Obviously, going from an abysmal 1-15 to 11-6 and AFC East Champions was quite the storybook turnaround. But, it wasn't enough, and the team still has a long way to go before it can compete with the AFC powerhouses like the Steelers and the Ravens.
Continue reading "Dolphins 2009-10 needs — what do you think?"
Posted by Alex Bauer | No comments yet
Pittsburgh's Mayor Luke Ravenstahl is reportedly in the process of legally changing his name to Luke Steelerstahl for the Pittsburgh Steelers AFC Championship game Sunday versus the Baltimore Ravens.
Posted by Burl Bridger | 1 comment
We always here about things like this happening in another town in a different county or in a different state altogether; events that have no bearing to our lives whatsoever. We walk into another school while on a basketball trip and see a glass case perched on a wall close to the entrance which has an asortment of different items arranged around a picture set in the middle. The pictures differ from town to town, sometimes it may be just a normal school picture of a student with small heirlooms hanging around the image, other times it may be a student's athletic picture and his or her varsity letter nearby. There always seems to be a small passage included that can be read, describing the person's life and passions. In every case though, the glass case holds the same meaning, a memorandum of a life taken too early.
Posted by Jordan Newgard | No comments yet
When I was a sophomore in high school playing on the JV basketball team, we went into our Christmas break undefeated and feeling pretty good about ourselves. Over the break we were scheduled to play one game against a team from the division below us. We practiced a few times, nothing too serious, and went into the game feeling good. But the week and a half layoff killed us and we lost by four, our only loss of the season.
Posted by Jordan Newgard | No comments yet
I'm not here to rant and rave about Pennington being snubbed from the AFC Pro Bowl team. Do I think the man deserved a spot on the squad? Absolutely. But, do I understand why he was left off the roster? Of course. Pennington's numbers — 3,453 yards to go with 17 TDs and 7 picks — aren't quite as flashy as the stats Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Jay Cutler have put up through the air this season, but they are certainly solid. For the record, Manning has thrown for 3907 yards, 26 TDs and 12 picks, Favre has 3239/21/19 and Cutler has 4210/24/16 through 15 games this year. Sure, CP has more yards and 12 fewer completions to the other team than Favre, but remember, it's Brett Favre. As long as Favre is healthy and somewhat productive, the man will be in the Pro Bowl.
Posted by Alex Bauer | 1 comment
Last night, on Sunday Night Football, the Cowboys and Redskins met in a heated NFC East rivalry. The ‘Boys came to Washington, sporting a 5-4 record, while the ‘Skins were 6-3. The Cowboys welcomed back their offensive leader, Tony Romo, as well as Pro-Bowl corner, Terence Newman. Dallas had already lost to the Redskins earlier this season, and this was a must-win game for the Cowboys.
Posted by utopia1dc | No comments yet
Once again, Adam don’t call me “Pac-man” Jones has made the headlines. And when Mr. Jones makes the headlines, it usually isn’t good news! Early Wednesday morning, Pac-man allegedly got into a “scuffle” with one of his security guards at a hotel in Dallas (read more here). The police were called, but no charges were filed. Is this much ado about nothing…or is Adam facing a possible suspension!
Posted by utopia1dc | 5 comments
The crystal ball was two up and two down for the week. Even though that is an improvement, it still doesn’t cut it! Good thing this is for entertainment purposes only…or I would be in the poor house! Let’s take a look back and see what happened:
Posted by utopia1dc | 2 comments
Yesterday, the Eagles lost another heartbreaker to a division foe, the Washington Redskins, 23-17. The Eagles stand at 2-3 and in 4th (last) place in their division. They have now lost two division (3 conference) games…and that does not bode well for play-off considerations. Though it’s still early in the season…the sky may be falling!
Posted by utopia1dc | 5 comments
Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games. I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you). Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling. That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!
Posted by utopia1dc | 3 comments
Bill Belichick, Head Coach of the New England Patriots, was accused by Al Davis of “tampering” with Randy Moss prior to their trade a year ago. The Raiders received a 4th round pick as compensation in the deal. Davis alleges that the Patriots had a secret workout with Moss prior to the negotiations, which would violate NFL rules. Bill (here’s a surprise) denies the accusation.
Posted by utopia1dc | No comments yet
Much has been said and written about Terrell Eldorado Owens…so why should this week be any different? It shouldn’t! Mr. Owens had some comments that he made after the Cowboys lost to the Redskins. He wants the ball more…gee, that’s a surprise? He wants the offense to go through him…again, I was shocked? He wants to be involved early and often…okay, now I am just down right astonished?
Posted by utopia1dc | 10 comments
This week two head coaches were relieved of their duties…fired! First, Scott Linehan of the St. Louis Rams, and now, Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders, why? Jim Haslet replaced Linehan. What’s the difference, the Rams are horrific! Kiffin is being replaced with O-line coach, Tom Cable…who? Yeah, that’s right, I never heard of him either!
Posted by utopia1dc | 1 comment
Once again, my crystal ball failed me. I don’t understand what happened…I shined it up last week. I even purchased a stand for it…so now it sits on top of the mantel. I’ve treated it with the utmost respect. For who? For what? (Yes…that was a shot at Ricky Watters!) Once again, I was one up and three down last week…not good…awful…embarrassing even! I have to do something different for next week…maybe I will punish it…have it stand in the corner…or give it a time-out! Something has to give…and I’m not backing down! Let’s take a closer look and see what went wrong:
Posted by utopia1dc | No comments yet
The other day, Rashard Mendenhall (Rookie RB for the Pittsburgh Steelers) sent his buddy, Ray Rice (Rookie RB for the Baltimore Ravens) a text message. So why is that football news? Because LB Bart Scott of the Ravens made it so! Mendenhall’s text was only intended for his buddy Ray. It claimed how great of a day Rashard was going to have against the vaunted Raven’s Defense. Ray Rice took it upon himself to let his defense know about the text message…Bart Scoot took offense.
Posted by utopia1dc | 2 comments
Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games. I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you). Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling. That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!
Posted by utopia1dc | 2 comments
On Saturday night, I relearned a lesson I already knew. Often times, we need to be reminded of lessons we learned as a child. When we were children, things were simpler. We didn’t judge, we just played with everyone…all the other children were our friends. We learned to judge, as we grew older. Our teachers always taught us right from wrong…but did we listen?
Posted by utopia1dc | No comments yet
Just the other day my cousin Domenic (Cuz) called me. He wanted to let me know that our cousin from Italy was coming for a visit in October, and to call me a cockroach. The term cockroach was coined, or at least he uses it the most, by Howard Eskin of WIP (local sports radio). Eskin uses the term to refer to Cowboys fans, mostly who live in the Philly area. This got me to thinking (dangerous, isn’t it?)…In today’s politically correct society, and the diverse society we live in, I, a cockroach, was offended. At my wife’s school (she is a school teacher), they promote diversity with a huge campaign. In a nutshell, it’s to let everyone know that we are different and that we should understand and respect others points of view.
Posted by utopia1dc | 5 comments
Today I am taking my lumps, and licking my wounds. I was 1-3 on my predictions for Week 3. Though I take great pride in my prognosticating skills, I must blame the crystal ball for this one. Granted, I should have known better, because I purchased it at Dollar Tree…what do you expect for a dollar? Maybe I will “Windex” it before this week’s prediction, so it isn’t so cloudy and hazy. Lets take a closer look at what happened:
Posted by utopia1dc | 3 comments
Each week, on Friday, I will look into my (never wrong, just misinformed) crystal ball and give my predictions for that weekend games. I will always prognosticate on the Eagles and Cowboys games and then pick two more games of interest (to me, that is, not necessarily to you). Keep in mind, that this is for entertainment purposes only, and that I do not endorse any sort of legal or illegal gambling. That being said…let’s see what’s in my crystal ball!
Posted by utopia1dc | 1 comment
The NFL, in my opinion, is the best sport in the world. It is a violent game played by phenomenal athletes, who by the way, get paid handsomely for it. Every year the NFL Competition Committee comes up with new rules to “improve” the game. For instance, this year, they got rid of the 5-yard facemask penalty. Now it’s either a 15-yard personal foul, or incidental contact and no penalty…what genius came up with that one?
Posted by utopia1dc | No comments yet
Today is a seasonable mild day in beautiful Gilbertsville, PA. There are leaves falling and a calm breeze. As I sit on my patio, I hear the birds chirping, and the wind howl occasionally. It is almost an eerie feeling. The kids are in school and the streets and backyards are empty. So, I thought to myself, timing is everything. A few weeks ago, at this time, kids were running in their yards, playing on their swing sets, and horse playing as youngsters do. Today, nothing!
Posted by utopia1dc | 2 comments
Last night I saw one of the best games ever. If for some ungodly reason you didn’t see it…shame on you! The Dallas Cowboys outlasted the Philadelphia Eagles 41-37. This game had everything imaginable. The offenses were unstoppable, yet the defenses made plays when needed. This game defined the season for both teams. The Cowboys thought they were good, now they know that they are, and it could turn out to be a magical season. The Eagles, they weren’t too sure where they stood. They have a young core of receivers (some nursing injuries) and a beefed up offensive line, and a maligned quarterback just a year removed from a major injury. Now, they know they can hang with the Cowboys and have a legitimate shot this year.
Posted by utopia1dc | No comments yet
Jeff Christensen believes the quarterback position is broken.
And he’s just the guy to fix it.
“Kids today,” says the founder of Throw It Deep Passing Academy, “and when I say kids I mean 19, 20, 21 years old. They think because they throw a pretty spiral they’ve done something. It’s mind-boggling.”
Posted by Jon Kerr | No comments yet
Posted by Sam Cameron | No comments yet
Football and Green Bay Packer great Brett Favre will hold a press conference on Thursday, March 6, 2008 beginning at 12:00 PM EASTERN TIME. Go to http://www.packers.com/ to see it live.
Continue reading "Brett Favre Press Conference scheduled ..."
Posted by Margo Sweet | 1 comment
After 17 years as the Green Bay Packers quarterback, the legendary and future hall of famer 3 time MVP Brett Favre is set to retire.
"I know I can still play, but it's like I told my wife, I'm just tired mentally. I'm just tired," Favre, a three-time NFL MVP, told ESPN's Chris Mortensen in a voice mail message.
Posted by Ryan Neiman | No comments yet
Despite his decision to retire today, Brett Favre is likely to play quarterback in the NFL before all is said and done. Citing mental exhaustion as the primary motivating factor, Favre is leaving the game after having made 253 consecutive regular season starts (275 including playoffs). Not surprisingly, Favre is mentally exhausted, but physically he's still got it. Which leads one to conclude that after a suitable mental Sabbatical period has ensued, Favre will be back and playing QB for somebody, somewhere.
Posted by Margo Sweet | 2 comments
It's over, or is it?
If Brett Favre has really chucked his last off-balance, ill-advised pass downfield into three defenders and an opening the size of a kicking tee while being draped by two hoggies thrice his size, somewhere there's a fat lady singing.
Posted by Sam Cameron | No comments yet
The Seahawks need a seam-splitting, pass-catching TE so Matt Hasselbeck can truly take advantage of the full range of mismatches the west coast system offers. After the Jerramy Stevens my-arms-are-too-long-to-catch-footballs-and-I-am-a-headcase bust, and the Marcus Pollard I-have-low-miles-but-they-left-me-in-the-garage-for-a-reason failure, their options are free agency, the draft, or... bust.
Continue reading "Crumpler not the answer for Seahawks, ..."
Posted by MJ Alvis | 1 comment
Many fans of the NFL have been a bit superstitious over the years with players and curses. There’s the Sports Illustrated Curse, the Chunky Soup Curse, and the Madden Curse to name a few. Now that the New York Giants QB Eli Manning has been named the cover boy for John Madden’s football video game, Madden NFL 09, the Internet is abuzz with speculation about whether he will be the next victim.
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
Ohmigosh! They did it! All that skepticism and doubt – poof! The New York Giants have won Super Bowl XLII! Congratulations G-Men! Here’s the 5 keys to the game that I think did it for you:
Continue reading "5 Reasons the New York Giants Won Super Bowl XLII"
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
I have never claimed to be an expert when it comes to predicting outcomes of football games, although last year I nearly predicted the exact final score of the Super Bowl while hitting on seven of my nine prop bets. (My prediction was 26-17, the final was 29-17.) For whatever reason I had a very good feel for that game. This year's Super Bowl, however, remains a mystery to me. Part of the reason I am having trouble getting a good feel for this game is that I am a bitter Jets fan and I can't stand either team. I'm finding it difficult to put my personal feelings aside and look at the game objectively. I think right now I am as close to objectivity as I am going to get, and with that being said, here is my official Super Bowl XLII prediction.
Posted by Mick Ciallela | 1 comment
This is something that I really am a lost for words. Every year the NFL stages a Pro Bowl where players are voted for and chosen to play in this annual event in Hawaii. Maybe it's because it's Hawaii is the reason the NFL continues to stage this ultimate boring game. They changed the rules so no one can get hurt, but they do. Many players seem to pass on it a couple of weeks before the time of the game. IT just seems like a waste of time anymore.
Posted by Kenneth Watkins | No comments yet
There are very few things to depend on in the NFL that almost makes it possible to predict the outcome of games, and one of those things is the almighty trend. Trends provide the cornerstone of sports betting and lead to the most interesting story lines to be dissected ad nauseum during pre-game shows every week. The two major trends going into Super Bowl XLII are the Patriots' utter domination in the win column, and the Giants' road winning streak, which is pretty remarkable in its own right. One of those trends will come to an end in less than a week.
Posted by Paul Crupi | No comments yet
Call me a traitor to women everywhere, but I don’t want chocolates, flowers, or lingerie. Please don’t expect me to get excited about dinner and a movie. Don’t be surprised when I scoff at the notion of taking a limousine ride to some “romantic location”. Seriously, I won’t even get mad if you completely forget that it is Valentine’s Day. Chances are, I’ll forget myself until the day is almost over and I look at the date.
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
You New England Patriots players are a laugh riot! Imagine, Donté Stallworth or Wes Welker taking over as quarterback from Tom Brady. Actually, it was rather amusing. Each of these players calmly answered the speculation of their MVP’s health by saying Bill Belichick had asked them to take over the helm. Each never flinched, as if to say how absurd the speculation is. I agree, Tom Brady is likely just fine and will play remarkably in Glendale, Az on February 3. In case you haven’t noticed, QBs often play when hurt – case in point Philip Rivers. Don’t forget that the offensive line gives Brady all day to throw the ball, so even if his leg hurts a bit he’ll likely play up to par.
Continue reading "Hardy Har Har – How to Laugh at the Super Bowl"
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
Yeah, you heard me – the Los Angeles Raiders. This is the team that still lives in my mind. The only team to bring my hometown a Super Bowl win. Sure, I follow other clubs in the NFL now. It is hard not to when yours has deserted you! At any rate, I drive around town in my black car with the black Raiders license plate frames in honor of days long passed…
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | 2 comments
I was not a believer in Eli Manning until the last few games I watched him play. I seriously had the New York Giants written off as Super Bowl contenders. Also, I assumed that Eli would never actually come into his own and learn how to be effective in the NFL. Written off as nepotism, I was one of those naysayers that figured he would be a back-up QB sooner rather than later.
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
As we near the last – sniff – weekend of the NFL season to decide who is going to the Super Bowl, I realize that empty feeling is coming back. You dedicated fans know what I am talking about! It’s that feeling you get when your beloved jersey gets ripped, your lucky hat disappears, or the store is out of your favorite beer. Yep – that vacant, lonely feeling that begins to creep in this same time every year. Sure, we savor this last weekend and then spend two weeks planning for the big day. Afterward, we are numb and feign interest in the Pro Bowl, just kidding ourselves that it is an actual game.
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
At this point in the NFL season, many fans need encouragement to continue since their favorite team has been knocked out of the playoffs. As you sit there in your Peyton Manning or Tony Romo jersey, why not lighten up your day and play a little drinking game when you watch the rest of the season unfold?
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
Besides being an exceptional athlete, Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning is totally in on the fact that he can play a very believable dork. He may come across as a simple, laid-back country boy - but this guy is as smart as they come when it means marketing himself. Did you see him host Saturday Night Live? His United Way spoof was absolutely hysterical! Again, I am not an Indianapolis Colts fan by any stretch of the imagination. I just can’t help finding Peyton to be a truly side-splitting character!
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
I knew they could do it! They had their number earlier in the year and they did it again today! The San Diego Chargers upset the Indianapolis Colts in a 28-24 victory that came down to the wire at the RCA Dome. Shawne Merriman and Antonio Cromartie were key in the defense against Peyton Manning, both making big plays when it really counted. I was truly worried when LaDainian Tomlinson went out of the game and even more pessimistic when Philip Rivers had to be sidelined – but the rest of the team made me a believer! I take back every less than flattering statement I have ever uttered about Norv Turner! He really is an NFL coach that deserves respect.
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
Although they just barely missed the Cleveland Browns should definitely be proud of their 2007 NFL season.
They had Derek Anderson prove that he can be a top ten quarterback. Something great to know when you have first round pick Brady Quinn waiting in the wings. His breakout coincided with the play of Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow. While the latter was already a known commodity, Braylon really needed to show that he deserved the status that comes with being the number three overall draft pick a few years back.
Posted by Jeff Chlebus | No comments yet
When Bill Parcells was hired as the guy to turn around the Miami Dolphins you knew quickly action would follow. First his statement of no thugs on this team will be something he stresses more than ever. He believes you do things a certain way and if your not going to pack your bags because I don't need you. In his short tenure he got rid of the General Manager and just recently fired the coach after a 1-15 season. Now I can understand both firings, but in Cam Cameron's defense he inherited this group of players, so he can't be totally to blame for the situation he was put in. What was interesting was the Dolphins signing Ricky Williams to a contract recently.
Continue reading "Bill Parcells Cleaning House In Dolphin World"
Posted by Kenneth Watkins | No comments yet
Last year the Patriots traded their first round pick, the 28th, to the San Francisco 49ers. In exchange the Patriots got a 4th round pick for last years draft and San Francisco’s first round pick this year. Basically what that translates to is Randy Moss, and the number 7 pick this year for Joe Staley, the 49ers right tackle who started all 16 games this season.
Posted by Tom Williamson | No comments yet
While attending college at the University of Tampa, I noticed the awesome fact that the area is rich in professional sports! The Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are relatively close to each other and easily accessible. The closest NBA was the Orlando Magic, but I got to catch a pre-season game at the Ice Palace one year. I felt really spoiled since I grew up in a place where everything was much more spread out and harder to get tickets for. To make things even better – there was plenty of golf and tennis around. I only wish the USF Bulls were as good as they are now when I was there. I didn’t complain though, I was able to go to the games free since my school didn’t have football. (They did at one time; John Matuszak is a U Tampa alum!)
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
As I was watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers today I saw a ray of hope. Actually, I saw several – the young defense and Luke McCown. Yeah, I know, they stunk up the place at the end of the game but at least they gave it a real try. You have to remember that many, if not all starters were out at that point. Plus I wonder if Monte Kiffin stops paying attention by the 4th but that’s a different story…
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
Where has the season gone? Have I really been working that much? Yeah, I must have been since I didn’t realize I witnessed Bryant Young’s last home game with the San Francisco 49ers until it was almost over. I hate when I don’t get to pay attention to football!
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
I was working on the computer when I heard the sound. It was that unmistakable sound that a football game was about to start. That wonderful feeling of excitement flushed over me and I mused that I am much like a subject in Pavlov’s experiments. Play that music and I salivate.
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
It was an ugly win, but important nevertheless. Not only did it get the Browns closer to the NFL postseason, but also it showed that they are learning how to win the tough games.
You’d think that a team from Buffalo would be ready for a snow-filled game, but the Bills didn’t seem like it at all. They were essentially embarrassing to watch, almost as bad were the Bills fans that came to the sports bar wearing Buffalo Sabres jerseys…really. But more importantly, the Browns came away with the win in turbulent weather. And if the increasingly realistic Browns playoffs hopes come to fruition, they will need to be ready to play in adverse conditions like they did today.
Posted by Jeff Chlebus | No comments yet
Tampa Bay Buccaneers!
Well, today it finally happened! The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have finally returned a kickoff for a touchdown! Woohoo! From a new face nonetheless! I looked outside and there are no donkeys flying but it has been a bit cold…
Continue reading "A streak-breaking day for Florida NFL teams!"
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
Some girls have guilty pleasures like chocolate or shoe shopping – well, I somehow missed the chocolate gene (hate it!) and I openly admit my shoe addiction without remorse. So, pray tell, what is my guilty pleasure? The Bucs! Ohmigosh! I loooove the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! Why do I feel guilty? Well, being a Los Angeles native that comes from a pedigree of Raiders-Rams-Niners, I always feel I need to explain myself when I root for them. I get that feeling like I was caught listening to Michael Bolton or something (not that I would do that but you get my drift).
Posted by Apryl DeLancey | No comments yet
