Seven & Out – Week #12
By Michael – Louis Ingram
BASN/FRO
PHILADELPHIA (BASN/FRO): We interrupt this Seven & Out to throw down on some thanks -and some giving; and a reminder that there is a place for all God’s creatures – right next to the mashed sweet potatoes, collard greens and gravy!!!
(Burp – excuse me);
Okay, hand me a napkin – new shooter coming out…
DUELING DUOS: A record that hadn’t been topped since 1964 was surpassed twice on Sunday. The Chicago Bears tandem of wide receiver JOHNNY MORRIS (77) and Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end MIKE DITKA (59) combined for 136 catches through the first 10 games of the 1964 season. In 1995, the Detroit Lions wide receiver duo of HERMAN MOORE (73) and BRETT PERRIMAN (63) equaled that total.
(Somewhere Wayne Fontes is smiling; and the police are still looking for Scott Mitchell – for stealing that money that should’ve gone to getting Barry Sanders some real help!)
During the Indianapolis Colts’ 17-15 win against Baltimore in yesterday’s 1:00 PM ET game, wide receiver REGGIE WAYNE (76 catches through 10 games) and DALLAS CLARK (65) combined for eight catches, establishing a record of 141 combined catches through the first 10 games of the season.
(Everyone knows he’s good; but no one ever says how great Reggie Wayne really is!)
Later on Sunday, the New England Patriots wide receiver combo of WES WELKER (79) and RANDY MOSS (63) combined for 20 catches in a 31-14 win over the New York Jets in a 4:15 PM ET contest, giving the pair 142 combined receptions through 10 games to surpass the hours-old record set earlier in the day by Wayne-Clark.
(If he hasn’t already, Welker should name his first/next kid Randy)
The most combined receptions by teammates in the first 10 games of a season in NFL history:
TEAM
PLAYERS (RECEPTIONS)
COMBINED REC.
2009 New England Patriots
WR Wes Welker (79) & WR Randy Moss (63)
142
2009 Indianapolis Colts
WR Reggie Wayne (76) & TE Dallas Clark (65)
141
1964 Chicago Bears
WR Johnny Morris (77) & TE Mike Ditka (59)
136
1995 Detroit Lions
WR Herman Moore (73) & WR Brett Perriman (63)
136
2007 Cincinnati Bengals
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (76) & WR Chad Ochocinco (59)
135
1994 Minnesota Vikings
WR Cris Carter (77) & WR Jake Reed (58)
135
MANNING STREAK CONTINUES: Indianapolis quarterback PEYTON MANNING passed for 299 yards against Baltimore. Manning, who has 3,171 passing yards this year, has now thrown for at least 3,000 yards in 12 consecutive seasons, the most to start a career in NFL history.
(The best just keep getting better…)
SUCCESS ON THE ROAD: Three teams successfully defended their undefeated road records yesterday to improve to 5-0 away from home: Arizona (21-13 win at St. Louis), Indianapolis (17-15 win at Baltimore) and New Orleans (38-7 win at Tampa Bay).
(Give Arizona credit for doing a 180 degree turnabout on road games; they’ve gone from terrible – to terror…)
With three 5-0 road teams, the 2009 season is now tied for the most ever. There have been three other seasons in which three teams started 5-0 on the road (1983, 2001, 2007). All three of this year’s 5-0 road teams are in first place in their respective divisions.
(But I see only one of those teams in Miami come February – The Indianapolis Colts)
DRIVE TIME UPDATE: Sustaining drives on offense has long been an indicator of NFL success. This year, the top five NFL offenses in yards per drive have a combined record of 40-10 (.800). Four of those five teams currently sit atop their respective divisions – Indianapolis, New England, New Orleans, and Dallas.
The NFL’s two remaining undefeated teams, the Colts (36.9 yards per drive) and Saints (34.7), rank first and third in the category.
The top NFL offenses in average yards per drive in 2009:
TEAM
AVG. YARDS PER DRIVE
RECORD
Indianapolis Colts*
36.9
10-0
New England Patriots*
36.2
7-3
New Orleans Saints*
34.7
10-0
Pittsburgh Steelers
34.2
6-4
Dallas Cowboys*
34.0
7-3
* Division leader
T-WHOA!: Buffalo wide receiver TERRELL OWENS posted a season-high 197 receiving yards in the Bills’ 18-15 loss at Jacksonville. Owens’ 98-yard touchdown reception, the longest in team history, gives him 25 career 50-yard touchdowns from scrimmage (rushing or receiving), tying him with Pro Football Hall of Famer LENNY MOORE for the fourth-most in NFL history.
(Yet we know scumbags like Skip Bayless constantly lobby against Owens and his inevitable first ballot inclusion into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Again – the man has never committed any criminal offense, but is made a caricature by the likes of invertebrates like Bayless & Ed Werder, who Owens said was a straight up liar; and was not proven to be wrong; one can only imagine the discussion in that smoke-filled room!)
The players with the most 50-yard touchdowns from scrimmage (rushing or receiving) in NFL history:
PLAYER
50-YARD TDs
Jerry Rice
36
Randy Moss*
27
Lance Alworth
27
Terrell Owens*
25
Lenny Moore
25
* Active
WHAT A CATCH: New England wide receiver WES WELKER had 15 catches for 192 yards in the Patriots’ 31-14 win over the New York Jets. Welker has 302 receptions in his first 40 games with the Patriots and is the first player in NFL history to record 300 catches in the first 40 games with a new team. The previous record for the most receptions in a player’s first 40 games with a new team was 269 by Denver’s LIONEL TAYLOR.
The players with the most receptions in their first 40 games with a new team (rookies and veterans):
PLAYER
TEAM
RECEPTIONS
WR Wes Welker
Patriots
302
WR Lionel Taylor
Broncos
269
WR Anquan Boldin
Cardinals
259
WR Terance Mathis
Falcons
239
RB Marshall Faulk
Rams
228
WR Tom Fears
Rams
228
(Here’s the unfairness in it all; some fantasy football asswipe will make a case for Welker as a HOF receiver; but won’t do the research to make a similar argument for Harold Carmichael, Harold Jackson – or Lionel Taylor).
As always, gang – once the point is made, don’t throw a seven – or you will…crap out!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
AFC Wrap Up Week 11
AFC Wrap Up Week 11
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
Tennessee 20 Houston 17
There are many people in the football world wondering what is going on in Nashville these days. The season started with six straight losses and the call from owner Bud Adams to start Vince Young. Ever since that Sunday against Jacksonville things have not been the same. Receivers are catching balls and the running game is on point. Against Houston, on Monday night, it was another homecoming for Young and he came to play. He did not have the spectacular numbers but accomplished more. He showed a command of the offense never seen before in him. You could see him going through his progressions as he hit the second or the third read. When he couldn’t pass he ran for 73 yards on 11 carries. Some of those were of the third down conversion variety and when he was throwing the football he did it smoothly and very effectively. The questions after his first game back were understandable and after the second game maybe. Now after four consecutive wins the Titans find themselves at 4-6 and only two games out of the wild card with six games to play. Chris Johnson continues to be off the charts as he racked up another 151 yards putting his season total to 1,242 yards rushing on the year. He is ahead of the pace set by Eric Dickerson when he set the NFL record with 2,105 yards. He had two marvelous runs and one in particular may be the highlight of the year. He took the handoff and went right when he was hit once and then a second time much harder. It should have put him on the turf but instead he kept his balance, spun away from the tackle and went for 36 yards. He has shown a strength that does not seem possible for his size. He is so elusive that teams are too tired by the time they figure him out. The defense still needs work as they allowed 305 yards passing to Matt Schaub but were able to sack him four times. Now another coach goes on the hot seat and this time it is Gary Kubiak. When he was hired he was supposed to bring this team to a playoff game but has yet to deliver. Now they are 5-5 and have these Titans in their rear view mirror. Back in Tennessee the thought of Young continuing to mature and the nuclear threat of Johnson has fans salivating at he mouth. If these two can continue to build a rapport and Young keeps maturing the combination could be almost unstoppable. So what was once a lost season in Nashville now becomes a battle cry. A cry to those who did not believe, to those that gave up and those that never tried. Now the locker room is full of confidence and fun. The game means something again and players, coaches and fans see a possible playoff birth with some luck. They must win out and hope that other teams fall too. This past weekend helped them when a slew of AFC teams lost to improve their odds of making the postseason. Now let see what they have left because if they can beat the Colts they have a good chance to finish with 10n straight wins. Now the season is in high gear folks.
Indianapolis 17 Baltimore 15
First off to the Ravens I say just put the ball in the end zone. Well they couldn’t and the Colts find themselves at 10-0 after just getting by in this one. The Ravens had a chance to get a touchdown on a first-and-goal from the one in the fourth quarter. Instead of the lead they had to settle for a field goal. The win was the 19th straight for the Colts, which puts them two away from the Pats NFL-record 21 straight. They won despite three turnovers and the inability to be as effective as usual on offense. The defense allowed the Ravens 354 total yards but got lucky when Baltimore had to settle for threes. They have won these past few weeks by the hair of their chinny chin chin and must get back to the drawing board on offense. Still they have Peyton Manning and he is like a human video game out on the field. Joseph Addai is doing his part, as are players like Pierre Garcon. It is still along road to the finish line but the Colts look to be on cruise control now. They will have to stay healthy and the young receivers must keep maturing. Most of all they will count on their leader Manning to take them to the promise land once again.
Jacksonville 18 Buffalo 15
The Jags have a way of letting a player shine every once in awhile and this time it was Terrell Owens. He got away on one for a 98-yards score and he finished the day with 197 yards on nine catches. Other than that it was just another blown chance for the Bills as they fell to 3-7 in season to forget. The Jags were not much better as David Garrard could not move the ball with any consistency. Maurice Jones-Drew never got on track but the Jags won their third straight game. The Owens catch made it 15-10 and it looked like the Bills might pull this one out. That’s when Garrard remembered he was here to win the game. He got the ball with just over six minutes left and drove his team down the field. He won it connecting with Mike Sims-Walker from three yards and then running in the two-point conversion himself. I still don’t know if all of this will be enough to save Jack Del Rio’s job. He too was brought to Florida to take the Jags to the next level and has failed. This is a as close to a do-or-die season as you can get and it looks like Del Rio may ended up on the unemployment line when it’s all said and done. What was supposed to be a sure second place has turned out to be harder than they thought. Now they have six games left to save their season and possibly their head coach’s job.
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
Tennessee 20 Houston 17
There are many people in the football world wondering what is going on in Nashville these days. The season started with six straight losses and the call from owner Bud Adams to start Vince Young. Ever since that Sunday against Jacksonville things have not been the same. Receivers are catching balls and the running game is on point. Against Houston, on Monday night, it was another homecoming for Young and he came to play. He did not have the spectacular numbers but accomplished more. He showed a command of the offense never seen before in him. You could see him going through his progressions as he hit the second or the third read. When he couldn’t pass he ran for 73 yards on 11 carries. Some of those were of the third down conversion variety and when he was throwing the football he did it smoothly and very effectively. The questions after his first game back were understandable and after the second game maybe. Now after four consecutive wins the Titans find themselves at 4-6 and only two games out of the wild card with six games to play. Chris Johnson continues to be off the charts as he racked up another 151 yards putting his season total to 1,242 yards rushing on the year. He is ahead of the pace set by Eric Dickerson when he set the NFL record with 2,105 yards. He had two marvelous runs and one in particular may be the highlight of the year. He took the handoff and went right when he was hit once and then a second time much harder. It should have put him on the turf but instead he kept his balance, spun away from the tackle and went for 36 yards. He has shown a strength that does not seem possible for his size. He is so elusive that teams are too tired by the time they figure him out. The defense still needs work as they allowed 305 yards passing to Matt Schaub but were able to sack him four times. Now another coach goes on the hot seat and this time it is Gary Kubiak. When he was hired he was supposed to bring this team to a playoff game but has yet to deliver. Now they are 5-5 and have these Titans in their rear view mirror. Back in Tennessee the thought of Young continuing to mature and the nuclear threat of Johnson has fans salivating at he mouth. If these two can continue to build a rapport and Young keeps maturing the combination could be almost unstoppable. So what was once a lost season in Nashville now becomes a battle cry. A cry to those who did not believe, to those that gave up and those that never tried. Now the locker room is full of confidence and fun. The game means something again and players, coaches and fans see a possible playoff birth with some luck. They must win out and hope that other teams fall too. This past weekend helped them when a slew of AFC teams lost to improve their odds of making the postseason. Now let see what they have left because if they can beat the Colts they have a good chance to finish with 10n straight wins. Now the season is in high gear folks.
Indianapolis 17 Baltimore 15
First off to the Ravens I say just put the ball in the end zone. Well they couldn’t and the Colts find themselves at 10-0 after just getting by in this one. The Ravens had a chance to get a touchdown on a first-and-goal from the one in the fourth quarter. Instead of the lead they had to settle for a field goal. The win was the 19th straight for the Colts, which puts them two away from the Pats NFL-record 21 straight. They won despite three turnovers and the inability to be as effective as usual on offense. The defense allowed the Ravens 354 total yards but got lucky when Baltimore had to settle for threes. They have won these past few weeks by the hair of their chinny chin chin and must get back to the drawing board on offense. Still they have Peyton Manning and he is like a human video game out on the field. Joseph Addai is doing his part, as are players like Pierre Garcon. It is still along road to the finish line but the Colts look to be on cruise control now. They will have to stay healthy and the young receivers must keep maturing. Most of all they will count on their leader Manning to take them to the promise land once again.
Jacksonville 18 Buffalo 15
The Jags have a way of letting a player shine every once in awhile and this time it was Terrell Owens. He got away on one for a 98-yards score and he finished the day with 197 yards on nine catches. Other than that it was just another blown chance for the Bills as they fell to 3-7 in season to forget. The Jags were not much better as David Garrard could not move the ball with any consistency. Maurice Jones-Drew never got on track but the Jags won their third straight game. The Owens catch made it 15-10 and it looked like the Bills might pull this one out. That’s when Garrard remembered he was here to win the game. He got the ball with just over six minutes left and drove his team down the field. He won it connecting with Mike Sims-Walker from three yards and then running in the two-point conversion himself. I still don’t know if all of this will be enough to save Jack Del Rio’s job. He too was brought to Florida to take the Jags to the next level and has failed. This is a as close to a do-or-die season as you can get and it looks like Del Rio may ended up on the unemployment line when it’s all said and done. What was supposed to be a sure second place has turned out to be harder than they thought. Now they have six games left to save their season and possibly their head coach’s job.
NFC South Week 11 Wrap Up
NFC South Week 11 Wrap Up
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
Miami 24 Carolina 17
The Dolphins came in to this game without injured star running back Ronnie Brown so they had to make adjustments. One of them was to put Ricky Williams in and see if the vet could produce for a whole game. What they got was a flashback of the old Ricky as he ran 22 times for 119 yards with two rushing scores and one receiving. It was the fifth win in seven games for the Fins after a 0-3 start and they find themselves right back in the playoff picture. Chad Henne continues to shine as well going 17-29 for 172 yards and one touchdown with no picks. He has made the most of his opportunity after Chad Pennington went down a few weeks ago. He was able to get the win despite losing his starting and backup centers. The Panthers continued they’re disappointing season with Jake Delhomme throwing yet another pick and being unable to finish the deal. After starting 0-3 themselves the Panthers were trying to get in the playoff picture but are probably now out of it. Delhomme was a pedestrian 19-42 for 227 yards and a touchdown pass to Steve Smith. DeAngelo Williams had another good game with 122 on just 13 carries with a long run of 50 yards. Smith had seven receptions for 87 yards and a score but the Panthers will find themselves out of the playoffs again and more than likely with a new head coach next year.
New York Giants 34 Atlanta 31
When the Falcons took the field they were aware they were playing a Giants team desperate for a win. They came out flat and were down 17-7 at the half on the strength two touchdown catches from Kevin Boss. The second half would begin with the Falcons going downfield and scoring when Jason Snelling ran it in from one-yard to make it 17-14 for his second touchdown of the game. Snelling was in for the inured Michael Turner and had 25 carries for 76 effective yards. Matt Ryan has had his struggles in his second year but was ready to make a late charge. With his team down 31-17 he went to work as he converted third down after third down on a 12-play drive that ended with his 4-yard scoring pass to Eric Weems to make it 31-24. Then it was down to the last minutes of the game and the Gmen could not stop Ryan again. He converted a few more third downs and with time running out he hit Tony Gonzalez from 11 yards to tie the game with 28 seconds left. Now the Falcons felt confident since they were able to drive on New York late and wanted to end things in the overtime. Things did not work out as New York drove the ball and won it on a Lawrence Tynes 36-yard field goal. Atlanta saw itself at 4-1 after five games and have gone 1-4 since to have their playoff hopes dimmed at best. Turner is hurt, Ryan is struggling, and that combination will not help this team one bit. Next week is a divisional game against the winless Bucs and if they are not careful they will find themselves as the second win in a season gone bad for Tampa Bay.
New Orleans 38 Tampa Bay 7
Fantasy football owners have not been too happy with Drew Brees these past few games, as he has failed to put his projected points. Against a weak Tampa defense he got some of his fantasy moxie back on as he finished with three touchdown passes but had only 187 yards passing. Mike Bell bounced back after several quiet games and had 75 yards on 13 carries to go with two scores. His running mate Pierre Thomas chipped in with 92 on 11 carries. The defense did not have to work too hard as Tampa QB Josh Freeman was picked off three times and sacked just as many times. The rookie continues his growing pains in a season of lows with hope of only getting any win he can get. After their first possession the Bucs could muster no offense. They had 219 total yards and 95 were on that drive alone. The defense gave up nearly 400 yards to the Saints top-ranked offense. Now New Orleans faces their biggest test of the year when they host the New England Patriots next Monday night. They have ridden the wave to 10-0 but have shown flaws along the way. Brees has been explosive at times but has been inconsistent far too often to beat the Pats unless he has the near perfect game. They Saints defense will have to come up big also because even if Brees has a big day they still have to stop Tom Brady. We all know that will not be done without the utmost effort next week. So let’s enjoy the game and see whom the real heavyweight is when this one is over.
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
Miami 24 Carolina 17
The Dolphins came in to this game without injured star running back Ronnie Brown so they had to make adjustments. One of them was to put Ricky Williams in and see if the vet could produce for a whole game. What they got was a flashback of the old Ricky as he ran 22 times for 119 yards with two rushing scores and one receiving. It was the fifth win in seven games for the Fins after a 0-3 start and they find themselves right back in the playoff picture. Chad Henne continues to shine as well going 17-29 for 172 yards and one touchdown with no picks. He has made the most of his opportunity after Chad Pennington went down a few weeks ago. He was able to get the win despite losing his starting and backup centers. The Panthers continued they’re disappointing season with Jake Delhomme throwing yet another pick and being unable to finish the deal. After starting 0-3 themselves the Panthers were trying to get in the playoff picture but are probably now out of it. Delhomme was a pedestrian 19-42 for 227 yards and a touchdown pass to Steve Smith. DeAngelo Williams had another good game with 122 on just 13 carries with a long run of 50 yards. Smith had seven receptions for 87 yards and a score but the Panthers will find themselves out of the playoffs again and more than likely with a new head coach next year.
New York Giants 34 Atlanta 31
When the Falcons took the field they were aware they were playing a Giants team desperate for a win. They came out flat and were down 17-7 at the half on the strength two touchdown catches from Kevin Boss. The second half would begin with the Falcons going downfield and scoring when Jason Snelling ran it in from one-yard to make it 17-14 for his second touchdown of the game. Snelling was in for the inured Michael Turner and had 25 carries for 76 effective yards. Matt Ryan has had his struggles in his second year but was ready to make a late charge. With his team down 31-17 he went to work as he converted third down after third down on a 12-play drive that ended with his 4-yard scoring pass to Eric Weems to make it 31-24. Then it was down to the last minutes of the game and the Gmen could not stop Ryan again. He converted a few more third downs and with time running out he hit Tony Gonzalez from 11 yards to tie the game with 28 seconds left. Now the Falcons felt confident since they were able to drive on New York late and wanted to end things in the overtime. Things did not work out as New York drove the ball and won it on a Lawrence Tynes 36-yard field goal. Atlanta saw itself at 4-1 after five games and have gone 1-4 since to have their playoff hopes dimmed at best. Turner is hurt, Ryan is struggling, and that combination will not help this team one bit. Next week is a divisional game against the winless Bucs and if they are not careful they will find themselves as the second win in a season gone bad for Tampa Bay.
New Orleans 38 Tampa Bay 7
Fantasy football owners have not been too happy with Drew Brees these past few games, as he has failed to put his projected points. Against a weak Tampa defense he got some of his fantasy moxie back on as he finished with three touchdown passes but had only 187 yards passing. Mike Bell bounced back after several quiet games and had 75 yards on 13 carries to go with two scores. His running mate Pierre Thomas chipped in with 92 on 11 carries. The defense did not have to work too hard as Tampa QB Josh Freeman was picked off three times and sacked just as many times. The rookie continues his growing pains in a season of lows with hope of only getting any win he can get. After their first possession the Bucs could muster no offense. They had 219 total yards and 95 were on that drive alone. The defense gave up nearly 400 yards to the Saints top-ranked offense. Now New Orleans faces their biggest test of the year when they host the New England Patriots next Monday night. They have ridden the wave to 10-0 but have shown flaws along the way. Brees has been explosive at times but has been inconsistent far too often to beat the Pats unless he has the near perfect game. They Saints defense will have to come up big also because even if Brees has a big day they still have to stop Tom Brady. We all know that will not be done without the utmost effort next week. So let’s enjoy the game and see whom the real heavyweight is when this one is over.
Black Friday
Black Friday
By Michael – Louis Ingram
BASN/FRO
“Attention Wal-Mart shoppers – you are now free to buy cheap 50-inch televisions, IPods and laptop computers without guilt…”
PHILADELPHIA (BASN/FRO): In a courtroom in Kennett, Missouri, the “Show – Me” state showed everyone the antediluvian attitudes which accelerated the influx of assholes there are alive – in hell.
The trial of Heather Ellis, a 24 year old schoolteacher who stood to do 15 years in prison – for allegedly cutting in line at a local Wal–Mart – was concluded when lawyers for Ms. Ellis agreed to a plea bargain of a year’s unsupervised probation; as part of a lesser sentence for disturbing the peace and resisting arrest.
While it seems a victory of sorts was won for Ms. Ellis, let’s not get this twisted: the people involved – and much credit to Dr. Boyce Watkins, Ms. Ellis legal team and everyone who helped stand up to defend her – only managed to nick a draw before final whistle.
Surely, if Heather Ellis were a white woman, this scenario would be very unlikely to happen; no need for security to step in, no calling the police, no outcry over cutting in line; it would be “thank you for shopping at Wal-Mart” and have a nice day.
In the race for humanity’s soul, the forces running toward 1850 seems to have a slight lead over those running toward 2010. That Heather Ellis almost became the new Dred Scott wasn’t lost on the few who spoke up and rallied to her defense.
I can still hear Dame Shirley Bassey singing in the background, “and it’s all just a little bit of history repeating…”
Welcome to New Congo Square Mall
Now, before I hear, “what does this have to do with sports?” let’s mosey on over to the New Congo Square Mall – site of the NCAA (Negroes Carrying Athletic Aspirations) Claim Center Store.
Looks like University of Kansas head football coach Mark Mangino is at the Returns Desk – let’s listen in, shall we?
(Male voice: May I help you, Coach Mangino?)
“Let’s take a look at this,” Mangino said. “We’ve improved graduation rates here for football. We have set semester records for team GPA. We’re graduating kids, we’re putting kids out into the world that are prepared. But I can’t do the work of some parents, what they should have done before they got to me.
“There’s some things for 18 years that happened in their lives that I can’t change in four years of college. Can’t change their behaviors, can’t change their attitudes.”
(MV: Oh, so you’re saying your Negroes are defective? Well, given the four-year warranty has run out, I’m afraid we can’t offer a refund on them; but then again, you could have bypassed those people if you didn’t have such a hard-on for making a seven figure salary off these same Black men you treat like Niggers because they don’t bow and scrape.
That a scum-sucking parasite like you would stoop to blaming parents is the reason why your Negroes won’t work, muthafucka; and if I were the parent of any of those kids you made the negative asides about, I would bounce your fat ass up and down this mall.
What those parents should have done was avoid KU altogether. How many lies did you tell; how many times behind closed doors did you complain about how “those people” are lazy and stupid? Well, attention shoppers – Niggers are on sale right now at the University of Kansas! Our Black Friday Special – Shot Homies, alcoholics and ghetto trash - now 50% - offed! Prices are slashed because products were slightly used by a self-serving, smug sonuvabitch who should be stomped into submission by the very people he looks to belittle.
Now stick that up your BCS, you punk-ass muthafucka!)
A tall young Black man (and, yes, he fits the description) named Alshon Jeffrey had the chance to choose between several schools, and had decided on the University of South Carolina. New Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin, in an effort to convince Jeffrey to come to UT, put on his best rap – and it didn’t work.
According to accounts by Jeffrey, who had committed earlier to Southern Cal, later told head man Pete Carrill he changed his mind. Carrill, who many felt showed his true colors in his bitch-fit press conference after quarterback Mark Sanchez left early to go pro, threatened to flex on Jeffrey, but his efforts failed.
Kiffin, however, was even worse. After Jeffrey made it clear he was going to play for the Gamecocks, Kiffin told Jeffery that if he chose the Gamecocks, he would end up pumping gas for the rest of his life; like all the other players from that state who would dare to choose somewhere other than his school.
With that, we now go back to our Help Desk and our Claim Center Customer Service Department…
(MV: Young Jeffrey’s situation is a clear case of Bait-and-Beeyotch. The would-be coach gets all hot and bothered when he thinks he’s caught something when wooing the talent. Then, depending on the level of pettiness after finding out otherwise, insults the prospect, letting him know in his own special way that he was just another Nigger he wanted to help him win games – and get paid. Hey - cop-and-blow – every pimp would know. Next, please?)
I’m sure Alshon Jeffrey takes comfort in knowing that three other young men who chose to come to Tennessee won’t be pumping gas, either; at least not for the moment. Nu’Keese Richardson, Michael Edwards and Janzen Jackson went from assets to assholes when they attempted to rob someone outside of a convenience store.
Robbing someone is bad enough, and the people involved deserve to be punished; but what would motivate three collegiate football players to rob someone? After playing in front of thousands of fans on Saturday afternoon, they’re broke Saturday evening – and the school, the coach, the networks – everyone except the players – get paid.
As if that weren’t bad enough, Richardson was the subject of a situation that marked Kiffin’s indoctrination into the Southeastern Conference, whereas Kiffin implied Florida head coach Urban Meyer cheated to secure Richardson. The statement resulted in Kiffin being reprimanded by the SEC, but keeping Richardson.
Now, Richardson has been kicked off the team – and will be lucky if he gets to pump gas; so much for taking care of his recruit – gee, thanks, Coach…
Meanwhile, back at the mall, Boise State head coach Chris Petersen slinks into the Claim Center…
(MV: Afternoon, coach – are you having a problem with your Negroes? I heard that nasty Negro person LeGarrette Blount is coming back to Oregon. Heavens to Nike! Aren’t you concerned?
"We have tremendous respect for Oregon. Those coaches, we know most of those guys very well. And so, whatever they decide we're 100 percent behind. I think that's good for all involved if that's what they chose to do."
It appears Coach Petersen wasn’t as much worried about Blount as he was whitewashing his own team’s involvement in one of the nastiest episodes in collegiate sport. Not since Johnny Bright’s being savaged in broad daylight by scumbags from Oklahoma A&M, has there been such a polarizing event.
It is also interesting how most mainstream sports media labeled this the LeGarrette Blount incident and not the Byron Hout/LeGarrette Blount incident, Hout being the jackass from Boise State who pulled on Blount’s jersey and called him Nigger after winning a decisive 19-8 victory against Oregon earlier this season.
Hout was summarily knocked on his ass, and all hell broke loose.
Now – how do we know Blount was called Nigger? My friend and colleague Zennie Abraham, in his City Lights column for the San Francisco Chronicle, produced the following information:
Abraham writes: This is the contents of the blog post I wrote outlining my source’s claim that Hout said the N-word to Blount:
Twitter was the source of the latest information torpedo in the (unfortunately) still unfolding story behind the "punch seen round the sports World" by Oregon Running Back LeGarrett Blount to Boise State Defensive End Byron Hout.
Track athlete E.J. Prince used Twitter to blast this:
@realskipbayless Just talked to Jamere Holland (from Oregon WR) said that L. Blount socked dude from Boise State cuz he called him a n_____
Jamere Holland is Oregon's wide receiver.
Prince also tweeted this:
@q17 yeah I just hope the news about LaGarett Blount being censored gets out to people like @jemelehill
@jemelehill is ESPN Columnist and Analyst Jemele Hill.
There's no indication that she responded to Prince's Twitter feed. He also sent a tweet to Skip Bayless; no tweet back to Prince from Bayless. Basically it seems that Prince's story is being ignored by certain mainstream media people. I can't confirm that, but it seems that way.
The main problem has been that none of the main actors in this play are talking. LeGarrette Blount's not moving his lips. Byron Hout's lost his voice. Both schools are silent on the question.
(And on that note, my first blog post speculated on the use of the N-word, not claimed that Hout used it as one blogger inaccurately wrote; this is different.)
E. J. Prince's value in this story rests on his tweet that he talked to (not tweeted) a friend of Oregon receiver Jamere Holland who plays for Oregon and who I will not name here.
Abraham’s contention about mainstream media’s silence is significant. A writer with the Denver Post and a University of Oregon graduate, when told of the incident, said he “couldn’t believe Hout said the N-Word.” After revealing our source in this matter, he would later say, “If Hout did call Blount the N-word, he deserved to get hit.”
The same reporter would later contact my colleague Tony McClean, advising that according to his sources, Hout never called Blount the N-word; as if our source couldn’t possibly be correct …
Abraham, however, was later hit with a deluge of negative comments implying he “played the race card” - but let’s be real here – who played whom?
Let’s review: Boise State won the game, fair and square; but showed they had no fucking class; the scoreboard said everything needed to be said. They could’ve walked off and partied or whatever behind closed doors.
If Hout doesn’t go seeking out Blount, pulling on his jersey and calling him Nigger, we have no incident; and we would have no sociologists coming on prime time news to attempt to ascertain the mindset of the “savage Black beast “that lurketh under the helmet.
And let’s be frank – with Hout being a D-lineman, he figured no little running back was man enough to take him out; it just goes to show everybody’s got somebody’s number.
But Hout or Coach Petersen was never publicly disgraced for their poor sportsmanship and lack of moral character; nor was Coach Petersen punished for losing control of his team. Boise State didn’t punish Hout for instigating the situation, nor did the WAC or NCAA punish Boise State for their role in this travesty.
And let’s not let Oregon off the hook, either. If it weren’t for the glare under which this event manifested itself, they would’ve (in my humble opinion) tried to force Blount off the team and kill his scholarship; I moreover believe Blount’s parent’s were ready to layeth the legal Smackethdown on Oregon’s ass – hence Blount staying put.
If I am the parent of a potential student-athlete, I’m thinking, “Fuck Boise State - and double Duck fuck Oregon - for what they did and didn’t do.”
Abraham goes on to explain his rationale in highlighting this incident:
“I do it also because I've received a number of subsequent messages and emails explaining that many Boise State Football fans were referring to Blount using the N-word in online forums. That lends weight to the assertion that Boise State fans uses of racial slurs in taunting Blount.
Since Boise State never officially explained exactly what Hout said, the speculation plus the assertions of my sources that he did use a racist term have been given more and more value.
That was bad PR on Boise State's part, plus the news that Hout would not be punished as Blout was and that it would be handled "internally" by the Boise State Football team gave rise to more speculation on what Hout said and did.
I also press this because of the desire by some to cover it up. People need to see society as it is before it can become what we want it to be. We've still got a lot of problems to straighten out. Hiding from the truth in any situation does not allow us to make progress in making ourselves better.
LeGarrette Blount took his punishment and reportedly proved himself in the classroom and in the Oregon college community during his suspension. I welcome him back, but with the sad realization that the "tests" he had to pass to rejoin the team are the same ones that should be applied to many of the people who taunted him in the first place, but they never will be.”
So, with words like “contrition” and phrases like the deadly “role model” inserted into the discourse like suppositories up one’s ass, the phrase parents of potential student-athletes should be caveat emptor; beware of those smiling faces who come into your life promising the moon, then taking the star from your child because they refuse to work the plantation the way Massa wants.
Do your research and find out about the school’s graduation rate, curricula offered, and, most important – when that coach looks you in the eye and tells you he will take care of your son or daughter like he or she was his own – you make sure he ante’s up and does just that.
I’ll conclude by saying this: the likelihood that a young Black man is going to be told he will be “sent back to the ‘hood to be shot by his homies,” will be significantly less likely to be uttered by a Black head coach or a coach at a historically Black college or university – an HBCU.
Because, if you can play, they will find you; and if they find you at an HBCU, they will also likely find you – graduated, and with a degree.
mike@footballreportersonline.com
By Michael – Louis Ingram
BASN/FRO
“Attention Wal-Mart shoppers – you are now free to buy cheap 50-inch televisions, IPods and laptop computers without guilt…”
PHILADELPHIA (BASN/FRO): In a courtroom in Kennett, Missouri, the “Show – Me” state showed everyone the antediluvian attitudes which accelerated the influx of assholes there are alive – in hell.
The trial of Heather Ellis, a 24 year old schoolteacher who stood to do 15 years in prison – for allegedly cutting in line at a local Wal–Mart – was concluded when lawyers for Ms. Ellis agreed to a plea bargain of a year’s unsupervised probation; as part of a lesser sentence for disturbing the peace and resisting arrest.
While it seems a victory of sorts was won for Ms. Ellis, let’s not get this twisted: the people involved – and much credit to Dr. Boyce Watkins, Ms. Ellis legal team and everyone who helped stand up to defend her – only managed to nick a draw before final whistle.
Surely, if Heather Ellis were a white woman, this scenario would be very unlikely to happen; no need for security to step in, no calling the police, no outcry over cutting in line; it would be “thank you for shopping at Wal-Mart” and have a nice day.
In the race for humanity’s soul, the forces running toward 1850 seems to have a slight lead over those running toward 2010. That Heather Ellis almost became the new Dred Scott wasn’t lost on the few who spoke up and rallied to her defense.
I can still hear Dame Shirley Bassey singing in the background, “and it’s all just a little bit of history repeating…”
Welcome to New Congo Square Mall
Now, before I hear, “what does this have to do with sports?” let’s mosey on over to the New Congo Square Mall – site of the NCAA (Negroes Carrying Athletic Aspirations) Claim Center Store.
Looks like University of Kansas head football coach Mark Mangino is at the Returns Desk – let’s listen in, shall we?
(Male voice: May I help you, Coach Mangino?)
“Let’s take a look at this,” Mangino said. “We’ve improved graduation rates here for football. We have set semester records for team GPA. We’re graduating kids, we’re putting kids out into the world that are prepared. But I can’t do the work of some parents, what they should have done before they got to me.
“There’s some things for 18 years that happened in their lives that I can’t change in four years of college. Can’t change their behaviors, can’t change their attitudes.”
(MV: Oh, so you’re saying your Negroes are defective? Well, given the four-year warranty has run out, I’m afraid we can’t offer a refund on them; but then again, you could have bypassed those people if you didn’t have such a hard-on for making a seven figure salary off these same Black men you treat like Niggers because they don’t bow and scrape.
That a scum-sucking parasite like you would stoop to blaming parents is the reason why your Negroes won’t work, muthafucka; and if I were the parent of any of those kids you made the negative asides about, I would bounce your fat ass up and down this mall.
What those parents should have done was avoid KU altogether. How many lies did you tell; how many times behind closed doors did you complain about how “those people” are lazy and stupid? Well, attention shoppers – Niggers are on sale right now at the University of Kansas! Our Black Friday Special – Shot Homies, alcoholics and ghetto trash - now 50% - offed! Prices are slashed because products were slightly used by a self-serving, smug sonuvabitch who should be stomped into submission by the very people he looks to belittle.
Now stick that up your BCS, you punk-ass muthafucka!)
A tall young Black man (and, yes, he fits the description) named Alshon Jeffrey had the chance to choose between several schools, and had decided on the University of South Carolina. New Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin, in an effort to convince Jeffrey to come to UT, put on his best rap – and it didn’t work.
According to accounts by Jeffrey, who had committed earlier to Southern Cal, later told head man Pete Carrill he changed his mind. Carrill, who many felt showed his true colors in his bitch-fit press conference after quarterback Mark Sanchez left early to go pro, threatened to flex on Jeffrey, but his efforts failed.
Kiffin, however, was even worse. After Jeffrey made it clear he was going to play for the Gamecocks, Kiffin told Jeffery that if he chose the Gamecocks, he would end up pumping gas for the rest of his life; like all the other players from that state who would dare to choose somewhere other than his school.
With that, we now go back to our Help Desk and our Claim Center Customer Service Department…
(MV: Young Jeffrey’s situation is a clear case of Bait-and-Beeyotch. The would-be coach gets all hot and bothered when he thinks he’s caught something when wooing the talent. Then, depending on the level of pettiness after finding out otherwise, insults the prospect, letting him know in his own special way that he was just another Nigger he wanted to help him win games – and get paid. Hey - cop-and-blow – every pimp would know. Next, please?)
I’m sure Alshon Jeffrey takes comfort in knowing that three other young men who chose to come to Tennessee won’t be pumping gas, either; at least not for the moment. Nu’Keese Richardson, Michael Edwards and Janzen Jackson went from assets to assholes when they attempted to rob someone outside of a convenience store.
Robbing someone is bad enough, and the people involved deserve to be punished; but what would motivate three collegiate football players to rob someone? After playing in front of thousands of fans on Saturday afternoon, they’re broke Saturday evening – and the school, the coach, the networks – everyone except the players – get paid.
As if that weren’t bad enough, Richardson was the subject of a situation that marked Kiffin’s indoctrination into the Southeastern Conference, whereas Kiffin implied Florida head coach Urban Meyer cheated to secure Richardson. The statement resulted in Kiffin being reprimanded by the SEC, but keeping Richardson.
Now, Richardson has been kicked off the team – and will be lucky if he gets to pump gas; so much for taking care of his recruit – gee, thanks, Coach…
Meanwhile, back at the mall, Boise State head coach Chris Petersen slinks into the Claim Center…
(MV: Afternoon, coach – are you having a problem with your Negroes? I heard that nasty Negro person LeGarrette Blount is coming back to Oregon. Heavens to Nike! Aren’t you concerned?
"We have tremendous respect for Oregon. Those coaches, we know most of those guys very well. And so, whatever they decide we're 100 percent behind. I think that's good for all involved if that's what they chose to do."
It appears Coach Petersen wasn’t as much worried about Blount as he was whitewashing his own team’s involvement in one of the nastiest episodes in collegiate sport. Not since Johnny Bright’s being savaged in broad daylight by scumbags from Oklahoma A&M, has there been such a polarizing event.
It is also interesting how most mainstream sports media labeled this the LeGarrette Blount incident and not the Byron Hout/LeGarrette Blount incident, Hout being the jackass from Boise State who pulled on Blount’s jersey and called him Nigger after winning a decisive 19-8 victory against Oregon earlier this season.
Hout was summarily knocked on his ass, and all hell broke loose.
Now – how do we know Blount was called Nigger? My friend and colleague Zennie Abraham, in his City Lights column for the San Francisco Chronicle, produced the following information:
Abraham writes: This is the contents of the blog post I wrote outlining my source’s claim that Hout said the N-word to Blount:
Twitter was the source of the latest information torpedo in the (unfortunately) still unfolding story behind the "punch seen round the sports World" by Oregon Running Back LeGarrett Blount to Boise State Defensive End Byron Hout.
Track athlete E.J. Prince used Twitter to blast this:
@realskipbayless Just talked to Jamere Holland (from Oregon WR) said that L. Blount socked dude from Boise State cuz he called him a n_____
Jamere Holland is Oregon's wide receiver.
Prince also tweeted this:
@q17 yeah I just hope the news about LaGarett Blount being censored gets out to people like @jemelehill
@jemelehill is ESPN Columnist and Analyst Jemele Hill.
There's no indication that she responded to Prince's Twitter feed. He also sent a tweet to Skip Bayless; no tweet back to Prince from Bayless. Basically it seems that Prince's story is being ignored by certain mainstream media people. I can't confirm that, but it seems that way.
The main problem has been that none of the main actors in this play are talking. LeGarrette Blount's not moving his lips. Byron Hout's lost his voice. Both schools are silent on the question.
(And on that note, my first blog post speculated on the use of the N-word, not claimed that Hout used it as one blogger inaccurately wrote; this is different.)
E. J. Prince's value in this story rests on his tweet that he talked to (not tweeted) a friend of Oregon receiver Jamere Holland who plays for Oregon and who I will not name here.
Abraham’s contention about mainstream media’s silence is significant. A writer with the Denver Post and a University of Oregon graduate, when told of the incident, said he “couldn’t believe Hout said the N-Word.” After revealing our source in this matter, he would later say, “If Hout did call Blount the N-word, he deserved to get hit.”
The same reporter would later contact my colleague Tony McClean, advising that according to his sources, Hout never called Blount the N-word; as if our source couldn’t possibly be correct …
Abraham, however, was later hit with a deluge of negative comments implying he “played the race card” - but let’s be real here – who played whom?
Let’s review: Boise State won the game, fair and square; but showed they had no fucking class; the scoreboard said everything needed to be said. They could’ve walked off and partied or whatever behind closed doors.
If Hout doesn’t go seeking out Blount, pulling on his jersey and calling him Nigger, we have no incident; and we would have no sociologists coming on prime time news to attempt to ascertain the mindset of the “savage Black beast “that lurketh under the helmet.
And let’s be frank – with Hout being a D-lineman, he figured no little running back was man enough to take him out; it just goes to show everybody’s got somebody’s number.
But Hout or Coach Petersen was never publicly disgraced for their poor sportsmanship and lack of moral character; nor was Coach Petersen punished for losing control of his team. Boise State didn’t punish Hout for instigating the situation, nor did the WAC or NCAA punish Boise State for their role in this travesty.
And let’s not let Oregon off the hook, either. If it weren’t for the glare under which this event manifested itself, they would’ve (in my humble opinion) tried to force Blount off the team and kill his scholarship; I moreover believe Blount’s parent’s were ready to layeth the legal Smackethdown on Oregon’s ass – hence Blount staying put.
If I am the parent of a potential student-athlete, I’m thinking, “Fuck Boise State - and double Duck fuck Oregon - for what they did and didn’t do.”
Abraham goes on to explain his rationale in highlighting this incident:
“I do it also because I've received a number of subsequent messages and emails explaining that many Boise State Football fans were referring to Blount using the N-word in online forums. That lends weight to the assertion that Boise State fans uses of racial slurs in taunting Blount.
Since Boise State never officially explained exactly what Hout said, the speculation plus the assertions of my sources that he did use a racist term have been given more and more value.
That was bad PR on Boise State's part, plus the news that Hout would not be punished as Blout was and that it would be handled "internally" by the Boise State Football team gave rise to more speculation on what Hout said and did.
I also press this because of the desire by some to cover it up. People need to see society as it is before it can become what we want it to be. We've still got a lot of problems to straighten out. Hiding from the truth in any situation does not allow us to make progress in making ourselves better.
LeGarrette Blount took his punishment and reportedly proved himself in the classroom and in the Oregon college community during his suspension. I welcome him back, but with the sad realization that the "tests" he had to pass to rejoin the team are the same ones that should be applied to many of the people who taunted him in the first place, but they never will be.”
So, with words like “contrition” and phrases like the deadly “role model” inserted into the discourse like suppositories up one’s ass, the phrase parents of potential student-athletes should be caveat emptor; beware of those smiling faces who come into your life promising the moon, then taking the star from your child because they refuse to work the plantation the way Massa wants.
Do your research and find out about the school’s graduation rate, curricula offered, and, most important – when that coach looks you in the eye and tells you he will take care of your son or daughter like he or she was his own – you make sure he ante’s up and does just that.
I’ll conclude by saying this: the likelihood that a young Black man is going to be told he will be “sent back to the ‘hood to be shot by his homies,” will be significantly less likely to be uttered by a Black head coach or a coach at a historically Black college or university – an HBCU.
Because, if you can play, they will find you; and if they find you at an HBCU, they will also likely find you – graduated, and with a degree.
mike@footballreportersonline.com
Saturday, November 21, 2009
BELICHICK'S RISKY CALL GIVES JETS LIFE
BELICHiCK'S RISKY CALL GIVES JETS LIFE
by TJ ROSENTHAL for Football Reporters Online
Watch The You Tube Video Here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xq7GxoXiio
The J-e-t-s Jets Jets Jets were left for dead late Sunday as Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew jokingly apologized at the podium to fantasy owners for taking a knee to help run out the clock. Now 4-5 and somehow trailing in the AFC wildcard hunt after a 3-0 start, even coach Rex Ryan admitted after the last second 24-22 loss to Jones-Drew's Jacksonville Jaguars that a playoff berth now looked bleak. Then suddenly that night hope arrived when Bill Belichick of all people, helped breathe life into a Gang Green season that was beginning to appear hopeless.
The controversial decision by Belichick to ice the game against the undefeated Peyton Manning led Colts from his own 28 with a six point lead and just 2:08 left, backfired. The stunning 35-34 win, capped by Manning's game winning TD throw to WR Reggie Wayne with 0:15 left after the Pats failed 4th and 2, leaves the Jets only two games back of the hated Pats. The Jets could find themselves just one off the AFC East division lead while owning the head to head tiebreaker with a win in Foxboro Sunday.
Make no bones about it though, Sunday will be a monumental challenge. Maybe the clubs toughest they will face all year. The 6-3 Pats want revenge for their week two loss at the Meadowlands while QB Tom Brady was shaking off the rust from season ending knee surgery in 2008. They'll also look to erase the bad taste in their mouth from having the Colts on the ropes, then letting them off the hook. Nonetheless, it's as good of a position that a Jet team who has lost five of six could've hoped for.
The Pats are not the same team the Jets saw in September. The biggest reason is that Tom Brady is back. The Pats most important player is second in the NFL in passing yards with 2,739, trailing only Manning with 2,872. Brady is tied for second with Drew Brees for TD passes with 19 (again trailing only Manning who has 20). The Brady to Randy Moss combo has also woken up. After the slow start , Moss is now second in the league in both yards with 891 and TDs with seven. Pesky WR Wes Welker, out early in the year with hamstring issues, is healthy again and once again a threat to eat up yardage if too much attention is focused on Moss.
The Jets are at this point, a shell of their early season selves. They own the NFL's top rushing attack averaging 170 yards per game despite losing Leon Washington for the year out in Oakland. The swagger of the team is gone though. Or missing at least. Mounting losses will do that to a team. By week four as the Jets were headed to New Orleans in what was at the time, a battle of the undefeated, many were calling the Jets defense the top unit in the NFL. The 27-17 loss in the Big Easy gave Jet fans the first look at the types of mistakes rookieQB Mark Sanchez could make. A key ill advised interception in the end zone to FS Darren Sharper gave the Saints a 10-0 lead and they never looked back. The loss was followed by the defense then getting humbled for the first time as well, as they got torched for 416 yards by the Wildcat in Miami in week 5. Things got worse the following week as the glue of the defense NG Kris Jenkins was lost for the season to a torn ACL during a week six OT loss to putrid Buffalo. Run stopping has suffered since. Jones-Drew burned the Jets for 123 yards last Sunday. Sanchez threw an astounding 5 interceptions during the Bills loss, raising the questions of how much responsibility the Jets should entrust the rookie with the rest of the way.
The second meeting between the clubs will renew a rivalry that contains a decade of seething hatred. Bill Parcells left New England for the Jets in 1997 then Bill Belichick returned the favor. Slated to be announced as the new Jet coach in 2000, Belichick pulled a trick play out of his book and resigned as "HC" of the Jets at the press conference announcing him. In doing this he avoided the shadow that Parcells as a front office man would've cast over his star pupil. Belichick then went on to return to New England where he was Parcells defensive coordinator in the mid nineties, to win four Super Bowls in New England. Doing it with the help of a coaching staff that consisted of many former Jet assistants under Parcells.
The rivalry took another odd turn when top Pats assistant Eric Mangini then usurped Belichick's wishes to go anywhere but the Jets and signed on to become of course, the Jets head coach in 2006. Mangini was immediately locked out of the Foxboro facility. In 2007 after a blowout loss in the opener, "Mangenius" then complained that the Pats were using cameras to spy on the Jet sidelines. This brought about the controversial "Spygate" incident which threatened to ruin Belichick's credibility and hall of fame resume as new charges against "Belicheat" seemed to come out of the woodwork every day.
In the Spring of 2009, new Jet head coach Rex Ryan injected some new blood into the storyline by proclaiming that he didn't come to New York "to kiss Bill Belichick's rings." Given the result in week two, a 16-9 win over Belicheck's crew, Ryan looked like the leader of team that could talk the talk AND walk the walk. In fact, after the game, outspoken Jet LB Bart Scott defended teammate CB Darelle Revis, who did a great job on perennial All Pro WR Randy Moss, on a day that included a key interception by the Jets top corner on a pass intended for Moss.
"I hear the easy copout by Randy Moss, saying that anybody can guard ... that 'I can play cornerback if I had safety help,'" Scott said. "That was a one-on-one jump ball. I think sometimes you've just got to give the man his credit, understand that [Revis] was the better man that day..[Revis] shut him down. He intimidated him. Randy was coming across that middle real slow. Tell him to man up next time and come across the middle like a man if he wants to be a complete receiver."
Rest assured Moss and the Patriots haven't forgotten their performance that day or the words exchanged by both clubs after the game. When it comes to the Jets- Patriots there is no such thing as a short memory, only a long history of bad blood. This brings us now to the latest chapter in the saga.
While Belichick spent Monday trying to justify why he had no faith in his defense down the stretch at Indy, Ryan spent part of Monday according to locker room reports, giving a passionate plea to his team that drove the rookie head coach to tears.
Offensive lineman Damien Woody reported "He was talking about the situation -- this upcoming game with New England and how we're still there, how we still have a pulse. He said It's all about us, that nobody believes in us and that we are the only ones who believe we can get things done..He said, 'I believe in you; I believe you get can get this thing done,' and that's when he really got emotional." Revis added" I haven't been a part of a meeting where a coach cried like that."
Emotions. That's what the Jets need. They played so well early on when they were driven by them. The Jets have to stick together and begin to believe like winners again, because as Woody noted regarding Ryan's speech, few believe in the Jets right now. Only the players themselves can help change the perception that the Jets season is for all intensive purposes, over. The chance to reinvent themselves and not waste what was a promising start to 2009, presents itself Sunday. Albeit, it's the first place Pats they are dealing with. The hated Pats. The Tom Brady and Bill Belichick Pats. Drama and daunting task aside, with a win the Jets will be back in business again in the AFC East.
THREE KEYS TO THE GAME:
JET PRESSURE ON BRADY. That how the Jets beat the Pats in week two. Brady was rushed, off his timing, and inaccurate. Much of it due to rust, the other, the Jet pressure. Without pressure, you can forget about it.
REVIS MOSS ROUND TWO: The winner of this battle will give his team the edge. "Revis Island" won the first one but Moss has been on fire since and surely remembers the bravado the Jets spoke with in shutting him down.
EMOTION: The Jets have to play with emotion Sunday. There has to be a "back against the wall" and "us against the world mentality." This rivalry seems to bring it out naturally, but the Jets shouldn't wait to get kicked in the face before they decide to get themselves going. If they do that in Foxboro, it may be too late.
Watercooler Chat-The Waiver Wire
Watercooler Chat-By by David Ortega for Football Reporters Online
The Waiver Wire
Week 10 Wire
If you missed the bus last week, you might have caught a break if fantasy owners were paying attention to the injury reports on running back Ladell Betts. Even with Portis listed as doubtful last week there were questions about Betts health and it wasn't until late in the week that he appeared a solid go for Sunday. Well there are no questions this week and after his Sunday performance against the Broncos, you had better be quick on the move to snag him off the wire this week.
Another new darling to add to your list this week comes from the St. Louis Rams, rookie wide receiver Brandon Gibson. Elevated into action beacuse of the injury to Keenan Burton last week, Gibson quickly made his presence felt catching seven balls for 93 yards. The Rams rookie was targeted frequently and appears to be in line to start Sunday. Facing an inconsistent Cardinals secondary that is ranked 30th, if Bulger is able to find time Gibson could be a nice pick up for week 11.
There aren't too many games this season that Browns running back Jamal Lewis is going to circle on his calendar, but Sunday could be one of the few. This week he and the Browns travel to Detroit to face the Lions and their 19th ranked defense that is allowing 4.7 yards per carry. Last Monday night the offense really struggled with Quinn returning under center, expect Mangini to lean heavily on the ground game to take some pressure off.
With Brian Westbrook down, but not out just yet the door has been swung wide open for rookie running back LeSean McCoy. The Eagles rookie runner has been more than a capable replacement when give the opportunity. In his last two starts for Philly McCoy has averaged 92 yards from scrimmage and this season he's carrying a four yard plus per carry average. McCoy also gives the team the versatility out of the backfield with 23 receptions this season. With Westy out for at least the next couple if not several weeks, McCoy is a nice replacement option and even has a little more value in PPR leagues.
Playing the Fantasy GM
Sometimes when you are the man in charge you just have to grab the reigns and make the call. One of those big decisions is knowing when to sit a player and when to start a player, much like real coaches and GMs operate. When the season started many fantasy owners likely expected their week one or week two pick up of quarterback Brett Favre was more for insurance than anything else. Now that we are 10 weeks into the season, those owners are having to re-evaluate their rosters.
The GM Game
At 39 years of age it was conceivable to believe that Brett Favre's best days had past him and that even with a talented team like the Vikings he would only best serve as a fantasy back up. There must magic at 40, or 40 is really the new 30. Since turning 40 on October 10th, Favre has elevated his play. As of Oct 18th this season, in his last four starts the Vikings quarterback is averaging 300-yards passing per game and has throw eight touchdowns with only two turnovers. In that span, Brett Favre is averaging 23 fantasy points per game, better than Drew Brees (18 pts/game), Peyton Manning (22 pts/game), and Matt Schaub (19 pts/game). As well as he is playing he should now be considered a number one fantasy quarterback and he's a must start. With a remaining schedule that includes; the Bears (16 passing touchdowns allowed) twice, the Cardinals (ranked 30th against the pass), the Seahawks (ranked 22nd), and the Bengals (ranked 21st) Favre is a must-start everyweek! Start him!
FRO's FANTASY SLEEPER WEEK 11
FRO's FANTASY SLEEPER WEEK 11
By William Queen Jr. Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online
All the bye weeks are over and that means that the NFL, along with all its players, is back in full swing. And out of the grand spectrum of players the NFL has to offer, I think the Atlanta Falcons 3rd string running back Jason Snelling will surprise many as this week’s fantasy sleeper.
Fresh off the bench, Snelling is getting an opportunity this week vs. the Giants to show the world why he’s in the NFL. The funny thing is that it’s all off injuries suspense. Both starter Michael Turner and 2nd stringer Jerious Norwood will be treating their injuries this week, giving Snelling the chance he’s been waiting for.
Coming off the best performance of his career last week vs. the Panthers, there couldn’t have been a better time for Snelling to get the start. He ran for 61 yards and 1 touchdown off 18 carries last week vs. Carolina; that’s with split carries. The Giants haven’t exactly been the same smash-mouth defense that we remember them being in years past, so it shouldn’t be very tough to reach 100 if he gets a fair dosage of carries.
It’s not very often that a 3rd string running back gets a shot at starting vs. the New York Giants and the fact that he’s been doing great this season just adds to the likely hood of him doing well. So look for Snelling to take advantage of the situation and make the most of it and, hopefully, the most of your fantasy team.
NFC South Week 10 Wrap Up
NFC South Week 10 Wrap Up
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing Writer
Southeast Region
New Orleans 28 St. Louis 23
This was not supposed to be this hard for the Saints, but with the kind of football they have played recently, it’s no surprise that it was. Drew Brees started the year blowing defenses away with accuracy and hardly any mistakes. These past few games he has shown many flaws that can cost the Saints down the line come playoff time. So they came in to this with the chance to find their offense again. To put together four quarters of Saints football that add up to points. What they did was continue to make the mistakes that have made the past three games harder on them. The Rams had more first downs, more passing yards and more total yards. That is some of the things that have not happened to the Saints all year. They turned the ball over three times in all. Brees threw two more picks and was 18-26 for 223 yards. He also threw for two touchdown but once again was unable to dominate a lesser team. Reggie Bush had two scores for the first time since last year and Courtney Roby returned the second half kickoff 97 yards for another score. All of this was needed to hold off a 1-8 team that has not put up much of a fight against most opponents this year. The defense is really becoming an issue they must address now. The Rams were able to run with Steven Jackson (26-131 and a touchdown), and pass with Marc Bulger (26-40 298 and 2 scores with one pick). If the Saints are hoping to overtake the likes of Indianapolis, New England or defending champion Pittsburgh they have much work to do. They did rush for over 200 yards but must find a balance of pass and run to be more effective. They will have to tighten up on defense, as the elite teams will eat them alive in the postseason with their failures and mistakes.
Carolina 28 Atlanta 19
The theme of a Panthers win is simple these days. Don’t let Jake Delhomme get rattled and provided him with some defense to help. For the third game in a row he was turnover free and finished 15-24 for 195 yards and two touchdowns to Steve Smith. The running game was just as effective with DeAngelo Williams getting 92 yards on 19 carries and Jonathan Stewart adding 82 with two scoring runs. Carolina used the hurry up offense with Delhomme calling the plays and it worked pretty well. The Falcons on the other hand had their issues and the first one was the injury to running back Michael Turner’s ankle. He had already rushed for 111 yards when he got hurt and is now questionable for this week. Quarterback Matt Ryan had a horrendous first half and finished up 22-41 for just 224 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He has now thrown as many picks as last year and is suffering from the so-called sophomore jinx. The defense was shorthanded and they were out of sync all day. Jason Elam is one of the most sure fire kickers in this league and even he missed a 34-yard field goal that would have put the Falcons in the lead. Still Carolina found a way to keep Atlanta in the game until Richard Marshall intercepted a Ryan pass and then Stewart ran away with the game on his 45-yard scamper to end it.
Miami 25 Tampa Bay 23
Well it looks like the Bucs may have found their future quarterback in a season otherwise lost. For the second consecutive week Josh Freeman led his team on a fourth quarter comeback but fell just short this time. He was 16-28 for 196 yards with a touchdown and an interception but showed why this team chose him. He was also harassed by the Dolphins defense as he fumbled a snap to stop a drive and fumbled two more while being sacked but kept those. Still he had those shining moment you love to see out of an underdog type player like his scoring strike to Maurice Stovall to end the first quarter. The way he can keep his cool long enough to lead this team to the comeback when they really have no business being in the game. Kellen Winslow continues to improve getting over 100 yards receiving for the second time this year. Still head coach Raheem Morris continues to look for the right personnel to make this team click. Freeman is gaining confidence while learning the game of the NFL. His teammates are impressed with his ability to keep his cool in the line of fire. Kicker Connor Barth had field goals of 51,49,50 and 54 yards showing that the team has a kicker they can count on for the long one.
“FRO’s Favorite Five” Frankie’s Favorite Fantasy Picks Week 11
“FRO’s Favorite Five”
Frankie’s Favorite Fantasy Picks
Week 11
By Frankie Underwood, Senior Fantasy Writer at www.footballreportersonline.com Email questions and comments to Frankie@footballreportersonline.com
Short and sweet this week, since I have a weekend vacation:
Atlanta QB Matt Ryan against a still depleted Giants defense.
Pittsburgh RB Rashard Mendenhall against Kansas City.
Baltimore WR Derrick Mason against a depleted secondary in Indianapolis.
Chicago TE Greg Olsen against the Eagles.
Cincinnati Defense against Oakland with a new starting QB.
Last Weeks Favorite Five
Donovan McNabb - 450 passing yards 2 TDs 1 INT, that’s what I like to see.
Laurence Maroney - 31 rush yards 15 receiving yards 1 TD and 1 Fumble, at least he scored.
Sidney Rice – 200 receiving yards, what a day!!!
Todd Heap – 43 receiving yards, I guess that’s O.K.
Dallas Cowboys – 4 sacks, Tennessee or Green Bay would have been better choices.
Frankie’s Favorite Fantasy Picks
Week 11
By Frankie Underwood, Senior Fantasy Writer at www.footballreportersonline.com Email questions and comments to Frankie@footballreportersonline.com
Short and sweet this week, since I have a weekend vacation:
Atlanta QB Matt Ryan against a still depleted Giants defense.
Pittsburgh RB Rashard Mendenhall against Kansas City.
Baltimore WR Derrick Mason against a depleted secondary in Indianapolis.
Chicago TE Greg Olsen against the Eagles.
Cincinnati Defense against Oakland with a new starting QB.
Last Weeks Favorite Five
Donovan McNabb - 450 passing yards 2 TDs 1 INT, that’s what I like to see.
Laurence Maroney - 31 rush yards 15 receiving yards 1 TD and 1 Fumble, at least he scored.
Sidney Rice – 200 receiving yards, what a day!!!
Todd Heap – 43 receiving yards, I guess that’s O.K.
Dallas Cowboys – 4 sacks, Tennessee or Green Bay would have been better choices.
Seven & Out – Week #10
Seven & Out – Week #10
By Michael – Louis Ingram-Associate Editor/Director of Scouting Football Reporters Online/ Contributing Writer-Black Athlete.com
PHILADELPHIA (BASN/FRO): The teams are approaching the top of the stretch, and as always, it will be not a matter of how one starts; but how one finishes.
Meanwhile, let’s get back to rollin’ those bones. Alright, shooter - the point is 10;
The NEW ORLEANS SAINTS defeated the St. Louis Rams 28-23 and improved to 9-0 for the first time in franchise history. The Saints have scored an NFL-best 331 points, the fourth-most by a team in the first nine games of a season in NFL history.
(As the legions of fantasy fondlers masturbate at the sound of his name, I can’t find fault with 9-0; however, I can find fault with a contemptible punk like Drew Brees, who had the nerve to say the Old School retired players who helped him become a millionaire didn’t matter. With the overall offensive talent the Saints have, just about any QB could be successful with them now. So point blank – win some games in December, and a playoff game or two, and then we’ll talk. Until then, fuck Drew Brees - and the hobbyhorse he rode in on!)
Tennessee running back CHRIS JOHNSON rushed for 132 yards in the Titans’ 41-17 win against the Buffalo Bills. Johnson, who leads the NFL with 1,091 rushing yards and is averaging 6.4 yards per carry, joined Pro Football Hall of Famer JIM BROWN (1963) and Vikings running back ADRIAN PETERSON (2007) as the only players in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and average 6.4 yards per carry in a team’s first nine games of a season.
(We love Chris Johnson and the way he plays; but we have issues with the mainstream press ignoring Vince Young going 3-0 since reclaiming the starting spot; not, mind you, at the behest of head coach Jeff Fisher, but team owner Bud Adams. Hmmm - maybe the bird flipped by Adams after the victory over Buffalo wasn’t for the Bills’ fans after all).
San Diego running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns in the Chargers’ 31-23 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. Tomlinson recorded his 145th and 146th career touchdown and surpassed MARCUS ALLEN (145) for the third-most touchdowns all-time (JERRY RICE, 208; EMMITT SMITH, 175). Tomlinson, who now has 12,145 career rushing yards also moved into 12th place for most rushing yards all-time.
(And, while Tomlinson is still being unappreciated in San Diego, Andy Reid and the Eagles continue to bitch up in prime time with their spineless approach on offense; I would rather have my defense go first and 10 from the opposition’s one yard line with no points scored than kick a fucking 8 yard field goal! Meanwhile 24 carries and two rushing touchdowns for L.T. and a game where Donovan McNabb threw for 450 yards, a career record – but still loses the fucking game - Lies, damn lies – and statistics; need I say any more?)
Arizona quarterback KURT WARNER threw two touchdown passes in the Cardinals’ 31-20 victory against the Seattle Seahawks. Warner, who now has 200 touchdown passes, reached the mark in his 118th career game, becoming the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to accomplish the feat.
(While Warner is a good guy, let’s remember that the throw means nothing – without the catch. Give Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston and Ben Patrick some love, too!)
Minnesota quarterback BRETT FAVRE passed for a season-high 344 yards in his 300th consecutive start (including postseason) in a 27-10 win over the Detroit Lions. Favre’s 344 yards are the third-most passing yards in a game by a 40-year old quarterback in NFL history. He trails only Pro Football Hall of Famer WARREN MOON (409 on October 26, 1997) and VINNY TESTAVERDE (355 on September 12, 2004).
(While Favre continues to rack up accolades, we know it took Testaverde at least a decade before he became a successful pro quarterback, and Moon was a star walking in the door. As Minnesota seeks to fine-tune their potential for post-season success, they would do well to remember that #4 may make the noise, but #28 does the damage. Forget Adrian Peterson – and you can forget Miami; no matter how much swashbuckling is done).
Buffalo rookie safety JAIRUS BYRD registered his eighth interception of the season today against Tennessee. Byrd has an interception in five consecutive games and is one of only two players since 1970 with an interception in five consecutive games in their first season in the NFL. The other was Kansas City’s ERIC HARRIS in 1980 (six in a row).
(With all the noise made about young talent on the offensive side of the ball, a lot of defensive talent is taking a back seat due to the lack of publicity. Byrd has already proven to be a skilled ball hawk as a Buffalo Bill {like father, like son, right Gil?} and is a likely free agent prize-in-waiting should he remain healthy in a couple years; and Byrd is my front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Don’t let this one get away, Mr. Wilson!)
In a 41-17 win over Buffalo, Tennessee Titans head coach JEFF FISHER became the 10th head coach in NFL history to coach 250 career games (regular and postseason) with one team. The Titans’ victory gives Fisher 136 wins for his career, tying him with Hall of Famer HANK STRAM for 20th all-time.
(They should subtract the 21 games Vince Young has won; since Fisher never wanted him quarterbacking his team in the first place. Rest assured, if he’s going to win any more games for the Titans, it will be with Young under center, if he knows what’s good for him).
Well, as always – once the point’s established, if you throw a seven, you’re gonna crap out!
mike@footballreportersonline.com
FRO's FAVORITE FIVE Top Five NFL Moments - Week 10
Photo: Lucas Oil Stadium-Where Peyton Manning trumped Bill Belichick ....
FRO's FAVORITE FIVE
Top Five NFL Moments - Week 10
by Jon Wagner, Sr. Writer-At Large, Football Reporters Online
#5: WARNER STARTS SLOW, FINISHES STRONG TO TIE FOUTS
After starting the 2009 season 4-0 on the road but just 1-3 at home, Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals appeared headed for another head-scratching home defeat. They trailed Seattle, which came in 0-3 on the road, 14-0 more than halfway through the second quarter, after being stopped on their first five drives. Then, Warner and the Cardinals caught fire, scoring on their next three possessions and on five of their next six, spanning the game’s final three quarters. In the end, the Cardinals scored 31 of the game’s final 37 points, to beat the Seahawks, 31-20. Warner finished the game throwing two touchdowns and no interceptions while completing 29 of 38 passes for 340 yards. It marked the 51st career 300-yard game for Warner, tying him with the legendary Dan Fouts for fourth on the all-time NFL list.
#4: SIDNEY RICE COOKS LION’S DEFENSE
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson calls his teammate Sidney Rice “Showtime,” but he didn’t come up with the nickname himself. “He’s got it tattooed on his arm,” Peterson said. ”It fits him well.” It certainly did on Sunday, in the Vikings’ 27-10 victory over the Detroit Lions, who joined the Houston Oilers (1982-84) as the only NFL teams to lose 31 of 33 games. Rice caught seven passes, accounting for 201 of Brett Favre’s season high 344 yards, to help the Vikings to 492 total yards of offense. It was the third time in four games that “Showtime” put on a show, as the Vikings’ 2007 second-round pick followed up receiving games of 176 yards in a win over Baltimore in Week 6 and a 136-yard effort in a Week 7 loss at Pittsburgh.
#3: BENGALS BEAT STEELERS AT OWN GAME
The Cincinnati Bengals resurgence this season doesn’t surprise me. After all, I picked them on our FRO Show as my surprise turnaround team of 2009 after their 4-11-1 season last year. I have to admit though, I didn’t think it would be the Bengals defense that would lead them back this year. I figured their defense would be better, but I thought a strong year from Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco would be leading the charge. And, although a 7-2 isn’t far off from where I thought they’d be at this point in 2009, I do find it hard to fathom that the Bengals have matched last year’s win total solely against their two biggest division rivals, after already sweeping both Baltimore and Pittsburgh. On Sunday in Pittsburgh, the Bengals, using a 96-yard kick return for a touchdown and a punishing defense, beat the Steelers at their own game, not even needing an offensive touchdown, to win, 18-12. Cincinnati held Pittsburgh to 226 total yards, sacked Ben Roethlisberger four times, intercepted him once, and most importantly, did not allow a Steeler touchdown. As a result, there’s a new balance of power in the NFC North, as the Steelers and Ravens are now chasing the Bengals this year.
#2: DUAL THREAT JOHNSON AND BIG 4TH QUARTER CARRY TITANS
At 3-6, the Tennessee Titans have had a very tough season overall, but one constant has been Chris Johnson. It’s just that now, Johnson’s exploits are leading to Titans’ victories. Johnson has been excelling all year long, but a lot of that came through an 0-6 start for Tennessee. Lately though, Johnson’s personal success has rubbed off on his teammates to the tune of a three-game winning streak. On Sunday, Johnson, as he has been all season, was a dangerous dual threat. This time, the talented running back reached triple digits both rushing and receiving, carrying 26 times for 132 yards while catching nine passes for another 100 yards. The second of his two rushing touchdowns broke a 17-17 tie with Buffalo, and started a huge 24-0 fourth quarter for Tennessee that was capped by the Titan’s defense returning two interceptions for touchdowns. Johnson is one of just three players in the NFL (the Ravens’ Ray Rice and the Rams’ Stephen Jackson, the others) who leads his team in both rushing and receiving.
#1: BELICHIK’S BLUNDER KEEPS COLTS UNBEATEN
Near the conclusion of NBC’s Sunday Night Football telecast of the Indianapolis Colts’ stunning 35-34 comeback win over the New England Patriots, a happy Colts fan flashed a sign for the NBC cameras. It read simply, “Nobody Beats Colts.” Thanks to a huge miscalculation by Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick, those words remain true so far this season. The 9-0 Colts indeed had beaten everyone else so far this season, but to stay undefeated on Sunday, they needed someone else to beat themselves. With Belichik’s help, the Colts rallied from a 31-14 fourth quarter deficit to win a 35-34 thriller in the final seconds. Indianapolis still trailed 34-21 after a New England field goal with just 4:12 left in the game, but Peyton Manning led a 6-play, 79-yard drive in just 1:44, to cut the Patriots’ lead to 34-28 with 2:23 to go. Perhaps seeing how easily and how quickly the Colts marched down the field on that drive, Belichik then decided to do the unthinkable, going for a first down on 4th-and-2 from the Patriots’ own 28-yard line with 2:08 rather than punt the ball away and make Manning and the Colts earn the win with a typical long, two-minute drill type of drive. It initially appeared that the gamble worked, when Kevin Faulk had the ball past the first down marker, but he bobbled it, and was pushed backward while doing so, leaving him short of the first down. The Colts took advantage of Belichik’s failed risk, and moved to 9-0 on the season, going 29 yards on four plays in 1:47, winning the game on Manning’s fourth touchdown of the night, with just 13 seconds left. The irony in the Colts’ win is that it was their 18th straight regular season victory, finishing the 2008 regular season with nine wins and beginning the 2009 season with the same. That in itself isn’t ironic, what is though, is the fact that much is made (and rightfully so) of New England being the only team to go through an entire regular season with a perfect record of 16-0, and extending that to 18-0 in the playoffs. And, here was of all teams, New England, looking to prevent the Colts from going 18-0 over their past eighteen regular season games, and they had a great chance to do it on the Colts’ home field. But, because they couldn’t put the Indianapolis away with a big fourth quarter lead, Belichik panicked into giving the Colts a gift which allowed them to continue their own streak. Interesting stuff in Indy in the latest chapter of a great rivalry between two of the NFL’s best teams over the past decade or so.
JAGS DELIVER CRUSHING BLOW TO RYAN'S JETS 24-22
Photo: By Bill Menzel-Jets QB Mark Sanchez hands off to RB Thomas Jones
JAGS DELIVER CRUSHING BLOW TO RYAN'S JETS 24-22
by TJ Rosenthal for Football Reporters Online
This WAS a playoff game. This WAS the game that was slated decide the fate of the 4-4 Jets who stare down the barrel of a brutal second half schedule that includes the Pats, Colts, Falcons, Bengals as well as the always tough Bills in Orchard Park. A win on Sunday and the Jets could find a starting point for navigating through a harrowing November and December. It was not to be. A crushing 24-22 loss to the now 5-4 Jacksonville Jaguars, has left the Jets desperate and needing help in order to reach the postseason. A far cry from a 3-0 start that had left many Jet faithful willing to believe this was NOT the "same old Jets." Well, doubt has crept back into Jet nation.
The Jets gave up 21 first half points and trailed 21-13 at the half. The malaise attributed to perhaps the two week layoff coming off of their bye week. Both S Jim Leonard and FS Kerry Rhodes were quoted saying he team was flat defensively in the first half. That's a hard pill to swallow for Jet fans, especially since reports had coach Rex Ryan chewing out his team this week to stop the excuses, imploring them to play like a playoff team he was quoted as claiming they are.
Star RB, the little bulldozer, Maurice Jones Drew torched the Jets early and often , with 78 first quarter yards. He finished with 123 on the day. The biggest play of the game however, came on a TD that Jones Drew chose NOT to score on. With the score 22-21 Jets with 1:48 left, the Jets called for "Free Way" a play that allows the opposing team to score in order to get the ball back and have a chance to win. On the first try the Jets mistakenly tackled Drew. "We couldn't even get that right," Ryan, never at a loss for words, admitted afterwards. The second time, Drew shrewdly stopped at the one yard line. With no time outs left thanks to wasting two earlier ( to prevent a twelve men on defense flag and the other by Sanchez on the Jags goal line), the Jets were forced to watch the clock wither away. Josh Scobee added the virtual extra point at the gun for the 24-22 Jags win.
This erased the comeback that left the Jets up 22-21 with 5:04 left thanks to a Thomas Jones (21-77 yds) one yard TD plunge. WR Braylon Edwards (3-79 yds) had a key two point conversion knocked out of his hands by the Jags FS Reggie Nelson. The throw was behind Edwards but still catchable. "Nelson is paid to make plays and he made a godd play on that one." Edwards said. The former Browns WR, known for the dropsies is now 1-8 combined in games played this year with Cleveland and the Jets. His fault? No, but the frustrations is apparent. "It stinks..its not my fault per se but I don't want to fell like the black sheep." he added lamenting what so many Jets who've come and gone in this franchise's consistent losing history must feel upon exiting the stadium.
The Jets are not dead yet. They ARE however, on life support. The defense has still yet to create points off of turnovers. The Sanchez to TE Dustin Keller combo, so poised to break out and open up the passing game outside the numbers, is just missing the mark on too many occasions. All parts, including game management by the coaches, need to start clicking fast or this season will be gone by Turkey day.
As for Sunday, has a player ever taken a knee over scoring a touchdown in order to keep the clock moving like Jones-Drew did? Probably not. Only the Jets franchise would be involved in a play like that.
Nonetheless , the Jets need to go to Foxboro and try to begin to erase the ghosts of their Gang Green past that have somehow crept back into the equation. Worse, they need to do it against the furious Pats, their hated rivals, who want revenge from their week two loss at the Meadowlands. Bill Belicheck's first place crew also will be stinging from the loss at Indy Sunday night that saw them go for a strange fourth and two on their own 28 yard line in order to prevent Peyton Manning one last shot. It backfired.
The 4-5 Jets remain just two games back of the 6-3 Pats. A win would inch them closer to the top of the AFC East and give them the tie breaker over New England. When the dust settles this week, that will be how Rex Ryan must frame this next test. As a game that, with a win, restores hope. To do that, Ryan will have to stop Brady and put the "Same Old Jets" talk to bed again. It's funny how these negative Green ghosts somehow rear their ugly heads every season.
A LOOK BACK ON THE THREE KEYS TO THE JAGS GAME:
Turnovers: The Jets defense, built off pressure and chaos, again, didn't get any. End of story.
Thomas Jones vs Maurice Jones Drew. Jones-Drew won the battle in yardage 123 to 77. He also made the play of the day by not scoring on the final drive.
Mike Sims-Walker vs Darrelle Revis: Sims Walker managed a TD catch but didn't dominate the field. Revis is a big play guy the Jets desperately need
going forward. An interception taken back by a ball hawk shut down corner like Revis, would aid the Jets offense in a huge way.
Follow TJ Rosenthal on twitter@ thejetreport
