NFL EXPANSION-Will there ever be another team in Los Angeles?
By Dr. Bill Chachkes-managing partner Football Reporters Online
You can be sure that at one of the next few owners meetings, the subject of expansion will come up again. There is just too much money to be made, and too many fans to attract not to consider expansion. Why some owners complain the expansion would “dilute” the product is beyond me. The NFL is About two things: Making money and entertaining it’s fans, in that order.
Let’s look back for a bit. That last time there was true expansion was 1995, when Carolina and Jacksonville came into the NFL to bring the total of teams to 30. I don’t count the Houston Texans because they were replacing a franchise that moved (the Oilers) to Tennessee and became the Titans, Just like the return of the Cleveland Browns in the early part of the new century replacing the original Browns after they moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens. So there is your brief history up to now.
Oddly enough, the second largest television market in America still does not have a team, Los Angeles. The Rams moved to St. Louis when it’s owner complained to the league and the commissioner that they could not make money in L.A. with an outdated stadium (the coliseum was built for the 1932 olympic games). The owners begrudgingly agreed to allow the move. So the question remains” will Pro Football ever return to L.A.? There have been whispers in recent years of different investment groups who claim to be interested, but nothing has ever come to fruition. A second stumbling block has been Raiders owner Al Davis claims of infringement on his territory. Last time I looked at a map, Oakland was about 500 miles north of Los Angeles. Sorry Mr. Davis, but when you moved back to Oakland, you lost the right to make that complaint.
Other Investment groups have stated that without a new stadium project in place or at least major upgrades to the current venue. With the tightening economic troubles, monetary support from the local government will be minimal if at all. So it turns into a case of “Who” will step forward to lead an investment group. California’s “Governator” has said that a “replacement” franchise is important for the continued growth of the Greater L.A. area. A new team could draw 2 Billion dollars of new income to the local economy. By contrast, the return of The Browns generated nearly 1 billion dollars to the local Ohio economy, and it continues to grow.
Balance that with the cost of buying into the NFL (Dan Snyder paid 800 million to the Cooke family for the Redskins, currently they are worth nearly 1.5 billion) and you have an instant formula for success.
The NFL however, never rushes into anything. As a business, they desire to expand two cities at a time. If California get’s it’s 4th team back in L.A., where will the other team go?? San Antonio? Salt Lake City? Las Vegas? Portland? With the sagging economy needing a fix, could any of those cities really support an NFL team? Well, Vegas could, and San Antonio might, but the others are doubtful. The fans sure want more teams, and so do the players and coaches, because it would mean more jobs. But with the end of the current CBA just on the horizon, expansion just might be on hold for the time being.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Be a Man Johnson!
Be a Man Johnson
October 27, 2008
By Slavica Milosevska for Football Reporters Online
The Kansas City Chiefs have concluded that RB Larry Johnson will not participate in foreknown future after being charged with non-aggravated assault for spiting his drink in a 24-year old woman's face at The Blonde, a Kansas City nightclub, on October 10th. The woman claims Johnson repeatedly threatened to kill her boyfriend and spit at her three times again while being escorted out. This is the fourth case where Johnson allegedly assaulted a woman. Johnson was already out the last two games for breaking team rules and was teetering a suspension from the NFL. If suspended, the Chiefs may refuse to pay $5.5 million in guaranteed bonuses.
A serious issue is Johnson's past “reported” abuse towards woman, and remember, “reported” could mean more situations not on the record. In 2003, a felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor domestic battery for waving a gun in his home while arguing with his ex-girlfriend were dropped because of an agreement to enroll in a domestic violence program. Then in 2005, there was an accusation of throwing a woman to the ground, but again the case was dropped because on three separate hearings, the victim did not to appear in court. Then while awaiting his December 3rd court appearance for pushing a woman's head to the floor on February 24th, facing a six month maximum sentence and a $500 fine, he is now charged with a simple municipal assault charge.
Johnson stated in a recent public apology, “This is the first time in my life I actually had to stand up, I mean actually woke up and kind of be disgusted with myself and disgusted as far as the way my life and my career is heading right now. In times of darkness, you’ve got to look for the light and that’s what I plan on doing, regardless of what suspensions and fines are being handed down. I will take them as sincerely as they give them out.”
One would question, did this man have a rough childhood? According to the two-time Pro Bowl player, family has been very supportive. Academics and athletics were emphasized, and he believes his parents and two younger siblings helped him excel to attain his goals. Johnson has said that his father, Larry Sr., a Penn State Football Coach, is his best friend and that they are very close. His mother, Christine, an educator, is extraordinarily pleasant. Since her son's legal problems, she has been on his defense saying that he is not angry, just misunderstood and occasionally guarded.
In 2005, with the inspiration of his upbringing, Johnson founded the LJ’s Legacy & Growth Youth Foundation to create positive thinking, behavior and attitudes for self image and be a positive role model like his parents. Christine is part of the Professional Football Players Mothers' Association (PFPMA). She is hosting their donation event “Tackling Hunger” in State College, Pennsylvania on November 21st. Since her son's legal problems, she has been his defense saying that he is not angry, just misunderstood and occasionally guarded.
Johnson is not being the role model his parents were to him. It seems as if he hates women, but Johnson had a nurturing, caring mother and his father was not abusive. Where did he learn all these outlandish behaviors come from...aside from the boozing at the club? His actions are very disturbing with the frequency in violence against women. One would think that kicking the shit out of guys all day playing pro football is enough to release whatever frustrations one may have. I just don't get it.
October 27, 2008
By Slavica Milosevska for Football Reporters Online
The Kansas City Chiefs have concluded that RB Larry Johnson will not participate in foreknown future after being charged with non-aggravated assault for spiting his drink in a 24-year old woman's face at The Blonde, a Kansas City nightclub, on October 10th. The woman claims Johnson repeatedly threatened to kill her boyfriend and spit at her three times again while being escorted out. This is the fourth case where Johnson allegedly assaulted a woman. Johnson was already out the last two games for breaking team rules and was teetering a suspension from the NFL. If suspended, the Chiefs may refuse to pay $5.5 million in guaranteed bonuses.
A serious issue is Johnson's past “reported” abuse towards woman, and remember, “reported” could mean more situations not on the record. In 2003, a felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor domestic battery for waving a gun in his home while arguing with his ex-girlfriend were dropped because of an agreement to enroll in a domestic violence program. Then in 2005, there was an accusation of throwing a woman to the ground, but again the case was dropped because on three separate hearings, the victim did not to appear in court. Then while awaiting his December 3rd court appearance for pushing a woman's head to the floor on February 24th, facing a six month maximum sentence and a $500 fine, he is now charged with a simple municipal assault charge.
Johnson stated in a recent public apology, “This is the first time in my life I actually had to stand up, I mean actually woke up and kind of be disgusted with myself and disgusted as far as the way my life and my career is heading right now. In times of darkness, you’ve got to look for the light and that’s what I plan on doing, regardless of what suspensions and fines are being handed down. I will take them as sincerely as they give them out.”
One would question, did this man have a rough childhood? According to the two-time Pro Bowl player, family has been very supportive. Academics and athletics were emphasized, and he believes his parents and two younger siblings helped him excel to attain his goals. Johnson has said that his father, Larry Sr., a Penn State Football Coach, is his best friend and that they are very close. His mother, Christine, an educator, is extraordinarily pleasant. Since her son's legal problems, she has been on his defense saying that he is not angry, just misunderstood and occasionally guarded.
In 2005, with the inspiration of his upbringing, Johnson founded the LJ’s Legacy & Growth Youth Foundation to create positive thinking, behavior and attitudes for self image and be a positive role model like his parents. Christine is part of the Professional Football Players Mothers' Association (PFPMA). She is hosting their donation event “Tackling Hunger” in State College, Pennsylvania on November 21st. Since her son's legal problems, she has been his defense saying that he is not angry, just misunderstood and occasionally guarded.
Johnson is not being the role model his parents were to him. It seems as if he hates women, but Johnson had a nurturing, caring mother and his father was not abusive. Where did he learn all these outlandish behaviors come from...aside from the boozing at the club? His actions are very disturbing with the frequency in violence against women. One would think that kicking the shit out of guys all day playing pro football is enough to release whatever frustrations one may have. I just don't get it.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Brett Favre's family has a Blog Right here on Blogger
http://favrehopefoundation.blogspot.com/2008/10/family.html
His Wife Deanna has a few things to say about the Nasty Media(which i assume is the NY Media as well as the Green Bay Media)
His Wife Deanna has a few things to say about the Nasty Media(which i assume is the NY Media as well as the Green Bay Media)
DOWN LATE, THE JETS AND BRETT PULL IT OUT
DOWN LATE, THE JETS AND BRETT PULL IT OUT
by TJ Rosenthal for Football Reporters Online
The Jets saved their season by pulling out a last minute win against what was on paper, an undermanned KC Chiefs team Sunday. While former Jet and now Miami Dolphin signal caller Chad Pennington was throwing for 300 yards against the first place Bills, Favre was at times throwing science experiments into the air, just to see what would happen. What happened as a result was a game that was too close for comfort. None of his three interceptions were as costly as the final one, that was returned 91 yards for a TD and a Chiefs 24-21 lead with under 8 to play. The Jets were driving and in the red zone, looking to go up two scores and essentially put the game away.
Instead the returned interception left the Jets with their backs against the wall, having to play come from behind at home against a 1-5 team without Larry Johnson and their two top QB's Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard. It was a game that for a major part of it, was controlled by the tempo of the Chiefs offense and third string QB Tyler Thigpen (25-36 280 yds 2 tds) whose outstanding game management trumped Favre's for much of yesterday.
This all until the final Jet drive. A 60 yard drive that ended in a Laverneus Coles TD with just over a minute to play. A drive where the Jets were focused and in control. Now for the Jets to get to the post season, they'll have to stop playing down to the level of their opponents. Or as LB David Bowens said best after the win "We've got to respect everybody. It just seemed like we didn't give them any respect. I don't know if it was their record or what, but whatever it was we just came out flat..We didn't play the way we practiced. We practiced hard all week." The Jets couldn't get it going in Oakland last week and didn't escape. They did the same thing at home yesterday and barely escaped.
Yet escape they did. To a 4-3 record and a chance to tie the Bills (5-2 and in a first place tie with the Patriots) when they face them in Orchard Park next Sunday. A loss would have been devastating , emotionally and reaslistically. 3-4 after having come out of a soft part of the schedule would have been too much to overcome the rest of the way. So the Jets buy themselves more time. More time for Brett Fave to get acclimated. More time to find ways to incorporate Leon Washington, who broke away for a big TD out of the backfield, into the offense. More time for this defense to continue to gel as they have, especially against the run.
4-3 and only one game behind the Bills and Pats still leaves the Jets in position to make something of themselves. A franchise notorious for blowing the game BEFORE the big game fought off it's worst historic habit yesterday. They got the W. Now the story moves on to Buffalo.
________________________
by TJ Rosenthal for Football Reporters Online
The Jets saved their season by pulling out a last minute win against what was on paper, an undermanned KC Chiefs team Sunday. While former Jet and now Miami Dolphin signal caller Chad Pennington was throwing for 300 yards against the first place Bills, Favre was at times throwing science experiments into the air, just to see what would happen. What happened as a result was a game that was too close for comfort. None of his three interceptions were as costly as the final one, that was returned 91 yards for a TD and a Chiefs 24-21 lead with under 8 to play. The Jets were driving and in the red zone, looking to go up two scores and essentially put the game away.
Instead the returned interception left the Jets with their backs against the wall, having to play come from behind at home against a 1-5 team without Larry Johnson and their two top QB's Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard. It was a game that for a major part of it, was controlled by the tempo of the Chiefs offense and third string QB Tyler Thigpen (25-36 280 yds 2 tds) whose outstanding game management trumped Favre's for much of yesterday.
This all until the final Jet drive. A 60 yard drive that ended in a Laverneus Coles TD with just over a minute to play. A drive where the Jets were focused and in control. Now for the Jets to get to the post season, they'll have to stop playing down to the level of their opponents. Or as LB David Bowens said best after the win "We've got to respect everybody. It just seemed like we didn't give them any respect. I don't know if it was their record or what, but whatever it was we just came out flat..We didn't play the way we practiced. We practiced hard all week." The Jets couldn't get it going in Oakland last week and didn't escape. They did the same thing at home yesterday and barely escaped.
Yet escape they did. To a 4-3 record and a chance to tie the Bills (5-2 and in a first place tie with the Patriots) when they face them in Orchard Park next Sunday. A loss would have been devastating , emotionally and reaslistically. 3-4 after having come out of a soft part of the schedule would have been too much to overcome the rest of the way. So the Jets buy themselves more time. More time for Brett Fave to get acclimated. More time to find ways to incorporate Leon Washington, who broke away for a big TD out of the backfield, into the offense. More time for this defense to continue to gel as they have, especially against the run.
4-3 and only one game behind the Bills and Pats still leaves the Jets in position to make something of themselves. A franchise notorious for blowing the game BEFORE the big game fought off it's worst historic habit yesterday. They got the W. Now the story moves on to Buffalo.
________________________
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Terrell Suggs gets warned abotu 'bounty' comment
As expected, Terrell Suggs' comments about the Ravens having a "bounty" out for Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward have drawn some attention from the league office.
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Cowboys Overcome Shaky QB, Beat Bucs 13 - 9
Brad Johnson's aim was off and the boo's were roaring at Texas Stadium. Somehow, the Dallas Cowboys pulled out of their midseason slump anyway. Johnson made up for several missed chances at touchdowns by throwing one to newcomer Roy Williams at the end of a drive sustained by four defensive penalties, and the much-maligned Dallas defense held up.
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Mike Singletary Is Already My Favorite Coach
Gotta love Samurai Mike. This is the press conference after his first game today, a loss at home to the dreadful Seattle Seahawks. Dude even benched Vernon Davis and sent him to the locker room during the game. This is one of hopefully many rants to come from the Hall of Fame linebacker and new head coach of the 49ers.
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Sunday Scoops: NFL suspensions; Plaxico benched
The New Orleans Saints, who have three players facing four-game suspensions due to testing positive for water pills, aren't the only team feeling the heat of possibly losing multiple Pro Bowlers.
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Mike Singletary Press Conference After Loss To Seahawks
Saying that he wanted players who wanted to win, new interim San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Mike Singletary gave a passioned post-game press conference after a game which saw the replacement for fired Head Coach Mike Nolan not only bench Tight End Vernon Davis but ordered him to the locker room for his reaction after a costly personal foul penalty.
I liked what Mike did, but I think it should be done behind closed doors.
Giants outlast Steelers
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Giants loss to the Colts in the 1958 Title game. The Giants just completed a game with a victory that will eventually take it's place in the annals of history as one of the best regular season games ever to be played, miscues and all. It was truly a back and forth battle that saw The Giants PK John Carney(no relation to Art) boot 4 Field Goals and the Xtra Point after the winning TD. The Giants also Took 4 Interceptions away from the Steelers and Big Ben Roethlisberger, including the Steelers final offensive play of the game. The Giants defense also tallied 5 sacks and 9 Knockdowns on Big Ben. It was truly a clash of Titans, of 1 loss teams, and had been billed as a possible preview of Superbowl 43. While NY still does not look as "super" as they did in January but careful observers will tall you that Good teams find a way to win, and today, with the Steelers managing to slow the Giants offense and keep them out of the endzone until late in the game, the Giants Defense stepped up once again.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Watch NFL : Watch Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis live
The Tennessee Titans (6-0-0, 1st AFC South) are the last undefeated team left standing in the NFL, having ridden the wave of a strong running game and suffocating defense to the top of the league hierarchy. Titans have been awesome this year after taking down the six teams including Jacksonville (week1), Cincinnati (week 2), Houston (week 3)
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Rodgers vs Favre: Right move, right time
A comparison of Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre through the first part of the NFL season shows the Packers may have made the right choice to trade Favre while he still had value and let Rodgers take the reigns.
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Saints' Deuce McAllister Positive for Steroids
Fox 31 reported Friday the NFL has had a "rash" of positive tests under the league's policy regarding anabolic steroids and related substances. Citing a "highly-placed NFL source," the station reported that there have been as many as 10 positive tests, resulting from players taking water pills in an effort to lose weight.
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NFL: Rash of Positive Tests under Steroid Policy
There has been a “rash of positive tests under the steroid policy as a result of players taking water pills to lose weight," a highly-placed NFL source said. “There are about six to ten overall positive tests. Three to four of them are from the Saints organization alone including McAllister and Smith."
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SF Prop H Will Bring A Plan To Use "Clean Energy" By 2040.
http://www.sfcleanenergy.com - PG&E tells people that voting "Yes on H" will cause San Francisco to buy the PG&E grid. THAT'S BULL! All voting "Yes" on Proposition H will do is set San Francisco on a long term plan for the use of clean energy sources by the year 2040; it's not even 2010. What's PG&E scared of?
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Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Jets Left it on the Field
Jets left it on the field By TJ Rosenthal for Football Reporters Online
The Jets invented yet another way to blow a game Sunday. This, coming in the form of a clumsy tight end. Not even the legendary Bret Favre, who has been pedestrian for much of this season, or shall we say has turned into a Jet, could rescue them. Favre's brilliant last minute heroics, highlighted by his patented escape from a game ending sack in his own end zone, set the Jet's up for a last second FG. The first 52-yard attempt by Jay Feely (former 2nd round pick Mike Nugent's injury replacement. Second round? Thanks a lot Terry Bradway, for wasting an early round pick on a kicker in '05, then stepping down as GM) hit the left upright. Yet, thanks to a Raider time out, you know the one where the coach calls it RIGHT before the kicker lets loose? That ploy is starting to backfire a lot now throughout the league, giving the kicker a chance at redemption. Yesterday, the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets got a second chance. Moments later..Bang!! Right through. Game tied. Heading for Overtime.
Thus setting Jet fans up for yet another head between the seats crash landing destined for oblivion. A heartbreaking loss was sure to be on the way. The question was, how? The moment came halfway through OT. Favre, avoiding the determined yet tiring Raider rush, stepped up in the pocket to find a wide-open Chris Baker at the Raider 35. With a catch Baker may have found five to ten yards of running room thus leaving the Jets with a first down and within 45-yard FG range. Instead, Baker seemingly tripped on a yard line. All by himself. Didn't need anyone's help to do it. Falling helplessly to the ground, the ball and the Jets chance at stealing the win sailed past him. Soon a punt ended the drive. You can't fault Baker. He's a career Jet. For six years the Gang Green disease has built up around him. Rearing its ugly head yesterday as the opportunity to keep pace with the 5-1 Bills came and went in a flash.
Minutes later, Sebastian Janikowski brought his monster leg onto the field to bury a monster field goal that was kicked from Mars and had enough to make it to Mercury. In the end, it was the Same Old Jets. The faces change; the final chapter is the same. A winnable game against a beatable team followed by a gut wrenching loss. Now 3-3, the Jets find themselves in a familiar place. Desperate for a win before Halloween even gets here.
The Jets invented yet another way to blow a game Sunday. This, coming in the form of a clumsy tight end. Not even the legendary Bret Favre, who has been pedestrian for much of this season, or shall we say has turned into a Jet, could rescue them. Favre's brilliant last minute heroics, highlighted by his patented escape from a game ending sack in his own end zone, set the Jet's up for a last second FG. The first 52-yard attempt by Jay Feely (former 2nd round pick Mike Nugent's injury replacement. Second round? Thanks a lot Terry Bradway, for wasting an early round pick on a kicker in '05, then stepping down as GM) hit the left upright. Yet, thanks to a Raider time out, you know the one where the coach calls it RIGHT before the kicker lets loose? That ploy is starting to backfire a lot now throughout the league, giving the kicker a chance at redemption. Yesterday, the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets got a second chance. Moments later..Bang!! Right through. Game tied. Heading for Overtime.
Thus setting Jet fans up for yet another head between the seats crash landing destined for oblivion. A heartbreaking loss was sure to be on the way. The question was, how? The moment came halfway through OT. Favre, avoiding the determined yet tiring Raider rush, stepped up in the pocket to find a wide-open Chris Baker at the Raider 35. With a catch Baker may have found five to ten yards of running room thus leaving the Jets with a first down and within 45-yard FG range. Instead, Baker seemingly tripped on a yard line. All by himself. Didn't need anyone's help to do it. Falling helplessly to the ground, the ball and the Jets chance at stealing the win sailed past him. Soon a punt ended the drive. You can't fault Baker. He's a career Jet. For six years the Gang Green disease has built up around him. Rearing its ugly head yesterday as the opportunity to keep pace with the 5-1 Bills came and went in a flash.
Minutes later, Sebastian Janikowski brought his monster leg onto the field to bury a monster field goal that was kicked from Mars and had enough to make it to Mercury. In the end, it was the Same Old Jets. The faces change; the final chapter is the same. A winnable game against a beatable team followed by a gut wrenching loss. Now 3-3, the Jets find themselves in a familiar place. Desperate for a win before Halloween even gets here.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Terry Tate has a Painful Message for Sarah Palin
Wow. Well, I gotta admit it's a bit too harsh, but it's one of those train wrecks you can't help watching. But that's no way to treat a lady.
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Running back investigated for spitting drink in woman's face
Chiefs running back Larry Johnson is being investigated for spitting a drink in a woman's face at a nightclub during the Chiefs' bye week.
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Pat's Rodney Harrison Has Season-Ending Injury
The veteran New England Patriots safety has been diagnosed with a torn quadriceps muscle in his right leg and will not play again this season, his 15th in the NFL.
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Monday, October 20, 2008
Adam "Pacman" Jones Suspended "At Least" 4 Games
Cowboys cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones has been suspended for at least the next four games of Dallas' season for his most recent violation of the league's personal conduct policy., the NFL announced Tuesday.
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Some Super Bowl Tickets Selling for $1,000 for First Time
The NFL confirmed Thursday that 25 percent of the tickets for the Feb. 1 game in Tampa will be priced at $1,000. It also announced it will drop the price of 1,000 tickets at Raymond James Stadium by $200 to $500, the first time the league has cut prices for a Super Bowl.
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Pacman Jones weighing alcohol treatment plans
Adam 'Pacman' Jones is considering options for treatment for his alcohol use, a source told ESPN.
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Master Chief And Optimus Prime Are Saints Fanboys
When you have Optimus Prime AND Master Chief cheering from the Superdome, is there really any doubt which team is superior? I have to give it to the New Orleans Saints' fans, they've got great taste and a whole lotta free time. They look fantastic. We're just one T2 silver unitard away from the best fan base ever, full pics below.
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Tom Brady updates fans about his knee
Tom Brady has been doing his best D.B. Cooper impersonation since suffering a season-ending knee injury. But the New England Patriots quarterback has posted an open letter to his fans on www.TomBrady.com. Here's the message in full:
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Favre Denies Sharing Information to Sabotage Packers
Cornerback Charles Woodson says that if a media report indicating that Brett Favre shared inside knowledge of the Green Bay Packers’ offense with Detroit Lions coaches is true, it’s nothing short of sabotage. Has one of the most beloved players in Packers history become Benedict Brett?
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Pimp & Circumstance
Pimp & Circumstance
By Michael – Louis Ingram
BASN & Football Reporters Online
A Tale of Two Packers: On August 7, Green Bay Packer quarterback Brett Favre was traded to the New York Jets.
Upon release of this information in the Big Apple, Favre’s new #4 New York Jet jerseys were as abundant as bratwursts on game day at Lambeau Field.
According to area sources, 3200 pieces sold in less than a day – at $80 a pop.
A few days earlier, another former Packer, Herb Adderley, received his monthly pension check from the Players’ Union – in the amount of $126.85.
Adderley, a five time Pro Bowl selection, eight time All – Pro selection, three – time Super Bowl winner, member of the National Football League’s All – Decade team of the 1960s, and, in a survey done by The Sporting News ranked at the turn of the century as #45 out of the 100 greatest players to ever play the game, made less in his entire illustrious career (1961 – 1972) than the revenue earned in a few hours over the Internet.
While you digest the probability of this feat meaning progress, think about a man who sees his name in the Ring of Honor at Lambeau Field, but can’t see making it through his future at a level far below the quality of life he should be entitled to.
Bernard Parrish was a contemporary of Adderley’s, playing from 1959 - 1966, winning a world championship with the 1964 Cleveland Browns. “That was a big deal, winning the championship,” said Parrish, over the phone from Washington, D.C. “My winners’ share from that pool was $8,000.”
Parrish, who also garnered two Pro Bowl selections, revealed the game was not the afterthought it seems to be in the modern era. “Winning mattered. If you were on the winning side, you got $1500 a man, the losers got $750.
“In 1960, that had some weight. In 2008, that’s about a year’s worth of pension.”
Parrish, now 72 years old, spearheaded a class action suit (along with Adderley) against the NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA) and their marketing arm, Players, Inc. in 2007; and the gavel is about to drop on adjudication on October 20. The amount being sought for Parrish, Adderley and about 3500 other former pro players is $100 million dollars.
“The NFL makes $7.1 billion dollars a year – almost three million more than Major League Baseball – yet baseball seems to have found a way to take care of the older players with a tad more fairness than us,” said Parrish. When asked about the largest salary he made as a player, he said, “I was considered one of the best cornerbacks in the league early on – and I made $26,000 a season.”
It has been said by this writer and other BASN writers that the pittance laid out by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick of $750,000 for their corruption of football in the aftermath of the SpyGate scandal didn’t even manifest to a slap on the wrist as far as a deterrent was concerned.
However, when you take into consideration that there are at least five NFL franchises worth over a billion dollars in a depressed market such as this, one hundred million ultimately adds up to what these players probably should have received over the same time period, if you consider major medical, maintenance, long – term disability, and coverage for widows and children.
Anyone who drives a car or owns / rents a home pays some kind of insurance. You also know insurance companies love to take cash in, but hate paying out.
Management vs. Labor
In many ways, several aspects of this suit amount to what is a workers’ compensation issue.
So that we can give this as impartial and objective a look as possible, we’re going to go Sports MCs on this one; this time, our senior member, Mr. Finley “Doc” Pinkard will flex on behalf on what management’s argument could be while DJ Hunnycomb will attempt to lay the lumber down on behalf of the players.
I will further state that Doc is eminently qualified to speak on this, having over 28 years experience in banking and finance.
Doc: Okay -- now you have to consider this as one layer off of a very large onion. Players from 50 years back were making less money back then, but so was everyone else. Given what a dollar was worth, you can argue some players were doing a lot better than most back in the day.
If we go back to the “Greatest Game” of the Colts vs. Giants, it was the breakthrough game for pro football’s ascendance as a major spectator sport. After that game, we got games on free television on those black and white sets in the early 1960s.
Owners of teams at this time weren’t adding television revenue from football into the equation, so that didn’t factor into player’s contracts either. Whatever salary was made was determined by drawing power and the overall success of the team.
HC: I’ll grant you that, but you just made my argument on one important aspect of this: COLA – the cost of living allowance. Part of the reality leading up to this suit is due to those players not being given benefits that account for inflationary variables. How does $25,000 spend 50 years later? Unless it was saved and accrued interest, it can’t even come close.
Doc: Well, I can say honestly that there was a time when I had bang for my buck as a younger working guy than later in life. I had an apartment just off Central Park West, paying $225 a month in rent. I was earning $12,000 a year and had money in the bank.
At another point as I got older I had more than tripled my salary, but had even less to show for it than when I was younger.
Back when a lot of these cats played, a Cadillac Coupe de Ville cost $4,000; and a Jaguar XKE right out of the showroom was $7,000. You could buy a house for next to nothing; now $250,000 might buy you a raggedy house in New York City…
HC: Which means the inflationary slope has affected these guys, too!
Doc: But you have to also ask them what did they do with their money? How did they spend it or invest it, if at all?
HC: Which bumps us back to the insurance thing; there is nothing crueler than being subjected to hospital tests that you know were connected to your playing days, only to have a team physician or your own doctor tell you they can’t help you because your insurance doesn’t cover the disability.
Doc: Yeah – but you need to remember medical care has jumped light speed over what was done fifty years ago. You couldn’t ‘scope a knee; if you got cut at the knee, you were lucky if you ended up walking with a cane. Cat scans, MRIs, “Tommy John” surgery, hell, any kind of surgery.
No one could attribute what other dangers there were with soft tissue damage; and the connection with concussions weren’t even a major cause for discussion until the 1990s.
What the real cruelty is if say an Earl Campbell played now, his career probably would last but two or three years, given his running style. With the size, strength, added bulk whether chemically or naturally of modern players, Campbell today running the way he did would make him Christian Okoye; and he wouldn’t have put in enough time to qualify for a pension.
HC: Perhaps – but he would have a serious legal leg to stand on in a lot of video evidence attesting to his line of work; there would be no way any club could weasel out of their medical commitment to a guy who attracted collisions like Magneto manipulated metal objects.
You look at Campbell’s battered body and he’s just one clear example. What about all the others whose problems weren’t immediately evident? Do they get penalized because of the lack of medical knowledge?
If someone like a Brent Boyd, Conrad Dobler or Carl Eller had migraines and severe headaches years after their playing careers were done and nothing in their family medical history would indicate otherwise, the only way they could have acquired this condition would be from their previous vocation of playing a collision sport like football.
So now we’ve caught up medically and everyone knows what they might have, but they still can’t get help because they’re getting screwed by management.
Doc: Hey, my brother – that’s how it goes. Unless I have proof, as management, my job is to keep operating costs down. That’s why I would want this to come down to arbitration; whatever amount settled on would be a more thought out plan than anything labor could offer.
HC: I don’t think so. Arbitration would work for you, but not necessarily for the rank and file. There was a reason why unions were fought against, especially after Brother Parrish tried to form one among the players soon after the AFL – NFL merger.
These cats weren’t puppets, they knew playing ball was a job; and a job that came with great perks but also should have benefits like most workers did. Glamorizing these cats with sound bites and celluloid from the halcyon days is not paying their rent – or medication, or health care. I mean if baseball is trying to take care of their people, why not football?
Doc: That’s a whole ‘nother thing, Mike. Look – what’s the worst injury you can get in baseball? Someone throws at your head. How many people have died in baseball from injuries on the field?
So compare that with football, a collision sport. Different priorities from an insurance standpoint – different costs, too; as in a lot cheaper.
A doctor could argue injuries sustained from a post – football career could be from wear and tear on the body. On an individual case – by – case basis, the players might win some; but I bet you they’d lose a lot more.
HC: I can see where it would be easier to care for baseball players in that regard; but a user – pay system as health insurance for football players is like having no insurance at all.
If you are having annual checkups and everything’s all good, no problem; it will even pick up minor shit like Tony Romo’s owwie on his pinky;
Doc: (laughs) Don’t get me started on that boy cryin’ like a bitch about his pinkie!
HC: (laughing) But this is no joke – when the situation calls for potential long – term disability, these jokers look to find a way out of their agreement; you know this! You were in the business…
Doc: Well, the point of our discussion was to give management’s take on it, right? I’m not saying your argument isn’t valid; in the final analysis, it’s going to be about determining a proper adjustment rate for a pro – rated cost of living allowance; and possibly, restructuring of the pensions of the players.
One thing of which we both agree – no matter what is said, this is truth; these early players – the old – school cats – they built this game and allowed these young knuckleheads making all this money now to prosper.
HC: Damn Skippy! Just like everybody should be breakin’ off something to Curt Flood’s family, these guys need to catch a break and get some of what they helped build.
One area where the old rank – and – file could get some justice is in the actions of the NFLPA and Players Inc.; using their exclusive representation of NFL players to generate hundreds of millions of dollars through group licensing agreements (GLA’s).
But none of the players who have filed suit have received any of this money; and active players have only received 31%. The NFLPA and Players Inc., which have both been run by the same group of executives, have kept the remaining 69%. Through this lawsuit retired players are seeking their fair share of group licensing revenue.
If a company like Electronic Arts (EA Sports) is using likenesses of players who were playing long before permission to use an image became a codicil to a contract, then it will be a tremendous challenge for NFLPA and Players, Inc. to bullshit their way out of that.
The trial is set to begin on October 20, 2008, in San Francisco in district court.
BASN & FRO will keep you posted with interviews from some of the players whose voices will finally be heard during and after the trial’s conclusion.
mike@footballreportersonline.com
sportsmc@blackathlete.com
By Michael – Louis Ingram
BASN & Football Reporters Online
A Tale of Two Packers: On August 7, Green Bay Packer quarterback Brett Favre was traded to the New York Jets.
Upon release of this information in the Big Apple, Favre’s new #4 New York Jet jerseys were as abundant as bratwursts on game day at Lambeau Field.
According to area sources, 3200 pieces sold in less than a day – at $80 a pop.
A few days earlier, another former Packer, Herb Adderley, received his monthly pension check from the Players’ Union – in the amount of $126.85.
Adderley, a five time Pro Bowl selection, eight time All – Pro selection, three – time Super Bowl winner, member of the National Football League’s All – Decade team of the 1960s, and, in a survey done by The Sporting News ranked at the turn of the century as #45 out of the 100 greatest players to ever play the game, made less in his entire illustrious career (1961 – 1972) than the revenue earned in a few hours over the Internet.
While you digest the probability of this feat meaning progress, think about a man who sees his name in the Ring of Honor at Lambeau Field, but can’t see making it through his future at a level far below the quality of life he should be entitled to.
Bernard Parrish was a contemporary of Adderley’s, playing from 1959 - 1966, winning a world championship with the 1964 Cleveland Browns. “That was a big deal, winning the championship,” said Parrish, over the phone from Washington, D.C. “My winners’ share from that pool was $8,000.”
Parrish, who also garnered two Pro Bowl selections, revealed the game was not the afterthought it seems to be in the modern era. “Winning mattered. If you were on the winning side, you got $1500 a man, the losers got $750.
“In 1960, that had some weight. In 2008, that’s about a year’s worth of pension.”
Parrish, now 72 years old, spearheaded a class action suit (along with Adderley) against the NFL Players’ Association (NFLPA) and their marketing arm, Players, Inc. in 2007; and the gavel is about to drop on adjudication on October 20. The amount being sought for Parrish, Adderley and about 3500 other former pro players is $100 million dollars.
“The NFL makes $7.1 billion dollars a year – almost three million more than Major League Baseball – yet baseball seems to have found a way to take care of the older players with a tad more fairness than us,” said Parrish. When asked about the largest salary he made as a player, he said, “I was considered one of the best cornerbacks in the league early on – and I made $26,000 a season.”
It has been said by this writer and other BASN writers that the pittance laid out by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick of $750,000 for their corruption of football in the aftermath of the SpyGate scandal didn’t even manifest to a slap on the wrist as far as a deterrent was concerned.
However, when you take into consideration that there are at least five NFL franchises worth over a billion dollars in a depressed market such as this, one hundred million ultimately adds up to what these players probably should have received over the same time period, if you consider major medical, maintenance, long – term disability, and coverage for widows and children.
Anyone who drives a car or owns / rents a home pays some kind of insurance. You also know insurance companies love to take cash in, but hate paying out.
Management vs. Labor
In many ways, several aspects of this suit amount to what is a workers’ compensation issue.
So that we can give this as impartial and objective a look as possible, we’re going to go Sports MCs on this one; this time, our senior member, Mr. Finley “Doc” Pinkard will flex on behalf on what management’s argument could be while DJ Hunnycomb will attempt to lay the lumber down on behalf of the players.
I will further state that Doc is eminently qualified to speak on this, having over 28 years experience in banking and finance.
Doc: Okay -- now you have to consider this as one layer off of a very large onion. Players from 50 years back were making less money back then, but so was everyone else. Given what a dollar was worth, you can argue some players were doing a lot better than most back in the day.
If we go back to the “Greatest Game” of the Colts vs. Giants, it was the breakthrough game for pro football’s ascendance as a major spectator sport. After that game, we got games on free television on those black and white sets in the early 1960s.
Owners of teams at this time weren’t adding television revenue from football into the equation, so that didn’t factor into player’s contracts either. Whatever salary was made was determined by drawing power and the overall success of the team.
HC: I’ll grant you that, but you just made my argument on one important aspect of this: COLA – the cost of living allowance. Part of the reality leading up to this suit is due to those players not being given benefits that account for inflationary variables. How does $25,000 spend 50 years later? Unless it was saved and accrued interest, it can’t even come close.
Doc: Well, I can say honestly that there was a time when I had bang for my buck as a younger working guy than later in life. I had an apartment just off Central Park West, paying $225 a month in rent. I was earning $12,000 a year and had money in the bank.
At another point as I got older I had more than tripled my salary, but had even less to show for it than when I was younger.
Back when a lot of these cats played, a Cadillac Coupe de Ville cost $4,000; and a Jaguar XKE right out of the showroom was $7,000. You could buy a house for next to nothing; now $250,000 might buy you a raggedy house in New York City…
HC: Which means the inflationary slope has affected these guys, too!
Doc: But you have to also ask them what did they do with their money? How did they spend it or invest it, if at all?
HC: Which bumps us back to the insurance thing; there is nothing crueler than being subjected to hospital tests that you know were connected to your playing days, only to have a team physician or your own doctor tell you they can’t help you because your insurance doesn’t cover the disability.
Doc: Yeah – but you need to remember medical care has jumped light speed over what was done fifty years ago. You couldn’t ‘scope a knee; if you got cut at the knee, you were lucky if you ended up walking with a cane. Cat scans, MRIs, “Tommy John” surgery, hell, any kind of surgery.
No one could attribute what other dangers there were with soft tissue damage; and the connection with concussions weren’t even a major cause for discussion until the 1990s.
What the real cruelty is if say an Earl Campbell played now, his career probably would last but two or three years, given his running style. With the size, strength, added bulk whether chemically or naturally of modern players, Campbell today running the way he did would make him Christian Okoye; and he wouldn’t have put in enough time to qualify for a pension.
HC: Perhaps – but he would have a serious legal leg to stand on in a lot of video evidence attesting to his line of work; there would be no way any club could weasel out of their medical commitment to a guy who attracted collisions like Magneto manipulated metal objects.
You look at Campbell’s battered body and he’s just one clear example. What about all the others whose problems weren’t immediately evident? Do they get penalized because of the lack of medical knowledge?
If someone like a Brent Boyd, Conrad Dobler or Carl Eller had migraines and severe headaches years after their playing careers were done and nothing in their family medical history would indicate otherwise, the only way they could have acquired this condition would be from their previous vocation of playing a collision sport like football.
So now we’ve caught up medically and everyone knows what they might have, but they still can’t get help because they’re getting screwed by management.
Doc: Hey, my brother – that’s how it goes. Unless I have proof, as management, my job is to keep operating costs down. That’s why I would want this to come down to arbitration; whatever amount settled on would be a more thought out plan than anything labor could offer.
HC: I don’t think so. Arbitration would work for you, but not necessarily for the rank and file. There was a reason why unions were fought against, especially after Brother Parrish tried to form one among the players soon after the AFL – NFL merger.
These cats weren’t puppets, they knew playing ball was a job; and a job that came with great perks but also should have benefits like most workers did. Glamorizing these cats with sound bites and celluloid from the halcyon days is not paying their rent – or medication, or health care. I mean if baseball is trying to take care of their people, why not football?
Doc: That’s a whole ‘nother thing, Mike. Look – what’s the worst injury you can get in baseball? Someone throws at your head. How many people have died in baseball from injuries on the field?
So compare that with football, a collision sport. Different priorities from an insurance standpoint – different costs, too; as in a lot cheaper.
A doctor could argue injuries sustained from a post – football career could be from wear and tear on the body. On an individual case – by – case basis, the players might win some; but I bet you they’d lose a lot more.
HC: I can see where it would be easier to care for baseball players in that regard; but a user – pay system as health insurance for football players is like having no insurance at all.
If you are having annual checkups and everything’s all good, no problem; it will even pick up minor shit like Tony Romo’s owwie on his pinky;
Doc: (laughs) Don’t get me started on that boy cryin’ like a bitch about his pinkie!
HC: (laughing) But this is no joke – when the situation calls for potential long – term disability, these jokers look to find a way out of their agreement; you know this! You were in the business…
Doc: Well, the point of our discussion was to give management’s take on it, right? I’m not saying your argument isn’t valid; in the final analysis, it’s going to be about determining a proper adjustment rate for a pro – rated cost of living allowance; and possibly, restructuring of the pensions of the players.
One thing of which we both agree – no matter what is said, this is truth; these early players – the old – school cats – they built this game and allowed these young knuckleheads making all this money now to prosper.
HC: Damn Skippy! Just like everybody should be breakin’ off something to Curt Flood’s family, these guys need to catch a break and get some of what they helped build.
One area where the old rank – and – file could get some justice is in the actions of the NFLPA and Players Inc.; using their exclusive representation of NFL players to generate hundreds of millions of dollars through group licensing agreements (GLA’s).
But none of the players who have filed suit have received any of this money; and active players have only received 31%. The NFLPA and Players Inc., which have both been run by the same group of executives, have kept the remaining 69%. Through this lawsuit retired players are seeking their fair share of group licensing revenue.
If a company like Electronic Arts (EA Sports) is using likenesses of players who were playing long before permission to use an image became a codicil to a contract, then it will be a tremendous challenge for NFLPA and Players, Inc. to bullshit their way out of that.
The trial is set to begin on October 20, 2008, in San Francisco in district court.
BASN & FRO will keep you posted with interviews from some of the players whose voices will finally be heard during and after the trial’s conclusion.
mike@footballreportersonline.com
sportsmc@blackathlete.com
Nolan Fired-Singletary to take over-That Makes Two Bay area Coaches Fired In the Same Month!!
Even though we had heard that the York Family were unhappy with the current situation, we would have thought they would have let Mike Nolan finish out the 2008 season. Then the "Winds" began to blow like they always do at Candlestick Point. except these winds had a wisper on them. " We're going to replace Nolan after the Seahawks game" said those winds. Then tonight we heard "Why Wait! let's get it over with Now." My Only concern is This: Mike Singletary is a Quality Coordinator, a Hall Of Fame retired player, and a good decent man. But if you were labeling the defensive play as the main problem with the 2008 49ers team, then why would you promote the defensive coordinator? True, Defense was Nolan's forte. He was the Man that Rebuilt the Giants Defense after the collapse of the mid-to-late 1990's, and brought them to SB XXXV (i Think Nolan had more to do with that team's success then Fast Jimmy Fassel did! Call me crazy but...). So now the Job is Singletary's for the forseeable future. Will he bring In his Nephew?(an Asst. For Coach Turner Gill at the University of Buffalo) I'm sure for the rest of this season the remaining staff stays intact. Will He Replace Mike Martz? and When? I Hear Dick Vermiel is available as a special consultant in between rounds of Golf! Oh!! did i Blow IT?!? Isn't that who Al Davis wants to hire as General Manager? Don't laugh because it wouldn't be a bad move for either team.
Friday, October 17, 2008
NFL WEEK 7 INJURY REPORT Week 7 Games (October 19-20) – THURSDAY
WEEK 7 INJURY REPORT – THURSDAY
Following is a list of injured players for Week 7 Games (October 19-20):
BALTIMORE RAVENS at MIAMI DOLPHINS
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
S Dawan Landry (neck), CB Samari Rolle (shoulder, neck)
Thursday
S Dawan Landry (neck), CB Samari Rolle (shoulder, neck)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Yamon Figurs (knee), T Adam Terry (knee), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle)
Thursday
WR Yamon Figurs (knee), S Ed Reed (hamstring), T Adam Terry (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Jared Gaither (neck), CB Fabian Washington (shoulder), S Tom Zbikowski (shoulder)
Thursday
T Jared Gaither (neck), CB Fabian Washington (shoulder), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle), S Tom Zbikowski (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Lamar Divens (illness)
Thursday
DT Lamar Divens (illness)
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Casey Cramer (ankle)
Thursday
RB Casey Cramer (ankle), CB Andre' Goodman (not injury related)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Will Allen (knee)
Thursday
CB Will Allen (knee)
CLEVELAND BROWNS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
DT Shaun Smith (hand)
Thursday
DT Shaun Smith (hand)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Ryan Tucker (knee), TE Kellen Winslow (illness)
Thursday
RB Lawrence Vickers (not injury related), TE Kellen Winslow (illness)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Brodney Pool (ankle), T Kevin Shaffer (concussion)
Thursday
T Kevin Shaffer (concussion), T Ryan Tucker (knee)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
RB Ladell Betts (knee)
Thursday
RB Ladell Betts (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Chris Horton (ankle), G Pete Kendall (knee), RB Clinton Portis (hip), T Chris Samuels (ankle)
Thursday
S Chris Horton (ankle), RB Clinton Portis (hip), CB Carlos Rogers (calf), T Chris Samuels (ankle), DE Jason Taylor (calf)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Khary Campbell (calf), CB Carlos Rogers (calf), CB Fred Smoot (groin)
Thursday
LB Khary Campbell (calf), CB Fred Smoot (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
G Pete Kendall (knee), CB Shawn Springs (calf)
DALLAS COWBOYS at ST. LOUIS RAMS
DALLAS COWBOYS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Thursday
WR Sam Hurd (ankle)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Kevin Burnett (calf), WR Sam Hurd (ankle), RB Felix Jones (hamstring), G Kyle Kosier (foot), CB Terence Newman (abdomen), QB Tony Romo (right finger), LB Anthony Spencer (hamstring)
Thursday
LB Kevin Burnett (calf), RB Felix Jones (hamstring), G Kyle Kosier (foot), CB Terence Newman (abdomen), LB Anthony Spencer (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Keith Davis (thumb), DT Tank Johnson (ankle)
Thursday
S Keith Davis (thumb), DT Tank Johnson (ankle), QB Tony Romo (right finger)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Pat Watkins (neck), S Roy Williams (forearm)
Thursday
S Pat Watkins (neck), S Roy Williams (forearm)
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Drew Bennett (foot), CB Tye Hill (knee)
Thursday
WR Drew Bennett (foot), CB Tye Hill (knee), T Orlando Pace (thigh), RB Antonio Pittman (lower leg)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Orlando Pace (thigh), RB Antonio Pittman (lower leg)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Jacob Bell (foot), QB Marc Bulger (right finger), WR Keenan Burton (knee), WR Dane Looker (concussion)
Thursday
CB Ron Bartell (shoulder), G Jacob Bell (foot), QB Marc Bulger (right finger), WR Keenan Burton (knee)
DETROIT LIONS at HOUSTON TEXANS
DETROIT LIONS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Chuck Darby (calf), WR Calvin Johnson (concussion), RB Kevin Smith (shoulder)
Thursday
DT Chuck Darby (calf)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Travis Fisher (knee), G Stephen Peterman (hand), DE Corey Smith (hamstring)
Thursday
CB Travis Fisher (knee), G Stephen Peterman (hand), DE Corey Smith (hamstring)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
WR Calvin Johnson (concussion), RB Kevin Smith (shoulder)
HOUSTON TEXANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Dominique Barber (hamstring), RB Chris Taylor (quadricep)
Thursday
S Dominique Barber (hamstring), RB Chris Taylor (quadricep)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Duane Brown (ankle), TE Mark Bruener (hamstring), RB Ahman Green (foot)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
T Duane Brown (ankle), TE Mark Bruener (hamstring), RB Ahman Green (foot)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at GREEN BAY PACKERS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Joseph Addai (hamstring), DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), WR Roy Hall (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), LB Freddy Keiaho (groin), DE Robert Mathis (not injury related), TE Gijon Robinson (ankle), S Bob Sanders (knee)
Thursday
RB Joseph Addai (hamstring), LB Gary Brackett (not injury related), WR Roy Hall (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), CB Tim Jennings (not injury related), TE Gijon Robinson (ankle), S Bob Sanders (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), LB Freddy Keiaho (groin), DE Robert Mathis (not injury related)
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Atari Bigby (hamstring), DE Jason Hunter (hamstring), CB Patrick Lee (back), DE Mike Montgomery (ankle), DT Ryan Pickett (tricep), CB Charles Woodson (toe)
Thursday
DE Jason Hunter (hamstring), DE Mike Montgomery (ankle), DT Ryan Pickett (tricep), CB Charles Woodson (toe)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Chad Clifton (hamstring), CB Al Harris (spleen), WR James Jones (knee), QB Aaron Rodgers (right shoulder)
Thursday
S Atari Bigby (hamstring), T Chad Clifton (hamstring), CB Al Harris (spleen), WR James Jones (knee), CB Patrick Lee (back), QB Aaron Rodgers (right shoulder), C Scott Wells (shoulder, chest)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB A.J. Hawk (groin), S Aaron Rouse (concussion)
Thursday
LB A.J. Hawk (groin)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS at CHICAGO BEARS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Erin Henderson (knee), LB David Herron (hip)
Thursday
LB David Herron (hip)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Bernard Berrian (knee), TE Jim Kleinsasser (foot), WR Sidney Rice (knee), CB Benny Sapp (hamstring), S Madieu Williams (neck)
Thursday
WR Bernard Berrian (knee), LB Erin Henderson (knee), TE Jim Kleinsasser (foot), WR Sidney Rice (knee), CB Benny Sapp (hamstring), S Madieu Williams (neck)
CHICAGO BEARS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Marty Booker (back), RB Matt Forté (not injury related), WR Brandon Lloyd (knee), S Danieal Manning (hamstring), CB Charles Tillman (shoulder)
Thursday
WR Brandon Lloyd (knee), S Danieal Manning (hamstring), P Brad Maynard (left hamstring), CB Charles Tillman (shoulder)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Rashied Davis (knee), CB Marcus Hamilton (heel), DT Tommie Harris (knee), DT Marcus Harrison (ankle), DT Israel Idonije (ankle), P Brad Maynard (left hamstring), CB Trumaine McBride (shoulder), LB Nick Roach (shoulder), CB Nathan Vasher (wrist)
Thursday
WR Marty Booker (back), WR Rashied Davis (knee), DT Tommie Harris (knee), DT Marcus Harrison (ankle), WR Devin Hester (toe), DT Israel Idonije (ankle), CB Trumaine McBride (shoulder), LB Nick Roach (shoulder), CB Nathan Vasher (wrist)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
CB Marcus Hamilton (heel)
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Reggie Bush (knee), DT Sedrick Ellis (knee), G Jahri Evans (ankle), DT Antwan Lake (groin), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), G Carl Nicks (illness)
Thursday
RB Reggie Bush (knee), DT Sedrick Ellis (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Marques Colston (thumb), CB Aaron Glenn (ankle), S Kevin Kaesviharn (back), TE Jeremy Shockey (hernia)
Thursday
WR Marques Colston (thumb), G Jahri Evans (ankle), CB Aaron Glenn (ankle), S Kevin Kaesviharn (back), DT Antwan Lake (groin), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (hernia)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
G Carl Nicks (illness)
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR D.J. Hackett (knee)
Thursday
WR D.J. Hackett (knee), C Ryan Kalil (ankle), T Jeff Otah (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Thomas Davis (ankle), C Ryan Kalil (ankle), WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee), T Jeff Otah (ankle), LB Adam Seward (thigh)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
LB Thomas Davis (ankle), WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee), LB Adam Seward (thigh)
NEW YORK JETS at OAKLAND RAIDERS
NEW YORK JETS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
K Mike Nugent (right thigh)
Thursday
K Mike Nugent (right thigh)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR David Clowney (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DT Kris Jenkins (back), LB Bryan Thomas (calf)
Thursday
WR David Clowney (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DT Kris Jenkins (back), LB Calvin Pace (foot), LB Bryan Thomas (calf)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Justin Miller (foot)
Thursday
CB Justin Miller (foot)
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Derrick Burgess (tricep)
Thursday
DE Derrick Burgess (tricep), TE Ben Troupe (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (elbow), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (shoulder)
Thursday
LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (elbow)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CINCINNATI BENGALS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Dallas Baker (shoulder), RB Carey Davis (ankle), LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), DT Casey Hampton (groin), RB Willie Parker (knee), T Marvel Smith (back), WR Hines Ward (not injury related)
Thursday
WR Dallas Baker (shoulder), RB Carey Davis (ankle), LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), RB Willie Parker (knee), T Marvel Smith (back)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
DT Casey Hampton (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
WR Hines Ward (not injury related)
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
C Kyle Cook (toe), LB Corey Mays (ankle), QB Carson Palmer (right elbow)
Thursday
C Kyle Cook (toe), LB Corey Mays (ankle), QB Carson Palmer (right elbow)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Jamar Fletcher (hamstring), K Shayne Graham (right groin), WR Glenn Holt (ankle), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (ankle), LB Dhani Jones (foot), S Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring), T Levi Jones (back), CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle), RB Chris Perry (shoulder), TE Ben Utecht (chest)
Thursday
CB Jamar Fletcher (hamstring), WR Glenn Holt (ankle), S Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
K Shayne Graham (right groin), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (ankle), TE Ben Utecht (chest)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT John Thornton (achilles)
Thursday
LB Dhani Jones (foot), T Levi Jones (back), CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle), RB Chris Perry (shoulder), DT John Thornton (achilles)
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at BUFFALO BILLS
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Chris Chambers (ankle), WR Craig Davis (groin), RB Darren Sproles (ankle), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (toe), LB Jyles Tucker (hamstring)
Thursday
WR Chris Chambers (ankle), WR Craig Davis (groin), LB Jyles Tucker (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Mike Tolbert (ankle), S Eric Weddle (shoulder)
Thursday
RB Darren Sproles (ankle), RB Mike Tolbert (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Marques Harris (hamstring)
Thursday
LB Marques Harris (hamstring), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (toe), S Eric Weddle (shoulder)
BUFFALO BILLS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Terrence McGee (knee), DE Aaron Schobel (foot)
Thursday
C Melvin Fowler (elbow), CB Terrence McGee (knee), DE Aaron Schobel (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Derek Fine (hand), WR Roscoe Parrish (hand)
Thursday
TE Derek Fine (hand), CB Ashton Youboty (foot)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Trent Edwards (head), S Ko Simpson (hamstring)
Thursday
QB Trent Edwards (head), WR Roscoe Parrish (hand), S Ko Simpson (hamstring)
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at NEW YORK GIANTS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
CB Shawntae Spencer (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Walt Harris (not injury related), T Jonas Jennings (shoulder), S Mark Roman (knee)
Thursday
T Jonas Jennings (shoulder)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Frank Gore (not injury related), LB Manny Lawson (hamstring), CB Donald Strickland (hip)
Thursday
LB Manny Lawson (hamstring), S Mark Roman (knee), CB Donald Strickland (hip)
NEW YORK GIANTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Shaun O'Hara (toe), LB Antonio Pierce (quadricep), LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee)
Thursday
LB Antonio Pierce (quadricep), LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
C Shaun O'Hara (toe)
TENNESSEE TITANS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
TENNESSEE TITANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Tony Brown (ankle), WR Justin Gage (knee), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin)
Thursday
DT Tony Brown (ankle), WR Justin Gage (knee), WR Justin McCareins (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Justin McCareins (hamstring)
Thursday
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Jeff Webb (not injury related)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
TE John Paul Foschi (foot), CB Patrick Surtain (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Branden Albert (elbow), QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder), LB Donnie Edwards (ankle)
Thursday
T Branden Albert (elbow), QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder), LB Donnie Edwards (ankle)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
QB Matt Hasselbeck (back)
Thursday
QB Matt Hasselbeck (back)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Deion Branch (heel), S Deon Grant (knee), TE Will Heller (knee), WR Koren Robinson (knee)
Thursday
WR Deion Branch (heel), TE Will Heller (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Walter Jones (not injury related), QB Seneca Wallace (calf)
Thursday
S Deon Grant (knee), T Walter Jones (not injury related), QB Seneca Wallace (calf)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Patrick Kerney (neck), S C.J. Wallace (knee)
Thursday
DE Patrick Kerney (neck), WR Koren Robinson (knee), S C.J. Wallace (knee)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB B.J. Askew (hamstring), WR Maurice Stovall (hamstring)
Thursday
RB B.J. Askew (hamstring), WR Maurice Stovall (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
K Matt Bryant (right hamstring), RB Warrick Dunn (not injury related), WR Joey Galloway (foot), QB Brian Griese (right elbow), LB Barrett Ruud (knee), G Arron Sears (knee)
Thursday
K Matt Bryant (right hamstring), WR Joey Galloway (foot), QB Brian Griese (right elbow), G Arron Sears (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring)
Thursday
LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring), LB Barrett Ruud (knee)
DENVER BRONCOS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS on Monday night
DENVER BRONCOS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Boss Bailey (ankle), WR Brandon Stokley (concussion)
Thursday
WR Brandon Stokley (concussion)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Tony Scheffler (groin), RB Ryan Torain (elbow), RB Selvin Young (groin)
Thursday
TE Tony Scheffler (groin), RB Ryan Torain (elbow), RB Selvin Young (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Ryan Clady (groin), DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (groin), DE John Engelberger (knee), TE Daniel Graham (finger), WR Darrell Jackson (calf), RB Spencer Larsen (groin), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), WR Eddie Royal (ankle), DT Josh Shaw (groin)
Thursday
LB Boss Bailey (ankle), T Ryan Clady (groin), DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (groin), DE John Engelberger (knee), TE Daniel Graham (finger), WR Darrell Jackson (calf), RB Spencer Larsen (groin), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), WR Eddie Royal (ankle), DT Josh Shaw (groin)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Eric Alexander (hamstring), DE Jarvis Green (ankle), RB LaMont Jordan (calf), T Nick Kaczur (ankle), T Matt Light (knee), RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder), WR Kelley Washington (ankle)
Thursday
LB Eric Alexander (hamstring), DE Jarvis Green (ankle), RB LaMont Jordan (calf), T Nick Kaczur (ankle), RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder), WR Kelley Washington (ankle), CB Jonathan Wilhite (flu)
Following is a list of injured players for Week 7 Games (October 19-20):
BALTIMORE RAVENS at MIAMI DOLPHINS
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
S Dawan Landry (neck), CB Samari Rolle (shoulder, neck)
Thursday
S Dawan Landry (neck), CB Samari Rolle (shoulder, neck)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Yamon Figurs (knee), T Adam Terry (knee), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle)
Thursday
WR Yamon Figurs (knee), S Ed Reed (hamstring), T Adam Terry (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Jared Gaither (neck), CB Fabian Washington (shoulder), S Tom Zbikowski (shoulder)
Thursday
T Jared Gaither (neck), CB Fabian Washington (shoulder), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle), S Tom Zbikowski (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Lamar Divens (illness)
Thursday
DT Lamar Divens (illness)
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Casey Cramer (ankle)
Thursday
RB Casey Cramer (ankle), CB Andre' Goodman (not injury related)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Will Allen (knee)
Thursday
CB Will Allen (knee)
CLEVELAND BROWNS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
DT Shaun Smith (hand)
Thursday
DT Shaun Smith (hand)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Ryan Tucker (knee), TE Kellen Winslow (illness)
Thursday
RB Lawrence Vickers (not injury related), TE Kellen Winslow (illness)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Brodney Pool (ankle), T Kevin Shaffer (concussion)
Thursday
T Kevin Shaffer (concussion), T Ryan Tucker (knee)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
RB Ladell Betts (knee)
Thursday
RB Ladell Betts (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Chris Horton (ankle), G Pete Kendall (knee), RB Clinton Portis (hip), T Chris Samuels (ankle)
Thursday
S Chris Horton (ankle), RB Clinton Portis (hip), CB Carlos Rogers (calf), T Chris Samuels (ankle), DE Jason Taylor (calf)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Khary Campbell (calf), CB Carlos Rogers (calf), CB Fred Smoot (groin)
Thursday
LB Khary Campbell (calf), CB Fred Smoot (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
G Pete Kendall (knee), CB Shawn Springs (calf)
DALLAS COWBOYS at ST. LOUIS RAMS
DALLAS COWBOYS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Thursday
WR Sam Hurd (ankle)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Kevin Burnett (calf), WR Sam Hurd (ankle), RB Felix Jones (hamstring), G Kyle Kosier (foot), CB Terence Newman (abdomen), QB Tony Romo (right finger), LB Anthony Spencer (hamstring)
Thursday
LB Kevin Burnett (calf), RB Felix Jones (hamstring), G Kyle Kosier (foot), CB Terence Newman (abdomen), LB Anthony Spencer (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Keith Davis (thumb), DT Tank Johnson (ankle)
Thursday
S Keith Davis (thumb), DT Tank Johnson (ankle), QB Tony Romo (right finger)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Pat Watkins (neck), S Roy Williams (forearm)
Thursday
S Pat Watkins (neck), S Roy Williams (forearm)
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Drew Bennett (foot), CB Tye Hill (knee)
Thursday
WR Drew Bennett (foot), CB Tye Hill (knee), T Orlando Pace (thigh), RB Antonio Pittman (lower leg)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Orlando Pace (thigh), RB Antonio Pittman (lower leg)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Jacob Bell (foot), QB Marc Bulger (right finger), WR Keenan Burton (knee), WR Dane Looker (concussion)
Thursday
CB Ron Bartell (shoulder), G Jacob Bell (foot), QB Marc Bulger (right finger), WR Keenan Burton (knee)
DETROIT LIONS at HOUSTON TEXANS
DETROIT LIONS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Chuck Darby (calf), WR Calvin Johnson (concussion), RB Kevin Smith (shoulder)
Thursday
DT Chuck Darby (calf)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Travis Fisher (knee), G Stephen Peterman (hand), DE Corey Smith (hamstring)
Thursday
CB Travis Fisher (knee), G Stephen Peterman (hand), DE Corey Smith (hamstring)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
WR Calvin Johnson (concussion), RB Kevin Smith (shoulder)
HOUSTON TEXANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Dominique Barber (hamstring), RB Chris Taylor (quadricep)
Thursday
S Dominique Barber (hamstring), RB Chris Taylor (quadricep)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Duane Brown (ankle), TE Mark Bruener (hamstring), RB Ahman Green (foot)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
T Duane Brown (ankle), TE Mark Bruener (hamstring), RB Ahman Green (foot)
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at GREEN BAY PACKERS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Joseph Addai (hamstring), DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), WR Roy Hall (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), LB Freddy Keiaho (groin), DE Robert Mathis (not injury related), TE Gijon Robinson (ankle), S Bob Sanders (knee)
Thursday
RB Joseph Addai (hamstring), LB Gary Brackett (not injury related), WR Roy Hall (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), CB Tim Jennings (not injury related), TE Gijon Robinson (ankle), S Bob Sanders (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), LB Freddy Keiaho (groin), DE Robert Mathis (not injury related)
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Atari Bigby (hamstring), DE Jason Hunter (hamstring), CB Patrick Lee (back), DE Mike Montgomery (ankle), DT Ryan Pickett (tricep), CB Charles Woodson (toe)
Thursday
DE Jason Hunter (hamstring), DE Mike Montgomery (ankle), DT Ryan Pickett (tricep), CB Charles Woodson (toe)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Chad Clifton (hamstring), CB Al Harris (spleen), WR James Jones (knee), QB Aaron Rodgers (right shoulder)
Thursday
S Atari Bigby (hamstring), T Chad Clifton (hamstring), CB Al Harris (spleen), WR James Jones (knee), CB Patrick Lee (back), QB Aaron Rodgers (right shoulder), C Scott Wells (shoulder, chest)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB A.J. Hawk (groin), S Aaron Rouse (concussion)
Thursday
LB A.J. Hawk (groin)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS at CHICAGO BEARS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Erin Henderson (knee), LB David Herron (hip)
Thursday
LB David Herron (hip)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Bernard Berrian (knee), TE Jim Kleinsasser (foot), WR Sidney Rice (knee), CB Benny Sapp (hamstring), S Madieu Williams (neck)
Thursday
WR Bernard Berrian (knee), LB Erin Henderson (knee), TE Jim Kleinsasser (foot), WR Sidney Rice (knee), CB Benny Sapp (hamstring), S Madieu Williams (neck)
CHICAGO BEARS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Marty Booker (back), RB Matt Forté (not injury related), WR Brandon Lloyd (knee), S Danieal Manning (hamstring), CB Charles Tillman (shoulder)
Thursday
WR Brandon Lloyd (knee), S Danieal Manning (hamstring), P Brad Maynard (left hamstring), CB Charles Tillman (shoulder)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Rashied Davis (knee), CB Marcus Hamilton (heel), DT Tommie Harris (knee), DT Marcus Harrison (ankle), DT Israel Idonije (ankle), P Brad Maynard (left hamstring), CB Trumaine McBride (shoulder), LB Nick Roach (shoulder), CB Nathan Vasher (wrist)
Thursday
WR Marty Booker (back), WR Rashied Davis (knee), DT Tommie Harris (knee), DT Marcus Harrison (ankle), WR Devin Hester (toe), DT Israel Idonije (ankle), CB Trumaine McBride (shoulder), LB Nick Roach (shoulder), CB Nathan Vasher (wrist)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
CB Marcus Hamilton (heel)
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at CAROLINA PANTHERS
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Reggie Bush (knee), DT Sedrick Ellis (knee), G Jahri Evans (ankle), DT Antwan Lake (groin), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), G Carl Nicks (illness)
Thursday
RB Reggie Bush (knee), DT Sedrick Ellis (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Marques Colston (thumb), CB Aaron Glenn (ankle), S Kevin Kaesviharn (back), TE Jeremy Shockey (hernia)
Thursday
WR Marques Colston (thumb), G Jahri Evans (ankle), CB Aaron Glenn (ankle), S Kevin Kaesviharn (back), DT Antwan Lake (groin), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (hernia)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
G Carl Nicks (illness)
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR D.J. Hackett (knee)
Thursday
WR D.J. Hackett (knee), C Ryan Kalil (ankle), T Jeff Otah (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Thomas Davis (ankle), C Ryan Kalil (ankle), WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee), T Jeff Otah (ankle), LB Adam Seward (thigh)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
LB Thomas Davis (ankle), WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee), LB Adam Seward (thigh)
NEW YORK JETS at OAKLAND RAIDERS
NEW YORK JETS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
K Mike Nugent (right thigh)
Thursday
K Mike Nugent (right thigh)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR David Clowney (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DT Kris Jenkins (back), LB Bryan Thomas (calf)
Thursday
WR David Clowney (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DT Kris Jenkins (back), LB Calvin Pace (foot), LB Bryan Thomas (calf)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Justin Miller (foot)
Thursday
CB Justin Miller (foot)
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Derrick Burgess (tricep)
Thursday
DE Derrick Burgess (tricep), TE Ben Troupe (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (elbow), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (shoulder)
Thursday
LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (elbow)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CINCINNATI BENGALS
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Dallas Baker (shoulder), RB Carey Davis (ankle), LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), DT Casey Hampton (groin), RB Willie Parker (knee), T Marvel Smith (back), WR Hines Ward (not injury related)
Thursday
WR Dallas Baker (shoulder), RB Carey Davis (ankle), LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), RB Willie Parker (knee), T Marvel Smith (back)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
DT Casey Hampton (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
WR Hines Ward (not injury related)
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
C Kyle Cook (toe), LB Corey Mays (ankle), QB Carson Palmer (right elbow)
Thursday
C Kyle Cook (toe), LB Corey Mays (ankle), QB Carson Palmer (right elbow)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Jamar Fletcher (hamstring), K Shayne Graham (right groin), WR Glenn Holt (ankle), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (ankle), LB Dhani Jones (foot), S Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring), T Levi Jones (back), CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle), RB Chris Perry (shoulder), TE Ben Utecht (chest)
Thursday
CB Jamar Fletcher (hamstring), WR Glenn Holt (ankle), S Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
K Shayne Graham (right groin), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (ankle), TE Ben Utecht (chest)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT John Thornton (achilles)
Thursday
LB Dhani Jones (foot), T Levi Jones (back), CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle), RB Chris Perry (shoulder), DT John Thornton (achilles)
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at BUFFALO BILLS
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Chris Chambers (ankle), WR Craig Davis (groin), RB Darren Sproles (ankle), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (toe), LB Jyles Tucker (hamstring)
Thursday
WR Chris Chambers (ankle), WR Craig Davis (groin), LB Jyles Tucker (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Mike Tolbert (ankle), S Eric Weddle (shoulder)
Thursday
RB Darren Sproles (ankle), RB Mike Tolbert (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Marques Harris (hamstring)
Thursday
LB Marques Harris (hamstring), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (toe), S Eric Weddle (shoulder)
BUFFALO BILLS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Terrence McGee (knee), DE Aaron Schobel (foot)
Thursday
C Melvin Fowler (elbow), CB Terrence McGee (knee), DE Aaron Schobel (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Derek Fine (hand), WR Roscoe Parrish (hand)
Thursday
TE Derek Fine (hand), CB Ashton Youboty (foot)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Trent Edwards (head), S Ko Simpson (hamstring)
Thursday
QB Trent Edwards (head), WR Roscoe Parrish (hand), S Ko Simpson (hamstring)
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at NEW YORK GIANTS
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
CB Shawntae Spencer (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Walt Harris (not injury related), T Jonas Jennings (shoulder), S Mark Roman (knee)
Thursday
T Jonas Jennings (shoulder)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Frank Gore (not injury related), LB Manny Lawson (hamstring), CB Donald Strickland (hip)
Thursday
LB Manny Lawson (hamstring), S Mark Roman (knee), CB Donald Strickland (hip)
NEW YORK GIANTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Shaun O'Hara (toe), LB Antonio Pierce (quadricep), LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee)
Thursday
LB Antonio Pierce (quadricep), LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
C Shaun O'Hara (toe)
TENNESSEE TITANS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
TENNESSEE TITANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Tony Brown (ankle), WR Justin Gage (knee), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin)
Thursday
DT Tony Brown (ankle), WR Justin Gage (knee), WR Justin McCareins (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Justin McCareins (hamstring)
Thursday
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Jeff Webb (not injury related)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
TE John Paul Foschi (foot), CB Patrick Surtain (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Branden Albert (elbow), QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder), LB Donnie Edwards (ankle)
Thursday
T Branden Albert (elbow), QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder), LB Donnie Edwards (ankle)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
QB Matt Hasselbeck (back)
Thursday
QB Matt Hasselbeck (back)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Deion Branch (heel), S Deon Grant (knee), TE Will Heller (knee), WR Koren Robinson (knee)
Thursday
WR Deion Branch (heel), TE Will Heller (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Walter Jones (not injury related), QB Seneca Wallace (calf)
Thursday
S Deon Grant (knee), T Walter Jones (not injury related), QB Seneca Wallace (calf)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Patrick Kerney (neck), S C.J. Wallace (knee)
Thursday
DE Patrick Kerney (neck), WR Koren Robinson (knee), S C.J. Wallace (knee)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB B.J. Askew (hamstring), WR Maurice Stovall (hamstring)
Thursday
RB B.J. Askew (hamstring), WR Maurice Stovall (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
K Matt Bryant (right hamstring), RB Warrick Dunn (not injury related), WR Joey Galloway (foot), QB Brian Griese (right elbow), LB Barrett Ruud (knee), G Arron Sears (knee)
Thursday
K Matt Bryant (right hamstring), WR Joey Galloway (foot), QB Brian Griese (right elbow), G Arron Sears (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring)
Thursday
LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring), LB Barrett Ruud (knee)
DENVER BRONCOS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS on Monday night
DENVER BRONCOS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Boss Bailey (ankle), WR Brandon Stokley (concussion)
Thursday
WR Brandon Stokley (concussion)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Tony Scheffler (groin), RB Ryan Torain (elbow), RB Selvin Young (groin)
Thursday
TE Tony Scheffler (groin), RB Ryan Torain (elbow), RB Selvin Young (groin)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Ryan Clady (groin), DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (groin), DE John Engelberger (knee), TE Daniel Graham (finger), WR Darrell Jackson (calf), RB Spencer Larsen (groin), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), WR Eddie Royal (ankle), DT Josh Shaw (groin)
Thursday
LB Boss Bailey (ankle), T Ryan Clady (groin), DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (groin), DE John Engelberger (knee), TE Daniel Graham (finger), WR Darrell Jackson (calf), RB Spencer Larsen (groin), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), WR Eddie Royal (ankle), DT Josh Shaw (groin)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Eric Alexander (hamstring), DE Jarvis Green (ankle), RB LaMont Jordan (calf), T Nick Kaczur (ankle), T Matt Light (knee), RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder), WR Kelley Washington (ankle)
Thursday
LB Eric Alexander (hamstring), DE Jarvis Green (ankle), RB LaMont Jordan (calf), T Nick Kaczur (ankle), RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder), WR Kelley Washington (ankle), CB Jonathan Wilhite (flu)
NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL FALL MEETING ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15, 2008 - NFL Media.com
RE: Lengthening the regular season to 17 or 18 games.
…to support our relationship with our fans, because of the length of the season. That included weather conditions, with the potential for the season to go into late February. It involved, obviously, our relationship with the players, our relationships with media companies and the quality of the preseason. We’ve discussed this also in the context of the offseason. Again, that goes to the part about football readiness and how there’s greater interest from our fans of having a longer and deeper relationship with the NFL all year round.
I’m not suggesting playing games all year, but there was a suggestion about idea of a spring game of some type. A preseason-type game.
Q: You don’t want to give us an offseason, do you?
RG: We know you don’t want one.
Q: Any suggestion that two preseason games would hurt the evaluation process for teams as they make their final roster cuts?
RG: I think that’s what we mean about football readiness. I think that has to be evaluated. From a football perspective, there are two purposes. One, you want to get your team ready. Two, you make your evaluations of who will make your team. Those are the two primary objectives. We want to make sure teams have the ability to do that.
The likelihood is that teams will adjust to this, work in more scrimmages or other ways to evaluate players. The second point is, and I think I mentioned this yesterday, a developmental league of some type. That’s another question that a lot of clubs raised: how do we continue to develop our players?
Q: Before there is a vote on this, will the proposal include a definitive number (17 or 18 games), or will there be more discussion as the CBA negotiations move along?
RG: First, we have a lot more work to do on the analysis. This is something we will continue to pursue and will continue to evaluate. Eventually, we’ll have to decide strategically which proposal would be most beneficial to our players, our media partners, and other parties involved.
Q: Do you have a timetable for when you’ll decide on a proposal and then make it?
RG: We’re working on a proposal now. The major focus is analyzing the labor agreement and assessing the impact that this could bring to the table. We’re talking about cost recognition, the overall economics of the labor agreement, including stadium construction, retired players, and potential of expanding to more regular season games within the 20-game format. All of those things are factors that we’re considering.
Q: Is it clear whether or not the proposal will be 17 or 18 games yet?
RG: There are different viewpoints on that. I would say the prevailing thought that I sensed in the room was that it would be 18 games rather than 17 right now. People were still debating that.
RE: Are you exploring expanding the number of teams in the playoffs?
RG: There was some discussion of that. That came up. Some folks thought that was important to consider and include. Others had a different view on that also.
Q: What is your personal preference?
RG: We have to evaluate it a little bit more. I think it should be very special to get to post-season. I think to set a bar where to make it into post-season you have to achieve success, and make that special, is something we should continue.
RE: Super Bowl ticket prices
RG: The core prices have been set. We’re still evaluating some things.
RE: NFLN and whether there is any chance that negotiations with Comcast will be restarted before there’s a ruling by the judge
RG: We would hope so. We still believe that this should be settled at the negotiating table. Ultimately, that’s what’s in the best interest of all parties, most particularly the consumers. We would like to engage in a dialogue. We think the FCC ruling is significant from the standpoint that it is very clear that there is discrimination. We would like to get that done either at the negotiating table, or if we’re forced, to go through the process with the judge.
RE: When the last negotiations took place with Comcast?
RG: I’ll have to get back to you on that.
RE: Issue of players being fined after the game on plays that did not draw a penalty
RG: It’s always been an issue. That’s not new or recent. We’ve had that over the years, and it happens. When you see something that’s an illegal technique or something that we think that’s not proper and it wasn’t called, we’ll take whatever actions are appropriate to make sure the player and the coach understands that’s not permissible.
Q: You don’t feel it weakens the officials’ calls?
RG: I don’t think so. I think they do a great job.
RE: The role the economy will play in the upcoming season for the league and the clubs
That’s a pretty broad question, but the reality is it’s going to impact us. The economy is impacting us directly, and our business partners and our fans. So we’re sensitive to that, and we’re looking at everything we do, whether it’s our facilities, our stadium financing, or our pricing at the club level. We’re looking at all of those issues to determine how to best work our way through this.
RE: Do you get a sense from the union that they are more sensitive to the risks the owners are taking on?
RG: I really believe the players recognize what’s going on out there. Our business isn’t immune. This is a very significant time with what’s happening with the economy. And I don’t believe our players would be insensitive to that either.
Q: Is that based on conversations with union executives or individual players?
RG: I have had discussions with union executives and with players.
RE: Is there a change? Previously, they ignored your complaints. Has there been a change in emphasis?
RG: I wouldn’t agree that they ignored it. Obviously, the developments over the last couple weeks… We’ve seen this coming for quite some time. We’ve discussed this publicly and privately. There are risks in the marketplace. These risks are shifted to the owners and that’s a significant risk that usually results in difficult economic consequences. That’s what we’re seeing in the market. I think the players recognize that, certainly in the economy we’re in right now.
RE: Priority on security for the Super Bowl
RG: People derive comfort from knowing that we’re taking significant steps to ensure their safety. People come to our stadiums and want to know they’re safe. This Sunday here in Tampa you saw a good example of that. We had the pat downs and want to be able to accomplish that. People seemed to be generally accepting of it. People recognize it’s part of an everyday reality. We have a significant initiative to improve the experience at the stadium, not only security but making sure people feel comfortable.
Q: What’s the priority for you in terms of ensuring that fan behavior is within these standards?
RG: The big issue to me is making sure that everyone who comes to our stadium enjoys the event and that nobody stays away from our stadiums because of others’ behavior. There was a point made in our presentation this morning that one individual’s actions can affect up to 20 people’s view of the experience at the stadium. Most of the people who come to our stadiums come and enjoy them and have a great time. Unfortunately, somebody can behave in such a manner that can ruin it for a lot of other people. If they do, we are going to deal with it properly. First action is taken in the stadium, and the second is to revoke their ticket privileges.
Q: Is adding two more teams to the playoffs two total or two per conference?
RG: We haven’t gotten into the specifics of it. There have been proposals over the last 10 years or so of extending the playoffs.
RE: Those haven’t gotten much support. Do you sense more support?
RG: There was support last time. I think there was quite a bit of discussion when we realigned the league. It’s been a few years.
Q: Do you think there would be more support if it comes in conjunction with a longer season?
RG: I’m not certain whether there is a strong correlation between the two. They are two distinct decisions. I think in some people’s minds those might impact on their ultimate vote. But I think they are ultimately two distinct decisions at this point in time. As we evaluate it, we might draw that this is something that should be done as part of that, if we get to the conclusion that we should expand or restructure the season.
RE: Adding a potential regular season game to the back end of the season as opposed to the starting the season earlier
RG: That is how we discussed it this morning and that is how we’re analyzing it. On the other hand, there are people who want to discuss how fans perceive that if they are going to regular season games in January. That is something we have got to be sensitive to. We’re going to evaluate that and doing some studies on that to see what we can determine.
Q: So you’re still open to starting the season a little earlier?
RG: Yeah, I wouldn’t rule anything out.
Q: Are you looking at reintroducing the idea of reducing debt cap?
RG: Yes. In this kind of market every company is evaluating their debt levels and we’re not different from that. We have an obligation to do that on an annual basis. We’re all concerned about debt in this kind of environment. You can see what it can do. Companies that are over-leveraged – that is what this is – this is a massive de-leveraging on a global basis. It can have significant consequences for a business and that is what we want to avoid.
Q: Is it a concern that the Union will once again file a complaint if the NFL wants to lower its debt?
RG: They very well might, but we’re running our business. We have to be able to run our business just like everyone else and managing your debt is a big part of that, just as it is for everybody.
Q: You mentioned a spring preseason game. Is there an appetite for that?
RG: It is interesting. That was raised by a few clubs. It is more in the context of what colleges do with their spring game. It can be in the form of a scrimmage. It was an interesting concept that has been raised before and was discussed this morning by a number of people.
Q: Is it one team playing another?
RG: It could be. It was an interesting idea, which we’ll look at. It was raised by more than one club.
Q: Do you plan to look into the assault charge against Larry Johnson?
RG: Yes.
RE: Are stadium costs the fastest rising costs you have?
RG: I’d have to look at it statistically. Either player costs or stadium costs, yes. Our costs continue to rise and revenues are under pressure right now.
RE: Backlash regarding the NFL going overboard on cracking down on over the top touchdown celebrations.
RG: It is a fine line between an emotion and enthusiastic response that is natural versus something that is predetermined that is nothing more than to affect the other team or reflect poorly on the game. We always try to find that balance.
Q: So you are not trying to discourage it when it is spontaneous?
RG: No. It is a passionate part of our game, it is a big part of our game so we don’t discourage that, but it can cross the line where it becomes staged and inciting to the other team, and that is a problem.
# # #
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Emerging NFC East
The Emerging NFC EAST- By Michael Porpora for Football Reporters online
The NFC East has emerged as undoubtedly the best and most competitive division, top to bottom, in football. One could argue that it might be the toughest division in all of sports (although the AL east may have something to say about that). Lets not forget the NFC East sent three teams to the playoff a year ago (Giants, Cowboys, and Redskins), and I would be shocked if that changes this season.
The defending world champion New York Giants are surely one of the best teams in the NFL. Although though they lost their first game of the season this past Monday night to the Cleveland Browns, they still remain one of the best in the game. They are the true definition of team, with Eli Manning emerging as one of the premiere quarterbacks in the league; gaining confidence by the minute. The offensive line has been together for more than two full seasons and seems to get stronger with every game. Let’s not forget to mention the rushing attack of the human bulldozer, Brandon Jacobs, and the speedy Derrick Ward, a powerful one-two punch.
The Dallas Cowboys on the other hand have just acquired Roy Williams from the Detroit Lions, and now have the most powerful WR combo in the game. The Cowboys were the early odds on favorite to win it all this year with the season ending injury to Tom Brady, and that was before the acquisition of Williams. Although they have had their issues thus far this season with injuries to Tony Romo and Felix Jones, (and let’s not forget the mayhem that always revolves around Pacman Jones) I would love to see the damage they can do with their full squad in mid-season form.
The Washington Redskins are also looking like the playoff team from a year ago, winning four straight games against tough opponents to the likes of the Cowboys and the Eagles. The Redskins had a shocking loss to the winless Rams this past week, but they are a resilient team who will surely bounce back.
The Eagles have the longest tenured head coach in the game, in Andy Reid, who has proven to be one of the best head coaches in the league. With the addition of Asante Samuel and the receive DeSean Jackson they are an extremely skillful team with great experience to go along with it. As long as McNabb and Westbrook can stay healthy, they can play with anyone in the League.
The other night I heard Osi Umenyiora say on Monday night countdown that the team he fears the most in the NFC East is “the Philadelphia Eagles,” who have a 3-3 record and are currently last in the division. If that doesn’t explain how competitive this division is, I don’t know what does.
In short, these four teams are stacked among all facets of the game. They are great defensively and offensively with outstanding running attacks. The NFC East teams also have Pro Bowl quarterbacks with tremendous upside and if you ask me, the Super Bowl champions will once again come out of the NFC East.
Eds. Note Michael Porpora is the newest addition to the staff at Football Reporters Online. This is his first submission.
The NFC East has emerged as undoubtedly the best and most competitive division, top to bottom, in football. One could argue that it might be the toughest division in all of sports (although the AL east may have something to say about that). Lets not forget the NFC East sent three teams to the playoff a year ago (Giants, Cowboys, and Redskins), and I would be shocked if that changes this season.
The defending world champion New York Giants are surely one of the best teams in the NFL. Although though they lost their first game of the season this past Monday night to the Cleveland Browns, they still remain one of the best in the game. They are the true definition of team, with Eli Manning emerging as one of the premiere quarterbacks in the league; gaining confidence by the minute. The offensive line has been together for more than two full seasons and seems to get stronger with every game. Let’s not forget to mention the rushing attack of the human bulldozer, Brandon Jacobs, and the speedy Derrick Ward, a powerful one-two punch.
The Dallas Cowboys on the other hand have just acquired Roy Williams from the Detroit Lions, and now have the most powerful WR combo in the game. The Cowboys were the early odds on favorite to win it all this year with the season ending injury to Tom Brady, and that was before the acquisition of Williams. Although they have had their issues thus far this season with injuries to Tony Romo and Felix Jones, (and let’s not forget the mayhem that always revolves around Pacman Jones) I would love to see the damage they can do with their full squad in mid-season form.
The Washington Redskins are also looking like the playoff team from a year ago, winning four straight games against tough opponents to the likes of the Cowboys and the Eagles. The Redskins had a shocking loss to the winless Rams this past week, but they are a resilient team who will surely bounce back.
The Eagles have the longest tenured head coach in the game, in Andy Reid, who has proven to be one of the best head coaches in the league. With the addition of Asante Samuel and the receive DeSean Jackson they are an extremely skillful team with great experience to go along with it. As long as McNabb and Westbrook can stay healthy, they can play with anyone in the League.
The other night I heard Osi Umenyiora say on Monday night countdown that the team he fears the most in the NFC East is “the Philadelphia Eagles,” who have a 3-3 record and are currently last in the division. If that doesn’t explain how competitive this division is, I don’t know what does.
In short, these four teams are stacked among all facets of the game. They are great defensively and offensively with outstanding running attacks. The NFC East teams also have Pro Bowl quarterbacks with tremendous upside and if you ask me, the Super Bowl champions will once again come out of the NFC East.
Eds. Note Michael Porpora is the newest addition to the staff at Football Reporters Online. This is his first submission.
Football Reporters Online Show
It's Thursday, and that means it's another episode of the Football Reporters Online Show On BlogTalk Radio. Joining us Tonight will be Jennifer Smith, The Executive Director of the Gridiron Greats Assistance fund. We will Discuss the Ongoing Health Care Crisis among Senior retired NFL Players, and what the Fans can do to support this worthy cause.
The show can be heard at 9pm eastern at;
Monday, October 13, 2008
“The Express” Is Right On Time
“The Express” Is Right On Time
By Michael – Louis Ingram for Football Reporters Online
“From the time I started in sports, I was always the player who got the limelight, who had the nice stories written about him; all this I gained merely by doing what I liked to do most.”
--Ernie Davis, the first African – American to win the Heisman Award; from an article entitled “I’m Not Unlucky” in the Saturday Evening Post, March 30, 1963 (with Bob August).
It has long been something most people take for granted, especially in the era of self – promotion and media commotion; to be able to translate their talents into real – world affectation, benefitting not only themselves, but mankind as well.
If you were a Black person living in 1950s America, those opportunities to do something you loved and prosper from it were few and far between; and as prior generations of Black people sought to channel their frustration into realization, waiting for that one source which could not only burn, but illuminate.
In 1959, Syracuse University would produce such a source in Ernie Davis.
The life of tailback Ernie Davis is put on display in a new film, “The Express,” to be released nationwide today. As the first African – American to receive college football’s highest honor, the Heisman Trophy, Davis, who was nicknamed “the Elmira Express” for his community in Elmira, New York, would do the thing he loved; while transforming into a conduit for the aspirations of civility and humanity for Black people during the Civil Rights era.
As herculean a task as Davis had thrust upon him, there was one who had previously blazed a trail for him. The great Jim Brown, first to wear the now mythic #44 for the Orangemen of Syracuse, revealed that Davis was made of the right stuff. “Ernie Davis was a quiet storm of courage and self – awareness,” assesses Brown. On the field, he was everything you could want in a talent – big, quick and powerful.
“But off the field, with the eyes of the world on him, he stared perception in the face with his reality of knowing who he was and knowing what he did and what it meant to everyone at that time.
“You have to remember cats like Davis saw the big picture; they didn’t come out of school with no degree and little life experience. If anything, Syracuse kept its word in guaranteeing an education to us.
“Out of the Black men who would go on to play professional ball in that era, over 90 per cent of these men had their degrees – real degrees -- and knew there were more things than football we had to contend with.”
Syracuse head football coach Ben Schwartzwalder was one of those things; a hard, focused man who was tough but fair – and Davis’ enduring spirit endeared himself to Schwartzwalder, helping him and the program to become one of the strongest in the country during a time resistant to change and more sensitive to transition.
Davis’ story is a lightning rod for the growing civil rights movement that would take the country to task in the 1960s. The covert and overt racism Davis would run over around and through would change the face of college athletics; but Davis, unlike many after him, didn’t have the luxury of opting out of the challenge and ignoring the unspoken calling for commercial gain.
Brown cites this as the quintessential difference between then and now. “You take a Michael Jordan,” pauses Brown,”…and all you can really say about him is that he was a great basketball player – but that’s all. Jordan is no hero to me.
“There were cats like Jordan back in our time, too – and whatever motivations sparked them to do what they did was just something unsaid; but we knew (who they were), and they were far in the minority in our overall approach of what we collectively had to do.
“Ernie Davis never gave his manhood up – and still managed to sign what was at that time the largest pro contract at the end of his college career.
“There is no question Davis would’ve been a great pro player; that he never got the chance to fulfill it pales in comparison to the commitment he made in earning it and making things better for those who came after him,” Brown said.
In addition to being the first Black player to be awarded the Heisman, Davis would become the first Black player to be selected as first overall in any NFL draft in 1962.
When his rights were traded from the Washington Redskins and their racist owner George Preston Marshall (in part because Davis refused to play for him), Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell laid the foundation for a dream backfield of Brown and Davis. Although leukemia would end Davis’ life at age 23, the Browns retired #45 in honor of him.
The ‘one who came after’ Davis at Syracuse was Floyd Little, who, compared to Brown and the 6’2” 220 pound Davis, was the smallest of the titanic triumvirate (5’ 10”, 190) and Little still smiles in recalling the day he committed to Syracuse. “We were all at home, watching ‘The Beverly Hillbillies,’” laughs Little. The door was answered and here’s Ernie and Ben Schwartzwalder. Ernie had on this camel hair coat and this huge smile on his face as he said hello and my sisters are all goo – goo eyed, staring holes through him.
“We then went to dinner and what I remember most was the university promising that they would ensure me that if I played for Syracuse, I would leave with an education and something else besides Saturday afternoons in the fall – and they kept their word.”
While Little may have been the runt of the litter, his heart was huge. As the sixth player in the AFL – NFL common draft in 1967 after an All – American career as an Orangeman, he singlehandedly saved the Denver Broncos with his efforts at Mile High Stadium.
In Denver, Little was merely “The Franchise” – but suggests Davis was of even greater stature. “I would have to say this movie about Ernie has been in the works for over 40 years. In terms of scope and its effect on our society, it has to rank right up there with Jackie Robinson’s story in baseball.”
What is clear about “The Express” is this is not a football movie, a sentiment Little echoes. “This is a story of a young man who knew he was sick; who should’ve had everything to look forward to after overcoming so much refusing to dwell on ‘what if’ or ‘why me?’ – and doing it with a desire to live and class that I sincerely hope will give some of these young men out here pause to start thinking again.”
I see “The Express” as an “Old School” primer in knowing what to do and how to do it; and as these great men have stated, will hopefully serve as a wakeup call to many athletes and non – athletes to reconsider the unspoken covenant made between those who came before and the expectations in holding down those values intrinsic to all cultures.
This flick is worth more than a bucket of popcorn, and seems to be pulling into the station of self - awareness – right on time.
Mike is F.R.O's Director of scouting and Also hosts a Weekly show on Blackathlete.com's website. You can e-mail him your comments at the address below
mike@footballreportersonline.com
By Michael – Louis Ingram for Football Reporters Online
“From the time I started in sports, I was always the player who got the limelight, who had the nice stories written about him; all this I gained merely by doing what I liked to do most.”
--Ernie Davis, the first African – American to win the Heisman Award; from an article entitled “I’m Not Unlucky” in the Saturday Evening Post, March 30, 1963 (with Bob August).
It has long been something most people take for granted, especially in the era of self – promotion and media commotion; to be able to translate their talents into real – world affectation, benefitting not only themselves, but mankind as well.
If you were a Black person living in 1950s America, those opportunities to do something you loved and prosper from it were few and far between; and as prior generations of Black people sought to channel their frustration into realization, waiting for that one source which could not only burn, but illuminate.
In 1959, Syracuse University would produce such a source in Ernie Davis.
The life of tailback Ernie Davis is put on display in a new film, “The Express,” to be released nationwide today. As the first African – American to receive college football’s highest honor, the Heisman Trophy, Davis, who was nicknamed “the Elmira Express” for his community in Elmira, New York, would do the thing he loved; while transforming into a conduit for the aspirations of civility and humanity for Black people during the Civil Rights era.
As herculean a task as Davis had thrust upon him, there was one who had previously blazed a trail for him. The great Jim Brown, first to wear the now mythic #44 for the Orangemen of Syracuse, revealed that Davis was made of the right stuff. “Ernie Davis was a quiet storm of courage and self – awareness,” assesses Brown. On the field, he was everything you could want in a talent – big, quick and powerful.
“But off the field, with the eyes of the world on him, he stared perception in the face with his reality of knowing who he was and knowing what he did and what it meant to everyone at that time.
“You have to remember cats like Davis saw the big picture; they didn’t come out of school with no degree and little life experience. If anything, Syracuse kept its word in guaranteeing an education to us.
“Out of the Black men who would go on to play professional ball in that era, over 90 per cent of these men had their degrees – real degrees -- and knew there were more things than football we had to contend with.”
Syracuse head football coach Ben Schwartzwalder was one of those things; a hard, focused man who was tough but fair – and Davis’ enduring spirit endeared himself to Schwartzwalder, helping him and the program to become one of the strongest in the country during a time resistant to change and more sensitive to transition.
Davis’ story is a lightning rod for the growing civil rights movement that would take the country to task in the 1960s. The covert and overt racism Davis would run over around and through would change the face of college athletics; but Davis, unlike many after him, didn’t have the luxury of opting out of the challenge and ignoring the unspoken calling for commercial gain.
Brown cites this as the quintessential difference between then and now. “You take a Michael Jordan,” pauses Brown,”…and all you can really say about him is that he was a great basketball player – but that’s all. Jordan is no hero to me.
“There were cats like Jordan back in our time, too – and whatever motivations sparked them to do what they did was just something unsaid; but we knew (who they were), and they were far in the minority in our overall approach of what we collectively had to do.
“Ernie Davis never gave his manhood up – and still managed to sign what was at that time the largest pro contract at the end of his college career.
“There is no question Davis would’ve been a great pro player; that he never got the chance to fulfill it pales in comparison to the commitment he made in earning it and making things better for those who came after him,” Brown said.
In addition to being the first Black player to be awarded the Heisman, Davis would become the first Black player to be selected as first overall in any NFL draft in 1962.
When his rights were traded from the Washington Redskins and their racist owner George Preston Marshall (in part because Davis refused to play for him), Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell laid the foundation for a dream backfield of Brown and Davis. Although leukemia would end Davis’ life at age 23, the Browns retired #45 in honor of him.
The ‘one who came after’ Davis at Syracuse was Floyd Little, who, compared to Brown and the 6’2” 220 pound Davis, was the smallest of the titanic triumvirate (5’ 10”, 190) and Little still smiles in recalling the day he committed to Syracuse. “We were all at home, watching ‘The Beverly Hillbillies,’” laughs Little. The door was answered and here’s Ernie and Ben Schwartzwalder. Ernie had on this camel hair coat and this huge smile on his face as he said hello and my sisters are all goo – goo eyed, staring holes through him.
“We then went to dinner and what I remember most was the university promising that they would ensure me that if I played for Syracuse, I would leave with an education and something else besides Saturday afternoons in the fall – and they kept their word.”
While Little may have been the runt of the litter, his heart was huge. As the sixth player in the AFL – NFL common draft in 1967 after an All – American career as an Orangeman, he singlehandedly saved the Denver Broncos with his efforts at Mile High Stadium.
In Denver, Little was merely “The Franchise” – but suggests Davis was of even greater stature. “I would have to say this movie about Ernie has been in the works for over 40 years. In terms of scope and its effect on our society, it has to rank right up there with Jackie Robinson’s story in baseball.”
What is clear about “The Express” is this is not a football movie, a sentiment Little echoes. “This is a story of a young man who knew he was sick; who should’ve had everything to look forward to after overcoming so much refusing to dwell on ‘what if’ or ‘why me?’ – and doing it with a desire to live and class that I sincerely hope will give some of these young men out here pause to start thinking again.”
I see “The Express” as an “Old School” primer in knowing what to do and how to do it; and as these great men have stated, will hopefully serve as a wakeup call to many athletes and non – athletes to reconsider the unspoken covenant made between those who came before and the expectations in holding down those values intrinsic to all cultures.
This flick is worth more than a bucket of popcorn, and seems to be pulling into the station of self - awareness – right on time.
Mike is F.R.O's Director of scouting and Also hosts a Weekly show on Blackathlete.com's website. You can e-mail him your comments at the address below
mike@footballreportersonline.com
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Buying Into Team Concept Resulting In Big Results For Big Blue
Buying Into Team Concept Resulting In Big Results For Big Blue-By Jon Wagner for Football Reporters Online
It took the New York Giants the majority of the 2007 regular season to buy into what its coaching staff was selling. We all know how that story panned out for New York, with an unlikely run to a Super Bowl title over the previously undefeated New England Patriots. The Giants didn’t even look like a playoff team, let alone an eventual NFL champion, in the earlier part of the 2007 campaign.
The point at which the Giants are at now, defending their 2007 title with a perfect 4-0 start in 2008 (extending their regular and postseason winning streak to eight consecutive games), clouds recollections of the Giants’ very humble beginnings last season.
Revisiting those early stages of what has become the Giants’ tremendous team growth, provides a great deal of perspective. The Giants began last season 0-2, allowing 80 points in their first two games; after winning seven of their next eight games, the Giants and Eli Manning were about as dreadful as they could be in getting wiped out at home, 41-17, against the Minnesota Vikings; and, after losing a key December game at home (in which they came in favored) to the Washington Redskins, in December, the Giants found their slim playoff chances hanging by a thread, down 14-0 after the first quarter in Buffalo, in a must-win game.
That’s the point at which everything finally clicked for the Giants, who they haven’t looked back since. That’s when Brandon Jacobs ran for two touchdowns (en route to a 143-yard rushing day) to tie that game in Buffalo; when Kawicka Mitchell stepped up with a huge play, returning an interception 20 yards to put the Giants ahead of the Bills to stay; when Eli Manning finally began to prove, in any conditions (even in rainy and windy Buffalo that day) that he could be the leader the Giants had waited for, four years; and, that’s when the Giants learned what they had in Ahmad Bradshaw, who ran for an 88-yard touchdown and a career-high 151 yards to clinch the win over the Bills, and ultimately clinch the Giants’ playoff chances, touching off what became one of the greatest late-season runs in sports history.
What followed of course was the narrow, confidence-building, well-played loss to New England at home, the Giants’ final loss (excluding the 2008 preseason) to date, before the Giants’ magical road playoff run to a title.
Manning’s confidence and level of play soared. The defense finally practiced on the field what Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was preaching, and the rest of the Giants bought in to Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s ideals of personal sacrifice and “team first” concepts.
The Giants of course, have gotten where they are today because they have talent both on their roster and throughout their coaching staff. However, last season’s 18-1 Patriots also had a world of talent, yet as 14-point underdogs in Super Bowl XLII, it was the Giants who emerged as unexpected champions.
Why? Because the Giants mixed their talent with all of the other ingredients needed to overcome injuries and adversity -- maximum effort, heart, true team play, and surprising heroes picking up the slack for the Giants’ stars whenever called upon.
When Jeremy Shockey went down for the season with a leg injury in the aforementioned Washington game, Kevin Boss stepped in more than adequately for the remainder of the season, including his key, late 45-yard reception in Super Bowl XLII.
And, of course, we all know the remarkable catch that David Tyree made, despite being able to count the number of catches he had previously made in 2007 on the same right hand that incredibly affixed the football to his helmet as he acrobatically fell to the ground.
So, is it any wonder that after their amazing Super Bowl run, even after the retirement of Michael Strahan and the huge season-ending injury of Osi Umenyiora, that the Giants continue to not miss a beat?
Because of their team-first attitude, a collective willingness to prove all naysayers wrong, and the uncanny ability to effectively plug seemingly anyone into holes created by injuries or other circumstances, the Giants have simply refused to let such personnel losses translate into any additional losses to their opponents.
Given the track record since December, it should come as little surprise that the spot of the man who caught the winning touchdown in Super Bowl XLII (Plaxico Burress, of course, sitting out last week serving a one-game team-imposed suspension), was filled in on Sunday (a 44-6 crushing of the Seattle Seahawks) with Domenik Hixon catching four balls for a career-high 102 yards and a touchdown, and by Sinorice Moss catching the first two touchdowns of his professional career.
The Giants’ schedule will get much tougher this season, it will be a long and winding road back to another possible Super Bowl title, and the Giants may not repeat as champions. However, the smart pick says that because they have defined the word “team” since December, the Giants will at least have a great chance of getting back to the top no matter what other obstacles are placed in front of them.
(image thanks to Ingamenow.com)
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Raiders Davis Fires Kiffin by Phone
Raiders’ Davis Fires Kiffin by Phone (I guess smoke signals would have taken too long) By Dr. Bill Chachkes for Football Reporters Online
So what makes this time different from the last? Davis said he had the goods on Kiffin and that his conduct was detrimental to the Raiders organization, to the coaching staff and players, and to Davis personally.
“I had to let him Go” Stated Mr. Davis. Sounds like wall street letting go of a few billion and saying Opps, we messed up. It seems like they have messed up plenty of times before. What is Davis’ Excuse this time? “I Hired the wrong guy”, and “he’s A flat out Liar” was his answer. So then what was his excuse for Mike Shanahan? Norv Turner? Jon Gruden? all now successful with other teams. Two of them, Turner and Shanahan even in the same division.
Who will save the Raiders now that the silver is mottled with rust? Not Interim head coach Tom Cable. Not this mystery off-season hiring of an exec who will bring the Raiders back. “We’ll get back, the Raiders will be back” said Davis, who surely would be better off in a nursing home right now then at the Raiders offices. Al, please hang it up. You are hurting the poor Raiders fans, and the people of Brooklyn NY where you are from.
So what makes this time different from the last? Davis said he had the goods on Kiffin and that his conduct was detrimental to the Raiders organization, to the coaching staff and players, and to Davis personally.
“I had to let him Go” Stated Mr. Davis. Sounds like wall street letting go of a few billion and saying Opps, we messed up. It seems like they have messed up plenty of times before. What is Davis’ Excuse this time? “I Hired the wrong guy”, and “he’s A flat out Liar” was his answer. So then what was his excuse for Mike Shanahan? Norv Turner? Jon Gruden? all now successful with other teams. Two of them, Turner and Shanahan even in the same division.
Who will save the Raiders now that the silver is mottled with rust? Not Interim head coach Tom Cable. Not this mystery off-season hiring of an exec who will bring the Raiders back. “We’ll get back, the Raiders will be back” said Davis, who surely would be better off in a nursing home right now then at the Raiders offices. Al, please hang it up. You are hurting the poor Raiders fans, and the people of Brooklyn NY where you are from.
