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Thursday, January 31, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Super Bowl XXXII - Tom Brady And New England Patriots Leave for Arizona
After all of the talk about Tom Brady limping and not showing up at Pats practices, here we are with Brady as ESPN reports that he and the New England Patriots prepare to leave for Arizona.
Maybe it was a smoke-screen?
Maybe it was a smoke-screen?
Raiders Owner Al Davis Treating Head Coach Lane Kiffin Like Turd
Ok. You read the title and I'm standing by it. Oakland Raiders Manager of The General Partner Al Davis is reportedly treating his still-newly-hired Head Coach Lane Kiffin like a turd. It's a hard statement but look at the reports.
Apparently this all started because Kiffin wanted to replace Raiders Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan, who's leaky run defenses have cost the Silver and Black chances to win close games in 2007. But Lane Kiffin's actions were reportedly blocked by Davis himself. When Kiffin complained to Davis, the owner asked him to resign; he did not and for good reason: Kiffin would lose the salary he's due of $2 million annual for the rest of his contract.
More to come on this mess.
Regardless of the real truth, it's clear the Raiders are once again surrounded by soap-opera drama on the scale of a daytime show.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush Are Engaged?
Well, that's what this online tabloid is reporting. Wow. It seems the sex tape lady's got former USC and now New Orleans Saints Running Back Bush so smitten they're all over the place. Here's an account from http://www.hollyscoop.com :
Is socialite Kim Kardashian ready to tie the knot with boyfriend Reggie Bush?
OK! magazine is claiming that the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star, 22, and the NFL great, 27, are engaged.
The two partied together in Miami for New Year's Eve, where she hosted a bash at club Mansion, but she wasn't wearing a ring. And today a source close to Kim denies a report she's engaged.
That was as of January 2nd and Bush's in the gallery section of her website, too. Stay tuned for a Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush sex tape that I'm not watching!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
What's On this week at nfldraftbible.com
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> Prospects:
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> -- Texas DT Frank Okam
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>
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> -- The Legal Line: Hosted By Scott Daniels
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> Cirmeniello
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> To A FREE Instant Download Copy Of Our 2007 Edition.
>
> INTERVIEWS
>
> Log Onto www.nfldraftbible.com To Listen To Interviews Of Upcoming Draft
> Prospects:
>
> -- Texas DT Frank Okam
> -- Georgia Tech G Nate McManus
> -- Oklahoma CB Marcus Walker
>
> Coming Soon: Senior Bowl Preview With Vanderbilt T Chris Williams
>
> Also Be Sure To Check Out New Shows At The NFL Draft Bible Powered By All
> Access Football:
>
> -- The Legal Line: Hosted By Scott Daniels
> Episode#2 Posted Now
>
> -- From The Press Box: Hosted By Dr. Bill Chachkes
> Coming Soon: Interview With Fox Sports College Football Analyst Richard
> Cirmeniello
>
> *REMINDER*
> The NFL Draft Bible's Football Friday Podcast Is Now LIVE every Friday From
> 6:30-8pm EST
> Listen Live At: www.blogtalkradio.com/nfldraftbible
>
> Join The Live Chat Room Or CALL IN: 1-646-200-0236
>
> *Pre-Order Your Copy Of The 2008 NFL Draft Bible Publication Now
>
> Receive A FREE Subscription To Draft Digest Weekly (16 Issues), In addition
> To A FREE Instant Download Copy Of Our 2007 Edition.
>
Monday, January 14, 2008
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Upstart Jaguars and David Garrard Charge Into Foxboro For AFC Battle
By David
Kaye
Entrenched in a quarterback struggle at the beginning of the season with embattled signal caller Byron Leftwich, backup David Garrard was presented with a myriad of challenges when he was unexpectedly propelled to the starting position by head coach Jack Del Rio.
After being drafted out of East Carolina in the 2002 draft, Garrard was relegated to the status of bench warmer for the previous four seasons in which he played a mere 17games and connected for eight touchdowns. When first-round pick Byron Leftwich tragically endured another debilitating injury last season, Garrard steered the Jaguars to a 5-5 mark, including a resounding 44-17 thrashing of the eventual Super Bowl champion Colts.
Faced with a significant decision as to which individual he sensed was ready to guide his team in the necessary direction in the years to come, Del Rio chose Garrard over the proven commodity in Leftwich. Unbenounced to most, Garrard has not only directed the Jaguars on a pathway to success, but has advanced them to a Saturday night showdown against the quintessential darlings to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy, the New England Patriots.
Furthermore, Garrard has displayed his unrelenting ability to perform at an optimal level without any spectrum of offensive targets to throw the ball to. While aided by the premier rushing attack in the AFC, Garrard has struggled to find consistency with such mediocre receivers as Dennis Northcutt, Reggie Williams and Matt Jones.
In his first full season as a starter, Garrard finished with a respectable 2,509 yards,an impressive 18 touchdowns thrown, a razor thin three interceptions and an improbable quarterback rating of 102.2.
Garrard's quarterback rating was third to MVP Tom Brady, All-Pro Ben Roethlisberger and ahead of future Hall of Famers Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Donovan McNabb. For a player who has been restricted to holding the clip board and waiting five insurmountable years for his first prime opportunity, that is beyond remarkable and astounding.
Kaye
Entrenched in a quarterback struggle at the beginning of the season with embattled signal caller Byron Leftwich, backup David Garrard was presented with a myriad of challenges when he was unexpectedly propelled to the starting position by head coach Jack Del Rio.
After being drafted out of East Carolina in the 2002 draft, Garrard was relegated to the status of bench warmer for the previous four seasons in which he played a mere 17games and connected for eight touchdowns. When first-round pick Byron Leftwich tragically endured another debilitating injury last season, Garrard steered the Jaguars to a 5-5 mark, including a resounding 44-17 thrashing of the eventual Super Bowl champion Colts.
Faced with a significant decision as to which individual he sensed was ready to guide his team in the necessary direction in the years to come, Del Rio chose Garrard over the proven commodity in Leftwich. Unbenounced to most, Garrard has not only directed the Jaguars on a pathway to success, but has advanced them to a Saturday night showdown against the quintessential darlings to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy, the New England Patriots.
Furthermore, Garrard has displayed his unrelenting ability to perform at an optimal level without any spectrum of offensive targets to throw the ball to. While aided by the premier rushing attack in the AFC, Garrard has struggled to find consistency with such mediocre receivers as Dennis Northcutt, Reggie Williams and Matt Jones.
In his first full season as a starter, Garrard finished with a respectable 2,509 yards,an impressive 18 touchdowns thrown, a razor thin three interceptions and an improbable quarterback rating of 102.2.
Garrard's quarterback rating was third to MVP Tom Brady, All-Pro Ben Roethlisberger and ahead of future Hall of Famers Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and Donovan McNabb. For a player who has been restricted to holding the clip board and waiting five insurmountable years for his first prime opportunity, that is beyond remarkable and astounding.
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Thursday, January 03, 2008
Titans' top receiver breaks ankle, will sit out wild-card game
This injury to the Titans top wide receiver will severely hamper their ability to upset the AFC West champion Chargers.
Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans will be without top receiver Roydell Williams for the first round of the playoffs after he broke his right ankle in practice Wednesday.
Coach Jeff Fisher said Thursday that Williams was having surgery to repair the bone at the base of the tibia, which will require a plate and screws. Williams was hurt during practice Wednesday, but was able to walk off the indoor practice field by himself.
Fisher said X-rays showed the severity of the injury late Wednesday night.
The Titans have already lost top tight end Bo Scaife after he suffered a lacerated liver in last week's win at Indianapolis.
Williams was tied with Justin Gage for the team lead in receptions with a career-high 55. He was second with 719 yards for a team-high four touchdowns.
Receiver Brandon Jones has been on injured reserve with a groin injury since Dec. 15.
Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans will be without top receiver Roydell Williams for the first round of the playoffs after he broke his right ankle in practice Wednesday.
Coach Jeff Fisher said Thursday that Williams was having surgery to repair the bone at the base of the tibia, which will require a plate and screws. Williams was hurt during practice Wednesday, but was able to walk off the indoor practice field by himself.
Fisher said X-rays showed the severity of the injury late Wednesday night.
The Titans have already lost top tight end Bo Scaife after he suffered a lacerated liver in last week's win at Indianapolis.
Williams was tied with Justin Gage for the team lead in receptions with a career-high 55. He was second with 719 yards for a team-high four touchdowns.
Receiver Brandon Jones has been on injured reserve with a groin injury since Dec. 15.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Parcells, Dolphins hire Ireland as new GM
NFL.com
The Miami Dolphins named Jeff Ireland as their new general manager, the team announced Wednesday. Ireland joins the Dolphins after a seven-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent the past three as the team’s Vice President of College and Pro Scouting.
“I am excited about joining the Dolphins as their general manager,” Ireland said. “I know the great tradition of the team, and in my mind they are one of the flagship franchises in the NFL. They have a great owner in Wayne Huizenga, who I know is committed to making the Dolphins into winners once again. I am looking forward to working with him and everyone else in Miami to achieve that goal.
“I also want to thank Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys organization. I enjoyed my tenure with the team, and I would not be where I am today without the help of so many people there.”
Prior to being elevated to his most recent role with the Cowboys in 2005, Ireland had served as national scout with Dallas since 2001, during which time he evaluated the top collegiate talent in the country. In his four years in that post, the Cowboys drafted four Pro Bowl performers in safety Roy Williams, center Andre Gurode, cornerback Terence Newman and tight end Jason Witten.
Ireland got his start in the NFL as a scout with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he spent the 1997-2000 seasons. He also was a scout for the National Football Scouting combine from 1994-96.
Before becoming an NFL scout, Ireland coached the special teams at the University of North Texas from 1992-93. This followed his playing career at Baylor University, where he was a kicker from 1988-91.
A native of Abilene, Texas, Ireland is the stepson of former Kansas City Chiefs standout linebacker/center E.J. Holub and the grandson of former Philadelphia Eagles player and longtime Chicago Bears personnel man Jim Parmer.
The Miami Dolphins named Jeff Ireland as their new general manager, the team announced Wednesday. Ireland joins the Dolphins after a seven-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent the past three as the team’s Vice President of College and Pro Scouting.
“I am excited about joining the Dolphins as their general manager,” Ireland said. “I know the great tradition of the team, and in my mind they are one of the flagship franchises in the NFL. They have a great owner in Wayne Huizenga, who I know is committed to making the Dolphins into winners once again. I am looking forward to working with him and everyone else in Miami to achieve that goal.
“I also want to thank Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys organization. I enjoyed my tenure with the team, and I would not be where I am today without the help of so many people there.”
Prior to being elevated to his most recent role with the Cowboys in 2005, Ireland had served as national scout with Dallas since 2001, during which time he evaluated the top collegiate talent in the country. In his four years in that post, the Cowboys drafted four Pro Bowl performers in safety Roy Williams, center Andre Gurode, cornerback Terence Newman and tight end Jason Witten.
Ireland got his start in the NFL as a scout with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he spent the 1997-2000 seasons. He also was a scout for the National Football Scouting combine from 1994-96.
Before becoming an NFL scout, Ireland coached the special teams at the University of North Texas from 1992-93. This followed his playing career at Baylor University, where he was a kicker from 1988-91.
A native of Abilene, Texas, Ireland is the stepson of former Kansas City Chiefs standout linebacker/center E.J. Holub and the grandson of former Philadelphia Eagles player and longtime Chicago Bears personnel man Jim Parmer.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Billick fired after 9 seasons in Baltimore
By DAVID GINSBURG, AP Sports Writer
December 31, 2007
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Brian Billick was fired as coach of the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, less than a day after his team concluded a disappointing 5-11 season.
Players were told of the dismissal as they packed up their lockers at the team's practice facility.
Billick won the 2001 Super Bowl in his second season with the Ravens, and led the team to a franchise-best 13-3 record in 2006. But Baltimore lost a team-record nine consecutive games this season before ending the skid Sunday with a 27-21 win over Pittsburgh.
"This is the reality of our business," cornerback Samari Rolle said.
Billick's nine seasons with Baltimore was tied for third with Philadelphia's Andy Reid as the third-longest current run with the same team. He took the Ravens to the playoffs in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006, but Baltimore won only one postseason game since its Super Bowl run after the 2000 season.
"Sometimes the message can get repetitive after a while," 12-year offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden said.
Ogden said this month that Billick had informed the team he would be returning in 2008. But owner Steve Bisciotti evidently changed his mind.
The Ravens expected to compete for a world championship this season after bringing back almost every starter from last year's AFC North champions. But injuries and a turnover-prone offense contributed to a complete collapse after a 4-2 start, and Baltimore finished last in the division.
"This year the injury bug not only hit us, (it) hit our prime-time players," linebacker Bart Scott said.
Billick, 53, was hired as Baltimore's second head coach in January 1999, succeeding Ted Marchibroda. In Billick's first season, the Ravens reached .500 (8-8) for the first time. Then he led Baltimore to a 12-4 record and a berth in the Super Bowl, where the Ravens beat the New York Giants 34-7.
Billick was 80-64 as Baltimore's coach. He was the offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings before being coming to the Ravens.
"I'm not saying I agree with it," kicker Matt Stover said of Billick's dismissal, "but sometimes things have to change."
December 31, 2007
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Brian Billick was fired as coach of the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, less than a day after his team concluded a disappointing 5-11 season.
Players were told of the dismissal as they packed up their lockers at the team's practice facility.
Billick won the 2001 Super Bowl in his second season with the Ravens, and led the team to a franchise-best 13-3 record in 2006. But Baltimore lost a team-record nine consecutive games this season before ending the skid Sunday with a 27-21 win over Pittsburgh.
"This is the reality of our business," cornerback Samari Rolle said.
Billick's nine seasons with Baltimore was tied for third with Philadelphia's Andy Reid as the third-longest current run with the same team. He took the Ravens to the playoffs in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006, but Baltimore won only one postseason game since its Super Bowl run after the 2000 season.
"Sometimes the message can get repetitive after a while," 12-year offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden said.
Ogden said this month that Billick had informed the team he would be returning in 2008. But owner Steve Bisciotti evidently changed his mind.
The Ravens expected to compete for a world championship this season after bringing back almost every starter from last year's AFC North champions. But injuries and a turnover-prone offense contributed to a complete collapse after a 4-2 start, and Baltimore finished last in the division.
"This year the injury bug not only hit us, (it) hit our prime-time players," linebacker Bart Scott said.
Billick, 53, was hired as Baltimore's second head coach in January 1999, succeeding Ted Marchibroda. In Billick's first season, the Ravens reached .500 (8-8) for the first time. Then he led Baltimore to a 12-4 record and a berth in the Super Bowl, where the Ravens beat the New York Giants 34-7.
Billick was 80-64 as Baltimore's coach. He was the offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings before being coming to the Ravens.
"I'm not saying I agree with it," kicker Matt Stover said of Billick's dismissal, "but sometimes things have to change."
Friday, December 28, 2007
Patriots Starting Right Offensive Tackle And Guard Out For Giants Game
This is the unknown blow. And it comes on the heels of the best pass-rush in the NFL.
Kaczur can't tackle practice
He's among three who miss workout
Email|Print| Text size – + By Christopher L. Gasper
Globe Staff / December 28, 2007
FOXBOROUGH - The Patriots may have to face the New York Giants, the NFL leaders in sacks with 52, without starting right tackle Nick Kaczur.
The team released its injury report yesterday and Kaczur (foot) was among three players not participating in practice. The others were tight end Kyle Brady, who missed last Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins with an ankle injury, and fullback Kyle Eckel, who injured his stomach on kickoff coverage during the second quarter of the Patriots' 28-7 win over the Dolphins.
The Patriots have played the last three games, and seven games this season, without right guard Stephen Neal, who has been troubled by a shoulder injury and had limited participation in practice yesterday. But Kaczur has started all 15 games at right tackle.
The options to replace the third-year tackle are second-year tackles Wesley Britt and Ryan O'Callaghan. Britt made his only career start last season, against the Cincinnati Bengals, and O'Callaghan started six of the first seven games last season before ceding to Kaczur, who was recovering from a shoulder injury.
O'Callaghan replaced Kaczur for a series during the Patriots' 48-27 win over the Dallas Cowboys Oct. 14. Kaczur had moved to left tackle to spell an ailing Matt Light. O'Callaghan surrendered a sack to Cowboys Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
Even with Kaczur in the lineup, the Patriots, who have surrendered 20 sacks, the fifth fewest in the league, are in for a challenge against the Giants, who boast defensive linemen Osi Umenyiora (13 sacks), Justin Tuck (10 sacks), and Michael Strahan (nine sacks). The Giants tied the NFL record for sacks in a game (12) earlier this season against Philadelphia. Umenyiora had six in that game.
Kaczur can't tackle practice
He's among three who miss workout
Email|Print| Text size – + By Christopher L. Gasper
Globe Staff / December 28, 2007
FOXBOROUGH - The Patriots may have to face the New York Giants, the NFL leaders in sacks with 52, without starting right tackle Nick Kaczur.
The team released its injury report yesterday and Kaczur (foot) was among three players not participating in practice. The others were tight end Kyle Brady, who missed last Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins with an ankle injury, and fullback Kyle Eckel, who injured his stomach on kickoff coverage during the second quarter of the Patriots' 28-7 win over the Dolphins.
The Patriots have played the last three games, and seven games this season, without right guard Stephen Neal, who has been troubled by a shoulder injury and had limited participation in practice yesterday. But Kaczur has started all 15 games at right tackle.
The options to replace the third-year tackle are second-year tackles Wesley Britt and Ryan O'Callaghan. Britt made his only career start last season, against the Cincinnati Bengals, and O'Callaghan started six of the first seven games last season before ceding to Kaczur, who was recovering from a shoulder injury.
O'Callaghan replaced Kaczur for a series during the Patriots' 48-27 win over the Dallas Cowboys Oct. 14. Kaczur had moved to left tackle to spell an ailing Matt Light. O'Callaghan surrendered a sack to Cowboys Pro Bowl linebacker DeMarcus Ware.
Even with Kaczur in the lineup, the Patriots, who have surrendered 20 sacks, the fifth fewest in the league, are in for a challenge against the Giants, who boast defensive linemen Osi Umenyiora (13 sacks), Justin Tuck (10 sacks), and Michael Strahan (nine sacks). The Giants tied the NFL record for sacks in a game (12) earlier this season against Philadelphia. Umenyiora had six in that game.
