NFL DRAFT Remains in NYC for at least 2009-but no movement on NFL network coming to CableTV
If you look at the NFL.com Website you can clearly see that The dates for the Draft are posted (April 25th and 26th 2009) and Listed as "Radio City Music Hall" in NYC
In the past i had said i felt it should be moved around some. But after talking with Fans the last two drafts i have done an about face. Maybe the NFL should sign a long term agreement with Radio City (oh, but that would mean they'd be going back on their word and Jumping back into bed with Radio City's owner "the Evil(yeah right) James Dolan of Cablevision). The clear fact is that the NFL Owners are the ones keeping the fans from having the NFL Network (and even the Sunday ticket) on Cable, and not James and Charles Dolan. Ask NFL Brodcast comm. chair Jerry Jones(the same one who owns the Cowboys) why they are trying to get Cablevision into court to force them to carry the channel on Basic cable? Because not all that many people are running out to get Directv or dish network (or even Fios) so fast...So i'm Glad the Draft will stay in NYC for at least one more year, and on Cable TV Via ESPN G_d Bless Chris Berman's Voice...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
AFC South Wk. 3 Wrap.
AFC SOUTH Week 3
Titans 31 Texans 12
By Rafael Garcia AFC South Insider
At the start of the season what was clear was that the Colts would be in first place. Then it should have been Jacksonville second. Well the power structure has changed a bit. After the Titans put a whipping on Houston it was they who were in first. With a 3-0 record they have a two game lead over the Colts and Jags (both 0-2). The defense has given up only 29 points total do far. Jags back Albert Haynesworth and Courtland Finnegan may be the best at their position in the league. Haynesworth had a sack and was a monster all day. Finnegan got his fourth pick of the year and ran it back 99 yards for a touchdown. Micheal Griffin had two interceptions of his own and the Titans defense held Houston scoreless in the second half. Kerry was solid going 14-26 for 189 yards and touchdown pass to Bo Scaife. The running game produced 154 yards and that was enough for the win. In the stands the crowd pounded on the seats. They stomped their feet and screamed like it was 1999 again. This team still has way to go before they start talking division title but with the Vince Young situation its not a bad start. In the other divisional game the Colts took it on the chin in a 23-21 loss to the Jags. Josh Scobee nailed a 51 yard field goal with four seconds left for the win. That came after Peyton Manning drove the Colts 77 yards for the apparent game winning score. Though looking better he threw an interception that was returned 61 yards for a touchdown. Penalties at crucial times hurt too. As for the Jags, they had 236 yards rushing but found the end zone just once offensively. They needed three Scobee field goals to get this win. These two teams along with Texans better get their act together quick. Any more slip-ups could be costly if the Titans get better as expected.
Titans 31 Texans 12
By Rafael Garcia AFC South Insider
At the start of the season what was clear was that the Colts would be in first place. Then it should have been Jacksonville second. Well the power structure has changed a bit. After the Titans put a whipping on Houston it was they who were in first. With a 3-0 record they have a two game lead over the Colts and Jags (both 0-2). The defense has given up only 29 points total do far. Jags back Albert Haynesworth and Courtland Finnegan may be the best at their position in the league. Haynesworth had a sack and was a monster all day. Finnegan got his fourth pick of the year and ran it back 99 yards for a touchdown. Micheal Griffin had two interceptions of his own and the Titans defense held Houston scoreless in the second half. Kerry was solid going 14-26 for 189 yards and touchdown pass to Bo Scaife. The running game produced 154 yards and that was enough for the win. In the stands the crowd pounded on the seats. They stomped their feet and screamed like it was 1999 again. This team still has way to go before they start talking division title but with the Vince Young situation its not a bad start. In the other divisional game the Colts took it on the chin in a 23-21 loss to the Jags. Josh Scobee nailed a 51 yard field goal with four seconds left for the win. That came after Peyton Manning drove the Colts 77 yards for the apparent game winning score. Though looking better he threw an interception that was returned 61 yards for a touchdown. Penalties at crucial times hurt too. As for the Jags, they had 236 yards rushing but found the end zone just once offensively. They needed three Scobee field goals to get this win. These two teams along with Texans better get their act together quick. Any more slip-ups could be costly if the Titans get better as expected.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
The Fans Corner#2-The PSL Commentary
The Fans Corner#2-The PSL Commentary
By Willie “The Pizzaman” Mariano for Football Reporters Online
As another opening day approached for my football team. The only football team I have faithfully rooted for since my birth. Check that, since the womb. Whether it be the two and twelve seasons of my youth gone bye. (and there were more of those then I care to remember) or as defending Super Bowl Champions yet again. (The third in my 46 years) I found myself missing something. I had a feeling that I have never experienced in my life. You have to understand one thing folks. My Dad, like almost all Big Blue diehards has had season tickets for years and years. Dear ol' dad since 1954. My brother and myself, since 1976.That is five decades and three decades respectively, and then some that we have bled blue. It was taught to us right along side of always being proud to be an Italian American or a God fearing man who is morally sound and respectful to all of mankind. Like bathing. Like eating. Like drinking water. Like breathing. It was a necessity of life. It was even more important then religion. Only because God did not give Dad his season tickets way back when. No way. God gives to all freely and there was nothing free about being a New York Football Giants season ticket holder. You either renewed your seats every April or May or lost them to the next NYG fan on the list of a hundred thousand strong.
What was also a given of being a season ticket holder, was that you were expected to always be respectful to all fellow fans on football Sundays. This was not a written rule by the Giants organization. It was one ingrained in you by the name on the account who paid the bill season after season. Only then, were you allowed to earn the right to have them passed down to you. Generation after generation. I might be wrong but that sure sounds like ownership to me. Don't get me wrong folks. I totally understand the economics of a now billion dollar industry called the, "National Football League." What I fail to understand is without "us" the fans filling the seats and buying the products endorsed by each and every team, there would be no National Football League. So what do we get for our unwavering loyalty for all these years? Something called, Personal Seat Licenses or "PSL's."
As we all know by now, this is a mandatory one time fee that will allow us to continue being a season ticket holder. To own our seat that we have already owned since forever, in the brand new stadium slated to open in 2010. A stadium that when planned was estimated to cost almost seven hundred million dollars. Then we get, opps we mis-calculated a little. The cost is now 1.4 billion and we the multi millionaire owners of the Giants and Jets can not afford to build it without the help of our faithful fans. What a crock! First of all, who ever was in charge of figuring out the cost of building the new stadium should have been fired on the spot. We are talking double the original estimate. A seven hundred million dollar mistake for a stadium that will not even have a dome? Are they serious?
Evidently they are and we the "fans" are being forced to make up the difference. Not the sponsors, who in one short season will most likely generate enough money to build two stadiums. In closing all I can say with all due respect is that, Mr Wellington Mara is not turning over in his grave, he's doing cartwheels. By meeting him more then a few times and even having the honor to feed him and his wife at my tailgate parties through the years. I can venture to say he would not be to pleased with what his son's and Tish's sons are doing to what he humbly called, "The Greatest and Most Passionate Fans In Sports." I think he would tell them he pays them darn good money to go out and get the sponsors to pay for the new stadium and leave his "friends/fans" alone. Unfortunately this will not happen so we are stuck in the new world of PSL's. "Professional Shylock Licenses!" So in a few short months the money hungry owners of NFL teams have succeeded in making my "Passion Suddenly Lost" for what was always regarded in my family as a given right. You either bleed blue or your an outcast. What a travesty!
By Willie “The Pizzaman” Mariano for Football Reporters Online
As another opening day approached for my football team. The only football team I have faithfully rooted for since my birth. Check that, since the womb. Whether it be the two and twelve seasons of my youth gone bye. (and there were more of those then I care to remember) or as defending Super Bowl Champions yet again. (The third in my 46 years) I found myself missing something. I had a feeling that I have never experienced in my life. You have to understand one thing folks. My Dad, like almost all Big Blue diehards has had season tickets for years and years. Dear ol' dad since 1954. My brother and myself, since 1976.That is five decades and three decades respectively, and then some that we have bled blue. It was taught to us right along side of always being proud to be an Italian American or a God fearing man who is morally sound and respectful to all of mankind. Like bathing. Like eating. Like drinking water. Like breathing. It was a necessity of life. It was even more important then religion. Only because God did not give Dad his season tickets way back when. No way. God gives to all freely and there was nothing free about being a New York Football Giants season ticket holder. You either renewed your seats every April or May or lost them to the next NYG fan on the list of a hundred thousand strong.
What was also a given of being a season ticket holder, was that you were expected to always be respectful to all fellow fans on football Sundays. This was not a written rule by the Giants organization. It was one ingrained in you by the name on the account who paid the bill season after season. Only then, were you allowed to earn the right to have them passed down to you. Generation after generation. I might be wrong but that sure sounds like ownership to me. Don't get me wrong folks. I totally understand the economics of a now billion dollar industry called the, "National Football League." What I fail to understand is without "us" the fans filling the seats and buying the products endorsed by each and every team, there would be no National Football League. So what do we get for our unwavering loyalty for all these years? Something called, Personal Seat Licenses or "PSL's."
As we all know by now, this is a mandatory one time fee that will allow us to continue being a season ticket holder. To own our seat that we have already owned since forever, in the brand new stadium slated to open in 2010. A stadium that when planned was estimated to cost almost seven hundred million dollars. Then we get, opps we mis-calculated a little. The cost is now 1.4 billion and we the multi millionaire owners of the Giants and Jets can not afford to build it without the help of our faithful fans. What a crock! First of all, who ever was in charge of figuring out the cost of building the new stadium should have been fired on the spot. We are talking double the original estimate. A seven hundred million dollar mistake for a stadium that will not even have a dome? Are they serious?
Evidently they are and we the "fans" are being forced to make up the difference. Not the sponsors, who in one short season will most likely generate enough money to build two stadiums. In closing all I can say with all due respect is that, Mr Wellington Mara is not turning over in his grave, he's doing cartwheels. By meeting him more then a few times and even having the honor to feed him and his wife at my tailgate parties through the years. I can venture to say he would not be to pleased with what his son's and Tish's sons are doing to what he humbly called, "The Greatest and Most Passionate Fans In Sports." I think he would tell them he pays them darn good money to go out and get the sponsors to pay for the new stadium and leave his "friends/fans" alone. Unfortunately this will not happen so we are stuck in the new world of PSL's. "Professional Shylock Licenses!" So in a few short months the money hungry owners of NFL teams have succeeded in making my "Passion Suddenly Lost" for what was always regarded in my family as a given right. You either bleed blue or your an outcast. What a travesty!
NFLPA Needs Assistance for Successor to the late Gene Upshaw
NFLPA Needs Assistance for Successor to the late Gene Upshaw
September 11, 2008
By Slavica Milosevska for Football Reporters Online
The NFL Players' Association have some big shoes to fill after executive director Gene Upshaw's death in August and will be hiring a national search firm to help after consulting with all 32 teams. The union's board will take potential firms into consideration in the few weeks to come. Additionally, the actual NFL players are being questioned on the qualifications of the ideal successor.
NFLPA 's Interim executive director is uncertain regarding the time it will take to find Upshaw's replacement. “The choice of an executive director would not change the players’ bargaining agenda,” he stated. Berthelsen says that the executive board and himself are working with hiring procedures should not affect labor issues and that they are also discussing terms with the NFL.
When asked about taking Upshaw's old position, Berthelsen says he doesn't want that commitment. There are many headaches at this level. For instance, before Upshaw's passing, he had a concern that if the NFL opted out of the CBA that it would never return. This is the current status, making 2010 an uncapped season if no new agreement is settled. There is yet time until the spring of 2009 to make a deal. Only time will tell who and what will happen.
September 11, 2008
By Slavica Milosevska for Football Reporters Online
The NFL Players' Association have some big shoes to fill after executive director Gene Upshaw's death in August and will be hiring a national search firm to help after consulting with all 32 teams. The union's board will take potential firms into consideration in the few weeks to come. Additionally, the actual NFL players are being questioned on the qualifications of the ideal successor.
NFLPA 's Interim executive director is uncertain regarding the time it will take to find Upshaw's replacement. “The choice of an executive director would not change the players’ bargaining agenda,” he stated. Berthelsen says that the executive board and himself are working with hiring procedures should not affect labor issues and that they are also discussing terms with the NFL.
When asked about taking Upshaw's old position, Berthelsen says he doesn't want that commitment. There are many headaches at this level. For instance, before Upshaw's passing, he had a concern that if the NFL opted out of the CBA that it would never return. This is the current status, making 2010 an uncapped season if no new agreement is settled. There is yet time until the spring of 2009 to make a deal. Only time will tell who and what will happen.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
NFL Injury report week2
Week 2 Injury Report -- Wednesday
Week 2, 2008, 09/10/2008
FOR USE AS DESIRED
NFL 9/10/08
JAMES EDGES CLOSER TO 15,000
Arizona Cardinals running back EDGERRIN JAMES has amassed 14,967 scrimmage yards in his career and needs 33 yards to become the 14th player in NFL history to reach 15,000 scrimmage yards. Since entering the league with the Indianapolis Colts in 1999, James has rushed for 11,707 yards and added 3,260 receiving yards.
Following is a list of injured players for Week 2 Games (September 14-15):
(For updated practice information on Denver, Oakland, San Diego and Seattle please check NFLmedia.com Thursday morning)
ATLANTA FALCONS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
ATLANTA FALCONS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Alex Stepanovich (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Coy Wire (ankle)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring), QB Jeff Garcia (ankle), G Davin Joseph (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Warrick Dunn (not injury related), WR Joey Galloway (not injury related), WR Maurice Stovall (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Matt McCoy (groin)
BALTIMORE RAVENS at HOUSTON TEXANS
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (fibula), QB Troy Smith (illness), CB Fabian Washington (neck)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Yamon Figurs (hamstring), DT Kelly Gregg (knee), RB Willis McGahee (knee), S Ed Reed (neck)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Jason Brown (ankle), T Jared Gaither (ankle), TE Todd Heap (back), CB Corey Ivy (ankle), CB Chris McAlister (knee), RB Le'Ron McClain (ankle)
HOUSTON TEXANS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
DE Stanley McClover (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Ahman Green (foot), DT Travis Johnson (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Mark Bruener (hamstring), WR Jacoby Jones (back), CB Antwaun Molden (hamstring), G Chester Pitts (ankle), T Ephraim Salaam (knee), T Eric Winston (ankle)
BUFFALO BILLS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
BUFFALO BILLS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
TE Derek Fine (hand)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB John DiGiorgio (back), WR Roscoe Parrish (ribs)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Matt Murphy (shoulder)
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
C Brad Meester (biceps)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT John Henderson (not injury related), DT Derek Landri (quadricep), WR Troy Williamson (thigh)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Uche Nwaneri (knee), WR Jerry Porter (hamstring), CB Scott Starks (pectoral)
CHICAGO BEARS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
CHICAGO BEARS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
T Chris Williams (back)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Lance Briggs (ankle), DT Tommie Harris (ankle), KR Devin Hester (foot), T John Tait (groin), CB Nathan Vasher (shoulder)
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Na'il Diggs (shoulder), QB Matt Moore (fibula), TE Dante Rosario (foot), T Travelle Wharton (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Chris Gamble (knee), WR Ryne Robinson (knee)
GREEN BAY PACKERS at DETROIT LIONS
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
G Josh Sitton (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Brandon Jackson (concussion), C Scott Wells (back), CB Charles Woodson (toe)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Atari Bigby (bicep), T Chad Clifton (knees), DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee), RB Ryan Grant (hamstring), WR Ruvell Martin (finger)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR James Jones (knee), S Charlie Peprah (hamstring)
DETROIT LIONS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Paris Lenon (knee), LB Ernie Sims (ankle), QB Drew Stanton (right thumb)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Dallas Clark (knee), DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), WR Roy Hall (knee), DT Ed Johnson (not injury related), G Mike Pollak (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring), DT Daniel Muir (knee), TE Jacob Tamme (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Jeff Saturday (knee)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Madieu Williams (neck)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Artis Hicks (elbow), RB Maurice Hicks (foot)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee)
MIAMI DOLPHINS at ARIZONA CARDINALS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Practice Report
Wednesday No injuries to report
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Jerame Tuman (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Alan Branch (ankle), DT Gabe Watson (knee)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at NEW YORK JETS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Sam Aiken (knee), TE Benjamin Watson (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Jabar Gaffney (knee), WR Randy Moss (back)
NEW YORK JETS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
WR David Clowney (shoulder), K Mike Nugent (right thigh)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB David Barrett (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DE Shaun Ellis (hand), WR Marcus Henry (calf), CB Justin Miller (foot)
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Marques Colston (thumb), LB Scott Fujita (knee), CB Randall Gay (illness), S Roman Harper (hamstring), DT Antwan Lake (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Troy Evans (ankle), RB Deuce McAllister (knee), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), LB Mark Simoneau (back), RB Aaron Stecker (hamstring), DT Brian Young (knee)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Khary Campbell (thigh), TE Chris Cooley (quadricep), LB Marcus Washington (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Kareem Moore (hamstring), CB Fred Smoot (hip)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Malcolm Kelly (knee), CB Shawn Springs (calf), LB/DE Jason Taylor (knee)
NEW YORK GIANTS at ST. LOUIS RAMS
NEW YORK GIANTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Mathias Kiwanuka (ankle), CB Terrell Thomas (hamstring), K Lawrence Tynes (left knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Jonathan Goff (back)
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Jacob Bell (hamstring), WR Drew Bennett (foot), P Donnie Jones (right knee), DE Leonard Little (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Donnie Avery (knee), RB Travis Minor (thigh)
OAKLAND RAIDERS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Practice Report
Wednesday Practice not complete
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Napoleon Harris (knee), S Jarrad Page (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR William Franklin (knee)
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at DENVER BRONCOS
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
DENVER BRONCOS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Eric Heitmann (shoulder), CB Donald Strickland (knee)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
TENNESSEE TITANS at CINCINNATI BENGALS
TENNESSEE TITANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Jacob Ford (chest), RB Quinton Ganther (hamstring), DT Albert Haynesworth (concussion), QB Vince Young (knee, hamstring)
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Kyle Cook (illness), S Dexter Jackson (thumb), CB David Jones (head), S Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring), DE Frostee Rucker (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Brandon Johnson (hamstring), CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring), S Nedu Ndukwe (knee), DT Jason Shirley (heel), DT Pat Sims (toe)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CLEVELAND BROWNS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Ben Roethlisberger (right shoulder), T Marvel Smith (groin), CB Deshea Townsend (foot), WR Hines Ward (not injury related)
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Sean Jones (knee), TE Martin Rucker (knee), WR Donte' Stallworth (quadricep)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Joshua Cribbs (ankle), LB Kris Griffin (elbow), G Rex Hadnot (knee), S Brodney Pool (concussion), T Ryan Tucker (hip)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at DALLAS COWBOYS on Monday night
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Practice Report (The Eagles did not practice on Wednesday. The below practice participation designations are an estimation)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist), WR Reggie Brown (hamstring), WR Kevin Curtis (hernia)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Sean Considine (hand)
DALLAS COWBOYS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Sam Hurd (ankle), G Kyle Kosier (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Miles Austin (knee), CB Terence Newman (groin), LB Anthony Spencer (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Marion Barber (rib), WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder)
Related Links: PDF Version
Week 2, 2008, 09/10/2008
FOR USE AS DESIRED
NFL 9/10/08
JAMES EDGES CLOSER TO 15,000
Arizona Cardinals running back EDGERRIN JAMES has amassed 14,967 scrimmage yards in his career and needs 33 yards to become the 14th player in NFL history to reach 15,000 scrimmage yards. Since entering the league with the Indianapolis Colts in 1999, James has rushed for 11,707 yards and added 3,260 receiving yards.
Following is a list of injured players for Week 2 Games (September 14-15):
(For updated practice information on Denver, Oakland, San Diego and Seattle please check NFLmedia.com Thursday morning)
ATLANTA FALCONS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
ATLANTA FALCONS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Alex Stepanovich (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Coy Wire (ankle)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring), QB Jeff Garcia (ankle), G Davin Joseph (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Warrick Dunn (not injury related), WR Joey Galloway (not injury related), WR Maurice Stovall (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Matt McCoy (groin)
BALTIMORE RAVENS at HOUSTON TEXANS
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (fibula), QB Troy Smith (illness), CB Fabian Washington (neck)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Yamon Figurs (hamstring), DT Kelly Gregg (knee), RB Willis McGahee (knee), S Ed Reed (neck)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Jason Brown (ankle), T Jared Gaither (ankle), TE Todd Heap (back), CB Corey Ivy (ankle), CB Chris McAlister (knee), RB Le'Ron McClain (ankle)
HOUSTON TEXANS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
DE Stanley McClover (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Ahman Green (foot), DT Travis Johnson (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Mark Bruener (hamstring), WR Jacoby Jones (back), CB Antwaun Molden (hamstring), G Chester Pitts (ankle), T Ephraim Salaam (knee), T Eric Winston (ankle)
BUFFALO BILLS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
BUFFALO BILLS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
TE Derek Fine (hand)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB John DiGiorgio (back), WR Roscoe Parrish (ribs)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Matt Murphy (shoulder)
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
C Brad Meester (biceps)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT John Henderson (not injury related), DT Derek Landri (quadricep), WR Troy Williamson (thigh)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Uche Nwaneri (knee), WR Jerry Porter (hamstring), CB Scott Starks (pectoral)
CHICAGO BEARS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
CHICAGO BEARS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
T Chris Williams (back)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Lance Briggs (ankle), DT Tommie Harris (ankle), KR Devin Hester (foot), T John Tait (groin), CB Nathan Vasher (shoulder)
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Na'il Diggs (shoulder), QB Matt Moore (fibula), TE Dante Rosario (foot), T Travelle Wharton (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Chris Gamble (knee), WR Ryne Robinson (knee)
GREEN BAY PACKERS at DETROIT LIONS
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
G Josh Sitton (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Brandon Jackson (concussion), C Scott Wells (back), CB Charles Woodson (toe)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Atari Bigby (bicep), T Chad Clifton (knees), DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila (knee), RB Ryan Grant (hamstring), WR Ruvell Martin (finger)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR James Jones (knee), S Charlie Peprah (hamstring)
DETROIT LIONS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Paris Lenon (knee), LB Ernie Sims (ankle), QB Drew Stanton (right thumb)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Dallas Clark (knee), DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), WR Roy Hall (knee), DT Ed Johnson (not injury related), G Mike Pollak (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Kelvin Hayden (hamstring), DT Daniel Muir (knee), TE Jacob Tamme (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Jeff Saturday (knee)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Madieu Williams (neck)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Artis Hicks (elbow), RB Maurice Hicks (foot)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Tarvaris Jackson (knee)
MIAMI DOLPHINS at ARIZONA CARDINALS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Practice Report
Wednesday No injuries to report
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Jerame Tuman (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Alan Branch (ankle), DT Gabe Watson (knee)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at NEW YORK JETS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Sam Aiken (knee), TE Benjamin Watson (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Jabar Gaffney (knee), WR Randy Moss (back)
NEW YORK JETS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
WR David Clowney (shoulder), K Mike Nugent (right thigh)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB David Barrett (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DE Shaun Ellis (hand), WR Marcus Henry (calf), CB Justin Miller (foot)
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Marques Colston (thumb), LB Scott Fujita (knee), CB Randall Gay (illness), S Roman Harper (hamstring), DT Antwan Lake (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Troy Evans (ankle), RB Deuce McAllister (knee), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), LB Mark Simoneau (back), RB Aaron Stecker (hamstring), DT Brian Young (knee)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Khary Campbell (thigh), TE Chris Cooley (quadricep), LB Marcus Washington (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Kareem Moore (hamstring), CB Fred Smoot (hip)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Malcolm Kelly (knee), CB Shawn Springs (calf), LB/DE Jason Taylor (knee)
NEW YORK GIANTS at ST. LOUIS RAMS
NEW YORK GIANTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Mathias Kiwanuka (ankle), CB Terrell Thomas (hamstring), K Lawrence Tynes (left knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Jonathan Goff (back)
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Jacob Bell (hamstring), WR Drew Bennett (foot), P Donnie Jones (right knee), DE Leonard Little (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Donnie Avery (knee), RB Travis Minor (thigh)
OAKLAND RAIDERS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Practice Report
Wednesday Practice not complete
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Napoleon Harris (knee), S Jarrad Page (back)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR William Franklin (knee)
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at DENVER BRONCOS
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
DENVER BRONCOS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Eric Heitmann (shoulder), CB Donald Strickland (knee)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Practice Report
Wednesday
Practice not complete
TENNESSEE TITANS at CINCINNATI BENGALS
TENNESSEE TITANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Jacob Ford (chest), RB Quinton Ganther (hamstring), DT Albert Haynesworth (concussion), QB Vince Young (knee, hamstring)
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Kyle Cook (illness), S Dexter Jackson (thumb), CB David Jones (head), S Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring), DE Frostee Rucker (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Brandon Johnson (hamstring), CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring), S Nedu Ndukwe (knee), DT Jason Shirley (heel), DT Pat Sims (toe)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CLEVELAND BROWNS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Ben Roethlisberger (right shoulder), T Marvel Smith (groin), CB Deshea Townsend (foot), WR Hines Ward (not injury related)
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Sean Jones (knee), TE Martin Rucker (knee), WR Donte' Stallworth (quadricep)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Joshua Cribbs (ankle), LB Kris Griffin (elbow), G Rex Hadnot (knee), S Brodney Pool (concussion), T Ryan Tucker (hip)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at DALLAS COWBOYS on Monday night
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Practice Report (The Eagles did not practice on Wednesday. The below practice participation designations are an estimation)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Victor Abiamiri (wrist), WR Reggie Brown (hamstring), WR Kevin Curtis (hernia)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Sean Considine (hand)
DALLAS COWBOYS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Sam Hurd (ankle), G Kyle Kosier (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Miles Austin (knee), CB Terence Newman (groin), LB Anthony Spencer (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Marion Barber (rib), WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder)
Related Links: PDF Version
49ers Disorganization Injured QB Alex Smith
I was there in 2005 when Smith was drafted amid some controversy by the 49ers, who were trying to decide between Smith and California Quaterback Aaron Rogers, who's now the starter for Green Bay after being there first round pick, 21 positions behind Smith that year. The talk was that Rogers was not 22 positions worse than Smith, but his equal. It just depended on what system each signal-caller was in.
Smith never got settled with a single offensive approach, and last year was terrible. The 49ers insisted on using a kind of deep passing game that called for fast retreats by the offensive line and seven step drops. The result was a sacked and battered Smith. The 49ers have continued this approach with the hiring of former Rams Head Coach Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. The results have been the same; the 49ers QB was sacked three times in the first game against the Arizona Cardinals, last Sunday.
Fortunately that person was not Smith, but J.T. O'Sullivan, who the 49ers brought over from the Detroit Lions because he was familar with Martz and the system he was going to install. That seemed to spell curtains for Smith even before the injury.
The only question is will the Gold and Scarlet keep Smith next year. Time and performance this year will tell. My early bet is that 49ers Head Coach Mike Nolan will not be back past this year and Smith will have to deal with the whims of yet another groups of coaches.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Oakland Raiders Losing To Broncos 41 to 14; Officiating Terrible
I'm watching this debacle of a Monday Night Football game, which finds the host Oakland Raiders getting hammered by the visiting Denver Broncos 41 to 14 at this point in the game with about a minute left.
But even though the Raiders are losing, I've got to complain about how the officials just let the Broncos defensive backs plain manhandle the Raiders wide receivers -- there should have been at least three pass interference calls.
Tragic.
More terrible still is the overall game plan put together by head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff. They tried to rely on their running game almost exclusively in the first half and even then Kiffin does not seem to know that his prize running back Darren McFadden is an outside speed specialist and not Deuce McAllister of the Saints.
It seems like it's going to be a long year for the Raiders.
But even though the Raiders are losing, I've got to complain about how the officials just let the Broncos defensive backs plain manhandle the Raiders wide receivers -- there should have been at least three pass interference calls.
Tragic.
More terrible still is the overall game plan put together by head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff. They tried to rely on their running game almost exclusively in the first half and even then Kiffin does not seem to know that his prize running back Darren McFadden is an outside speed specialist and not Deuce McAllister of the Saints.
It seems like it's going to be a long year for the Raiders.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
NFL KICKOFF WEEKEND - REDSKINS v. GIANTS TODAY
WHAT TO LOOK FOR – NFL KICKOFF 2008 WEEKEND
SUPER STARTERS: There are never any guarantees in the NFL, but there are trends. And they start as early as Kickoff Weekend. History indicates that the best way for a team to start its drive towards a possible Super Bowl championship is to win in Week 1.
The 42 Super Bowl winners have a 34-7-1 record in the Kickoff Weekend games of their title seasons. However, as the Super Bowl XLII champion New York Giants proved, a loss on Kickoff Weekend can still lead to a championship season.
Since 1978, when the NFL went to the 16-game schedule, and excluding the abbreviated season of 1982, teams that are victorious on Kickoff Weekend are more than twice as likely to reach the playoffs than losers of an opening game:
Of the 426 teams which won openers…225 went to the playoffs (130 won division titles).
Of the 426 teams which lost openers…99 went to the playoffs (55 won division titles).
In 2007, nine of the 12 playoff teams – Dallas, Green Bay , Indianapolis , New England, Pittsburgh , San Diego , Seattle , Tennessee
“Season openers,” says Washington Redskins tight end CHRIS COOLEY, “set a standard for your team.”
KICKOFF WINNERS: The season kicks off on Thursday night when the Super Bowl XLII champion NEW YORK GIANTS host the WASHINGTON REDSKINS. The contest will feature two of the NFL’s most successful teams in season openers. The Giants rank second in history with 46 Kickoff Weekend victories and the Redskins tie for sixth with 37 wins.
The teams with the most wins on Kickoff Weekend:
KICKOFF-WEEKEND WINS | |
49 | |
48 | |
46 | |
42 | |
38 | |
37 | |
37 |
-- KICKOFF 2008 WEEKEND --
STREAKING INTO HISTORY: The NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS became the first team in NFL history with a perfect 16-0 regular-season record last year. Dating back to the last three weeks of 2006, New England has won 19 consecutive regular-season games, the longest streak in league annals.
The Patriots, who also have the second-longest such streak in history (18 games, 2003-04), will seek to reach 20 in a row on Sunday when they hostKansas City
The Patriots, who also have the second-longest such streak in history (18 games, 2003-04), will seek to reach 20 in a row on Sunday when they host
Following are the teams with the longest regular-season winning streaks in NFL history:
YEARS | STREAK | |
2006-07 | 19* | |
2003-04 | 18 | |
1933-34 | 17 | |
1941-42 | 16 | |
1971-73 | 16 | |
1983-84 | 16 | |
2004-05 | 16 |
*Active streak
MVP QBs: Last season, New England quarterback TOM BRADY was named the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player after setting an NFL record with 50 touchdown passes. Brady, who led New England to Super Bowl XLII, hopes to continue the success of MVP quarterbacks this Sunday. The past 10 QBs to be named the NFL MVP have posted a passer rating of at least 88.5 on Kickoff Weekend the following season.
The past 10 MVP quarterbacks and their performances on Kickoff Weekend the following season:
NAME | DATE | ATT. | COMP. | PCT. | YARDS | TD | RATING | |||||
Steve Young | SF | 27 | 21 | 77.8 | 260 | 2 | 0 | 131.5 | ||||
Brett Favre | GB | 27 | 20 | 74.1 | 247 | 4 | 0 | 141.5 | ||||
Brett Favre | GB | 22 | 15 | 68.2 | 226 | 2 | 1 | 113.1 | ||||
Brett Favre | GB | 32 | 24 | 75.0 | 277 | 2 | 0 | 121.5 | ||||
Kurt Warner | StL | 35 | 25 | 71.4 | 441 | 3 | 3 | 106.5 | ||||
Kurt Warner | StL | 41 | 32 | 78.0 | 315 | 0 | 1 | 88.5 | ||||
Rich Gannon | Oak. | 38 | 24 | 63.2 | 264 | 2 | 0 | 101.2 | ||||
Peyton Manning | 29 | 16 | 55.2 | 256 | 2 | 1 | 93.5 | |||||
Steve McNair | Ten. | 14 | 9 | 64.3 | 73 | 1 | 0 | 101.2 | ||||
Peyton Manning | 36 | 21 | 58.3 | 254 | 2 | 0 | 98.6 | |||||
-- KICKOFF 2008 WEEKEND --
THANK DEVIN: Chicago
The players with the highest yards-per-touchdown average in history (minimum 10 TDs):
PLAYER | TDs | YARDS | AVG. | ||
Devin Hester | 14 | 1,132 | 80.9* | ||
Mel Gray | NO, | 10 | 781 | 78.1 | |
Tamarick Vanover | 11 | 757 | 68.8 | ||
Dante Hall | 21 | 1,438 | 68.5* | ||
Deion Sanders | 22 | 1,461 | 66.4 | ||
*Active
Hester’s 11 combined kick-return touchdowns (seven PR-TDs, four KR-TDs) already rank as the third most in history. With another kick-return touchdown, Hester will tie DANTE HALL and ERIC METCALF (12) for second all-time, one behind BRIAN MITCHELL’s NFL mark (13).
The players with the most combined kick-return touchdowns in history:
PLAYER | YEARS | PR-TDs | KR-TDs | COMBINED TDs | |
Brian Mitchell | Washington, | 1990-03 | 9 | 4 | 13 |
Dante Hall | 2000-07 | 6 | 6 | 12* | |
Eric Metcalf | Cle., Atl., SD, Ari., Car., Was., GB | 1989-02 | 10 | 2 | 12 |
Devin Hester | 2006-07 | 7 | 4 | 11* | |
Three Tied | -- | -- | -- | -- | 9 |
*Active
TDs FOR T.O.: Entering his 13th NFL season, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver TERRELL OWENS has 129 receiving touchdowns, the third most in history. With two touchdowns this Sunday against Cleveland CRIS CARTER (130) into second place all-time in the category. Owens had two touchdowns on Kickoff Weekend last year and has six receiving TDs in his past four openers.
The players with the most receiving touchdowns in NFL history:
PLAYER | YEARS | REC. TDs | |
Jerry Rice | SF, Oak., Sea. | 1985-2004 | 197 |
Cris Carter | Phi., Min., Mia. | 1987-2002 | 130 |
Terrell Owens | SF, Phi., Dal. | 1996-Present | 129* |
Randy Moss | Min., | 1998-Present | 124* |
Marvin Harrison | 1996-Present | 123* |
*Active
