points per game. They only trail their division-mate Charlotte Bobcats by 0.5 points, who allow 93.5 points per game, for the least amount of points allowed.They rank No. 1 in the league in lowest field goal percentage against at 43.7 percent per game and they are tied for third-best in three-point percentage allowed at 33.9 percent.In addition, they are tied for second in the NBA for blocked shots, swatting 5.7 shots per contest.Miami takes a lot of pride in its defense and relies heavily on it in late game situations. They have the ability to play lock-down defense every night that is among the most ferocious defenses in the NBA.Their defensive effort has made them a playoff team this season and the Heat are among the best defensive squads in the NBA.The Heat are equipped with defensive weapons both in the starting lineup and off the bench.Jermaine O'Neal and Dwyane Wade highlight the defense for the starting lineup. O'Neal is still an excellent inside defensive presence and shot blocker, averaging 1.4 blocks per game. He still has the ability to change shots and hassle the best big men in the league.Wade is undoubtedly one of the top defensive players in the league.The All-Star averages 1.9 steals per game, which is third-best in the NBA and leads the Heat, and he is good for 1.1 blocks per game. He is hands-down the best shot blocking guard in the league and is an Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
overall relentless defender.Quentin Richardson is also a solid defender in the starting rotation. He is fourth on the team in steals and he can be counted on to take charges on a nightly basis.The Heat's second unit also contains some great defensive weapons.Point guard Mario Chalmers, who hasn't been as effective as last year, is still a reliable defender. He averages 1.2 steals per game, which is second on the team. He receives a lot fewer minutes this season in a reserve role, but still contributes highly on defense.Miami's defensive frontcourt off the bench is even more impressive, with Dorell Wright, Udonis Haslem, and Joel Anthony making up that cast.Wright's length and athleticism allows him to be a dangerous defender.At the small forward position, he receives defensive assignments against the NBA's elite players and does a solid job. Wright has finally started to come together on the court and is finally part of the regular rotation.Haslem leads the Heat's second unit and brings lots of energy off the bench with his hustle and motivation. He is a hounding defender that is able to out-rebound bigger opponents. Haslem also has a knack for sacrificing his body to take charges, further adding to his value to the Heat's roster.Anthony has been a nice surprise for Miami. He might be the most unknown player in the league, but has quietly been one of the team's most valuable players in their recent surge.Anthony has started in place of the injured Jermaine O'Neal for the last four games and responded well. He has averaged six points and 4.2 rebounds in those four victories and the Heat are 11-3 this season with Anthony as their starting center. He has 100 blocks on the season, which is the most on the team.When both the bench and the starters are on defensively, the Heat are one of the most lethal defensive teams in the NBA.In their current eight-game win streak, their defense has limited opponents' scoring to 82.9 points per game.Miami hasn't allowed 100 points or more in more than two weeks.While an argument could be made that during the streak, the Heat have only faced three playoff-contending teams (Milwaukee, Toronto, and Charlotte), it's undeniable that the Heat have noticeably picked up their defense.Miami is playing with a sense of urgency as they know they have no room for error with the Bucks scratching at their heels for the fifth seed. Miami has worked hard to recapture the fifth spot and they don't want to relinquish it.To Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
accomplish that, the Heat will simply have to maintain their defensive intensity. They have relied on it consistently over the past month to win ballgames and rise up the standings.If the Heat continue that defensive mentality, they will be a very dangerous team in the postseason. With five games left to determine their playoff fate, Miami will turn to their defense to help them prevail.If Miami can carry that defensive momentum into the playoffs, they have the opportunity to be a surprise threat.

29 Dec 10 NBA Championship Betting – Nuggets, Jazz Get Things Rolling in Denve

2010-12-29T05:36:00.001-08:00

Both even ended the season by winning six of their last 10 games, so who gets the edge when the series kicks off in Denver on Saturday night?Jazz vs Nuggets odds Saturday, April 17, 10:30 PM ETThe Jazz were a force down the stretch, and Deron Williams was the key, averaging 23.0 points and 9.2 assists for Minnesota Vikings
Utah. Williams is easily a top-five point guard in the league, and people can make good arguments for him being the best. Carlos Boozer ended the season with an average of 19.5 points and 11.2 boards, and it unlikely that hell be back in Utah after this season, so he would like to go out on a high note. Williams leads an attack that was fourth in the West in scoring, but they haven been as strong defensive as a Jerry Sloan-coached team usually is, although they did manage to get their season average under 100 points to 98.9 points.The Nuggets basketball betting odds received a boost as Kenyon Martin returned to the lineup with three games left in the season after dealing with tendinitis in his knee, and having Martin back is great for the Nuggets as he their best interior defender, and probably their toughestNew England Patriots jersey
player. It on the defensive end of the floor that the Nuggets need him, because offensively, theyre fine with Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups steering the attack. The X-factor for the Nuggets NBA odds could be J.R. Smith, who has improved this season, but he still sometimes takes some truly awful shots.Online sports betting odds should favor the Nuggets in this contest, but not because theyve won three of four against the Jazz this season. The Jazz have dropped four in a row and five of their last six in Denver, and the Nuggets 34 home wins led the West (ironically, just two wins ahead of Utah), and that pulls them even with Atlanta for second place in the NBA behind Cleveland. There are matchups all over the place to watch, like Martin and Boozer in the post, although the Nuggets may rotate defenders on Boozer to take care of Martin knee. There also Billups and Williams at the point, while Utah Andrei Kirilenko will probably guard Anthony, who averaged 33.5 points in two games against the Jazz this season. The New Orleans Saints jersey
crowd is going to be up for this game, and the Nuggets need them as coach George Karl isn back on the bench yet due to his cancer treatments, although doctors say he should be back for the second round, if Denver makes it that far. The Nuggets will get off to a good start, so take them in your sportsbook.

29 Dec 10 NBA Championship Betting – Nuggets, Jazz Get Things Rolling in Denve

2010-12-29T05:36:00.000-08:00

28 Dec 10 Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and the Rebirth of the Showtime Lakers

2010-12-28T00:49:00.000-08:00

Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesI became a life-long fan of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1980 when a skinny rookie by the name of Earvin "Magic" Johnson guided his team to a NBA championship, while playing center in place of an injured Kareem-Abdul Jabbar.In that memorable Game Six, Magic had more than 40 points and 15 rebounds, as well as seven assists, and from that moment on my allegiance to the Lakers was simply a matter of course.1980 was the beginning of a magicaltime in Lakers' history, for Johnson went on to lead Los Miami Dolphins jersey
Angeles to four more championships as the lead guardin what came to be known as the Showtime era.That group of players, consisting of names such as Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper, A.C. Green, Kurt Rambis and others is considered one of the most dominant teams of all time.The Lakers earned their Showtime moniker because of the flair they brought to the court, the tempo at which they played, and the flawless rhythm that Magic established while running the offense.Magic at the head of a fast break was truly a thing of beauty, and with finishers like Worthy and Scott filling the lane, you could surely expect fireworks above the rim.The Lakers circa 2010 may not play with the same flair as the team of the '80s, and one would be hard pressed to prove theyare anywhere near as exciting, but this team does share some similarities with that fabled squad.Magic and Kareem were the centerpieces of those Lakers' teams, and they represented the best two players at their respective positions, and the 2010 Lakers can arguably make the same claim.Kobe Bryant is generally regarded as the best guard in the entire league, and while Pau Gasol is not usually thought of in terms of the NBA's best power forward, there are points in his favor.Gasol has undoubtedly been the best power forward in the playoffs so far, and if the postseason ended today he would definitely be the MVP for the Lakers at least.Gasol has increased his scoring average, rebounds, and shooting percentage in the postseason, and his seven-foot frame and wide array of post skills makes him a terror to defend for opposing players.Versatility may be the best way to describe Gasol, as he is comfortable shooting with either hand, while also a competent passer, and his talents translate to the defensive end of the floor as well.In the first two games against the Utah Jazz Gasol has recorded seven blocks and his length has caused the Jazz to alter many of their shots at the rim, but Gasol's best Minnesota Vikings
attribute may be his chemistry with Bryant.Before Gasol arrived in 2008 Bryant was a captain without a side-kick, but once Gasol was added to the Lakers' roster, the team under went a seismic shift, which has seen them capture three straight Western Conference titles.The Lakers were a good team before Gasol arrived, but his presence made them a great team almost immediately and his transition to the triangle offense was so seamless, it seemed he had been running it for years.Bryant and Gasol's bond is evident on the court, and even though Bryant has suffered through periods of disappointment in Gasol's play, and the same can be said in reverse, they both credit each other with the Lakers' meteoric rise from irrelevance.It is in much the samemanner that Magic often gave most of the credit for the Lakers' success to Kareem, and the legendary center would do the same for his equally legendary point guard.Magic and Kareem were the anchorsof the Showtime Laker teams, but they were surrounded by an abundance of talent who all excelled in different areas of the game.Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum, and Derek Fisher are representative of players like Worthy, Scott, Cooper and Green, who all added their own imprint to the Lakers' strength.There are some glaring differences in the two teams, and at a glance the most glaring one would be the complacent attitude that has sometimes plagued the 2010 version of the Lakers.The passion and drive of Magic would never allow his teams to get too complacent, and he had the Lakers ready to play on every occasion, whether it was the regular season or playoffs.The '80s team was glamorous for sure, but they also had a nasty edge with players such as Green and Rambis who acted as enforcers, and were never afraid to back down from a mental or physical challenge.Artest is probably the most physical member of this Lakers' team, and although the 2010 version of the Lakers have been accused of playing soft, lately they have shown they are more than capable of holding their own.Both teams prided themselves on defense, and it is this category where they are most similar, because this year's Lakers have been the best defensive team in the playoffs, and when motivated are the best defensive team in the NBA.The two teams had different approaches to success, as Magic's teams liked to push the tempo and run an opponent out of the arena, while Kobe's teams grind an New England Patriots jersey
opponent down with the precision of the triangle offense.But the measure of both teams has been the number of championships won, and Magic's teams were able to capture five in a decade, while Kobe's Lakers could approach that same number this year.These two eras may stand as the best in the long and glorious history of the Lakers' franchise, and even though they appear to be different on the surface, their paths have led them to almost the exact same conclusion.

27 Dec 10 2010 NBA Free Agency: Where Will LeBron James Land?

2010-12-27T05:14:00.000-08:00

Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesThe playoffs have been flat this year, really flat.So it's not surprising that most of the media glare has been focused on the upcoming free agent bonanza, which includes Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and of course, LeBron James.The much anticipated summer of LeBron is finally here.There's no doubt that the reigning two-time MVP is the biggest fish around, and there hasn't been a player so big since Jordan.But who will LeBron sign with?In this article, I hope to provide the reader with an outlook as to how Cincinnati Bengals jersey
well-equipped the contenders are in this big-money race. A neutral viewpoint as to which team is the best set for a monarchy.Chicago BullsProsThe biggest reason why LeBron should come to Chicago is the supporting cast.It has a legitimate superstar in Derrick Rose, a passionate big man who protects the rim in Joakim Noah, a good two-way player in Luol Deng, a solid defender and shooter in Kirk Hinrich, and a young asset in Taj Gibson.Add LeBron to the mix, and you have a team which can instantly contend for a championship.Another reason is the media.Chicago is a big city, but not a global hub. This ensures that the exposure is more than sufficient to make LeBron even more of a global icon.However, unlike cities like New York, the media glare is not too much. Each and every shot he misses will not make the front page, and his private life will not be busted open completely.Moreover, Chicago has a sports culture. It is the home to several successful and storied franchises like the Bulls, Cubs, and the Bears. Even the Blackhawks have risen to prominence recently, plus, Chicago has educated fans who actually care.ConsWhile Rose is a major selling point, he can also be a drawback.Like LeBron, he too needs the ball in his hands. Can he handle not being the star attraction?Even if the ego problems can be settled, it would not be easy for the dynamic duo to share the ball-handling responsibilities and maximize their individual output.LeBron may have problems co-existing with Joakim Noah. The two aren't exactly the best of friends. And that's the understatement of the century.Importantly, Chicago is a place where Michael Jordan will forever remain the icon.The ghost of Jordan may come back to haunt James, and at every step he will be compared to the greatest of all time. He can never really be the icon which he (presumably) wants to be.But maybe the biggest negative is the coach situation.It is unlikely that LeBron will come to a team which doesn't have a coach as ofCleveland Browns jersey
yet, especially after his struggles with the offensive cripple Mike Brown.However, this situation can be turned around superbly if the Bulls end up with John Calipari or Phil Jackson.Cleveland CavaliersProsPerhaps the likeliest move.The biggest pro is that in Cleveland, LeBron is a god. Every superstar has an ego, and there is no place where LeBron's ego will be fed better than in Cleveland.He hails from Akron and Cleveland is really close to home. If he re-signs with Cleveland, he'll be hailed as the epitome of loyalty and a one-team man, and who doesn't like that.The roster may be aging, but it's really quality. Ferry is ready to do anything he wants. If he signs a short-term deal, this team could really contend. He also has good team chemistry with the players there.He's as powerful as the GM with the Cavs. No deal can go through without the King's approval. I'd be surprised if he can wield anywhere near that much power somewhere else.But the biggest reason is that every athlete cares for money above all else, besides maybe winning, and no team can give LeBron more dough than the Cavaliers.ConsThe roster is getting older by the day.When Antawn Jamison, Shaquille O' Neal, Anthony Parker and Zydrunas Ilgauskas are vital contributors, you know you're greying fast.Another major problem is the coach.Mike Brown is undoubtedly good as a defensive manager, but offensively, you would be hard-pressed to find somebody more inept than him.His best chance at capturing that elusive championship lies elsewhere.When you need to make your six-foot eight-inch forward defend the opposing team's lightning quick point guard, you know that you've got problems.James is a competitor. If he doesn't leave Cleveland and never wins a championship, evenDallas Cowboys jersey
a celebrated career will somewhat be lamented.It will always be a case of what if, and I don't think that LeBron wants that.Plus Delonte West, no further comments.A final major negative is the "Curse of Cleveland."It's increasingly looking like it's possible to win a major championship while playing in Cleveland, and for somebody who's primary aim is to win, it sure doesn't bode well.Los Angeles ClippersProsThe one thing that the Clippers have going for them is that they have a solid nucleus.Say whatever you want about Baron Davis, but the guy with the beard can still ball.Chris Kaman has slowly but surely matured into an All-Star caliber center, Blake Griffin may have had his rookie season destroyed by injuries, but the amount of upside that he has is worth drooling over.Add to that Eric Gordon, a sure-fire star for the future and a great offensive player, as well as some other solid parts like DeAndre Jordan, and you've really got something.The other major plus they have going for them is the city itself. Los Angeles is a massive city, and a major marketing hub.Playing in LA could only improve his image as the world's most popular athlete.The NBA would profit greatly.It currently lacks a cut-throat rivalry, and if LeBron played for the Clippers, the NBA would get one as big as any other.Viewership numbers would rise again, something that the Association badly needs.ConsThe biggest reason for LeBron to not sign with the Clippers is simple, name one major athlete who entered the Clippers and saw Denver Broncos jersey
professional sports. Need I say more?Playing in LA means that LeBron would have to share the spotlight with Kobe Bryant, and he may even have to be second most popular athlete in his own town.I'm not sure he can handle that.Davis and Gordon are both ball-dominating guards. Add LeBron to the mix, and you get a combustible mixture full of ego problems.It's nearly impossible for LeBron, Davis, and Gordon to co-exist because of the way they play.Miami HeatProsThe biggest pro is by far Dwyane Wade, whom the Heat have an excellent chance of re- signing.Can you even imagine how good a LeBron-Wade combo would be? I can't. It wouldn't be Batman and Robin, it would be Batman and Superman.If they off-load Beasley, Cook, and Chalmers, they will then have enough money to sign a third big free agent.If Bosh, Wade, and James were playing, the Heat could win a championship with my grandmother as the fourth wheel.Another massive positive is Pat Riley.The guy is one of the best general managers in the game, and a great coach to boot. LeBron will want a great coach wherever he goes, and Riley fits the bill.The final pro is Miami. The city is probably the celebrity capital of the USA.Great beaches, great parties, and all in all, it seems ideal for somebody like LeBron.ConsAfter Wade and LeBron, the team would probably lack depth, not a good sign for any championship contending team.There would be major alpha dog struggles between Wade and LeBron, and they're probably two of the three greatest "basketballers" in the world today.It wouldn't be easy for either of them to compromise their status', and there would be ball sharing troublesBut if the egos are managed, then the Heat could be formidable.New Jersey NetsProsOne thing that the Nets have going for them is that in two years time, they are moving to Brooklyn.Another reason is Jay-Z.The popular rapper is a close friend of LeBron's, and also a minority owner of the Nets. He will undoubtedly do everything in his power to convince LeBron to come to New Jersey.The Nets also have a young one-two punch. The bigger part of that is Brook Lopez. He may one day become the NBA's best center, and no, I'm not overstating things.They also boast Devin Harris, one of the fastest guards around and a great complimentary scorer.Besides these two players, they have a solid core. Courtney Lee, Terrence Williams, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Yi Jianlian, and, most importantly, one of Detroit Lions
Evan Turner, Wesley Johnson, DeMarcus Cousins, and Derrick Favors are solid rotational players, if not more.They have the cap space to sign another big free agent, a Joe Johnson or a Chris Bosh, to complement the already mentioned team and LeBron would be really, really good.Last but not least, the Nets have a new owner in Mikhail Prokhorov.The Russianbillionairecould extend LeBron's appeal to Russia. He has shown that he cares about winning, and that's what matters most.ConsThere is a lot of instability over where the Nets are going to play next year, and the year after that.They aren't moving to Brooklyn before two years time, and that means two years of playing in New Jersey. It is unlikely that the King would want to play in such a place for two whole years, especially after playing in Cleveland.Plus, the players on the Nets are good, but the supporting cast is not likely to be as good as the Bulls or even the Cavaliers.Finally, their is no head coach at the present moment. Unless they bag a big name soon, it's likely to adversely affect James.New York KnicksProsWe're talking about the Big Apple here. The odds are that there is no more desirable city to play in, and that's why LeBron is likely to come.He's made it known several times that he loves NYC.New York have a lot of cap space, and he can basically come in and choose the sidekick that he wants. To LeBron, that's a big plus.Madison Square Garden is hands down the most famous venue in the world, and the chance to come and play there must be an enticing one.Another positive is Mike D' Antoni. His system is probably not one likely to deliver a championship, for it lays a lot of emphasis on offense, but nevertheless LeBron is a great fan of his.Finally, no other place offers half the media coverage of New York, and that's a great thing for James who wants to become the world's most popular athlete.ConsThe media glare is maddening. It may make him even more of an icon, but it's equally likely to dissect every move he makes, and tear into his private life. Plus the supporting cast really isn't that good. You aren't going to win a title withDanilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Toney Douglas, Bill Walker and Eddy Curry.David Lee probably isn't returning either. Green Bay Packers jersey
While Mike D' Antoni's system may be very entertaining, it isn't the type of system which wins championships. You need to play defense for that.All said and done, the squad, even with LeBron and another free agent isn't enough to contend for the Larry O' Brien trophy, and that's probably the decisive factor.The VerdictLeBron James is a man who loves attention. He's undoubtedly going to wine and dine with the GM of all thirty teams, and he's going to drop hints about joining each and every team.He loves the attention.But at the end of the day, he'll narrow it down tothe Bulls,the Cavaliers and the Heat.Then he'll sign a two-year contract with any one of them, with a player option for the third year. He'll win at least one trophy in that two-year period, maybe two.And in 2012, all the madness will start again.

26 Dec 10 Lakers-Celtics Finals' Preview: All That But STILL The Usual This

2010-12-26T04:03:00.001-08:00

The "All That"... The Draft: You know how it works. Like all professional leagues in America, the NBA holds one every year. It's designed, of course, to give the crappy teams leverage in the acquisition of new, young talent. The NBA relatively recently even injected a draft lottery, to supposedly Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
keep said crappy teams from tanking the latter portion of seasons (as if some can help it) in order to secure the best draft position. But mainly, the lottery gives those crappy teams something extra to get excited about in May, while they're watching the good teams on TV in the playoffs. The Regular Season: The NBA plays an 82-game schedule. That's a lot of basketball. Then they put over half (16 out of 30) of the teams in the playoffs. This renders the regular season semi-meaningless. Teams have to really suck to not make the playoffs. The good-great teams go into each season knowing they'll make the playoffs and hence can dork-around through entire chunks of the season. So, in essence, the regular season only serves to resolve the mystery of which good-great teams will be seeded where and which mediocre-sorry teams will manage to back in at the seventh eighth slots in each conference (although for the past few years, the seventh eighth seeds out West have been pretty darn good). Turning It On Just For The Playoffs: Every year, fans and the media's "Talking Heads" yap incessantly about how some good-great team that's dorking-around in parts or all of the regular season won't be able to turn it on for the playoffs. And every year, fans and "Talking Heads" are proven wrong. This season, it was the Lakers (dorking-around most of the second half of the season) and the Celtics (dorking-around most of ALL of the season). I think you see where I'm Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
going with this...I mean..."All That". Free Agency: A bunch of teams, as usual, scrambled and made big headlines in adding players who "will put us over the top". The Magic added Vince Carter to "Superman". The Cavaliers were front-runners here with the additions of Shaq and Antoine Jamison. With "The King" already in his "freak" (that's a compliment) place, Cavs' fans in some quarters pre-ordered their "Cavaliers' 2009-2010 NBA Championship T-Shirts last November. I think you see where I'm going with this also...I mean..."All That" also. The "Usual This"... This will be the 64th NBA Finals. The Celtics will have played in 21 Finals and the Lakers will have played in 31 Finals. This will be the 12th time that they've played each other in the Finals...theReebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
second time in the last three years. The Celtics own 17 rings and the Lakers own 15 rings. Therefore, combined, these two teams already own slightly more than HALF of all NBA Championships. The "Usual This".CONTINUE... Reg DeVone is co-owner/admin: Sports Jabber. Join in the discussion on this and other topics in the NEW Sports Jabber Forums!

26 Dec 10 Lakers-Celtics Finals' Preview: All That But STILL The Usual This

2010-12-26T04:03:00.000-08:00

25 Dec 10 Memphis Grizzlies: Watch Out They're Sleepers!

2010-12-25T01:24:00.000-08:00

Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesThe Memphis Grizzlies did not make the postseason last year. They haven't made it in the last four years. This franchise has never eyed passed the first round. They aren't in that big of a market compared to other NBA cities.Yet, they have a whole lot to be excited about. Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
Over the last couple of years, this team has created an amazingly talented core of Mayo, Gay, Randolph, and Gasol. Pretty good there, huh?It shows that the Grizzlies have excellent management because all of them have been acquired by trade. Sure they have made mistakes, like drafting Thabeet, but the good done by the team overshadows the bad.Let's take a deeper look into this team's starting lineup last season. The point guard, Mike Conley, is an excellent three point shooter. O.J Mayo, is a very dynamic guard that can perform at high level.Rudy Gay, is among the league's best small forward and is apparently worth a max contract. Zach "Zeebo" Randolph, is a 20-10 player and an all-star. Marc Gasol, is a 7'1 big that can be very good if he stays healthy.This summer they continued to improve, Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
by adding rookies Xavier Henry and Greivis Vasquez. The Grizzlies also signed defensive marksman Tony Allen.So what's been holding them back?They are a pretty young team. Their starting lineup includes four players in their early 20s. The team will begin to mesh better next season. At the rate this team is rising, don't be surprised if they sneak into the playoffs.Grizz Nation has a lot to excited about.---------------------------Please leave your feedback!

24 Dec 10 LeBron James and Kevin Durant: Not As Different As You May Think

2010-12-24T00:53:00.000-08:00

Not so different after allLeBron James, the two-time defending MVP, has been the face of the NBA for the last few years. But after “The Decision,” the basketball world almost unanimously turned their back on the Chosen One, no longer wanting to be "witnesses." And just Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
as people turned to James after Kobe’s fall from grace in a Denver hotel room, a replacement was needed. An elite player, someone humble and loyal, the exact opposite of the values James had shown by taking his talents to South Beach. By forgoing a press conference to announce his extension with the small-market Oklahoma City Thunder and dominating in the World Championships, Kevin Durant has been thrust into that role. In a preseason poll of NBA GM’s, Durant received 20 votes while LeBron got 1. Leave aside the question of whether Durant has reached James’ level as a player—despite being an inferior rebounder, passer and defender. The public perception of the two, and Durant’s ascension to the LeBron/Kobe discussion, is mostly due to two men behind the scenes—Thunder GM Kevin Presti and former Cavs president Danny Ferry. Regardless of how “The Decision” had went down, LeBron would have been roasted alive for leaving his hometown ring-less. Meanwhile, Durant is being rewarded for sticking with the small-market team and forgoing the free agency courting process. Jared Diamond’s award-winning historical biography of the world, Guns, Germs and Steel, revolves around the idea of geographical determinism. It starts with a New Guinea tribesmen wandering why Europeans “discovered” the rest of the world instead of vice versa. While traditional history tended to attribute this success because ofwhothey were—European brain-power, the Protestant work ethic—Diamond’s insight was that it came fromwherethey were. He attributes their success to factors inherent to European geography, including the continent’s alignment on an east/west axis instead of north/south (allowing societies to trade easier) and their access to more types of animals suited towards domestication and heavy labor. So it was circumstance, not character, that allowed the Europeans to conquer the globe before the tribesman of Papua New Guinea, trapped on an island not amenable to farming, and therefore civilization. Just as Europeans began talking of the “White Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
Man’s Burden” to rule the globe, a deceptively easy narrative began to emerge about the NBA: LeBron callously left his small-town team while Durant selflessly stayed. But in reality, neither had as much a choice in the matter as the media has portrayed. Almost to a man, great basketball players want to win. For years, people have wondered why more didn’t flock to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden and NYC, long considered the league’s brightest stage. The young talent LeBron never had in ClevelandThe Knicks even gutted their team over the last few years, assuming that location enough was a selling point. But the only big-time free agent they could get was Amare Stoudemire, a defense-less big man whose injury history made his $100 million contract uninsurable. That’s because the league’s brightest stage isn’t a place but an event—the NBA Finals. After taking a cold, hard look at the players around him, LeBron saw that this team couldn’t acquire the talent he needed to get there. History has shown that you need at least two, if not three, All-Star type talents on a team to win an NBA championship. Jordan needed a Pippen, Shaq a Kobe, Tim Duncan a Ginobili and Kobe a Gasol. In retrospect, the best thing to ever happen to Michael Jordan’s career was his broken foot in the 1986-1987 season. It forced him to miss 64 games, pushed the Bulls record to 30-52, and gave them the fifth pick in next year’s draft—a then unknown small forward named Scottie Pippen. Without that injury, Jordan would have been good enough to make his team at least mediocre by himself, pushing the Bulls out of the bottom of the draft and never getting the chance to acquire world-class talent around him. Or in other words, his career trajectory might have looked more like LeBron’s. In LeBron’s tenure with the Cavs, the team had one other lottery pick—LukeReebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
Jackson. Durant, on the other hand, currently plays with three other top five picks—Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green and James Harden. The decision that led to "The Decision"Aside from the draft, the other main way to acquire assets is free agency. The NBA’s current salary structure, with a soft cap, means teams have a crucial time period in building their rosters. Once an All-NBA player receives a max salary, the team is usually too good to be drafting very high and no longer has the cap room to pick up someone in free agency. That’s how Chicago and Orlando, two of the East’s best young teams, were built. Carlos Boozer came to the Bulls before Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah signed contract extensions, while Rashard Lewis came to the Magic before Dwight Howard got paid. So the roots of “The Decision,” and LeBron’s subsequent vilification, extend at least as far back to the summer of 2005, when Cleveland had enough salary-cap room to make a push for some big-time help for James. Their man acquisitions were Larry Hughes and Donyell Marshall. The Cavs roster that LeBron left was way over the cap and had only one other young player with any potential—PF JJ Hickson. That meant the only way to acquire talent was through teams dumping salary, which usually involves aging veterans like recent Cavs acquisitions Shaquille O’Neal and Antawn Jamison. If Kevin Durant's two best teammates for the Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
foreseeable future were Anderson Varejao and Mo Williams, he’d leave too. And if LeBron could make more money playing with a fellow All-Star like Russell Westbrook, he wouldn’t ever have left his hometown. So while LeBron became the villain and Durant the hero, perhaps a more accurate draft of history would give the men who built the teams around them these very same labels—Ferry, the Cavs recently fired GM, and Presti, universally regarded as one of the best young minds in basketball. For more, check out the FanTake Blog:Get Buckets Follow on Twitter at:GetBucketsFT Follow on Facebook:Get Buckets

On offense Dalembert is a capable high post passer who otherwise displays terrible shot selection

2010-12-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

Against the Nets he missed badly on a 10-foot fallaway, a clumsy right hook, and a short jumper, while also bricking a layup.Luther Head has come a long way in improving his once-disastrous defense to respectable levels. He also made several crisp passes, didn’t make any egregious mistakes, and knocked in a trey. He’s not good at penetration, partially because he doesn’t have a great deal of talent, but moreover, because he doesn’t use ball screens well, coming off of screens too flat to allow defenders time to fight or squeeze their way through those screens to stay in front of him.Donte Greene spent the game against the Nets going through the motions when the Kings ran sets that didn’t involve him, and he was habitually late on his rotations. This Miami Dolphins jersey
after reporting to camp out of shape and winding up in Paul Westphal’s doghouse. It’s time for this kid to grow up.DeMarcus Cousins—2-8 FG, 10 REB, 1 AST, 1 TO, 8 PTS—is Sacramento’s prized rookie, but he can’t stay on the floor because of perpetual foul trouble. When showing on screens he has a tendency to jab at the ball, a needless exercise that will only continue to feed his foul problems, and when defending shot attempts, he throws his hands more forward than high, leading to more contact with opponents arms than the ball. When guarding the post or defending cross-screens, he’s all about fighting and shoving with his upper body than using any kind of positional advantage, and he’s flat-footed as a defender. Offensively, Cousins’ foot work is slow and clumsy, and none of his moves—a mechanical right hook, an awkward step through, a clumsy baseline spin—are executed with any degree of grace. What Cousins did do well was read double teams and make the appropriate pass to both spot-up shooters and cutters, no easy task, and he always, always boxed out. He also has good touch on his shot, and executed an impressive high-arching, reverse pivot fadeaway jumper that dropped in—shades of Rasheed Wallace.Until Cousins unlearns his bad defensive habits he’ll be hard-pressed to improve because he’ll never be on the floor. Until he improves his footwork, he’ll be predictable to defend by good defenses. At the very least, he has good potential as a rebounder and help defender, though the Kings need him to develop to move Landry to a sixth-man role off the bench.Beno Udrih—5-9 FG, 2-3 3FG, 3 AST, Minnesota Vikings
0 TO, 12 PTS—is a good backup point guard because he has good vision, takes care of the ball, and has an accurate mid-range jumper. Against the Nets, Udrih’s clutch three in the final seconds eventually iced the game. However, Udrih is another poor defender who lacks the athleticism to stay in front of most NBA point guards, hence why pairing him with Evans gets problematic.Francisco Garcia—3-7FG, 7 PTS—is little more than a streaky, inconsistent scorer who only has eyes on the basket.Jason Thompson knocked down an 18-footer, was active in tracking down three rebounds, and played some effective defense in contesting a Jordan Farmar drive, and stuffing a Derrick Favors layup, though he tends to get pushed around down low because of his thin frame.What will the Kings need to rule the Western Conference? A defensive minded guard or wing who can shoot the three.Evans to improve his passing, his decision making, his jump shooting, his left hand, and his defense, while also developing either a floater, or a short jumper.Because of Landry’s limitations, he’d be best served as a designated second-unit scorer. To facilitate that, Cousins needs to improve his offensive game to become the designated frontcourt scorer.A power forward with three-point range to take advantage of Evans’ drive-and-kick game.Greene to take the game more seriously.Omri Casspi to get tougher.In lieu of the above two, one more creative wing scorer or New England Patriots jersey
a wing defender who can shoot.The entire team to start committing itself to playing defense on every possession. Right now, Sacramento’s offense, while raw and rugged, at least has the right idea. Westphal calls a lot of split cuts that take advantage of Cousins’ and Dalembert’s passing, and the players play with physicality and aggressiveness. However, as the Kings’ defense rests, so too does the approach of their potentially bright future.

That's Amare! The Knicks Are in the Mix

2010-12-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesAre the New York Knicks back in the spot light? With this acquire the Knicks are back in the spot light. They can now be a legit contender of the LeBron and Wade sweepstakes. This is what the Knicks were waiting for, a mega star like Amare. This is the most excitingevent in Knicks' history since Dave Debusschere banged his fist on the table at the 1985lottery draft, knowing they got the first pick, in which the Knicks drafted the great Patrick Ewing.Now Amare and the Knicks organization have to start recruiting to build a serious playoff contender team. If the Knicks don’t get LeBron or Wade, things might not be that terrible. I believe Plan B would be to sign David Lee and than trade him to the Spurs for Tony Parker. Amare and Tony are pretty Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
good friends and before signing, Amare told Parker to come to New York and wait for Carmelo Anthony next year. I can’t remember the last time the Knicks had a veteran point guard and won championships. This has to be a strong option for Donnie Walsh and the Knicks.As a Knicks fan you have to be excited for the future for once. You finally can stop thinking about the trade of Patrick Ewing, the signing of Isaiah Thomas, and finally the franchise destroyer Stephon Marbury. Now we can just stay tuned and see what else falls into the Knicks hands. Like AmareStated,"The Knicks are back."

Boston: Did the Red Sox Make a Grave Mistake in Letting Victor Martinez Walk?

2010-12-21T02:15:00.000-08:00

Jim Rogash/Getty ImagesOutrageous! I guess it's anotherReebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
bridge year for John Henry and the Boston Red Sox. Victor Martinez, the 31 year old switch hitting catcher who can play three positions: catcher, first base and designated hitter, was signed today by the Detroit Tigers for four years and $50 million. Martinez, who was a great fit for the Red Sox, was originally offered two years and $21 million by Boston. A mere insult in my opinion to a player with some value to the Red Sox. Martinez who is a four-time All Star, finished the 2010 season with a .302 average, 20 home runs and 79 RBI in 127 games. Plain and simple, this guy can hit good pitching, something, that at the present time without a Manny Ramirez in the middle of their lineup can't all but afford to lose. Why weren't the Red Sox originally willing to offer Martinez a four-year deal? With the news spreading that the Tigers were close to a four-year, $50 million contract, Boston offered arbitration and will get two draft picks from his departure. Wow, great deal! Rumors were reported that the Red Sox were only willing to offer Martinez a four-year $42 million contract. So, should the Red Sox have offered the $8 million more in order to try and keep Martinez in a Red Sox uniform? Do you believe the Red Sox Should have increased their offer to keep Victor Martinez in Boston?Do you believe the Red Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
Sox Should have increased their offer to keep Victor Martinez in Boston?Yes64.7%No35.3%Total votes: 156The Red Sox didn't just do this on a whim, they know their players better than anybody else. So, the question then remains: why would the Red Sox allow one of their most productive run producing switch- hitting catchers to leave? Then replace him with a guy that has a long name and a lot of injuries named Jarrod Saltalamacchia. I think it's funny that the Red Sox picked up Ortiz's option at $12 million to play as a designated hitter, mostly against right handed pitching, then let a switching hitting catcher that can also play first base and DH go. Martinez is 31 years old, when he plays out this contract he'll finish at 36. So consider this, Jorge Posada was 36 when the Yankees signed him to a four-year, $52.4 million deal in 2007. Posada was older when he got the deal and didn't become a full-time catcher until he was 28. Martinez has been an everyday catcher since he was 25. Theo Epstein now has 127 days or a little over four months to put together his Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
roster for the 2011 season. It's a little more than a hunch, but I bet they plan to improve the team this off-season. It's only November, so let's see what kind of product the Red Sox put on the field on opening day before declaring next year over already.

20 Dec 10 Oakland Raiders: At Long Last, the Cable Guy Has Finally Arrived

2010-12-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

Tom CableEzra Shaw/Getty ImagesSATIRE ; We all hate to wait for the cable guy, but this one has arrived!In a year where the New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl, Ron Artest kept his cool, and the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, I've learned that anything is possible.Now, Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
the Oakland Raiders are once again relevant in the NFL and Coach Tom Cable has legitimized himself as a head coach. This is quite possibly the most surreal week I can possibly remember.After the Raiders defeated the Kansas City Chiefs game last Sunday, I could not help but sense that game was an instant classic. Not only that, but that the game deserves the honor of being named.The Raiders victory on Sunday meant more to me than most people could begin to understand.The game was what being a loyal fan is all about. I'll admit that there have been times where I considered being a Colts fan, but it just never felt right.All of you around the Water Cooler in every office 'round the country, get your "O face" on.O for offense of course.A game that the refs had appeared to snatch away from the Raiders with goofy calls. A game that the Raiders snatched away from the Chiefs and all those who doubted the Raiders and have bashed Al Davis since 2003.Jacoby FordThat is why in my mad-scientist of Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
a mind, I would propose to all you faithful in Raider Nation, that the name of the game should refer to the euphoria-inducing catches of Jacoby Ford, one of which, he appeared to snatch away from cornerback Brandon Flowers to setup the game tying field goal by Sebastian Janikowski.For a game that certainly rocked the world of Raider and NFL fans alike, it seems only fitting that the game should be immortalized as, "The Snatch."Get it?I also find it amusing that within this past week, Raiders coach Tom Cable has proved himself as a head coach in the NFL, and Keith Olbermann of MSNBC was suspended because he acted as if NBC policies did not apply to him.Almost to the day, Keith Olbermann named me, "Best Uniformed Blogger" (not Worst Person) on November 2, 2009, because I had the gall to say that everyone has a bias, including people from the East Coast.But also because I goofed by saying that ESPN should have it's license to broadcast revoked for the blatant attempts of the gossip guys to defame Tom Cable with gossip.Oops.I didn't know that ESPN does not need a license to broadcast. I don't know all the details about a company (or industry for this matter) that does not employ me. Relative to NBC, neither does Keith Olbernann.Ah, yes, even I have a sense of humor about myselfI guess we all make silly mistakes.Also in this week that was, Californians rejected the legalization of marijuana, the San Francisco Giants won the World Series and more voters that identify as Gay voted for Republicans than ever before.Maybe, the Mayans were right.This past week also made it official. With the economy in the sink-hole, the price of gold skyrocketing, the election of Jerry Brown as governor and the reemergence of relevance of the Oakland Raiders in the NFL, it truly is, the 1970s.At least in California.We in California have gone from a governor that once played a time-traveling robot in The Terminator in 1984 to a governor that left the office of Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
governor in 1983. Why does this feel like deja vu all over again? Why do I get the feeling that another actor not named Arnold could become president?Here's a weird conspiracy theory that I don't believe and yet my mind can think of it.The Republicans don't want to fund health-care, because it would siphon money that has been earmarked for medical science to study ways in which to revive Ronald Reagan from the dead. Then again, his organs may have already been harvested to sustain the life of Dick Cheney.

Leon Halip/Getty ImagesThis year

2010-12-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

Leon Halip/Getty ImagesThis year, the NFL has seen more parity and more wild shifts in power than ever before. This week, the New York Jets claim top spot in DraftTek's weekly power rankings. If someone argued New England, Atlanta or even Pittsburgh as the top team, it would be hard to Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
fault them—each team has much to like about them. On the bottom half of things? Detroit looks like they were ready to ascend before losing to the winless Bills; Dallas looked like their season was over before beating the Giants; the Redskins looked average until getting hoisted by their petards on Monday Night Football. Without further ado: The DraftTek Week 11 NFL Power Rankings! 32) Carolina Panthers: (1-8) - Matt Moore is still the QB and some think the Panthers could have a tough decision with Clausen this offseason. Mike Goodson has the only 100-yard game on the year and David Gettis is emerging as the top wide out. This is not how things were supposed to go. 31) Detroit Lions: (2-7) - Detroit is a mess. One of the most penalized teams and still can't keep their quarterbacks upright, the Lions could easily have three or four more wins but clearly lack NFL-level toughness. 30) Buffalo Bills: (1-8) - Fred Jackson is making a lot of fans scratch their head as CJ Spiller continues to be far less effective. Will Buffalo go with Luck over Fitzpatrick in a similar move? The Bills aren't going to face Detroit every week but it is easy to foresee them picking up a few more wins. They've been better than their record for a while. 29) Cincinnati Bengals: (2-7) - Chad Ochocinco remarked on Twitter (where else?) that he has more commercials than touchdowns. Couldn't say it better myself! Maybe the Bengals can pick up that Stu guy from the NFL Training Camp/Kinect commercial. 28) Arizona Cardinals: (3-6) - Matt Leinart couldn't have done this? 27) Minnesota Vikings: (3-6) - The media has fallen out of love with Favre. The country now knows what most local reporters long knew—these players don't like Childress. For most teams, I would prescribe a team bonding session on Lake Minnestonka, but the Vikings are the last group of guys you want out on the water. Take 20 doses of Adrian Peterson and stop throwing so gosh-darned much! 26) San Francisco 49ers: (3-6) - Troy Smith has this team "rolling"—at least comparatively speaking. Winning is always better than losing, but if the 49ers move into 2011 with Singletary and Troy Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
Smith, fans will look back and wish the team had stayed in merry old England. 25) Washington Redskins: (4-5) - If the NFL had a mercy rule, Monday Night Football would have lasted about 20 minutes. Then again, if the NFL had a mercy rule, Dan Snyder probably would be wasting money elsewhere. 24) Dallas Cowboys: (2-7) - Wade Phillips might be a putz, but I don't buy that this team didn't like him. He's a players' coach and nearly impossible to hate. Respect? Now that's another story. Regardless, his firing turned out to be a wake up call and players perform once all their jobs are on the line. 23) Denver Broncos: (3-6) - Kyle Orton was taking a lot of unnecessary heat from Broncos fans and redeemed himself, trouncing on the Chiefs like he had a personal mandate from Andrew Jackson. Meanwhile, the Tim Tebow experiment is working the way many expected—scoring TDs other players could have easily gotten. Historically, no one kills fantasy teams like the Denver Broncos. 22) Cleveland Browns: (3-6) - Beating the Saints and the Pats is impressive; taking the Jets to OT is pretty nice as well. Colt McCoy is making a lot of GMs look like fools and Peyton Hillis is establishing himself as a go-to back. This is a team on the rise. 21) Houston Texans: (4-5) - Sure, the Texans have an offense but local authorities put out an Amber Alert out for the pass defense, which might by the worst of the modern era if it weren't so non-existent. 20) San Diego Chargers: (4-5) - Coming off a bye with two straight wins, the Chargers could be making that end-of-the-year push they are accustomed to. Would anyone really be surprised? Monday Night Football should be fun to watch with Denver in town. 19) St. Louis Rams: (4-5) - Is there a more quixotic team than the Rams? One moment Bradford is winning games by going to the air with reckless abandon; the next week, the St. Louis D can't stop Troy Smith when it counts the most. Much like the Chiefs above them, the Rams have been adding talent the right way but simply don't have enough of it to go on an extended run or dominate all the teams they should be able to beat. 18) Kansas City Chiefs: (5-4) - Losing to Oakland in OT clearly took the wind out of the Chiefs sails and Denver even more clearly took advantage. The fact that Cassel was still able to have a career day speaks volumes after Denver exploded to a 35-point lead. The Chiefs have a ton of young talent but are still (at least) a year away. 17) Tennessee Titans: (4-5) - It'd be easy to "blame" the offensive gameplan in Tennessee because Chris Johnson only got 18 touches. Yet, the defense (or lack there of) was the real culprit. Tyler Thigpen and Chad Henne both drove on Coach Washburn's unit and kept the ball away from Johnson and the offense. Randy Moss just isn't the answer. 16) Miami Dolphins: (5-4) - Completely torn with the Dolphins who should be ranked higher because they've managed to play opponents close no matter what. However, how do you "power rank" a team highly that just lost its top two QBs? 16 might be as high as the Dolphins get the rest of the season, but don't count out Tyler Thigpen, he has more talent than a lot of QBs who have gotten many more chances. 15) Seattle Seahawks: (5-4) - The Seahawks are overperforming all expectations and that starts with "Big" Mike Williams, who was done in this league before his college coach gave him one more chance. The 'Hawks have a legitimate shot at the playoffs if Hasselbeck can stay healthy and that defense can continue to steal possessions and keep opponents out of the endzone. 14) Jacksonville Jaguars: (5-4) - David Gerrard is not an elite QB, he might not even be the "franchise" QB (depending on your definition). But could one player take any more blame for a team so devoid of talent and depth all over Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
the roster? Garrard isn't perfect, but he's carried this team in the past and he's doing it now. 13) Oakland Raiders: (5-4) - Oakland is coming off a bye, winners of three straight and sitting in the lead of their division. Things couldn't be going better. What's that? They're headed to Pittsburgh this week? You say Pittsburgh is hopping mad after losing to the Pats? Well, that's a horse of a different color. If the Raiders can win in Heinz field this week, experts will have to take back all the nasty things they've said about Oakland recently. But even diehard fans have to realize that's a big if. 12) New York Giants: (6-3) - Trust me, I wish I could drop this squad lower. Losing to Dallas is embarrassing, but not if you remember that the Cowboys have a lot of talent that has been laying dormant. Losing Steve Smith is a big blow and Eli Manning—now more than ever—needs to stay focused and carry this team. 11) Chicago Bears: (6-3) - Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears are the epitome of boom or bust teams: On their best day, they could easily put up 50 on a top defense; at their worst, Cutler is more-than-able to complete more passes to the wrong color of jersey. This team rises and falls with the accuracy of their QB. The running game can't get into second gear and the defense isn't getting the stops Bears fans are accustomed to. They play the Tyler Thigpen-led Miami Dolphins on Thursday and need to win to maintain any semblance of respectability. 10) New Orleans Saints: (6-3) - The Saints have won two in a row, but are they back? We might not know until Week 15, when they travel to Baltimore. Until then, it's pretty smooth sailing. It is clear Reggie Bush meant more to this team than many realized and Pierre Thomas needs to be healthy if they want to make a run. Plus, losing to Cleveland doesn't look nearly as bad as it did before the Browns beat New England and took NYJ to overtime. 9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (6-3) - Picking on Carolina at home is like taking the school nerd's lunch money the day after he breaks his leg. Who Is The Best Team After 11 Weeks?Who Is The Best Team After 11 Weeks?New England Patriots30.9%Atlanta Falcons14.8%New York Jets 28.9%Other25.5%Total votes: 149Raheem Morris wants us to believe his squad is the best in the NFC and it was hard to argue with him when he said it, but the proof will be in the pudding as the Bucs travel to San Francisco and Baltimore in the coming weeks, setting up a home game against Atlanta. This stretch will be the true test of this young team's mettle. 8) Indianapolis Colts: (6-3) - Winning close at home against the Bengals isn't exactly a marquee event. Thanks to recent events, beating Houston, Kansas City and the Giants doesn't look as great as it did a week ago either. This week at New England will make or break their season. 7) Green Bay Packers: (6-3) - The Packers had a bye week and travel to Minnesota and Atlanta for their next two games. Beating Brett Favre at home might be easier than it used to be, but the Packers can't take that game for granted. We'll all know a little bit more about Green Bay after their trips to the frozen North and Dirty South. Until then, there's little reason to doubt the Pack who have the league's best point differential in spite of injuries all over the field. 6) Philadelphia Eagles: (6-3) - Michael Vick is for real! That probably isn't news to anyone reading this, but it bears repeating: Vick is more of a quarterback now than he has ever been and he's maintained that second gear which makes him so dangerous to contain. 28 points in a 1st quarter is insane. Against a division rival on the road? Legit. In this new era of NFL parity, the Eagles might not be the best team but they're probably the scariest on a lot of opponents' schedules. 5) Pittsburgh Steelers: (6-3) - Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
The Steelers couldn't have looked much worse as the Patriots caught Big Ben and crew with their pants down on Sunday night. One has to slightly forgive the loss due to numerous injuries and the fact that Tom Brady always has Pittsburgh's number. The Jekyll and Hyde routine needs to stop. If it does, winning out is still a possibility. 4) Baltimore Ravens: (6-3) - The Ravens are their own worst enemy at times—clearly having the ability to beat any team, including themselves. The rest of the schedule couldn't get much easier, but Baltimore needs to keep their act together. 3) New England Patriots: (7-2) - Tom Brady might not have Randy Moss, but all-in-all, he's probably glad. His new cast of offensive talent is filled with blue collar types who continue to grow; the defense is even younger and looking far better in recent weeks than any of the experts could have ever predicted. Meanwhile, Bill Belichick is still their head coach and that means more than his critics like to admit. If you would argue they're the best team in the league, I couldn't disagree with you. 2) Atlanta Falcons: (7-2) - This year's "Rodney Dangerfield" award goes to the Falcons, who are getting absolutely no respect with seven wins—even when the last one is against the mighty Ravens. Matt Ryan and co. aren't the most explosive bunch, but they are the most balanced and have more playmakers than they're given credit for. Disrespect them if you'd like, just don't bet against them. 1) New York Jets: (7-2) - "Just Win Baby" was long the motto of Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders. Now? It seems as if Rex Ryan and the J.E.T.S. Jets Jets Jets have adopted it as their own. Gang Green becomes the first team in history to Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
win back-to-back road games in overtime. It isn't dominant, but it's effective. If the Jets continue to win while they mature as a team, they could end up peaking at the perfect time—rough story for the rest of the league. This article can also be found at DraftTek—The internet's premier computer based NFL Draft site. Michael Schottey is the managing editor of the College Writing Internship at Bleacher Report, and an NFL Featured Columnist. He has covered the NFL in a number of media markets for over five years and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.

18 Dec 10 Why The Donovan McNabb Benching Was The Right Decision

2010-12-18T03:42:00.000-08:00

Leon Halip/Getty ImagesFor the past two weeks, NFL analysts, writers and bloggers have speculated as to the reason why Head Coach Mike Shanahan would have removed a "healthy" Donovan McNabb, with two minutes left in a winnable game against the Detroit Lions, in favor of Rex Grossman. Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
Both Coach Shanahan and Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan have given varied, somewhat incoherent justification for their reasoning.I've listened to all the excuses and all the experts give their opinion, but it seems pretty straightforward: On that particular day, Donovan McNabb stunk.I knew it, and so did Mike and Kyle Shanahan.On the day, McNabb was 17 for 30 for 210 yards with one TD and one INT. A second interception could have turned into six for the Lions if the defensive player had not dropped the pass. McNabb's passes were not sharp all day, and he missed several open receivers with his patented in-the-ground throw.The last straw wasapass 2nd and 10 at their own 37 into triple coverage thatended up being intercepted with 5:21 left in the game.The Redskins had a five point lead at that point and protecting the ball should have been a priority. Nonetheless, the Lions took advantage and the lead.Will Donovan McNabb Bounce Back and Have a Big Game Against the EaglesWill Donovan McNabb Bounce Back and Have a Big Game Against the EaglesYes50.0%No50.0%Total votes: 4If it was any other quarterback, that pass would have been the end of their day. McNabb played poorly and then cost his team the lead late in the game by making an ill-advisedpass.Shanahan stuck with him, however, and gave McNabb one more chance to take back the lead with 3:15 left in the game. He failed miserably.The Skins were able to get the ball back one more time, however, inside two minutes. Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
McNabb had cost them the lead and had failed to succeed in his chance at redemption, so Coach Shanahan made the choice to put the other guy in.The other guy was Rex Grossman. Is hea better quarterback than Donovan McNabb?No. Is he something different? Yes.Step back from the names involved and look at how Mike Shanahan has treated this team from the beginning:The highest paid man on the team, who is arguably one of the best defensive players in football when properly motivated,didn't want to show upfor OTAs nor compete for his job as a starter. As a result, he's a backup and has been forced to work his way up with each performance.Three ProBowl running backs were brought in to try and be the starter. Two of them didn't perform up to par, so they were cut.A second round, young talent at WR, with all the physical tools, was givena chance to prove he wasn't a bust. He was, and they cut him.Coach Shanahan has made ithis credo since day one. If you don't perform to the level that he wants, regardless of who you are, who you were, how much they're paying you, or where you got drafted, you're not going to be out on the field.If it holds true for Albert Haynesworth, it should hold true for Donovan McNabb. No one, not even the quarterback, is above the rest of the team. McNabb stunk, so McNabb was pulled.You can sugar coat it with all the side talking you wantabout sore legs or not practicing the two minute drill. I'm sure those are contributing factors, but at the end ofReebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
the day McNabb's performance dictated the move.As a player and teammate, you should respect the move because CoachShanahan is only trying to win the game, and if someone isn't performing, you know he'll find someone new.McNabb will be back outthere at QBwhen the Redskins take on his old team, the Philadelphia Eagles, on Monday Night Football because he's the best quarterback on the team, and one of the better quarterbacksin the NFL. Hopefully for Redskins fans, this week, he'll show it.

17 Dec 10 Vince Young Meltdown, Brad Childress Fired and the Rest of Today's Top NFL News

2010-12-17T04:28:00.000-08:00

Grant Halverson/Getty ImagesTwo big storiescirculating around the Web today are Vince Young's meltdown following his thumb injury and benching on Sunday, and Brad Childress getting the ax in Minnesota. According to Jay Glazer, Childress got fired late this morning and has been replaced by Leslie Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
Frazier. We'll be looking at all aspects of the stories today, plus going over all the big stories of the day coming out of the NFL. Young's meltdown is one of the bigger stories of the day, since it's not the first time he has displayed immaturebehavior following a benching. Everyone should remember his brief disappearance in 2008 that resulted in the team calling Nashville police to find him. Young has had a history of immature behavior following poor play, and this wasn't the first time he has been benched. It's sad to see a guy with a lot of talent go down in flames, but this story happens almost every year to at least one player as expectations become too much to handle. As for Childress, this firing is about as surprising as the Wade Phillips firing a few weeks ago. So stay tuned to this site and we'll get you hooked up with wall-to-wall coverage of the day's big stories. 03:58 PM ETBroncos vs. Chargers Monday Night Football: Ryan Mathews Out With InjuryThe Chargers running back Ryan Mathews will be inactive for tonight's game versus the Denver Broncos, according to NFL.com Mathews has an ankle injury, adding to the Chargers' woes. Antonio Gates also is questionable for tonight's game, and like P...Read more » 03:46 PM ETVince Young Meltdown: Immature Actions, Injury End of the Road in 2010Vince Young's meltdown didn't just happen on the field, it continued in the locker room as well. Head coach Jeff Fisher confirmed that he had an argument with Young in the locker room following the loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday. The ir...Read more » 03:31 PM ETJimmy Clausen Concussion: Will the Rookie Get Another Chance This Weekend?Jimmy Clausen may get another chance to prove his worth Sunday. Panthers Head Coach John Fox said he would start the rookie quarterback if the doctors clear him to play. Clausen has been anything but impressive in his limited action this year, but...Read more » 03:11 PM ETRichard Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
Seymour Punch: Steelers' James Harrison Wants Seymour SuspendedRichard Seymour may have tried to take out Ben Roethlisberger and failed, but now Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman James Harrison now wants Seymour taken out. In what can only be called "amusing," Harrison threw a fit after the game yesterday...Read more » 02:50 PM ETBrad Childress Fired: The Coach Is Gone, Players Are the SameBrad Childress may be gone from the Minnesota Vikings locker room, but the players in it haven't changed. The Vikings reportedly got into heated arguments after their last game, accusing one another of quitting on Sunday. The same arguments surfac...Read more » 02:32 PM ETEllis Hobbs Injury: Hobbs' Season Over After He Reportedly Ruptures Disc in NeckThe Eagles' Ellis Hobbs suffered what is being reported as a ruptured disc in his neck as a result of the hit he took in last night's game, according to NFL.com While his prognosis for next year is uncertain, his 2010 season is over, according to ...Read more » 02:14 PM ETColt McCoy: Will Ankle Injury Derail the Rest of His Rookie Season?Colt McCoy left the stadium on Sunday in a walking boot, becoming the third quarterback this season for the Cleveland Browns to suffer an ankle injury. High ankle sprains put Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace on the shelf for portions of the season...Read more » 01:56 PM ETBrad Childress Fired: Former Vikings Head Coach Releases StatementBrad Childress just released a statement on his firing, and he is very gracious to the Vikings organization. "The past five years have been a tremendous experience for my family and I as the Head Coach of the Minnesota Vikings," reads the press re...Read more » 01:41 PM ETCleveland Browns: Is Eric Mangini Next to Go After Sunday Loss?After the fifth Browns loss this season in the fourth quarter, the question now has to be asked again: Will Eric Mangini survive to coach another season in the NFL? The Browns, 3-7, easily could be 7-3 or even 8-2 if they didn''t blow fourth-quart...Read more » 01:05 PM ETBrad Childress Fired: Vikings Fans Rejoice as Long National Nightmare EndsAs reaction from the Brad Childress begins to filter in, the online response has been quick. Within minutes of the announcement, Childress' Wikipedia page had been updated to reflect his new status as "former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings." ...Read more » 12:53 PM ETRichard Seymour Punch: How Much Will the NFL Fine Raider Lineman for Hit?Richard Seymour left no doubt in anyone's mind he can drop somebody with one punch when he sent Ben Roethlisberger to the ground on Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
Sunday. While the Raiders already were losing, the game wasn't completely out of control. However, if you read betw...Read more » 12:43 PM ETVince Young Meltdown: Is This Really the Act of a Mature Quarterback?Vince Young really just doesn't seem to get it. Here's a guy who gets millions of dollars just to throw a football, and he acts like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. Granted, the life of a starting quarterback can be a pressure-cooker,...Read more » 12:31 PM ETBrad Childress Fired: Vikings Finally Give Up on CoachWith accusations flying back and forth over who did and didn't quit in yesterday's game versus the Green Bay Packers, Brad Childress will be home for the holidays. Childress, who had become a lightning rod for criticism in Minnesota this season, f...Read more »

16 Dec 10 Fantasy Football Start 'Em or Sit 'Em: Week 12

2010-12-16T00:22:00.000-08:00

Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesTrying to decide who you should start or sit this week? Let’s take a look at a few potential decisions owners have and try to sort through them.QuarterbacksStart – Joe Flacco – Baltimore Ravens – vs. Tampa BayIn his last five games, Flacco has averaged 263.4 yards while throwing 11 TD versus just one interception. It’s certainly hard to overlook what he has done, though his detractors will say that the some of those games were against weaker Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
passing defenses like New England and Atlanta.Tampa Bay’s defense has been good this season, allowing 200.8 passing yards per game and are tied for second in the league in interceptions with 15. Of course, in their 10 games the only big quarterbacks they’ve played are Carson Palmer, Drew Brees and Matt Ryan (unless you want to count Sam Bradford). There certainly is reason to believe that they are virtually untested and their success shouldn’t be used as a reason to bench Flacco.With the roll Flacco has been on, it’s certainly hard to keep him out of your fantasy lineup.Other quarterbacks to start:Shaun Hill – Detroit Lions – vs. New EnglandMatt Schaub – Houston Texans – vs. TennesseeSit – Carson Palmer – Cincinnati Bengals – at New York JetsHe has a ton of weapons and the Jets defense has not been as good as advertised. Well, at least it hadn’t been until recently. With the help of a healthy Darrelle Revis, the Jets have stymied some of the premier wide receivers the past three weeks:Calvin Johnson – One reception for 13 yardsAndre Johnson – Four receptions for 32 yardsYes, the Bengals have more receiving options then most teams, giving Palmer a glimmer of hope, but he is still too big of a risk to trust in one-quarterback formats. You just don’t know what to expect.Other quarterbacks to sit:Jon Kitna – Dallas Cowboys – vs. New OrleansSam Bradford – St. Louis Rams – at DenverRunning BacksStart – Mike Goodson – Carolina Panthers – at ClevelandThe Panthers running game had been rather inept this season, up until the past two weeks. In two starts Goodson has rushed for 220 yards on 45 carries (4.9 yards per carry) and draws a Cleveland defense that is allowing 116.4 rushing yards per game.It’s not like the Panthers are a threat to throw the ball a lot either, considering all the injuries and struggles their quarterbacks have had. That should mean more opportunities for Goodson to shoulder the load.His detractors will point to no touchdown runs (while Cleveland has allowed just three rushing touchdowns), but that shouldn’t be enough to deter you. He’s been too good of late not to consider as a RB2.Start – Darren McFadden – Oakland Raiders – vs. MiamiThis one shouldn’t be a shocking revelation, but at the same time it wouldn’t surprise me if there were owners out there so scared by his 10-carry, 14-yard performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11. The Steelers are the premier rushing defense in the league and have stymied numerous backs this season, so there is no reason to fret.McFadden should rebound in a big way against Miami, who is allowing 112.7 rushing yards per game. Don’t make the mistake of losing patience.Other running backs to start:BenJarvus Green-Ellis – New England Patriots – at DetroitMatt Forte – Chicago Bears – vs. PhiladelphiaSit – Ryan Mathews – San Diego Chargers – at IndianapolisWith Mike Tolbert erupting in Week 11 for 111 yards and a touchdown on the ground (as well as two receptions for 42 yards), you have to wonder that, even if he were healthy, Mathews would see the bulk of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
the carries? There was a lot of hype surrounding him prior to the season, but Mathews has clearly fallen flat. His best game was on opening day, when he had 78 carries on 20 carries.Since then, he’s only twice had more then nine carries and never more then 64 yards. He’s just not worth the gamble.Sit – Ronnie Brown – Miami Dolphins – at OaklandDoes anyone trust him at this point? He hasn’t rushed for more then 80 yards all season long and has just three touchdowns. Over the past two weeks, he has a grand total of 15 carries for 21 yards.Even with a poor passing game, the Dolphins opted to abandon the run against the Bears in Week 11. While Oakland’s run defense has been fairly porous this season, Brown’s performance makes him too big of a gamble if you have other usable options.Other running backs to sit:Fred Jackson – Buffalo Bills – vs. PittsburghMarshawn Lynch – Seattle Seahawks – vs. Kansas CityTwo Wide Receiver FormatsStart – Wes Welker – New England Patriots – at Detroit Prior to the season this would’ve been a no brainer, but Welker’s struggles have caused some owners to turn gun shy when deciding if they should start him or not. In the past two weeks, however, he’s started to show that the player of old is still in there. Over that time he’s had 13 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown. Don’t give up on him yet.Another wide receiver to startJeremy Maclin – Philadelphia Eagles – at ChicagoSit – Brandon Marshall – Miami Dolphins – at OaklandHe’s been terrible this season, there’s no arguing that fact. Couple his inability with his injury and he is only borderline usable in three wide receiver formats, but I certainly wouldn’t trust him in shallower ones at this point.Another wide receiver to sit:Johnny Knox – Chicago Bears – vs. PhiladelphiaThree Wide Receiver FormatsStart – Nate Burleson – Detroit Lions – vs. New England He has a great matchup against a Patriots secondary that has routinely been torched by opposing offenses and has played the role of second wide receiver to perfection. He’s scored in four of his last six games and is certainly worth trusting at this point. He can even be considered in shallower leagues, but owners in deeper formats shouldn’t hesitate.Another wide receiver to start:Vincent Jackson – San Diego Chargers – at IndianapolisSit – Sidney Rice – Minnesota Vikings – at WashingtonThe matchup is appealing, but it’s hard to trust a wide receiver who converted just three of 10 targets in Week 11. Obviously it was his first game back, so we have to give him time, but it would be nice to see him actually produce (and how the new head coach is going to work the offense) before we slide him into our lineups. His time will come, so keep him stashed away for now, but it’s just not time to trust him quite yet. Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
Another wide receiver to sit:Randy Moss – Tennessee Titans – at HoustonWhat are your thoughts on these decisions? Who would you start? Who would you sit?Make sure to check out Rotoprofessor’s Week 12 Rankings:Top 25 QuarterbacksTop 40 Running BacksTop 60 Wide ReceiversTop 20 Tight Ends(coming soon) Top 15 Kickers(coming soon) Top 15 Defenses (coming soon) Waiver WorthySunday

Terrell Owens Is a Disgrace To Himself and the Cincinnati Bengals

2010-12-15T02:18:00.000-08:00

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesThe Cincinnati Bengals have two of the most outspoken wide receivers to ever play the game in Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco. They are so outspoken that they got their own Versus television show entitled the "T.Ocho show."I don't know who would give two overrated football players a show, but I guess Versus is just desperate for ratings. Too bad the show has been an absolute bomb as far as ratings go. So I guess after the show had a disastrous debut, Versus told Owens and Ochocinco to Minnesota Vikings jersey
say some things that would catch the media's attention. Well, if that was the mission, consider it accomplished.On Tuesday, November 23, Owens and Ochocinco were talking about the Richard Seymour incident, in which he punched Ben Roethlisberger in the face and was fined $25,000. Owens went on to call Big Ben "soft."I am a Steelers and Roethlisberger fan. Big Ben is far from "soft." Generally, he is considered one of the toughest quarterbacks in the league. Ben is usually near the top in the league as far as taking hits from the QB position. He has suffered multiple concussions and even survived a motorcycle accident. Speaking of soft, how about the guy sitting next to you, Ochocinco? He was complaining about people hitting too hard in the preseason.Ben responded but didn't really take the bait: "I don't need to comment on that," Roethlisberger said. "I want to focus on winning championships."Do you care what Terrell Owens has to say? Do you care what Terrell Owens has to say? yes36.1%no23.6%No and I never will40.3%Total votes: 216Ben's teammate Hines Ward also chimed in on it: "We're not even going to listen to T.O.'s show. When you're at that point, you're just trying to pump up your show as much as you can so people can talk about it."Couldn't have said it better myself. Ben wasn't the only victim from the T.Ocho show, as Owens called out New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, calling him "an average player." Owens and the Bengals faced Revis and the Jets on Thanksgiving night, and Revis covered Owens mostly. Owens had three catches for 44 yards. Maybe Owens is the average player.I just don't know where Owens gets off. He is a proven cancer in the locker room, getting kicked off of nfl jerseys
three different teams, and is currently playing for his fifth NFL team. He has great stats but has always been prone to drops. Every team that T.O. goes to turns into absolute garbage. The Cincinnati Bengals were a playoff team a year ago and are now 2-9, tied for the second-worst record in the NFL.I've even heard some people call him a "Hall of Famer." That's hilarious. Stats don't get you in alone. Owens could arguably be the worst teammate in NFL history and is by far and away one of the most overrated players in the league.His NFL peers seem to agree with me. In a recent Sports Illustrated poll, Owens was voted as the most overrated player in the league. There's a reason that the Bengals were the only team that wanted him this year. I'm sure they regret the signing now.Would you want Terrell Owens on your team? Would you want Terrell Owens on your team? yes53.7%no46.3%Total votes: 242My advice for Owens is shut the hell up! You and Ocho have now become the official laughing stocks of Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
the entire NFL. Those two players are everything that is wrong with this league. Hopefully next season, every NFL team comes to their senses and refuses to sign Owens. He needs a humbling experience. The sad thing is I'm not sure that will help. Owens is a disgrace to everyone that has ever played football, yet he doesn't seem to care. I just don't know who Owens thinks he is

Cleveland Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini: Should He Stay or Should He Go?

2010-12-13T02:26:00.000-08:00

Eric ManginiMatt Sullivan/Getty ImagesHead coaches, or any coach for that matter, are usually judged by their record, how many wins they have achieved. A coaches level of performance is gauged by a winning record, which does not always reflect the impact or lack of, that the coach has had on his team. Fans, owners, and the media are so engulfed in winning percentages that they often overlook the improvements a team has made, although their record may not show it. This is the case of Eric Mangini, head coach of Chargers jersey
the Cleveland Browns.Eric Mangini came to the Cleveland Browns in 2009, replacing head coach Romeo Crennel. Coach Mangini inherited a team that achieved 4 wins and 12 losses in 2008 under the supervision, or lack of supervision of Coach Crennel. Mangini, trying to build on the talent the Cleveland Browns had at their disposal, and building his program, went a dismal 5 wins and 11 losses in 2009. The 2009 Browns ranked 29th in offense, being led by Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson, who at times, played like the Browns had no quarterback at all. The single highlight of the season was winning the final four games of the season, possibly meaning that Coach Mangini was finally getting control of his team.2010 brought many changes to the Cleveland Browns, changes that would prove beneficial to Mangini. Rookies Colt McCoy, T.J. Ward, and Joe Haden are having an impact, and contributing to the teams performance.Team President Mike Holmgren, and General Manager Tom Heckert are constantly involved in acquiring players that may improve the Browns chances of winning. The Cleveland Browns, at the time this article was written, have a record of 4 wins and 7 losses, which is not impressive, however it is an improvement over the 1 win 10 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
losses at this time last year. What does impress me is that this team seems to be playing as just that, a team. Looking at the seven losses, you will find that four of those losses were decided by four points or less, meaning the Browns were competitive till the end. It is simple to see that this team has made improvements over last year. A great deal of this improvement comes from drafting and acquiring players who can have an impact on the game.Coach Mangini, along with his coaching staff are attempting to build a winning program. President Mike Holmgren, and General Manager Tom Heckert are aiding this coaching staff by constantly trying to improve the roster, giving Mangini the players needed to have a successful program.Eric Mangini is in his second year as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. While the Browns record is by no means impressive, the play on the field has improved greatly over last year. Eric Mangini is finally gaining control of this team, and the players are responding. The addition of 43 Polamalu white jersey
key players, along with input from the front office gives Mangini necessary tools to implement a competitive program. This years Browns have become fun to watch and proven that they can compete with anyone, that cannot be said about last years Browns. Should Mangini be fired at the end of the season? I think not, the Browns are improving, let's not throw a wrench in the building process.

eyton Manning On Pace For 5,000 Yards, Completions Record As Colts Eye Playoffs

2010-12-12T02:01:00.000-08:00

Manning Warming Up Before Thursday's Titans Game.Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesWhen Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts walked off the field Sunday evening following their third straight loss, a chorus arose singing the possible end of the Colts' decade-long playoff run, and with it, the Manning era.NFL Network claimed "there is no easy solution for the Colts," with "all" of their problems. ESPN's Mark Schlereth said on Mike and Mike in the Morning that the Colts "will not make the playoffs."The Indianapolis Chargers jersey
Star was quick to point out that Manning "joins [Aaron] Brooks (2001), Brett Favre (1998) and Jim Kelly (1996) as the only QBs with at least three pickoffs in three consecutive games in the past 20 years."Bleacher Report asked if the Colts' quarterback was overrated.Hold your horses.It's true that Manning and the Colts find themselves in unfamiliar territory. At 6-6, they have the most losses since 2002. That year, though, and every year since, they made the playoffs. You have to go back one more year, 2001, when the Colts lost 10, to find Peyton on the postseason sidelines.It's true that Manning personally lost that Sunday game against the Dallas Cowboys with his four interceptions, for which he took credit post-game."Two interceptions for touchdowns put our defense [and our team] in the hole. I don't want to make any excuses...I've just got to play better. I've just got to make better decisions and better reads."Addai's...And The Rest Of The Injuries...Are Hurting The ColtsWin McNamee/Getty ImagesBut, before you phone the glue factory and New Orleans' retirement homes, take another look. Manning is in fact having one of the best years of his career, interceptions not withstanding.It may in fact be one for the record books. He deserves even more credit when you consider the lack of a running threat and a weak offensive line, and take into account the injuries the Colts have been dealing with all season: Addai, Clark, Collie, Hart—the Colts injury report is a long list, indeed.Yes, Manning is on pace for 20 interceptions. If they come in bunches or lose games like the Dallas one, it's a big deal. Dan Marino threw 21, 23, 23 and 22 interceptions during some of his best years. Dan Fouts was a First Team All-Pro in 1979 with 24 interceptions. But will Manning continue to throw them?And take a look at these other stats:Currently, Manning stands at 3,709 yards over the first 12 games of the season. Averaged over the course of a full season, that would total 4,945—already third most ever thrown, behind the only two quarterbacks to throw for 5,000 yards: Dan Marino and Drew Brees (see top 10 below). Manning can even break the record.It's almost certain he will break the single-season pass attempts record which is 691 off the arm of Drew Bledsoe (Patriots, 1994). Peyton has thrown the ball 534 times so far, which will give him a total of 712 for the full season—the first QB to pass over 700 times.Peyton Manning Is Within Reach Of Single-Season Yardage, Attempts, And Completions RecordsAndy Lyons/Getty ImagesLess certain, though quite possible, Manning can break the single-season record for pass completions, topping Drew Brees' 440 in 2007 for the New Orleans Saints. Peyton stands at 353 through 12 games, which would give him 470 by year's end...plenty of breathing room.With the Colts on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, there is even greater pressure on Manning to perform. In that same post-game press conference, Manning said, "I'm continuing to throw. I'll keep throwing." That sounds like a quarterback who will be able to achieve those yardage, completion and attempts 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
milestones.Secondly, it is difficult to believe Manning will continue to make the same mistakes. The odds are he won't repeat such a cluster of errors. History indicates that Peyton Manning does not fluster easily—rather, he rises to the occasion. As he takes the practice field over the course of this and the following weeks, his focus will be to protect the ball—which will certainly lower the turnover factor.If running back Javarris James and the Indianapolis defense can show a little something down the stretch, the situation is ripe for the Colts to make the playoffs.So, before you finish writing Manning's and the Colts' epitaphs, take a look at the team's upcoming schedule:Game 13: at Tennessee Titans (Thu, Dec. 9)Will The Colts Make The Playoffs?Will The Colts Make The Playoffs?Yes100.0%No0.0%Total votes: 1Game 14: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Sun, Dec. 19)Game 15: at Oakland Raiders (Sun, Dec. 26)Game 16: vs. Tennessee Titans (Sun, Jan. 2)The Colts can win all four of these games.Three of their final four games are against fellow AFC South teams: two against the 5-7 Titans, and one against the 7-5 division-leading Jaguars (who are just a game up).Tennessee is ranked 23rd this year in opponent passing yards per game, while AFC South leader Jacksonville is even worse, at 27th. And, don't forget how bad the Jaguars looked earlier this season.It looks like the Raiders at home might be the scariest matchup here, one that may sabotage Manning's path to 5,000 yards and throw a wrench in the Colts' playoff plans. You can bet it is a matchup they will be ready for.Follow your Colts all year long at Bleacher Report's Indianapolis Colts Site.Top 10 Seasons - Passing Yardage (Team, Year)1. Dan Marino - 5,084 (Miami Dolphins, 1984)2. Drew Brees - 5,069 (New Orleans Saints, 2008)3. Kurt Warner - 4,830 (St. Louis Rams, 2001)4. Tom Brady - 4,806 (New England Patriots, 2007)5. Dan Fouts - 4,802 (San Diego Chargers, 1981)6. Matt Schaub - 4,770 (Houston Texans, 2009)7. Dan Marino - 4,746 (Miami Dolphins, 1986)8. Daunte Culpepper - 4,717 (Minnesota Vikings, 2004)9. Dan Fouts - 4,715 (San Diego Chargers, 1980)10. Warren Moon - 4,690 (Houston Oilers, 1991)Top 10 Seasons - Pass Attempts (Team, Year)1. Drew Bledsoe - 691 (New England Patriots, 1994)2. Warren Moon - 655 (Houston Oilers, 1991)3. Drew Brees - 652 (New Orleans Saints, 2007)4. Drew Bledsoe - 636 (New England Patriots, 1995)5. Drew Brees - 635 (New Orleans Saints, 2008)6. Dan Marino - 623 (Miami Dolphins, 1986) Drew Bledsoe - 623 (New England Patriots, 1996)8. Rich Gannon - 618 (Oakland Raiders, 2002)9. Jay Cutler - 616 (Denver Broncos, 2008)10. Dan 43 Polamalu white jersey
Marino - 615 (Miami Dolphins, 1994)Top 10 Seasons - Pass Completions (Team, Year)1. Drew Brees - 440 (New Orleans Saints, 2007)2. Rich Gannon - 418 (Oakland Raiders, 2002)3. Drew Brees - 413 (New Orleans Saints, 2008)4. Warren Moon - 404 (Houston Oilers, 1991)5. Kurt Warner - 401 (Arizona Cardinals, 2008)6. Drew Bledsoe - 400 (New England Patriots, 1994)7. Tom Brady - 398 (New England Patriots, 2007)8. Matt Schaub - 396 (Houston Texans, 2009)9. Peyton Manning - 393 (Indianapolis Colts, 2009)10. Peyton Manning - 392 (Indianapolis Colts, 2002)

Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger Jerome Bettis Willie Parker

2010-12-11T02:48:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, the suddenly ice-cold Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4) will welcome their division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals (8-3), into Heinz Field. In October, when these two teams squared off, Pittsburgh controlled the game in a 27-13 rout. Lately, the Steelers and Bengals have been going in opposite directions. Last week, the Steelers were upended by the by a score of 26-7. The loss was Pittsburgh's second in a row. As for the Bengals, they got by the pesky Baltimore Ravens in a 42-29 shootout to gain first-place in the AFC North. Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
The quarterback position for the Steelers is a major concern. Ben Roethlisberger has been experiencing some severe pain in his thumb but will try to gut it out this week. Pittsburgh's struggling offensive line, led by guard Alan Faneca, will need to do everything in their power to keep their wounded signal-caller protected. Obviously, that injury could cause some major problems for the Steelers' offensive attack. The Bengals' starting corners, Tory James and Deltha O'Neal, will face the difficult task of stopping Steelers' receiver Hines Ward. This season, Ward leads his team with 47 receptions, 657 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Pittsburgh's other starting receiver, Antwaan Randle El, will also need to contribute in order for his team to win this weekend. If and when the Steelers get into the Bengals' red zone this Sunday, look for tight end Heath Miller to make an impact. The rookie from Virginia has caught 6 touchdown passes on the season. Miller's 30 receptions rank him second on the team. The Bengals' starting linebackers, Brian Simmons, David Pollack, and Odell Thurman, need to have an impact in stopping Miller as well as getting a pass-rush on Roethlisberger.Lately, the Pittsburgh Steelers rushing attack has been virtually non-existent. Willie Parker will make the start at running back, even though he hasn't had a 100-yard rushing performance since the October matchup of these two teams. In that game, Parker rushed for 131 yards. He might be able to duplicate that this week since Cincinnati comes in with the NFL's 25th ranked run defense. If Parker fails, the Steelers' other two backs, Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley, will need to carry the load. Neither have had noteworthy seasons and have been battling injuries, a lack of carries, and old-age. Even if the running game struggles continue for the Steelers, offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt must stick with it because of his quarterback's injury.So far this season, the Bengals' passing attack has been a well-oiled machine. Third-year quarterback Carson Palmer leads the league with a superb 107.1 passer rating. Palmer also leads the league with 23 touchdown passes, and is second with 2,922 yards. His great stats can certainly be attributed to his tremendous receiving duo. Chad Johnson, one of the game's most dynamic receivers, comes in looking to torch the Steelers. In 2005, Johnson has pulled in 66 passes for 1,085 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Cincinnati's other starting wideout, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, is second on the team with 51 catches for 655 yards. Pittsburgh's secondary, led by corners Ike Taylor and Deshea Townsend, as well as safeties Troy Polamalu and Chris Hope, need to come up with a monumental effort in order to stop the 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
Bengals' receiving duo. If they do stop them, Bengals' slot receiver Chris Henry (25 catches) needs to make an impact. A wild card for the Bengals' receivers this week could be running back Chris Perry. On the season, Perry has pulled in 46 passes, good enough for third on the team. The Steelers' linebackers, Larry Foote, Joey Porter (6 sacks), Clark Haggans (6 sacks), and James Farrior, need to pressure Palmer to contain the Bengals' passing game. If these blitzers are contained by Cincy's offensive line, it'll be a long day for the Steelers' pass defense.The Cincinnati Bengals also bring one of the league's best running backs to the table. Rudi Johnson currently is 6th in the NFL with 968 rushing yards. However, he could struggle against Pittsburgh's 4th ranked run defense. The Steelers' defensive line (Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, and Kimo von Oelhoffen) has done a tremendous job of stuffing the run all year. Their linebackers have also had a major hand in their successful run defense. If the Bengals want to run this week, they need to establish the pass first. Once the Steelers start to focus on the pass, Johnson and the
Bengals' rushing attack could really hurt the Steelers.The special teams units for both of these teams are fairly comparable. The Steelers' leading kick-return man is Quincy Morgan; he's averaged 28.7 yards per return. The Bengals' leading return-man is rookie Tab Perry. On the year, Perry has averaged 24.1 yards per return. The kickers, Jeff Reed and Shayne Graham, have very similar stats. For the Steelers, Reed has converted 18 of his 23 field goal attempts. For the Bengals, Graham has knocked down 19 of his 23 attempts. The punters' statistics are eerily similar as well. Steelers' punter Chris Gardocki is currently averaging 42.1 yards per punt. Bengals' punter Kyle Larson is averaging 41.7 yards per punt.One of the major battles in this game will be between the tremendous coaching staffs. Head coach Bill Cowher of the Steelers has been befallen by criticism lately. The usage of certain players and his game management skills have been under the fans' magnifying glass in the team's two-game losing streak. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, having been criticized a great deal of late, needs to find a way to outsmart Bengals' defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan this week. As for Bengals' head coach Marvin Lewis, things couldn't be better. If you don't approve of the job he's done with the former worst franchise in football, then you got some serious issues. Bengals' offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski will face the extremely difficult task of trying to outsmart Steelers' defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau. In the end, that could be the matchup that determines the outcome of this game.With a victory this week, the Pittsburgh Steelers would regain first-place in the AFC North and will have swept the Cincinnati Bengals yet again. Since 1995, the Steelers have gone an impressive 14-7 against the Bengals. If the Bengals win, they'll be 9-3 and have a two-game lead in the AFC North. With just four games remaining after this week, a two-game lead could be insurmountable.Final prediction... Bengals win 24-16. 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
The Roethlisberger injury will cost the Steelers offensive in this game and their defense will face too much difficulty in stopping the Bengals' 2nd ranked offense. Injury report...Cincinnati Bengals injuries: CB Patrick Brody is questionable with an ankle injury. DT Bryan Robinson is out with a foot injury.Pittsburgh Steelers injuries: LB Andre Frazier (Hamstring) and QB Charlie Batch (Hand) are both doubtful. OT Marvel Smith (Ankle) is out.Comments? E-mail the author:

San Francisco 49ers Derek Smith

2010-12-09T23:28:00.000-08:00

Did you realize that Derek Smith has been the San Francisco 49ers' leading tackler for the past four seasons? That's a fact, but unfortunately it is also a fact that he is also going to be an unrestricted free agent in about three weeks.The 31-year-old linebacker finished the 2005 season with 116 tackles and one interception. He has repeatedly earned the praise of head coach Mike Nolan for his veteran leadership on the field and in the locker room. He has been one of the few consistent producers on a defense that has been flat out atrocious forJets 6 Sanchez Jersey
several years.The problem is that although Smith and the 49ers have discussed a contract extension, the 9-year veteran might be looking to catch on with a team that can win sooner than later. His pursuit of a championship ring might push him out of San Francisco and force the 49ers to look elsewhere for veteran leadership and consistency out of the linebacker position.What makes matters worse is the fact that the San Francisco 49ers' other two starting linebackers, Julian Peterson and Andre Carter, are also scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. The team is unlikely to keep all three veteran linebackers, and Smith could end up being the odd man out in this scenario. If that happens it will be a shame because Derek Smith has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dark defensive landscape.

San Francisco 49ers David Ball Jerry Rice

2010-12-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Nearly every day, I receive an e-mail or two asking me to profile sleeper prospects for the San Francisco 49ers in the upcoming draft. Seeing as how I've all but exhausted my options when it comes to writing about potential first-round selections, I'm going to be focusing on these players for the next 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
several weeks. Besides, when it comes to the draft, few things are more interesting than talking about players casual fans have never heard of. Forget mock drafts and guessing who is going to go where -- what I enjoy the most is informing people of these unknown players and working my way around what might become of them in the NFL.That said, our first sleeper prospect in this line of columns will be David Ball, the wide receiver from New Hampshire who...well, I'll just let this e-mail from Eva Hernandez introduce him."Will you profile David Ball? I've read some interesting comments about him, and I'm wondering if you could put together some info. Of course everyone compares everyone to Jerry Rice. (Would he) be a steal in the third or fourth round?"No, I would not call him a steal in the third round. In fact, I'd call his selection in the third round a draft-day reach of epic proportions. Ball is expected to go on the second day, anywhere from the late fourth to late sixth round, depending on the person you ask. Then again, Matt Millen does love him some receivers, so who knows? Anyway, it's true that a few misguided individuals have compared Ball to Jerry Rice, but as you pointed out, Eva, just about every standout receiver from Division I-AA is said to be the next Rice. The fact that Ball's 58 career touchdown catches broke Rice's record lends credence to this comparison, but is he going to be anything special in the pros? Is he going to be a player of Rice's or even Terrell Owens' caliber? It's doubtful. When you take a look at most standout receivers from the small college ranks, each of them possess something tangible. Rice had amazing hands and unbelievable football speed (he clocked a slow 40 time in college, but everyone knows how fast he really was). Owens and the New Orleans Saints' Marques Colston have size and are able to use their bodies to their advantage to come down with the catch. Ball? He's not very big (6-foot-1, 196 pounds), he's not fast (4.70 40 time), and he's not the most athletic player on the field, either. He does, however, have excellent hands and is an adept route runner. So no, he does not remind me of Jerry Rice. What he does remind me of, however, are two different players: one is a positive comparison, the other...not so much. The first player is Wayne Chrebet -- you may remember him as the Yin to Keyshawn Johnson's Yang when he played for the Jets. Chrebet was an undrafted rookie out of Hofstra University who found a place on the Jets' roster for more than a decade. Though he was undersized and lacked elite speed and athletic ability, Chrebet's excellent hands and an innate understanding of the position resulted in the wideout being productive for many years. If he ends up in the right system, Ball could be the same type of player. Then again, Ball could end up like the other player he reminds me of: Mike Hass. You may not remember him, but Hass (6-1, 208) was a fantastic college receiver at Oregon State University. During his time with the Beavers, he set school records in receptions (220), yards (3,924) and touchdowns (20), even winning the Biletnikoff Award his senior season. However, thanks to his lack of speed and athletic ability, Hass was selected in the sixth round by New Orleans in the 2006 draft, and he was cut in September. The last I checked, he was standing on the Bears' sidelines during the Super Bowl. Right now, he's headed for NFL Europe.Here's the thing, according to their times in the 40-yard dash, Hass (4.61) is actually faster than Ball (4.7). Ball's college numbers were better, but he played against teams like Maine, James Madison and Iona, while Hass played10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
in the Pac 10 against USC and Oregon. Don't get me wrong, it's possible that he could end up being this generation's Chrebet or Ricky Proehl, but his measurables indicate otherwise. I believe Ball will have to play in the perfect system to be effective, and the Niners would not be the right fit for him. What they need is a playmaker on the outside, not a slower version of Arnaz Battle or a smaller Eric Johnson.Have a player you want to see profiled? Thoughts on a column? E-mail Thomas at tsorrell .

Jacksonville Jaguars "Jaguars are the crazy exes of the NFL"

2010-12-02T19:19:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had a crazy girlfriend or boyfriend who wants to cuddle up next to you and then later that night keyed your car and wrote "We're over," in show polish on it? That is pretty much what the Jacksonville Jaguars are to their fans. In Week 5, they broke hearts in a loss to the 36 Bettis Black Jersey
Steelers. Last Sunday? The Jags kicked Denver around in a 24-17 victory. Commentary: What was the most confusing part is that the Jaguars, almost always solid at home, were able to knock off Denver on the road. That almost never happens in Denver, where the Broncos hadn't lost since last Oct. 29. The win brought Jacksonville to 3-3 and will hopefully set the tone for the next few games. Then again, though, you can never reason with a crazy ex or football team.Two patients in the Jags asylum, quarterback David Garrard and running back Maurice Jones-Drew, had outstanding games. Garrard threw for 276 yards and Jones-Drew broke out for 125 yards and two touchdowns. This was the team we expected to see coming out this year. Fan Pulse: Jacksonville fans are more than ready for center Brad Meester to return to the starting lineup: http://mb.jaguars.com/Topic647355-6-1.aspx.Fantasy Football Commentary: If you have Jones-Drew you must be ripping your hair out. Prior to the Denver game, there wasn't much reason to 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
believe he was going to put up numbers that had him in the top 10 running backs. Now he is a must-start at RB2 or a flex position. Injury Watch: DB Reggie Nelson missed the Bronco game with a knee injury. There is no word at the moment if he will sit out Jacksonville's next game, an Oct. 26 meeting with Cleveland.

Fan Pulse: Richard Collier "paralyzed, left leg amputated"

2010-12-02T19:02:00.000-08:00

Doctors attending to Jaguars tackle Richard Collier said Monday one of the 14 bullets that entered him when he was shot in his car earlier this month severed his spinal cord, and he will never walk again. Damage from other bullets also caused blot-clotting in his left leg, which forced the doctors to amputate. 36 Bettis White Jersey
Collier and former Jaguar Kenneth Pettway were assaulted early in the morning of Sept. 2 while waiting for two women outside their Jacksonville apartment. The incident shed a cloud over the start of a highly anticipated season in Jacksonville. After winning two straight games, the pall returns after hearing Collier, a.k.a. Big Rich, lost his leg and will need physical therapy to get from his bed to his wheelchair. Fans on the Jaguars.com Message Board are already planning on their Week 5 Sunday Night game at home vs. Pittsburgh to be a "Big Rich Game." One poster calls for a physical tribute from the players. ""I hope players get #76 stickers for the back of their helmets next to GU/63...I would definitely want to have a 'Richard Collier Day' when everyone knows he is at home watching the game from his new wheelchair. When he is at the hospital there is no guarantee he will be able to watch Sunday's game, so I would wait until he is discharged to make sure he sees all those signs fans hold up in the bleachers."Reports indicate Collier does not remember the night of the shooting, and the Florida Union-Tribune says there have been no arrests. It was a rough initial recovery period for Collier, who battled pneumonia and several dangerous infections before the hospital released any information on his condition. One poster mentioned the intention of keeping it quiet. ""The father of a friend of mine is pretty high up at Shands and he said that the whole situation has been very hush hush and nobody really knows anything outside of a few people."While some fans are being proactively positive with their suggestions of creating buttons and signs honoring Collier, the anger caused by the seemingly senseless act of violence is spreading through the 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
Jaguars community. "There are some spineless, cowardly, conscienceless pieces of trash out there right now, and I really hope they get theirs. [That's] bad, I know. But I can't help it right now. I am angry. Very angry. No one deserves what happened to Rich. These punks are so big and bad hiding behind a gun - probably the same type of scum that can't fight one against one, gotta have their buddies jump in ... bunch of bleeping cowards, if you ask me."

"Rulebook, Playbook Stun" vs. San Diego Chargers

2010-12-01T23:51:00.001-08:00

Randy Cross spent 13 years with the San Francisco 49ers, only to find himself in defense of the Bay Area-rival for close to 13 minutes on Sunday.Cross -- a veteran analyst for the "NFL on CBS" -- was the first to question a fourth-quarter spin of the football that had NFL officials' heads spinning for 10 minutes in 43 Polamalu black jersey
the ' 21-14 loss at San Diego.With just under 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, trailing 14-7, the Chargers were facing a game-changing fourth-and-2 situation. Quarterback Philip Rivers gunned the ball across the middle of the field to 23-year-old WR Vincent Jackson for a gain of 13 yards. Jackson tumbled across the Oakland 27-yard line, rose to his feet and spun the ball in celebration.All before he was touched.Following NFL rules, however, Referee Mike Carey -- who had originally signaled Oakland ball -- ruled the celebration flip as a forward pass. As a result, the ball would stay in San Diego's possession, for a small cost of just 5 yards.Cross, a three-time Super Bowl-winning lineman, was the rational voice behind the stringent, but correct, ruling on the field."Art Shell's got an apology note in his future coming from the league office," he said. "If he's facing the other way, suddenly it's a throw backwards and it's a fumble.""I can give you a couple other examples where they'd call that a fumble in the same situation."Had the 6-foot-5 wideout's arm been swiveled slightly in the opposite direction, Oakland's offense would have hit the field at its own 27-yard line, with a seven-point advantage over the AFC West divisional leaders.Following an 11-game pattern, however, that ensuing Oakland possession would have likely led to a Shane Lechler punt.Yet again, the team -- led by head coach Art Shell and offensive coordinator Tom Walsh -- failed to adjust offensively during halftime. After posting 166 yards and no turnovers in the first half, the offense generated just 63 yards in the final 30 minutes of the game, which included two interceptions.The first of Aaron Brooks' two interceptions came late in the third quarter, following an interception by CB Nnamdi Asomugha that set the team up at the San Diego 34-yard line. After Randy Moss was flagged with a 5-yard illegal motion penalty, Walsh called for three consecutive pass plays. The last attempted pass came on a third-and-15 situation at the Chargers' 25-yard line -- well in Sebastian Janikowski's kicking range. The play resulted in a tipped interception, setting the Chargers up with the ball at midfield, down only seven points, as opposed to a possible 4 Brett Favre White jersey
10.Nine plays later, LaDainian Tomlinson connected with tight end Antonio Gates on a halfback pass for a 19-yard touchdown.On the day, Tomlinson finished 1 for 1, Philip Rivers walked off the field 14-for-31, and Vincent Jackson...Well, Vincent Jackson wasn't on the stat sheet for his "pass attempt."Want to be in the Raiders mailbag? . . (27)

Defense Midseason Grades

2010-12-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

How does an offense that scores 11 1/2 points per game win two games?It doesn't. The defense does.The ' defensive unit, in the team's lone two wins this season, generated over 38 percent of the total points scored, recording an equal amount of touchdowns as the offense.At the midway point of 6 Sanchez Purple AFL50th jersey
the season, Rob Ryan's defense ranks ninth in yardage allowed, a disciplined eighth in penalties committed, sixth in interceptions and boasts one the NFL's most dominant pass rushers.As the primary reason why the Raiders have two wins this season, let's evaluate how the unit has fared thus far.Defensive line: Oakland's D-line has been inconsistent, at best. In the team's six losses, the defensive front has allowed a total of 952 rushing yards, just under 160 yards per game. In their two wins, though, they held running backs Edgerrin James and Willie Parker to 34 and 83 yards, respectively.Individually, the veterans have stepped up, particularly as of late. Twenty-eight-year-old end Derrick Burgess and 33-year-old tackle Warren Sapp have combined for 12 of the defense's 17 sacks. Reserve tackle Terdell Sands has also shown flashes of greatness when given the opportunity to play; the 6-foot-7, 335-pound mammoth has recorded 24 tackles and an interception through eight games, despite starting in none of them.Beyond that, however, undersized DT Tommy Kelly has continued to struggle in plugging the inside on rushes. And, along the end, Tyler Brayton has stolen another seven undeserving starts this the season, recording just 22 tackles and a $25,000 fine. This offseason, Oakland should look to replace Brayton and find a run-stuffing nose tackle in the draft's later rounds.Grade: C-Linebackers: The Danny Clark dilemma has been resolved.Twenty-four-year-old Kirk Morrison has quickly become one of the most promising young linebackers in the NFL. Through eight games, the San Diego State grad has recorded a team-leading 67 tackles, on pace to shatter his rookie mark of 116. Alongside, 23-year-old rookie Thomas Howard has also surpassed expectations; the second-round draft choice is on pace for 108 tackles this season. Finally, Sam Williams and Robert Thomas, who have rotated in and out of the final linebacking slot, have also played particularly well. 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
The pair has combined for 42 tackles, two fumble recoveries and a sack.The young crew of linebackers is playing their first season together; however, they are much of the reason the Raiders' total defense ranks ninth in the NFL, despite being on the field a 30th-ranked 32:50 a game.Grade: B+Cornerbacks: The Raiders' pass defense ranks second in the NFL, just one yard behind the hyped Chicago Bears unit. Beyond Chicago and Oakland, no team ranks within 10 yards.After recording a dismal, record-setting five-interception season in 2005, the Raiders' defense has already recorded a fifth-best 10 interceptions this year. The team's cornerbacks account for seven of those 10; Nnamdi Asomugha has snagged three, while Fabian Washington, Chris Carr, Tyrone Poole and Stanford Routt have each recorded one.Despite a lack of a consistent pass rush, Oakland's young crew of cornerbacks has performed consistently well week in and week out. Had it not been for Javon Walker's 55-yard grab in Week 6 and Deion Branch's 22-yard touchdown reception in Week 9, Oakland's cornerbacks would be a clear-cut "A."Grade: A-Safeties: Like the team's cornerbacks, Oakland's pair of safeties is notably young.At free safety, 25-year-old Stuart Schweigert has been far from flashy this season, but has been one of the defense's most consistent performers. The third-year safety has already recorded 58 tackles, good for second on the team, along with three pass deflections. Most importantly, though, Schweigert has cut down his amount of missed tackles this season considerably, which is something that plagued him in his first two NFL seasons.Alongside, 23-year-old first-rounder Michael Huff has had his share of ups and downs. Huff currently ranks fourth on the team in tackles with 36, but just recently posted one of his worst outings of his young NFL career in the team's 16-0 loss at Seattle. Just two weeks prior, though, Huff registered a promising four tackles and a safety in a 22-9 win 43 Polamalu white jersey
over Arizona. Thus far, No. 24 has had his share of bumps in the road; however, it's safe to say the young defensive back's career shows a very promising future. Plus, it's already better than Derrick Gibson's.Grade: BWant to be in the Raiders mailbag? Visit RaidersLive.com to submit your questions and comments for the Nov. 17 mailbag. Check back to RealFootball365.com daily for more news. (24)

The re-signed wide receiver Jerry Porter and designated cornerback Charles Woodson as their franchise player February 23 2005

2010-12-01T01:57:00.001-08:00

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - The took steps Tuesday to ensure they will enter the 2005 season with playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Raiders on Tuesday re-signed wide receiver Jerry Porter and designated cornerback Charles Woodson as their franchise player. The 26-year-old Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
Porter, a second-round pick in the 2000 NFL draft, led the Raiders in all three major receiving categories last season with 64 catches for 998 yards and nine touchdowns. He set career high in yards and catches and tied his career best in TDs. "We're excited to have Jerry back in silver and black for the long term," Raiders coach Norv Turner said. "Although he posted career numbers last year, we feel that Jerry's best football is still ahead of him." In five seasons, Porter has 163 receptions for 2,273 yards and 19 TDs. "I'm happy to return to the Raiders and I'm ready to get started on a new football season," Porter said. "This year, a year stronger, another year with Kerry (quarterback Kerry Collins), another year in Norv's offense, it's only going to get better." With Porter back as the Vikings Brett Favre jersey
offense's main threat, the Raiders turned their attention to the defense and tagged Woodson as their franchise player for the second consecutive season. The fourth overall pick in the 1998 draft, Woodson is a four-time Pro Bowler with 16 interceptions in seven seasons. "We're pleased to retain the services of Charles Woodson," Turner said. It will cost Oakland $10.529 million for the one-year qualifying offer that comes along with the franchise designation.

cornerback Charles Woodson signed a $10.5 million tender February 27 2005

2010-12-01T01:47:00.000-08:00

ALAMEDA, California - Four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Woodson signed a $10.5 million tender Friday as the ' franchise player, perhaps trying to force a trade. By signing, Woodson puts the Raiders far over the salary cap. "The actions of agent Carl Poston and Charles Woodson tell us that they must have reached a long-term deal with a team and we expect a trade very soon," the Raiders said in a statement. Poston could not be reached for comment Friday, but may have determined that the Raiders planned to shop Woodson anyway and looked for a possible suitor himself. Woodson, also the Raiders' franchise player last season, received the franchise tag Tuesday. He received a one-year contract offer worth $10.5 million, a 20 percent raise over last year's salary of Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
nearly $8.8 million. Some believed at the end of the Raiders' 5-11 season that Woodson would not return. He is a non-exclusive franchise player, which allows him to negotiate with other teams - and if he leaves, Oakland will get two first-round draft picks as compensation. Woodson has said he wants to be the highest paid at his position, a distinction currently held by Denver's Champ Bailey. Among the Raiders' most talented and popular players, Woodson has battled injuries and clashed with management and coaches in recent years. In addition, he was arrested in downtown Oakland in December for investigation of public intoxication. Woodson and teammate Marques Anderson were arrested early December 21 after refusing to leave the back seat of a woman's car, and both were jailed briefly. Police said Woodson and Anderson were uncooperative, had problems maintaining their balance, had bloodshot watery eyes and a strong odor of alcohol. They were acting in a belligerent manner, police said. Woodson, who signed a one-year tender for $8.782 million last August 31 after missing 33 days of training camp, was sidelined for the final three games last season with an injured knee. Nonetheless, he finished with 74 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. Woodson also was suspended and sent home by former coach Bill Callahan for the final game of the 2003 season at San Diego for missing curfew. The CB was among Callahan's harshest critics, saying the coach was 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
stubborn and lost control of the team. Callahan was fired after the '03 season. In May 2000, Woodson was cited in warrants charging him with drunken driving and driving with a suspended license in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he won the 1997 Heisman Trophy for Michigan. Police said he registered a blood-alcohol level of 0.24 percent, more than twice Michigan's legal limit.

John Madden Tim Brown

2010-11-30T02:27:00.000-08:00

To the younger fans of the NFL, John Madden is best known for his career as color commentator for CBS, FOX, and ABC and the centerpiece of a popular video game, but to those who watched the league during the period after the NFL/AFL merger, he is also remembered as a very accomplished coach that led the to a Super Bowl title in 1976. Madden has been eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for 27 years, and has been unfairly passed over each time. Another former Raider who will probably not have to wait as long to punch his ticket to Canton, Tim Brown, was ten years old when Madden led Oakland to a 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XI. So it was somewhat strange to see him take a swipe at Madden for some reason earlier in the week, saying that he heard from some of the old Raiders that if not for Madden, the team may have won the championship a few more times.Obviously, since none of the "old Raiders" have come forward with these kinds of comments, this backhanded slap was probably best left unsaid. I have no doubt that Brown is telling the truth, as he's never had a reputation of making up things. However, Brown never played under Madden so how would he know what kind of coach he was? Madden must not have been too much of a "hindrance", despite Brown's remarks, considering he never had a losing season and posted a 103-32-7 record to go along with a Super Bowl championship in ten seasons at the helm. The didn't have anywhere near that kind of consistent success, nor did they have that kind of stability at head coaching position, during Brown's time with the team. So maybe this is all just a case of sour grapes on the part of Tim Brown.

The rumor of all rumors

2010-11-25T23:14:00.000-08:00

John Czarnecki apparently has had enough of this "peaceful stuff" going on in Oakland.About a month after ESPN caused commotion by reporting that 32-year-old head coach Lane Kiffin had been asked to resign from the , the FOX Sports writer and Hall of Fame selector decided it was time to re-stir the pot."There is still a chance that Raiders owner Al Davis will fire head coach Lane Kiffin and replace him with James Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
Lofton, who was fired as the receivers coach of the Chargers," Czarnecki said in a Thursday article entitled, "Talk isn't just about college stars at combine."Lofton was hired as Oakland's receivers coach on Feb. 6 after interviewing with Kiffin and the team's offensive coordinator, Greg Knapp, a week before. Some reports, however, claimed that Davis personally hired Lofton without notifying Kiffin in another attempt to undermine the young coach's authority.Yet, if all Raider-related reports were spot-on this offseason, Kiffin would be the new coach of some NCAA team and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan would be wearing New York Jets apparel right now.True or not, however, Czarnecki's report is nothing new. It's been said over a hundred times that Kiffin will be, may be or still might be fired by the Raiders at some time. So, yes, there is "still a chance."It was the second portion of his statement that is utterly novel."It's also no secret," the 30-year NFL analyst noted, "that current Oakland assistans Greg Knapp and Tom Rathman will be on Jim Mora's 2009 Seattle coaching staff."Yes, he spelled "assistants" incorrectly, but that's beside the point.The fact that this rumor is "no secret" is rather surprising, considering he's the first and only person to report it. You certainly have to dig deep to find a rumor that is truly fresh when it comes to the Raiders.The statement presupposes that two years from now, Knapp and Rathman (the team's running backs coach) will leave the Raiders to join ex-Atlanta Falcons head coach Jim Mora with the Seahawks when he takes over for Mike Holmgren in 2009. That means approximately 557 days from now, both of the current Raiders assistants will be dressed in Seahawks gear for Week 1 of 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
the '09 regular season.Yes, Czarnecki is predicting that will be happening about 48 million seconds from now.So now begins the countdown to the rumor of all rumors.I'll follow up in about 45 weeks to let you know if this one actually happens

Before he literally lost the ball out of play

2010-11-24T19:18:00.000-08:00

The worst call of the day led to the worst game of the season for the Buffalo Bills. Although a victory Sunday at the New York Jets would have little means to have hope on the playoffs, it's always the kind of defeat the fans stomping soul that made the blue inside, and he swore blue on the outside. It seems for a computer to lose a way under the circumstances, impossible to find surprising and could not be possible because of the way this season is over and the presence of special fourth in the table which responsible for what was good and instead has an epic failure. JP Losman has obviously forgotten that the defense of the NFL are allowed to run to him and the ball, he could at least renewed in-law after his demotion to backup preseason gave him more free time, but not. How many other ways to prove Losman that he does not want to go to find a way to blow? Frustrating spell seemed to overcome the uncertainty and nervous so on the game as it directs the bills to a victory, although in the end both in the first half and in the third quarter. Before he literally lost the ball out of 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey black jersey
play, one might Tulane from the previous section, ie in which his team will have a touchdown, they make three to five years and a half minutes and was recorded. But it's never sure when a plant of a humanitarian disaster that Losman is assigned a task more complex than the distribution outside of football. To be fair, the ball in the belly candidate, it is obvious what should happen, even if shares Losman produces a result that was so incredibly miserable as possible. Who would have thought to another number of 23 when he was wise to call? Marshawn Lynch has spent the day posting huge profits, regardless of the situation, and that should have given the ball, although everyone expected. It was the second-and-5 and two daily newspapers have at worst a situation in which the Jets back the ball after a punt with a break to be alone, than to, it was Lynch was no way to be able get five yards on two carries, but the Jets defense stacked deep with him on three stops. Eleven in the box not been limited to 2.5 meters in a trial today.
Instead cutesiness at worst possible time has Losman roll instead Lynch ahead in turn leads to ruin in use maddening. A missed block, of course, Jason Peters, not the style of Mike Williams looters delay / Separator Abram Elam was not very helpful with. The call itself does with this incredibly horrible performance combines the worst game of the franchise terrible pirates try 2004s disadvantages Drew Bledsoe New England Patriots. The faces change, but bad ideas and the worst actions remain the same.
This is equivalent to asking whos going to ruin the whole week for the Bills. This is not a question or a fun game to play but it is reality for a team that went directly into the black hole. The defense has allowed three runs in the first half, and when the camera finally decided to claim against their companions to take the offensive touchdown, when all I had to do was bleed the clock.
Meanwhile, there is no doubt that Gibran Hamdan and should start next week or recovered Trent Edwards, QB only be able to write legislation in 2009 is expected to play in the final two games of 2008. Besides the fact that he deserves to see if the candidate HESA the quarterback of the second next year Hamdan is now a better option than Losman. Hamdan is the only NFL franchise passing yards and seven runs on five, but offers a relatively large head that things could not lose it in a way worse than Losman.
Losman last contribution to the bills is a better selection of 36 Bettis White Jersey
projects is the part that its unbearable in his game on Sunday joked for five seasons, with the occasional competition reflected, but ultimately made some bad decisions, with a very, very, very , very, very bad.
You can try to leave this game on your resume, but how to display a photo on Facebook itself a little girl in the sisterhood, while it is a bottle of Jose Cuervo and only wore it on sheet too late, because the image is already there . Losman shall supplement the usual onjavascript:void(0)ly help you get a new gig, fortunately, it is not your current problem franchises for much longer. Can you actually worse for the team and has their career aspirations in 120 minutes of playing time a bill? Unfortunately this is not a rhetorical question.

A possible loss of the year 2009 would be slightly less devastating

2010-11-23T01:50:00.000-08:00

Teresa huge difference between the patient and waiting for nothing. When it comes to invoices and contract negotiations between a player without equal in the receiver Lee Evans and a valuable partner in linebacker Angelo Crowell, Fans have to wonder if a story well to offer new, or wait for a final zero. A recent update of course, Evans is small positive, but kept outside must have a cool head until one or two guys in the city, these meetings last season.
A possible loss of the year 2009 would be slightly less devastating. Of the two, Crowell could be replaced if necessary, although his choice: John DiGiorgio could do the most obvious in the rear entrance with constant changes are shared. In April, the administrative costs of 43 Polamalu white jersey
a replacement linebacker who could earn his way onto the field in September, when the position is filled more quickly to college life enough to adapt NFL.
However, the impact would the loss of a defense that was used to depend on their contributions. Crowell's an explosive player who has the power not only in the weight room, either. Crowell is immune to the syndrome and instead Mandarich actually available for use in the field. Same time, the bills could a new strong side linebacker, even if it means a slight decrease collective body.
But if the team loses Evans, who can then begin the execution of the option. Theres no receivers in the league, helping more with less than the product of Wisconsin, hes as swimming alone in a shark tank for two seasons. You need a veteran in any way to acquire in its place, because it is difficult, the air is conceivable, even remotely, with a second year man James Hardy, Roscoe Parrish and Josh Reed, that the expected life of three recipients of a season concerned to buy.
On the one hand, the desire for Hardy this season as a rookie wide receiver inherently stressful, especially since it is understandable that attempts to learn the coverages in practice, is to think, you can assume that the top man his game began 17 is shockingly optimistic. Be part of the reason why the larger pre-season competition between management and employees can Buffalo, and not only the left side of Jason Peters representatives be hated, either.
How these two main weapons the biggest test COO Russ Brandon signed wide. Hes a good job signing free agents, while the combination of the two holes needed in the project and receive each of these peaks to the store with only one choice Leodis McKelvin a little work. But now we must ensure that there is a team that the stars instead of the habit of constantly keep cycling in new outstanding player.
Evans report causes, provided the stimulus that the process goes well, but his audience and how the offense will be better this year in which the results of seeing and not hearing the words that matters. On the other side of the head that this isnta telethon, do not know how real movement was made on the target.
And it is good that the victims are usually kept quiet. Pleasant, to negotiate with any player found mainly in the public, as the general rule that a page is usually done through the media until it locks into the other. While its frustrating to have little information about how the situation is better than the alternative, namely the story in the news, because each faction disputes announce how their opponents are a group of liars medium and uneven.
But the only detail that matters, namely the signing of 43 Polamalu black jersey
agreements, the fans are waiting impatiently for news. If theres no doubt many reasons to hope that Brandon is scrambling to both Evans and Crowell, concerns remain, to block any contract is concluded.
Easy to say, but the negotiations to a conclusion before a distraction from the regular season and will definitely use his teammates spent their immediate future in Buffalo is crucial. Hopefully the support of a taxpayer is impressive and certainly re-sign a player valuable skills necessary to ensure that this campaign is one of the leading bills, no matter what his last album.

If the Falcons recent Crumpler

2010-11-21T04:54:00.000-08:00

The former tight end for the Atlanta Falcons, Alge Crumpler caught going 42 in the last year and was considered a year with a significant decline in the 6-foot-2 pound, 242.
The last time Bills Tight End, at least 42 balls a long time ago, caught in 2001, when the much-maligned Jay Riemersma accumulated 53 catches. In the past six full seasons since the bills have fought hard to make a reliable tight end to find offensive pass-catcher.
If the Falcons recent Crumpler - a veteran of Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
seven years and has Pro Bowl four times it occurred for 316 career catches, horrible through several layers - the clouds can bills have increased. But Buffalo, probably one of the teams are interested in Crumpler, have much competition in terms of the signing of 30 years. Crumpler would undoubtedly bring a lot of legitimacy to the air in Buffalo, who is 30 of 32 teams ranked in the NFL last year to beat. The University of North Carolina selected students in 2.001 seconds during the year would also be a safety net for the general soon be to-be quarterback Trent Edwards in the second year, who associate everything possible to close for at least stellar wing Michael Gaines and Robert Royal In fact, as a rookie last season. Of course, the addition of Crumpler also allow bills to the tight end position in the draft and to ignore their needs to others, especially the linemen, linebackers, the cornerbacks and get red zone threat.
Clearly, however, Crumpler - who has 35 touchdowns in his career - will go a long way toward healing suffering Buffalo offense in the red zone. Bills regularly field goals instead of touchdowns last season, settled in the absence of a major objective, physical end zone in the vicinity of Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
the enemy. With a large recipient, it was acquired through the draft or free will, Crumpler would really help this aspect of the Bills offense and enable the development of Edwards in the process.
At the end of the day when the bills progress badly enough, then take a good look at Crumpler, which was released on grounds of age and content of Atlanta, that it should be obvious.

I told him that I care and I want him to success

2010-11-19T03:51:00.000-08:00

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Graf are among them proud of Michael Vick (notes) and how her life has become.
Vick is the biggest story of the league now after running six touchdowns in a Monday night defeat the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Goodell apparently played a role in Vick's return to the league after a period of 18 months federal prison for his involvement in dog fighting.
Now, Vick is on the big stage this week as the Eagles prepare to welcome to the dawn of the New York Giants in the game nationally televised Sunday on NBC. First place goes to the NFC East.
There is a great message of Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
what Michael did, Goodell said Gary Myers, New York Daily News . Is a star athlete, you think everything in the world. He fell from grace a tragedy to make terrible mistakes, paid a considerable price, making a comeback and is now the successor. It shows me that these students and work with them to achieve and make them understand their responsibility for the decisions that will define for a given period. Goodell Vick main concerns surrounding their actions off the field and from the game
I am proud of how you answered.... Are Goodell said there are many examples of deficiencies away in our society, people far We need success I hope that Michael Vick will be a success should see the people know that the People need to be inspired by it - a person who made a tragic mistake and is overcome.
It's a good lesson. There is nobody who has not made any mistakes. Interestingly, Goodell remains in regular contact with Vick through phone calls and text messages.
That's all the stimulus orientation. He asked me for advice on certain things, Goodell said. I mentioned some things. I told him that I care and I want him to succeed. It is probably much more happy and comfortable now with your life. He is to marry next spring.
He has children. He does everything well. Of Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
course, Vick will be under the microscope. It will be a free agent after the season and 30 years old, knows what is at stake for him in his career to this point. Until then, there are a lot of football left to play and the Eagles in a position few would have thought that at this point.
Vick has this summer with the wrong party in Virginia Beach, where tickets were sold for a birthday party postponed. Ultimately, no problem was good for him, but he must continue to lead an intelligent life off the field.

Get friends to join you in this quest to make a donation in memory set

2010-11-18T03:12:00.000-08:00

Marriage is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate where a large number of people with the couple. In addition to bringing the best wishes and happy couple is still waiting for something to do in your life as husband and wife. Has been a tradition for friends and families to give something to start married. Often people are invited to a wedding invitation is hard to think of something to give the bride and groom. Limit the value of the gift purchase. Give a gift not to impress but to show how they support the couple. Here are some gift ideas you are invited to a wedding the next time you can use. Personalized Gifts: There are several possibilities, unique gifts such as a poem that can be placed under offer. You can gifts like baseball caps and even painted shoes be painted by hand. Make sure to know your married friends that you made the gift itself to them. Register for donations: If you Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
were at the wedding gifts the couple and tried to see, is too large or too expensive, you can not buy one if you're a big investor. Some couples often ask for a gift for his friends, if you're under them, then you need to share with others, just so they can buy what you want to receive the pair. You can come the will of the couple in the reality, but you must ask yourself if you cash to be able to pay them. Tile couples: You can print and laminate pocket-sized pictures of the bride and groom and do on the screen of the curtain. Get friends to join you in this quest to make a donation in memory together. Good to use for the couple: It's really a good gift for the bride and groom can select any desired item in the store selected. Present the voucher for the couple, as for them to know what it is immediately given.
holiday treat for the couple: You can pair open date tickets that can be used in their spare time. You can use the information and put it in an envelope, the couple attended their wedding. Industrial fan, in many types of businesses and industries to find. If you are a car park in the city, these fans use to hold the device, not broken mention cooler. It is important to ensure an effective air circulation to prevent people are overcome by fumes, etc.
If you operate a loading dock and warehouse, has a lot of headaches trying, was to keep the temperature in the stable property. Your employees may have complained or die of cold or heat. You need to create a pleasant working environment, one eye on your results. Normal heating and air conditioning systems are often very expensive to install, regardless of the cost required to maintain the operation. Here, the industrial fans are in your account. Not only do they circulate circulate air to be heated or cooled air throughout the building, if necessary, tilt the cost of the fan with heating and cooling are less expensive than a combined system of air conditioning.
If you employ people who are working in confined Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
spaces work an efficient ventilation system to keep not only their employees but also at home in good health. There are several types of fans, and you should have no trouble have one that meets your needs, even if space is a luxury.
If you have a store, are also supporters and / or air conditioning system to keep fresh on the premises not only for the comfort of your employees and customers, but also to maintain their operations and avoid damage due to high humidity. There are many industrial fans to choose from, leaving you with a few installation companies before you can speak your final choice.

Coaches and coordinators were at the top position of the latter

2010-11-17T03:51:00.000-08:00

Owings Mills, Md. The C was kind of frustrating setbacks that introspection, a long weekend prompted countless hours studying game tape and a little practice on Monday.
After a failed attempt on the way back from a 26-21 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night at the Georgia Dome, the Ravens spent the last three days looking for ways to improve.
About the issues that plagued the Ravens: Secondary vulnerable once more, higher spending and recurring trend inconsistent slow start on the road.
There are many things specifically for each phase at each position group, coach John Harbaugh Ravens. These are things that we spend our time on Friday and the staff goes hand in hand with a fine comb teeth.
Coaches and coordinators position on him, but went through and personally. We do have three days to things that are not normally would be a kind of farewell to the problems of 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
mini week.None Ravens, especially the tendency not to fast as a mystery that reveals the players open labeled. The Ravens have 11 touchdown passes and 6.64 yards per pass attempt abandoned.
They produced only 16 sacks and 11? of those outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (notes) and defensive tackle Ngata Challah (notes) are responsible.
And they've been outscored 37-27 in the first quarter this season after falling to the Falcons 10-0 at halftime. Weve started quickly, said the Vice Ray Rice (White). The all you Ravens score a single field goal in the first quarter was it.The in five road races this season. They are very introspective, they know their problems, said Harbaugh. We kind of solve it together. We work in the system work technique.Harbaugh several things that the Ravens will start to lose more production, said to prevent. A common denominator of Baltimore was not converting third downs in the game too early.
Against the Falcons had quarterback Joe Flacco (notes), only 31 meters by half before finishing with 215 yards and three touchdowns.
Your specific questions, the play by play drive, said Harbaugh. Execution is what it really a. There's not a form of notation on the road early one. Theres that runs on the road running in the Land access is an effective defense, pitching, catching, blocking, wrestling is that what he really is, .. to play well ..
I watch every game from inside, from top to bottom, forward and backward. They tried all the things associated with football to help us better.The loss to the Falcons did not hurt the Ravens in view of the playoff race to do. The Ravens (6-3) remain with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North with a tie-break advantage earlier by his victory at Heinz Field this season tied.
Baltimore is before a road game Sunday against the Carolina Panthers of the unfortunate (1-8).
Four of the last six games of Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
the regular season at home. The Ravens are unbeaten at home this year and have won seven straight games at M & T Bank Stadium from last year.
I would rather be 9-0, Harbaugh said. Are we happy with 3.6? No, but that's where we are. We are in the top division and have our fate in our hands. .. We have to be better, that's the thing. They were a good football team right now. To handle an improvement to a force with the defense in this race.The failed at the last minute against the Falcons, Matt Ryan, (notes) allows the unit that capped the victory with a pass to Roddy White touchdown Design ( white) when he cornerback Josh Wilson (notes) into the soil.
Ravens was thrown to the chagrin no flag.

You can effectively get rid of acne garlic

2010-11-16T05:34:00.001-08:00

Do you have buttons? It is difficult, but not to despair is hope. Read on to find out how to spots quickly, without getting rid of drugs or other nonprescription products Resort. Pimples are caused by bacteria that live on the skin surface. If the bacteria in the pores of the skin that develop as knobs. One of the things that you should not do at this stage of its grain is to try to blow it. If your buttons to get it spread to help the most, do not do so also.
The best way to rid of pimples quickly and efficiently with the natural cure for pimples or acne. There are many home remedies used to cure your acne. Here are a few that you can use to get rid of pimples.
How to get rid of pimples quickly: 1 Icicles: The first thing to do when you press a button to grind on it or put ice. Ice cubes help to reduce inflammation and is also less noticeable grain from the people.
2. Water: If you buttons that you want to get rid of to drink plenty of Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
water every day for at least 9-10 glasses of water per day. The water will help get rid of bad toxins in the body and help the skin hydrated. 3. Toothpaste: A popular home remedy for pimples and acne that is very effective, the use of toothpaste. You can apply directly to the skin and leave until morning, the fastest result. Rinse with clean water in the morning, you will find that the inflammation was also reduced. 4. Garlic: Garlic can be used effectively to get rid of acne. Simply rubbed onto the skin several times a day for a week. This will get rid of pimples.
5. Skin Care Products: A very important advice is to keep the base oil or moisturizers. If you can use natural products that are good for the skin health of the skin, then, bring it. There are many natural remedies for pimples, but should use file. Following these natural remedies for pimples that have a healthy skin and body. Correction of the pigmentation of the skin of the face is extracted easier and safer with the introduction of a new plant of Cyperus rotundus derived. The plant extract was shown to inhibit melanin production by 40%.
The melanin is stimulated by the action of sunlight and at other times. Is responsible for a bed, a freckle, a public place, melasma, etc.
It is important to remember that melanin is not your enemy. It works on the deeper layers of the skin against the damage that could cause skin cancer, protect.
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It begins in cells that produce melanin. It is believed that overexposure to the sun causes changes in the cells, the melanin, which ultimately produce cancer. On the other hand, the scientists have a higher incidence of melanoma among regular users of sun protection have observed. They fear that some of the chemicals in sunscreens can penetrate the skin, without radical damage to DNA cellular molecules.
It is important to know to correct these things before thinking of pigmentation of the skin of the face. If the production of melanin is effectively inhibited lose some of their protection against damage from free radicals. Your skin burns more easily in the sun, but you must choose carefully, sunscreen, because of Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
the risks and their use.
Most doctors are now suggesting that the protection of a number of clothes, hat and some more sun protection, anyway. They are also afraid that some sunscreens inhibit the synthesis of vitamin D.
There was a higher incidence of vitamin D in their patients. The proposal, the arms and legs exposed for 10-20 minutes per day, is not enough to burn, but long enough to get your vitamin D.
To correct the pigmentation of the skin of the face, finding and using a cream containing extracts of Cyperus rotundus. Creams work in a few weeks after daily use.

You can effectively get rid of acne garlic

2010-11-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

He was placed on the cancellation last week of the Packers

2010-11-15T04:14:00.000-08:00

The list is constantly changing Seattle Seahawks back to work this afternoon.
The team signed veteran receiver Ruvell Martin (notes), what was his third shot with the team in a few months, and adding in time for Sunday's game at Arizona.
Martin was on special teams and on 43 Polamalu white jersey
offense to make. It was signed a week before the Seahawks host the New York Giants last week, but was cut the day before the game, according to Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times. Martin also had a training camp with the Seahawks.
In order to create space for the former Green Bay Packer defensive tackle Frank Okama (Notes) has been released. Okama was signed almost two weeks and did not play last Sunday.
Cincinnati Bengals consulting veteran free agent defensive end Mike Montgomery (Notes) earlier this week, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation. Montgomery is a former Green Bay Packers 2005 sixth round pick from Texas A & M.
He was placed on the cancellation last week of the Packers. He took 121 career tackles and five sacks with a forced fumble.
Texas A & M, he reaches 123, seven sacks and one interception and was first team All-Big-12.
Montgomery was signed with the Minnesota Vikings in March, but was on 4 September with the final preparation list truncated.
In a lost cause, the Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs outside (notes) probably the top game of the season. He took two sacks and four 43 Polamalu black jersey
quarterback hits in Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons (Note) in a 26-21 loss Thursday night at the Georgia Dome.
For the season the Ravens Suggs now leads by 6 1 / 2 sacks from defensive tackle Ngata Challah (Notes) five sacks.

Gilchrist number has declined slightly

2010-11-14T00:50:00.000-08:00

In an article Wednesday on the Buffalo Bills Thurman Thomas and OJ Simpson legendary dealer, a name that was played, was a fan favorite Cookie Gilchrist. I'm still hanging in my conviction that Thomas and Simpson are the two best in the history of the accounts, but it is difficult to ignore the numerous e-mails from loyal fans of the team do, Gilchrist noted.

It's safe to say that during his time, Gilchrist is one of 4 Brett Favre White jersey
the best records of the American Hockey League was. Although a member of a lower league of eight teams, their performance is always good, not mocked.

Gilchrist highlight in the city of Buffalo lasted from 1962-1964, before he ended his career in Denver and Miami. The race of the 260-pound monster football lasted only six years, but was a force in the backfield than others his age.

In his first season with the Bills organization in the manufacturing, possibly four time All-Star led the league with 1.096 meters of earth to cross the first player in AFL history, the plateau 1,000 meters. The rookie has also crossed the goal line 13 times in transfers, 24-assists and two goals. Thank you for the efforts of Gilchrist ended the Bills their season 7-6-1, the first place to 0500th

In the second year, the number of Gilchrist a bit, but they still have something to marvel that the era of professional football. He gained 979 yards rushing and scored 12 times, intercepted while going 24 again and again, get two touchdowns. For the second consecutive year the Bills finished 7-6-1 to lead the charge and coach Lou Saban Gilchrist on the sidelines.

Ironically, last season in Buffalo Bills Gilchrist as a best effort of his time AFL. Gilchrist smashed (rushing 981) on his way to 1326 yards high, six touchdowns and 30 receptions for a career.

Thanks mainly to his game and defense policy, marched the Bills to a 12-2 record, beating the San Diego Chargers in the championship game of the AFL. The most famous work of this game was Mike Stratton shot heard 'round the world on Chargers running back Keith Lincoln. Of course, threatens respiratory entire coastline, the sound unprecedented in the championship at the beginning of Bill's top priority.

Gilchrist career in Buffalo is terminated after the season but his legacy still with the Bills fans, the War Memorial Stadium sat in the bobble see '64 Champions dominate life.

Without Gilchrist, the Bills won their second consecutive title the following year with Wray Carlton runs on the icon in the table runner.

The most striking success Gilchrist Buffalo passing game the team was below average. During the period of three years by Gilchrist with the Bills, threw quarterback Warren Rabb and Jack Kemp 36 touchdowns against 60 interceptions. Obviously, numbers like these exciting enough for fans collective stomach. Given these figures, it is incredible that Gilchrist able to accumulate statistically significant because the 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
opposing defenses were gunning for him every week was.

Lookie, lookie, lookie. Here's Cookie! was the slogan used in the interest of Gilchrist in Buffalo for the fans. It is almost impossible that the first three drivers in the history of the old Bill Thomas Simpson and now 71 years, Gilchrist argued. Even the worst fans could accept. is individual control of the triumvirate, which leads to arguments to use, it will live.

You live you live in 40 to 50 miles from Ralph Wilson Stadium?

2010-11-12T05:01:00.000-08:00

Reception: Buffalo Bills are a coordinator for the door, the service organization Operations / Search will provide security.
The team deals with friendly people and proactively assist all guests with the highest level of customer service for the 2005 season. Possibilities include the monitoring and control of the various doors at Ralph Wilson Stadium on game day. The main function of the position is to coordinate the activities of 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey black jersey
the CSC Security, APEX Security, Ticket Taker Local 200 and customer service ambassador to the respective gates. - Make sure all the fans, it's a warm smile and friendly Can I help you? or Good evening / afternoon. - Receiving and processing complaints from fans or refer to a supervisor if you can answer fan. - Make sure that every fan has directed or accompanied, if possible, in the seat right at any time. - Have a complete understanding of the policy of the Buffalo Bills and processes to Ralph Wilson Stadium. You are responsible for their own actions. - Try to clients anticipate and avoid or ignore any problems.
- Document and report all incidents (major or minor) on a map of incident reporting and presentation of the report to your manager to manage all tasks and questions to the front door manual control button counter, worn including y door swing, and all hubs account bills in all turnstiles and cash in the hands of the other team members, all of the fields (Service Ambassadors) and one game per day during the day (Ticket Taker) release.
- Must have excellent communication skills.
- Must be able and committed, and the highest customer service.
- Must have flexible and willing to work weekends, nights and holidays as needed.
- Must have reliable transportation and Ralph Wilson Stadium - get up and move around the plant for a long time.
- Must be available throughout the season to work. (10 games) - Must be able to log 2? 2? Hours before each game and should be able to work in inclement weather.
- Must work between 17.06 clock on game day.
1. Interested applicants must obtain, fill out 36 Bettis White Jersey
and an application.
2. Qualified candidates will be contacted to a group interview and individual interview will be invited Mid-May/Early June
3. If selected, candidates are required to attend mandatory training.
1. Yes / No: Do you live within 40 to 50 mph live from Ralph Wilson Stadium?

It is very important when different types of results

2010-11-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

Steven Stamka (notes) and Alex Ovechkin (Notes) may be in a fight for the NHL season end result. At that time, teams will compete against the best in the Eastern Conference.
Tampa Bay visited the night of the Washington Capitals on Thursday in a clash of the two best teams in the Southeast Division. Stamka scored two goals in Tampa Bay's 4-0 home win in Toronto on Tuesday night and bring a total for the NHL-leading 13 goals and 24 points.
Things are in my way, said Stamka. It feels really good to help to win this team. The win is just keep shooting the disc and Net.Le a series ended three defeats for the 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
Lightning (8-4-2), who comes from a 1-2-1 road trip. Dan Ellis (Notes) made 23 saves in his second shutout of the season, improving to 4-2-2 with A 2.11 goals against average. Back from a long journey, many people are tired, but I thought I dug deep and showed great character, Ellis said on the official website of the team. Stamka scored eight goals on the way, but he said winning at home is essential to the success of the team. That is why it is so important to win these games at home, because it is very difficult to win on the road in this league, said Stamka. It was a great victory for us and really helped us to win the confidence back.Tampa Bay is not much time to enjoy ice advantage. After the Capitals face the whirlwind tour of Pittsburgh on Friday night and then play three of their next four on the road. Washington has won four straight at home and 7-1-0 at the Verizon Center, where Ovechkin scored five of his eight goals.
Ovechkin has 20 points, watched his support team on Tuesday coming from behind 5-3 road win against the New York Rangers. Helped in one of two goals by Brooks Laich (notes) and Mike Knuble (white) The evaluation of the second period. Matt Hendricks (Notes) added a goal and an assist.
It is very important to note if different people, said Ovechkin. They deserve to score. You work hard, they play a lot and do good plays.Washington (11-4-0) of 4 Brett Favre White jersey
1.2 was originally win in the second period, but fought for their fifth. We were behind, but I think we played well in the first half, coach Bruce Boudreau. Sometimes a team beaten 2-1 or 1-0 and believes there's no way to be, but I thought I had a good atmosphere in the bench.Ovechkin Stamka and twice with General No. 1 pick have competed 12 times in the last two seasons with Washington and won 10 times. Ovechkin has 10 goals and 23 points, scored seven goals during Stamka has two assists and .

The Raptors have won their last two games with Charlotte

2010-11-10T06:24:00.000-08:00

The start of the Toronto Raptors is slow not surprising after the departure of Chris Bosh (notes), but Charlotte Bobcats certainly werent expecting a first for his performance in the playoffs.
Charlotte hopes with the loss Raptors right sixth to deal while on their own game skate last three on-site teams meet Wednesday night in Toronto.
The Raptors (1-6) seemed to have difficulty replacing their leading scorer and rebounder ever Bosh left as a free agent to Dwyane Wade (notes) and LeBron James (notes) in Miami.
Their biggest problem recently has the defense. During a run of Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
five defeats, opponents of an average of 110.0 points during the shooting is 50.1 percent.
We just made the game difficult for us before Linas Kleiza (notes), said after the 109-102 home loss Monday to Golden State. But you know, I think it will get better. We could not stop the pick and roll - it was kind of what we can to Bobcats (1-6) pick the perfect game for Toronto, considering their offense is one of the NBA with 89.9 points per worse again only a few months after his debut in the playoffs, they are in danger of their first 1-7 start since their expansion season in 2004-05.
Charlotte shot 39.8 percent in a 95-91 home loss to San Antonio on Monday night, including a total of 23.1 percent the leading scorer Gerald Wallace (Notes), Stephen Jackson (notes) and DJ Augustin (notes.)
DJ Jack and Gerald van 9 39, I do not mind game and you will have a difficult time, coach Larry Brown. In order to protect us and how the return, as we do, the miracle had a chance.Jackson ITSA was the top scorer and six turnovers, giving him 16 to Charlotte's series to lose three games.
Some nights, I can have six turnovers, some nights I do not have, Jackson said. (Monday) was one of those nights where we do not get.
I hope not consider change too much over the season, whether the programming left Charlotte for Raymond Felton, the leader (notes) that have free space left. Augustine had a fast start in his place, but he is averaging 8.3 points to 33.3 percent shooting in his last four games.
The Raptors have tried to fill empty Bosh offense with six players average at least 10.0 points, but they struggle to find solutions to the defense. Warriors guard Stephen Curry (notes) and Monta Ellis (notes) combined for 62 points on Monday, while 22 of 38 shots on the field. For now we have with our Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
aggressive defense, it was too late, said Raptors coach Jay Triano.
There were also problems on the glass against Golden State. While Reggie Evans (white) on average 13.0 rebounds in the first six games, six on Monday and outrebounded Toronto 42-32. Evans was an offensive liability at 2.4 points per game on 23.8 percent shooting. The Raptors have won their last two games with Charlotte, but profits Bosh both supplied, recovered an average of 27.5 points and 12.0. Toronto has lost five consecutive games three times last season but the club has not six in a row since a sequence of seven games February 27 - lost Mrz 13, 2009.

Ginsberg said a hearing is scheduled for November

2010-11-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court will not prevent a state court in Minnesota to engage in a battle between the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings, defensive linemen Kevin Williams (notes) and Pat Williams (notes) violations of the league drug policy.
The High Court refused Monday to appeal to hear the National Football League.
star caps players took to the weight loss supplement that contained a banned diuretic unlisted, but that can mask the presence of steroids. The Federal Court dismissed the appeal of the suspensions NFL players, but said that issues should be considered to be made in state court.
The NFL was deported to the application of Vikings Brett Favre jersey
all, say the players' union contract and the Federal Law on the law in this case priority.
The players argued that the evidence violated NFLS the Minnesota job.
It is a great victory for Kevin and Pat and it's a victory for employees in all states across the country, Williams said attorney Peter Ginsberg, The Associated Press. And hopefully the NFL vulnerable to decide on the diets is important for the safety of their employees.Ginsberg said a hearing for 17 November before the Minnesota Court of Appeals, whether a permanent injunction should be issued against the league for Williams, who are unrelated, playing her career, without worrying about the NFL cares to stay for the reception of StarCaps.Ginsberg, said a permanent injunction is necessary because at the end of the disposal on playing Williams expires.
In a statement, the NFL, the decision of the Supreme Court is in no way affect the merits of the claims made by the players that have been rejected by all federal and state courts to consider, Williams has played for almost two years, acts before returning to NFLS the first announcement in December 2008. Both have won this season.
Minnesota state law requires an employer to an employee, positive for drugs before the right to explain the positive outcome of Vikings Brett Favre jersey
tests. NFLS policy does not say a positive result excused because a player did not, he took to be a banned substance.
NFL lawyers had argued they should be allowed to apply its policy against doping, because it is a product of the collective agreement with the players was NFLS union. The contract is through the Federal Law on the work that was before the law of the State, argued regulated.

If healthy and properly motivated, Merriman could help the defense.

2010-11-08T00:24:00.000-08:00

Several years after the passage about him in the draft and look for Kevin Dyson, Tennessee Titans finally connected with wide receiver Randy Moss to the mercury (notes). The Titans were awarded Moss inactive for the Minnesota Vikings, according to the Tennessean.
They are the third team played this season after he acted from the New England Patriots for the Vikings before quickly falling out of favor with coach Brad Childress for his behavior, public statements and the lack of rainfall in the area.
Now he's a Titan.
And the Titans may use Moss seriously taking into account the fact that Kenny Britt (white) has a thigh injury enough.
Moss will probably be happier playing for the Titans, he was in Minnesota. Of 10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
course, it is almost impossible to predict how they will react.
My guess is that there is a lot more respect for the Titans coach Jeff Fisher, what he Vikings coach Brad Childress check. The former leader of the San Diego Chargers linebacker was out to win waivers from the Buffalo Bills claimed. Former NFL Defensive Rookie of the year mandate ended in San Diego this week, when he was cut after passing a physical examination and was activated from the injured list with a description of minor injuries after a calf injury this fall without him. Merriman has recorded four sacks last season in nine games. He treated Achilles, calf, foot, groin and knee injuries in recent years. Bills have to go their race, which was virtually non-existent since the departure of Aaron Schobel (notes) improved. If healthy and properly motivated, Merriman could help the defense. After the split with veteran Jamal Williams (notes) in the off season, was the nose from one of the Chargers' biggest concerns to 2010. To the surprise of most, but was brilliant in the first half of the season. Credit goes to Antonio Garay (notes) that started every game and play the best football of his career. Never store a bag bouncing from Cleveland to Chicago to San Diego since 2003, Garay mentioned three cases of 10, his first season playing the nose in a 3-4 defense. It is also an important catalyst for the closure of the San Diego run D with the way he blocked the midfielder was. From what we hear, by was in the 6-4, 320 pounds Garay its strength. According to well in games at first, rather disappear in the second half, probably due to fatigue. Even more disturbing is the fact that the eight games he has played this season and a career total, which previously never had more than six games in a season. In general, however, the screws do not complain about the way he has filled an important gap

Rubin and Panathinaikos impasse

2010-11-07T06:14:00.000-08:00

Panathinaikos defeats Rubin * * Draw defensive approach leaves both sides with little chance of qualifying (updates to Copenhagen v Barcelona match, adds quotes) Kazan, Russia, July 2 (Reuters) - Panathinaikos Greek frustrated Rubin Kazan 0-0 other like Scrappy in Champions League Group D on Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
Tuesday, two weeks after the conclusion of the Champions of Russia in Athens. The two teams cancel each other, so little risk, the goal of the first hour and spend most of their energy trying to shut down the opposition.
Rubin midfielder Aleksandr Ryazantsev had the best chance to break the deadlock in the first half but his header was saved in the race and Panathinaikos goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas five minutes before the break. Ryazantsev also lost a good chance midway through the second half when he could not control the ball after being sent clear on goal by Brazilian team-mate Carlos Eduardo.
Kurban Berdyev Rubin coach resisted doing all the press time for the rapid establishment of the Turkish striker Obafemi Martins G枚kdeniz Karadeniz Nigerian creative and forward, but the visitors a furious late rally and twice cleared the ball on the line.
At the other end Panathinaikos substitute Lazaros Christodoupoulos have snatched the points for the champions of Greece against the run of things, but twice missed the target in the last 10 minutes.
Berdyev was left to rue missed opportunities.
We have to win enough chances, but unfortunately not deny one of them, told reporters. Karadeniz Martins and powered our game considerably after entry, but still not score.The tie left both teams with only a small chance of the second round. The third, Rubin FC Copenhagen by four points after the Danish champions held Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
group leaders Barcelona with a 1-1 draw in the other match in Group D. lower in the group with two points from Panathinaikos. The draw was a fair result as it was this evening in Athens, said Panathinaikos coach Nikos Nioplias.

Fabian Washington, he said to the debacle bills

2010-11-02T04:02:00.000-07:00

Owings Mills, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Fabian Washington Md.Although (notes) are repetitions of the defense has still not said whether they combine his job on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Washington was in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills benched and Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
replaced by Josh Wilson (Notes) to what three touchdown passes to receiver Lee Evans (notes).
Play All I can say that we all want, said Washington. We have some good corners, so that we all play. I work with always. We'll see Sunday. Washington was struggling with his technique of reporting in the press, the lack of congestion in the line of scrimmage. He missed several attacks in the open.
I do not know what to say about the performance, said Washington. I saw the movie like three times and was disgusted with myself. My technique was out of Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
control throughout the game. I know what I did wrong is a good thing. I need to clear my mind and forget about football and football new day , I laughed. I stress little, but that one really hurt because I do not think the team should, with even in the ball game to us.

Vincent Jackson would sign supply

2010-11-01T03:32:00.000-07:00

Tennessee Titans Vince Young (notes) is through practice all week, to participate fully.
It is therefore expected to Sunday start against the 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey black jersey
San Diego Chargers.
Young is recovering from a sprained knee and ankle.
I think everything came together for us this week, Titans coach Jeff Fisher said, It's a good chance begins, Vince. Titan for insider In addition, quarterback Kerry Collins (note) (injured middle finger) likely. The Titans ruled out defensive tackle Tony Brown (knee), cornerback Ryan Mouton (Note) (hamstring) and linebacker Jamie Winborn (Note) (shoulder).
Listed as probable: Receiver Justin Gage (Note) 36 Bettis White Jersey
(hamstring), running back Chris Johnson (thigh), defensive end Jacob Ford (note) (hamstring) and guard Leroy Harris (note) (hip).
As expected, the San Diego Chargers, a restricted free agent receiver Vincent Jackson (Notes), signed in tendcer $ 583,000 to come to work today.
Jackson, for the next three games in the list from the list of free will.
It feels good to be with my teammates. I lost the game more than you can imagine, Jackson said. Right now I'm just curious about the practice and back on the field. My only concern is what I can contribute and help the team win. Himself. Jackson's future will not be eligible to enter to the 36 Bettis Black Jersey
active roster to 28 November game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Jackson was one reason for the long term given to a pair of driving under the influence of these incidents.

Quart surprise Albion

2010-10-29T06:21:00.001-07:00

Birmingham, England (AFP) - West Bromwich Albion maintained their impressive start to the season with a 2-1 win over Fulham Saturday threw the bags fourth place in the Premier League. The team of Roberto Di Matteo sits proudly on the likes of 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
Arsenal and Manchester United after Youssouf Mulumbu and Marc-Antoine Fortune scored the goals which completed a successful coming from behind to Hawthorn.
The villagers had taken the lead when Albion goalkeeper Scott Carson pushed Zoltan Gera hit the post, just so that you put into his own net.
But Albion, promoted from the Championship last season, fought back and have now gone seven games without defeat in all competitions. Di Matteo men threatened from the start, when Chris Brunt, a low-kick, Mark Schwarzer was beaten drilled.
Fulham responded and took the lead when former Baggies midfielder Gera received a pass from Moussa Dembele and unleashed a strike, and Carson had to tip against the post. Unfortunately for Carson, bounced the ball wood against him and the network. Another former player pockets, Diomansy Kamara could have made it 2-0 soon after but saw his effort go just the wrong side of Jets 6 Sanchez Jersey
the rod, and then fired over the bar Gera. The hosts were level 17 minutes with the dodged Ball Brunt Fortune, but was Mulumbu from the slot past Schwarzer controlled.
Brede Hangeland then took the ball in a dangerous area, but was not expected to demand Jerome Thomas and Jonas Olsson was at the end of another corner lobed with a header from Stephen Kelly authorized online.
The hosts were back on the rise, and five minutes from the end of the first semester, which took the initiative.
Thomas decided the fate of Jets 6 Sanchez Jersey
the sub-line and the French went the ball over Schwarzer and into the net.
Andy Johnson came into the Kamara Fulham rather than his first appearance since January, but remained in a sense, with Roman Bednar the ball over Schwarzer into the net should be marked out of bounds.

Halladay gets through, Phillies stay alive ALCS

2010-10-27T06:06:00.000-07:00

Doc the best of the freak this time in a rematch of aces. Roy Halladay (Notes) from a strained groin, outdueling Tim Lincecum (notes) and keep the Phillies in the life of the National League Championship Series with a 4-2 victory over San Francisco Giants on Thursday night. Jayson Werth (notes) solo homer in the ninth to calm the boisterous set of 43 713 sold, and many fans began before their Dallas Cowboys jersey
entry into Philadelphia 3-2 exit in the best of seven series. Halladay stained Which foulhelped cause seemed to be three points in the third inning when Shane Victorino (white) the first two runs on an error at start of first baseman Aubrey Huff (notes) scored out. Placido Polanco (marks) followed with an RBI single and two-time reigning NL forced a home game back 6 at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday and another trip through the country. Jonathan Sanchez (notes) starts for the Giants against Roy Oswalt (notes), 10-0 in 12 starts for Philadelphia this year.
Philadelphia started the celebration signed in San Francisco. The Giants now have one win in two studies in Philadelphia for flag-fourth since the franchise moved west in 1958. San Francisco was not in the World Series team since Barry Bonds led the Giants lost Game 7 against the Angels in 2002.
After Ryan Madson (letters) to meet the guys on 4-5-6 for the Giants in the eighth, Brad Lidge finished (Notes) things with the Phillies 1-2-3 ninth save his second of the series.
Philadelphia will try to be the team of 12 to overcome a 3-1 deficit in a series of seven Red Sox were the last to do so in the 2007 ALCS against Cleveland. The Giants are the binding run in scoring position in the coming fourth, fifth and sixth, could not take advantage, however, a crucial factor for potential home playoff for the first time since missing Game 7 of the 1962 World Series against the New York Yankees. In a series of pitching dominated the Phillies just hit the Giants in 0209 and 0220th Little separated the teams, despite the end of the series, Philadelphia, San Francisco exceeded 18-16.
Halladay was not just stuff involved, but it had the advantage. In a duel of Cy Young winners Lincecum won the first game that saw Pat Burrell Halladay (notes) after a third strike called first to the end and Burrell in the jaw, while spraying blasphemy Halladay. Sure, smoking later in the dugout Halladay returned to the mound seemingly to that date or a network that has swept parts of Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
entries later, unimpressed. Halladay tries again and again, even if it is not the most colorful.
Lincecum, Cy Young winner two times reigning Halladay beat five days earlier. 2-0 so far this series and beat another solid game, but one entry in the rough, but do not turn the offense. Halladay worked intermittently and threw 108 pitches in six innings of control and dominance in the opening of the second non-hitter of the post-season history to start sixth October Phillies Division Series sweep against the Cincinnati Reds displayed.
Halladay injured his groin in the second round after Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. However, Halladay allowed to start two runs and six hits, five beat and kicked twoincluding a free pass to Leadoff hitter Andres Torres (notes) in the first, a series of Buster Posey (Notes) RBI lead. The defense behind him, got even a few grains on Thursday, but he came.
San Francisco skipper Bruce Bochy management moves paid during the last two games Manuel has some adjustments that were made on the stamp.
Manuel works your order will be repeated where Polanco hit No. 2 in Game 1 against Lincecumafter Chase Utley (Notes) it had in the last three games. Utley hit third, the Phillies three left handed in his first four batters in the Leadoff spot switch enter hit Victorino.
Raul Ibanez (marks) was also back in left field for the Phillies, after starting against a left-handed Wednesday. He snapped an 0-for-15 start with a single Philadelphia radio third round three points.
After the success of Ibanezs, Lincecum struck Carlos Ruiz (notes) from fourth to equal Ruiz was involved in these playoffs. Halladay has a colorful that picked up the receiver Buster Posey close to the disk set. Posey throws to third parties but Pablo Sandoval (notes) could not in the bag strength. Halladay not run, thinking it was a foul ball and was easily removed at first.
After Utley third inning single Lincecum has withdrawn the next 11 batters in order before the Phillies' Jimmy Rollins (notes) to start the finger at the Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
seventh. Rollins had second and third, always the first to steal two bags in one inning of a game of New York's Roger Cedeno in NLCS Game 4 of the ALCS 1999th It is now seven times in the history of the championship series performed.

Wade is in Chicago, back to eliminate heat

2010-10-24T04:17:00.000-07:00

Wade missed the Heat of practice Wednesday, instead staying in Chicago for its third day of testimony in a trial that will decide the custody of her two small children. And if it does not change the schedules, the practice with the Heat Wade Sunday Just not until two days before Miami opened the season in Boston against the Celtics.
The team is determined not on the return of Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
Wade, known officially as questionable for the preseason game the last two in Atlanta on Thursday against the Orlando and Tampa, Florida, Friday.
Since in practice Wednesday, it now seems very likely that Wade to play on in the regular season. Hopefully at the end of the week in the area where we all have to do is just put the last piece of the puzzle in place to take all the parts and then try to redo the whole puzzle again the heat LeBron James (notes) he said. Its up to us guys who are here to ensure that when returning from D-Wade for his latest piece, plug it finished.Miami puzzles and no practice Tuesday. Heat to work on Sunday morning before flying to Atlanta, and was able to return his possible Wade, he took office in the state are completed.
In Chicago, preventive detention was due to scheduling difficulties. Players have been in contact with Wade, by their absence, sometimes, just to try to keep their spirit of optimism.
My goal is back and healthy for the start of Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
the season, Wade said in Chicago on Monday. The question of custody has weighed heavily on Wade for a while. Siohvaughn he and his ex-wife separated three years ago, but has not been very contentious divorce finalized this summer. An attorney appointed to represent the interests of their two children, the Chicago court recommended to the custody of the 2006 final to give the MVP of the NBA, but the court will make its own decision.
Originally, the detention must be completed before the Heat began training camp.
Aggravating problems preseason Wade is a right hamstring strained apparent recovery. Wade has worked for several days, even some videos online exercises on 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
Monday with the fans an insight into his ability to carry something he could do without a limp move to strengthen the injury of 3 minutes, 17 seconds the first preseason game October 5 . Miami.

AP source: Sandy Alomar interviews with Blue Jays

2010-10-23T02:19:00.001-07:00

CLEVELAND (AP) After his retirement as a player, the coach Sandy Alomar, Indians set sights, a major league manager. Hesa little closer to that goal.
Alomar, a recipient of 36 Bettis Black Jersey
six time All-Star with Cleveland, was familiar interviewed for the position of the beds in Toronto, a person with the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Alomar officials met Monday in Toronto Blue Jays, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the interview was not published by the team. Alomar third interview with the Blue Jays, with the two first place on the phone. Alomar who never was successfully all levels have assumed that a Finalist be for opening.
The Blue Jays have said several candidates with Cito Gaston, who replaced at the end of the season after his second season with the Blue Jays in retirement.
Alomar first base coach Manny Acta on 10 Santonio Holmes White jersey
the last season in Cleveland. Before joining the staff of the Indians, Alomar spent two seasons as a minor league instructor for the capture of New York Mets. The 44-year-old retired after the 2007 season.

College Football Heute

2010-10-17T08:44:00.001-07:00

STAR-Cam Newton rushed for 188 yards Auburn, led for 140 and had a hand drawn into four touchdowns as No. 7 Auburn 12 Arkansas-Platz 65-43.
- John Clay, Wisconsin, ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns for the Press No. 1 Ohio State to help Badgers 31-18.
- Randall Cobb, Kentucky, took 24 yards for a touchdown with 1:15 remaining, then the two-point conversion, by 10 the Wildcats a stunning 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
victory No. 31-28 South Carolina
- Andy Dalton, TCU threw four touchdown passes, two barely separated from them a minute to finish the first half and No. 4 Horned Frogs to a 31-3 victory lift.
- Ricky Stanza, Iowa, was for 248 yards and threw his third touchdown to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos pass early in the fourth quarter started on the No. 15 Hawkeyes hold off Michigan 38-28 to help.
- DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma, scored three points to set career records for touchdown passes in 52-0 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners Iowa State.
- Industrial and beat Newton rushed for 188 yards Auburn, from 140 four touchdowns and made under the No. 7 Tigers No. 12 Arkansas 65-43.
- Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State, had a career-high 207 yards with a touchdown run close to the Cowboys 20 to a 34-17 victory over Texas Tech
- Garrett Gilbert, Texas, ran excitedly for two touchdowns in the Longhorns 20-13 at No. 5 Nebraska.
- Matt Barkley USC adopted by 352 meters and a school-record corresponding to five points on the Trojans to a 48-14 victory over California, which ended its losing streak for the first time in nine years lift.
- Tyrode Taylor, Virginia Tech, threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns and ran for a touchdown to lead Hokies past Wake Forest 52-21.
- Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, has three touchdown passes caught and generated 157 6 Sanchez White Jersey
yards away to help the Irish to beat Western Michigan 44-20.
- Nate Eachus Cornell took a school-record 291 yards and scored three touchdowns to help the Raiders 44-3 defeat of Cornell.
- Dominique Davis, East Carolina, threw for 376 yards and two touchdowns and scored on a 1-yard-holder, the Pirates beat North Carolina 33-27.
- Blaine Gabbert, Missouri, threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns, and No. 21 Tigers remained undefeated with a 30-9 victory over the control of the Texas A & M.
Carolina Tar Heels junior defensive return north Linwan Euwell was qualified to play in Virginia. Euwell missed the first five games, while the school works to determine their status in the middle of an investigation by the NCAA benefits for the agent and possible scientific misconduct. In addition, school safety, said Brian Gupton be used to play this season, although the school did not specify why. The school said cornerback Kendric Burney high, which will end its suspension of six games against Virginia, is still uncertain for the game in Miami called in the next few weeks, so that the school is an unresolved problem connected the NCAA probe. Runner Ryan Houston has already been cleared to play against Virginia, having missed the first five games.
SPARTANSNo the second half. 13 of the Michigan State overcame a slow start for the second game. The Spartans beat Illinois 23-0 in the second half to 26-6 for the best start in more than four decades to win. Michigan State is 7-0 for the first time since 1966, when he won his first nine games before bind famous Notre Dame, 10-10.
QUOTABLEIts all difficult, yes. The coach of 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
these guys, they are your children. That's what I do not know if all suffer. Their football is not professional. These are his children. There is growing. You're on to finish the job of their parents, so its hard -. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano said after the defensive tackle Eric Legrand for a neck injury suffered against Army was in the hospital.

U.S. to focus only football World Cup 2018 Rates 2022

2010-10-16T05:11:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (AFP) - U.S. Soccer has its bid to host the 2018 World Cup on Friday, host, so you can concentrate all power in his attempt to win the event in 2022 be withdrawn, said President of the American Federation of Football Sunil Gulati.
FIFA is the host for each event in Zurich on 2 December with select England as the favorite for 2018, said today with a number of Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
European Russia, Portugal, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands, the other bidders.
This is the United States, the 1994 World Cup, the battle for the 2022 World Cup against Australia, Japan, South Korea and Qatar hosts.
For some time we have discussions with FIFA and UEFA (European Federation) on the opportunity to have been only on the process of tendering for 2022, Gulati said in a statement.
We are convinced that to apply the best interests of the United States. Welcomed FIFA, Jerome Valcke, secretary general of Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
the new batch was made in Europe.
We had a frank and constructive dialogue with the offer of the United States for some time after it became clear that there is a growing movement to organize the World Cup 2018 in Europe, said Jerome Valcke.
The announcement of the U.S. offer is exclusively focused on the 2022 World Cup a gesture of welcome that is valued highly by FIFA. This recognition is part of officials of the United States, a football-present estimate expected in the organization of the World Cup in 12 years to pay for preparation.
We wanted to announce nowstill 48 days, before the final order, our intentions decisionin clear in the last part of Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
our campaign, said Gulati.
The decision was before the meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee on 28 and 29 October in Zurich taken to the various problems of tenders, including the final voting process for the selection of host World Cup 2018 and 2022nd

The Sandlot Movie Review: A baseball movie with the family heart

2010-10-15T03:02:00.001-07:00

This charming comedy is in the year 1962 a new kid in town named Scotty Smalls Tom Guiry who adapt and friends tried to play.
Scotty is shy and introverted, his mother urges him to go and try to make friends. Want to learn baseball was a friend of 10 Santonio Holmes White jersey
Benny, played by Mike Vitar, a neighborhood boy. Benny Scotty under his wing to teach baseball and help you during the summer adventure Scotty learns to play baseball and he is finally accepted by the whole group of children.
Scotty mother of Karen Allen and Denis Leary plays her stepfather played. James Earl Jones plays a former baseball player who is now blind, who just behind the Sandlot play where the children live their endless game of baseball. He is the owner of a dog named Hercules, who called the children of 10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
the beast and fear. Though the child actors are relatively unknown actors are wonderful together in this funny and touching film. The damage is placed in the summer is fun and nostalgic adventure we all had children.
One of my favorite scenes, when all the children to visit a local fair and decided as chewing tobacco and snuff a cake. They are all trying to be fashionable, but not very long before they turn green and vomit everywhere. It is one of many funny scenes throughout the film comes from the old. Spreads very good snapshot of a moment when life was much simpler. This film is the test of time, I liked it, if, if, for the first time in 1993 and my daughter loves eleven years. The adventures of childhood friends and my favorite movie of 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
baseball, which is displayed an excellent choice for the whole family together.

Rick Rypien ready, in Anaheim Rock

2010-10-14T05:39:00.001-07:00

Only Game 3 of the season and the Canucks a third center in the fourth line on Wednesday evening have in Anaheim. Rick was RYPIEN (Notes) is declared ready for the game and is between Guillaume Desbiens (notes) and Tanner Glass (white) against the Ducks. And, if the Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
ribs are actually cured RYPIEN probably a good thing because the ducks were more interested in filling the penalty box from the network of opposition to date. It has said in recent days that he was ready to play, said Alain Vigneault and play hard, but fan favorite could be injured. The coach has a couple of days to be sure, for he was forced just three weeks ago by Mark Giordano (Notes) RYPIEN Flames in the ribs in the opening exhibition game, the team split games Rogers Arena. Publication of X-rays do not show the extent of the damage. I broke some ribs and broke a lot of cartilage in the chest and so the doctors said RYPIEN with a summary of more detailed than I did Vigneault. Return RYPIEN said Vigneault Sunday a question of pain was maintenance.I do not know if it's pain management or is it time for me to return, RYPIEN said after practice Tuesday morning. I think the Vikings Brett Favre jersey
time has come, and I'm ready to go. I do not see that much change in the next few days as I around.Rypien right now, so wait to feel no sense, glass, Desbiens - and Corey Perry (Notes) Pavol Datsyuk for an evening of the opening draw fought, maybe even Daniel Sedin (notes) - all are better prepared. Although beaten 13-2 in their first three games - all on the road in four nights - Anaheim has not played a lot more to The Dirty Duck X-Rated Disney Donald that inspired its original name Mighty Ducks.

Phillies look to the future after the end of the Red

2010-10-13T00:58:00.001-07:00

PHILADELPHIA (AP) was spray champagne in the visitor pavilion after completing a sweep in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history is nothing more than a ritual for the Philadelphia Phillies. Normally, in reality, if we win the World Series. We have achieved nothing. This is not to achieve a Championship Series, winning the World Series, first baseman Ryan Howard (notes), he said. The Phillies took a step closer to the first team to win in 66 years to three consecutive NL pennant against Cincinnati in three consecutive games in the series of nfl jerseys
division. Now they will wait to deal with San Francisco and Atlanta in the NLCS National League. Game 1 Saturday at Citizens Bank Park
Since losing to the New York Yankees in six games in the last years of World Series, the Phillies have decided to come back and win it all, for the second time in three years. Nothing less is acceptable for an organization known, even losing - the Phillies have lost more games than any team in professional sports. But in the past. This club is potentially in the middle of a dynasty. The Phillies have won four straight NL East title, they won the World Series in 2008 and four wins his third consecutive pennant. Therefore, players try to win Sunday night against the Reds a 2-0 series as a regular. They shook hands on the box, exchanged a few high-fives, beating in the chest and pump his fist, then the party of low intensity was in the locker room.
Seeking to confirm after the season. We want to win the World Series, shortstop Jimmy Rollins (notes), he said. Roy Halladay (Notes), Roy Oswalt (notes) and Cole Hamels (white) of the anchor pitching staff to win another championship, Philadelphia's favorite places. Halladay and Hamels dominated against the Reds. They'll have plenty of Bears jersey
rest before the hill again. Halladay has to start the first round on the second non-striker in the history of the show to open in the playoffs debut. Oswalt has somehow continued effort by its rules. Hamels, MVP of the World Series in 08, then his first playoff shutout. We have three guys that are at the top of his game, said Rollins. Weve is the best place to start pitching time.Halladay had been waiting his whole career for this opportunity. He spent 12 years in Toronto to play in the division. That was controlled by the Yankees and the Boston-Seven All-Star wanted to Philadelphia, a chance at free agency after the season missed test and signed a $ 60,000,000 three-year extension to come - much less than it received in the open couldve market.
But Halladay does not care about money or personal success. He wants a ring.
To all here, the ultimate goal for the World Series will be available. This is the first step. We are all able to reach the final, said Halladay.
The Phillies are the hottest team game now. They have been 30-8 at home by Houston in a four-game series sweep in late August.
They have all recovered. Injuries were a major concern during the regular season. Six of the usual eight spent time on the disabled list, including some time Rollins and Chase Utley (notes).
If no one gets hurt during training this week, the Phillies their usual eight in the starting lineup for the third game for the first time, this year, when you open the NLC.
Apparently the only thing that might upset the long break in Philadelphia. Manager Charlie Manuel is not about concern with five days, though. The Phillies had six days before the game against Tampa Bay in five games of the 08th World Series
Several times I had in the series and series or heard, do you know ifBills jersey
you have a long break, people say:.. Do you mind said Manuel It is the old, if you do good, for example, the dismissal violated. I think we know. I do not think I wanted to start pitching excuses.While, as expected, led the Phillies, their offense struggled against the Reds. He scored 13 runs, six coming in the wake of sloppy errors Cincinnati defense and a .212 hit rate was in the series.

12 Oct 10 Is it appropriate to use health care at the best of payments in Canada?

2010-10-12T04:46:00.001-07:00

A review of information on nurse wages shows that nursing-jobs to pay more in Canada in the north of the country. Nurse wages can not vary from $ 58,000 to $ 90,000 per year. Relocation, housing and compensation, North can free nurse salary of nfl jerseys
another $ 23 000 per year. Remuneration and allowances are offered as incentives to attract and retain nurses in nursing positions in northern Canada. North are the work of nursing in Canada for you? The three northern territories of Canada has some of the highest rates of nurses to population, but the population is so small, the number of available jobs are not important compared to some of the largest urban areas in the provinces of Western and Eastern Canada. clinical expertise is needed for the so-called extended care. He is nursing jobs in nursing practice in the community independently, with no time for full medical care. Due to these specific requirements of nursing jobs in northern Canada are not recommended for entry into practice.
If the maintenance jobs to pay more in Canada are engaged, the good news is that, many incentives to the North, to work in health care.
As an example of the Community Health Nurse (CHN) Development Program in the Northwest Territories nurses has less than two years to develop work experience a chance, what is advanced nursing skills in the production of some of the nursing jobs pay more known in the country.
Nurses who enroll in the program receive advice from a course of theory and practice the skills necessary for nursing job show.
The unions have northern allowance for employees and financial incentives negotiated wages and has put an extra income to travel and the high cost of living in the north.
So, if you check the information posted on salary nurse regarding listings of nursing positions in Canada's north, that you know what you find and take into account certain factors that may affect the development cost of living in the north and see if they really adapted to life are doing in the north and the demands of nursing positions in these small communities and specialists.
Many people in the northern regions of Canada to the north and a love of life that the little sense of community and outdoor recreational activities during the period of snow and ice contains live. But the fact that nights can be long, summers can be short, and obtain a license for a snowmobile owners really need instead of a car, because there is no public transport to work at work in the nursing jobs in the northern regions of Canada.
Many communities in the North are remote and isolated. For example, there is a population of 40,000 people in 1.17 million square miles in the Northwest Territory and a large city (Yellowknife). Only 4 hospitals across the country and 28 community health centers.
This contrasts with the city of Greater Vancouver on the southwest coast of British Columbia, with more than 21 cities over 1.111 square miles (2877.36 square kilometers) distributed, and a population of 2.3 million to six hospitals, acute care hospital in the city of Saints jersey
Vancouver, and at least 8 in the area.
high salaries for nurses providing nursing jobs in northern Canada are to be weighed against the distance from the scene and the high cost of living. As all deliveries by truck or plane to be transported to the field is much more expensive necessities such as food, clothing and fuel to buy.
It is also important to understand some of the requirements for nursing in the north, if you are a career in nursing. Salary is one thing and know-how is another.
NeededMany know-how are nursing jobs in northern Canada registered you need a language and skills clinics. When is the Northwest Territories there are 10 official languages, for example. Most nursing positions require knowledge of the culture of First Nations and Inuit language.

Ode to Social Media Entrepreneurs - Mercy Views for Motivation

2010-10-11T04:53:00.001-07:00

I thought it might help anyone who's ever felt that way to reach out and show you that it's normal. OK, maybe not normal but a part of the creative process. Sometimes our best work is deeply honest.
The gut inclination is to trash it in the circular file. If I did that, the object lesson of perseverance and staying motivated would be lost. Home internet marketers, are you listening?
So in the interest of nfl jerseys
humor, entertainment and motivation, I present to you the totally original, Ode to Social Media Entrepreneurs aka Mercy Views For Motivation. Stephen, John and Ellen, I hope you are paying attention!
It's OK to have a laugh at my expense. Really, I can take it.
M- is for miles of traffic we want to get
O-is for rocket high objectives that we set
T- is for time that it takes to get our ranking
I-is for the ick factor when an article goes tanking
V-is for vision inspiring entrepreneurs
A- is taking action daily, toutes les jours
T- is for the tension as we watch for the result
I- is for initiative to learn what's its all about
O- is staying on task, forever and all ways
N- is for the negatives, we don't listen to nay says.
Put them all together and you get what makes us tick
MOTIVATION keeps us going, ever hungry for that click.
We want it to go Indianapolis Colts jersey
viral, we want to make a buzz
It's what keeps us going, why we're doing what we duzz.
I know this may not make Seth's blog, Chris Brogan or the Hack
Just 'get' that working hard can push your brain right off the track
You don't give up, you keep on trying, no matter what may come
You publish, you produce and you hope it's liked by some.
It helps to entertain, to give quality, amuse
But sometimes you get tired, you become a burned out fuse
And yet you keep on trying, with a smile on your face
It keeps social media going, it's the thrill of the chase.
If you can relate to brain mush, if it's happened to you too
Remember to get silly sometimes and laugh at what you do
It's what keeps Colbert and Stewart and Ellen in the news
If they can do it, you can too- ask for some mercy views!
This is what happens to a home internet marketer when you participate in a writing marathon, manage a household and take care of Dallas Cowboys jersey
your kids. Not to mention a full day's field trip thrown in. Oh, and there was a sick puppy needing attention in there too.
I thought it might help to keep you inspired to know that writing is very hard work sometimes. Being completely original is scary stuff. We worry that we're going to run out of clever things to say. Or that someone might laugh, at us, not with us.

Making Money With Point Spreads in The NFL

2010-10-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

Most sports gamblers bet on the NFL, and most of those who do use point spreads for betting. Most of them have no idea what they are doing and end up losing. The lack of knowledge causes some bets to be made with as little as a 40% probability of nfl jersey
a winning outcome. The bookies love it, but your bankroll can't handle that mistake too many times.
To understand how to make money with spreads in the NFL, you need to know why you can win in the first place. The books do not control the probabilities like they do in other games, such as Blackjack or Craps. To offset the lack of control, the books charge a vig and use point spreads in effort to balance the betting.
Because the books don't San Francisco 49ers jersey
actually control the long term probabilities, you can gain an edge by betting only games known to be taking place in a point spread situation that has shown an advantage over time. Anything over 53% will do, but there are known spread situations that will give the bettor a 60% or more probability of a win.
The fastest and easiest way to make money with point spreads in the NFL is to identify the advantageous spread situations and only place bets when history has provided you proof of an edge based on it. You can do that by researching the point spread history for ten or more years, or by purchasing a system that already has the information in it.
Once you have that information you can control the probabilities on Buffalo Bills jersey
the bets you place. That opportunity is unique to sports books and point spreads. In no other gambling activity can you guarantee yourself a profit over time. Unless you are the house.

"It was a big surprise," lynch said. "But at the same time, (it) is a little excited.

2010-10-07T06:41:00.001-07:00

Washington - the city in the United States, university of California, Marshawn with Peter lynch, carol somehow, he hopes to coach hit at the university of southern California.
"He is the only one game, you will see the operation manager of football jersey
up and down like him from playing," lynch said Wednesday he, with the first practice Seattle haiying. "Running, jumping, players and his joy over there. They dogging us, you just sit there and watch them fun (thinking) here, 'the elder brothers, what he is doing? My avocation, so I can beat him again."
Now see carol drama lynch wait, considering his offer to run in his football career, a new start.
After years of debate in buffalo with former lynch future first-round draft pick before the final by two picks exchange to Seattle.
Carol and true words, not waste any in the 450kg lynch on the pitch, and try to repair time running struggle.
After Tuesday night in Seattle, 11, about six in the morning when lynch is about 450kg headquarters for several hours after practice game on Wednesday.
"I think this change for me is very good opportunity, not only in football, but also in life," lynch said. "Everything happened, I think I was an opportunity, it, it came, I took it. This is another, I plan to deal with this situation as well, because I rest. I said, because I still stand here."
Lynch, including past problems in June 2008, he touches traffic violations in his car female pedestrians and one for March 2009 misdemeanor charges in San Francisco 49ers jersey
Los Angeles county after police found a backpack, in a parked car trunk semi-automatic pistol lynch sat among them. Gun charging resulted in three premiership games suspended last year.
"That is past events," lynch said. "I think if you often review your past, your card, this is where I was worried. I forward."
Lynch, hope can match haiying behind. They enter their farewell row in the NFL, 27 weeks behind the offensive line of temporary, finally the teams played in Chicago on October 17, achieve the desired start-up operation bear.
Lack of games 450kg quarterback puts more pressure, matt hassell baker.
"We have been talking about this game is running down, let people, many tough, defend us," said the baker. "It gives us a very good chance in Jimmy Floyd hasselbaink, let us with the naked eye piracy, but all kinds of big business."
Lynch haiying believe rough mode of operation, will have a nearly 1,000 yards ran five years of Buffalo Bills jersey
crime. Lynch, 24 years old, more than 10 yards vigorously in the previous two seasons in football. He will also have similar crimes, to prevent this plan have what use.
Considering the past bills and discuss, before it is management, he is a lynch former teammates, when he first received, trade jokes.
"It was a big surprise," lynch said. "But at the same time, (this) is a little excited."

2010 season schedule announced on September 9, opening the vikings challenge the saints

2010-10-06T03:29:00.001-07:00

The super bowl title New Orleans saints will get an early test, they will be in NFL2010 season opener at home against Minnesota vikings, this is a repeat of last year, when NFC final team through overtime to narrow. The game will nationally televised on September 9, on Thursday night.

In the last meeting, New Orleans saints through four points in overtime to 45 seconds when Garrett - 40 yards of nfl jerseys
a hartley free-kick to 31-28 beat Minnesota, won the team's first champions. The saints in the next super bowl team in 31-17 defeated the Indianapolis colts.

Saints will also on Thanksgiving Day roadies against the Dallas cowboys, Cowboys in New Orleans after the last 13 straight to their first defeat opponents. In order to make the game more interesting late season, and avoid once a team to playoff spot in remaining matches conserve, NFL arrange all in the last game division internal on January 2nd 2011. This led to this adjustment of the delayed schedule announced. Normal schedule in early April or earlier.

Indianapolis in the first day of the season in Houston began their 2010 season, on September 12. Another concern is the new stadium on Sunday in this plum tou debut season, Carolina against New York giants. The next night, in the same stadium in Baltimore crow challenge in New York, the jet before the season began to have become traditional Monday night and even the chief challenges in Kansas city, San Diego. There will be two games in overseas: San Francisco, Denver VS in London on October 31, Chicago, next Sunday VS buffalo on November 7th in Toronto.

"Our fans will have the chance to Toronto to see us against the NFL's oldest one team," bill team boss, "said Ralph - Brian Wilson Urlacher control group, the defensive team and jay - cutler game, this is the most exciting quarterback is one of Buffalo Bills jersey
the leading group, they attack."

The jet fleet will also host Thanksgiving Day night, against the Cincinnati tiger team. Also in New England will visit Thanksgiving, Detroit. Donovan - as some red one team quarterback opener against a familiar opponents: Dallas. Cowboys in September 12 weeks away and the challenges in Washington.

Some cloth on October 4th Sunday to Philadelphia, and is the first round of the schedule of the team in the first week. "Through some of the league's top teams against measure our own strength, this is a very competitive race," red one team coach mike - sand, han said. "On Sunday evening state television began a new season, three golden time, and in our first nine games in five games through the national radio, this will make the team more attention."

Other features include giants in the game in the second week of the golden time away on Sunday, and brother manning - 08. - the second meeting manning, Almost a year of a patriot games against the pony ZhouZaiXin England; 11th, Christmas Eve on Saturday, Arizona, challenge Dallas. And jephthah Brett - law against BaoZhuangGong twice, if 40-year-old quarterback to Minnesota, October 24 Sunday night in fort, nov. 21 in Minneapolis.
Julius - pelosi, this year the most compelling free agents, will in the fifth ZhouXiong team challenges panthers game with his new club to Carolina. Besides, han red one team coach sand in the first game, the other two new coach first show is Peter carol's clash at San Francisco, the lakers 450kg jameel - the bill's home game against Miami. The draft has signed on Saturday, will ram in the season opener at home against Arizona cardinals.

Since the day in 2006, the week by NBC television, this is the first time in the schedule of the network will skip the world-class competition for a week. This season, the most wonderful game, GangRen team on October 31, has been away saints ready to boycott the fourth game. The major leagues coo Bob dylan - doppler Iraq has declined to comment.

NFL spokesman Greg - YiLuo said: "we are already in Steelers jersey
the football game on Sunday night established satisfactory franchise, and we and NBC consensus through the season, every Sunday night to arrange a game is reasonable."

The strange cycle

2010-10-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

University campus, the weekend party with some of the youth, the desire to be. Founder hao cover pounding chest to lee unreal snow. He held out his hand, as far as possible as casual, optionally, can save, waiting. "Excuse me, are you please, or please illusion of nfl jerseys
snow, ministers?" Founder hao, do not know when the millet payable by snow and li unreal standing in front. He suddenly felt very uncomfortable, freely, "You say?" "Ha ha ha!" Small merab founder hao turn into living floor.
Rightness, butterfly yankees-blue feifei. Li unreal snow looking millet and gallant founder, weird smile. Millet this girl, don't really simple, lest start tomorrow I'll eat one! The star sky sparkly, stared at the ignorant child.
Li unreal snow is looking at the sky in a daze, was a fierce clap millet, "my mom came, accompany me to meet her." FengFengHuoHuo, millet began, "calculate calculate bag, PROM has just begun, haven't you jump, I go with my mother, and also to remain standing, you!" Say that finish, millet and dropped snow and founder hao li illusion and ran away.
"Then we jump a song!" Looking at the founder hao li illusion, so she would snow hand to him. He met with her hand, a slight trembling. A bit dizzy to taking steps. Lee is very calm, unreal snow studying this boy, unadorned after may be the light bulb, he and millet a habit, said the party secretary will put cool? How should this, after get better? Oh, millet, it is this guy.
Li unreal snow blindly mused, but found no, she and gallant founder closer. He felt her breath of light scattering in her bosom, and his smell her charming hair. He has not breathing.
The dance was over, millet did not come. That night, they have been together, so close to him to touch her with a desire to many people. Then they began, the boy said, li illusion seems to be snow founder hao this boy overtook, with a little bit jealous and refuses to acknowledge and cried out to treat gallant. The tiny inebriate, with happiness HaoXi founder, "She agreed to please!" Oh! Oh! Oh! The boys HongJiao, who has ever seriously think that sentence, even with confused gallant founder.
Return to dormitory, millet and mother zhengda kan especially kan, fruit, the big table. Snacks, "I regret the illusion of snow!" The shoes are in rush millet snow cried, "lee illusion, we are opening for the m-zone card, you can only use one day, I said, with five 9 roared with me now, now, I change to a business people to your old man's id, just in mobile hall was grieved me."
"Mom, not only such, last week on the card: oh, we went to the illusion of students' what snow is, literature, newspaper cast a lot of community to resume, I now use of all this, I have not persist over." Millet clear pronunciation, mom. "Then change!" li illusion is also she said the snow, "embarrassed change? You rao I, o you who know you! Now, and how many people have tracked?"
Summer night, the moon is high, cool wind blow gently, in the south of Indianapolis Colts jersey
the rain is rare. Millet mum back to the hotel. The sisters of the dormitory after a noise is back, and began to wash to talk about. Suddenly, millet screamed, kicking a quilt and crazy burst out laughing. Make everyone think she is extremely fast asleep after sleepwalking.
"Sisters, my love, object - now student organization department minister, ah, gallant founder ha ha ha ha!" Oh! Oh! Tee-hee! Ha ha! The girls also cried out, what time we also saw the handsome and under secretary adults and? "He took me tomorrow, you little trouble for self-study!" Cut... Sisters, heavy color with light.
Founder hao excitedly almost overnight, thinking about how can not sleep more firmly please her heart. Self-study, he hurried to Chinese building, building the lawn in stone, according to a few good positions around, he jitterily sat waiting.
Li unreal snow looking take a mirror of millet said, "Go! Or nasty!" etc. "What's the rush, students are still not finished, call him much, etc. Oh, yes, you go ahead, let me see if he had been there, in a word, just send me a message, OK?"
Founder hao saw li unreal snow, lurking in the side of my friends to play a loud whistle. He syndromes and stood up, and saw that she was looking at himself, he waved his hand to lift the slight trembling, and she waved. Founder hao is ready to run past, but found that li unreal snow walked several sisters, laugh with the hand, and went away.
What happened? He chased after a few steps, dispossessing to god. Friends are surrounded, everybody said nothing, but the anger patted the founder. Now, brothers, girls are so carefree boring, love, don't let buddy play too seriously!
Millet soon returned to the dormitory, cry, saying, also become tears, received no downstairs phone "smelly wench gallant founder, don't like... don't promise, and not the date is play trick ye2!" Seem to have more bad, but the telephone was broken, millet but said. Everybody said, hate, later we and the dead boy gallant founder.
"Smelly boy!" Founder hao grabbed telephone, "no necessary so!" "The vast, hello, scold two away air-removed sa!"
In fact, in the snow on the illusion of Dallas Cowboys jersey
li resume, founder and remember the gallant phone number. That day he text messaging confession, also do not have each other's name, but other vast admirers, millet, phone number, his early entities to her message is founder hao! Strange...

Do you have your ncca mens basketball picks yet for march madness?

2010-10-03T14:31:00.001-07:00

You know what time it is? March madness time! The biggest, most exciting and most lucrative on the television to see the whole year. Have you been following all year? T Basketball NCAA men still lasts until your March Madness? Well, if cheap nfl jerseys
it does not ... You must begin to seriously do some research and find their excellent selection.
There is nothing like walking in the swimming pool of March Madness at work and win! You impress your NCAA basketball tournament predictions.
It's more than winning first place in the pool, is their pride, dignity and self respect on the track. If you assume that all year, as you are is vented to March Madness tournament and know your chances of winning the NCAA 64 teams and give a
total drop your ego.

Let me give you some advice. No pick to go all the number one seed to the Final Four. The last time that 3 has a serial number the last four in 2001! March Madness not like the NBA is the best of the day when it is extremely predictable, you have to live on the edge of a chair and take risks.
You need to make good favorite college basketball in your subject of madness or the use by the media. You need to read between the lines, for example, if you plant a seed 12 vs. 5 and 12 pairs of 49ers jersey
seed has the potential to destroy the seeds to see the fifth, it is likely that will happen in fact. Or 15 Seed beat No 2 seed a few years ago? Remember Iowa State in the fall? It happens all the time, why it is called insanity runs. Gone are Cinderella teams are born. Remember George Mason? Made a name for himself in the last 4 years? I bet you do not have 4 finals are going this year? Well, I have!
I study the NCAA Men's Basketball ritual lasts at least 5 hours per day. All trends, statistics, injuries, location, etc. .. to achieve the best selection. I want to play more of a steady stream of, then as a hobby. I have a love for the game and March Madness is by far the best time of year. The opportunities for college basketball to win 64 games are almost zero, and if so, there are already many sites, more than a million dollars or more to pay.
When you do a little research, the planning, study and prayer on the way to win millions of dollars. Anything can happen, especially March Madness. Throw NCAA odds door number one team won it Saints jersey
all, it is likely to know a 4 or 5 seeds, where they will take the title. I must say, Syracuse? They had such an incredible race. If you are a sports fan, is March Madness, that it is serious!

Betting Online Sports

2010-10-03T14:30:00.001-07:00

There is no better form than online sports-Paris and win consistently. The World Wide Web allows you to bet on sports 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the world. All you need is football jersey
Internet access and a few dollars to start. Now comes the fun part. It is time to time, the madness of NCAA March 7 leading to 08 this year. NCAA Men's Basketball Team sports are the most popular online Paris. If you know the chance and study the game and lines, you can quickly some serious money!

When it's time for March Madness is all to try to understand the last 64 teams! It seems an impossible challenge, but believe me, it's very possible.
NCAA Basketball predictions that people often choose to March Madness, is wrong with the world's number one team. It is very rare that the number one team in general is necessary to March Madness. This is the most exciting thing to see, and many are angry that not even funny.

NCAA likely to correctly predict the 64 teams are from 1 to over $ 5,000,000. It guarantees to get bad tips will not make mistakes in the later rounds.

The NCAA Tournament is very uncertain. Who would have thought it, that last year George Mason University - a No. 11 seed - would make the Final Four?
1853 Believe or not more than 1.5 million people who entered Bears jersey
ESPN.com 's Tournament Challenge. Therefore death favorite college basketball March Madness. What that means great uncertainty is that you never have the chance to win their group if you do not select a group of disorders.

Put in this way do not take the higher seed all games. I think even the most casual fans of college basketball know better than to gain the No. 1 seed to reach the Final Four. 3 No. 1 team to collect them are dangerous! It is not guaranteed, as usual, the NBA, where he is more of a winner to be seen. The last time the number three-one teams reached the Final Four was in 2001. I propose two No one seed, then a combination of go-foot, two, three and four on the last two points.

If you win you become famous and can predict other college basketball do not give up your size to the Game Share
There is no better feeling than to win March Madness Pool impress your friends. With a little study of the media and learn the history of the media can be placed in the right direction. No one thinks all Bills jersey
64 teams correctly, if you there are many web sites, with over a million dollars if you do this, you are at best guess, the one million dollars or more delicious! Good luck this year!