30 Dec 10 Hedo Turkoglu or Bryan Colangelo: Who's the Idiot in Toronto?

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesThe Raptors' season has been filled with ups and downs, but in the end, it's looking like another underachieving, mediocre season. Going into the season, there was so much hope, with bringing in a completely revamped roster, and signing Hedo Turkoglu this teamKansas City Chiefs jersey
looked great on paper? Or did it?Hedo Turkoglu was always a pretty good player. Pretty good. But was he ever that great? Not really. Turkoglu is clutch, there's no denying that, but is he really that great of a playmaker? The Raptors already had Jose Calderon, and signing Hedo Turkoglu just didn't seem like the right move.This team isn't as deep as it seems. Everything was going so well up until the all star break, where the Raptors were 5th in the East. But everything went downhill. Chris Bosh got injured, and then the team just collapsed. Another mediocre season just isn't going to get it done.Most of this blame is going to Hedo Turkoglu for having such an underachieving season, and just caring about money. Well, this is where Colangelo comes into play. What did he expect from Turkoglu? He's not a scorer, he's a playmaker. Why would you sign the guy for five years, and for so much money$12 million a year? Are you kidding me? It's not Turkoglu's fault he's getting overpaid.The team was having success toward the end of Miami Dolphins jersey
the '08-'09 season, and yet Colangelo just decides to let Marion go, and grab Turkoglu. Wouldn't it make sense to sign Marion for a year, then maybe sign another big name such as Rudy Gay, Joe Johnson, David Lee, etc. to accommodate Bosh? Colangelo has seemed to have rebuilt this team every year, and none of them seem to have true success.Colangelo brought in TJ Ford, which resulted in Jermaine O'Neal, which resulted in Marion, which then brought Turkoglu. Colangelo's European players have brought in the fans, but are they really getting the job done? This offseason could be another rebuild, if Chris Bosh leaves Turk. Who's to be blamed, Turkoglu or Colangelo?

29 Dec 10 We Are Trying To Shock The World

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThank You Noah for this awesome catch phrase for this first round matchup with the Cavs.I'm sticking to my guns. I predicted before the season started that Lebron Co. would fall to Da Bulls. They split the season series 2-2. Each won when the other team wasn't at full strength. Let's take a look at the 4 matchups.November 5 in Cleveland Bulls win 86-85. At that time everyone was healthy for both teams. Former Bull Tyrus Thomas was benched for complaining about playing time and Derrick Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
Rose was still playing himself into shape after missing the preseason with an ankle injury. Lebron held to 25 points.December 4 also in Cleveland, Cavs win 101-87. Bulls were missing Kirk Hinrich and Tyrus Thomas while Cavs were completely healthy. Lebron held to 23 but had 11 assists.March 19 in Chicago Cavs win 95-87 while Bulls were without Rose, Noah and Deng. Cavs were without Shaq and newly acquired Jamison only scored 2 points. Lebron scored 29 grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out 7 assists in by far his best game against the Bulls all season. Interesting it was while Deng was in street clothes. Sidenote I was at the game and Lebron was cheered like a hometown player.April 8 at the UC Bulls beat Lebronless Cavs 109-108. Lebron sure didn't look too banged up when he was jumping up and down as Mo Williams was sinking 3's keeping the Cavs in the game. Mo went off for 35 points going 6-11 from beyond the arc while Jamison had a much better showing scoring 23. Rose, Deng and Hinrich all scored 20+Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
points while Noah still on a time limit got a double-double. Shaq was still out for this game.Both teams made some moves with the Cavs not really trading anyone and just adding Jamison while the Bulls traded away Salmons and Tyrus Thomas as well as Aaron Gray whose 6 fouls might have been useful this serier are gone.This Bulls team is young and has nothing to lose. They got a taste of the playoffs last year pushing the Celtics who were without Garnett to 7 games. What everyone forgets is the Bulls were without Deng last season. Also Noah is a Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
completely different player this season. A few seasons ago the Bulls played the defending champion Heat and swept them in the first round while the 8 seed Golden State Warriors beat the #1 seed Mavs in the first round.It can happen so let's get the pressing running and print off 20,000 shirts for game 3 at the UC with Noah's sayingWE ARE TRYING TO SHOCK THE WORLD.Check out more of my Bulls thoughts

28 Dec 10 NBA Playoff Success: The 23 Most Successful Shooting Guards

Jim Rogash/Getty ImagesIt's playoff time and Richard Jefferson, Manu Ginobili, Paul Pierce and Kobe Bryant are some of the few shooting guards left in contention for a title. To pay homage to old number 23, Michael Jordan, and his 6-0 finals record and MVP's, this list names the top 23 shooting guards to ever Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
scorch the hoops in the playoff scene.#23 - John Starks - Never won it all but almost did, if it wasn't for #23, and bad shooting in game 7 vs. Houston in 1994.#22 - Latrell Sprewell - Remember how the Knicks almost did it in 1999? Sprewell was the fire inside the team, but Duncan and Robinson doused it, so did shooter Sean Elliot.#21 - Penny Hardaway - In 1995, the Magic lost 0-4 to the Rockets but penny did his thing. They lost because...well...Olajuwn was unstoppable and Drexler was taking Penny. #20 - Allen Iverson - Made it that once (2001), but lost. He's here because he was the main part of the offense for his team, at only 6'0".#19 - Reggie Miller - Hit all the big ones all the time, except in the Finals (2000). How sad is it that Miller only made it to the big dance once?#18 - Richard Jefferson - Made it twice to the Finals and lost both, but he is at #18 because who else scored in those series for N.J. in 2002 and 2003? He's in the hunt again, seven years later, on a stacked Spurs team.#17 - Richard Hamilton - Has played in the finals twice, with a win and a loss. He was a perfect shooting compliment for other players on the 2004 championship Detroit team, and the next year in 2005 they lost a close seven game series to the Spurs.#16 - Danny Ainge - He could never stop Jordan but he wasn't afraid of him. This mindset by Ainge brings him into the upper echelon of shooting guards in the playoffs. Won it all in 1984 and 1986, playing gritty defense. Lost in the Finals in 1983, but came back and tried to stop Jordan for Portland in 1992 and for Phoenix in 1993, but didn't. He has been in five NBA finals series.#15 -Earl Monroe won it all in 1973, with the Knicks big man, Willis Reed playing injured and Walt Frazier at his side.#14 - World B. Free - He was a starter for the 1979 champs from Seattle and was the high scorer when they lost the year before. He got redemption, even though Dennis Johnson (more of a PG) was Finals MVP.#13 - Hal Greer - Averaged 27.7 points per game in the 1967 playoffs,alongsideWilt, when Philly beat San Fran in the NBA Finals. At only 6'2" it was quite anaccomplishmentto score more than The Big Dipper in the finals.#12 - Clyde Drexler - In 1990 and 1992 Portland made the finals and lost both, but Drexler was the main guy at all times. In 1995, on Houston, he was able to defer to Olajuwon, and won it all while still scoring at a high clip.#11 - Paul Pierce - Played with a crappy Boston team for years, and just when he was about to pack it up for the Celtics, they get shooter Ray Allen, and big man Garnett. Pierce just got a Finals MVP.#10 - Dwyane Wade - Played with an older Shaq, unlike Kobe, but took Miami to it's first and only title in 2006, Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
and was Finals MVP, unlike Kobe, when he was with Shaq.#09 - Jerry West - He is the only player to be Finals MVP from the LOSING TEAM!!! That was in 1969 when the Celtics beat L.A. 4 to 3. In 1972 they won it all with West at the scorers helm.#08 - Rick Barry - He was a shooting guard/small forward, but his strongsuit was scoring. Score he did in 1967 at age 22. He averaged 35.6 pts per game that year (1967)! His team at the time, S.F. went to the Finals and lost to Philadelphia. Eight years later he was a Finals MVP as he led G.S. to a title over Washington 4-0 in 1975.#07 - Byron Scott - Happened to be in the right place at the right time, winning titles in L.A., but the kid scored and scored and scored, except in 1991 vs Jordan and the Bulls, he flopped against Jordan and then got mysteriously injured, so did Worthy.#06 - Joe Dumars - Was the one good guy on a Bad Boy team that went to the Finals in 1988 and lost, but came back and won it all in 1989 and 1990. Dumars was Finals MVP in 1989.#05 - Manu Ginobili - In 2003, 2005 and 2007, Manu wasthe offensive catalyst for title winning teams. Even in 2010 he saved the Spurs at the end of the season and round one. For sure, 2010 Spurs MVP.#04 - Kobe Bryant - Won it all in 2000, 2001 and 2002, with Shaq as Finals MVP all three times. In 2009 Bryant and Gasol led the Lakers past Orlando and Kobe got his first Finals MVP, catapulting him to top 5 shooting guards ever status and top 20 all-time player status (#17 greatest player ever in my estimation).#03 - Sam Jones - Won 10 NBA TITLES!!! as shooting guard for the Boston Celtics. After losing in the Finals in 1958 vs. St. Louis, he helped Boston win eight straight, then two more in 1968 and 1969. That is amazing. He averaged 18.9 pts per game in his playoff career.#02 - John Havlicek - The 6'5" f/g won sixchampionshipsalongsideSam Jones and Bill Russell and then somehow took the Celtics to titles in 1974 (Finals MVP) and 1976, without them. Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
He was an amazing player who never lost in the Finals and played his ass off every single possession. Had a 13 year career, went to the playoffs every single year and in 172 career playoff games he put up 22.0 ppg, 6.9 rebs per and 4.8 asts per. Greatest ever, if it wasn't for....#01 - Back to number 23. Six NBA Finals, Six Finals MVP's. All-time NBA playoff scoring leader. Led NBA in scoring every single time they won the NBA title. Not enough space to explain it all, but unlike Havlicek, was the number one option defensively and offensively every Finals game he played, by the way he never scored under 20 points in ANY of his Finals games (35 games). Who is this I write of? MICHAEL JORDAN, duh.

27 Dec 10 What a Difference A Year Makes, Huh Rashard??

Doug Benc/Getty ImagesThis article (and more articles like it) can be viewed at Gino's Jungle - a Boston Celtics News and Opinion Source.Last year the Orlando Magic faced the Boston Celtics in Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs. Just about one year later, the two are now squaring off in the Eastern Conference Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
Finals. There was one guy who helped a ton to propel the Magic past the Celtics last year- His name is Rashard Lewis.In 7 games against the C's in the playoffs last year, Lewis averaged 20.4 ppgwhile going 45.5% from the field. Well that is great work against Glen Davis... So how is he doing against the Big Ticket? In the 2 games that have been played thus far in this series, Rashard has averaged 5.5 ppg while going 25% from the field.Now I told you Rashard (even if you couldn't hear me) to take advantage of your time in the spotlight while Big Baby is guarding you. This is nothing against Baby, but he never has and never will be the Defensive Player of the Year. Kevin Garnett has had that title, and looks very fresh on defense right now.For some reason I don't think Lewis is going to Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
have diarrhea of the mouth like he did last year after the Celtics celebrated on their floor when Baby hit the shot at the buzzer. Its hard to say a word when your production hasn't even reached the level of Brian Scalabrine.Garnett is owning Rashard Lewis, and will continue to own Rashard Lewis as the Celtics prove to the Magic that they can kick us when we are down, but we will kick the living sh(rap) out of them when both sides have their entire arsenal

26 Dec 10 Lakers Resume Storied Rivalry With Celtics; Defeat Suns, Refs

My philosophy is that in a 7 game series, the better team wins 10 out of 10 times. Referees can certainly make things difficult, but my belief is that the better team will always triumph.Well, the refs in Phoenix certainly did all in their power to prove me wrong.Forget the Suns-favoring 20.5 average free throw differential in the two games the Suns did manage to win, forget the innumerable, blatant fouls the Suns committed essentially for free, the refs capped off their all-out effort to prolong the series when they called Sasha Vujacic for a flagrant foul early in the San Francisco 49ers jersey
fourth quarter.That call not only gifted the Suns with two free throws, but also awarded them possession all after a possession in which they had already scored. That call propelled the Suns to a 16-4 run and a free pass to get right back into the game.A lot of attention was placed on the various implications of that call, but no attention was placed on the call legitimacy.Goran Dragic went after Sasha Vujacic taunting and bumping him before Vujacic retaliated by throwing his arms upwards, hitting Dragic jaw. In short, Dragic initiated the confrontation and the contact but after a Grade A quality flop the refs had all the justification they needed to award the Suns with game-changing momentum instead of calling a more appropriate double-technical.Regardless, the Lakers were not to be denied their 31st NBA Finals appearance and a rematch with the only team fit to stand as a true Laker rival, the Boston Celtics.Sure the Lakers have plenty of other pretender rivals.For instance, the Cavaliers have never met the Lakers in the Finals nor have Seattle Seahawks jersey
even they won a single Finals game, yet the media had done all in their power to generate a rivalry between the two teams based on Kobe Bryant and LeBron James alone, despite the obvious gap in the stars supporting casts.The Suns beat the Lakers in 2006 and 2007, sure, but who cares? Both of those were first round series against a Laker team that featured a starting point guard who hasn been seen in the NBA for years and a center who today, doesn even start over the aged out Ben Wallace.The Spurs had their run as L.A. stand-in rival, matching the Lakers 4 championships in the last 10 years with 4 of their own in the last 11, but they were matched against the Lakers in 5 post-season matches from 2000-2008 and lost four of them.Neither team has the history or the current personnel to match up against the dynastic Lakers.On the other hand, the Celtics are the only team in basketball with more championship titles than the Lakers and have competed against the Lakers so fiercely and evenly that the teams last 3 games were decided by a combined 3 points.However for the time being, all we can do is anticipate. After all, there no guarantee that this Finals series will live up to its lore 2008 certainly didn.Still, Lakers and Celtics fans alike should relish the countless St. Louis Rams jersey
chapters in this rich rivalry that will be rehashed in the coming days and the L.A. faithful have no reason to believe that these Lakers aren more fitted to the task than they were in the teams last Finals encounter.2008 saw the beginning of Lakers rise.2009 saw the Lakers redemption.Could 2010 see the Lakers revenge?

25 Dec 10 Shannon Brown's Return: End of Free Agency for the LA Lakers?

Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesReports have recently surfaced that Shannon Brown and the Los Angeles Lakers are finally close to an agreement, and if this is true, the Lakers' roster for the 2010-11 season would appear to be set.Brown was the final offseason priority for general manager Mitch Kupchak, and his signing should bring an end to any thoughts of adding Tracy McGrady to the Lakers' roster.Brown's future had been the topic of much speculation over the past couple of weeks, and due to the lengthy negotiations, some observers wondered if Cleveland Browns jersey
a deal would be reached at all.If the rumors are true, the Lakers can declare this offseason a rousing success, and they would enter next season deeper and more talented than at any other point during the Phil Jackson era.Assuming rookies Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter, the Lakers have a unique blend of size, strength, quickness, and arguably the top two players at their respective positions in Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.Re-signing Brown was key for the Lakers because he serves as the most reliable back-up to Bryant at the shooting guard position, and although Sasha Vujacic remains an option, Brown brings more energy and athleticism to the position.Brown has always been a favorite in the eyes of most Lakers' fans, and this season presents an opportunity for him to show his game has advanced past his array of jaw-dropping dunks.Brown has the potential to be a great defensive player for the Lakers, and this is the area of his game that must show the most progression, because the Lakers have adopted a defensive mind-set for next season.The recent acquisitions of Matt Barnes and Theo Ratliff were made with defense in mind, and the Lakers who were among the league's best defensive teams a season ago, could be even better.Brown will join Barnes, Bryant, and Ron Artest in what should be one of the NBA's top perimeter defensive units. He can also serve as a secondary ball-handler behind Derek Fisher and Steve Blake.The Lakers would have been a good bet to reach their fourth consecutive NBA Dallas Cowboys jersey
Finals even if Brown had decided to part ways, but his return helps upgrade an already improved Lakers' bench.Barnes, Blake, Ratliff, and Brown will now join Lamar Odom on a second unit that has the potential to be one of the Lakers' primary strengths next season.Jordan Farmar and Josh Powell are the only significant players from last season to leave through free agency, and Kupchak did a fine job of ensuring the Lakers wouldn't miss a beat.If Brown did turn down a chance for more money with the New York Knicks, it also says something about his character, Denver Broncos jersey
because it could mean the opportunity to win his third championship was more important than a bigger paycheck.That line of thought is rarely seen in today's NBA, and if this is the case, Brown should be applauded for his decision to chase rings as opposed to dollars.The Lakers should also be applauded, because Brown's signing means Kupchak did everything he set out to accomplish in the offseason, and by adding Barnes and Ratliff he even put a cherry on top.

24 Dec 10 Michael Jordan Says He Could Score 100 in Today's NBA,Would You Bet Against Him?

Courtesy Of Getty ImagesMore News, Notes, and Commentary atRip City ReportI'm going to tell you right off the get-go that you would be crazy to bet against Michael Jordan.Crazy. Insane. Ludicrous.Because Michael Jordan and great athletes like him, will stop at nothing to achieve success. They don't take no for an answer, they don't stop at good enough, they don't make excuses, they set their eyes on a goal and they go and achieve it.and that is why you don't bet against Michael Jordan scoring 100 points in today's NBA.How Dallas Cowboys jersey
has the game changed from your playing days?"It's less physical and the rules have changed, obviously. Based on these rules, if I had to play with my style of play, I'm pretty sure I would have fouled out or I would have been at the free throw line pretty often and I could have scored 100 points."- Michael Jordan in an interview with USA TodayBecause the second someone tells him he can't do something, is the second he would lace them up and set out to prove them wrong.That is just how Jordanworks.So yeah, Michael Jordanin his loafers and bathrobe, smoking a cigar and enjoying a scotch probably couldn't do anything but stand on the three point line and toss a few threes. But in his prime, playing in today's NBA, there is little reason to say that Jordan wouldn't be as dominant as he was in the 90's, if not even more dominant.Why? Well, the way the NBA has structured the rules in favor of quicker guards in this modern age of American basketball,it would only make things easier on Jordan in terms of getting to the rack and throwing it down.In his prime, Jordan was the most effective player in the league at getting into the painted area and either getting an easy bucket or getting a chance at two points on the line.and with an 83% career average from the free throw line, he wouldn't be wasting too many opportunities once he got there.Not only was he the best at getting easy buckets, but he was the best mid range jump shooter this league has ever seen.We could do this all day, but in reality there was not a weak spot in Jordan's game.Driving to the rim.Pulling up for a jumper.Shooting the three.Defending.Rebounding.Playmaking.Name a spot in Jordan's game where he wasn't above average for his position.Courtesy Of The NBAThe guy was an all around great player, making one disadvantage to playing in the modern NBA on a minor slight against his game.Scouting.In the 1990's, they really didn't have the kind of scouting that they do in today's NBA. There was scouting, but the filming equipment cost a lot more and it just wasn't as common as it is today.Now, every single game is televised, each team has the ability to send scouts to watch each player play in person, each team has a group of film scouts Denver Broncos jersey
that can cut the game film down to a fraction of the time but still get the gist of what the coaching staff want to show their players, something that is much more efficient than it was back in Jordan's playing days. (i.e.- Scouting LeBron James)But still, what would an NBA scout gain from watching Jordan play or watching film? Or better yet, what would a coach be able to tell his players after watching said film?Would you double him?Triple him?Zone?Man to man?I mean, what would you show your players in the film that would better their ability to guard or attack him?He is the best all around player to ever grace the game, if you attack one area of his game, he will just choose a different weapon to attack you with.Sure, your best bet would be to slow him down, but is that really something new? There is nothing you can throw at Jordan that he hasn't already seen.Pair that with weaker defenses and fundamentally inept players across the league, and you have history waiting to happen.The odds wouldn't be in Jordan's favor and there isdoubt in my mind that Jordan would be able to score 100 points in a single game.But it's dangerous to bet against a player who has no weaknesses.I mean, it's no easy feat, but in reality Wilt never really scored 100 points.He technically did, but it was likely the biggest farce that ever occurred in this league. The Philadelphia 76ers tried their hardest to give Wilt the chance to score 100, they fouled the Warriors on every possession in the fourth quarter to give the 76ers more time with the ball. They extended a blowout victory in the final minutes to add to Wilt's point total.It was a total joke, but I credit him with being the only player close enough to 100 points to be able to swing the game in their favor.It was essentially the perfect storm for Wilt on that day against the Golden State Warriors.Playing against the backup 6' 10" center, playing against a weaker Warriors team, extending the blowout to inch yourself towards 100 points, and being able Detroit Lions
to physically out muscle each person that guarded you.For Wilt, it really was a once in a lifetime game and it should be remembered as that, but it wasn't a legitimate 100 point performance.Michael Jordan is the best the game has ever seen and after watching him dominate in a defensively oriented 1990's NBA, would you really bet against him scoring 100 points in today's NBA?Jordan didn't stop at second best and I doubt he would give up until he was the record holder for the best single game performance in NBA history.His Airness has proven us wrong almost every time we bet against him, so what makes you think that this time would end up being any different?More News, Notes, and Commentary atRip City Report

23 Dec 10New Jersey Nets vs. Denver Nuggets: Brook Lopez, Nets Drop a Tough One

Al Bello/Getty ImagesThe Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
New Jersey Nets finished off their road trip at 1-3 as they dropped a heartbreaker to the Denver Nuggets 107-103. The Nets have now lost three straight games and will try to rebound when they head back home.Carmelo Anthony was almost a Net during the offseason. Tonight he showed that he is still the leader of the Nuggets, scoring 28 points with eight rebounds. He came into the game averaging 24.1 ppg, good for sixth in the NBA.Though Denver is now 105-24 at the Pepsi Center over the last three seasons, the Nets had several chances to tie the game late but were unable to do so.Avery Johnson called for “better leadership among the troops” following Friday’s loss to Sacramento. To some extent, Devin Harris and Brook Lopez provided that leadership, but they also failed to come through with the game on the line.Carmelo started off hot, recording four points and two assists on the Nuggets early 9-2 run. But the Nets followed with a 10-2 run of their own to take the lead aided by eight points by Lopez.Chauncey Billups went down hard in the first and missed significant time. Denver then went on a 10-0 run. Both Anthony and Nene finished the first quarter with eight points and four rebounds. The Nets trailed by three after one.The Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
connection of Jordan Farmar to Derrick Favors gained steam in the second quarter. Favors was rumored to be the centerpiece of the package for Carmelo so he had a chip on his shoulder all night.Elsa/Getty ImagesFavors scored nine points and added four rebounds in the first half while Farmar added 10 points and four assists.Denver opened an eight point lead thanks to good energy play from Melvin Ely and Ty Lawson. The Nets then went on an 11-4 run and trailed 59-54 heading into the second half.The Nets missed their first five shots of the second half allowing the Nuggets to take a nine point lead. Harris couldn’t get it going for the second straight night, but Farmar continued to pick up the slack, hitting several big threes.After an 11-4 Nets run, Denver went on their own 11-0 run to open a 13-point lead. Rather than fold, the Nets showed great fight in chipping away at this lead.Two clutch free throws from Favors cut the Denver lead to two. But Anthony answered with a three-point play.With 1:40 left in the game, Travis Outlaw hit a clutch three from the corner to once again cut the lead to two. The Nuggets answered right back again to go back up by four.Off a jump ball, Harris stole the ball and raced down the court for an easy layup, once again making it a two point game. The Nets got a much needed stop and called a time out.Johnson drew up a play, and the Nets executed it perfectly except for one small but major problem: Lopez missed the layup that would have tied the game. He was in a good position put just missed it. Carmelo was all over him, but that’s no excuse for the size advantage and proximity to the net.Will the Nets be able to turn these close losses into wins?Will the Nets be able to turn these close losses into Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
wins?Yes87.5%No12.5%Total votes: 8The Nets had seven players in double figures. Lopez led the team with 20 points, Outlaw scored 15, Farmar and Favors each had 14, Anthony Morrow and Harris had 12 apiece and Kris Humphries added 10.Nene finished with 22, and Lawson scored 15 off the bench for Denver.The loss marks the first time New Jersey scored over 95 points and lost this season. They fall to 4-9 on the year but will look to regain some momentum Tuesday at home against the Atlanta Hawks.

NBA Free Agency: Miami Heat Could Be Stuck With Michael Beasley As Best Player

Marc Serota/Getty ImagesAs most already know. Wade has yet to state that he will be a member of the Miami Heat come next season. And that has to be the scariest aspect of this free agent period for the Miami Heat organization. As stated by numerous outlets and Dwyane Wade himself. He's had two Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
meetings in a little less than 48 hours with his hometown team; the Chicago Bulls. The second meeting featured him bringing in his agent. Yet the two sides stated that no contract had been offered...and Zebra's reportedly have spots now. The Miami Heat didn't even want Wade going anywhere near the Bulls organization, let alone granting them two interviews. Pat Riley understands the pieces that are in place with Rose, Noah, Deng, Gibson, and Johnson. The Chicago Bulls has a starting line-up that is very good without Wade. All the Miami Heat currently has to offer is two players entering their third seasons and two or three second round prospects. Of those possible four or five players. One will be dealing with the fact that the Heat organization has done everything in it's power to allow him to be viewed as a failure. Who is this player, Michael Beasley...possible soon to be, franchise player. Can you say irony? Can you say Karma? Yes. This is the prospects should Dwyane Wade elect to leave Miami and it's additional $30 million on the table. The team would be forced to build around the player the media has lead folks to believe they have shopped the most. I'm sure Heat fans don't want to even think of that. Losing Wade and then having to see the team turned over to Beasley. Itwill lead to an all out war in downtown Miami. Los Angeles Raiders style!!! So just how far would the Heat fall with a team being lead by Beasley? Well it won't be as bad as you think.In games that Wade Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
has missed and Beasley has played, the Heat have four wins and lost five. Of the five loses, four were against playoff teams(Boston, Dallas, Atlanta and Milwaukee.)Also to be noted. Only the Milwaukee Bucks were able to beat the Beasley lead Heat by more than 6 points. They also did the same thing to the Dwyane Wade lead club twice. What's more interesting is the fact that Beasley was able to either lead or finish second forthe Heat in scoringineight of thenine games.Beasley was a very different player when Wade wasn't on the court for whatever the reason. Below is a complete brake-down of his numbers.30.4 mpg ... 39, 34, 33, 32, 31, 31, 31, 24, and 1920 ppg ... 30, 25, 23, 23, 22, 21, 14, 12, and 1046.5 percent fg ... 13/25, 10/24, 10/19, 10/18, 10/17, 9/18, 5/18, 5/14, and 3/118.4 rpg ... 13, 13, 11, 9, 8, 7, 7, 5, and 31.3 spg ... 4, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1, and 11.2 bpg ... 3, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, and 1He scored 21 points in a loss to the Boston Celtics (112 to 108, OT game.) He scored 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds(in 24 minutes of play) in a loss to Arizona Cardinals jersey
the AtlantaHawks (81-79 was the final score.) So as you can see. The Heat wouldn't be in a position to be going after aNBA Title. However, they may not be in as bad of a position as a lot of other clubs. Especially if they surround Michael Beasleywith good pieces. It'll be interesting to see what happens with Wade over the next few days. Will he return to the Heat or will he bolt for what he believes to be greener pastures? Heat fans want to know...and so does Miami Beasley.

Cliff Lee Heading Back to the Phillies, According to Reports

Cliff Lee went 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA during his short regular season in PhiladelphiaRonald Martinez/Getty ImagesA bidding war between last year's American League Championship Series teams, New York and Texas, has come to an end.However, neither of those teams will end up with All-Star Cliff Lee.Instead, Lee if heading back to Philadelphia, where he was picked up the year before to make a playoff run, which was ultimately won by the Yankees. After a long couple of weeks and millions of dollars offered, two teams head home disappointed.New York went as high as six years and $138 million, while Texas made the same offer but also optioned for a seventh year. Neither were good enough for Lee, apparently.Lee was 2-0 against the Yankees in the 2009 World Series, and Denver Broncos jersey
dominated them in Game 4 of last season's ALCS, giving up just two hits in eight innings and striking out 13.Was this the right choice, though? Lee is now joining a rotation with NL Cy Young winner Roy Halladay, along with Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels and Joe Blanton. According tosources, Leeenjoyed his teammates and the city of Philadelphia, which may have played a part in his decision.Until Lee sits in front of a camera, no one will know how he made up his mind. Either way, the ace is going to play for a division champion, playoff contender, etc.

20 Dec 10 Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Must Win for Houston in Week 10

Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesThe game at Reliant Stadium last Sunday showed that the Houston Texans have work to do. One of the pieces to work on is at the quarterback and wide receiver positions. The Texans got a gift in Adrian Foster this season. He has been the superstar. Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
But one gift that has been a let down is the quarterback and wide receiver communication. Andre Johnson’s less than stellar performance on Sunday—four catches for 41 yards—isn’t something you can say should be the norm for this tandem. What is the situation this season? Johnson’s ankle is said to be 100 percent. But is it really? What about Schaub? He had two fumbles last Sunday. He was bailed out by his lineman recovering them. No touchdown passes either. Something doesn’t seem right. With the addition of Foster, the offense could have been a balanced attack, with other teams not knowing what was going to be thrown at them. Will it be pass, or will it be run? Right now it is run, because the pass game isn’t clicking on all cylinders right now. And where is the head coach, Gary Kubiak, and the defensive coordinator? The Houston Texans are last in most defensive categories this season. He has to get this defense on a roll and figure it out soon before it is too late. If the Texans lose in Week 10 it could be all over. This team's hopes for a 2010 playoff season may go down in flames if they don’t get the defense under control. Do The Texans Beat The Jaguars in Week Ten?Do The Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
Texans Beat The Jaguars in Week Ten?Yes73.6%No26.4%Total votes: 163Last week was a disappointment to say the least. The defense really lost that game for the Texans. If the offensive pass game could’ve seen more action, however, they could have had more points on the board. Being only two of six in the red zone did not help that either. Looking at this season of hope for the playoffs, it could fly away real fast, because of the defense. The play on the defense has to be addressed. If they don’t get that right, next week is going to be a long one for them. In Week 10, the Texans have the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars are also a little Jekyll and Hyde team. You never know which offense will show. Will Garrard have a great game in the air like he did in Dallas? Or will Jones-Drew run all over a defense that couldn’t stop an infant from crying, let alone the run game of an NFL team? Either way, Houston has to prepare for the passing game of Garrard, as well as his legs. He will pull Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
a pass down to dart into the open field for big gains. The Texans have to be aware and ready. Week 10 will be a defining moment for the Texans' franchise. This is a must-win for them at this stage in the season, considering where they are in the standings behind Indianapolis and Tennessee, both at 5-3. Even the Jaguars are still in the running with identical records as the Texans', at 4-4. Will the moment pass up the Texans and see their playoff chances go down the drain? Or will they make a play in this all important week in the NFL schedule? It is put em’ up or shut up time. I say they win 27-24.

19 Dec 10 Michael Vick, Cam Newton, LeBron James and Tuesday's Top Sports News

Chris McGrath/Getty ImagesGood morning everyone, Tom Kinslow here to take you around the wide world of sports and get you caught up on everything you missed last night and everything you need to know to get you ready for Tuesday's sports action. We'll be talking about last night's Monday Night Football game, Cam Newton, LeBron James and so much more.Baseball's Rookie of the Year awards were released yesterday and I'll let you know who won in the American and National Leagues; we'll get you caught up on the status of Brett Favre after he got a little dinged up on Sunday, and catch up with Antonio Margarito and how he's recovering after the beating he took from Manny Pacquiao on Saturday night. As always, if you have any thoughts or Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
comments, leave them below. Also, there is no need to refresh, the updates will come straight to you. Must Read: NFL Power Rankings: How Close Did Vick Get the Eagles to No. 1? 03:43 PM ETShaun Suisham Signed by Pittsburgh SteelersShaun Suisham was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers today to replace Jeff Reed, who the team cut after struggling for most of the season.Suisham started his career with Dallas before heading to Washington in 2006 and stayed with the Redskins until...Read more » 03:31 PM ETJeff Reed: Kicker Cut Today By Pittsburgh SteelersJeff Reed entered the season as one of the 10 most accurate kickers in the history of the league but struggled this year and was cut today by the Pittsburgh Steelers."It's unlike other positions where you can simply bench someone and go to their ...Read more » 03:07 PM ETNFL Power Rankings Week 11: Logjam at the Top of the NFLNFL power rankings Week 11 edition continue to roll out and it's interesting to see how close the teams at the top of the league are at this point of the season.You can make a case for a lot of teams right now. There's New England, Pittsburgh, the...Read more » 02:33 PM ETRoy Halladay: Unanimous Choice for NL Cy Young AwardRoy Halladay won the National League Cy Young award today, receiving all 32 first-place votes and becoming the fifth pitcher to win the award in both the American and National leagues.Halladay pitched a perfect game against the Florida Marlins thi...Read more » 11:01 AM ETNFL Power Rankings Week 11: Who's The Top Team in the NFL?NFL power rankings Week 11 are out, and trying to figure out who the best team in football is not an easy puzzle to solve.There are a lot of contenders this year and there aren't many teams that have pulled away from the pack. We have no idea who'...Read more » 10:49 AM ETHeidi Northcott Engaged to Chuck LiddellHeidi Northcott is now engaged to mixed martial arts star Chuck Liddell after the two have been dating for little more than over a year.The two met at a party organized by a common friend and the two have dated ever since. Liddell took Northcott o...Read more » 09:28 AM ETTodd Haley Apologizes for Actions After Sunday's LossTodd Haley apologized for his actions after Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos, when he refused to shake the hand of Denver head coach Josh McDaniels."It sounds like it's become a big deal and I do Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
want to apologize for me not shaking Josh's han...Read more » 09:23 AM ETBrittny Gastineau: New Girlfriend of Olympic Swimmer Michael PhelpsBrittny Gastineau, who is famous for her E! reality show Gastineau Girls, is reportedly dating Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps.According to TMZ, the pair hung out at the Mondrian Hotel on Friday night and were "very cozy." Phelps dating G...Read more » 09:11 AM ETLamar Odom: MRI Comes Back Negative on Injured FootLamar Odom and the Los Angeles Lakers got some good news on Monday as an MRI on Odom's injured right foot came back negative and Odom was diagnosed with a bone bruise.Odom has had a great start this year, averaging a double-double with 15.1 points...Read more » 08:56 AM ETBuster Posey Wins National League Rookie of the YearBuster Posey, fresh off of a World Series win in his rookie season, is now the National League's Rookie of the Year."I think I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't think about it," Posey said to reporters.Posey hit .305 this year with 18 home runs...Read more » 08:51 AM ETNeftali Feliz Wins American League Rookie of the YearNeftali Feliz was voted the American League Rookie of the Year on Monday, edging out Detroit's Austin Jackson and Minnesota's Danny Valencia.Feliz recorded 40 saves this year as the Texas Rangers reached the postseason and went all the way to the ...Read more » 08:45 AM ETBrett Favre: No MRI Needed On Injured ShoulderBrett Favre and Brad Childress are both in agreement on something for once, and it's the quarterback's ailing shoulder.On Sunday, Favre told ESPN's Ed Werder that he was going to get in touch with Dr. James Andrews, who repaired Favre's torn bicep...Read more » 08:39 AM ETEagles vs. Redskins: Redskins Stay in Third Place After LossEagles vs. Redskins was a big matchup for Washington, who with a win would have found themselves holding the same record as Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
Philadelphia with a season sweep in its hands and possession of second place in the division.Instead, the Redskins came out...Read more » 08:32 AM ETMike Vick: Eagles Tied for NFC East Lead After Win Against RedskinsMike Vick helped lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a huge NFC East division win against the rival Washington Redskins, avenging a loss earlier in the season, a game in which Vick injured his ribs and didn't return for several weeks.With the New York...Read more » 08:25 AM ETHigh-Scoring NFL Game: Eagles and Redskins Combine For 87 PointsThe highest-scoring NFL game of all time was the Washington Redskins against the New York Giants in 1966, when the Redskins pounded the Giants to the tune of 72-41.Last night the Redskins were on the other end of one of the higher-scoring games an...Read more » 08:11 AM ETAndy Reid's Sons: Where Are They Now After Prison Sentences?Andy Reid's sons made headlines a couple of years ago when they were both arrested on drug charges. The pair both served prison stints and are now free men, but what are they up to now?The judge in the case called the Reids a "family in crisis" af...Read more » 08:03 AM ETAntonio Margarto: Boxer Needs Surgery to Repair Damage After LossAntonio Margarito took a pounding from Manny Pacquiao and by the end of the fight, he didn't look anything like the fighter that stepped in before the opening bell of Round 1.His eyes were swollen and he had deep cuts on his face. The fight was ne...Read more » 07:48 AM ETLeBron James: Nominaed for Time Magazine's Person of the YearLeBron James has been nominated for Time Magazine's Person of the Year award. Let that sink in for a second.James is up for nomination with the Chilean miners who spent more than two months trapped in an underground mine, and if he wins, he would ...Read more » 07:42 AM ETCam Newton: Star Player's Father Allegedly Admits to Asking for CashCam Newton is back in the news after a report from Channel 2 Action News in Atlanta's Mark Winne that says Cecil Newton, Cam Newton's father, admitted having conversations with a former Mississippi State football player about the Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
possibility of ge...Read more » 07:24 AM ETMichael Vick: Quarterback Has Monster Performance Against WashingtonMichael Vick took the field on Monday night and tore the Eagles apart from the first play from scrimmage.The first play of the game was an 88-yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson and the rout was on from there for the Eagles as Vick did all of th...Read more »

18 Dec 10 Denver Broncos Erupt on Kansas City, Causing Haley to Erupt on McDaniels

Knowshon Moreno got his first 100 yard game on the Chiefs and lit Todd Haley's fire.Justin Edmonds/Getty ImagesIt took the Denver Broncos exactly one drive to send a message to Todd Haley and the Kansas City Chiefs. It took until the end of the game for Todd Haley to respond. That being with one pointed finger and a series of pointy words aimed directly at Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels during the traditional post-game coaches' handshake. More on this later, but there was certainly a game within a game going on. The Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
Denver Broncos Finally Do the Blowing Up It’s been a long time coming under Josh McDaniels, but the Denver Broncos have finally blown up an opponent. And a division rival at that. For the second time this season, the Denver Broncos wore their orange jerseys at home to re-ignite the fire for the fans.The Broncos last wore orange against the New York Jets in a close game at home, only to get blown out by the Raiders while wearing the usual blue jerseys at home the following week. The fire burned bright for the fans on a very cold autumn afternoon in Denver, with snow in the high country and on the way to the Mile High City.It turned into a cozy home return for the Denver Broncos and the faithful. Broncos linebacker Jason Hunter returns a Matt Cassel fumble 75 yards to paydirt.Justin Edmonds/Getty ImagesIt was just like hot chocolate to the senses. In fact, it was the perfect way to spend a late afternoon in the month of November, whether at the game or nice and cozy at home watching the dismantling of the first-place Chiefs. The game was essentially over at halftime, though the Broncos did surrender 10 straight points going into the break.Todd Haley, meanwhile, was noticeably working on getting his troops up for a second-half run that eventually fell short. It took exactly eight games and one drive to get the run game going, and officially 25 games to finally get Knowshon Moreno up and over the 100-yard milestone.He finished the game with 106 yards on 22 carries, with his longest carry going for 14 yards. What that tells you is the Broncos were giving Moreno constant running lanes that made the Chiefs' defense look mild compared to some of their earlier efforts.Denver finished with 153 yards on 31 carries, good for an average of 4.9 yards per carry. That was the most encouraging sign on the day. The pass game opened up the Broncos' run play calls. The Broncos opened up throwing like they usually do, but the real difference here was the emphasis placed on stretching the field and going for broke.The Broncos had a total of two runs (both for first downs) on the opening drive and had six passes. The last of which was another rarity; a 17-yard screen pass for a touchdown to Knowshon Moreno. Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
The message was sent. Kansas City’s response was six plays and a punt. That was about the last chance the Chiefs had on the day of winning the game.The irony was the Denver faithful saw a similar sight just three short Sunday’s ago with the shoe on the other foot. Perhaps the 59-14 loss to the Oakland Raiders served as inspiration for this drubbing of the Chiefs.The only time it was really close was at kickoff. Denver scored three offensive touchdowns in the first quarter alone. Then down near the goal line, Tim Tebow connected with Spenser Larsen on a short pass play that served as a milestone for both. It was Larsen’s first career touchdown and Tim Tebow’s first NFL touchdown pass. The Broncos later racked up a defensive touchdown return on a Matt Cassel fumble return by linebacker Jason Hunter 75 yards to make the score 35-0 in favor of the orange and blue. The route was ensconced upon the day, and the Chiefs were officially erupted upon. It was a ho-hum game and a little boring from that point on. But the Broncos showed they came to play and had a lot of fight in them. Perhaps they were sending a message to their fans, themselves, and the rest of the teams on their schedule to be aware. The second-most impressive stat was the four sacks of Matt Cassel for minus 36 yards by the Broncos front seven. Denver was edged in the Time-of-Possession, losing by almost four minutes. It’s a strong indicator of the nature of the game. The Broncos scored early and often, then essential relegated their defense to playing a cautious game the rest of the way to protect the big lead. The Broncos wound up yielding 26 points to the Chiefs while only scoring 14 the rest of the game. The Chiefs ended the game with 484 net yards, just edging out the Broncos who had 452. On the Broncos' offensive side of things, one area they have been deficient in is third-down efficiency. Against the Chiefs, the Broncos got better in a big way, converting 60 percentof their third downs. The Broncos forced three fumbles and recovered two to help their cause. This was the sort of game the Denver Broncos had to have. They are now just two games out of first place in the AFC West at 3-6 on the season. Denver now heads to San Diego to play a San Diego Chargers team that, by all indications, is ready to make a second-half run. A Final Note on Todd Haley’s Post Game Reaction Todd Haley lost his composure in somehow feeling the 2-7 Denver Broncos were running up the score on the division leading Kansas City Chiefs. Keep in mind this is an embattled Josh McDaniels on the other sideline. By the time the post-game handshake came around, Todd Haley chose to point his finger and his words at Josh McDaniels, refusing to shake his hand. The issue here is this: Todd Haley certainly does film study on the opposition, so he's seen film on the Raiders' blowout of the Broncos. Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
Not just once, but two weeks in a row now. He had to know the Broncos might be ready to go off. Apparently, he never told his team, and he forgot the Chiefs blew out the Broncos in Denver last year. Furthermore, the Denver Broncos sent a warning shot with an opening drive that went the length of the field and ended on a Knowshon Moreno screen pass. These two teams have, in fact, hooked up in three consecutive blowouts, two in the Broncos favor and one in the Chiefs. So if you can dish it out, but can't take it, you're in the wrong business. The bottom line is Todd Haley needs to grow up. The Broncos did not exactly have the game on ice while they were giving up touchdowns with the Chiefs comeback. If nothing else, the foundation for re-vamping a division rivalry has been laid.

17 Dec 10 Philadelphia Eagles: Avoiding Complacency Is the Key To Repeat Success

Nick Laham/Getty ImagesAfter watching the game against the New York Giants on Sunday night, I couldn't help but sit there and say, "Wow, what a game!"While it was nowhere near a perfect game, the Eagles stayed on the grind and busted out a win. I will be honest; I didn't think the Eagles could pull it off. As a Philadelphia Eagles fan, I'm not accustomed to the Birds coming up clutch when we need them too. The hype surrounding Michael Vick is overwhelming at times but I think last night's real hero is Slim Shady LeSean McCoy. Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
Ever since he was drafted out of Pittsburgh, I was always a McCoy fan. I loved his "Brian Westbrook" scat-back style. However, I was worried that Shady, as he is so affectionately called, would do more harm than good with his happy feet. Boy was I wrong. His explosion is impeccable and his vision is even more impressive. The pieces fell into place when they needed to. If it weren't for the DeSean Jackson and Jason Avant drops in the end zone, it could have been an even bigger win. I also do not know what Todd Herremans and Jason Peters are doing on the offensive line. Those kinks will work themselves out, hopefully. And I say that with the utmost optimism. My idea of a complete team is one that uses one aspect of the team to pick up another when they are down. In this case, the Eagles defense helped keep them in it when the offense couldn't produce and the offense was able to secure some last minute points to relieve some pressure on the D. In your opinion, who was the star of the Eagles/Giants game?In your opinion, who was the star of the Eagles/Giants game?LeSean McCoy, RB47.5%Michael Vick, WR21.3%Asante Samuel, CB31.1%Total votes: 61My friends, I think it is safe to say that the Philadelphia Eagles...have a complete team. The only thing that we didn't see last night was dominant pressure on Eli Manning. Don't get me wrong, we pressured the guy and made him uncomfortable. However, he was able to stay in the pocket long enough to make the throws he needed. Juqua Parker is ailing right now which means the Eagles need rookie defensive end Brandon Graham to step up big time. I know Graham is capable of being a force in the NFL. He is a bit undersized for a DE but his speed should compensate. Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
When I watched him in the Senior Bowl, I knew he was something special. Now it is time for him to step up. The secondary played well. Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham are two prolific receivers who are very talented. Aside from Quintin Mikell's weird tackling day, I know they will be even better as the season progresses. I am also very impressed with the excellent play of Dimitri Patterson. In the latter part of this season, it won't get easier for the Birds. Up next week are the Chicago Bears followed by Houston, Dallas, New York Giants, Minnesota and Dallas. To be honest, I believe the Bears are a fluke team. Jay Cutler is absolutely terrible in my opinion. The Cowboys are hot right now and the Giants are still tough. The Vikings game could go either way. It will be a tough test but ifReebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
you want to win a championship, nothing is ever easy. One thing is for certain. In order to continue this success in the regular season and postseason, the Eagles need to stay on Earth and not get to into themselves. We have all seen it in the past: An Eagles team that is playing well usually discounts the opponent in a big game and they wind up losing.They need to handle success with the highest form of humility.

16 Dec 10 Fantasy Football: Week 12 Quarterback (QB)

Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesThis morning, we updated our fantasy rankings for Week 12. Here are some notes on quarterbacks and pass defenses heading into this week's games:- On the season, Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel has thrown 18 touchdowns and only four interceptions. In his last six games, he's been even better: 14 touchdowns and only one interception. He's not racking up yards, however, as he's thrown for 216 yards or less in eight of his 10 games.- Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna has thrown six touchdowns and onlyReebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
one interception in his past two games. In his previous two games he threw only two touchdowns and six interceptions. This week the Cowboys face the Saints, who have allowed the third fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.- In his past three games, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez has thrown for 950 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.- For seven consecutive games, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has thrown two-plus touchdowns. During that span, receiver Terrell Owens has caught eight of the 15 touchdowns Palmer has thrown. Owens will be defended by Darrelle Revis, who has shut down Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson in two of the past three weeks.- Saints quarterback Drew Brees has thrown two-plus touchdowns in six straight games. In his past four games, Brees has thrown 43-plus passes in each game and has thrown for more than 300 yards in three of those four games.- Detroit quarterback Shaun Hill, who was on our free-agent pickup list, has thrown for 612 yards and three touchdowns in the past two games. In them Hill has thrown 95 pass attempts. This Patriots have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season.- Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger has thrown Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
for 662 yards, six touchdowns and only one interception in his past two games.- Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck has thrown for 300-plus yards in both of his past two games. Despite throwing for 699 yards, he's only thrown two touchdowns during them.- The Bears have yet to allow a quarterback to throw more than one touchdown in a game this season. On the other hand, they have five multiple interception games. This week they face Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick, who has yet to throw an interception and has three multi-touchdown performances in the five games he started and finished.Here are the top ten fantasy quarterbacks for Week 12:1. Philip Rivers, Chargers (at IND) 2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (at ATL) 3. Drew Brees, Saints (at DAL) 4. Michael Vick, Eagles (at CHI) 5. Peyton Manning, Colts (vs SD) 6. Tom Brady, Patriots (at DET) 7. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (at BUF) 8. Kyle Orton, Broncos (vs STL) 9. Joe Flacco, Ravens (vs TB) 10. Mark Sanchez, Jets (vs CIN)See our full top 25 quarterback Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
rankings for Week 12.More rankings for Week 12: Top 40 RBs | Top 50 WRs | Top 20 TEsFeel free to send start/sit questions to me via Twitter EDSFootball or post your questions in our free Fantasy Football forum.Good luck in your Week 12 matchup(s) and in our Week 12 contest.This article is also featured onThe Daily Blitz

Cortland Finnegan, Philip Rivers, Michael Vick and Monday's Top NFL News

Bob Levey/Getty ImagesCortland Finnegan and Andre Johnson, Philip Rivers and the Chargers, and Michael Vick's return to Earth are some of the top stories people are reading today. It was a wild week in the NFL, beginning on Thanksgiving with the Lions playing the Patriots close Chargers jersey
in the first half. The Steelers survived a scare from the Buffalo Bills, and I would love to be a fly on the wall in the Steelers complex today to hear that chewing out. We'll be here all day, covering the action and keeping you up-to-date with all the day's stories. For a look at what we were talking about yesterday, check out Sunday's Biggest NFL Stories. 12:20 PM ETDeSean Jackson: Eagles WR Chewed Out In Front of Teammates by Andy ReidDeSean Jackson, who only had two catches for 26 yards in the Eagles' loss to the Chicago Bears yesterday, reportedly was given a public dressing down by coach Andy Reid. According to the report on NFL.com, Reid was very unhappy by what he perceive...Read more » 12:00 PM ETSteve Johnson Tweet: Blaming God for Your Drops Doesn't Change AnythingSteve Johnson tweeted his feelings about his drop after the game. The tweet is priceless, so let's take a look. "I praise you 24/7!!! And this how you do me!!! You expect me to learn from this???How??? I'll never forget this!! Ever!! Thx Tho." Tha...Read more » 11:47 AM ETCortland Finnegan: Titans CB Apparently Warned Texans a Fight Was ComingAccording to the latest reports, Cortland Finnegan told the Texans bench, "Watch this," right before the brawl broke out. If these allegations are true, that could affect how the NFL punishes Finnegan for the fight on Sunday. Finnegan has a reputa...Read more » 11:07 AM ETBen Roethlisberger: Steelers QB Undergoing Tests on Injured FootBen Roethlisberger's foot took a nasty twist during a tackle in Sunday's game, and now the Steelers quarterback is undergoing tests to see how bad it was injured. Whatever the injury is, it's unlikely it will keep Roethlisberger out of this week's...Read more » 10:51 AM ETJay Cutler: Are the Bears for Real? Is the Offense Coming Together?Jay Cutler threw for 247 yards and four touchdowns on Sunday, leading the Bears to victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. This was the Bears' best win all season, hands-down. The Bears have been facing a lot of questions all season, despite their r...Read more » 10:34 AM ETAdrian Peterson: Vikings RB Gets MRI to See Extent of Damage to AnkleAdrian Peterson had to leave yesterday's game with an ankle injury and the Vikings were left to carry on without him. The Vikings still managed to win, with Toby Gerhart running for 76 yards on 22 carries. Peterson passed the 1,000-yard mark earli...Read more » 10:12 AM ETSteve Johnson: Bills WR Drops Game-Winning Pass, Is His Career Over?Steve Johnson had one of the worst drops in the last 10 years of NFL play. There's just no getting around that. Johnson said 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
after the game that he'll never get over that drop. That's a bad sign because the only way to be successful in professiona...Read more » 09:59 AM ETPeyton Hillis: Browns RB Continues to Dominate, Making Broncos Even More SadThere are running backs, and then there is Peyton Hillis. Hillis doesn't just run down the field and make cuts, he runs over blockers, through defenders, and generally leaves a trail of bodies in his wake. Hillis' running style is loosely describe...Read more » 09:53 AM ET49ers vs. Cardinals: The Futility Bowl That Monday Night Football RegretsIf there ever was a case to be made for the NFL to apply flex scheduling to Monday Night Football, it's tonight's game "featuring" the 49ers and the Cardinals. Both teams are awful, it's just a question of how bad each team is. As it stands right ...Read more » 09:44 AM ETColts vs. Chargers: Is This the End of the Colts as We Know Them?The Colts lost a big game to the Chargers on Sunday night, and between the injuries and the mounting losses, this could be it for the Colts in 2010. The AFC South is too competitive this year, and the Colts no longer have a lot of wiggle room in t...Read more » 09:35 AM ETJosh McDaniels: Broncos Coach Has More Questions With Loss, Cheating AllegationsThe media has gone into overdrive with "Spygate II" brewing in Denver. Head Coach Josh McDaniels, a hefty branch off of the Bill Belichick coaching tree, now faces cheating allegations of his own. McDaniels and the Broncos already have been fined ...Read more » 09:24 AM ETMichael Vick: Eagles QB Looks Human in Loss to ChicagoMichael Vick has been playing so well the last few weeks, his 333 yards with two touchdowns and one bad interception right before halftime looked bad by comparison. The truth is, Vick didn't have a bad day—he just didn't have as good of a day as h...Read more » 09:16 AM ETPhilip Rivers: QB Leads Chargers to Another Great Victory Over the ColtsPhilip Rivers led the Chargers to a great win over the suddenly bad Indianapolis Colts. Rivers and the Chargers now are one game over .500 and one game behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC 43 Polamalu white jersey
West. The Chargers have one of the best offenses in th...Read more » 09:02 AM ETCortland Finnegan: Titans CB Awaits Suspension Decision After BrawlThe brawl between Cortland Finnegan and Andre Johnson certainly was one of the more entertaining aspects of Sunday's action, but it's going to lead to a suspension. "The Brawl" will be one of the most-repeated clips of the 2010 season, and Finnega...Read more »

Updated Fantasy Football Rankings at Week 13: Top 70 RBs for the Rest of 2010

Chris Chambers/Getty ImagesI’m finally ready to say it—Arian Foster is the 2010 fantasy MVP. I have had him ranked in the top five for awhile now, but Foster finally moves up to number one for the rest of the season after his fourth consecutive 20-point fantasy day as he tore apart the Philadelphia Eagles defense. Foster has proven that it doesn’t seem to matter what defense he is facing—he’s going to make them pay. With Chris Johnson struggling on a horrendous Tennessee offense and Adrian Peterson nursing an injury that may keep him out this week, it seems obvious that Arian Foster is the top running back in the league.The San Francisco 49ers got terrible news on Tuesday when it was determined that their star4 Brett Favre White jersey
running back, Frank Gore, would miss the remainder of the season with a broken hip that knocked him out of Monday night’s game against the Cardinals. Gore obviously falls off the list entirely, leading the way for Brian Westbrook to move up to 29th as well as rookie Anthony Dixon to make his first appearance on the list at 53rd. Westbrook did injure his ankle during the game in replacement of Gore, but is expected to get the start this week against the Packers.Another player with serious injury concern is Minnesota Vikings all pro running back Adrian Peterson, who was either the number one or number two pick overall in almost every fantasy draft this season. Peterson left Sunday’s game against the Redskins with a supposed ankle sprain. While the tests concluded that Peterson had not suffered the dreaded “high ankle sprain” injury, there remains concern that the running back may miss this Sunday’s matchup against the league’s worst run defense, the Buffalo Bills. If Peterson does miss time, Toby Gerhart will be expected to fill in again this week and could be an instant fantasy consideration as he looked very good in relief last week. With the injury, Peterson falls to 9th among running backs and Gerhart moves up 22 spots to 40th.Which running back will have the best finish to the season?Which running back will have the best finish to the season?Arian Foster, HOU41.5%Chris Johnson, TEN6.7%Adrian Peterson, MIN7.2%Peyton Hillis, CLE36.4%Rashard Mendenhall, PIT8.2%Total votes: 195Peyton Hillis makes his way all the way up to 5th this week, the highest he has ever been. Aside from maybe Arian Foster, Peyton Hillis has been the league’s most consistent fantasy running back in 2010—amazing from a player who went undrafted in almost every fantasy league this season. Like Foster, Hillis has made use of his receiving ability and has played well even against very good defenses, making him an every week must-start for fantasy owners. His three touchdowns against the Panthers were a career high and he is now the second-highest scoring running back this season.The San Diego Chargers may have found their running back of Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
the future—and it’s not their first round pick, Ryan Mathews. Instead, Mike Tolbert, who has been excelling in Mathews’ absence, has moved up to 18th among running backs going forward. Tolbert, who wasn’t even a fantasy consideration going into the season, has rushed fornine touchdowns in 11 games this season, adding back-to-back 100 yard rushing performances in the past two weeks. Though Mathews is expected to be back as soon as this week, Tolbert has done enough to be at least the team’s goal line back going forward, and likely their workhorse back as well.View All of the Updated Fantasy Football Rankings at Week 13:Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight EndsRANKPLAYERTEAMPREVIOUS RANKMOVEMENT1Arian FosterHOU322Chris JohnsonTEN1-13Rashard MendenhallPIT414Michael TurnerATL515Peyton HillisCLE836Maurice Jones-DrewJAC607Jamaal CharlesKC928LeSean McCoyPHI1029Adrian PetersonMIN2-710Ray RiceBAL12211Knowshon MorenoDEN13212Steven JacksonSTL11-113Matt ForteCHI15214Darren McFaddenOAK16215Fred JacksonBUF19416BenJarvus Green-EllisNE18217Thomas JonesKC14-318Mike TolbertSD27919Brandon JacobsNYG24520Ahmad BradshawNYG17-321LaDainian TomlinsonNYJ20-122Felix JonesDAL25323Cedric BensonCIN21-224Shonn GreeneNYJ22-225LaGarrette BlountTB23-226Beanie WellsARI26027Ronnie BrownMIA33628Mike GoodsonCAR401229Brian WestbrookSFNR-30Joseph AddaiIND30031Ryan MathewsSD32132Danny WoodheadNE36433Ricky WilliamsMIA41834Jahvid BestDET28-635Ryan TorainWAS31-436Marshawn LynchSEA29-737Donald BrownIND34-338Keiland WilliamsWAS35-339Jonathan StewartCAR44540Toby GerhartMIN622241Pierre ThomasNO38-342Michael BushOAK39-343Chris IvoryNO47444Brandon JacksonGB42-245Cadillac WilliamsTB43-246Darren SprolesSD49347Reggie BushNO37-1048Tim HightowerARI45-349Willis McGaheeBAL46-350Justin ForsettSEA48-251Mike HartIND50-152Rashad JenningsJAC57553Anthony Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
DixonSFNR-54Chester TaylorCHI52-255Jason SnellingATL53-256Javon RingerTEN59357CJ SpillerBUF54-358Derrick WardHOU55-359Kevin SmithDET56-360Bernard ScottCIN58-261John KuhnGB60-162Julius JonesNO66463Javarris JamesIND61-264Marion BarberDAL51-1365Ladell BettsNO63-266Jerome HarrisonPHI64-267Laurence MaroneyDEN65-268Tashard ChoiceDAL67-169Mike BellPHI68-170Leon WashingtonSEA69-1

WWE Showed Interest in St. Louis Rams LB James Laurinaitis While at Ohio State

St. Louis Rams Linebacker James LaurinaitisJonathan Daniel/Getty Images“Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Whata rush!”Who didn’t love the old school entrance theme to quite possibly the greatest tag team in professional wrestling history, The Legion of Doom?While Road Warrior Hawk might have passed away at a very early age and Road Warrior Animal‘s days inside the squared circle seem to be over, it still seems as if another Road Warrior was being pursued by World Wrestling Entertainment.He is the son of 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
Road Warrior Animal and the nephew of John Laurinaitis, Senior Vice President ofTalent Relations for WWE—St. Louis Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis.Considered one of the greatest linebackers in college football history while playing for the Buckeyes college football program at Ohio State University, he flashed his athleticism on the field and it was enough to lead him to earn All-American honors three consecutive years.Although he decided to pursue a career in the National Football League, being selected by the St. Louis Rams with the No. 35 overall selection in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft, he said he was once pressed by World Wrestling Entertainment chairman Vince McMahon about his interest in joining “the worldwide leader in sports entertainment.”“One or two times when I was at OSU, he said to me, ‘You know, what do you think about coming into the family business?’ But to be honest, I hope this football deal works out long enough where I 4 Brett Favre White jersey
don’t have to do any of that,”Laurinaitis told James Oldham of The Lantern. “I know the beating my dad took from it. He had to have nine surgeries. He can’t even lift his right arm above his head anymore.”Do You Think James Laurinaitis Would Be Successful In WWE?Do You Think James Laurinaitis Would Be Successful In WWE?Yes67.9%No32.1%Total votes: 53Since being drafted by the Rams organization, Laurinaitis earned the starting middle linebacker position at the beginning of his rookie season and led the team in tackles.Laurinaitiswas also awarded the Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award, which goes to the Rams' rookie of the year and was also named All-Rookie by Sporting News.It definitely would have been interesting to see if the NFL star, who has gone on to an outstanding career thus far, would have taken WWE up on their offer. Maybe “The All-American American” Jack Swagger would have to Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
come up with a new gimmick to get over with the WWE Universe.Contributing author Christopher Dunfee is a feature writer for Force Of Wrestling and covers professional wrestling organizations World Wrestling Entertainment and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. To contact Christopher for radio appearances or any other media inquiries, be sure to contact him at cdunfee1289@yahoo.com.* Follow Force Of Wrestling On Twitter!* Follow Force Of Wrestling On Facebook!

Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger

Judging from the looks of the two team rosters, coach Bill Cowher's Pittsburgh Steelers have a clear advantage, as they begin their 2005 season against Jeff Fisher's Tennessee Titans. Both teams were forced to cut crucial veterans, but the purge seemed to hit the Titans harder than it did the 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
Steelers. The Titans are left with one of the youngest rosters in the NFL, with most of their players who started camp having been signed since the end of the 2003 football season. While the Titans have young, healthy players, the Steelers still have a solid core of veterans. Now let us take a look at the Steelers' starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and what threats he poses to his own team. I once considered the rookie from Miami of Ohio a blessing to the team, but now I'm starting to rethink my position. His indecisiveness is causing repeated sacks, numerous interceptions, too many incompletions, and failed third down conversions. He does not seem to be displaying the same confidence and poise he did when he first became a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ben Roethlisberger needs to step it up a notch. He needs to somehow build his leadership skills, boost his confidence level, and strengthen his decision-making capabilities. If he's not mentally focused now, I hate to imagine how bad it will be for him if Steelers' fans start booing him like Kordell Stewart and others in the past.What it all amounts to is seemingly simple to many Steeler fans. With Duce Staley injured, and many, many miles on "The Bus" Jerome Bettis, the 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be forced to depend on their passing game to get them big wins. Then again maybe the youngster Willie Parker can be a pleasant surprise and make some big plays in the running game.Even if that happens, the Steelers are still going to need strong play from their quarterback and offensive line in order to succeed. If they can excel in these two key areas, I think the Steelers have the potential to be this season's Super Bowl champions.

San Francisco 49ers Sinorice Moss Demetrius Williams

Should the San Francisco 49ers forget the mock drafts and the pre-draft hype and select Sinorice Moss? Some draft experts had Santana Moss' little brother going as low as the early third round, but that was before his NFL-caliber performance in the Senior Bowl on Saturday.So what is the reason for his low draft status? His height. Sinorice was measured at only 5'8" during pre-game workouts. Now let's take a moment to analyze this logic a bit further. Right now, two of the best and most consistent receivers in the NFL, Marvin Harrison and 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
Steve Smith, are both in the under 5'10". Harrison has his Hall of Fame ticket already stamped and Smith was very close to garnering NFL MVP honors this year. Add to that the fact that Sinorice's older brother also measures 5'8" yet is one of the most explosive and dangerous pass catchers in the league, and you have to start wondering how these "draft experts" got their press credentials.Based on Sinorice Moss' pedigree and the living proof that short wide receivers can indeed dominate the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers should put at least some thought into drafting Moss. Sometimes, big things come in small packages. In the world of football, when labels such as dynasty, successful and prosperous are used, it usually means a franchise has exceeded many expectations. They are also used when a franchise has performed and achieved heights that have been reached only a few other times in history. The San Francisco 49ers were one of those franchises, as they won a handful of Super Bowls, continually sent teams to the playoffs, and had players that were destined to be immortalized in Canton, Ohio's NFL Hall of Fame. They had two great quarterbacks who reinvented their positions in Joe Montana and Steve Young. Both were innovators as they took their position to new heights and inspired many kids to follow in their footsteps. They had a wide receiver that was statistically the greatest to every play the position in Jerry Rice. Rice, like Montana and Young changed the way the game was played as he used speed and agility to change what his position was all about. On defense they had a strong safety that was very tenacious and made opposing ball carriers pay the price for getting in his path. His name was Ronnie Lott and he was heralded as one of the best to ever play his position. The presence he added to the 49ers defense was extraordinary as he redefined what was required of his position. These were the types of players that led the 49ers organization to where it went and the core to which helped obtain five Super Bowl titles.With every dynasty there is a sense of pride that bestows itself onto a franchise, but as history has always repeated itself, this 49ers organization has taken a downward spiral to the bottom of the NFL. This is a trend that was experienced by the Green Bay Packers of the 1960's, the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970's and the Dallas Cowboys of the 1990's. Each of these franchises that had success for decades at a time, were all victimized by the joys of getting late draft picks. They also watched their Hall of Fame players go from playing at All-Pro level during the prime of their careers, to aging veterans who lost their ability as the years went by. The 49ers are no exception and haven't broken the age-old trend. This organization, which saw many great players come through its doors, had to slowly ship them off and watch a good franchise lower itself because of financial reasons. This team for a while was an exception to history as they found quality players to replace those that had moved on like Jeff Garcia, Terrell Owens, and Garrison Hearst. These players all went underneath the radar with the rest of the NFL's teams, and they helped the franchise remain a playoff caliber team under Steve Mariucci. As that seemed to be a very good approach, the team slowly became one of the NFL's worst run franchises. They shipped off quality players, had a hand in making Steve Young retire, as they wanted to rebuild the team, and eventually fired Mariucci after having four winning seasons in six years. They tried to save cash by dealing away good players, and by bringing in Dennis Erickson they only made matters worse.In the spring of Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
2005 they brought in Mike Nolan to rebuild the team and after one season the franchise is making some decent progress. Although they won just four games in 2005, they found some good players who want to win. In drafting Alex Smith they found what they consider their quarterback for the future. Despite Smith's struggles in 2005, the team around him wasn't up to par and needs to at least help him. In the coming years Nolan is going to approach building the team around Smith and his abilities. The game plan to restore the franchises pride is in place, but its going to take a lot of heartaches and anguish before this team can be considered a contender again. As the 49ers approach the off-season they must find quality veterans, and draft rookies who can step in, that will develop a good nucleus. It was the core of the 49ers that guided them in the past, and if the right steps are taken this type of nucleus can be obtained again. There is a lot of hope in the city by the bay for the future, and if Nolan is given the right amount of time he can start turning things back around.

San Francisco 49ers Maurice Hicks

One position where NFL teams can never have too much depth is running back. The battering of a long season can physically break down any back, no matter the player's age or prior injury history, unlike any other position on the field. And though Frank Gore is coming off of Vikings Brett Favre jersey
an amazingly productive year for the San Francisco 49ers, the laundry list of injuries he has sustained to this point in his career is a cause for concern. That is why the 49ers would be wise to consider retaining the services of restricted free agent running back Maurice Hicks, assuming he receives an offer from another team. Hicks is the type of player whose contributions go largely unnoticed, but they are essential for any winning team. His time on the field may be brief, but Hicks is willing to do the dirty work on special teams and is capable of a big play every time he touches the ball. In addition to that, Hicks is a strong ball carrier who would receive more touches if he was in a different situation than the one he is currently in with the 49ers. Buried behind Gore, the reigning NFC rushing champ, and soon-to-be second-year player Michael Robinson, there just aren't enough touches to go around and Hicks has seen his opportunities decrease in each of the previous three seasons as a result. When given the chance to carry the ball, Hicks has responded with steady production. In 2004, his first year with the Niners, Hicks rushed for 362 yards on 96 carries through nine games, including a 34-carry, 139-yard performance in Week 14. In 2005, with the 49ers' backfield mired in a committee approach, Hicks shared carries with since-departed Kevan Barlow and then-rookie Gore. Hicks again put up solid numbers, averaging over 5 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns on 59 attempts, including a 73-yard TD run in week 16. Because of Gore's success and the presence of Robinson, a rookie last year, Hicks carried the ball only 29 times in 2006, but he managed to average over 10 yards per reception and score the first receiving TD of his career. Hicks' biggest contributions were made returning kickoffs, ranking fifth in the NFL in return yardage (1,428) and 12th in average (25.1). To this point in free agency, Hicks hasn't visited any potential new employers, but it has been reported that both the Titans and the Dolphins have shown interest. Hicks has until April 20 sign an offer sheet; after, the 49ers would have a week to match, but they would not receive any compensation for losing him. The 49ers tendered Hicks a one-year, $850,000 contract and would like him back to share the backup duties in 2007, though the soon-to-be 28-year-old turned down a contract extension last season. In his five-year career, Hicks has constantly evolved as a player, improving 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
so much during his time in San Francisco that the team has constantly found ways to get him on the field. Hicks presents the team with a productive and versatile option who fills several roles within the team for a very low cost. Losing him won't make or break the 49ers' year, but keeping him around could be a lot less costly than the alternative.

Jacksonville Jaguars New York Giants Nick Greisen Clint Ingram

When the Jacksonville Jaguars begin training camp July 28, one position that will be up for grabs is the weak-side linebacker spot. The two 'backers battling it out are four-year veteran Nick Greisen and rookie Clint Ingram.Greisen was signed as an unrestricted free-agent back on April 29. 4 Brett Favre White jersey
After spending his first four seasons in the league as a member of the New York Giants, Greisen agreed to a two-year deal with the Jaguars. The 25-year-old made a name for himself for his outstanding play. Time and again when the Giants' defense made a big play, it could be, in part, thanks to Greisen at the point of attack. His propensity for doing the little things right made him a favorite among the "G-Men" faithful. Not only is Greisen an underrated performer, but he also possesses great leadership skills and character. Although he lacks elite speed, the former fifth-round pick makes up for it with his smarts and technique. He always makes sure to position himself, read the play, then attack, and wrap up.Greisen's competition is rookie linebacker Clint Ingram, a third-round pick from this past April's draft. Ingram has ideal size (6-2, 244), and here comes the cliché: he plays even bigger. The youngster is extremely athletic and has first-rate speed, which enables him to shoot like a bullet out of a gun on every snap. At Oklahoma he was a ball hawk, and always seemed to be making big play after big play. The 23-year-old is also fairly good in coverage, and still has plenty of upside.A few knocks on Ingram heading into the draft included that he played more with his athletic ability, rather than football instincts, which did get him in trouble at times. He plays aggressive a majority of the time and can get caught out of position. In training camp, he will need to show the coaching staff that he wasn't simply a product of the Sooners' system. In order to earn a starting job, he must prove that he can pick up the pro game.While the two grind it out in training camp, expect the rookie to be nipping at the veteran's heels the entire time; but in this 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
case, experience will likely pay off. Greisen should have another terrific season as a starter, while Ingram learns the system and becomes the understudy to an underappreciated, yet terrific linebacker. Not a bad competition to watch unfold during the dog days of summer, if you're a Jags fan. Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka Get more Jacksonville Jaguars info

Jacksonville Jaguars Deflate Dallas Cowboys Media Hype

On Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars stunned the media world with a 24-17 victory over the visiting Dallas Cowboys. Though the Jaguars had the Vegas edge until a few days before the game, the general consensus among sportswriters was that the Cowboys would walk out of Alltel Stadium with a win in their laps and a chip on their shoulder. They now have neither.Terrell Owens hopped off his exercise bike and stripped out of his Floyd Landis jersey long enough to take the field against the Jaguars secondary, but failed to meet the lofty expectations of 6 Sanchez Purple AFL50th jersey
Dallas fans and media members. Owens finished the game with six catches for 80 yards and a touchdown (which was earned during a "garbage time drive" late in the game). After settling in to the matchup during the first quarter, cornerback Rashean Mathis did an excellent job of deflating the ego and the production of one of the game's elite receivers. If Mathis were a bartender, it would be fitting to say that he urinated in a Terrell Owens Custom White Stadium Cup (only $10.00 at terrellowens.com) and passed it back to Terrell as warm beer.Brian Williams also matched up well against the much-ballyhooed receiver and his counterpart, Terry Glenn. Until Bledsoe was able to connect with him for a 51-yard gain with 3:00 left in the game, Williams limited Glenn, who finished fourth in the league in receiving yards during the preseason, to only 30 reception yards. Going into his first game as a Jaguar, Williams was a big question mark. Would he play to the level he was paid at? Would he adapt well to coordinator Mike Smith's defense? Would the fallout resulting from last week's DUI charge affect his level of play? After becoming the object of Jack Del Rio's wrath during a sideline tirade early in the game, Williams ran back out on the field and performed admirably. The replay-negated interception that should have finished the game would have been the perfect end (or beginning) of a tumultuous week for the defensive back.Assistant head coach Dave Campo faced the Cowboys, with little fanfare, for his first time as a coach for the Jaguars. In a meeting that likely held little serious significance to anyone except Campo and his ex-employer, Jerry Jones, the former's secondary emerged as a key contributor to the Cowboys' defeat. Campo was the Dallas head coach 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
from 2000-2002, when he was fired by Jones and replaced by Parcells.The run-stuffing defense allowed little space for Julius Jones to squeeze through, holding him to 72 yards and a touchdown. Despite the recent injuries of Mike Peterson and Marcus Stroud, which limited their effectiveness during the game, the Jaguars did a good job of clogging up the middle. Defensive End Reggie Hayward, who led the Jaguars last year with 8 ? sacks and looked poised to have a big season, ruptured his Achilles' tendon and was pronounced out for the year. Even so, the Jaguars kept Bledsoe on his back so long that he was beginning to resemble Michelangelo painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; they sacked Bledsoe twice, forced two interceptions and a few near-INTs, and constantly put pressure on the Cowboys' QB.Throughout the offseason, the question marks attached to Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich centered around the need for him to elevate his game to the level of the league's indisputably elite passers. First quarter removed, Sunday was certainly a step in the right direction. Leftwich ended the game 23-for-34 with a completion percentage of 67.6 and a passer rating of 85. He looked poised in the pocket, and the offensive line gave him ample time to spread the ball around to the Jaguars' "Big 3" receivers - Ernest Wilford, Matt Jones, and Reggie Williams. Though none of the receivers notched a 100-yard game, each finished the night with over 40 yards. We saw bursts of excellent play from the trio last year, but none displayed enough consistency to markedly stand out from the bunch. Sunday's game was proof that all of them have the ability to produce when called upon and make clutch catches in tight situations. Jones ended the game with 71 yards on five receptions, Wilford with 58 yards on three receptions, and Williams with 47 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions.Fred Taylor ran out of the tunnel and on to the field with a lot to prove. Naysayers around the league had written off Taylor's chances for a good year early in the offseason. Though it'll take at least one healthy, productive season before he can begin to shed the "Fragile Fred" moniker and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with, Sunday's performance was key to the cause. Taylor ran for 74 yards on 21 carries - while not the best looking statistics on paper, those who watched Taylor's performance would argue that he played far above those numbers. Not only was Taylor able to convert on the ground on clutch third-down situations, he was also tied for the team high in receptions with six for 41 yards. For all of the inconsistency the offensive line displayed during the preseason, it looked remarkably sharp against the Cowboys' defense. Leftwich had plenty of time to throw, the run blocking was excellent and only one sack was allowed. In the preseason, the statement center Brad Meester made that this year's offense is "the best since he's been here" caused him to look like a court jester. Now he's beginning to look like a seer. But, don't get carried away yet. This is only one win. As Del Rio is fond of pointing out, "We have to take it one game at a time".One win doesn't equal a Super Bowl season. It 43 Polamalu black jersey
doesn't equal a playoff berth. It's doesn't equal a divisional championship. The players and the team have a long way to go, and a lot to prove. Winning the upcoming Monday Night Football game against the Steelers would put the Jags one step further in the direction they want to head in.Still, even if winning the Cowboys' game was only one small step in the marathon of an NFL season, it's a step worth getting excited about for Jacksonville. As Neil Armstrong once said...Get weekly Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars Deflate Dallas Cowboys Media Hype

On Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars stunned the media world with a 24-17 victory over the visiting Dallas Cowboys. Though the Jaguars had the Vegas edge until a few days before the game, the general consensus among sportswriters was that the Cowboys would walk out of Alltel Stadium with a win in their laps and a chip on their shoulder. They now have neither.Terrell Owens hopped off his exercise bike and stripped out of his Floyd Landis jersey long enough to take the field against the Jaguars secondary, but failed to meet the lofty expectations of 6 Sanchez Purple AFL50th jersey
Dallas fans and media members. Owens finished the game with six catches for 80 yards and a touchdown (which was earned during a "garbage time drive" late in the game). After settling in to the matchup during the first quarter, cornerback Rashean Mathis did an excellent job of deflating the ego and the production of one of the game's elite receivers. If Mathis were a bartender, it would be fitting to say that he urinated in a Terrell Owens Custom White Stadium Cup (only $10.00 at terrellowens.com) and passed it back to Terrell as warm beer.Brian Williams also matched up well against the much-ballyhooed receiver and his counterpart, Terry Glenn. Until Bledsoe was able to connect with him for a 51-yard gain with 3:00 left in the game, Williams limited Glenn, who finished fourth in the league in receiving yards during the preseason, to only 30 reception yards. Going into his first game as a Jaguar, Williams was a big question mark. Would he play to the level he was paid at? Would he adapt well to coordinator Mike Smith's defense? Would the fallout resulting from last week's DUI charge affect his level of play? After becoming the object of Jack Del Rio's wrath during a sideline tirade early in the game, Williams ran back out on the field and performed admirably. The replay-negated interception that should have finished the game would have been the perfect end (or beginning) of a tumultuous week for the defensive back.Assistant head coach Dave Campo faced the Cowboys, with little fanfare, for his first time as a coach for the Jaguars. In a meeting that likely held little serious significance to anyone except Campo and his ex-employer, Jerry Jones, the former's secondary emerged as a key contributor to the Cowboys' defeat. Campo was the Dallas head coach 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
from 2000-2002, when he was fired by Jones and replaced by Parcells.The run-stuffing defense allowed little space for Julius Jones to squeeze through, holding him to 72 yards and a touchdown. Despite the recent injuries of Mike Peterson and Marcus Stroud, which limited their effectiveness during the game, the Jaguars did a good job of clogging up the middle. Defensive End Reggie Hayward, who led the Jaguars last year with 8 ? sacks and looked poised to have a big season, ruptured his Achilles' tendon and was pronounced out for the year. Even so, the Jaguars kept Bledsoe on his back so long that he was beginning to resemble Michelangelo painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; they sacked Bledsoe twice, forced two interceptions and a few near-INTs, and constantly put pressure on the Cowboys' QB.Throughout the offseason, the question marks attached to Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich centered around the need for him to elevate his game to the level of the league's indisputably elite passers. First quarter removed, Sunday was certainly a step in the right direction. Leftwich ended the game 23-for-34 with a completion percentage of 67.6 and a passer rating of 85. He looked poised in the pocket, and the offensive line gave him ample time to spread the ball around to the Jaguars' "Big 3" receivers - Ernest Wilford, Matt Jones, and Reggie Williams. Though none of the receivers notched a 100-yard game, each finished the night with over 40 yards. We saw bursts of excellent play from the trio last year, but none displayed enough consistency to markedly stand out from the bunch. Sunday's game was proof that all of them have the ability to produce when called upon and make clutch catches in tight situations. Jones ended the game with 71 yards on five receptions, Wilford with 58 yards on three receptions, and Williams with 47 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions.Fred Taylor ran out of the tunnel and on to the field with a lot to prove. Naysayers around the league had written off Taylor's chances for a good year early in the offseason. Though it'll take at least one healthy, productive season before he can begin to shed the "Fragile Fred" moniker and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with, Sunday's performance was key to the cause. Taylor ran for 74 yards on 21 carries - while not the best looking statistics on paper, those who watched Taylor's performance would argue that he played far above those numbers. Not only was Taylor able to convert on the ground on clutch third-down situations, he was also tied for the team high in receptions with six for 41 yards. For all of the inconsistency the offensive line displayed during the preseason, it looked remarkably sharp against the Cowboys' defense. Leftwich had plenty of time to throw, the run blocking was excellent and only one sack was allowed. In the preseason, the statement center Brad Meester made that this year's offense is "the best since he's been here" caused him to look like a court jester. Now he's beginning to look like a seer. But, don't get carried away yet. This is only one win. As Del Rio is fond of pointing out, "We have to take it one game at a time".One win doesn't equal a Super Bowl season. It 43 Polamalu black jersey
doesn't equal a playoff berth. It's doesn't equal a divisional championship. The players and the team have a long way to go, and a lot to prove. Winning the upcoming Monday Night Football game against the Steelers would put the Jags one step further in the direction they want to head in.Still, even if winning the Cowboys' game was only one small step in the marathon of an NFL season, it's a step worth getting excited about for Jacksonville. As Neil Armstrong once said...Get weekly Jacksonville Jaguars