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o;inn.” An inn by definition is a commercial establishment for strangers and travelers. Brown feels that some kind of a commercial inn is likely

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years before. Naturally, differences of language, custom and politics obliged Roman imperialists to make their own arrangements. We grant that, occasionally, overflow Jewish guests were obliged to sleep in the synagogue. But that does not detract from the special hospitality that the Middle Eastern villager in past and present extends to guests in general, and to one of his own in particular. Thus, we can affirm that the presence of Roman mansions and the opening of synagogues for Jewish guests in no way demonstrated a significant decline of the traditional Middle Eastern hospitality, especially if the guest claimed the village as his ancestral home. But more than this, the very idea of the inn is problematic on many grounds. First, Luke uses pandokheion to designate a commercial inn (cf. Lk 10:36). This common word for an inn is not found in our text. Second, the only other use of the noun kataluma in the Gospels is in Luke 22:11 (and its parallel passage in Mark 14:14) where it clearly does not mean an inn. Third, as we have observed, a man returning to his home village insults his family or friends by going to an inn. Fourth, it remains quite uncertain as to whether Bethlehem would have had a commercial inn. Jeremiah tells of a company of people who stayed at “Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem” (Jer 41:17). The word “Geruth” may well mean a lodging place, but even so, this hardly demonstrates that such a place was still in business in Bethlehem 500 years later, after the area had been overrun by Babylonians, Greeks, Ptolemies, Seleucids and Romans. We are not aware of any evidence for a commercial inn near or in the village after the exile. Inns, then as now, were found on major roads. No major Roman road passed through Bethlehem, and small villages on minor roads had no inns. Brown’s phrase, “the well-known traveler’s inn at or near Bethlehem,” is hardly justified.21 Fifth, any type of inn is culturally unacceptable as a place for the birth of a child. It is not a matter of privacy (as suggested by Dalmann), but rather the deeply felt sense that a birth should take place in a home. The text does not say that the kataluma was not fit, but rather that it was full. Thus the kataluma was a place where the birth could appropriately have taken place, and an inn was not such a place. Finally, the Arabic and Syriac versions have never, in 1900 years, translated kataluma with the word “inn.” This translation is a product of our Western heritage. Thus, from many points of view, “inn” is inadequate as a translation of kataluma. What, then, of “house”? The New English Bible translates kataluma as “house.” This understanding is an encouraging move in the right direction. With it the culturally unacceptable translation of “inn” is abandoned and the Holy Family is assumed to be under the protection and shelter of a private home. Yet the translation “house” creates two insurmountable problems. First, the manger is in the house, so why should we be told that Mary was driven out of the place where mangers are located, yet then be told she placed her child in a manger? Second, if Joseph and Mary were welcomed into a home, the master of the home would never have turned an expectant mother out into a stable. These considerations effectively eliminate this option. “No room in the inn”? It appears that it would be more accurate to translate Luke 2:7 as, “No room in the guest room.” Gene Fackler What, then, of our third alternative? In Luke 2:7 kataluma is best understood as “guest room.” This is clearly what the word means in Luke 22:11 and Mark 14:14. As external linguistic evidence is uncertain, it would seem appropriate to give greater weight to internal evidence. Bishop writes, “If kataluma means guest room in Mark and Luke at the end of the Lord’s life why not at the start in Bethlehem?”22 This suggestion has recently been defended by Miguens.23 Brown rejects Miguens’ proposal and leaves the problem unsolved. Brown argues first against kataluma being a “private

home of some relative because of the absence of ome
explanation for the lack of hospitality to an in-law about to bear a child.”24 He rejects a “room in a house” because that argument has been attached by some scholars to an unconvincing additional argument about a cradle slung from the ceiling, and because the kataluma has the definite article. In regard to Brown’s reasoning, we can reply that the private home he suggests may or may not be that of a relative. No unkindness or lack of hospitality is implied when the Holy Family is taken into the main family room of the home in which they are entertained. The guest room is full. The host is not expected to ask prior guests (or a recently married son) to leave. Such would be quite unthinkable and, in any case, unnecessary. The large family room is more appropriate in any case. We grant that the suggestion of a cradle slung from the ceiling is linguistically and culturally unconvincing, but the translation of “guest room” for kataluma should be separated from it in any case. In regard to the definite article, the “guest room” of Luke 22:11 also has the definite article, and there the meaning “guest room” is unmistakable. We would counter that the presence of the definite article reinforces our contention. It is not “a room” but rather “the guest room,” more specifically, “the guest room” of a home, naturally. This option admirably fulfills both the linguistic requirements of the text and the cultural requirements of the village scene. This translation gives new understanding to the story of Jesus’ birth. Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem. They find shelter with a family whose separate guest room is full, and are accommodated among the family in acceptable village style. The birth takes place there on the raised terrace of the family home, and the baby is laid in a manger. The text is cryptic and begs for some additional information. Yet, if we assume the perspective of a Palestinian reader, the present form of the verse makes good sense. The author records, “And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger.” The (Palestinian) reader instinctively thinks, “Manger—oh—they are in the main family room. Why not the guest room?” The author instinctively replies, “Because there was no place for them in the guest room.” The reader concludes, “Ah, yes—well, the family room is more appropriate anyway.” Thus, with the translation “guest room,” all of the cultural, historical and linguistic pieces fall into place. This brings us to a further question, namely, did simple one-room homes have guest rooms? The objection could be raised that a one-room home was surely too simple to have a guest room. The assumption here is that no one wanted animals in the house, and anyone with the resources to build a guest room would surely have first built a stable, but such was not the case. The traditional Middle EastRosetta Stone software

ce to the middle of the 15th century BC for the timeframe of the occupational gap is purely speculative, as a connection to the Late Bronze I Age is t

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oof should remain squarely upon the shoulders of the modern student of history to produce sufficient evidence when claiming that an ancient monarch falsified his records, rather than expecting the ancients to have justified their own claims somehow for the sake of future critics of history who might cavalierly distrust them. Amenhotep II, among others, deserves far better treatment than this.70. Yadin, The Head, 45.71. Betsy M. Bryan, “Antecedents to Amenhotep III,” in Amenhotep III: Perspectives on His Reign (ed. David O’Connor and Eric H. Cline; Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 2001), 46. The latest documented year of Thutmose IV’s reign is Year 8, which is attested to on the Konosso Stele (Ibid., 48, 54–55).72. Yadin, The Rediscovery, 59.73. Ibid., 63–64.74. Ibid., 65; idem, The Head, 46; Yigael Yadin, Yohanan Aharoni, Ruth Amiran, Trude Dothan, Immanuel Dunayevsky, and Jean Perrot, Hazor II: An Account of the Second Season of Excavations, 1956 (Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 1960), 153.75. Yadin et al., Hazor II, 153. Elsewhere, Yadin calls the pottery “the very end of the IIIA: 2 type” (Yadin, The Head, 46).76. Yadin, The Head, 46.77. Arne Furumark, Mycenaean Pottery II: Chronology (Stockholm: Skrifter Utgivna av Svenska Institutet i Athen, 1972), 115. In an earlier note, Kitchen’s quote reveals that he improperly dated Furumark’s Mycenaean pottery analysis to the 1940’s. Instead, the publication-date here reveals a time 30 years closer to the present than Kitchen declared; incidentally, Furumark lived until 1982.78. Examples of Yadin’s Late-Bronze-I finds include the following: Mycenaean vessels from Tomb 8144 and Tomb 8145, which are contemporaneous with a pear-shaped jar from Tomb 8065, all of which are characteristic of the later stage of IIIA:2; three jars (from Tomb 8065) that belong to the period of later IIIA:2; five stirrup-jars (from Tomb 8065), which are divided into three groups, two of which belong to later IIIA:2, and one of which is typical of IIIA:2 in general, but its later stage in particular; a pyxis (from Tomb 8065) of the IIIA:2 variety, the decorative pattern of which belongs only to IIIA:1, thus indicating that this pyxis actually dates to the same time period as the scarab, late in the final quarter of the 15th century BC (Yadin et al., Hazor II, 150–51).79. Yadin, The Rediscovery, 64–65. Yadin’s dates for the reign of Thutmose IV are slightly different than the ones accepted here, and his choice of eight years for the regnal length reflects the latest year attested; however, a lack of attestation beyond Year 8 does not require an eight-year reign, because no definitive regnal year for the death of Thutmose IV is currently known.80. Rainey and Notley, Sacred Bridge, 75.81. If Papyrus Hermitage 1116A nonetheless were written during the reign of Thutmose III, and the presence of “Year 18” on the manuscript would date it to ca. 1489/1488 BC, the supposed annihilation of Hazor by Thutmose III would have occurred five years later, in Year 23 (ca. 1484 BC), the same year in which he besieged Megiddo for seven months before overtaking the city (Redford, Egypt, Canaan, and Israel, 156–157). What reason would he have had for completely obliterating Hazor, a city that was clearly a key player in his economic monopoly, and through which great wealth and prosperity was siphoned to Egypt from afar, especially considering how Hazor strategically guarded the Great Trunk Road, the main traffic artery from Egypt to Mesopotamia? As Yadin notes, “[T]he spade revealed that Hazor attained an unprecedented prosperity during the 15th century” BC (Yadin, The Head, 6).82. Donald B. Redford, “The Coregency of Tuthmosis III and Amenophis II,” Journal of Egyptian Archaeology 51 (Dec 1965), 109–110. Redford provides several additional reasons for dating Papyrus Hermitage 1116A to the reign of Amenhotep II.83. For a discussion of the number and years of Amenhotep II’s Asiatic campaigns, see Petrovich, “Amenhotep II,” 94–97.84. James K. Hoffmeier, “James Weinstein’s ‘Egypt and the Middle Bronze IIC/Late Bronze IA Transition’: A Rejoinder,” Levant 23 (1991), 120.85. Yohanan Aharoni and Michael Avi-Yonah, The Macmillan Bible Atlas (New York: Macmillan, 1977), 34. For a lengthier discussion of the inexplicable decline of Egyptian power and its possible relationship to the loss of the Egyptian army at the time of the exodus, see Petrovich, “Amenhotep II,” 100.86. Claude Vandersleyen, L’Egypte et la Vallée du Nil, vol. 2 (Paris: Presses Universitaires de France, 1995), 341.87. Ibid., 333. Horemheb reigned from ca. 1335–1307 BC.88. Amarna Letters, ed. Moran, 183. Being that the Amarna Letters include correspondence that may date as early as Year 30 of Amenhotep III (ca. 1379 BC), the evidence from EA 109 is consistent with the early-exodus theory, since the decimation of the Egyptian army—which included “all the horses and chariots of pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army” (Exod 14:9), not one of which was spared from being “shaken off” by Yahweh in the sea after they vainly attempted to overtake the Israelites that had passed through the sea on dry land (Exod 14:27–28)—early in the latter half of the 15th century BC would have loosened Egypt’s tight grip on Canaan almost completely. Canaanite client-kings no longer would need to fear and dread their Egyptian overlords, when no massive or mighty army could be dispatched to Canaan to strike fear into the despots who craved autonomy or considered plotting against pharaoh. Such a thorough extermination of Egypt’s fighting force may have crippled their imperialistic prowess for a lengthy period.89. For photographic evidence of this occupational gap, see http://exegesisinternational.org/index.php?option=com_deeppockets&task=contShow&id=3&Itemid=30 90. Bienkowski, “Role of Hazor,” 54.91. Hoffmeier unwisely criticizes Wood for associating the apiru with the Hebrews of the 14th century BC

The Exodus Controversy
Tags: minimalism, maximalism, absence of evidence, arguments from silence, exodus--> This article was published in the Spring 2003 issue of Bible and Spade.It seems that every year, especially around the spring Passover season when Jews and many Christians commemorate Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, newspapers and magazines publish articles questioning the validity of the Biblical account of the Exodus.In 2001, for example, The Los Angeles Times ran a front-page story reporting that a liberal rabbi in the Los Angeles area caused quite a stir when he shocked his congregation by stating he had his doubts that the Exodus ever took place. “The truth is,” explained Rabbi David Wolpe,that virtually every modern archaeologist who has investigated the story of the Exodus, with very few exceptions, agrees that the way the Bible describes the Exodus is not the way it happened, if it happened at all (Watanabe 2001).Perhaps you have read such articles and wondered whether you can believe the Biblelearn spanish

The Moral Argument for the God of the Bible

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This article was first published in an edited form in the Nov/Dec. 2005 ABR Electronic Newsletter. The fundamental premise behind atheism is that God does not exist, and therefore the material order is all there is and all there will ever be. Billions of years ago, they say, the cosmic egg exploded1, a tremendous hydrogen gas cloud that eventually produced the universe all by itself, including human beings who maintain rational thought and moral values. The entire universe exists due to pure random events, under no personal control, direction or authority. Therefore, moral ideals are products of pure random chance, originating in non-living materials. Philosophical materialism must explain the existence of immaterial moral values in a strictly material universe. These moral values relate to persons, yet impersonal forces must be substantiated as the cause of personal morality.John Frame states the problem in this manner:Now, where does the authority of the absolute moral principle come from?…The question concerns the authority of that principle: why should we give to it the enormous respect which we indeed do give to it? Ultimately, only two kinds of answers are possible: the source of absolute moral authority is either personal or impersonal.Consider first the latter possibility: That would mean there is some impersonal structure or law in the universe which sets forth ethical precepts and rightly demands allegiance to them. But what kind of impersonal being could possibly do that? Certainly if the laws of the universe reduce to chance, nothing of ethical significance could emerge from it. What of ethical significance can we learn from the random collisions of subatomic particles? What loyalty do we owe to pure chance?… And the main question here is, How can an impersonal structure create obligation?… Or: on what basis does an impersonal structure demand loyalty or obedience?2 We can state the case in another manner. It is asserted that the entire universe exists by pure random chance. It logically follows that the very thoughts that are occurring in my brain at this very moment are also random. Any moral assertions that I make are merely the product of chance chemical reactions produced in my brain due to billions of years of evolution. How can I know which chemical reactions (these chemical reactions are my thoughts), are moral and which are not? How do I determine which thoughts are right, and which are wrong? How can I know thoughts of being faithful to my wife are superior to thoughts of infidelity? How can I know Hitler’s extermination of Jews is inferior to saving them? I use the extreme example of Hitler because there is almost a universal moral revulsion at the events of the Holocaust. But why? Is it simply because the man-made rules of society say it is wrong? I think not 3. It is abhorrent at a much deeper level. We all know this to be true, thought some may deny it. Not exterminating our fellow man is clearly morally superior to exterminating him. But how can the impersonal force of evolution create such a personal hierarchy of morality? As John Frame states above, “How can an impersonal structure create obligation?” 4Further, one of the main tenants of evolution is survival of the fittest. If certain persons in a society are less able to survive, why should their fellow humans try to prevent their extermination, at the risk of losing their own lives? If this impersonal force can create obligation, it can only create an obligation to eliminate the weak, to not save them. After all, we are only animals that are more highly developed than the other species on the earth.5 The impersonal force of evolution should “create” chemical reactions that tend to eliminate the weak, the sick, the mentally ill, the elderly, etc. It would not tend to eliminate the intelligent, resourceful, and strong members of the human community. If the impersonal force of “survival of the fittest” is woven into the fabric of the biological life, why do we attempt to stop it at great human expense when the Adolf Hitlers of the world attempt to carry it out to its logical conclusion? The Christian theist argues that morality can only exist because there are absolute standards to measure our actions against, and those standards are established by the absolute, infinite and holy God of the Bible. The God of the Holy Scriptures is the eternal Lawgiver, the great moral legislator of the universe. He is the final authority by which all moral questions are to be measured. The Christian theist also argues that without this absolute source (meaning no God, or a diminished new-age god) no real standards of morality can be asserted by human authorities. Without the God of the Bible, we are left with subjectivism. Of this subjectivism, John Frame writes the following:The assertion that ethical values are merely subjective is self-contradictory, like all statements of subjectivism or skepticism. For the subjectivist is telling us that we have an objective moral obligation to agree with subjectivism,while telling us that no one has an objective moral obligation to anything.6 The subjectivist has another problem, in that he can never live his life consistent with his assertion that there is no absolute moral authority in the universe. He must operate with the assumption of certain moral precepts at some level. Any moral assertion cannot be reconciled with subjectivism. Moral assertions are inconsistent with a rejection of absolute morality. C.S. Lewis explains it in this fashion:They [people quarreling with one another] will say things like this: ‘How’d you like it if anyone did the same to you’, 'That’s my seat, I was there first.' 'Leave him alone, he isn’t doing you any harm'. 'Come on, you promised’. Now what interests me about all these remarks is that the man who makes them is not merely saying the other man’s behaviour does not happen to please him. He is appealing to some kind of standard of behaviour which he expects the other man to know about… It looks, in fact, very much as if both parties had in mind some kind of Law or Rule of fair play or decent behaviour or morality or whatever you like to call it, about which they really agreed.7 Lewis is arguing that there seem to be certain understood standards which we agree upon at some basic level. Now, it is true that people rationalize their way around these standards, justifying certain behaviour in order to attempt to circumvent the standard. But they do not always behave in this fashion. No one lives his life this way. Even Nazis and Stalinists had to tell each other the truth once in awhile in order to communicate and carry out their murderous schemes. We may know someone who breaks these standards quite often. But if we were to violate the standard and offend this particular person, he would object, complaining that our behavior is not fair. Even though he may hypocritically object to the very behavior he justifies for himself, he recognizes the fact that the action is wrong. Though he rationalizes his own immoral behavior, he verifies and confirms his own immorality when it is perpetrated against him. Lewis states the case this way:Whenever you find a man who says he does not believe in a real Right and Wrong, you will find the same man going back on this a moment later. He may break his promise to you, but if you try breaking one to him he willcbe complaining ‘It’s not fair’ before you can say Jack Robinson. A nation may say treaties don’t matter; but then, next minute, they spoil their case by saying that the particular treaty they want to break was an unfair one. But if treaties do not matter, and if there is no such thing as Right and Wrongin other words, if there is no Law of Naturewhat is the difference between a fair treaty and an unfair one? Have they not let the cat out of the bag and shown that, whatever they say, they really know the Law of Nature just like anyone else?8 Allow me to cite a recent example. The recently deposed dictatorial murderer, Saddam Hussein, objected in court to the overthrow of his government by the Bush administration,

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Khu-Sebek’s stele reveals that as early as the 19th century BC

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Shechem was an important strategic location and a place worthy of mention in a notable Egyptian’s biography.Stela of Khu-Sebek. He is shown seated, accompanied by members of his family, his nurse, and the superintendent of the cabinet. Discovered by British archaeologist John Garstang at Abydos, Egypt, in 1901, the stela is now on display in the museum of the University of Manchester, England. Mike Luddeni.Joshua at ShechemA little over 400 years later, God rescued the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and led them through the desert wilderness for 40 years. Near the end of this sojourn, their leader Moses said that once they entered the land God had promised them (at Shechem, see Gn 12:7!), they were to erect an altar on Mt. Ebal (Dt 27:4) and read portions of the Law while the people were assembled before Mounts Ebal and Gerizim (Dt 11:26–30; 27:12, 13).As I noted above, the mountains of Ebal and Gerizim overlook the valley wherein lay Shechem. The mountains form a natural amphitheater in which the recitation of the Law could easily be heard. Despite the mountains’ heights (Ebal is 3,083 ft [940 m] and Gerizim is 2,890 ft [881 m]), there are many contemporary accounts of people speaking from the slopes of the mountains and being heard in the valley below. Even with the noise of the busy modern city of Nablus, I myself have been in the park at the top of Gerizim and clearly heard the voices of children playing in the Balata refugee camp at Gerizim’s base.Joshua fulfilled Moses’ instructions and led the people directly to Gerizim and Ebal after defeating the stronghold at Ai (Jos 7–8). Assuming an “early Exodus” date (1446 BC), the Israelite entry into Canaan, after 40 years in the wilderness, was approximately 1406 BC, in the Late Bronze (LB) IB period.4 LB IB corresponds with Tell Balata’s Level XIV (Campbell 1993: 1347; Toombs 1992: 1178). During the 350 years of the previous MB period, the city had been fortified with earthen embankments and cyclopean wall fortifications. However, Shechem was destroyed around 1540 BC. The ferocity of the destruction resulted in debris covering the city up to a depth of 5.25 ft (1.6 m). It is surmised that the Egyptian armies of Ahmose I or Amenhotep I were the aggressors (Toombs 1992: 1182).About 90 years after that catastrophe the city was rebuilt early in the LB I period, around 1450 BC. Level XIV corresponds to this date and is noted for the reconstruction of the city’s defensive walls, homes, and a well built, fortress-type, temple. This Level XIV occupation was the city at which Joshua and the Israelites arrived to fulfill Moses’ orders to read the Law before Ebal and Gerizim around 1406 BC.The Book of Joshua makes an interesting observation about that visit:All Israel, aliens and citizens alike.... were standing on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD, facing those who carried it.... There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the aliens who lived among them (Jos 8:33, 35).It appears that the crowd who heard the words of the Law that day was composed of both Israelites and native Shechemites (aliens)! The Bible implies that both Shechemites and Israelites co-existed at Shechem. This unusual situation can be further confirmed by the fact that Shechem became one of only three Israelite Cities of Refuge on the west side of the Jordan River, as well as being a city of the Levitical priesthood (Jos 20:7; 21:21). All this occurred even though there is no record in the Bible of it being taken in battle.5Years later, Joshua again gathered the Israelites at Shechem (Jos 24). He reminded them of God’s promises and how He had fulfilled those promises and delivered them from diversities. Joshua then challenged the people to say whom they would serve and they promised to serve God (Jos 24:14–20). The renewal ceremony between the Israelites and God recognized the promises God made to Abraham (Gn 12:7; 17:7, 8), Jacob, and the people at Sinai through Moses (Ex 24:8).The next event at Shechem in the Bible was the fulfillment of another promise: the burial of the Patriarch Joseph. Just before his death in Egypt, Joseph asked his brothers to bring his body back to the land “promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” when God delivered them from Egypt (Gn 50:24–25).And Joseph’s bones, which the Israelites had brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem in the tract of land that Jacob bought for a hundred pieces of silver from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem. This became the inheritance of Joseph’s descendants (Jos 24:32).Today, there is a place near Tell Balata venerated by the Jewish and Samaritan faiths as the traditional location of Joseph’s tomb. The shrine marking the tomb, and an associated Jewish school, were reduced to rubble in October 2000 in the wake of the most recent hostilities between the Palestinian Arabs and the State of Israel. Conflicting views have abounded as to whether this was, in fact, Joseph’s final resting place. Unfortunately, no archaeological excavations are known to have taken place at this site that could verify that this was the true location of the tomb of Joseph. Several ancient texts mention the site, but the exact location of Joseph’s tomb is still in question.The discovery of a LB Egyptian library at Amarna has provided additional insights on the LB period. Letters in the library reveal Egypt’s relationship with Canaan’s rulers in the mid-14th century BC. Some of the letters disclose that the kings of Shechem were independent of Egypt. Further, Shechem’s rulers were criticized by other Canaanite rulers for cooperating with an invading group of desert people called the Habiru. Many conservative evangelical scholars (e.g., Wood 1997; 2003: 269–71) believe the Habiru were the Israelites of the early Judges period.6Letter from Labayu, king of Shechem, to the king of Egypt, probably Amenhotep III. It is defiant in tone, suggesting Labayu had a measure of independence from Egypt (Hess 1993). The letter, numbered El Amarna 252, is written in Akkadian cuneiform, albeit with Canaanite grammar and syntax, and is on display in the British Museum. Mike Luddeni.Abimelech at ShechemLater in Bible history, Abimelech, the son of Gideon’s Shechemite concubine (Jgs 8:31), colluded with some Shechemites to kill 70 of Abimelech’s brothers (Jgs 8:30–31; 9). However, Abimelech’s youngest brother Jotham survived (Jgs 9:5). Jotham climbed to the top of Mt. Gerizim and shouted to the Shechemites below. He foretold the destruction of the men of Shechem by fire (Jgs 9:7–21). Later in the same chapter we read that the people of Shechem rose against Abimelech’s leadership. In response, Abimelech fought against the city and razed it. During the attack the leaders of Shechem tried to save themselves in “the stronghold of the temple of El-berith” (Jgs 9:46). The story continues:He [Abimelech] took an ax and cut off some branches, which he lifted to his shoulders. He ordered the men with him, “Quick! Do what you have seen me do!” So all the men cut branches and followed Abimelech. They piled them against the stronghold and set it on fire over the people inside. So all the people in the tower of Shechem, about a thousand men and women, also died (Jgs 9:48–49).Archaeologists (e.g., E. Campbell, B. Mazar, G. E. Wright and L. Stager) refer to the “tower of Shechem” as “the Tower (migdal) Temple or Fortress-Temple” of Shechem (Campbell 1993: 1348, Stager 2003: 26 and 68 note 1). Stager recently reexamined the work of Wright who, in 1926, excavated a large building that has been reported to be this Fortress-Temple (Stager 2003). Stager’s conclusions are that this Temple, “Temple 1, ” was, in fact, the migdal referred to in Judges 9. It is the largest such Canaanite structure found in Israel and was 70 ft (21 m) wide, 86 ft (26 m) long with stone foundation walls 17 ft (5.1 m) thick.

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10 Mar 11 Selecting The Right Organic Oil For Your Skin In 4 Steps

2011-03-09T23:54:00.000-08:00

Selecting The Right Organic Oil For Your Skin In 4 StepsBy: danica .... Click author's name to view profile and articles!!!Retargeting by ChangoTweet There are different kinds of organic facial oils that you can use for different skin types. Oily skin needs astringent oils, and normal skin needs nourishing oils. Dry skin responds well to organic moisturizing oils, while aging skin benefits from organics oils that contain antioxidants and other nutrients.Natural essential oils are as good as cosmetic skin care items. What makes these oils organic is that they are extracted from a variety of plant life including fruits and nuts that have been naturally grown without the aid or intervention of harsh or harmful pesticides or chemicals that could cause consumers to have allergic reactions. From organic argan oil to coconut oil, different kinds of oils have natural properties that have their own beautifying and nourishing effects on the skin. If you want to make your own product for taking care of your face, use some natural ingredients and organic oils. The essential thing is that you know your skin type, your specific skincare needs, and what type of organic oil will best address those needs. Here are some tips to help you decide what organic oil is suitable for different skin types:Organic oils with astringent properties for oily skinIf you have oily skin that is prone to acne breakouts, you should choose oils that have astringent and non-edogenic qualities. This type of organic oil will hydrate your skin while keeping it from producing too much oil. Grapeseed, hazelnut and fractionated coconut oils are non-edogenic in nature, which means they will not clog your pores and will reduce the risk of acne breakouts. Jojoba oil is effective at regulating sebum levels and keeping them in check as well. You can also mix the essential oils of cedar wood, cypress, lavender, basil, rosemary and eucalyptus into your choice of base oil in order to tone your skin.Organic oils with nourishing qualities for normal skinIf you have normal skin, you can choose oils that are gentle, light, and do not contain astringent properties that may dry your skin. Some great organic oils are camellia, macadamia nut, rose hip amp; jojoba. Select one oil as a base and mix it with other essential oils like lavender or rose to nourish your skin.A bination of organic oils that have moisturizing effects for dry skinFor dry skin, you can choose a bination of rich oils with moisturizing effects. Organic oils from sweet almond, avocado, rose hip and macadamia nuts are some of the options you can choose to help seal in moisture and enhance the natural oils of your skin. If you have dry or irritated skin, or just want to help improve skin tone, add one of these oils to your base: cedar, atlas, cypress, palmarosa, neroli, vetiver or chamomile.Organic oils with nourishing effects and antioxidants for aging skinIn the field of anti-aging and youth restoration, there are many natural treatments to consider. Organic argan oil is one of the best for the health and beauty of the skin. These natural oils are known for their nourishing effects on the skin and contain a good amount of antioxidants that help fight off free radicals and prevent sun damage. The anti-aging effects of these oils can be plemented by adding drops of geranium, rose, neroli, clary sage and fennel to the base oil.The variety of organic oils that are available proves that great skincare doesn't have to e in bottle form.Article Source: abcarticledirectoryFor more information on the different natural oils, such argan oil scars treatment, you can check out arganoilshop online at arganoilshop.Note: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, danicaRetargeting by ChangoDid You Like This Article? Share It With YourFriends!Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon to Receive Free Articles About Auditing via RSS!Additional Articles From - Home Accounting AuditingWhat you need to know about Auditing from the experts.- By : john newportCulture and business proposition- By : foxhatsNavigating Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions- By : Sawyer AdamsAbout The National Association Of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)- By : Sawyer AdamsThe History Of Enrolled Agents- By : Sawyer AdamsThe Canon Sd780is Black Silver Gold Red - Very Nice Christmas Gift- By : ArticleSubmit AutoIRS Increasing Enforcement Activity- By : Sawyer AdamsDestination Military Surplus Products- By : Ali Khan5 Tips For Getting The Right Health Insurance For Your Needs- By : danica12 Quick Tips For Eye Shadow- By : Ali Khan Still Searching? Last Chance to find what you're looking for. Try using Bing Search!

5 Mar 11 How to Create Rivers of Online Income as an Affiliate

2011-03-05T04:36:00.000-08:00

How to Create Rivers of Online Income as an AffiliateBy: James Penn .... Click author's name to view profile and articles!!!Retargeting by ChangoTweet In recent years, affiliate marketing has exploded, probably because it seems like the easiest way of earning a decent living on the internet, and perhaps it is. After all, you do not have to find a starving niche market and create a product or build a website and spend months building relationships with potential joint venture partners. All you really have to do is find a product that seems profitable, generate your own unique Hockey Jersey
affiliate link and promote the hell out of that link.This article aims to provide you with the three major methods of affiliate promotion that has helped hundreds of affiliates make thousands of dollars every month on complete auto-pilot.The first, and perhaps most widely used, method is by writing and distributing articles which includes your own affiliate link in the author resource box. Once you have chosen an affiliate product to promote, you write an article - either on a subject related to the product you are an affiliate of or a review of the product - and submit the article to as many directories as possible for maximum exposure. You include a sneaky redirected link to the affiliate product in your author resource box and watch as your affiliate payments roll in.The second method of affiliate promotion is through the use of viral reports. This method is similar to article writing, but it is approximately 8-12 pages long and contains more detail. Throughout the report you should mention and recommend the product you are promoting. Again, the report should be about the subject of the affiliate product and once written, should be distributed using as many methods as possible. Such as giving it away on your websites, on other similar websites, selling it cheaply on eBay and finding JV partners to also distribute your report. The final method of affiliate marketing is as automated as is possible. It simply involves setting up a Google adwords campaign where you pay for traffic through your affiliate link and hope that the potential customers who click through, purchase the product. To set up your campaign you should select a number of keywords so that your advert shows up for those search terms in Google, you should then set a maximum bid price so that you are high enough in the search engines to generate Calgary Flames jersey
traffic but are not paying too much per click so as to be profitable. Once the campaign is set up, analyse its profitability and continue to tweak, tweak and tweak until it is at the most profitable you can get it. This income stream can be continued for as long as both Google adwords and the affiliate product is around and a few hours work of setting up your campaign can lead to years and years of constant affiliate payments to your bank account. While these four are perhaps the most widely used methods of promotion, it does not mean there are other profitable methods. With just a little research you could find a number of little known methods which are far more profitable than the three outlined in this short article.Article Source: http://www.shop-on-sale.com James Penn runs a number of successful internet businesses. To discover how to set up automatic internet income streams that will generate you consistent profits for many years to come, click the following link - www.insanepassiveincome.comNote: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, James PennRetargeting by ChangoDid You Like This Article? Share It With YourFriends!Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon to Receive Free Articles About Affiliate Programs What Cloth Diaper Provides The Top Match For Newborns?- By : mirtagaylWhat is Affiliate Marketing and Why You Should Do It?- By : James A AndersonEarning Money Quickly With Email Marketing - True or False?- By : Flames jersey
chad buistMoney Creating Tips For Individuals Involved In An Online Affiliate Marketing Home Business- By : Johnny BarrellGlobal Success Club And How To Make Money Online- By : Don SeanMake Cash Over The Internet With Affiliate Marketing- By : Leroy WheelerWhich Affiliate Networks To Look Out For When Promoting ?- By : Elsa Braxton Still Searching? Last Chance to find what you're looking for. Try using Bing Search!

24 Jan 11 College Football Pick Michigan at Indiana 10-2-10

2011-01-24T02:00:00.000-08:00

Leon Halip/Getty ImagesMichigan Wolverines (-10.5) at Indiana HoosiersSaturday October 2, 2010 3:30 PM ESTBoth of these Big 10 teams come in with flawless records. Michigan is a perfect 4-0 while Indiana is 3-0. The opponents that Indiana have played fail in comparison to the opponents that Michigan has beaten. Michigan comes in ranked #19 in the nation.The person everyone will be watching in this game is Sophomore QB Denard Robinson. His stats on the season are crazy. He has thrown for 731 yards wit 4 TDs and only 1 Int, while adding 688 yards on the ground with another 6 TDs. He did get a little banged up last week with a knee injury. The injury didnseem too serious as Robinson was seen running around after half time and looked like he could go back in. There was no need because this New Orleans Saints jersey
Michigan team can survive with Sophomore QB Tate Forcier who threw for 110 yards and a TD while completing 12 out of 12 passes. Senior QB Ben Chappell has looked good for the Hoosiers thus far. He has thrown for 890 yards with 9 TDs and 0 Ints.With Indiana beating up on some poor teams, they are in for a surprise with Michigan. Denard Robinson could be used sparingly with a combination of Tate Forcier. The Wolverines offense has looked outstanding and Indiana might be shocked as to how good this offense is. From a football pick perspective, I love the Wolverines. They have it going right now and should win this game, and it could be a bigger margin of victory based on Denard Robinsonperformance and ability following his minor injury.Free College Football Pick: Michigan (-10.5) This article is also featured onSports Picks

22 Jan 11 It Never Rains at Autzen Stadium: Shots from Oregon's Shutout Win over PSU

2011-01-22T06:03:00.000-08:00

This is a collection of photos I shot at Saturday's game at Autzen Stadium between the Oregon Ducks and the Portland State Vikings. The Vikings were nice enough to fill in at the last minute for the Central Michigan Chippewas, who I'm told had a collective dentist appointment.If I were a Chippewa, I wouldn't want to come to Autzen either. Conditions that would keep most fans at home only served to make the place brighter and more festive with a colorful collection of wet weather garb worn by over 58,000 fans at Oregon's 70th consecutive sell-out inArizona Cardinals jersey
Eugene. The Chippewas, meanwhile, played Eastern Michigan in some town called "Ypsilanti." Autzen's way cooler, if you ask me. Autzen was named after a lumberjack that got rich by beating Paul Bunyan in an arm wrestling match for a million dollars.*The Ducks looked great and LaMichael James had first half stats that most backs would consider great for a whole game in his home debut for the 2010 season. Daryle Hawkins was the player of the game, playing three positions and delivering a baby at halftime.**There was also an astronaut there, Colonel Jim Dutton that presented a 1958 Rose Bowl ring and Ducks flag that he brought up to his mission to the International Space Station to the Casanova family. Len Casanova was a famous Oregon coach and Athletic Director in the '50s and '60s who, like Chip Kelly, also lost a close one in the Rose Bowl to the Buckeyes.Where so you believe the Oregon Ducks should be ranked after week 3?Where so you believe the Oregon Ducks should be ranked after week 3?Number 5, right where they are11.9%Number 414.3%Number 326.2%Number 29.5%Number 131.0%Below number 57.1%Total votes: 42In the future, when Chip Kelly's national championship ring makes it to Mars, it will be the coolest ring in space, bumping both Casanova's ring, and Saturn, Atlanta Falcons jersey
which is used coming in second place, losing every year to Jupiter in the Biggest Planet in the Solar System contest. That's just the way it is until there's a playoff system. Scroll down to see some photos from my cheap seats that are almost as far away from the field as the ISS. Thank God my dad brought an extra poncho to keep my Hubble-like lens nice and dry.Enjoy. *Heard in stadium bathroom, may not be totally true.**Also heard this in the bathroom and the guy saying he was really drunk, but said Hawkins looked like a natural while delivering the child, just like he was under center.As a bonus, in case you missed the game completely, here's all the highlights:

18 Jan 11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Can't Finish in The 4th Quarter!

2011-01-18T04:44:00.000-08:00

Say it Aint so Joe! Say it Aint So!Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesI really wanted my first article on Bleacher Report to be about how great the Irish were.How Michael Floyd was on pace to break receiving records and how the offense hasnmissed Jimmy Clausen or Golden Tate who left school early for the chance to Seattle Seahawks jersey
play in the NFL (Tate recorded his first catch this week and Jimmy is slated to start for Carolina this Sunday). How Brian Kelly really is the savior and that Notre Dame fans can once again start talking smack with the Buckeyes and the Longhorns.But I canwrite my first article about any of that. The Irish sit here at 1-2 after a heartbreaking loss to Michigan State, which followed a one man beat down at the hands of Michgan QB Denard Robinson.I heard all summer long that we were going to see a team that didnhave anything to do with Charlie Weiss and his fourth quarter mess, a team that couldnfinish. But what we are seeing is just the opposite. In the first three weeks of the season, this Irish team has failed to come up big when itneeded, in the fourth quarter. They didnput the nail in the coffin against Purdue and the game was much closer than it should have been.Against Michigan, we saw a sliver of hope as Crist hit Tight End Kyle Rudolph down the right side for a go ahead score in the fourth, only to be sliced apart by Denard Robinson on the final drive. St. Louis Rams jersey
The kid doesneven tie his shoes!Although the call by Dantonio to end the game last weekend with a fake field goal was quite unexpected, coach Kelly said it best about his special teamers: "Cierre Wood has been put on notice that he'd better hit that thing with some enthusiasm, and we have some guys that quite frankly have got to do a better job if they're not going to find themselves on the bus. It's an effort thing, it's attention to focus and detail from our guys on special teams that we're going to demand from our guys."Not to mention, you have arguably the most favorite athlete in Notre Dame history, cool Joe Montana himself saying that half of the movie RUDY didneven happen! Is nothing sacred anymore?This week will be nothing short of a fist fight against an excellent Stanford team, who is averaging 475 yards and over 50 points per game, and a Heisman hopeful candidate in quarterback Andrew Luck. This will be a huge test for Kelly as the ND Nation is looking to him to get the program back in gear, and 1-3 is certainly not what they had in mind.We have Tennessee Titans jersey
heard the echoes saying Lou went 5-6 his first year. But I, and I am sure the majority of Irish fans out there, are sick and tired of the hey there is always next year mentality. We want to win and we want it now. Let's just hope those echoes are woken up this Saturday, especially in the fourth quarter.

15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams "No stranger to current woes"

2011-01-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

Here we go again.The St. Louis Rams' first-unit offense was charging over the feared San Diego defense in the first quarter Saturday night, dinking and dunking the Bolts to death. Rookie back Brian Leonard was running in workmanlike fashion and Marc Bulger was hitting Torry Holt at will. Then a funny thing happened: The Rams entered the red zone.Almost as if he crossed some imaginary line of ineptitude, fullback Madison Hedgecock coughed the ball up when he was stripped at the 20-yard line by Shaun Phillips. It was then that the Chargers' Shawne Merriman, who has seemingly taken a break from his heroic battle with the evil guild of supplement-tainting super villains who framed him a season ago, spotted the loose ball. He fell on the football while the Rams commenced in falling apart.The Rams' defense, Detroit Lions
sporting its revamped front that includes rookie Adam Carriker and free-agent pickup James Hall, wasted little time in allowing the Chargers to systematically run and dunk their way down the field in precisely the same fashion as St. Louis' aborted attempt, but with a different outcome: Philip Rivers found the end zone. Here we go again.It appeared for a moment that the Rams would overcome their aforementioned adversity when they got the ball back and drove down the field once again, moving the ball seemingly at will to the Chargers' 25. Then, Bulger hesitated a moment too long in launching the ball toward a dashing Holt, allowing Chargers safety Clinton Hart time to make a play on the ball, intercepting it in the back of the end zone.If problems such as red-zone efficiency and stopping the run sound eerily like the woes faced during last year's preseason, it's because they are alike; the Rams had the same problems early last year, and, seemingly, for several seasons now.That's not to mention the St. Louis' special teams coverage units' weekly contribution to league kickoff and punt return averages. So porous has the Rams' special teams been in recent years, that the team fired the latest in a seemingly endless parade of supposed coaching saviors in Bob Ligashesky, then combed the high school ranks and found its latest future termination in Al Roberts. Of former special teams front man Ligashesky, head coach Scott Linehan remarked, "He's a good coach with a bright future, but we need to make some improvements on special teams. Sometimes change is Green Bay Packers jersey
good for both parties." True enough, except in the Rams case. Year after year, the unit produces the same maddening results. Sure, there were a couple of inexperienced rookies playing when the Chargers' Darren Sproles took a second-quarter punt return to the house, but there were some Rams starters manning the unit, too. Roberts may wish he was back coaching kids after a few more such typical efforts from his group. Adding insult to potential injury was the likelihood of Rams' fans suffering from collective cardiac arrest after Bulger got blindsided by speed rushers slamming full stride into his back on more than one occasion. If Bulger goes down, the Rams are finished.So, if Week 1's preseason showing filled Rams fans with guarded optimism, Week 2 filled them with vomit. While St. Louis did have a few bright spots, such as its ability to easily move up and down the field against one of the league's best defenses, its penchant toward turnovers, lack of red-zone production and looking completely inept stopping opponents' rushers and return men plague the team still.With a couple of preseason contests under their belts, the prospect of a repeat of last year's underwhelming, underachieving squad still looms large. However, offseason upgrades in talent on both sides of the ball as well as another year inHouston Texans jersey
the respective coaching systems could just as easily push the Rams back into playoff contention. The coming weeks will provide greater insight, but Sept. 9 will be the first true barometer in measuring how far the Rams have come. Much like last year at this point in the exhibition schedule, there are still many of the same questions that only the regular season can answer. If Saturday night's contest proved anything, it's that the Rams still have a lot of room for improvement.Here we go, still.You can e-mail Steve Reynolds at sreynoldsGot a bone to pick with a newspaper columnist, talk show personality or television analyst? E-mail us at mediawatch For more information, visit our Media Watch info page. (3)

14 Jan 11 Carolina Panthers DeShaun Foster DeAngelo Williams

2011-01-13T22:34:00.001-08:00

In last weekend's NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers selected former University of Memphis star running back DeAngelo Williams with the 27th overall pick. For many, it was a shock that Williams, one of the most talented players in the draft, fell that far. It was obviously a surprise to the Panthers as well, as they ran the card up to the draft podium in less than two minutes.During his career at Memphis, Williams earned a reputation as one of the nation's most complete running backs, as he has shown the keen ability to take over a game as a runner and Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
receiver, and make a solid impact as a backfield blocker. Undoubtedly, Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme will love to have the three-dimensional Williams accompanying him in the backfield.The Panthers' drafting of Williams gives them even more depth at the running back position, where they possess an embarrassment of riches. DeShaun Foster, Nick Goings and Eric Shelton rounded out the Panthers' top three backs before Williams' arrival, but that depth chart will obviously have to be restructured. Foster will likely remain the starter into the start of next season, but he may eventually lose it to Williams. Goings will become the third wheel/special-teamer, while the 245-pound Shelton will be offensive coordinator Dan Henning's focus down by the goal-line, almost like a poor man's Jerome Bettis.Foster signed a three-year, $14 million contract to stay with the Panthers last month, so he can't be thrilled with the team's newest pick. However, the 26-year-old likely realizes that he'll need to prove he can be durable enough to last an entire season. In last year's campaign Foster appeared in 15 games, but he only started in five. His 205 carries weren't a full season's load for a starting back, so it's hard to determine whether he has the ability to stay healthy through a season of over 300 carries. Kansas City Chiefs jersey
Foster won't have to worry about that, though, since he'll stay around the 200-carry mark with Williams now on the depth chart.With Williams' addition, the Carolina Panthers' could suddenly have one of the better running back tandems in the NFL. Foster, the current No. 1, has good size at 6'0", 222 pounds, while Williams stands 5'9" and weighs in at 214 pounds. Thus, both are similar in weight, but Foster has more of an ability to bruise the opposition because of his larger frame. Because of that, the Panthers will have somewhat of a coveted "Thunder and Lighting" running back combo on their hands, which most teams would love to have but can rarely achieve.--Connor Byrne can be reached at cbyrne

14 Jan 11 Carolina Panthers DeShaun Foster DeAngelo Williams

2011-01-13T22:34:00.000-08:00

13 Jan 11 10 Upcoming NBA Free Agents Who Have Improved Their Stock

2011-01-12T16:42:00.000-08:00

Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesIf you missed Part I, "10 Upcoming NBA Free Agents Who May Have Hurt Their Value This Season," you can find it here.I'm not going to waste your time or mine in listing the cream of the crop in this summer's free agent class since the guys who are poised to receive max contract offers can't increase their value any.The other thing to note when looking at the list is that I avoided players with team options for next year because if they've increased their value then they will most likely have their options exercised by teams afraid of letting them go.For example, does anybody think the Houston Rockets won't exercise the $3 million option on Carl Landry's contract for next season? Or that the Dallas Mavericks won't bring J.J. Barea back for $1.8 million?However, there are a number of players on the list who are restricted free agents who have done wonders for their value considering the number of teams who will have cap space.All that being said, here's the list (in no particular order):Jon Brockman, Sacramento KingsAnybody San Francisco 49ers jersey
who saw Brockman playing for the University of Washington knew that he was a gamer. You might say that he was the Northwest's version of Bryant "Big Country" Reeves.But as good as Brockman's college career was there weren't many outside of Washington who thought Brockman could have a career in the NBA. Mainly because he was a 6-7 power forward and, dare I say it, a bit chunky.Brockman was drafted 38th by the Portland Trailblazers and then traded to Sacramento along with Sergio Rodriguez for the draft rights to Jeff Pendergraph.When Brockman showed up for training camp he was almost unrecognizable. He'd slimmed down considerably and earned himself a two-year contract that makes him a restricted free agent in the second year.What Brockman does won't show up on any stats sheets. Shaq even gave him a shout-out on twitter, dubbing him "The Brockness Monster" and comparing him to his old teammate, Mark Madsen.The Kings are in line to have a significant amount of cap space with which to either sign free agents with or absorb another team's player in cap-clearing trade.While I fully expect the Kings to bring Brockman back there's a chance that another team could offer Brockman a deal that the Kings might be afraid of matching.David Lee, New York KnicksLast summer when Lee was a restricted free agents it didn't seem like he was getting much attention from the handful of teams with cap space.Perhaps the Knicks had scared teams away from signing him to an offer sheet that they vowed they would match.Many expected the Portland Trail Blazers would go after Lee after getting rebuffed by Hedo Turkoglu and having their offer sheet to Paul Millsap matched by the Jazz.Instead the Blazers used their cap space on Andre Miller and Lee returned to the Knicks for one year and $7 million.Unless the Knicks can find someone to take either Jared Jeffries or Eddy Curry off their hands in a trade they might have to renounce Lee in order to create enough cap space to sign one of the top-tier free agents.Lee is tied for sixth in the league in double-doubles with 20 in 37 games. He's averaging close to 19 points and 11 rebounds per game.And while Lee's numbers might seem a bit inflated in Mike D'Antoni's system what can't be questioned is Lee's motor and ability to continue playing his heart out despite the fact that the Knicks have a record of 126-239 in his four-plus seasons.Shannon Brown, Los Angeles LakersBrown is one of three point guards on the Lakers roster who can become a free agent this summer. Derek Fisher is in the final year of his contract and Jordan Farmar is a restricted free agent.Ask any Lakers fan which of the three they'd want to have on next year's roster and most will say Brown.Last summer Brown signed a two-year extension with the Lakers that gives him an option for next season at $2.2 million.When given minutes, Brown has producedboth with highlight reel dunks and his ability to knock down open three-pointers.Brown is very much in the same position that Trevor Ariza was in last season just without the spot in the starting lineup.He is no longer the hidden gem that was considered a throw-in in last year's cost-cutting trade that sent Vladimir Radmanovic to the Charlotte Bobcats for Adam Morrison.Since the Lakers have the league's highest payroll they might be afraid to offer Brown the type of deal and/or minutes that other teams might be willing to offer. For a team that's so far over the luxury tax, any deal for Brown would cost the Lakers twice as much money when Seattle Seahawks jersey
you factor in the tax.Lakers fans love to think that anybody would be crazy to leave a team in a warm-weather city that is in contention for a title every season. What they seem to forget is that anybody would jump ship if it meant getting the type of deal that would allow them to not have to find a job once their playing career is over with.Channing Frye, Phoenix SunsLike Brown, Frye signed a two-year deal with Phoenix that gives him a player option for next season at about $2 million.Nobody could have predicted that Frye would have the type of season he has been having playing for his hometown team.He's currently eighth in the league in three-point shooting at 44 percent. That's a pretty remarkable turnaround for a guy who had only made 20 of the 70 three-pointers he had attempted through the first four seasons of his career (28.5 percent).It's inevitable that some will attribute Frye's career season to the "Seven Seconds of Less" system in Phoenix and/or because he's playing alongside future Hall of Famer Steve Nash.The reality is that Frye has proven to be worth much more than what he's scheduled to make if he doesn't opt out.Rasual Butler, Los Angeles ClippersButler is one of three Clippers who appear on this list. The Clippers stole Butler from the cost-cutting Hornets for a conditional 2016 second round draft pick. He's making close to $4 million in the final season of a 4-year, $14 million deal he signed with New Orleans back in 2006.It's not often teams give away guys making 37 percent of their career three-point attempts for conditional second round picks. Butler is averaging 10.5 points on 42 percent shooting (34 percent from downtown).While Butler might not be looking at a significant raise next season he's sure to make some GM look like a genius for snagging himnot bad for a guy drafted 52nd overall in the 2002 NBA Draft.Sebastian Telfair, Los Angeles ClippersFor the first time in his six professional seasons people are talking more about what Telfair is doing on the court than off.Some people have credited that to Telfair's cousin, Stephon Marbury, being out of the league. Those same people believe that Telfair no longer has to worry about being compared to his cousin and can now just be his own man and concentrate on getting better.While Telfair's numbers won't impress anyone (4.6 ppg and 2.6 apg), he has shown flashes of brilliance reminiscent of what Chauncey Billups was doing in Minnesota backing up Terrell Brandon.I fully expect Telfair's name to appear on a list of next season's biggest free agency steals.While he isn't expected to make that much more than $2.5 million he's making this season, he may decide to exercise his $2.7 million player option for the opportunity to sign a long-term deal and get the chance to start elsewherenot such a long-shot for a point guard who doesn't turn 25 until June.Craig Smith, Los Angeles ClippersThe Rhino is the third member of the Clippers to appear on the list. Like Telfair, Smith's numbers won't dazzle anybody. In fact, Smith is averaging the fewest points per game (5.8 ppg) of his four-year career.But just like Brockman, Smith provides instant energy off the bench and is worth more than the $2.5 million he is making this year.Smith is the type of player who pulls down that big offensive rebound late in a game and attacks the rim with reckless abandonmentthink Udonis Haslem Lite.Perhaps the Clippers are limiting Smith's minutes so they can keep his value down next summer.Either way, Smith should be a hot commodity for either a team that uses the bulk of it's cap space on a big-name free agent and needs someone like Smith to fill out a roster with or for a team that's limited in cap space and is willing to plunk down a portion of their mid-level exemption for a space-eater who shoots a St. Louis Rams jersey
high percentage and rarely makes mistakes.Matt Barnes, Orlando MagicBarnes is on his seventh team in seven seasonspretty remarkable when you consider how much fans, teammates, and coaches love him. It's a crime that Barnes has yet to surpass $10 million in total career earnings with such a well-rounded game.Just like Brown, Frye, and Telfair, Barnes has an option next year on the two-year, $3 million deal he signed with the Orlando Magic last summer.He's averaging 8.4 ppg and 5.4 rpg in just 23 minutes, but he's 34th in the league in plus/minus. With Barnes in the lineup the Magic have outscored their opponents by 146 points.Barnes is an X-Factor type player much in the same way that James Posey was for the 2008 Boston Celtics.Barnes was a star for the Golden State Warriors when they upset the Mavericks in the 2007 playoffs. He has missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons with Golden State and Phoenix.If Barnes can shine for the Magic in this year's playoffs the way he did for the Warriors three years ago then there will be no shortage of teams lining up for his services.J.J. Redick, Orlando MagicRedick, the 11th pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, has mostly been considered a bust up until now.After three lackluster seasons in which most of the stories about him have been about his Tennessee Titans jersey
unhappiness with playing time, Redick seems to have the confidence of his teammates and head coach, Stan Van Gundy.Perhaps it's because this might be Redick's last chance to earn himself a long-term deal.Redick is averaging close to 10 ppg in about 23 mpg but he's shooting 41 percent on his three-pointersgood enough for 17th in the league and better than noted marksmen Jason Kapono, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu.Redick will be a restricted free agent and is very much in the same situation as Shannon Brown. Since the Magic are so high over the luxury tax they might be unwilling to match even a reasonable offer for Redick from another team.While I don't think that Redick will ever be the starting shooting guard on a championship team, he can be a valuable player off the bench for one.Roger Mason, Jr., San Antonio SpursMason is another guy who won't really impress you with his statistics. However, he's a smart player and great citizen who won't scare any GM from committing to him long-term.Mason lost his starting job when the Spurs acquired Richard Jefferson and didn't utter a peep about the demotion. It's not that anybody would consider Mason a better player than Jefferson, but he was coming off a very strong year in which he hit a number of big shots and made 42 percent of his three-pointers attempts.The Spurs are another team that might be unwilling to spend big money to keep bench players with so much money committed to their best players.The Spurs also have to decide whether or not to re-sign Manu Ginobili and that might depend on Washington Redskins jersey
how successful of a season they have this year.There's always the chance that the Spurs elect to let Ginobili go and keep Mason, although that's a long shot.Mason is making close to $3.8 million this season and, at 29, will be looking for long-term security after short stints with the Bulls, Raptors, Wizards, and Spurs.Andrew Ungvari is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report as well as co-lead blogger for the basketball website SirCharlesInCharge.com. Follow him on twitter.

12 Jan 11 NBA Draft Stock Watch 2010

2011-01-12T02:43:00.000-08:00

Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesRising StockEvan Turner: (No. 3 Overall, Previously No. 6 Overall) This is a name that many will get familiar with in the months leading up to the draft. Evan Turner is very strong with the ball, quick, and aggressive. He is dangerous because he can get to the rim at will, pull up and shoot, pass it out, or finish at the rim. Evan Turner is listed at 6'7", with long arms that he uses well on defense, and has amazing jumping ability that allows him to play above the rim.With his athleticism and smarts, Turner has the pedigree to compete at Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
the next level. In the last three games, Evan Turner has averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists.Look to get familiar with Evan Turner; he has raised his draft stock tremendously. After being pinned as being in the top 10 in the last article, Evan has entered the top five and may be picked in the top three.DeMarcus Cousins: (No. 7 Overall, Previously No. 13 Overall) Great size for a NBA prospect: Listed at 6'11" and 260 pounds, Cousins has a lot of potential to excel in the NBA.Kentucky guards know that since he is so big, he is a mismatch for any player down low because he is so strong with the ball. He plays under control; if he misses his shot, he will try and follow it up with an offensive rebound or a put-back. He also can step outside the paint and knock down the jump shot, although it not consistent.Great prospect here, you get an athletic power forward that will make a great presence in any post.Larry Sanders: (No. 10 Overall, Previously NR) Larry Sanders has eclipsed some NBA attention with his incredible defense. Larry is very lengthy, listed at 6'10" but has the wingspan of 7'7". Larry is the ultimate protector of the paint, averaging just less than three blocks per game.Larry has great athleticism and is quick on his feet for a big man. He can run the floor with the offense and get easy Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
buckets, as well as run in transition to block a shot or grab a rebound.Larry definitely can make it in the NBA as one of the dominant players in the league. He has the potential, although he needs to improve his work on the offensive side and stay out of foul trouble.Falling StockXavier Henry: (No. 13 Overall, Previously No. 7 Overall) Xavier Henry was once touted as one of the best freshmen in the country. Now he is playing like a recruiting bust. Over the last three games, he has averaged 8.3 points, and 2.3 turnovers.Xavier is shooting very poorly, after the loss to Tennessee he is 14-of-50 from the field: 28 percent. Shooting woes like this is not normal for a Top NBA prospect. Xavier is too left-hand dominant; when he goes up he never uses his right hand, nor does he use his right hand to dribble much.Xavier can still be a top NBA prospect. He just needs to establish his right hand, get quicker on his feet, stop being so predictable, and use his big frame to his advantage.Avery Bradley: (No. 14 Overall, Previously No. 10) Remember coming into the recruiting process, Avery Bradley was the No. 1 overall recruit? Boy were they wrong. After Texas lost two straight games, Avery Bradley weaknesses were exposed.Bradley is very undersized for a NBA shooting guard, and he lacks the intangibles to Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
play point guard in the league. He is very explosive out of the offense, but gets too ball-hungry at times. He's not a consistent shooter and lives on shots outside of the paint rather than penetration. He lacks the leadership credibility, so if he wants to play in the NBA, he needs to improve his play fast.

12 Jan 11 NBA Saturday Preview: Trail Blazers Vs Mavericks

2011-01-12T01:20:00.000-08:00

Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesWith the main focus this time of the year on the Super Bowl odds, and subsequent NFL picks, a lot of key matchups in other sports go overlooked. This Saturday a game that would be a playoff matchup if the season ended today will take place in Big D. This game may not look Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
lopsided at first glance, but a closer look will reveal some intriguing sports betting implications.Portland Trail Blazers (27-20, 6th in the west) @ Dallas Mavericks (30-16, 3rd in the west)Betting Outlook: Spread: Dallas -8Over/Under: 193Money Lines: Dallas -180, Portland + 160Key Storylines:Bronze Medal: Andre Miller vs. Jason KiddThis classic matchup of pass first, push the play point guards will be exciting to watch. When these two were in their prime, it was like watching poetry in motion. Now slowed by age and declining skills, these two great players still have enough in the tank to start on a playoff team. Miller has scored better of the two with 12.9 PPG, 5.3 APG and 3.0 RPG while Kidd averages just less than 10 points, with 9.2 assists and 5.3 rebounds a contest. Miller role has been in constant flux as the Blazers have been decimated by injuries. Neither is a great defender or shooter anymore, but both will have sizeable impacts on how their team offense flows.Kidd has always been the better player and Dallas flows in his offense, especially at home.Advantage: MavericksSilver Medal: LaMarcus Aldridge vs. Dirk NowitzkiAldridge has developed into a solid player in the NBA and has added some muscle to his formerly skinny frame. He will continue to develop over the next few years and All-Star nods will be there in the future for this talented big man who is asked to play out of position at center for stretches due to the lack of a big man on the team. The Blazers can afford to keep Juwan Howard corpse on the court for too long especially Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
against this opponent.Dirk has returned to the form that gave him the 2006 MVP. He is averaging 25.1 PPG, with 7.8 RPG and 2.5 APG. Couple that with his unlimited range, variety of ways to free himself and ability to get to the line where he rarely misses (89% FT) and you are dealing with one of the game best. Dirk has the ability to come through in the clutch and will be starting for the home team in Cowboys Stadium in this year All-Star Game.Aldridge is certainly going to have his hands full defensively in this one. The Mavs will likely try to flush Aldridge out onto Dirk and abuse the rest of the Blazers with the big body of Erick Dampier down low. If Dirk can hit his shots, this will spell doom for the Blazers. If he does not, watch Dirk go into the post and create. Either way, the Blazers probably have no answer for the big German forward.Advantage: MavericksGold Medal: How the Blazers fill in for Brandon RoyAgainst the Utah Jazz on Wednesday the Blazers came out flat in their first game without Roy. They cannot afford to trail 37-16 at the end of the first quarter if they plan on winning games against the Western Conference elite. Without Roy leadership, clutch play and momentum shifting drives to the hoop, the Blazers are a mediocre team at best. G Rudy Fernandez and G Jerryd Bayless are filling in for the injured Roy (hamstring) for the foreseeable future and have not shown anything that should scare Dallas. G Jason Terry and G/F Josh Howard should have a field day with those two young Portland guards.Advantage: Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
MavericksPrediction: The Blazers are about to get hit by a buzz-saw. A depleted roster playing one of the league top teams in their home court does not spell well for the hopes of the Blazers in this game. This would be the 3 vs. 6 playoff matchup if the season ended today in the Western Conference, but without All-Star Brandon Roy, this team is not playoff bound.5dimes review: Final: Dallas 94 - Blazers 81. Take Dallas and the under.

10 Jan 11 LeBron James to the Los Angeles Clippers Would Be Magic 2.0

2011-01-10T00:26:00.000-08:00

Kevork Djansezian/Getty ImagesIn 1979, basketball wasn't dead, but it was on life support. The games were, for the most part, lifeless. For every Julius Erving, George Gervin, and David Thompson, there were a hundred other players that couldn't shoot straight. The college game was more entertaining to watch. Something had to change for the pro game. Sometimes change occurs slowly over time, but for the game of professional basketball, that was headed to dullsville fast, the change came quick. It was a sudden jolt, a quick left turn, that was obvious to everyone watching theDetroit Lions
Lakers season opener in the 1979-1980 season. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had the ball near the free-throw line. He swung to the left, elevated, and shot to the right. The classic Kareem skyhook went in for the buzzer beater, giving the Lakers game one of the season.It's always nice to win. It's always nice to win the season opener. It's cool when its on a buzzer beater. Kareem was no doubt ready to accept a high five or two. Maybe a chest bump and a point up to the crowd at most. He was not expecting over the top exuberance over a regular season game. No one was; but it was time for basketball to take a left turn. Earvin "Magic" Johnson, playing in his first NBA game, went wacko after Kareem's shot. He not only bumped chests with the Laker center he hugged him. A hug, in basketball, after a regular season game? The pro game had never seen anything like it. It was at that moment, as Magic gave Kareem that bear hug, that everything changed.From that moment on, the normally reserved crowds at Laker games were energized. Rivalries were established that lured fans in droves. Basketball was saved that day. Melodrama? Sure, but it doesn't make it any less true. In 2010, the Los Angles Clippers aren't dead but remain on life support. The team plays under the long and dark shadow of the Los Angeles Lakers. Where the Lakers represent all that is good about the game of basketball, the Clippers represent, well, the opposite. The Lakers mix in a year or two of poor seasons around decades of dominance. The Clippers tossed in one magical season in 2006 around decades of dullsville. The Clippers make the news when their TV announcers mispronounce things. They headline ESPN when one of their players is dunked on my Dwight Howard. They play games, but few notice. They have no history to look back to with pride. No jerseys in the rafters. No championships. They just exist. Few teams in the NBA are more in need of a quick left turn as the Los Angeles Clippers are. LeBron James = quick left turn. Imagine game one of the 2010-2011 Green Bay Packers jersey
season.James shocked everyone by picking the Clippers over Cleveland and New York months earlier. His departure from Cleveland was difficult for him and for everyone in Ohio. The Cavs loss to the Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals last season however made the move inevitable. James had energized Cleveland. He had taken an otherwise rudderless team to the brink of greatness. James had done all he could do in his hometown, it was time to move on to the lights of Hollywood. "I have nothing but love for Cleveland, but it's time for me to take another step in my career. To move on to bigger and better better things. I may live in L.A. now, but my heart will always be in Cleveland." James said at his new conference. He had chosen Los Angeles in spite of concerns of the Clippers "Curse." "I admit to cursing from time to time, but I don't believe in curses." James said to laughter as he explained his choice. Los Angeles offered him the right mix of location, personnel and opportunities. The choice, he said, was easy. The buzz in Los Angeles was unlike anything the city had ever seen. Los Angeles is not a town, a city or a village its a huge expanse of space with people milling about. There are no parades, no community mixers. Nothing brings L.A. together. LeBron James arrival, however, did. Playa Vista, where the Clippers practice, was overrun with media. His first practice was reported on. "I have word today that LeBron made a behind the back pass to Blake Griffin for a dunk on his first touch of the ball!" was the breaking news of the day. "This just in, LeBron worked up a sweat while leading his team to a victory during an practice scrimmage." The anticipation for the first preseason game was palpable. Los Angeles was ready to explode! "I'm excited to see LeBron here." Kobe Bryant said with no expression on his face. "It's good for the city, good for the game and damn sure good for the Clippers." He smiled as he walked away. After the media circus that was the preseason completed the regular season was set to start. Because James signed with the Clippers early during the free agent process the NBA was able to line up games that mattered most to start the 2010-2011 season. Game one pitted the defending NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers against the retooled Los Angeles Clippers. It would be a Clipper home game in Staples center. The site of the Lakers victory over the Magic in last seasons Finals. Lakers vs. Clippers. Former Champion vs. Future Champs Kobe vs. LeBron The tip bounced around before it settled into the hands of Baron Davis. Davis, understanding the significance of the moment, handed the ball to James. Kobe called for a switch and went to guard the Clipper forward as he brought the ball up the court. No one at Staples sat Houston Texans jersey
down. Kobe looked into LeBron's eyes, they both seemed to smirk at the same time. The battle for Los Angeles had begun. A rivalry was established. Clipper home games would never be the same again. Can you feel it? The table is set. The offer is no doubt being written up right now in Clipper headquarters. Mike Dunleavy and Donald Sterling understand. The Clippers understand. You see, the Clippers have been here before. They witnessed first hand how a single special player can change the course of a team. Back in 1979, that Kareem skyhook was made against the San Diego Clippers. It's time for karma to come into play and the Clippers get the player that changes everything. LeBron has to sign with the Clippers. It's karma.

9 Jan 11 Tracy McGrady No Longer T-Mac, but Can He Still Play?

2011-01-09T00:49:00.000-08:00

Nick Laham/Getty ImagesWhile Tracy McGrady carries around a prime-time name, and glimpses of a prime-time game, there no doubting the fact that New York acquisition of McGrady was strictly for salary cap purposes. Still, after nearly a season and a half on the pine, there the question of what McGrady can bring to the table, both this year with the Knicks, but more importantly, next year with his future employer. Plus, should McGrady be able to demonstrate a full return to his pre-microfracture form, the Knicks will have the first crack and negotiating to potentially resign McGrady this offseason. Let use McGrady performance against the Wizards to see exactly where McGrady is right now. Tracy McGrady: 25 Min, 8-17 FG, 0-1 3FG, 7-9 FT, 3 REB, 3 AST, 0 TO, 0 STL, 1 BLK, 23 PTS. Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
OffenseMcGrady generally operated with high screen/rolls or on wing isolations. These comprised 12 of his total shot attempts.An iso drive along the right baseline earned him a layup plus a free throw. McGrady had to contort his body to protect himself in the air. Some tougher players don alter their body position and force defenders to adjust to them. Still, McGrady completed the three-point play and should be lauded for it.A forced pull up 18-footer was missed and was a bad shot.McGrady was offered a screen, used a crossover away from the screen to gain separation, but had a 10-foot floater swatted away by Javale McGee. A more forceful player wouldve taken the ball all the way to the rim, while the old T-Mac wouldve elevated over McGee.A screen/roll led to a switch, some shimmies and shakes at the top of the key, a calmly-sunk 18 foot jumper.A forced drive to his left against two defenders led to a missed layup.Along the left baseline, McGrady pumped, drew Al Thornton up in the air, then jumped into Thornton to earn a trip to the line. McGrady made both free throws.Another McGrady pump drew Thornton into the air. This time, T-Mac made his jumper before getting fouled and completed a three point play. McGrady still has a convincing ball fake and the wisdom to school young, impatient defenders.A third force job was an elbow jumper that was swatted back by Thornton. Aside from the poor shot selection, the play is indicative of McGrady lack of lift.An iso and quick burst to his left allowed McGrady to hit a tricky lefty layup.McGrady again isod on the left side, got fouled on a drive, and hit one of two free throws.A lefty drive resulted in a botched layup.T-Mac ended his shooting with a step-back jumper that he failed to elevate. Thirteen points on 12 possessions for the two most conventional ways for a player to create for himself is right around the league average. McGrady also went 1-3 in the post. He dominated Quinton Ross in the left box for a powerful left hook, then ushered two fadeaways from the right box that missed badly (one resulted in an airball). McGrady has the strength to be effective, but he too often settles for fallaway jumpers, a marker of his timidity near the basket. Give him two points on three post possessions, a losing number. With two transition opportunities, McGrady was able to attack the Wizards on a two-on-two leading to a floater plus, foul and made free throw on the first attempt, while drawing another foul and hitting one of two free throws on his second attempt. Five points on two transition opportunities is effective. Twice McGrady was involved in two catch-and-shoot situations, once calmly sinking a 20-footer, and another time forcing a contested three which rimmed outtwo points on two possessions. McGrady also alertly cut without the ball early in the third quarter into a backdoor cut and layup, showing off his understanding of how to move without the ball into scoring opportunitiestwo points, one possession. McGrady was credited with three assists but only one of these assists is legitimatea hustle offensive rebound and quick lob to Wilson Chandler for a layup. McGrady other two assists came on a routine inbounds pass to David Lee where Lee made an uncontested 18-footer after McGee tried Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
to cheat a screen, and a screen/roll pass to Danilo Gallinari where Gallinari had time to pause, take one dribble to his left and pull up for a jumper, before the official score keeper liberally doled an assist to McGrady. Not that McGrady didn make good passes. Several slick passes led to blown layups or missed jumpers. Overall, McGrady displayed a decent first step and straight-line speed, with the mitigating factor that Washington late defensive rotations make any offensive player appear to be faster. McGrady is still timid near the basket against big men, as evidenced by the multiple missed layups, the post fadeaways, and the aversion to contact. McGrady still has a convincing ball fake and good shot mechanics. McGrady doesn nearly have the lift as he once did, a product of age, microfracture surgery, numerous lower body injuries, and fatigue. McGrady still knows how to move into scoring opportunities, but he much more comfortable catching the ball at the top, pausing a beatone Mississippi, two Mississippithen having surveyed the defense, making a move. This inevitably gives defenses time to hone in on McGrady potential scoring and passing options. McGrady still will force multiple drives and jumpers over the course of a game. McGrady is still a talented and willing passer. All this adds up to a player who can still be a valuable scorer and creator but can be a team primary or even secondary scoring option. DefenseAll told, McGrady 23 points and two legit assistsIll cede the inbounds to Leeled directly to 27 Knicks points. On defense though, McGrady was responsible for allowing, by my unofficial estimates, 22 Wizards points. McGrady was repeatedly posted for profit by Al Thornton. If Thornton wasn plowing his way to the basket, he was making kick-out passes after double teams leading to made three pointers. McGrady also jogged in transition defense, was blown up on a rebound by Thornton, made zero effort to close out on a Thornton three (only sagging back and pointing at Thornton as he swished a three), turned his head on a McGee backdoor cut, and suffered the ignominy of having Ross beat him off the dribble for a layup. In other words, par for the course for T-Mac. On closeouts and rotations, McGrady executed three good ones, and four bad ones, not a good number, but not an awful one. In other words, McGrady isn the worst on ball defender, but he can be outmuscled, and is prone to bouts of laziness, both harbingers of losing basketball, even if he does have a relatively high basketball IQ. It should be noted that McGrady sat the final 19 minutes of a down-to-the-wire overtime affair. This is the smart thing to do. Because McGrady hasn played more than eight-minute cameos in roughly 12 months, there no way he in game shape to be strong at ends of games. Indeed, his only endgame minutes for the Knicks have been inbound situations to take advantage of his deft passing. Also, as the prospects of a Knicks playoff berth are slim-to-none, McGrady job in New York is to sell tickets and to showcase himself to his 2010-2011 team. The Knicks will have the first option to negotiate with McGrady and its in their best interest to have McGrady healthy for next season in the case they resign him. Having McGrady injure himself while he gets into game shape does nothing for the Knicks long term plans. As for MCGrady himself, his label as a franchise-carrier is definitely over (and he was never worthy of the tag to begin with). He not tough enough or a good enough defender to be a team primary, or secondary scoring option, but he still brings a lot to the table. His ability to shoot and see the court would make him a better fit, for example, than Vince Carter in Orlando, where McGrady would still be potent as a scorer Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
around high screens, but his superior passing would open up Rashard Lewis and Orlando other host of three-point shooters.In a way, T-Mac would be a version of Hedo Turkoglu, his lazy defense would be compensatedto a degreeby Dwight Howard, and his basketball IQ would improve the lot of his teammates. Most teams, however, would pass on McGrady inconsistent energy levels, brittleness on and off the court, and need to take precious time before making accurate decisionsunless he were in some diminished role, such as coming off the bench as a sixth man where hed be a boon to any title-caliber team. But all that is in the future. This season, McGrady should only be known for the financial flexibility generated by his salary coming off New York books this summer. Until the end of the season, there is no T-MAC. Only T-CAP.

8 Jan 11 Houston Rockets' Win Over Denver Nuggets Reminds of Tough Summer Ahead

2011-01-08T04:02:00.000-08:00

Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesThe Rockets had seen this one before.A 16-point lead had become an 11-point deficit in less than 12 minutes. The Denver Nuggets' explosive offense was burning everything in its path, with Carmelo Anthony hotter than a brick oven.Then, the Rockets did what they have not been able to do intoo many criticalgames this season: They executed in the clutch. They fought back.Kyle Lowry scored at the cup on two straight possessions. Shane Battier dialed deep from long distance on consecutive tries.Aaron Brooks knifed through the Nugget defense for an acrobatic lay-in.Trevor Ariza drained a three-pointer to cut the once double-figure deficit to two. Down 121-119, Luis Scola finished off another workmanlike performance with a yeoman's board and a fast break basket.Hewrestled a defensiverebound from Nene and then ran the length of the court to finish a three-point play. The foul he drew on Chauncey Billups was the Denver point guard's sixth.Scola then forced Nene into a miss and swipedthe loose ball from the Brazilian Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
centeragain. He secured three crucial rebounds in the final two minutes.Brooks, then, found the ice in his veins and blasted the Nuggets with it. He stopped on a dime with less than six seconds left and drilled a pull-up jumper.Carmelo Anthony missed his desperation heave at the buzzer, and the Rockets won in improbable fashion 125-123.On too many nights, the Rockets have folded like lawn chairs. Those pratfallsmay keep them out of the playoffs, even if they make a final push andfrighten the eighth-seeded Portland Trail Blazers.The euphoria of Monday nightcannot erasethe dreary atmosphere after inexplicable home losses to the woeful Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings. Neither of those squads had beaten a winning opponent on the road before their stops in Houston.The players will look back on those defeats and wonder how they even had a chance.Still, the endless hustle and fighting spirit that defined the Rockets in November and December returned. When Scola finished his late and-one, the crowd erupted.The noise was deafening. It was so loudjust beforethe final possessionthat the folks who control the in-game sound decided to let the fans chant "defense" without aid.No booming bass trackor commands on the video board. Just good ol' fashioned, make-your-ears-ringnoise from a raucous crowd.The fans witnessed a Western Conference Finals-like regular season match. They should relish the memory, too, since the Rockets will be fishing when the real thing arrives.The Nuggets, looking to complete a season-series sweep and fend off the Dallas Mavericks for the West'ssecond seed, also wanted this game. Carmelo Anthony's blistering, seemingly effortless 45-point performance said as much.Digging deep, the Rockets found a way to want it more. They were better than the Nuggets for one night.The problem GMDaryl Morey must fix this summer: They cannot be better on enoughoccasions to make the kind of postseason run that will satisfy Owner Leslie Alexander or the championship-hungryfans.Every Rockets loss highlights the necessary rosterimprovements Morey must engineer.A defensive-minded, seven-footbackup big man with athleticism is essential. Maybe the undersized Jordan Hill can become that with more playing time. Maybe not (see Dorsey, Joey).Rick Adelman cannot expect Yao Ming to play more than 25 minutes a night in the first few weeks of his expected return. Even at full-strength, an injury-plagued Yao should not see more than 30 minutes of action with any frequency.The roster, at present, could not provide him the necessary relief.Every time the Rockets win, it shines a Gulf of Mexico-sized spotlight on what they do have.It also makes Morey's job this summer that much tougher.Teams Will Make Rockets Pay Upfor Scola, LowryScolaand Lowry will enter the market as restricted free agents.Given that a double-figure number of franchises will strike out on Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh, Morey should prepare for a ferocious bidding war for both players.What team with cap space would not love to have Scola, a world-class competitor who hustles like his basketball shorts are on fire?Lowry, one of the team three best defenders, remains in the top 10 at taking charges and drawing offensive fouls, even after missing more than a month with various ankle ailments. Other execs will look to furtherwoundAdelman's roster and snatch up the reserve guard.Scola dropped a career-high 44 points on the scary badNew Jersey Nets on Saturday night. His stellar performance carried the Rockets to agotta-have-it victory.It also raised his price.At least a few execs will offer him more than the mid-level exception, and he will prove worth every penny.Morey fleeced Spurs' GM R.C. Buford a few years ago. He should expect his peers to try to do the same in a few months.Scolais arare breed. You can find a talented big man capable of producing on the NBA level in every draft. You find a Scola once every five years.I attend every Rockets home game and watch every road contest.A fifth banner would hang in the ATT Center rafters ifthe Argentine forwardplayed inSan Antonioinstead of Houston. Trust me.Anyone who considers re-signing Scola a foregone conclusion should remember what happened with Ron Artest. In this business, one bit of bad luck can change everything.Brooks Also Part of Offseason EquationWith four minutes left in Monday's barnburner, Adelman embraced insanity. Or so I thought.Lowry had just banked-in two difficultlayups and Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
assisted on a Battier triple.Hot on the comeback trail, with Lowry confounding the Nuggets' porous defense, Adelman told Brooks to remove his warmups.He swapped Lowry for Brooks, and the decision looked to be one of the coach's worst in a long time. Just seconds after checking in, Brooks drove baseline and fumbled the ball out of bounds.Then, as if to atone for his untimely miscue, he caught fire and made Adelman look like a MENSA member.Brooks did miss one of two free throws in the final minute, but hebrushed the brick asideand nailed the game-winning jumper.Adelman has taken advantage of this luxury in many of the team's 34 wins. He canexchange one effective point guard for another with the mere motion of his index finger.Brooks is not a pending free agent, but that won't stop GMs from trying to pry him from Houston.If Morey hopes to land Chris Bosh in a sign-and-trade, he will surely have tooffer Brooks, another key rotation cog, and one of the Knicks' two first round picks just to get Bryan Colangelo to listen.Brooks, like Scola, will not be easy to replace. Guards with his combination of blazing speed and shooting touch do not appear on command.It would be nice if Morey could just clap his hands andunearth another speedster gem late in the first round. It doesn't work that way.The front office must decide how much more it wants to invest in this core. Brooks is this rotation's center of gravity. When he falls, he takes his teammates with him.The Rockets, even if they miss the playoffs, will exceedmost preseason expectations and likelyfinish with a winning record.The unexpected successhas notmaskedan uglyreality.The team is good, not great. The embarrassing losses to the Detroit Pistons, Kings, and Pacers reveal as much as wins over the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Nuggets.Would Bosh or another marquee star be worth losing Brooks or Scola?Can Adelman afford to lose both?Morey already surrendered Carl Landry to fetch Kevin Martin. Most 31st picks stay overseas or in the D-League.Every great draft find involves some luck.No hoops executivecan belta home run on every at bat, and Houston's "Moneyball" guru cannot outsmart that truth.Chase Budinger is a keeper.David Anderson is acommodious spot-up shooter with size.Hill has earned a longer look.Even Jared Jeffries has made himself useful.Brooksboastsstar quality and haswon more playoff games inthreeseasonsthan Bosh has in his seven-year career.GMs will rack up minutes flooding Colangelo cell phone with offers for the All-Star forward. Not many can offer a player as enticing as Brooks.Martin Changes the GameThe key to all three Rockets-Nuggets jousts can be seen in the box score. In the first matchup at the Pepsi Center, Anthony attempted as many free throws20as the Rockets. In the second meeting, Denver shot 39 freebies to Houston 19.Kevin Martin message on Monday was clear. Enough. The Rockets attempted 35 free throws, 15 more than the Nuggets. Martin was responsible for 16 of those 35 foul shots.His aggression has bolstered the Rockets offense and can only help the cause if Yao returns. For all the grief Martin earns for his flimsy defense, he merits praise for getting to the line a lot and making most of his tries. He shooting in the high 80s as a Rocket.Martin determination to draw fouls was as key Monday as the grit Scola, Lowry, and Brooks displayed. The roster, as constructed, does not often bring out Martin best. The talented 27-year-old off guard has often forced bad shots and struggled to find a rhythm within Adelman retooledoffense.Yao will alleviate some of Martin frustrations. Morey must do the rest by tweaking the roster in a way that benefits his star acquisition.The fans roared as the Rockets knocked off the Nuggets and kept their playoff dream alive. A roster that ekes out these thrilling wins with consistency can expect an atmosphere to match in more of the41 home outings.Each loss makes Morey need to continue his shopping spree in Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
2010 more glaring. He purchased the K-Mart special, expensive as it was. He should keep that credit card handy.Even with a flawed crew below deck, Morey and Alexander captain a ship headed in the right direction. Theyll have to pony up to keep it going. Every time Scola and Lowry stock goes up, so does their price.

30 Dec 10 Wandering on to Wolves - the Arsenal Charge Continues

2010-12-30T02:54:00.000-08:00

Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesThis is just a quick blog today, lots of live blogs to organise and things like that. So here we go again, what a slap back to reality this is. Barcelona to Wolves to Barcelona. But it is Wolves in the middle which we must deal with today, and there is a chance that the come-down from the Barca match, the hangover if you will, will affect the players and their ability to lift themselves for today's match. What is not in doubt is that win today and we definitely close the gap on either Chelsea or Man U, hopefully both. Should Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
any more motivation than that be needed? Probably not, but then life doesn't work the way we expect it. If it did, we'd have a fit squad, the league wrapped up, and be heading to Barcelona on Tuesday would be a mere formality. So just who have we got left standing and who is likely to be starting? Well, Arsene made a point of referencing Silvestre being 'back' (though no-one seemed to be aware that he was injured) so there is every chance that he will start alongside the Verm (could Wenger dare to go with the two old men at the back and keep the Verm for Barcelona where he will play alongside Song? Can't see it, but you never know.) At this point I don care. All I know is whatever 11 men take the field must be ready to give everything they have, even against Wolves. Some might even say especially against Wolves. From what he said in his press conference about 'rotating' I have an inkling we might line up like this tomorrow: Almunia Sagna Silvestre Vermaelen Traore Song Diaby Nasri Eboue Eduardo Rosicky No Cesc, Arshavin, Gallas, Clichy, Bendtner, Theo, VP, Ramsey, Denilson, Gibbs, Djourou in the starting line-up. Granted, a few of those are by choice, but the few who aren crippled are probably knackered covering for everyone else who has been injured on an off. Do we have a rota drawn up for how the injury hokey-cokey works or is it now completely arbitrary? Clichy and Denilson were both passed fit, but I think we will definitely see Clichy on the bench as we have no room for error at left-back and we shouldn't take the risk of him aggravating his back and not making Tuesday night. Gallas is gone for the season, just in case you missed it, and despite what is coming out of Russia (from Andrey's mum I believe) he is not out for the rest of the season and could be back for the Man City game on April 24th. Maybe he fancied a holiday or something, I don't know, but I don't get the impression that Arshavin is a happy gooner, and wouldn't be surprised to Kansas City Chiefs jersey
see him on his way. That would be a shame, he really could make himself in to an Arsenal legend, all he needs is a bit more application, put his head down and put the effort in. We won't mind if it doesn't work, all we want to know is that he is trying. Wenger has said we can't complain about injuries as that's why we have a squad of 20. Well I say we can bloody well complain about injuries when they happen in the quantities which we have experienced this season. It's all very well having 20 players, but when 11+ are out injured, it does give you reason to complain. Perhaps the injury 'crisis' has been ongoing for so long that Wenger no longer realises just how bad it has been and continues to be. Just a thought. Nice of Arsene to not make excuses, but I think that anyone who knows anything about Arsenal knows that it is a very, very valid excuse. Anyway, I see Silvestre starting because I think Sol will get the nod in Barcelona simply because, positionally, Song was at fault in that position for the two goals we conceded on Wednesday. If we doesn't start Song in defence today, we could see Denilson starting as Diaby is given a rest. So many permutations, and to be honest, I can't work it out. I think my brain has packed in after what has been the most mental season in recent memory. What we do know for certain is today it is quite simply win or bust. Nothing other than three points will do, we have no room for error from anyone as there is now no longer any time left in which to make up any further ground. Added to that, we must capitalise on whichever of the top two (hopefully both) drop points in the lunchtime kick-off. Will that be motivation enough? I don't know. Will we be focused on Tuesday or distracted by the game just past? I don't know. At the minute, I have more questions than answers, and, for a change, I'm enjoying it. Let the chips fall where they may, we have more than past expectations being this close at this stage. Personally, you know that I have believed all season long, and I'm not about to change that now, but I'm prepared to sit back and let this rag-tag bunch of 'nobodies' prove the masses wrong. No more analysis needed after the week we have just put in, because I know there will be plenty in Miami Dolphins jersey
the week still to come. All we need to do is win with whoever we are able to put on the pitch. The season now comes down to two games. Win them both and we are flying. It doesn't get much more straightforward than that does it? So that's that, told you it was short today. What do you mean it wasn't? No pleasing some people. See you in the live blog, Man U v Chelsea here, Arsenal v Wolves here. Two separate live blogs, so you'll have to log in to both. Win or bust. I believe. Do you?

29 Dec 10 Detroit Pistons Season Ends: A New Kind of Disappointment

2010-12-29T05:36:00.000-08:00

: Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesThe writhing, half-dead zombie that was the Detroit Pistons 2009-2010 season mercifully was put out of its misery on Wednesday night. It ended like it began, with a victory. This part Pistons fans were used to seeing.In between those wins, however, was a new low in recent Pistons memory.Many Detroit fans can remember similar lean years in this team's past.The end of the Grant Hill era brought a bitter pill to swallow, however, it was a relatively quick turnaround due to the brilliance of team president Joe Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
Dumars.Similarly, the end of the Bad Boys era brought a devastating level of pain to Detroit, but the basketball gods rewarded the fans with the third overall pick and a certain Duke star.Some fans go back even further, and can still remember the basketball wilderness years in the 60s and 70s before a certain Isiah Lord Thomas III threw on the Pistons red, white, and blue.Some could argue that even during the recent stretch of winning seasons there was some level of disappointment associated with this team in the fact that they only won one title despite having arguably the most complete team.However disappointing it was to lose in the conference finals to teams that many fans viewed as inferior, most would agree that they would gladly take those years over this one in Detroit.This season has been a whole new kind of disappointment for the Pistons.This was a team that was supposed to compete but didn't.This was a team that was supposed to be durable but wasn't.This was a team that was supposed to get better but couldn't.This was a bad team, something Detroit fans will never accept.The sports gods can have the Lions as our penance; the Pistons are supposed to be one of our "yeah, but" teams (as in the response to "the Lions are lousy").What makes this season so utterly hard to swallow was the fact that many of us thought that in a very weak conference, the playoffs should have been a foregone conclusion.But the basketball sometimes bounces strangely, and this season saw some teams that probably should have been better take a step back, and some teams that probably should have been further away take a giant step forward.This Pistons obviously were in the former group. Here's a quick look at what went right and what went wrong.The GoodThe spaghetti-western theme aside, we will start here because it is the shortest.The Pistons drafted fairly well last year, and their rookies showed some real promise in their first year.Jonas Jerebko was another in a line of excellent second round finds by Dumars and his scouts. He was a revelation, and endeared himself to Pistons fans with his hustle, determination, and smart play. To many, Jerebko appears to be a poor man's David Lee. It is not outside the realm of possibilities to assume that 14-16 points and 10 rebounds per game could be within his capabilities, which bodes well for a very small Pistons team.Austin Daye did not receive as much fanfare as his fellow rookie Jerebko, but very few expected him toReebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
contribute right away. He needs to bulk up a bit, but he did show a strong basketball mind and an impressive shooting touch on occasion. The future could be bright for the former Gonzaga star, but he will definitely have to work hard on his game and his body.DeJuan Summers saw spot duty for most of the season, but he played with a high motor and showed a willingness to mix it up. At the very least, he will be a strong backup swingman.Ben Wallace showed that the fountain of youth appears to be in strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander's office as he turned back the clocks and turned in one heck of a performance. Retirement speculation continues to fly, but I think he will probably return next year.Rodney Stuckey continued to inch his way forward, turning in a very strong first half performance before a scare in Cleveland led to an uneven second half of the season. However, he does not appear to be the point guard of the future for this team. Therefore, he needs to develop his perimeter shot in order to become a solid combo guard.Personally, I think that Dumars will probably shop his young guard in an effort to bring in some front court size.Speaking of the front court, Jason Maxiell finally started getting some meaningful playing time this season, and responded with some solid numbers.However, nobody believes that Maxiell at center is a recipe for victories. More than likely, he will return to the bench next season but he has earned the respect of his coaching staff.Lastly, first year coach John Kuester showed some potential as well. While the first half of the season he appeared to be the second coming of Flip Saunders due to his laid back style (not to mention his lack of accountability), he closed out the season by finally holding players accountable for their lack of effort, and probably won some much needed respect in the locker room.Sure it was an uneven performance, but he finished strong and his team never quit on him despite the record. That is a testament to the coach, as well as the professionalism of most of his players.The BadRip Hamilton had the most miserable season of his career. He still got his points (18 ppg), but his shooting percentage was terrible (40 percent) and his three point shooting was atrocious (less than 30 percent).Sure the injury bug bit him hard, but he struggled to co-exist with Ben Gordon and he also had difficulty playing alongside Stuckey.Look for Hamilton to bounce back, but it might not be in a Pistons jersey.Aside from a late season revival, Tayshaun Prince struggled mightily this season. For the first time in his career he spent time on the injury report, ending his impressive games played streak.At the end of the year Prince showed some real scoring zeal, but it would be shocking if he finished next season with Detroit due to his expiring contract.The UglyWhere to begin?The free agent signings of Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon, odd as they seemed at the time, were an unmitigated disaster.Gordon struggled early and often with his shot, and battled injuries throughout the year. He was unable to play with Hamilton due to the fact that they are essentially the same type of player, and he also found it hard to play alongside Stuckey.The only time he appeared to play well was when he was paired with Will Bynum, a luxury he will probably not have moving forward.Most people agree that Gordon's season was a fluke and he should bounce back.But Villanueva is a different story entirely. Charlie will never be given the nickname "hustle" around Detroit.From day one he appeared to take on too much of former Piston Rasheed Wallace's game, preferring to camp out on the perimeter on offense. But while Wallace Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
was generally considered a good defender, Villanueva decided to skip that part of the game, preferring instead to update his Twitter account.Villanueva was a train wreck set to music...not jazz or hip hop, mind you. Instead, it was like the music Stewie makes on "Family Guy" when he follows a fat guy with a tuba. Quite simply, it was ugly to watch.At the very end of the season Villanueva was finally held accountable for his nonchalant behavior, and responded with some good games.While his contract appears to be an albatross hanging around Dumars' neck, he could still prove valuable if paired with the right talent around him.The rest of the front court was equally bad, with Kwame Brown and Chris Wilcox battling for the title of "biggest lottery pick flop despite having impressive NBA physiques" with no clear winner.If there is any justice in this world, Brown will not be re-signed. However, Wilcox has a player option that he would have to be high not to exercise.The bottom line is that this team, due to injuries and unsteady play, underperformed this season in a drastic way. They are on the bottom of the NBA food chain.How long they stay there will be up to Dumars.

28 Dec 10 The King Must Earn His Crown

2010-12-28T00:49:00.000-08:00

Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesBeyond the hype, commercials and t-shirts, the first two games of the Cavaliers-Celtics series tells us a great deal.The biggest truth the games reveal that Kobe is King. Yes, LeBron owns the hardware for being MVP for the last two seasons. Yet, the Gold Ball belongs to Kobe. As a matter of fact, Kobe owns four of those, with one being his outright.LeBron still has many years to go. One day, he truly may be the best player in the game. For now though, the crown belongs in LA.Cavaliers fans will Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
chalk this article up to player hating it's not. I disliked Kobe, before LeBron ever played an NBA minute. Kobe convinced me he was a great player. LeBron still has a few things to prove.Irrespective of the ESPN and Nike hype, basketball remains a team sport. One man, no matter how good, will not beat a good team. One thing we do know, great players make good teams great. Not because of the great player's ability, but because that player makes those around him great. This concept has a name, it's called leadership.Being Jordan's teammate wasn't the easiest role, just ask BJ Armstrong. Kobe had run-ins with players throughout his time as a Laker. We witnessed no pun intended, Kevin Garnett rip Big Baby Davis during a game.We never hear rumors of LeBron blasting players in the lReebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
ocker room or practice. In today's media hyped environment, it's difficult to believe that if an incident occurred, it would not have been leaked. Sometimes leaders have to make tough decisions. As the unquestioned leader of the Cavaliers, LeBron now has to make some unpopular decisions.Big games require players to step up. Mo Williams, Antwan Jamison and Shaq have not lived up to the moment. LeBron needs to make sure that happens. All the other greats did this when their teams failed to answer the bell.Here in lies the challenge for LeBron. He must learn how to get more from the players around him. Beyond Mo Williams' dunk, he has been pretty much a non-factor. Williams went 1 for 8 in last night's game. We all know Shaq has no real purpose with the Cavaliers, other than waiting for a conference finals match-up with Dwight Howard (which probably won't happen).Jamison has to be more assertive down the stretch. Danny Ferry brought him to Cleveland to provide James help in the clutch. Did anyone even notice Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
Jamison in the last four minutes of last night's game against the Celtics?Yes, LeBron might posses more talent than any of us has ever seen in the history of the NBA. But talent alone will not get it done.Basketball relies on a team concept. A team relies on its leader. It takes more than a crown, to be the real King.

27 Dec 10 If Warriors Are Smart, They Will Try To Trade Ellis For Al Jefferson

2010-12-27T05:15:00.000-08:00

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesWith summertime approaching, there are always a great deal of rumors floating around the wonderful world of the NBA in what will happen in the soon-to-be offseason. This kind of thing is generally unavoidable, especially with such a deep and talented group of free agents starting to think about where they want to play for the next few seasons of their respective careers.It is also unavoidable that some of these rumors will move from credible to absolutely ridiculous, which might make the summer of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
free agency a lot more fun for some NBA fans, but certainly not for me.The reason I bring this up is that, being a consistent visitor of Bleacher Report, as well as a Warriors fan, I often read stories about some of the big name free agents and where they will land. While many of the predictions about where some these superstars will end up (LeBron to Chicago, Amare to Miami) seem reasonable enough, I have also heard rumors of a couple these tremendous talents possibly ending up in Golden State.Now don't get me wrong, I would jump for joy if the Warriors landed Chris Bosh. But I'm going to go out on limb here and say that that won't happen, due mostly to Golden State lacking cap space, as well as not being a particularly desirable location at this present time.The Warriors were also disappointed in the lottery once again, meaning they mostly likely won't get a shot at the best big-men in the draft (although if it comes to that they could still have some decent options). However, they still have plenty of young talent, led by potential All-Star Stephen Curry.The Warriors also have the extremely gifted Monta Ellis, and he could be their key to finally adding a good big man with scoring ability in the postsomething they have lacked in recent years. Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
That big man is Al Jefferson. Monta Ellis works perfectly for the trade for a number of reason. He is a terrific scorer with lightning speed and great athleticism, as well as an improving jump shot. Ellis also, if he puts his head in the right place, has tremendous upside. All he needs to do is improve his shot and his decision making, which is much easier said than done, but still could be huge in the eyes of the Timberwolves.Jefferson, on the other hand, is a talented guy who can score in the low post, something that the Warriors badly need. Not only does his contract work perfectly in a trade with Ellis', but I have also heard that Minnesota is anxious to get rid of him in an effort to make Kevin Love their new franchise center. They also are in a good draft position to get Demarcus Cousins in order to give them some depth at the position.Now, I know that the Warriors are still looking for a new owner, but I can't imagine whoever it turns to be being upset over his new team making this deal. I'm not as clear about the Timberwolves who, Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
for all I know, could be completely opposed to having a Monta Ellis on their team. However, from all the information I could gather, it appears as though making this trade would work out well for both teams.Be smart Warriors, and at least look into this.

26 Dec 10 NBA Draft Busts Of the 70's and 80's

2010-12-26T04:03:00.000-08:00

This is the second part to the original article examining the draft busts of the 1950s and 1960s.During the 1970 draft the total amount of selections in the first round increased to 17 and again the drafting reverted back to nearly half the teams selecting a bust. In this group there were nine players that would be considered a bust.Jim Ard the sixth pick of the draft out of the University of Cincinnati averaged 3.5 points in 218 games, George Johnson the ninth pick of the draft out of Stephen F. Austin State University averaged 2.8 points in 69 games, Greg Howard the 10th pick in the draft out of the University of New Mexico averaged 3.4 points in 92 games, Jimmy Collins out of New Mexico State University who was the 11th pick averaged 3.2 points in 74 games, Al Henry the 12th pick out of New Orleans Saints jersey
the University of Wisconsin averaged 4 points in 49 games, John Valley the 14th pick out of UCLA averaged 3.6 points in 100 games, Gary Freeman the 16th pick out of Oregon State University averaged 3.2 points in 52 games, and Mike Price the 17th pick out of the University of Illinois averaged 3.3 points in 119 games.Improvement came considerably in the 1971 draft only four players out of the 17 selections would be considered a bust. The fourth pick of the draft Ken Durett out of La Salle averaged 4 points in 120 games, Clarence Glover the 10th pick out of Western Kentucky averaged 2.6 points in 25 games, the 12th pick Dana Lewis out of the University of Tulsa and Collis Jones out of Notre Dame did not appear in an NBA game.For 1972 the number of picks in the first round dropped down to 13 there were five players that were busts. Larue Martin out of Loyola University was the first pick in the draft who averaged 5.3 points in 271 games, Russ Lee out of Marshall University was the sixth pick in the draft and averaged 2.9 points in 97 games, Tom Riker the eighth pick out of the University of South Carolina averaged 2.7 points in 82 games, Rob Nash out of the University of Hawaii averaged 4.7 points in 219 games, and Travis Grant the 13th pick out of Kentucky State University averaged 3.6 points in 36 games.In 1973 the selections in the draft jumped to 18, there were four busts in this draft. Kevin Joyce the 11th pick out of the University of South Carolina did not appear in a NBA game, Barry Parkhill the 15th pick of the draft out of the University of Virginia did not appear in a game as well, Steve Downing the 17th pick out of Indiana University averaged 2.4 points in 27 games, and Raymond Lewis the 18th pick out of UCLA did not appear in a game as well.The 1974 draft was much better out of the 18 selections only two could be considered busts. Cliff Pondexter was selected 16th out of California State University Long Beach he averaged 3.9 points in 197 games and Glenn McDonald out of California State University Long Beach averaged 4.2 points in 146 games.1975 saw three players selected that were busts. Gene Short the ninth pick out of Jackson State University averaged 2.5 points in 34 games, Bob Bigelow the 13th pick out of the University of Pennsylvania averaged 2.5 points in 94 games, and John Lambert the 15th pick out of the University of Southern California averaged 3.8 points in 446 games.The 1976 draft had only two New York Giants jersey
busts. Chuckie Williams the 15th pick out of Kansas State University averaged 1.7 points in 22 games and Norm Cook the 16th pick out of the University of Kansas averaged 2.4 points in 27 games. Another increased in selections happened for the 1977 draft there were now 22 selections. There were five players selected in the draft that were busts. Tate Armstrong the 13th pick out of Duke University averaged 3.8 points in 92 games, Bo Ellis the 16th pick out of Marquette University averaged 3.6 points in 168 games, Wesley Cox the 18th pick of the draft out of the University of Louisville averaged 4.6 points in 74 games, Rich Laurel the 19th pick out of Hofstra University averaged 2.4 points in 10 games, and the 20th pick Glenn Mosley out of Seton Hall University averaged 3.1 points in 32 games.Only two busts were involved in the 1978 draft. The 17th pick in the draft Rod Griffin out of Wake Forest did not play a game in the NBA and Raymond Townsend the 22nd pick of the draft out of UCLA averaged 4.8 points in 154 games.The 1979 saw a regression to six busts in the draft. Lary Demick the ninth pick out of the University of Arizona averaged 4.7 points in 206 games, Roy Hamilton out of UCLA averaged 4.6 points in 73 games, Brad Holland the 14th pick out of UCLA averaged 3.2 points in 93 games, Lee Johnson the 17th pick of the draft out of East Texas State University averaged 1.4 points in 12 games, Wiley Peck the 19th pick out of Mississippi averaged 3.5 points in 52 games, and Larry Knight the 20th pick out of Loyola University did not appear in a NBA game.1970-1979 busts:Jim Ard, George Johnson, Greg Howard, Jimmy Collins, Al Henry, John Valley, Gary Greman, Mike Price, Ken Durett, Clarence Glover, Dana Lewis, Collis Jones, LaRue Martin, Russ Lee, Tom Riker, Rob Nash, Travis Grant, Kevin Joyce, Barry Parkhill, Steve Downing, Raymond Lewis, Cliff Pondexter, Glenn McDonald, Gene Short, Bob Bigelow, John Lambert, Chuckie Williams, Norm Cook, Tate Armstrong, Bo Ellis, Wesley Cox, Rich Laurel, Glenn Mosley, Rod Griffin, Raymond Townsend, Lary Demick, Roy Hamilton, Brad Holland, Lee Johnson, Wiley Peck, and Larry Knight.What happens in the 1980s does the drafting become more consistent are their less busts? Or will it continue to be a crapshoot when drafting players?In 1980 there were five busts out of the 23 picks. James Ray the fifth pick out of Jacksonville University averaged 3.2 points in 103 games, Rickey Brown the 13th pick out of Mississippi State University averaged 4.4 points in 340 games, John Duren the 19th pick out of Georgetown University averaged 3.5 points in 201 games, Monti Davis the 21st pick averaged 1.5 points in two games, and Chad Kinch the 21st pick averaged 2.9 points in 41 games.For 1981 there were four busts. Danny Vranes the fifth pick out of the University of Utah averaged 5.1 points in 510 games, Jeff Lamp the 15th pick of out the University of New York Jets jersey
Virgina average 5.1 points in 291 games, Ray Tolbert the 18th pick out of Indiana University averaged 3.6 points in 261 games, and Charles Bradley the 23rd pick out of the University of Wyoming averaged 3.2 points in 110 games.Like the draft previously the 1982 draft had four busts. David Thirdkill the 15th pick out of Bradley University averaged 2.8 points in 179 games, Eddie Phillips the 21st pick out of University of Alabama averaged 3.2 points in 48 games, Mark McNamara out of the University of California averaged 3.5 points in 278 games, and Darren Tillis the 23rd pick out of Cleveland State University averaged 3.4 points in 124 games.Again in 1983 there were a total of four busts. Russell Cross out of Purdue University averaged 3.7 points in 45 games, Leo Rautins out of Syracuse University averaged 1.5 points in 32 games, Greg Kite the 21st pick of the draft out of Brigham Young University averaged 2.5 points in 680 games, and Stewart Granger the 23rd pick out of Villanova averaged 4 points in 80 games.In 1984 there were three busts. Tom Sewell the 22nd pick of the draft out of Lamar University averaged 1 point in 21 games, Earl Jones out of the University of District Columbia averaged .9 points in 14 games, and Michael Young out of the University of Houston averaged 4.6 points in 49 games.Like 1984 the 1985 draft had three busts Jon Koncak the fifth pick out of Southern Methodist University averaged 4.5 points in 784 games, Joe Kleine the sixth pick in he draft out of the University of Arkansas averaged 4.8 points in 965 games, and Uwe Blab the 17th pick out of Indiana University averaged 2.1 points in 235 games.The 1986 draft had six busts. Len Bias never appeared in an NBA game if injuries can count towards a player being a bust then overdosing on drugs should be considered as well. He came out of the University of Maryland and was the second pick of the draft. Christian Washburn was the third pick out of North Carolina State he averaged 3.1 points in 72 games, William Bedford was the sixth pick of the draft out of the University of Memphis he averaged 4.1 points in 238 games, Maurice Man was the 16th pick out of Saint Joseph's University he averaged 3 points in 69 games, Anthony Jones was the 21st pick of the draft out of the University of Nevada Las Vegas and averaged 3.6 points in 164 games, and Ken Barlow the 23rd pick of the draft out of Notre Dame did not appear in the NBA.1987 saw four selections that were busts. Joe Wolf the 13th pick of the draft out of University of North Carolina averaged 4.2 points in 492 games, Jose Ortiz the 15th pick of the draft out of Oregon State averaged 2.9 points in 64 games, Christian Welp the 16th pick out of Oakland Raiders jersey
the University of Washington averaged 3.3 points in 109 games, and Ronnie Murphy the 17th pick out of Jacksonville University averaged 2 points in 18 games.In the 1988 draft only three players would be considered busts. Will Perdue out of Vanderbilt University averaged 4.7 points in 792 games, Eric Leckner the 17th pick out of the University of Wyoming averaged 4.1 points in 449 games, David Rivers the 25th pick out of Notre Dame averaged 3.4 points in 114 games. The 1989 draft tied the 1986 draft with six busts. Kenny Payne the 19th pick out of the University of Louisville averaged 3.5 points in 144 games, Jeff Sanders the 20th pick out of Georgia Southern averaged 2 points in 55 games, Ray Marble the 23rd pick out of the University of Iowa averaged 1.9 points in 29 games, Anthony Cook the 24th pick out of the University of Arizona averaged 3.6 points in 116 games, John Morton the 25th pick of the draft out of Seton Hall University averaged 4.8 points in 128 games, and Kenny Battle the 27th pick of the draft out of the University of Illinois averaged 4.7 points in 134 games.1980-1989 busts:James Ray, Rickey Brown, John Duren, Monti Davis, Chad Kinch, Danny Vranes, Jeff Lamp, Ray Tolbert, Charles Bradley, David Thirdkill, Eddie Phillips, Mark McNamara, Darren Tillis, Russell Cross, Leo Rautins, Greg Kite, Stewart Granger, Tom Sewell, Earl Jones, Michael Young, Jon Koncak, Joe Kleine, Uwe Blab, Len Bias, Christian Washburn, William Bedford, Maruice Man, Anthony Jones, Ken Barlow, Joe Wolf, Jose Ortiz, Christian Welp, Ronnie Murphy, Will Perdue, Eric Leckner, David Rivers, Kenny Payne, Jeff Sanders, Ray Marble, Anthony Cook, John Morton, and Kenny Battle.

25 Dec 10 New York Knicks: Leo Rautins Speaks with B/R Prior To Knicks vs. Raptors Matchup

2010-12-25T01:24:00.000-08:00

Former NBA player Leo Rautins is a Canadian basketball legend. He was the youngest player ever to dress for the Canadian National Team at the age of 16. After that, Rautins continued his strong play with a stellar college career, first at the University of Minnesota before finishing at Syracuse University. With the Cincinnati Bengals jersey
Orangemen, he was named Most Valuable Player in the Big East Tournament and was selected to the school's All-Century Team. Since then, he has played in the NBA, coached the Canadian National Team, been named to the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame and is now a broadcaster for the Toronto Raptors. As the Knicks and Raptors gear up tonight for their second game against each other this week, Rautins offers his expertise breaking down tonight matchup. In addition, Rautins takes time to share his thoughts on how his son Andy is doing with the Knicks, and also talks about some other NBA tidbits. A man of many experiences, he certainly has a wealth of knowledge about the game. Read below for more. Q: In this past Sunday matchup against the Knicks, even though the Raptors lost, they were resilient and just wouldn go away until the end. Amir Johnson was all over the place and seemed to be a part of that, exposing the Knicks weaknesses down low. Has he been doing that all season long for the Raptors? A: Amir been getting better as the season goes along. He had a strong season last year too. He may have started off a little slow this year; his foul trouble was a bit of an issue. But since Reggie Evans has been out of the lineup due to injury, Amir has really elevated his game. His rebounding and scoring numbers have gone up and he provided the Raptors with a real inside presence. He runs the floor extremely well and keeps the ball alive on the glass too. Defensively, he blocks shots. I just think his presence in the absence of Evans has been a real bonus for the Raptors. Q: Obviously the Raptors are dealing with the big loss of Chris Bosh and are still trying to find themselves as a team. How do you think that are coping with that? A: I think the Raptors are still searching for their identity. In fact, their record at this point of the season is almost identical to what it was with Bosh last year. There hasn been a huge drop off in terms of production. At the same time, I think the main guy that Cleveland Browns jersey
obviously has to step up is Andrea Barngani. I think he still trying to find consistency. I know his numbers have gone up every season he been in the NBA, but he got to be there every night. He teammates also need to start recognizing that he is going to be the guy that has to get the ball and the one his team focuses in on on offense. I think ultimately this team is still trying to find themselves, but there a lot of positives to look at, especially when you consider the absence of Bosh. Q: When you talk about guys stepping up, maybe Sonny Weems is a guy that the Raptors want to look at. He was scoring in bunches for Toronto early on but has since cooled off. Can he do the one to step up again? A: I don think Sonny is a major scorer, but he get his opportunities. He best in transition and looks flashy when he attacks the basket. He falls into the trap of trying to be a jump shooter at times, which he not. I think he got to be a defensive presence for the Raptors, so he needs to step up in that regard. He had some games where he has stepped up and scored but now that teams are focusing in on him, I think he has to realize that it the little things that will really make his presence felt. Q: You actually played on the Canadian National Team with Raptors Head Coach Jay Triano. What fundamentals do you remember Jay playing with that he now instills in this Raptors squad? A: I think in regards to the international game, you see a lot of movement, much like Coach DAntoni tries to do with the Knicks. You don want to stop the ball, just push it up the floor. That was always crucial for guys like myself, Jay Triano and Mike DAntoni. The ball has got to move. I think a lot of times in the NBA the ball stops The Miami Heat are a great example of that, where you have players who stopDallas Cowboys jersey
the ball, and everyone else kind of just watches. What Jay and Mike are trying to do is consistently move the ball in order to make sure everyone gets good looks and good touches. Q: Your son, Andy (Rautins) plays for the Knicks and has obviously not only been going through a transition from the college to the pros, but is also transitioning from mostly playing shooting guard to now point guard. Can he be the one to fill that backup point guard void for the Knicks? A: I think he can. That what he does best: push the ball. He won pound the ball and dribble the ball, but he move it with the pass. He also can keep the defense honest with his shot. His international experience should help him there because he played point guard. He did a good job for us by pushing the ball and getting it up the court quickly. I think he can definitely help in that regard. Q: Thus far, Andy hasn seen much time on the court. What kind of things do you draw from your own experiences to keep him motivated? A: The big thing is just that he in the NBA, and things in this league can change from day to day. The most important thing is to always be ready. He can get down, can worry and you always just have to be ready. The only thing you can do is play ball and be ready. You always want to try and incorporate new things into your game when you aren playing; be a student of the game and use everything at your disposal to become a better player. When that opportunity is there, be ready. Q: The Knicks have been on a tear obviously with their big winning streak. What have they been doing that the Raptors will have to look to stop tonight? A: During their matchup with the Raptors on Sunday, I think the Knicks did a great job knocking down three-pointers. Amare Stoudemire simply took over the game in the fourth quarter. The Raptors need to force other players to make plays, not allowing him to do it. The two wins that the Knicks have had against the Raptors this season have resulted from Stoudemire taking charge in the game. Allowing threes creates a lot of problems for the Raptors, as it did against the Pacers the other night, so they will have to tighten that up too. Q: There have been a lot of comparisons between Canadian superstar Steve Nash and Raymond Felton. What do you think of the job Raymond is doing for the Knicks? A: I think Steve is a great point guard that obviously thrives in the Suns system. Raymond is new to the system, and if you look at his progress from training camp to this Denver Broncos jersey
point in the season, I think he made great progress. He getting more and more comfortable as he and Amare develop a great working relationship. I think it unfair to compare the two: Steve a MVP type player, and Raymond is still trying to incorporate things. With time, as Raymond continues to improve, he be tremendous for New York. Q: To close things out, as the coach of the Canadian National Team, is there a player from your squad on the horizon that NBA fans should look out for? A: Joel Anthony of Miami has done a great job for us. He has a little bit of a different role with the Heat than he has for us; he basically known for his defense and rebounding. During the summer though, he did a great job of scoring around the basket. As the Heat players get more comfortable with their roles, I think they start to take advantage of Joel talents. Whatever success that team has, I think he going to be a part of that. No question about it. For Keith's Knicks coverage and much more, visit Knicks Journal. Follow Knicks Journal on Twitter. And for more on Leo Rautins, visit his website

24 Dec 10 Michael Jordan: Could He Score 100 in Today's Game?

2010-12-24T00:53:00.000-08:00

John Harrelson/Getty ImagesThe recent rave of the hit game, NBA 2K11, features former NBA great Michael Jordan on the front cover in his classic Bulls jersey. It is a big deal for someone like M.J. to appear on such a renowned game and it has naturally brought much attention Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
to not only the gaming world, but to NBA fans. M.J. recently sat down with USA Today's Game Hunter to discuss NBA 2K11 and the changes we are seeing in the game of basketball today. In the interview, Game Hunter asks M.J., "How has the game changed from your playing days?" M.J. responded by saying, "It's less physical and the rules have changed, obviously. Based on these rules, if I had to play with my style of play, I'm pretty sure I would have fouled out or I would have been at the free throw line pretty often and I could have scored 100 points." From digging up M.J.'s past, I found out that his career high was 69 points, and that was in a game that went into overtime. So for M.J. to say he would score 100 points in today's day and age is a bit controversial. Yes, I know he's arguably the greatest to play the game, and yes, his competition may have been much tougher back then, but could he have scored 100 against the players in the league today? For me it would have to obviously come down to who he as playing against. If M.J. had Sasha Vujacic on him, I'd bet that he could score 100, maybe even more. But even against Vujacic it'd be a stretch not only for Jordan, but anybody. That Wilt Chamberlain got the "most scored in a game" titleKansas City Chiefs jersey
back in 1962, it should tell you something about why he still holds the title. In the time span from Chamberlain's days to now, there have been countless great players: Bird, Magic, M.J., Olajuwon, Karl Malone, Isaiah Thomas, Kobe, I mean you name it, some of the best of the best have played after Chamberlain and yet he still holds his title. The reason why Chamberlain still holds his title is because of the mix of luck and skill he had back in the days he played. Chamberlain was a 7-footer who played at a time when basketball was just starting up and his only competition was Bill Russell, for the most part. Chamberlain did not score 100 on Bill Russell. In fact, he scored 100 against two different players: Darrall Imhoff and Cleveland Buckner of the New York Knicks. Back in those days, there wasn't any defense, and if you were 7'1'' centerand you had skills, it was relatively easy to score over 50 a game. The Knicks just happened to catch Chamberlain on an especially special night. Comingback to M.J. Miami Dolphins jersey
and his statement. I think that M.J. could have scored 100 points in this day and age, but it would have to be against a bad team and a bad defender. M.J. would also have to be fouled a lot to get easy points at the line and he would have to play the entire game, but it's a definite possibility. I mean we are talking about M.J. Though he is M.J., could he really score 100? Well that's just up to you guys isn't it? Let the talking begin!

No matter the defender, Bosh should receive the ball and the team should design plays that allow him to get open for easy shots

2010-12-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

At the moment, there appears to be no plays truly drawn up for Bosh to score. Not exactly to say that Coach Spoelstra has designed many plays for James or Wade, but the coaching and the team need to get Bosh involved if they want to keep him happy and satisfied with his scoring output.Bosh is on a mission this season. Those first 10 games were easily the most daunting task for the entire Heat team as they attempted to form cohesion and chemistry. It appeared that Bosh might have been left out as he struggled, while James and Wade continued to Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
bond on the court. After the Suns game however, that might all change as that big two finally becomes a big three.When it comes to a player like Bosh who has no inside presence to play alongside and pretty much has to play the role as undersizedcenter for portions of games, all the Heat need to do is give him the ball. At only 11 shots per game, compared to the 16 each that Wade and Jame are getting, it is not helping Bosh instill his presence as the Heat's lone offensive big man. Not only do they get Chris Bosh involved, but it allows more room for Wade and James to work their magic in the paint as more attention is focused on Bosh.You can call Chris Bosh's game against the Suns a fluke, but you can't take away the fact that he grew as a player. He now has the confidence to become a beneficial part of this team, as well as possibly a better rebounder and defender. With games against Charlotte, Memphis, Indiana, Orlando and Philadelphiaon tap, it should only help Bosh become a better scorer as he is defended by the likes of Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
Tyrus Thomas, Zack Randolph, Josh McRoberts, Rashard Lewis and Elton Brand.The rebounding will come, but for now the team needs to make Bosh a scorer to bring his confidenceand productionup. The team needs to start designing more plays that will allow their big man to score on easy opportunities. Bosh hassurprisingly been the most double-teamed member of the big three and that should allow only more room for his teammates to thrive off of him. Perhaps this is the call for a more competent offensive system to be installed?Either way, the Heat need to find more ways for Bosh to score. With a few overmatched defenders set to guard Bosh, this learning process of becoming the producer and rebounder that the Heat wanted him to become will begin to occur through this Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
five-game stretch. It will only be until next Saturday when the Heat face off against Dirk Nowtizki and the Dallas Mavericks that we will see just how much Bosh has improved and if he can compete against the elite power forwards of the league.They're giving him $115 million. Miami needs to make Chris Bosh more than a 14-point and-six rebound player for all of our sakes.

NBA Free Agent Rumors: Shaquille O'Neal To Join South Beach Superteam?

2010-12-22T06:24:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesLet me preface this entire article with one thing. I almost never believe in rumors. However, this is something I heard from a good friend who lives in Miami that I trust, and who has some sources, that I will only say, aren’t always full of bull.Here’s what he’s telling me.First, that my dream of a “South Beach Superteam” isn’t just a lock to happen, but that there are already three players who’ve committed to play for the league minimum along with the troika if it’s Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
formed.The first player has already been discussed in numerous Bleacher Report articles, as well as in the mainstream media; namely Ray Allen (this has subsequently been proven wrong since Allen decided to resign with the Celtics).Now, I was intrigued with what he’d said when he mentioned Ray Allen, but such talk hadn’t surprised me, since I’d heard it before.What he told me next floored me. He says his sources say the other two players are teammates of LeBron James from this past year with the Cavs, and one of them was a huge part of the Heat’s 2006 Championship.That’s right, people. He says Shaquille O’Neal will be returning to Miami to man the middle for the Miami Heat in order to get another ring or two before his days are done. And the other player he and LeBron are dragging along with them? None other than Sebastian Telfair (this part of the rumor has also proven to be incorrect, however my source still maintains the meat of the rumor, that Shaq is headed to the Heat this coming week, is absolutely true).So, while you can take all this with a grain of salt, for even I have a hard time swallowing it, you heard it from me first. There’s a chance Pat Riley and the Miami Heat not only are Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
going to form a South Beach Superteam, they’re going tobring back Shaq Diesel.Subsequent events and sourced rumors have us likely signing Mike Miller and bringing back Udonis Haslem, along with adding certain veterans such as Jason Williams, Tracy McGrady, Quentin Richardson, and Juwan Howard for the Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
vet minimum.If it does go down, can you just imagine the lineup we may have?PG – Mario Chalmers, Jason Williams, Carlos ArroyoSG – Dwyane Wade, Mike Miller, Tracy McGradySF – LeBron James, Quentin Richardson, Da' Sean ButlerPF – Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, Juwan HowardCT – Shaquille O’Neal, Joel Anthony, Dexter PittmanUNSTOPPABLE!

Carl Crawford's Decision To Sign With Boston Has Tampa Bay Rays Fans Seeing Red

2010-12-21T02:15:00.000-08:00

J. Meric/Getty ImagesInGames 2 and 4 of the ALDS in October, Carl Crawford received cheers from the Rays faithful.It was an appreciation for his service as a Ray. They knew he had played his last game at Tropicana Field. The Rays never made an effort to re-sign him, so they understood if Crawford left.Crawford should soak all that in. It's hard to believe he will get a standing ovation when he returns to the Trop in June. After he made his decision to sign with the Red Sox, he will be booed. The Red Sox are the last team the Rays fans wanted him to sign with. They were OK with him being an Angel or a Ranger. Anyone but a Red Sox or a Yankee. Crawford thinks he did the Rays fans a favor by not signing with the Yankees. He doesn't understand they hate both the Red Sox and the Yankees. They don't like it when Red Arizona Cardinals jersey
Sox and Yankees fans invade the Trop. Judging by the reaction of Rays fans on Twitter and blogs today, it wasn't pretty. Most of them think of him as a traitor and a bad guy. People wish him failure as a member of the Red Sox. They choose to forget what he did in his tenure as a Ray. From this perspective, Crawford should be called out for being a mercenary and for taking an easy way out. Rather than play for the Angels, heis playing for a team that will buy a championship every year. It's getting old seeing homegrown players bail out on their teams and move on to the Yankees or the Red Sox. That's not right. Yes, those players want to win a championship. No one is begrudging them, but they should try to be the solutions for their own team rather than jump ship. That's the problem with professional athletes. They want to have it easy.No fan likes seeing players leave for greener pastures. It's one of their pet peeves in sports. This happens too often. Is it any wonder why there is no bond between fans and players? There are too many defections in baseball. It goes back to the days when Curt Flood won his rights to be a free agent. It's no wonder why small-market towns have low attendance in baseball. There's no point going to games when homegrown players come and go. It wasn't just the fans who expressed outrage. Several members of the Rays were disappointed that Crawford decided to go to Boston. They did not like the thought of him beating the Rays often. They thought he would do the right thing and play for the Angels. That's fantasy, and in sports, that never happens.Elite players want to get paid and play for a championship. Going to Boston presents the best of both worlds for Crawford. As good as the Angels are, they may have a tough time to win the division. The Rangers are still the team to beat in the AL West. Most of their players will be returning, and they have a great core of young players who can play together for the next seven years. Crawford did not want to take that risk. It's hard to blame him, but it would have been nice if he decided to be a difference-maker for the Angels. Sports should feature great competitors not joining the other team if they can't beat them. The Rays and their fans were led to believe Crawford would be an Angel. After all, he is soft-spoken. He is not the type of guy who likes to deal with scrutiny. He never talked about what it's like to be on a big stage. That's the problem with assuming. Folks deal with five stages of Atlanta Falcons jersey
grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. For the Rays, they probably are in the acceptance stage. They knew the gang would be gone in the offseason. Rays owner Stu Sternberg mentioned that many times this season. That's why their one-and-outpostseason was hard to accept. For the fans, they have reached the anger stage now. They were in denial when rumors broke out that Crawford had made his decision. It won't be long until depression comes. Acceptance should come when exhibition games start. Fans will be into baseball, and they will worry about how the 2011 team will work out. When Crawford makes his return, then the anger will break out. This is the same fanbase that booed several Rays this year. B.J. Upton heard it a lot whenever he struck out. The fans let Dan Wheeler have it after bad outings. Even James Shields was not immune to it. Winning has brought people to the games. There is interest now. Those fans watched Crawford enough to know what he meant to the team. They are not going to be happy seeing him beat their team too often. It's easy to rip fans, but they are emotionally attached to the team. When a player leaves to go to their team's rival, it's like a player spitting on someone's face. There is a reason why Clevelanders are angry at LeBron James. They felt he disrespected them by making his decision on national television. They thought he took their loyalty for granted. Now, fans should not get caught up in sports. They should view it as entertainment, but that's easier said than done. When fans are paying money and investing their time in the team, they want players and management to appreciate them. It's understandable for fans to act that way, but that's not reality. Players are out for themselves. They have their own goals, and that's making money, winning championships and taking care of their family. Management is all about the bottom line. If fans understood that part of it, they would be better off. It's surprising to see Crawford receive that vitriol. Hopefully, everything settles down. The best response would be not giving him any reaction. There's no point booing him. It's crazy to be mad at him. It's one thing for Clevelanders to boo James, who had the audacity to tell them on national television he was talking his talents to South Beach. The former Ray played for the organization for 10 years. That's a long time. Booing the guy would be showing love. He would get the attention that he doesn't deserve. It's OK to root for him to Baltimore Ravens jersey
fail. After all, he is playing for a rival, but there’s no reason to go this far. It would not make the fanbase look good by booing him. Rays fans receive flack for not going to games. Why make it even worse by behaving badly towards a guy who did so much for the community? It’s time to move on and support the new group of guys. Let Crawford be a distant memory.

20 Dec 10 Clemson Football: Positions of Need in the Off Season, Pt 1

2010-12-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesA lot can now be said of the disappointing 6-6 record posted by the Clemson Tigers. Some can point to coaching, lack of execution, and lack of leadership along the offensive side of the ball, which came back to bite the Tigers later in the season.However, many are looking for more answers after the bowl game, and hope to find them in the 2011 recruiting class, which is ranked by many to be a top ten class, with a good number of freshmen to receive immediate playing time. As the bowl games pass, the off season is set to begin for Clemson. In evaluating the season, it is easy to see which areas of this Clemson squad need recharging.Wide Receiver: Offensive skill in the passing game is the biggest need for Clemson, and it all starts here, at wide receiver. Early on, whenveteran receivers Xavier Dye, Brandon Clear, and Terrance Ashe failed to step up, the younger cast of freshmen DeAndre Hopkins, Bryce McNeal, and Jaron Brown stepped in and swiped away the veterans' starting jobs, while fellow youngster Brandon Ford even moved to tight end and did better.However, the group, aside from Hopkins, still lacked a true downfield threat, with Brown and McNeal better fitted as possession receivers. The 2011 class has addressed the need to find receivers, adding a total of five wideouts; the most notable are Martavis Bryant, Charone Peake, and Sammy Watkins, all of Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jerseywhom are listed asbetter downfield threats than the current receivers save for Hopkins. Look for these three names to be in orange jerseys taking the field as soon as possible, and add more pressure to McNeal and Brown to perform.What is Clemson's most needed positionWhat is Clemson's most needed positionWide Receiver/Tight End41.5%Running Back0.9%Quarterback38.7%Offensive Line18.9%Total votes: 106The tight ends will also gain more attention, as Clemson has landed Eric MacLain who will bring Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey competition into a young group of tight ends behind Dwayne Allen. The tight end must become important in the passing game again.Quarterback: With Parker gone, Boyd is set to become the starter, and this position becomes a need due to depth rather than immediate contribution. Clemson has made sure to address the quarterbacks in its class, adding two quarterbacks by the names of Tony McNeal and Cole Stoudt to compete for the back up positions along with Donny McEleeven. McNeal has been described as more of a pro-style quarterback, while Stoudt has been classified as more of a dual-threat.The offensive line remains mostly intact, with Chris Hairston the only loss. Brandon Thomas isset toreplace him.The running back position is deep, and it gets even deeper with the addition of Marlin Lane and Mike Bellamy—four and five star prospects, respectively. With Harper a rising senior, and Rod McDowell likely to become more of Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jerseya slot option, the position will be crowded with redshirt freshmen Demont Buice and DJ Howard coming into the mix. The backfield's future looks brighter heading into next season,likely featuring a four running back rotation of Ellington, Harper, Bellamy, and Lane.The defense remains the biggest strong suit of Clemson's team, and will be highlighted by position within the following days.

19 Dec 10 Mile High Messiah: Did John Elway Just Save the Broncos Yet Again?

2010-12-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

Justin Edmonds/Getty ImagesThe Denver Broncos went into their bye week with their tails between their legs. Many of the talking heads had written them off, saying they would "pack it in" for the rest of the season. No doubt that's how some of the players actually felt.;Yet, Sunday rolled around, and from the starting gun it was clear that the Broncos were playing with new life. Their offense exploded. They could run the ball. They could stop other teams from running the ball on them. They could have poured on points and captured the NFL Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
record for most points in a game, had they not let up on division-leading Kansas City.So what happened? What changed during the one-week hiatus?With the Broncos season at a crossroads and in need of a savior, Pat Bowlen called upon the same man he called on so many years ago toresurrect the franchise: John Elway.That's right. For the first time since Elway retired following the '98 season, he addressed the entire team. According to several reports, Elway spoke to the team about amyriadof things.According to Bill Williamson at ESPN, Elway asked the team how many of them would be relieved to beat the Chiefs. Several Broncos raised their hands, to which Elway responded sharply with something along the lines of: That's the attitude that has this team where it is right Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
now.Do you think Elway's talk was responsible for the seemingly resurrected Broncos?Do you think Elway's talk was responsible for the seemingly resurrected Broncos?Yes81.6%No18.4%Total votes: 256Elway talked to the team about never giving up, always staying hungry, that yes, you must take it one game at a time, but to never be relieved until you have, "one of these," as he held up his Super Bowl rings.Elway concluded his pep talk by reminding the team that many of the same fans who are calling for the teams heads once tried to run him out of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
town.Elway's message was all aboutperseverance. If that were a major, I'd say Elway has his Ph.D in that.John Elway, more than 10 years retired, may have just engineered the finest comeback in Denver Broncos history. Monday night will shed further light on just how well Elway's talk worked or didn't.Personally? I don't think San Diego is going to know what hit them. -This article uses information from ESPN.com

18 Dec 10 Miami Dolphins: QBs Patrick Ramsey, Chris Simms Receiving Interest From Team

2010-12-18T03:42:00.000-08:00

Add two more names to the list of free-agent quarterbacks the Miami Dolphins will reportedly bring in after losing Chad Pennington and Chad Henne to potentially season-ending injuries in the team's win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 10. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Sunday night that the Dolphins Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
will bring in quarterback Patrick Ramsey on Monday, with a potential signing to follow. Mort also reported the Dolphins have had discussions about working out quarterback Chris Simms. The news comes after earlier reports had the Dolphins showing interest in former Broncos quarterback Tom Brandstater as well as 2007 first overall pick JaMarcus Russell. The Dolphins are clearly leaving no stone unturned as they scramble to add healthy quarterback depth, with reports saying Pennington (shoulder) and Henne (knee) may indeed be finished for the rest of the 2010 season.The Dolphins are also on a very short week, with their next game coming Thursday night against the Chicago Bears on the NFL Network. The Dolphins are likely to add at least one quarterback to the roster, which is where veterans like Ramsey and Simms come in. Both onetime starters, Ramsey and Simms have fallen off the radar a little bit in recent years and have struggled just to get backup gigs. Neither is considered starting material at this point in their careers, and both have looked overmatched when they have gotten their chances. Though certainly not ideal choices for emergency playing time, they are two of the more experienced quarterbacks Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
on the market right now. I'd also expect the Dolphins to add a third quarterback before Thursday's game, either to the active roster or the practice squad. If it is the latter, someone like Brandstater or another young free agent would be a suitable candidate. Discuss this article on the forum here!Chris J. Nelson majored in journalism at Georgia State University and is currently a programming coordinator for Turner Sports in Atlanta. He operates his own Miami Dolphins website, The Miami Dolphins Spotlight, and he can be followed on Twitter here.

17 Dec 10 Green Bay Packers Continue To Work Out Their Demons

2010-12-17T04:28:00.000-08:00

Aaron Rodgers throws for 4 touchdowns and 300 yards against his predecessorIn the past month or so, the Green Bay Packers have managed to turn their season around and have routed a four game winning streak, including two victories in a season sweep of their hated divisional rival, the Minnesota Vikings (Go Pack!).In the first six contests, the Green Bay Packers clearly struggled on third-downs, turnovers, inconsistency, run defense, and even injuries.All of that seems to have changed.It all started Sunday Night Football, Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
in Lambeau against the Vikings. The game held some pretty controversial calls, including an out-of-bounds touchdown pass to Packers tight end Andrew Quarless.But it held a significant moment for the Packers nonetheless, where on the final drive of the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay's defense held firm.It seemed like a dream come true for Minnesota, a Brett Favre pass to Percy Harvin to seal the game away, and beat the Packers for the third consecutive time.It wasn't to be, and the Packers D held off the Favre-magic for an entire, exhausting, agonizing six minutes.The following week, the Packers D made a nothing short of an incredible shutout victory of the New York Jets.While many feel that this certainly was an impressive victory, I personally do not feel that the Packers were given enough credit for the job that they did that day.Do you feel as though Green Bay has worked out most of their demons?Do you feel as though Green Bay has worked out most of their demons?Yes68.0%A little 23.1%Not really4.0%I'm Not Sure4.9%Total votes: 247The New York Jets, one of the best AFC teams, were coming off their bye week! Darrelle Revis was rested and finally healthy, they had the best run offense in the league a season ago, and to top it all off, New York was the team playing at home.The Green Bay Packers offense certainly could have done a better job of getting the ball down the field. Although, it was a little windy that day.Green Bay then continued on with it's seemingly new-found power and confidence, and gave the hopelessly lost Dallas Cowboys a full-on beatdown.The Packers then gave Brett Favre and the all but completely done Minnesota Vikings the beat-down they truly deserved (I know, doesn't it just feel so good?).In total Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
consensus, the Green Bay Packers defense has allowed a total of 10 points in their last three games, and now tie the Bears in total scoring defense.And their offense, while still a little inconsistent, is improving in that area, and have been working out their running backs as best they can.Aaron Rodgers has not turned the ball over in three consecutive games. Not by interception nor fumble.Special teams, however, still has a lot of work to do, with Mason Crosby hitting a career worst 73.7 percent of his field goal attempts, Tim Masthay having only one really good day of punting and Sam Shields getting virtually nowhere on his last two kickoff returns.But hey, Special Teams still have had some pretty good days so far. If you ask me, we need to stop asking Mason Crosby to keep hitting 50-plus yard field goals. His numbers have been impressive under that yard line.All in all, the Green Bay Packers are officially a force to be reckoned with, and can't be taken lightly by anyone from now on.Next week, the Packers travel to take on the Atlanta Falcons, who are currently 18-1 at home under quarterback Matt Ryan.If the Green Bay Packers defense continues to play as they have these past few games, there will be no need to worry about any Roddy White or Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
Michael Turner.Matt Ryan is nearly undefeated at home, but if his run game is shut down and Roddy White has a bad day against Tramon Williams, he will struggle to find any answers.Make no question, this game scares me. But come on, Matt Ryan has to lose at home sometime.

16 Dec 10 Brett Favre Now Has Clear Path to Win Super Bowl for the Minnesota Vikings

2010-12-16T00:22:00.000-08:00

Quarterback Brett Favre can now bring home a Super Bowl championship for the Minnesota Vikings after owner Zygi Wilf finally fired Brad Childress and replaced him with Leslie Frazier.The Star Tribune's Judd Zulgad and Chip Scoggins are reporting that Frazier is a major ally of Favre. Frazier said Favre is their team leader. He will not only be the Vikings starting quarterback, but will also be the de facto assistant to offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.Darrell Bevell, along with Adrian Peterson, were the main reasons Favre wanted to play for the Vikings last year. Childress was the main reason Favre did not want to come back this year. Like other quarterbacks who have played under Childress, Favre found that he would accept virtually no player input.This year, the VReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
ikings are currently 3-7 because the team simply could no longer overcome the predictable play-calling of Brad Childress, after their only real wide out Sidney Rice went down.They had some success with Randy Moss, mainly as a decoy, but Childress waived him before he had enough time to learn his West Coast offense, which Moss hated anyway. Sidney Rice played last week, but looked tentative and also more like a decoy.The telegraphed offensive game plan of Brad Childress was essentially to run Adrian Peterson down the middle and, after that failed, have Favre throw out of the shotgun. Childress even complained when Favre would audible at the line of scrimmage upon seeing the defense was stacked against them.Predictable play-calling allowed defenses to stack the box against running back Adrian Peterson. When they had to pass, they would often run the shotgun with no running backs, allowing defenses to key on the pass, by either sending more rushers or dropping back defensive backs.It also forced the offensive line to endure collisions week after week from defenses keying on the run. When the Vikings passed, it was even worse, because the offensive line was required to backpedal in protection against rushers pinning their ears back knowing it was pass. They also couldn’t protect the quarterback.The failures of the offense put more pressure on the defense. The Vikings played with leads last year and were able to pin their ears back and pressure the quarterback. They have rarely enjoyed leads this season.Most good running teams rely more on the play-action pass. The quarterback fakes a handoff to the running back while he's dropping back to pass to fake the defenders into thinking the offense is going to run the ball. This slows down the pass rush and forces the defensive backs to make a decision between covering their assigned receiver and coming up to help stop the run.Adrian Peterson is potentially the best play-action threat of all running backs in the Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
NFL. That is why Favre wanted to play in Minnesota under Bevell. Moreover, Brett Favre has been a very crafty play-action quarterback in the past. Last year, he had 10 touchdowns and no interceptions on play-action passing.The Vikings should be able to use play-action to literally toy with defenses wondering if they must stop Peterson or Favre. For some reason, beyond human comprehension, Brad Childress didn’t understand that, especially this year.Some Vikings writers have erroneously blamed Favre for the Vikings problems, including the interceptions. But the quarterback often gets too much credit when they win and too much blame when they lose. Football is a team game with the offense working as a unit that requires good coaching to put them in the best position to win.According to a Yahoo report, the Vikings players have known all along that Childress didn’t know what he was doing and trusted Favre instead. Now, Frazier is essentially giving Favre the keys to the offense.Expect the offense to look much like the Vikings did in the second half of the Bears game last year after Childress briefly gave up control in desperation. It will still be a West Coast offense but with more audibles, short passes, deception and play-action.The Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
Vikings will likely destroy their next six opponents. Still, they probably won’t make the playoffs.But if Frazier and Favre develop a good relationship and the team turns itself into one of the hottest teams in NFL by season's end, Favre will find the opportunity to come back next year and lead the Vikings to win a Super Bowl too good to pass up (depending of course on the status of the collective bargaining agreement).

Tennessee Titans Lose to Houston Texans: A Few Realizations

2010-12-15T02:18:00.000-08:00

1. Fisher has probably lost this team. This team seemed to have more faith in VY than they did Fisher. I’m beginning to honestly wonder who was in the wrong last Sunday vs the Redskins, Fisher or Young? It appears that a lot of people on this team believe Fisher after the effort today.
CJ just didn’t seem like he gave a crap, the football jersey
effort all around was lackluster and even in the early stages it seemed like the team didn’t care. Rusty Smith tried and no one can say he didn’t..but the guy simply isn’t good at all. He may go on and have a successful career after a few years of learning, but right now, he’s simply terrible.
2. Vince Young was much more important to this team, and a much better player than I realized. Say what you want about this guy’s mental state, Vince Young meant a lot more to this team than any other player. Yes, I would go as far as saying as he was more important to this team than CJ. The team appears to favor him over Fisher anyway.
I honestly am beginning to question if Fisher either exaggerated the story or just didn’t tell the whole story itself. Vince said he asked to go back in, and while I thought he was just saying that to save face at first, it may be true. Fisher says he didn’t, but I dunno.
I don’t doubt that Vince threw his Indianapolis Colts jersey
pads in to the stands or got mad over what happened, but I think it may be because he wasn’t allowed back in to the game due to Fisher, and not just because he was moping over an injury.
I may just be looking too much in to this, but I’ve never seen a team give up on Fisher like this. And with that said, I’m not so sure Vince was in the wrong in what he said or did last Sunday. Again, if team effort says anything about it..it’s definitely that the team may have sided with Vince over Fisher.
We likely get a healthy Kerry back next weekend, cheap nfl jerseys
so we can see what happens as we’re, believe or not, very much so in the AFC South race. However, if this team continues to give no effort, I’m not so sure Vince needs to be the one taking the blame for what happened.

Fantasy Football Week 13: Upgrades, Downgrades, and Sleepers from the Experts

2010-12-13T02:26:00.000-08:00

Rick Stewart/Getty ImagesEach week, we will analyze the matchups and provide our take on which WR's you should start and which should be riding the pine based on difficult matchups with shutdown CBs, injuries, potential weather problems, etc.Five offenses (San Diego, Indianapolis, Denver, New Orleans and Dallas)are averaging over275 passing yards per game. On the flip side,the fourworst passing games (averaging less than 190 passing yardsper game) can be found in Cleveland, Arizona,Tennessee and Carolina. 43 Polamalu white jersey
The topfive passing defensescan be found inNew Orleans, New York Giants, Oakland, San Diego, and Carolina—meaning thatSantana Moss(@ NYG) ,Mike Williams (vs. Carolina) andTO/OCHO(vs NO) could struggle in week 13.If you are looking to avoid some of these difficult week 13 matchups,you might be able to upgrade your startinglineup viafree agency.Check out our Week 13 Waiver WireWR Article.The worst pass defenses (surrendering over 260 yards/game) exist inJacksonville, New England, Seattle, Washington and Houston.DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclincould each produce top 10 numbers on Thursday night against Houston’s 31st ranked pass defense. Santonio and Braylonshould excel on Monday Night against a New England defense allowing over 275 passing yards per contest.Mario Manninghamhas aprime matchup vs. Washington as Steve Smith andHakeemNicks continue to be sidelined.Nick Laham/Getty ImagesVIEWS:Rotoprofessor.comis expecting abounceback week for the Colts passing game as they rank Reggie Wayne #1for a matchup with a Dallas defense that ranks 23rd against the pass, having allowed 23 TDs through the air.LestersLegends.comaremore pessimistic than moston Calvin Johnson as they rank him 14th for a home matchup with an emerging Bears defense that ranks 16th against the pass but have only allowed 8 TDs through the air all season. Drew Stanton starting at QB is a major downgrade for the Lions' aerial attack.NFL.comare on board withSteve Johnsonas an elite option this week as they rank him 10thfor a road matchup with a Minnesota defense that ranks 14th against the pass, allowing 23 fantasy pts/game to opposing WRs.ProFootballWeekly.comare expecting theBears' Johnny Knoxto impress in week 13 as they rank him 18thfor a matchup witha Detroit secondary that ranks 18th against the pass (225 yards/game).Dilip Vishwanat/Getty ImagesFANTASY FOOTBALL SPIN:UPGRADE:Desean Jackson (vs. Houston) –Way too much has been made of the locker room blow out and Jackson being called out by coach Reid. This could be a kiss and make up week for Reid, Vick, and Jackson and it could be 43 Polamalu black jersey
easy against the 31st ranked pass defense in the league. The Texans have been victimized to the tune of 286 yards per game. Do not be worried about starting Jackson. We think he will be a topfive WR this week.DOWNGRADE:Dez Bryant (vs Colts) –The Colts have a pretty good pass defense and teams have been able to shut Bryant down with a combination of double coverage and pressure on Kitna. Bryant enjoyed several games where he was able to post big numbers, but teams have adjusted since discovering that Bryant was Kitna’s favorite target. Another thing teams have quickly discovered is that Bryant has the emotional maturity of a toddler. He gets pissed off and loses his cool when teams play him effectively. They do their part in working toward taking him out of the game and Bryant does the rest by allowing his emotions to completely remove him from the contest.Calvin Johnsonplaying with a third string QB also belongs in the “Downgrade” bucket.SLEEPER:Danario Alexander (vs. Cardinals)The Cards have surrendered an average of 249 yards per game through the air. The 6’5" but fragile Alexander will likely have the benefit of squaring off against a 5’8" corner in Michael Adams. Alexander has proven in the two games he managed to stay healthy in his rookie season that he can excel at this level. Look for the Rams coaching staff and fellow rookie Sam Bradford to make the most of the size differential. It could be huge whenever they 4 Brett Favre White jersey
reach the redzone. Alexander has stud potential whenever he is healthy, however rare that may be.Check out the Upgrades, Downgrades, and Sleepers at Running Back and Quarterback. Remember to check in at FFSpin.com starting Friday for updated status reports in our interactive grid.

Josh McDaniels Will Be Fired By 2011 Pt 2- I Told You So

2010-12-12T02:01:00.000-08:00

"Patience is a virtue.”Yet, it was an attribute lacking in the coaching arsenal of recently fired Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels.Let’s see, he dumped Jay Cutler, who is having a Pro-Bowl year. Payton Hillis, hmm… let’s see, another 2010 Pro-Bowl candidate. And Brandon Marshall, one of the most feared receivers in the NFL.Yes “The Boy Wonder” dumped them all—as well as the Bronco fan base.If that wasn’t enough he embarrassed the Broncos franchise with the remake of Bears jersey
“SpyGate.” But I must admit, the original SpyGate was much better. After all, at least it worked for the Patriots, spawned playoffs runs and possibly helped win a Super Bowl.But as the saying goes: “ignorance is bliss,” but when you add an over inflated ego by a young coach, who by the way started his career at ‘first and goal from the one yard line,’ it equals: McDaniels in the proverbial NFL breadline.Four months ago I predicted his demise. I clearly said McDaniels would be fired by 2011.Though I took a lashing by the Bronco faithful, I stood my ground, unwavering and upright, for I saw the walls of Jericho descending as clearly as I’ve seen Hillis and Cutler ascend into the realm of NFL greatness.In my previous article, I listed my reasons:http://bleacherreport.com/articles/430492-3-reasons-why-josh-mcdaniel-will-be-fired-by-2011McDaniels is undoubtedly a good offensive coordinator and he has a brilliant football mind. Groomed from an early age by his father, Thom McDaniels, often labeled as a "legend" of Ohio high school football—he leads the Denver Broncos into their second season under his tutelage.McDaniels used his father's tight relationship with Nick Saban to ignite his coaching career as a senior graduate assistant at Michigan State University from 1999 to 2000 under Saban.Because McDaniels is accustomed to getting what he wants based on his football lineage, he takes an aristocratic approach to management.With his Chargers jersey
brazen arrogance, uppity demur, and his "my way or the highway approach" he has Denver sliding down a path similar to Rome under the leadership of Nero.The 2010-11 season will determine if he will be able to elevate the Broncos to their past glory, or continue to drag the franchise to the realm of the NFL Misbegotten.

The Pittsburgh Steelers failed to designate wide receiver Plaxico Burress as their franchise player by Tuesday's deadline February 23 2005

2010-12-11T02:48:00.000-08:00

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania - The Pittsburgh Steelers failed to designate wide receiver Plaxico Burress as their franchise player by Tuesday's deadline, all but assuring he will become a free agent March 2. Burress is set to leave Pittsburgh, but possibly not the AFC North because the Baltimore Ravens are believed to be interested in

signing the 6' 5" receiver. Burress had at least 60 catches for three years in a row before being slowed by a hamstring injury last season, when his 35 catches were his fewest since he made 22 as Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
a rookie in 2000. Ben Roethlisberger lobbied hard for the Steelers to bring back Burress, their only deep receiving threat and one of the quarterback's closest friends. But with the Steelers lacking the cap room to boost Burress' salary to $7,768,000 - the average of the NFL's top five receivers - his parting has been considered inevitable since last month. Burress missed five of the Steelers' last six regular-season games with a sore hamstring, then was disappointed at being used mostly as a decoy after that. He made only five catches for 65 yards in two playoff games, including a meaningless TD catch in the final minute of the 41-27 loss to New England in the AFC championship game January 23. The Steelers have not designated a franchise player since linebacker Jason Gildon in 2002, when he signed a multiyear contract before he could play under the franchise tag. Burress' cap value last season was $1.5 million. He signed a five-year contract worth a minimum of $8.67 million after being the No. 8 pick in the 2000 draft. While Burress is all but gone, The Bus might not be. The Steelers have opened contract talks with running back Jerome Bettis - a possible sign the NFL's No. 5 career rusher might not retire. Bettis, who turned 33 last week, has hinted he might play one more season after gaining at least 100 yards in seven of eight starts last season. But the Steelers need him to renegotiate his contract, as he did last season by agreeing to a $2.7 million pay cut to $1 million in base salary. Bettis is scheduled to make $4.484 million in 2005, but might be willing to play for $2 million after rushing for 941 yards and 13 touchdowns while splitting time with Duce Staley. The Steelers were about $500,000 under the salary cap at season's end, but must cut several players by next week to get under the projected cap of $85 million. Numerous players collected performance bonuses during the Steelers' 15-1 season that count against next season's cap - including Roethlisberger, who Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
earned more than $2 million in extra money after unexpectedly becoming a rookie-season starter. The Steelers could release Bettis for salary-cap purposes and re-sign him. But that's a scenario both sides prefer to avoid with perhaps the most popular Steelers player since the 1970s

San Francisco 49ers 2006 Schedule

2010-12-09T23:28:00.000-08:00

With the 49ers 10-9 loss to the Jaguars this past weekend, the team's 2006 opponents were finalized. The schedule will not be released until some point in the off-season but early analysis says the 49ers will have plenty of work cut out for them in 2006.Of course the 49ers will play each of its NFC West opponents twice. That is: Seahawks, Rams, Cardinals. The NFC West, notoriously known as the NFC Worst, weakens the 49ers overall schedule strength, although if this past season is any indicator each opponent will be a major challenge for the 49ers. 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
The team will also play road games against the Broncos, Chiefs, Bears, Lions and Saints. Clearly a really rough set of road games lay ahead of this team. At home, the 49ers will also play the Raiders in a "Battle of the Bay" as well as the Chargers, Packers, Vikings, and Eagles.The list of 49ers opponents for 2006 is quite intimidating, and clearly shows that the 49ers have a long way to go if they intend on being successful next season.For all the latest news and resources about the 49ers, please visit 49ersparadise.com - you can also contact Bryan Hersh from there.

San Francisco 49ers "Is that T.O? No, it's Brandon Williams"

2010-12-09T03:59:00.000-08:00

Brandon Williams may not have had wide receiver numbers for the San Francisco 49ers last season -- he didn't catch a pass as a rookie -- but at least he now has a wide receiver number.And after switching from 17 to 81, the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder out of Wisconsin impressed his coaches 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
during the recent mini-camp, getting more reps with several other receivers (including free agent pickup Ashley Lelie) out with injuries. According to the 49ers' official Web site, Williams "is an early candidate for most improved player, catching almost everything thrown his way throughout the camp while showing more crisp route running." "I think he's older and wiser," said receivers coach Jerry Sullivan. "I think he understands the work ethic and how we do things. I think he's learned from Bryan Gilmore and Arnaz Battle. They've been good role models. I think he understands it's all about how you do today and he's getting better. That's what we want them all to do, get better."Williams also understands that if doesn't get better, he could well be out of a job. With the addition of Lelie, Darrell Jackson (acquired from Seattle on draft day) and Jason Hill (drafted out of Washington State), the 49ers now have a glut of receivers. Not that Williams spent 2006 warming the bench. He was a credible kickoff and punt returner, amassing over 500 special teams yards. As a receiver, however, he proved unable to use his speed because of poor route running and difficulty fighting his way past bigger defensive backs early in those routes."His routes now are like night and day," 49ers player personnel director Scot McCloughan said at the conclusion of mini-camp.Williams' No. 81 was once worn by Terrell Owens (What? They didn't retire it?) -- and while he's a long way from catching up to Owens in size and strength, he embarked on a ferocious offseason weight program he says has made him "more explosive."As a Badger, Williams caught 202 passes (a school record) for 2,924 yards. That's exactly 202 receptions and 2,924 more yards than he's gained as 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
a 49er, but no one can accuse Williams of standing pat.He's got a new number to live up to.Got a bone to pick with a newspaper columnist, talk show personality or television analyst? E-mail us at mediawatch . For more information, visit our Media Watch info page.

Tennessee Titans "pass defense needs work"

2010-12-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

The Tennessee Titans' blowout win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 3 was quite impressive. Titans gunslinger Vince Young was the clear leader of the club, completing 14 of 22 passes and accounting for a pair of touchdowns. The defense shut down Saints quarterback Drew Brees and star runner Reggie 6 Sanchez Purple AFL50th jersey
Bush so badly that New Orleans' offense drew a cavalcade of boos at times from the same crowd that worshiped the team a year ago after the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe.Entering the game 1-1, the Titans' victory was much needed win for the Titans. Now, after improving their record to 2-1, they'll have a week off to fine-tune any weaknesses.One thing that needs a bit more improvement during is the Titans' pass defense, specifically its coverage.Although the Titans' defense is highly ranked, especially against the run (second overall), the pass 'D' is rated toward the bottom, currently at 29th.One stat that stood out in this win was, in spite of Brees' five turnovers, the Saints quarterback was still 29 of 45 for 225 yards. That's just a hair under a two-thirds completion rate.It's a credit to the Titans' defensive line that it put so much pressure on Brees to force those four picks. But during the few times the D-line wasn't able to pressure Brees enough, the pass coverage wasn't there as the QB was able to get a decent number of horizontal throws in his receivers' hands.Over the past three games, the Titans have given up almost 230 passing yards per contest. In terms of net yardage through the air, Tennessee has surrendered 190 to Jacksonville, 288 to Indianapolis and 211 to New Orleans.Tennessee's one loss was to the team that had the most net pass yardage, Indianapolis. But the Titans held the defending world champs to a tight game that ended with Indy barely escaping, 22-20. Regardless, against strong quarterbacks, the pass coverage needs help.As stated before, this upcoming week is a bye for Tennessee, then the Titans face Atlanta in Week 4. Given the Falcons' problems both on and off the field, the Titans should be able to win easily. However, there is an X factor -- Byron Leftwich. There's a strong possibility that Leftwich will start against the Titans, because the Falcons are in dire need of strong QB play. If Leftwich comes out firing and lives up to his two-year, 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
$7 million contract, the Titans may be sliced and diced by the deep ball.It is paramount for Tennessee to prepare its pass defenders well for Leftwich. If the D-line can pressure Leftwich, like it's done so many times thus far with previous QBs, that will help immensely. But the secondary and linebackers must still be prepared for what Leftwich -- thanks to his intelligence and arm -- is capable of.

Tennessee Titans "Wins continue to mask offensive problems"

2010-12-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

After their 13-9 escape over the 2-5 on Sunday afternoon, Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher stated the obvious. "The only thing that is lacking right now with this team is touchdowns," said Fisher.Finally, someone gets it. And Fisher's not the only one."When our offense finally puts it all together Dallas Cowboys jersey
and plays up to the potential that they have, we are going to be a pretty hard team to beat," safety Chris Hope added.Meanwhile, running back LenDale White also weighed in."It's dangerous," said White, referring to Tennessee's weak offense. "We have to put more points on the board."To an extent, White is correct. However, the Titans need to put more touchdowns, not just Rod Bironas field goals, on the board.Tennessee has the NFL's third-ranked rushing attack, but it's just 24th in the league in touchdowns (13) -- and two were scored defensively.In four of their past seven games, the Titans have accumulated just one touchdowns. Two games reflected two offensive touchdowns (Indy and Houston), and in only one contest did Tennessee score three (New Orleans).So what needs to be done? For starters, White is not the sole answer to a truly strong running attack. In terms of yards per game, Tennessee's ground game is strong; however, the Titans' yards per carry is 4.1, which is good but not stellar (17th in the league). Obviously, then, there's not a highly impressive amount of productivity on a per-touch basis.While White scampered for a career-high 133 yards against Oakland, he's built like a fullback (and runs like one also) and usually can't get big chunks of yardage on a regular basis. White's a solid back, no doubt, but he's better as a bruising complement to faster runners Chris Henry and Chris Brown. Secondly, the receivers need to stop dropping balls that fall into their hands. Admittedly, quarterback Vince Young has thrown haphazardly at times, but the receivers appear to be the make-or-break factor in the passing game. Against the Raiders, there were five catchable passes that were dropped, three of which were in the end zone and one would have been a first down. Until the wideouts step up and consistently make catchers, there's no real way to judge Young's arm.Some blame the Titans' offensive woes on a conservative game plan that is the brainchild of Fisher and coordinator Norm Chow. While Tennessee clearly plays it close to the vest, that may only be part of the problem. The receivers dropping passes have nothing to do with game plan. But what does fall under the game plan is going to a quicker back as the focal point of the rushing game. Even if Fisher and Chow split the carries about evenly between White and Henry (or Brown when he returns from injury), it would make the running game less predictable to defenses and 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
therefore more efficient.There is no singular issue that has caused the offense's ineptitude in piling up touchdowns, but at least the players and coaches realize there's a problem brewing despite the Titans' 5-2 record. And correctly identifying the team's offensive concerns is the first step in solving them.

Weighing in on possible Raider Hall of Famers

2010-12-01T21:06:00.003-08:00

Just when you thought the election hype was nearly over, another round of voting is merely beginning. Earlier this week came the release of some 133 early nominations for the Pro Football Hall of Fame; this list will be reduced to 25 in a second round of balloting, while a third vote will see a group of 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
27 (the 25 second-round finalists plus two Veterans Committee nominations) shrink to 15 before the final ; really ; vote to determine the Class of 2009 takes place. Of the 133 early considerations, some 18 are former , thereby giving the team nice representation on the ballot and a few excellent opportunities to paint a little silver and black in Canton spearheaded by first-time candidate Rod Woodson.What are the possibilities for the prospective Raider Hall of Famers? Glad you asked.Gotta be in: Ray Guy, Rod Woodson. Once that shortlist comes around with Guy;s name included for the seventh time, will certainly again be making an impassioned plea on Guy;s part; you;d think status as best ever to play the position would be enough to get Guy into Canton, but the Hall remains distinctively punter-free. At this point, the only travesty bigger than Guy;s exclusion would be another punter;s Cantonian induction before him. Put Ray Guy in the Hall of Fame already, voters!In contrast, Woodson is a first-timer on the ballot, headlining PR with Shannon Sharpe and Bruce Smith. Though Woodson spent only two seasons with Oakland, the Raider Nation surely proudly recalls 2002, in which Woodson led the league in interceptions with eight in that great Super Bowl season. Woodson seems a shoo-in, with a fat resume which includes a spot on the officially approved 75th anniversary team and the Wikipedia-noted distinction of being ;the only player in NFL history to suffer an ACL injury and return to action in the same season,; the latter of which might be enough to get him in first time around these days.Tell the youngsters what, too: Those of us who saw Woodson play will never forget his presence and style out there, a Hall of Famer if there ever was.Shortlisted perhaps, but short of Cantonesque: Cliff Branch, Todd Christensen, Dave Dalby, Max Montoya, Greg Pruitt. Branch had a particularly storied career, having played in all three Raider Super Bowl wins. A Raider throughout his 14 year career, Branch missed just 10 games in his first 13 seasons. On the numbers side, though, the stats are fairly lacking: Though he continued to be one of the league;s top long-ball threats until his retirement, Branch was never again the dominant force of 1974-1976, in which he garnered three straight All-Pro selections.Four consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards receiving (OK, just short; there;s a 987 in there) should get the voters; attention ; and then realize that Christensen was a freaking tight end with receiver;s numbers! In the great tradition of Dave Casper, ultimately taking over from him, Christensen could do it all as a top blocker in addition to being one of the greatest catching TEs ever. A relatively brief career of Jets 6 Sanchez Jersey
ultimately just six productive years (and one of these the strike-shortened season of ;82) will work against his campaign, however.Certainly another member of the all-time Raider squad is Dalby, who, like Branch, is a three-time hoister of the Lombardi Trophy. Dalby anchored the offensive line at center for 14 years, but is handicapped from enshrinement simply by his position: Just 33 of 247 members of the Hall of Fame are modern-era offensive linemen.Montoya was a monster of an offensive lineman seemingly forever with the Cincinnati Bengals and later in his career the Raiders. In fact, the four-time Pro Bowler played for 16 years and 223 games in the big leagues, once going seven consecutive seasons without missing a start.Ah, Greg Pruitt. What a classic he was, eh, 40-somethings? The ripaway jersey: How amazingly picturesque. And how dominant Pruitt was, particularly on special teams where he now plays in the all-time pantheon, in five Pro Bowl seasons with the Browns and Raiders. Like Woodson, Pruitt was only with Oakland in the twilight of his career, but like Woodson too was Pruitt productive in his last years as a player. Don;t you wish there were more contemporary Raiders like this?Just short of the final ballot: Albert Lewis. Yes, Lewis had a long and productive career, spending 16 seasons with the Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, but this is another case of underwhelming stats. Certainly a big ;intangibles; guy, as evidenced by his four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro nods, Lewis rounded up just 42 interceptions. His tackle stats year to year are all right at best after a massive dropoff following his fourth season, 1986: After going for 69, 74 and 69 respectively, Lewis would never bag 60 tackles again and went most years under 50.A half-decade of dominance does not a career make: Lester Hayes, Henry Lawrence, Jim Plunkett, Tom Flores. The '80s bunch that routinely crushed the opposition in the first half of the decade is well-represented here. Flores took over the team from the Madden reign in 1979, replaced Ken Stabler with what was a much-maligned Plunkett (and often Marc Wilson) and ran the Raiders to a 61-28 record and two Super Bowl wins in six seasons. And, oh yeah, they played for Los Angeles for a while there as well.But Lester the Molester;s stickum was a two-year fad; while Lawrence played on the line and was drafted onto Madden;s team, he peaked quite sharply in those glory years. Plunkett often rose to greatness in the clutch but, speaking purely subjective, when he was bad, he was godawful. (Come on, a career QB rating of 67.45? Be serious.)Finally, Flores was a master in silver and black for a half-dozen years or so, but the man turned in lots of subpar seasons ; six at or under .500, to be exact ; and surely the Seattle Seahawks disaster won;t be forgotten.To be judged on their non-Raider career: Eric Allen, Roger Craig, Jim Lachey, Pat Swilling. Lachey played literally one game as a Raider, in 1988. Craig played one mostly forgettable season with the Raiders and will be judged based on his time with the San Francisco 49ers. Similarly, the call on Swilling will measured by his time with the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions rather than any late-career contributions to the Raiders, and Allen will certainly go down as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, for whom he was a five-time Pro Bowler and onetime All-Pro.Character counts (unfortunately for these guys): Ken Stabler, Steve Wisniewski. Wisniewski was eight times a Pro Bowler and a member of five playoff teams in the '90s. In 2000, the Hall of Fame ended up putting Wisniewski on its 1990s All-Decade Team, and history says the man lived up to the great heights established by his stated role models Howie Long and Matt Millen. However, Wisniewski;s universally held reputation as a legendarily dirty player will probably work against him again.While always a marginal choice 4 Brett Favre White jersey
for the Hall, Stabler;s DWI of earlier this year will certainly work against him with the reputation-obsessed types, though one might argue that you could make way in the hallowed halls for Guy by moving out, say, O.J. Simpson. Sorry to say, but here;s to thinking Stabler;s not even a final balloter this time around.Good luck to all the Raiders and other prospective nominees -- see you in Canton! (17)

Weighing in on possible Raider Hall of Famers

2010-12-01T21:06:00.001-08:00

will be lucky to find three wins in final nine

2010-12-01T20:54:00.000-08:00

fans are in no unfamiliar place. The season;s about half over. The losses more than double the wins. And, once again, the future looks bleak.Not to ruin the next nine games, but Oakland will again struggle to finish between 4-12 and 5-11 this season. Expect another six or seven losses to close out 10 Santonio Holmes White jersey
2008. I;m not being a cynic; I;m being a realist.And the main reason for yet another bottom-of-the-NFL season for the Raiders? (Besides Al Davis, the unceasing front-office pest ;) The offense.What was supposed to be Oakland;s major strength on the offensive side of the football this season, the running game, is looking worse and worse each week. Injuries, a lack of any aerial attack whatsoever and instability on the sidelines have caused the Raiders; ground game to deteriorate with each passing contest.The Raider rushing game currently ranks seventh in the NFL, down from being in the top three just a few weeks ago. Oakland averages 129.3 yards rushing per game, but hasn;t ran for more than 100 yards as a team in the past four contests. In a 29-10 loss on the road against Baltimore last week, Justin Fargas & Co. ran for just 47 yards on 19 attempts, good for 2.5 yards per carry. As a whole, in its first seven games this year, Oakland has only fielded the game;s leading rusher twice, each of which came in the first two weeks of the season.Making matters worse is injuries. Fullback Oren O;Neal was placed on injured reserve in late August after sustaining a knee injury. Now, the team;s starting FB is set to join him. Veteran Justin Griffith will miss the remainder of 2008 with a torn knee ligament. To replace both injured fullbacks, Oakland signed Jason Davis from the Chicago Bears; practice squad; the 24-year-old blocker was cut twice by the Eagles over the past two years and has spent the bulk of his NFL career on the practice field.;You lose a terrific person, a lot of leadership,; interim head coach Tom Cable said of Griffith to the San Francisco Chronicle. ;He;s solid as a rock. He comes to work every day. He does things to the best of his ability every opportunity he gets. [He;s] someone who;s familiar with the system. You;re losing quite a bit there.;As for those carrying the football, rookie first-round pick Darren McFadden is sporting a new protective boot, this time on his right foot. The 21-year-old has been struggling with a sore right big toe on his left foot since the second week of the season, but the kicks he sports on Sunday, a pair of Nike cleats, are reportedly causing problems to both feet now.;I guess [this injury happened] the same way: Planting. I don;t know when it happened. First it was the right toe. This is the left toe,; McFadden said Thursday.The ex-Arkansas running back missed last week;s contest at Baltimore, and hasn;t rushed for over 45 yards since Sept. 14 (Week 2).Also not helping matters in Oakland is the passing game. Opponents have no respect for the team;s JaMarcus Russell-led 30th-ranked passing offense. The Raiders have just six aerial touchdowns all season long, the second-worst completion percentage in the league and a 29th-ranked first-down percentage.Try running the ball when the opponent knows that;s all you can do. And you have no fullback.;I have thought about it -- just like, ;Man, this 10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
season, it;s running away on me,; McFadden said. ;But at the same time, I try to look forward to it, ;Hey, we still got nine games left.; So there;s always an upside to it.;Unfortunately, the next nine games don;t look promising for McFadden and the 2-5 Raiders.Two or three more wins. One ensuing hectic offseason. Another new head coach. And a stubborn owner.Those seem to be the only sure things in Oakland;s future. (59)

have dealt with LaMont Jordan unfairly

2010-12-01T02:56:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe running back LaMont Jordan was once one of the NFL's hottest halfbacks. Now, after five weeks of averaging just 7? carries and 16.2 yards per game, Jordan is asking to be released.The problem is, the Raiders might not be so willing to accommodate Jordan's request. With both the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos, Oakland's AFC West rivals, having running back problems, Jordan would be a tempting pickup for either team. Plus, the Raiders will meet both the Chiefs and Broncos once more this season.This week, 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
Chiefs backup Priest Holmes announced his retirement after 11 seasons in the league. Meanwhile, the team's starter, Larry Johnson, is out indefinitely with a foot injury. The Broncos, for the time being, have lost starter Travis Henry to a left knee injury; however, he is also facing a possible year-long suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.Either team would likely be more than happy to take No. 34 off of the Raiders' hands.Jordan had a tremendous start to the '07 season, registering two games of 100-plus yards in the first four weeks, and never recording fewer than 70 yards on the ground. In a Week 2 loss at Denver, the 28-year-old ran for 159 yards on 25 attempts.After re-aggravating a back injury in Week 4, though, Jordan fell out of favor with head coach Lane Kiffin. Despite regaining his health, Jordan hasn't received a single carry over the past two weeks, and he has only 45 reps since the team's Oct. 7 bye.Why Kiffin stopped playing and started benching Jordan, however, is another major unknown within the Raiders' organization. It's just as big a mystery as the team's weekly injury report, or who the starting quarterback will be each week, or why Dominic Rhodes was signed to sit the bench.It's clear, though, that Jordan was dealt an unfair hand in the matter.The ex-New York Jet agreed to shave $1.75 off his contract last offseason to continue to play in Oakland, but now the Raiders don't want him to play. It's the same way Rhodes signed a two-year, $7.5 million deal to get the ball once a game. Instead, fifth-year runner Justin Fargas -- who was never before considered an every-down back -- is now the featured guy in Oakland's system. Fargas is also in a contract year, which means there's no guarantee that he'll be on the Raiders' roster next year.Making matters more perplexing, rookie fourth-rounder Michael Bush won't even be activated this season. The Raiders decided Wednesday that Bush, who has practiced with the team over the last three Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
weeks, will be of no service until the 2008 campaign.That means Jordan -- and probably Rhodes, too - will sit on the bench until Oakland's season comes to an end on Dec. 30.He'll also join quarterback JaMarcus Russell on the sidelines.It's just one more reason for fans to scratch their heads in confusion this season.Anthony Carroll, a senior writer for , can be contacted at

Finally win one in the AFC West

2010-12-01T02:27:00.001-08:00

Seventy-two hours from the three-year anniversary of the team's last divisional victory, the won a game against an AFC West rival on Sunday.The Raiders' previous divisional 'W' came on Nov. 28, 2004, when they traveled to Denver and beat the Broncos, 25-24. That was quarterback Kerry Collins' 4 Brett Favre White jersey
first year with the team and Rich Gannon's last. Most importantly, it was 1,093 days ago.On Sunday, Oakland snapped that 1,000-plus-day, 17-game losing skid within its own division, beating the Kansas City Chiefs, 20-17.A tremendous effort on the ground by 27-year-old halfback Justin Fargas led the Raiders to their third victory of the season. The 220-pounder rushed 22 times for 139 yards (6.3 yards per carry) and a touchdown and also caught two passes for 18 yards. Fargas' 21-yard scamper with fewer than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter unofficially put an end to a six-game losing streak.Behind center, Daunte Culpepper started his sixth game of the year and played an efficient, not-so-exciting game. The 30-year-old QB completed 15 of 22 passes for 170 yards, but none of those attempts went for either a touchdown or interception. His top receiver, Jerry Porter, accounted for 75 of those yards, averaging 25 yards per grab.Defensively, it was the same old story for the Rob Ryan-led unit: awful against the run, solid against the pass.Triple backup and first-time NFL starter Kolby Smith took off 31 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas City. The Raiders have now allowed 1,690 rushing yards this year, or 153.6 yards per game. Each week, that average gets a bit worse.As a result, opposing quarterback Brodie Croyle was limited to 23 pass attempts and just 12 completions for 145 yards. He was also picked off by second-year safety Michael Huff on the first drive of the game. It was the 24-year-old's first career interception since he was taken seventh overall in the 2006 draft.The Raider pass 'D' entered the game ranked sixth in yards allowed per game, surrendering 189.9 yards per contest. That average will Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
drop by a deceiving 5.6 yards after Sunday's effort; however, it's thanks to yet another poor day of rush defense.Still, Oakland displayed something it hasn't in nearly three years: the ability to finish off a divisional opponent.Fans can only hope that pattern continues next week. The Raiders, now 3-8, will head back home to meet the 5-6 Denver Broncos.

Finally win one in the AFC West

2010-12-01T02:27:00.000-08:00

Kirk Morrison

2010-11-30T01:52:00.000-08:00

In the third round, with the 14th selection of the 2005 NFL Draft, the select Kirk Morrison, linebacker, San Diego State."January, 2006: "With the conclusion of the 2005 NFL Season, the ' leading tackler is Kirk Morrison, linebacker, San Diego State."Well, no one really said that last line-at least that formally. But you wouldn't be lying if you did.Morrison led the ' defense with 116 total tackles-91 of which were solo takedowns. That total is just nine tackles short of Derrick Brooks' number, five short of Brain Urlacher's mark, and more than Keith Brooking's and Mike Vrabel's season totals. Better yet, it was more than four times the tackle total of ex-Raider, Napoleon Harris.The 6'1, 240-pounder had a 2005 campaign that featured four games of ten tackles or more and another six games with seven-plus tackles. Along with teammate Danny Clark, the 229 tackles compiled by the pair of stern of linebackers accounted for 21 percent of the teams' total.And the 24-year-old did all this very quietly in his rookie season.But back to Napoleon Harris-an ex-Raider who showed great potential, briefly showcased this potential, and then slipped off the pirate's plank. Why won't Morrison turn out to be just like him?To start, Morrison showed more upside in his first season in the NFL than did Harris, a former first-round pick. The linebacker out of Northwestern raked in a very respectable 81 tackles in his first season with the team; but Morrison, the third-rounder, had 35 more total tackles and an additional 32 solo tackles in his rookie outing.Moreover, as a late first-rounder, Harris was almost guaranteed a starting spot for his rookie season. Plus, he was set to play alongside Bill Romanowski and Eric Barton, with Rod Coleman, Sam Adams, John Parrella, and Trace Armstrong in front of him. It's not much of a surprise that Harris was successfully able to fill in for Greg Biekert in his first season.Morrison, on the other hand, wasn't a locked starter, and unquestionably lacked the supporting cast of the 2002 squad that Harris enjoyed.But, before he was even drafted, Morrison commented, "I've always been a Raiders fan growing up in Oakland. I bleed silver and black." So, it didn't really matter who was playing alongside him, he had the silver and black helmet on.In his second season, Napoleon Harris improved to 107 tackles-still not better than Morrison's rookie numbers. Apply the same 21-tackle improvement to Morrison's stats and you get 137 projected tackles in 2006-a number that would have ranked eighth in the NFL in 2005.And that's only on Napoleon Harris' progression scale.According to Morrison's collegiate progression scale, Oakland should be thrilled for the upcoming 2006 season. The linebacker became a starter with the Aztecs as a freshman; in that year he posted 69 tackles and three sacks. As a sophomore he continued to improve his game, earning 97 tackles (9 for loss), three sacks, and three interceptions. With the numbers Morrison posted in his junior and senior seasons alone, it's hard to fathom how the Raiders were able to pick him up in the third round of the 2005 draft. He compiled two consecutive seasons of 115 tackles each, with 24 total tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and an interception.In a pre-draft interview last season, Morrison was asked: "What are you looking forward to most about possibly playing in the NFL?" He responded: "I'm getting ready to go out and compete. My biggest thing is that I always have a chip on my shoulderhere are a lot of guys from bigger schools, from bigger conferences, that look down on me. I've got to prove every day that I belong.

Five things to watch for when Raiders meet Colts

2010-11-25T23:35:00.000-08:00

Because you (Raider fans) likely won't be watching the scoreboard Sunday when the 4-9 host the 11-2 Indianapolis Colts, here are five other things to pay attention to when the pair of 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
AFC teams line up this weekend.5. The right (or wrong?) tackle: Filling in for injured offensive tackle Cornell Green, 24-year-old Paul McQuistan, who started five games as a rookie in '06, will start his fourth consecutive outing this season. McQuistan has given up 3? sacks this year and committed six penalties in limited action, but he shut down Packers end Aaron Kampman (who has 11 sacks this season) last week. It's clear that the 31-year-old Green isn't the future for the Raiders at right tackle, and these last three weeks are a perfect time to decide if the young McQuistan is the right man for the job.4. Struggling Addai versus the struggling 'D': Sure, Colts running back Joseph Addai accounted for three scores last week, but that merely covered up how ineffective he was yet again on the ground. The second-year rusher carried the ball 13 times for just 32 yards in the Colts' 24-point win over Baltimore, extending his streak without a 100-yard rushing game to five weeks. Since Week 10, Addai has averaged just 54.2 yards per game and 3.1 yards per carry. Luckily for him, the Raiders allow a 31st-ranked 150.4 rush yards each contest.3. Justin Fargas and the big 1,000: Perhaps the only good outcome of the Art Shell era was that it gave Fargas, a 27-year-old running back, an opportunity to see some playing time. Fargas started six games last season after starting just one in the first three years of his NFL career. Sunday, the former USC halfback will be starting his seventh game of the season, and he will enter the game just 80 yards shy of 1,000. In this day and age, 1,000 yards on the ground is nothing to get overly excited about, but for the once-highly criticized Fargas, it'll be a career moment.2. Russell Time, Part II: This is one of the very few times something has actually been confirmed this year in Oakland. The team's No. 1 overall draft choice, quarterback JaMarcus Russell, will "play in some role" Sunday, according to head coach Lane Kiffin. The 6-foot-6 Russell saw his first dose of NFL playing time two weeks ago, when he completed 4 of 7 passes for 56 yards in a 34-20 win over the Denver Broncos. Kiffin seems content playing Russell at home, where fans are more than welcoming of a new face under center.1. The time: After this week's game, Oakland will be just 120 minutes away from the end of the 2007 season. The way things are looking now, that means with every passing second, the Raiders are one step closer to 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
a major overhaul. The Daunte Culpepper-Josh McCown era will be over (at least for one of them) and perhaps the Kiffin-Rob Ryan era also (again, at least for one). At running back, Fargas is set to become a free agent, while at quarterback, Russell will be preparing for a much more eventful season. On top of that, there are other questions at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line and safety.It's just Week 15, and it's already evident that the '08 will look nothing like this year's. That's nothing new for followers of the Silver and Black.

Mafia Iceland is another area enriched with spices

2010-11-24T18:13:00.000-08:00

Planning a holiday in advance! If your idea of vacation is the perfect combination of fun, adventure and sports, after a safari is exactly what you want! And all that enthusiasm for a place like Africa! Safari means travel in Swahili. An expedition in itself, so full of fun and adventure, it is difficult to replace them once in a lifetime opportunity. Tanzania is one of 43 Polamalu black jersey
the most popular safari. Located in the heart of East Africa is a country with rich wildlife and breathtaking landscapes blessed. The people of Tanzania are one reason to visit the country. With his friendly character, a native of Tanzania to help tourists feel at home. Tanzania Safari is in the bosom of nature, and is one of the main attractions. With various Safaris at your convenience and prices for every budget, you can create a vacation that personally designed to meet your interests. Serengeti National Park is one of the most beautiful nature reserves. The high density of predators and prey Serengeti National Park was one of the most famous safari destinations. With approximately 25,000 zebras and closer to half a million wildebeest, the National Park famous for its annual migration. Serengeti National Park also has a healthy population of Big Five game animals are lions, leopards, African, African elephants, African buffaloes and black rhinos, the National Park is blessed with them.
Not only with incredible wildlife blessed, but Tanzania Safari is also a comprehensive description of wild animals in landscapes. One of the main attractions is the white mountain Kilimanjaro spirit. This is the highest freestanding mountain in Africa. Permanently covered with snow, Mount Kilimanjaro is the record for the most climbed mountain. No need for technical training and knowledge necessary to scale the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Playing only physically fit and mentally ready to. In addition to the Kilimanjaro is not. Meru, which takes approximately two to three hours to claim to cover the crater of the mountain. Meru. Zanzibar, Pemba rich in natural resources is an island surrounded by beaches. The island is often referred to as the Spice Islands. Quality rich spice islands of 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
Zanzibar and Pemba are the leading producers of cloves. Besides these two, another area Mafia Iceland is enriched with spices. One of the main tourist attractions in Tanzania. Enjoy a location below the equator, the islands are usually cool and comfortable, surrounded by vast Indian Ocean. The ocean is next to the natural beauty of the islands makes them perfect for a married couple to enjoy. Another attraction is the hot air ballooning and swimming with dolphins, etc. Tanzania safari is really a unique experience not to be missed.

Once there, try and cover

2010-11-23T02:21:00.000-08:00

Not too many big plays for the Atlanta Falcons. An avalanche of small parts does the trick.
Matt Ryan (Notes) threw two touchdown passes and led an offense so dominant that three defenders St. Louis Rams with cramps in the 34-17 victory to leave on Sunday. All field goals to chip shot, too.
Mi like to score touchdowns anymore, said Ryan. A total of Dallas Cowboys jersey
three points is good offensively.Sam Bradford (white) had a pair of finished touchdowns for the Rams and a record as a rookie in the NFL with 169 consecutive passes without interception. The series, as go to William Moore (Notes) with a blade 2-pass with 3.24, from a drive that could have a series of twenty intercepted.
I wish they were 98 (m), Moore said. But in general it was just a big play.Moore again the ball just 12 yards. But it was the decisive factor in the Falcons (8-2) won his fourth consecutive game winning streak and ended the Rams won four home games.
Ive got to make sure it is there, said Bradford. Blind.Bradford I can not throw it was a great start with 99 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter. The Rams (4-6) had six chances in the first quarter, But only nine of the rest of the way, and Bradford completed 27 of 42 for 233 yards.
We knew that the time of possession would be a big part of this game are, Bradford. We knew if we win that we are on the field, as they were told would, and it was not the case. Ryan was 26 of 39 for 253 yards with touchdown passes to Brian Finneran (notes) and Justin Peelle (notes) and Roddy White (white), created the accounts with nine receptions for 83 yards. Ryan has five touchdown passes without an interception in the last two games and threw for a profit of 10 meters or more than seven receivers.
We were more efficient offense in the last four or five weeks, Ryan said. In the future is a recipe for success. They are the San Luis defense, three of their beat.The difficult short field goals, but could not leave the field quickly enough offense Atlanta had was a few drives, 06:39 ET 07:06 ET with the ball for almost 36 minutes. The Rams have been lost as a safety Oshiomogho Atogwe and cornerback Ron Bartell (notes) and Justin King (notes) all the time with gassed cramps.
Atlanta ran 70 times, mostly in the team is not. San Luis ran 54 plays. If you are there, and try to cover that happens, said Bartell. We need a better job, obviously, that a sufficient fluid intake before game.Michael Turner (notes) to ensure, was intact in a 39 meters from the first game after the Two Minute Warning and caught a pass from the 2-point conversion -Blanco. Turner was with 131 meters to 28 for his fourth 100-meter game.
The Rams did not allow more than 17 points in the first five home games.
St. Louis led 3:10 early in the second quarter after Josh Brown (Notes) reached a field goal of the season over 53 yards, and again at 17-16 after the start of the third Bradford Brandon Gibson (Notes) via a 13-yard fade pattern .
The monitoring was the first in five games for Bradford, the No. 1 selection, which thrived in spite of a series is going mediocre receiver.
Brad Ford presented his arm in his first touchdown pass, throwing to the right and pull against the tide in a 25-yard completion to rookie tight end Mike Hoomanawanui.
Eric Weems (white) had a punt return of Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
55 yards in the second quarter with a hull less Jerome Murphy (Notes) finally ran through the Rams to 47, creating the partition Finneran.
Notes: The Falcons are 7-0 in a domed stadium this season, five wins at home and 21-6 in the last three seasons. Boeing distributed 1,000 tickets for veterans. Danny Amendola (white) had a punt return of 33 yards for St. Louis, but also requested a punt return in the end zone, but the recovery San
Luis is 6 Rams rookie Rodger Saffold (Notes) with a shoulder injury and has an MRI. Hawks was John Abraham (Notes) from a groin injury, after struggling in a training pause before the game. Bradford franchise rookie records for attempts (228) and finishing (376), the record of Tony Banks in 1996 and Dieter Brock in 1985 set.

The promotion extends to the position of Chief

2010-11-21T04:37:00.000-08:00

The NFL Draft is like Christmas: You wait months for them and their more than hours. Left waiting with the anniversary of the only, the event is undoubtedly back soon for such a long build. The advantage is that despite the excitement over, it is still a Hot Wheels track and IM
firebase Joe play for months in relation to adults who can run the football franchise, the Buffalo Bills frames relative for a while because of how they treat their most important equipment must be satisfied before the summer.
On the one hand, the administration almost done everything possible for the two quarter-arm team and protects discussed with the ninja stars and are enclosed in bubble wrap. Not so much who will start behind the center as it is known that the components are well positioned in the eye: Trent Edwards gets to enjoy a decent line or paying all or 80 percent of 6 Sanchez Purple AFL50th jersey
the owner if he exceeds Jason Whittle at Right Guard Brad Butler. A group that played very well together last year to enjoy a low turnover rate, which makes the eternal search for gelling a lot more realistic.
In addition, the vacuum was filled with enormous skills: Bills are not the bank Peerless Price was the best option for the second option. With the signing of receiver James Hardy, the team is a possibility that Lee Evans is not alone in dealing with roving bands of secondary members, where this year.
Of course, running back Marshawn Lynch has already laid down for a season and hes at the thought of an offense that contains elements, while promising great. It does not have time in this decade when so many bills in both the diversity of skills and the ditch a real opportunity, during the same season climax.
The only questions circulating now is a solid bunch, the weak U.S. dollar, but that's only dilemma of a team that does not have the stability in the receiver, quarterback, running back, and Eric forms line, Jim Kelly, Travis Henry, and Ruben Brown on the left, respectively. It is not quite the performance of the current account in respect of former players, especially the quarter, but the current batch is the equivalent in terms of reality, more importantly less, but each table has a deep continuity.
Similarly, many weapons defensive back last season, the talented players that were recruited during the previous two seasons increase.
Consultations on the weak side linebacker, cornerback and the two bottom lines and interior have been adapted by the signature or writing, and the handful of large emerging countries that have to Buffalo will be answered in 2006 is now a greater division of his teammates to be accompanied.
Promoting expanded heads of the Post. On the one hand, defensive coordinator Perry Fewell is a collection of very personal good omen for the performance of their strategic vision, and if he does not do well this season, I can not blame the lack of tools. On the other hand, the deletion of the first word from offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild a profit by the loss, as the new Turkish President Schonert be more innovative by default.
Front-office guru Russ Brandon continues a trend started by former CEO Marv Levy, who move on the peace of mind. Teresa fear much less from the current list, which lulls extended until four or five years. The time remaining until training camp has been very quiet, what is the best thing that could happen for a team in Buffalo for outstanding talent necessary to have failures.
There are 350 days this year, in which each NFL team to play more of 43 Polamalu white jersey
a game of the regular season, and all organizations that we do is to update on downtime, moving through the very thin that the latest addition to Veterans bright young people, will discuss prospects for fans of this special equipment, tend to experience the excitement rather than fear, because they are more likely to make statements about the immediate future invoices to ask questions.
Reliability is now a rewarding autumn. The quality of the acquisitions made in the past two seasons and low in comparison with the level of the players, which is the same position as before that date, the difference between the act charitably drunk Santa and a U.S. increased.

There were many times when we were in danger of drowning

2010-11-20T09:06:00.000-08:00

My nephew, King ( Catfish ) Pugh, and I said, planning a canoe trip down the Devil's River for several years and joined finally a friend of the king ( Minnesota ), Steve Timm, a master Sawyer Minnesota, and my son Trey ( Griz ) Sayles, with us for a float 48 miles, Push-Pull, Portage, paddle like mad against the wind, the question of adrenaline, and perhaps the most challenging and pristine, clear Crystal River, Texas.
The king took his new Bell Canoe 17 foot carbon fiber. I had complicated, 17-foot Alumacraft was old Buck McMullen, Trey and rent canoes 11 feet. We stopped the first night in a private camp (Points of 36 Bettis White Jersey
weed without private garbage eated) for crossing the baker, and it was obvious when loading the boat the next morning the King, our chief and sergeant offer was better prepared .
We believe that a map of the Nile Expedition, Trey said as a friend of the King, Steve, his favorite of the canoe is the upper limit of the Missouri River, he shook his head in agreement and insisted that the king of the battery be powered air conditioning and chair.
There were many times when we were in danger of drowning, severe sunburn or a snake bite, but they were never in danger, not enough to eat. The first T-bones an inch thick and a quarter cooked with potatoes roasted walnut salad and campfire is not just uncomfortable when you eat. No one can compare with Catfish Pugh king when it comes to a fire for cooking, and all that we eat what is happening. One night we camped on a flat rock on the banks of the river where we do not share was a canvas shelter, the king and his advisers Mexican quail pea tribunal, campfire potatoes and salad, a storm with brilliant displays of lightning accent, while the old Man waits, hot and dry in his small workshop, serving a gourmet meal.
Despite everything, read everything I could about the river, rapids and other travel recommendations earlier we had our own decisions about how to face with the fast deal or to negotiate the great labyrinth of complicated shallow water of the islands of grass more than eight make up meters.
In a series of rapids of Class II, we now speak as a devil's claw King and Steve went too fast and had no other choice than to run and hope for the best. It did it by l, then warn again to climb the rock. Trey will for them, and he has done, through, but the Alumacraft loaded to the teeth with the team and works with a single rower, would never have done. I suggest that you download and Portage fast side, but Trey and Steve were convinced they could boat loaded flow treacherous belt separating the right and left row around the rock itself nail.
Disasters. The bow of the canoe began on one side, but the back was taken over by the current through the others. Trey has a heroic effort to push the stern in line with the bow, but it was too late, and quickly took the canoe on the water, under thousands of pounds of water pressure on the nail of the devil himself.
I saw no way for us to get to the boat, but the king insisted that we do that, but we had the canoes cut through the center until it falls. Trey, thinking in more practical, cut a small tree with a folding saw, and after removing all the hardware that use four of us, the boat inch by inch, out of the water.
What to look for a relief that go along with rapid swirling pool below, seriously injured, but still afloat.
Trey stepped on the boat back into shape, and about 5 minute epoxy and gorilla tape is used to repair the fracture in the aluminum skin. Gorilla tape proved to be a valuable addition to expeditionary force will be delivered. I broke one side of my kayak and used epoxy and gorilla tape to fix it. The offer was told rest of the trip without incident, and it's in my garage waiting to be reused. Gorilla Tape has been used to repair fishing rods, repairing cracks in the coating, nylon, and almost all that is necessary to keep together to celebrate.
Although none of us fish a lot as we would have liked, we took the bass, black bass, largemouth bass, hybrid bass and catfish. King, as Catfish because of 36 Bettis Black Jersey
the unique techniques for catfishing catches in the area of Clear Brazos uses known uses a cane pole with a hook weight of the river, split shot, and the temptations of the flesh hot dog to a series of deep holes in the lure catfish rapids, while we were waiting to get one of the owners only the points along the stream.
We were not waiting to be removed, but we waited for the owner to come back with some ice for the ice king could have in your Jack and Coke.
Dolan Falls, the public had no access otherwise overwhelming as a canoe or kayak on the river, and is after the portage around the cases, the Rock Dove and play our hearts.
We saw no other canoeists on the river above, removed to a group of scouts camped teacher at the hut of the Nature Conservation Act, with hot showers and real beds, floating behind us on the owner. And below, assume we saw no other paddlers.
At times it seemed we were not in a country outside of time in shelters Cueva del Indio, crystal clear water, untouched, and others, that our souls are transported to a better time on this planet.
In water conditions and strong winds progress every day in the water quickly and often shallow pools by prolonged and deep emerald-green water was difficult and frustrating, but the reward of being in this society River incredibly strong, masculine value in the study.

He returned to the sideline in the third quarter

2010-11-19T03:36:00.000-08:00

Matt Forte (white) scored a touchdown from 2 yards run was Robbie Gould (notes), three field goals and the Chicago Bears took a 16-0 lead on the stroke until the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter Thursday night.
Strong score came with 1:57 in the third left, capping a 13-play, 55 yards. Gould from 46 yards, 24 and 50.
Given the ineffectiveness of Vikings Brett Favre jersey
Miami offense, the lead seemed insurmountable. Chicago making his first trip to Dolphins Stadium since losing the Super Bowl 41 to Indianapoliswas us on a half game lead over Green Bay in the NFC Central Division and move within a half game behind Atlanta for the NFC have best record.
And the third quarterback in Tyler Thigpen (marks) received on the Dolphins suffering injuries. Star receiver Brandon Marshall (notes), will leave in the second quarter with a thigh injury and offensive (Notes) lineman Cory Procter was what appeared to be a severe injury to his left leg in the first period.
Charles Tillman (notes), had an interception for the Bears, adding that Thigpen bad night.
Thigpen was in the 15th Miami starting quarterback of the reign of Dan Marino finished with the dolphins, and his debut was the first rail at best weak, which are described as difficult circumstances. He was 9 of 17 for 114 yards and not much help from Marshall.
During one possession in the second quarter, Marshall had two falls, with a sentence of 14 sand yard unsportsmanlike conduct 15 yards the ball to the Bears Jay Cutler Quart (notes), a former teammate with the Broncos back.
For his part, Cutler threw the ball to Miami a couple of minutes. Cutler was Benny Sapp (notes) with 1:41 left in the half-caught, but the Dolphins not only a gateway to the takeaway, the concern is left with another injury.
Marshall was reached with a right thigh injury on the first play after the interception Cuchilleros Miami possession left to turn to the ground near midfield and once for the back of his leg. The drive came shortly after a standstill, and the Dolphins went into the half time 0-6 in the possibilities of the third down.
Marshall's night ended there. He returned to the sideline in the third quarter, his hands in the pockets of his blue workout pants, white shirts and orange caps.
Cutler was 13 of 21 for 128 yards and the Bears took place in Miami to 125 yards through three quarters. Chicago held the ball nearly 30 games of 45 minutes and was 9 of 14 times downcompared in the third clip, a 1-for-8 from Miami.
One week prior to the preparation could not be a worse time for Miami, the starter Chad Pennington (white) of the season with a shoulder injury lost after a shot victory over Georgia came on Sunday, then back-boot backup Chad Henne lost (notes) with a left knee injury in the game itself. The Dolphins have signed Patrick Ramsey (notes) on Monday, and Henne is the third, or seen in the emergency quarterback for Thursday night.
Sun Thigpen made his career, 12 He was 10-10 in the past, all with Kansas City in 2008.
However, injury problems to Miami. Procter The Dolphins lost their starting center on Thursday in what made a left knee injury with 8:59 in the first quarter in a statement. Procter fell without being hit, grabbed his leg and remained on the turf for several minutes before the band helped.
Chicago has come up with some health problems. A knee injury kept the strong side linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (notes) from the 15th since the beginning of the 2009 season, and Nick Roach (white) started in his place.
Miami came in two games behind the New York Jets and New England Patriots in the AFC East.
It has 25 seasons since the Dolphins beat the Bears in one of Vikings Brett Favre jersey
the most memorable games of all times Monday night, a 38-24 victory in the Orange Bowl that ended the unbeaten preservation of the franchise legacy as the only team to finish in the NFL. It was the only loss for one year for the Bears, the shooting for the title of Super Bowl ready.
He lacked that kind of style, although there is another allusion to the story.
Dolphins safety Jake Scott (notes) and defensive end Bill Stanfill to Honor Roll on Thursday night, put it in a club that already Marino, Doug above, played Mark Clayton (Notes), Mark Duper, Nat Moore and Coach Don Shula all names a crucial role in the victory over Miami in Chicago in December 1985.

Said Ward. I took the test last concussion

2010-11-18T03:13:00.001-08:00

Loose Court Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Jeff Reed (notes) said today the resignation because no team put a claim on him. Former player of the Steelers franchise has struggled this season, the absence of seven experiments placement. NFL Reed transferred instead of paying over $ 1,000,000 of its remaining $ 2,800,000 in salaries. Reed is to stimulate interest and should be selective when choosing to play next. Baltimore Ravens star safety Ed Reed Stock (Notes) injured his ankle against the Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (Notes) slipped into the grass and beat the former NFL Defensive Player of Jets 6 Sanchez Jersey
the Year. Reed said he suffered a ligament injury to work.
It took a while to get up. Ryan Reed appeared to elbow when he lowered his helmet, but was not sure what happened.
As soon as I hit in the ankle, I have no idea what hit him, said Reed. As soon as I hit in the ankle, I knew it was already low. I was like, 'Oh, my God, he slipped his right ankle. But both Reed and receiver Derrick Mason (Notes) (right little finger) arent listed on the injury report.
Free safety Tom Zbikowski (notes) are not the common practice and is expected to miss his fourth straight game since bruising his right heel against the Patriots.
Cornerback Fabian Washington (notes) was first mentioned in a practice because of illness, but was limited to work.
Tight end Todd Heap (Note) (chest) and linebacker Tavares Gooden (Note) (head) were limited.
Heap and LeRon McClain back (notes) werent involved in contact drills.
Meanwhile, the following practices are not the Carolina Panthers: LB Jon Beason (Note) (knee), quarterback Jimmy Clausen (Note) (concussion), safety Marcus Hudson (Rating) (ankle), receiver Brandon LaFell (note) (concussion) , running back Jonathan Stewart (notes) (concussion), running back Jets 6 Sanchez Jersey
Tyrell Sutton (Note) address (ankle) and offensive Traveller Wharton (Note) (toe).
Defensive end Greg Hardy (Note) (concussion), linebacker Nic Harris (note) (knee) and defensive end Charles Johnson (Note) (hip) were limited.
Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward veteran (white) back in practice today for full participation after a concussion Sunday in a loss to the New England Patriots.
Ward was the reference standard player must pass the test after a head injury.
I'm fine, said Ward. I took the test a concussion, he went. I will keep an eye on him. I go to practice and have one day at a time. I feel good. I have no symptoms that I think should try to return have.Ward Sunday's match, but the Steelers medical staff was not able to do this because of league rules rearding concussions.

Said Ward. I took the test last concussion

2010-11-18T03:13:00.000-08:00

Ave Maria and how it feels to your broken heart and showed

2010-11-17T03:40:00.000-08:00

Thoughts and ramblings from a weekend of football from a little history.
+ Michael Vick (notes) and the Eagles erased the Redskins last night, 59-28 before a national audience and most of its peers. On the way, Vick & Co. has accumulated 592 yards in the files of quarterback in Philadelphia for 6 Comments (4 passes and run for 2) and 413 yards on offense. This performance by Vick in particular the effects for some time, and presented as historical , idiot or the game. But what we all saw last night, and some bad defense, was a talented player who took his job very seriously as an art and is now in a position to trigger an amazing range of talents.
+ Last night, I thought, to cry sometimes, the same question that most football fans and at the time that is required: If Donovan McNabb (notes) $ 40,000,000 guaranteed the Redskins, in God's name is Michael Vick will look for new contract proposal: see start with nine points and safety.
Championship game TCU + hope with playing a game with virtual training New Mexico left, not for the title of Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
the conference and remain a perception of play off against the state of San Diego in the minds of voters slips, horn frogs in the coming weeks. The hard part is to see fellow non-QA Boise State for games against No. 18 Nevada and Fresno State (6 -4) rewards ended in a rage against Utah State. The damage was even after the game against Utah, TCU of Notre Dame, while Boise State still points to the constant improvement of the Virginia Tech I am collecting a big fan of Gary Patterson and the TCU football team, but with the exception of some collapse of the teams in the Top 5 Horned Frogs are in the mix for the BCS Championship Game.
+ New England Patriots Steelers dissection on both sides of the ball Sunday night and in the process itself and Bill Belichick ran DOES record in games after losing 24-2 in the last 7 seasons. There are many statistics to say a football team, but with a refusal to lose part of their DNA in a row, is at the top (By the way, Tom Brady (notes cried) and pushing his team since day 1 in 2010 . TB size was the first thing I made of training camps and continue to set the bar very high).
Oregon + barely clinging and rhythms of California 15-13, but the second round of the ducks CB Cliff Harris has his punt return TD bind quarter of the year, the record for Pac-10 Eagle from the old and current Cal Bear DeSean Jackson (notes) . The 64-yard Harris has really saved the butt of the duck, as he held 40 points below its season scoring average.
+ Speaking of ducks, when their undefeated regular season and finish top of the Pac-10 BCS + defines an incredible championship game than Auburn. It is also possible to Stanford 01.11, in a strange place, because if the Rose Bowl, the Big 10 No. 1, the highest ranking non-AQ (TCU now, but maybe later, Boise State), who looks far left Stanford Perhaps the Cardinal and horned frogs can take the Wrangler what-if Bowl in the stadium can play cowboy?
have + Ave Maria and how it feels a broken heart and presents. I had to answer some serious setbacks of the last second of Jaguar's Ave Maria on Sunday against the Houston Texans was to be seen. While playing with San Francisco, which lost to Atlanta in the same dramatic in the old Fulton County Stadium. In the role of the Jaguar Mike Thomas (notes) on this day Falcons WR Billy White Shoes Johnson as I watch helplessly from the sidelines Sat visitors stunned. It feels empty and angry when it happens, maybe because it was maybe like someone and pulled the still-beating heart from his chest, feeling like life feels stopped in a vacuum. You are beautiful and look around like What do we do now? Off Just for the field toward the locker room, where visitors from dozens are surrounded by other professionals driven stunned and angry. Forget you never know what happens to you, and make an opponent an obvious point of his career. He was 30 years for me and think, my chest hurt. + From Dallas and the Giants .. It is too easy to say that the Giants not so bad or the Cowboys are not as good, right? Wade Philips was simply select two Dallas? Was not that the Giants team was touted as the best team in the NFC? Sparky not Hold Your Horses! First, remember how the rules of the game in the NFL is not really dominant teams and zero. The second is the new kid syndrome, when a coach is fired and the encountered new sheriff takes over and there is usually an increase in current third and final question is the most important. If you have $ 1600000000 spend U.S. dollars in a stadium is not realistic to expect that the lights stay? I recommend everyone take a deep breath and continue to jump conclusions. Fast forward a month and the Giants think playoffs, while the Cowboys are planning their holidays and ask who the coach will come in February.
+ Speaking of quarterback, what else Troy Smith (notes) that Mike Singletary coaching and show 49 years? The former Heisman Trophy winner as a quarter of the population expected to be in Baltimore before a mysterious sore throat and the development of Joe Flacco to see (Notes) paved the way for his trip out of town. San Francisco was 23-20 OT victory over the Rams against the Rams, but Troy Smith has all the tools in a quarterback must be a consistent winner in this league and is also the type of player that other players NFL and gravitate forward. 49er fans should be happy you have a quarter.
+ + DenverNo Kansas City like embarrassing in public, and head coach Todd Haley KC was very clearly how, after his staff had their heads on a plate is to feel in Denver on Sunday. The problem with this reaction is that only adds to the joy and excitement of the celebration of Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
the opponent. Growing pains are not just for NFL players eh?
+ Franchise Vikings.This Minnesota and his team is a great example of how thin the margin of error of the NFL. Only in mid-January, the Vikings a piece of that removed, the NFC representative in Super Bowl as the beginning of this week in the middle of November died in the water never implode on a very public stage leads. Once jobs are lost, the players will retire and renovated housing is a heck of a foundation be established. Now if I only had a veteran quarterback to No. 1 job them Viking, 2011, could find lead is to learn to win on the road. M innesota is on a road trip 0-9 and now the game of football at all levels, to win on the road, is to think of my way to measure the true success of a team.
Crazy Week for the RC (I know what I'm more than a call to a fantasy camp we) began the afternoon with a flight to New York and then tonight I'm in New York Within the school of football on CBS College Sports Network on Wednesday night, is I Gridiron SEC Live on Fox Sports South, Thursday through Saturday, I'm in Annapolis Arkansas State and Navy, then Sunday in the beautiful city of San Diego Westwood One broadcast of the multinational force with the Denver Broncos in San Diego Chargers.

This article assumes practical advice from the love of your life

2010-11-16T05:34:00.001-08:00

This article assumes practical advice from the love of his life. Love is an emotion that finds its way into our lives at some point in the other. But the search for love and loss, because her boyfriend wants space can be traumatic. What men in the room? These can be internal, financial constraints or even the eternal commitment phobia. Men have different themes and in this article, instead of 4 Brett Favre White jersey
dealing with trivial issues that are addressed, as the same men who wanted to see once you place will receive in your life.
The main advantage is their dignity, not to convince or persuade tears o. Although the former always like to play hard to get to the top. It is subtly suggesting that the rupture was the loss of your ex and not your own. If you believe that he has feelings for you, then you should try to start conversations with him. Talk about things together, but remember breaking a taboo, which only reduce feelings of love, try to talk to you instead of away from you. Hold short conversations, text messages, sometimes ...... This is so that he the time when the two were together and bring them to the time, remembers that you miss. And by and by, when you start attention to you, you are offered the opportunity to work with him again shared the fond memories of the two. And yet he should deepen good times, is not in the shortcomings of the relationship, which corresponds to farewell kiss relationship. If the friend does not take the bait as fast as it pleases you, then that is to cool the signal and gives you the freedom introspect.Let take time and are rare during this time.
If you are worried, then get the happiness that is in your head, too. No, developed and maintained the patient's 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
forehead and limited conversations do not seem so excited about everything new. Remember, this attitude does not help a bit. Thereafter, gradually loosen a bit. Be open and honest about your feelings during the transition period without having to paint exactly the picture of despair. Let things take their natural course from here.
We hope this article has the indicators that could help solve the Saga of space.

This article assumes practical advice from the love of your life

2010-11-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

Wells missed the game with a sore right knee

2010-11-15T04:05:00.000-08:00

Darnell Dockett Tackler (notes) and half Beanie Wells (notes) were in Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals Seattle Seahawks inactive.
Dockett, two time Pro Bowl left with a shoulder injury. His absence ended a run of 104 consecutive games played, defensive second-longest active in the deal. have Justin Smith (notes) in San Francisco, 151 weekends to go in this game
Wells missed the game with a sore right knee. Wells had only one carry last week after the team had an allergic reaction to an injection to supplement the lubrication of 10 Santonio Holmes White jersey
the knee. He missed the first two games of the season after arthroscopic knee surgery.
Seattle was without starting left tackle Russell Okung (white), all due to the first team this season with an ankle injury.
Alan Branch (Notes) Dockett was in the lineup and Tim Hightower (notes) are filling Arizona. Plumbus Tyler has begun to address Okung instead.
Broncos linebacker DJ Williams (white) lost the first round Sunday against Kansas City after his arrest last week on suspicion of drunk driving.
Williams of the best teams tackler, pace the sidelines Wesley Woodyard (notes) started in his place. Williams had an entry on his first play.
Its been a tumultuous week for Williams, who was arrested Friday shortly before 15.00 clock, when the police saw him with his car without lights. Was cited for impaired driving and over, a drug rehabilitation center.
Williams was taken off the captain of the season and fined an undisclosed amount by the team. He faces a suspension of several games in the league, because it was his arrest in the second.
Quarterback Alex Smith is inactive for the game against the San Francisco 49ers San Luis.
Troy Smith (notes) in his second start Sunday for the 10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
49ers, dressed only take two quarters to the Rams.
Alex Smith separated his left shoulder in the 49ers loss to the Carolina Panthers last month. The recovery of the former project number is still in the majority of practices in recent weeks after participation bye week in San Francisco.
David Carr (music) back to Troy Smith, who marked out his first start for the 49ers to a late manifestation of a victory over Denver two weeks ago in London.

In two seasons Watson

2010-11-14T00:59:00.000-08:00

Tuesday bargaining Buffalo Bills reserve winger Tim Euhus at the New Orleans Saints linebacker Courtney Watson, the Saints have tried to download the last two months. In fact, the Saints tried Watson Miami Dolphins linebacker Eddie Moore in the trade last month, but was inserted by the agreement to veto, if Moore is not your physique.

Watson, a linebacker, has the potential to be a good player in the online bills. He was drafted in the second round by New Orleans in the 2004 draft, but never taken over in Louisiana. The product of 10 Santonio Holmes White jersey
Notre Dame has a lot of mouth, but, as the place where he was rescued demonstrated. But the high draft picks that Watson often go awry. So far it has not performed up to par, but that could change in the uniform of the bills.

Bills linebacker currently average 31 years, London Fletcher, Buffalo probably not for long. His contract is expiring soon, and the chances of re-sign the bills, Fletcher can not be as good as the general manager Marv Levy in Buffalo on a youth movement seems to grow. Watson will have the opportunity to learn and develop properly behind Fletcher for a year, then you can use the opportunity to take its place have. However, it would have current backup Fletcher, Mario Haggan, a cornerstone was lost on special teams in his career 3 years.

In two seasons of Watson, which is impressive, with its production disadvantages in 21 games. As a rookie Watson appeared in 12 games, posting a respectable 57 tackles and two sacks. The 25-year-old in 2005 was followed, played in nine games and a total of 37 attacks with a sack. Accordingly, Watson has amassed 94 tackles and a trio of sacks of his career, averaging about 4? deals per game and 1? in 10 games. This production is not terrible, especially for a player who does not necessarily have the time to read much more.

Meanwhile, the promising Watson to acquire all outstanding invoices had been Euhus. show so far in his career two years Euhus, also 25, not much, but the risk of injury. Euhus has lost nine games in his young career (two less than Watson) and lasted only 14 assists. not necessarily a room for Buffalo Euhus, a former fourth round of the State of 10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
Oregon left - since the tickets already happy with his current top three tight end Kevin Everett, Robert Royal and Brad Cieslak were. Bill No. 4 winger Ryan Neufeld has to be the best, be a blocker Euhus, even, and it is almost impossible to keep to 249 pounds with the team.

In the first operation of Levy in Buffalo, is to say relatively safe, he succeeded. I knew that was impressive for a blocking tight end essentially dead weight in Buffalo. In return, took a talented linebacker Levy, the situation is a legitimate contribution to future invoices.

Maybe a miracle

2010-11-12T04:53:00.000-08:00

In his press conference on Wednesday, the Buffalo Bills coach Mike Mularkey was a challenge, when asked by reporters whether the quarterback JP Losman will start Sunday. He was quoted as saying: Sources report that Buffalo backup quarterback Kelly Holcomb is likely to get the start against the Miami Dolphins, I will not talk while starting for any team. . If this hypothesis is realized, it is one of the movements made questionable by the Bills in a long time. Why destroy the confidence of his young quarterback by putting it on the second place after four games? While JP Losman struggled, the best thing to do, to think of the future and can you play through adversity. It is clear that the Buffalo Bills do not have the future success of Losman does not matter if there is insufficient time to be a solid quarterback given.
Maybe a miracle, Kelly Holcomb can step in and lead the team of Jets 6 Sanchez Jersey
1-3 Bills in the playoffs. However, believe you can lead a team to a championship is a chimera. For now, the Buffalo Bills no offensive line and a defense capable of coordinating the Super Bowl. The only specific position, things had to produce really good this year in the corridor. Willis McGahee ran for 375 yards, while not the ball enough.
Holcomb, a former Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns is best for his performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Browns game in 2002 card series is known. The Browns lost the game 36-33, but Holcomb threw for 429 yards and three touchdowns. Bill's best hope for a part of that magic on Sunday, taking into account the fact that you take a series of three defeats and Miami on the first line in the AFC East 2-1.

Maple Leafs' only victory came at home and

2010-11-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

The Maple Leafs managed just one win in three weeks, but against the Florida Panthers.
Beat again would it end six-game slide. Maple Leafs try again discourage their heaviest defeat of the season when they visit her in Florida on Wednesday night.
Toronto (5-6-3) is 1-6-3 in a stretch of leveling after a promising start to 4-0-0 against the New York Rangers on 15 October. Maple Leafs win came at home alone and against Florida, 3-1 26th October. They have six of 19-8 against rowincluding shut outs while getting lost three. Another loss would be Toronto's biggest slide since the start of 36 Bettis Black Jersey
last season 0-6-1. The Maple Leafs moved to that mark with its dubious title fourth consecutive loss, 4-0 to Tampa Bay on Tuesday. Jean-Sebastien Giguere (white), who saves made 21, you can feel the effort of the team should be improved.
Did you play to 60 minutes in this game and I think it was obvious we were not ready to go, he said. As it was, you need to see some of the desperation of the boys, a certain competitiveness, and ensure must ensure that the witness did not see power play Maple Leafs are brutal to go in the last nine games, 35 3 The device was was 0-5 against the Lightning, including a deposit of 5-on-3 in the first period, not to a to produce ball.
You've got to play a way to get our power score because to find otherwise - than 5 to 3 - to its depressing not even have a chance to brand, said coach Ron Wilson, who stuck at 587 Winson Jacques Lemaire behind for seventh all time. Phil Kessel (notes) are riding, dryness of the six games since score points against the Panthers last month. It gave him seven goals in just the first eight games of the season. Boiler, but has five goals in the last six visits to the BankAtlantic Center. The Panthers come from a divided home and the house of Caroline. Florida fell to 3-2 in Raleigh on Saturday to improve a night after a 7-4 victory at home to 3-2-0. We were in it, mostly. During the game we were there, said Scott Clemmensen Backup (tickets), the savings made 26 Saturday. So, nothing to hang your head, but failing to win his disappointment. Is.Clemmensen was always in goal Toronto last month, and 24 stores. Hell is probably back on the bench in favor of 10 Santonio Holmes White jersey
Tomas Vokoun (notes), which is 5-2-1 with a 2.23 goals against average and two shutouts in his last eight starts against the Maple Leafs. Stephen Weiss (white) was in a big performance after without a point on Saturday after a three-point effort in the last two times the sum of the season instead.
The center of Florida (5-7-0) led with 60 points last season, has one goal and four assists in a series of four points at home against Toronto.

They were happy, but they were not satisfied

2010-11-10T06:23:00.000-08:00

While health, the Clippers have not managed to San Antonio for more than four years lost.
With the injuries begin to mount, could the Clippers be more difficult to end this drought.
The Clippers go without two entries on Wednesday night trying to avoid a defeat in a row 18 of Vikings Brett Favre jersey
the Spurs, seeking their fifth win in a row.
Los Angeles (1-7) played without its star Baron Davis (Notes) a 97-88 home loss to San Antonio on 1 November. Veteran goalkeeper from a four-game absence with a knee injury returned to score four points in 10 minutes of a 101-82 loss to New Orleans unbeaten on Tuesday, but by mid-Chris Kaman (notes) that with a sprained ankle on the left.
Its uncertain if Kaman and guard Eric Gordon (notes) that missed the tournament Tuesday with a shoulder injury, will be available when the Clippers try their first victory over the Spurs (5-1) since 7 March 2006. Los Angeles could also unqualified guard Randy Foye (marks) are for a seventh consecutive game with a thigh injury. Gordon, with an average of 21.1 points in leading team had 23 and 11 assists against San Antonio last week.
While the Spurs are 4-0 in November and have won 15 straight at home over the Clippers, which usually take anything for granted, regardless of who is suited to Los Angeles. We can not give up the game, said Tony Parker (notes), the official website of the Spurs. We must do the same thing we did and do not seem hope.It the Clippers have ever watched an average of 86.0 points in 45 of 49 irretrievably lost to the Spurs in the last 13 years.
San Antonio is not as dominant during a series of four games in their victories have been come by a combined margin of 18 points.
They were happy, but they were not satisfied, said Parker, who led all scorers with 19 points and nine assists for Los Angeles.
Manu Ginobili (Notes) scored 26 points and rookie guard Gary Neal (notes) came off the bench to score 15 in 95-91 win at Charlotte on Monday.
Neal spent three seasons in Italy, Spain and Turkey, with 16 points on 6 of 10 shots - 4 of 8 from 3-point line - against Los Angeles.
Hes new to the league this year, but hes not impressed or intimidated by anything, said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. It is easy to play, hes nosed.Neal efforts helped the Spurs at the end of the Reserve Bank Clippers 32-7 in the last session.
The Lakers bench played better Tuesday, led by rookie Al-Farouq Aminus (Notes) 20 points. But owners of Los Angeles for 39 points together.
Los Angeles committed 48 turnovers in the last two games, including a period of Vikings Brett Favre jersey
25 against the Hornets.
You can not expect, at home or on the road, when you win the turnover, has a much better job weve not evaluating the ball, the Clippers said coach Vinny Del in the first year black. Los Angeles, has lost 0-3 on a trip of four games and eight straight on the way back to a 99-93 victory in Houston on 25 March.

was elected Tuesday by the Peace Summit Award for 2010 for its longstanding efforts in the love

2010-11-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

Italian soccer star Roberto Baggio is awarded the winner of this year a special award each year from the worlds of Nobel Prize winners. Baggio, 43, player of the year 1993 was chosen Tuesday by the Summit Award for Peace in 2010 for his many years of effort in charitable organizations, including pressing for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the pro-democracy Myanmar prison and Nobel Peace Prize, the Office of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Prize, said on Tuesday.
Baggio is known for its football glory known. But it also helped fund hospitals, such as helping the collection of 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
funds for earthquake victims in Haiti and the fight against bird flu and support the work of the United Nations. The meeting this year, prices Friday in the Japanese city of Hiroshima begin in the southwest, where the U.S. atomic bomb killed 140,000 people in 1945, ending World War II.
Previous summits were held in Europe. This year's winners will also receive a special prize for the representatives of the victims of the bomb, to honor those who have seen and experienced the tragic consequences of nuclear bombs and war, the warning of his suffering unbearable and the generations of the future the group said in a statement.
Previous winners of the Summit Peace Award include British musician Peter Gabriel, American actor George Clooney and Don Cheadle, and actor and director Roberto Benigni's Italian.
Hopes for the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and pacifism are strong in Hiroshima. And peace will be this year's meeting to focus on nuclear disarmament, say the organizers. President Barack Obama, last year's Nobel Peace Prize, was invited, but not participate. Tibetan religious leader the Dalai Lama, Lech Walesa in Poland, the former South African President Frederik Willem de Klerk and President of East Timor, Jose Ramos-Horta is expected.
Bid Committee announced the United States that President Bill Clinton is part of the submission of a final offer to the FIFA Executive Committee on Wednesday, 1 December. I am pleased on behalf of our nation, something as important and useful to the American people and citizens around the world that the FIFA Soccer World Cup, said President Clinton. I am committed to this effort because I saw first hand the powerful unifying force of the FIFA World Cup, which brings together people of all ages, cultures and beliefs.
Clinton has been a very active member of Dallas Cowboys jersey
the Committee, the World Cup to bring back to America for the first time since 1994 and works closely with its Board of Directors to promote the offer U.S. and around the world.
President Clinton was and remains an ideal ambassador for the United States and our domestic supply for the World Cup? For the United States in 2022, said Sunil Gulati, president of the United States. Football and chairman of the U.S. application.
After the formal presentations in the first, the committee vote the next day with ads on the World Cup hosts in 2018 and 2022 will clock at 10 ET on life.

Wallace and Delhomme could not practice

2010-11-08T00:06:00.000-08:00

Berea, Ohio (AP) Quarterback Jake Delhomme injured Browns (notes) and Seneca Wallace (notes) are not practicing, so it is likely that the rookie quarterback Colt McCoy (notes), is his third start Sunday against New England. Coach Eric Mangini Wallace was hoping to return on Wednesday. McCoy getting more all the representatives heading the Cleveland crime. The third round pick is 1-1 as a starter, losing to Pittsburgh and win in New Orleans. McCoy has not yet said if he starts, but it is as if he were before.
I am here to ask me what he said. Thatsit coaches decision. And practice Jake Arent Seneca and in the same way I have treated in recent weeks. In being prepared as a starter at any time. If this is so or not end, I'll be ready to play and I'm just working as hard as I can, because the rest of 10 Santonio Holmes White jersey
the team did the same. I want to go into the situation and the best for the team and give this team the best chance Delhomme and high ankle sprains win.Wallace. Delhomme was injured in the game of the season and again in his ankle October 10, where he had come to hurt Wallace, who had rolled his ankle against Atlanta replace.
Against the Browns bye weeks McCoy was able to Drew Brees (notes), a Texan and a player who has always admired start. McCoy feels the pain even more the fear of the Patriots Tom Brady (notes), and welcomes the opportunity to play against one of the top arm NFLS. For me on the field with Tom Brady is the kind of the last week, he said. Tom Brady won three Super Bowls, and would only be there to play against him is impressive for me.McCoy, who retired his jersey No. 12 was last week in Texas, said the week off was good opportunity to clear your thoughts and Preparation for the remainder of the season. However, it could not completely out of football. Frankly, when I went home and we have struck the jersey retirement, I am deeply honored by this. . It was fun, he said But I was still standing a foot in the door, my mind was watching the film on careers for New England: What can we do to win is just me in general, but also much fun it ? is .. well come home and my family. but I'm happy to roll back and quarterback Jake Delhomme again.Browns (notes) and Seneca Wallace (notes) that served the last two games with an ankle injury, missed practice on Wednesday, coach Eric Mangini said after the team. Rookie C BTA McCoy (notes) that made two consecutive starts, is with the first team offense working, said Mangini, according to several reports.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Mangini said that if things continue as, McCoy probably start vs. New England on Sunday.
McCoy completed 32 of 49 passes for 355 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions this season.
Wallace and ease that Delhomme did not practice Wednesday 10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
McCoy increases the probability of a different ending, and potentially another opportunity for the job full-time audition. The decision not to run, occur, to Wallace and / or Delhomme is healthy, said Mangini and the Browns President Mike Holmgren. Wallace Delhomme is ahead in the healing process, Mangini said earlier this week.
spin should fantasy that begins on Sunday, McCoy may merit further quarter very well happen in such formats as the defense in New England is fragile, but the Browns threw six touchdowns this season, and a cautious approach in the air.

Availability baseball season starts faster than normal

2010-11-07T06:15:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK (AP) in the market for baseball season came even faster than usual Tuesday working with teams forced to make quick decisions on the options contract, as she led the class to prepare offers for free agent Cliff Lee by relatively low (scores) and Carl Crawford (notes). The changes of players and owners in September made, free agents can begin negotiating with a club on the sixth day after the World Series, which is Sunday, instead of 16 Teams and players need to decide on individual choices for the third day after the World Series. Options for mutual decision-makers need to decide on the second day, deciding with the other party for the fourth. Lee is the best pitcher in the free agent market and the New York Yankees in the pursuit.
Traded from Seattle to Texas during the season, Lee has helped the Rangers reach the World Series for the first time, and the Rangers president Nolan Ryan is expected to sign the return. Crawford should be sought, with the Anaheim Angels and the Yankees think that interested in the fast gardener.
The Yankees hope to re-signed with his trio of Derek Jeter (Notes) Mariano Rivera (notes) and Andy Pettitte (notes) has not yet decided on whether next year or retire. Other free agents include Philadelphia outfielder Jayson Werth on the right side (note), Boston catcher Victor Martinez (notes), the White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko (notes), Tampa Bay bats Carlos Pena and closer Rafael Soriano (Notes), and the Angels designated hitter Hideki Matsui (notes). Texas needs a quick decision about whether to make their option on half of the $ 9,000,000 exercise on mutual Vladimir Guerrero (notes) or pay the designated hitter a purchase of $ 1,000,000.
In a sign that the market could be set up free agents in Arizona rejected $ 7,500,000 option on first baseman Adam LaRoche (notes) on Tuesday. He makes a purchase after reaching U.S. $ 1,500,000 with 25 home runs and 100 RBIs .261 in his first season with the Diamondbacks.
Milwaukee has rejected an option for another $ 7,500,000 in career saves leader Trevor Hoffman (notes) that receives a purchase of $ 750,000. 43-year-old reliever, who has 601 stations, which struggled in May and lost his closer role Rookie John Axford (notes). The Brewers have a $ 6,500,000 option turned on the left-handed Doug Davis (notes) and an option 2.25 million catcher Gregg Zaun (white) that are affected by most of the season. Fence Davis now gets $ 1,000,000 and $ 250,000.
Atlanta exercised $ 2,500,000 in options infielder Alex Gonzalez (notes) and Omar Infante (notes), and declined an option on outfielder Rick Ankiel $ 6,000,000 on the (white) and $ 5,250,000 option on RHP Kyle Farnsworth (notes). Both were in Atlanta in a 31st July trade with Kansas City. Farnsworth received an amount of 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
$ 250,000.
Chicago White Sox agreed, $ 1,750,000 one-year contract with infielder Omar Vizquel 43-year (notes), a 11-time Gold Glove
Detroit has an option on shortstop Jhonny Peralta $ 7,250,000 (notes) that receives a purchase of $ 250,000 and can re-sign with the Tigers refused.
Baltimore went from Mark Hendrickson (white) 1.2 million option rights and pay for a purchase of $ 200,000 to the left of 36 years was 1-6 with an ERA of 5.26 in 52 games this year.
come the players for arbitration, San Diego, has an option to 5.9 million in exercised the All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (notes) and Atlanta to 750,000 $ to a contract year with the right-hander Scott Proctor (notes) has decided to start had an ERA of 6.35 May 2 to 3 innings with the Braves, on his return from elbow surgery in 2009.

McClain imposes media blackout until sellout

2010-11-02T03:53:00.000-07:00

Alameda, California (AP) Oakland rookie linebacker Rolando McClain (Notes) just broke his long silence with the media to the fans this week please Raiders games.
McClain did an interview with local media since the 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
opening game against Tennessee on 12 September. Reduced repeated requests since. When asked Monday if he had time to talk, McClain said he did not give an interview that the Raiders game sold. If fans can go and sell a damn game, speak ill of the media, said McClain. Until then, I had full support of the Raiders fan in AFC West rival Kansas City on Sunday in a collision have the two best teams in the division.
Oakland has made 11 consecutive games without a sellout. Coach Tom Cable has fans after a 59-14 win right on the 24th in Denver October called and said the team needs them to fill the Oakland Coliseum. Instead, the Raiders drew 35,721 for their only victory over Seattle 33-3 to reach Sunday, the fifth time in nine home games in Oakland against 40,000 in attendance. I think they will this week, said cable. I really think, know that I think the way we played and the investment that we are into what made a football team and an organization. I mentioned before. When we started our part is necessary. And we need it now. We must fight in this phase Raiders Silver and Black Sunday.The to fans in recent years that his battles have in the campaign and the economy to empty seats at the Coliseum, which held a capacity of Dallas Cowboys jersey
63 132 win, can.
The Raiders played out only 32 218 for their game against Houston in October franchises lower 3The assistance since 1967, not counting games by replacement players. It was also the smallest amount in the NFL Arizona drew 31 650 2nd January 2005, against Tampa Bay, according to STATS LLC.
Oakland has an average of 41.153 spectators per home game this season, with a maximum of 48 396 for the first home game against St. Louis. The Raiders 80 of 124 games of the regular season, scored in the dark since moving to Los Angeles for the season 1995th The games are sold to 72 hours before 6 Sanchez Purple AFL50th jersey
kick-off a power outage within 75 miles avoided.
Oakland has lost at least 11 games for seven consecutive seasons, the longest streak of futility in NFL history.

Juve switch for the title with AC Milan victory

2010-11-01T03:33:00.000-07:00

ROME (AFP) - The surprise success of injuries Juventus AC Milan 2-1 at San Siro on Saturday finally their hopes Scudetto.
Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Del Piero scored for Juventus, who were in fourth place in Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
Serie A, just two points behind champions Inter Milan and three who won 1-0 at Genoa Friday before the end of consolation Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Juventus victory came amid a crisis of catastrophic injuries, lost worse at Juve Giorgio Chiellini during the warmup and Paolo De Ceglie and Jorge Martinez during the game.
It ended with Simone Pepe played right back to the left and exit defensive midfielder Momo Sissoko in the middle of the right field. Del Piero goal was his 179th Juventus Turin and the media is your leading scorer, with more than one Giampiero Boniperti.
It was all Juventus in the first half with Del Piero direct fire from Christian Abbiati, he will have squared should Quagliarella.
But the players on loan from Napoli, the hosts brought on 24 minutes when he met De Ceglie deep center of the head of the impressive peaks.
Milan Andrea Pirlo free kick was just past the angle of post and bar distracted before Juve responded with a rate of 29 minutes after a shift of Alessandro Nesta, but Abbiati scrambled Lined Del Piero turned around the post.
Towards the end of the half Abbiati spilled a deep Del Piero, but among the gods on his side as the ball and Martinez returned to his hands.
Milan finally threatened in injury time when a large cross in the area chosen Duck Ibrahimovic, but the Swede's head was low and Marco Storari is easy to store.
Ibrahimovic then took a pass from Pirlo in the chest before firing again.
Five minutes into the second period, had another chance to Sweden to host Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, but Felipe Melo sent its clear picture.
But despite the opportunities that Juventus hit after crossing back into the box and Pepe Luca Antonini Sissoko won back the ball on his chest before he was caught in his feet.
The chance seemed to have been asked after the Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
midfielder slipped Mali in the air and fell, but he got up, pushed the ball to Del Piero to score and shot through a crowd of defenders.
Eight minutes from time Ibrahimovic Antonini met with seven meters to the head last Storari.
Earlier in the day before Rome was seventh on Sunday games after a 2-0 win over Lecce in the capital saw a home win to win the third consecutive year.
Argentine defender Nicolas Burdisso and Montenegro Mirko Vucinic scored the goals, but both teams ended with 10 men after the dismissal of Francesco Totti and Ruben Olivera.
Roma are now closer to the commercial part of the Serie A after a disastrous start to the season, which has continued over the last three, only a few weeks ago.
Together with two goals and two red cards, the wood four times in an entertaining game was beaten.
But Rome was the cost for the dismissal of Totti and now miss the derby next week in Rome against Lazio leader.
Of course it hurts us very much, not only for what you do on the field, but what it means for us all, Burdisso.
Other that we played well after a negative period, we have well.
I think we all have to recover the public with our game, with the results and with the desire we showed today that we take every game. Burdisso opened the scoring in the 62nd Minute as he stood in the cross head by John Arne Riise deep Vikings Brett Favre jersey
box at the top.
Vucinic set the game on 76 minutes after he is released from the left wing of Totti, low shot into the far corner goalkeeper Antonio Rosati.

Zigic scores again as Birmingham won 2-0 Blackpool

2010-10-29T06:10:00.001-07:00

LONDON (SE) - Nikola Zigic scored for the second consecutive week and then came a reminder of what was expected of him when was a coach from Birmingham with a 2-0 victory over Blackpool at St Andrews foot.
Blues boss Alex McLeish has recognized the contribution of Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
Zigic, but later he gave wants more, much more than your gentle giant.
The Serbian striker Zigic, 6 feet 8 inches the tallest player in the Premier League, has struggled to cope with the physical demands of top flight in England.
But after recording his first goal at Arsenal last week, continued to justify his new signing back Zigic from Valencia 8,000,000 dismiss another brave Blackpool. McLeish said: Nikola Zigic is a good finisher, but he is more used to the work of his time in Spain and England, we love our direct link to more forward.
Nikola is achieving its objectives and now it's an improvement. There are many things to work for us. For example, I would like about his aerial work work. It is perhaps surprising, given the size it is, but I'm not sure the best of him in the air. We want another string to his bow, work a little harder and a defender of 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
the attacks against him. I'm not sure if he still does.
This was an important game for us. We have our reward for our services appropriately in this season, things did not fall our way.
Today, our three hard-working midfield and the defense was much tighter.
We play with two strikers and took Aleksander Hleb just behind and took the attack in Blackpool, and in general worked.Birmingham the lead in the 36th Minute when Seb Larsson took a right turn, made head against the bar and Liam Ridgewell Zigic with the rebound.
Zigic do not know much about his goal after 56 minutes came to Blackpool tried to clear a corner. Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam has tried to hack to safety, but she managed to surprise Zigic and the rebound flew into the net.
Blackpool had their chance and were not intimidated at all.
Gary Taylor-Fletcher was achieved in close after 30 minutes when he just does not reach a tempting cross from Stephen Crainey.
She received a blow on 68 minutes when Adam affected by the action and there was no way back for his teammates.
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway said: When we looked into the future always looked dangerous and I think if we Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
scored early when we had the opportunity to have had a different game.
But I can not complain about my players. They are a fantastic group and me every week.

Capsule which NFL: Cleveland in New Orleans

2010-10-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

CLEVELAND (1-5) in New Orleans (4-2) Sunday, 13.00 CBSOPENING line saints 14RECORD VS. spread cleveland 2-3-1, New Orleans, 1-4 1-Series record browns line 11 4LAST beat Browns 19-14 is not MEETINGS, 10 September 2006Last 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey black jersey
week browns Steelers lost, 28-10, Saints beat Bucs 31-6. OFFENSEOVERALL BROWNS (23), Rush (22), cards (20) RALL DEFENSEOVE BROWNS (23), Rush (23), card (21) SANTOS OFFENSEOVE RALL (8), Rush (21), PASS DEFENSE OVERALL (5) SANTOS ( 7) Rush (15), MAP STRIPES (7), statistics and Peyton Hillis RB Note Brown (Notes) has four touchdowns, a receiving TD, and needs a TD match his career high of six in 2008. TE Benjamin Watson (notes) requires four taken to 200 to reach for the race. Watson has more than five catches in four straight games had. Rookie Colt McCoy Quart (marks), dates to earn his second career because of 36 Bettis White Jersey
injuries Jake Delhomme (notes) and Seneca Wallace (notes). McCoy 23 of 33 for 281 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the first last week against the Steelers. Rookie CB Joe Haden (notes) had first career interception last week. LB Sc ott Fujita (Notes) has in the past four seasons with the Saints, a season, winning two NFC Championship brought the Super Bowl included. Saints coach Sean Payton won the first game as head coach in Brown vs. 10th September 2006. Saints quarterback Drew Brees (white) 3-0 as a pitcher in his career against Cleveland. Brees has eight straight games against AFC opponents, including winning the Super Bowl. Rookie RB Chris Ivory had career-high 158 yards on 15 carries last week against the Buccaneers. Ivory leads Saints in the race with 277 on 44 carries, but still looking for first career TD. WR Marques Colston (Notes) first career TD vs. Cleveland in 2006. WR Lance Moore (Notes) has 21 receptions for 289 starts yards and two touchdowns in the 36 Bettis Black Jersey
last three. WR R Obert Meachem (notes) had 42 yards last week, the TD catches of 35 yards or more in two consecutive games. DT Sedrick Ellis (white) has a sack in the last three games at the Louisiana Superdome.

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo signed a 5-year extension

2010-10-24T02:46:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (AP) Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo signed a contract extension of five years until 2015 and was named executive vice president of baseball operations on Tuesday, which encouraged more control over the franchise and direct-dial phone with the owners of 43 Polamalu white jersey
computers.
I think the new responsibilities, new songs and finally the new job description is my baby, my fingerprints are all over the organization, even more than now, said Rizzo, a conference call with journalists.
He joined the members as Assistant General Manager responsible for exploration operations in July 2006 after seven seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
When Jim Bowden abruptly resigned from GM in Washington in spring training first March 2009 Rizzo took over most of the tasks of daily life, in essence, that the interim GM. Rizzo, the permanent CEO in August 2009, shortly after signing the Project No. 1 Stephen Strasburg (notes) to a record $ 15,100,000 contract.
So far, Rizzo has worked on the team president Stan box that served as a bridge to the property, as Rizzo said Tuesday. Box but he was at the end of this season, and this bridge is now gone.
This is a great opportunity and it's a great responsibility, and I'm going to kiss him, said Rizzo. For a man who loves baseball, and he wanted his whole life is a dream opportunity for me as a franchise grant to develop and as they see fit. I am honored by it. honored by the National In its 59-69 victory it.The increased total this season, but finished second in the NL East for the 43 Polamalu black jersey
third year in the last episode. Rizzo like to say that the team building - how to rebuild it - and Bryce Harper wrote the No. 1 pick in the amateur draft this year and has a $ 9,900,000. Rizzo has also renewed the bullpen nationals, under the supervision of arrivals in the major leagues for young players Ian Desmond (notes) and Danny Espinosa (notes), and the recipient Ramos-the-future-Wilson (notes) markets.
Said on Tuesday that his biggest success to date to gather a group of front-office employees hired hes.
It took a while for us the model we build now, and I think it will pay dividends in the future. Your payment of dividends at the moment, but the dividends in the future, said Rizzo. This organization is on the exploration and development of players and not without a good grounding in scouting, minor league coaches and administrators that are built with managers and employees the Nationals like.Talks a contract extension began at the end of the season, Rizzo said, pointing to what he calls a smooth transition from my Stans 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
over.In by a declaration of the members released Tuesday, the principal owner Ted Lerner said Mike Rizz

MVP Meter: Kolb is not Vick in the top 10

2010-10-23T02:05:00.001-07:00

In most seasons, would Kevin Kolb (notes) an obvious choice among the candidates for league MVP. By (Notes) Backup Donovan McNabb for the last three seasons has been the starting point piston job during the summer when the Redskins traded McNabb passed. He suffered a concussion in the Week of Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
the Eagles loss, but has since taken up with outstanding games back-to-back again and is currently in the league in passing rating seventh.
The problem is that no one knows if the piston will remain the quarterback of the Eagles game. As editor Eric Edholm PFW wrote earlier this week Andy Reid has a difficult decision when his compatriot Michael Vick (Notes) returns from injury, because he played ball exceptionally well. Vick took first place in the league QB rating and was the player of the game breaking both arms and legs, which was earlier in his career with the Falcons. If the Eagles quarterback would start the rest of the year knew the player would be meters. But the projects, the end of the year as most of the league value, it is difficult to say which player will help the Eagles win more games. In six weeks of the season, none of them was on the counter, but once that Reid decided that I would not be surprised if the team long term, ended the year starting in the top 10 are.
(Rank last week in brackets) 1 Colts Peyton Manning, QB (Note) (No. 1) After his appearance at 307 yards six weeks against the Redskins, Manning now has 60 games of 300 yards, in addition to his career, according to statistics from ESPN information. This is the third all-time list, behind only Dan Marino (63) and Brett Favre (Notes) (61). Expect Manning has the record of his own end of the season.
2. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (Note) (No. 2), Brady number two at the moment, but quickly. WR Deion Branch meeting with (notes), press for an exchange with the Seahawks last week, the two players online in nine passes for 98 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Expect Brady to set up big numbers again in week seven, when he returned to his home to the Chargers in trouble face.
3. Saints quarterback Drew Brees (Notes) (No. 8) The Saints offense had escaped his best game of the season in the sixth week, accumulating to 475 yards in a victory over the Buccaneers. Brees started all those who threw for three touchdowns and said after the game that his team deserved a group trust. We have some arrogance. When you consider that New Orleans is for the best recording of the national conference and is tied roll only at the beginning, the rest of the league you do not want to miss.
4. Jets RB LaDainian Tomlinson (Note) (NR) Last week was Mark Sanchez (notes) in the top five. Now, the quarterback for the Jets to 10 and the wheel is turned. Why? Since LT is important for the success of the team. Do not take anything for Sanchez, who is brilliant, but New York five times 01:05 is running without Pro Bowl. Tomlinson ran for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the Jets come from behind, lost to the Broncos for six weeks.
5. Titans RB Chris Johnson (No. 6) Mineral water for much of Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
Monday night, Johnson finally broke a big run with 1:48 remaining against the Jaguars, rushing for a touchdown from 35 yards. Johnson finished the game rushing with 111 yards and go more if (notes), QB Vince Young injury on the sideline. Johnson faces the Eagles next week, 22 in defense technologies.
6. Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (NR) If the Vikings offense is never in contact with the runway this season, is due to the difficult implementation of Peterson. Leaders with more than 110 yards rush a game, the All-Pro seems to dig back problems because he does not have the ball on the pitch again this season. With all the offensive weapons Wearing Purple, will lead to No. 28 last to the Vikings back in the NFC.
7. Steelers SS Troy Polamalu (Notes) (NR) do not lead the league in tackles, sacks or interceptions, but no defensive player is essential to the success of his team Polamalu. Constantly around the ball, the stars of the security seems to always great when you need it. He has 27 tackles and two interceptions in five games.
8. Giants quarterback Eli Manning (Note) (NR) The head of New York at number 12 in the air attack has, Manning distributes the ball to a variety of talented receivers. This week he faces the Cowboys, the fourth against the pass ranking.
9. Texans WR Andre Johnson (Note) (NR) for the second time this year started, Johnson down with the biggest catch when his team needed him most.
Opponents double cover star wide receiver in almost every room, but it seems to make a difference, that Johnson has an average of 97.6 yards per game. The Texans are hard to understand in a week to week, but if they play well, it is often because Johnson is the destruction of their opponents.
10. speak Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb (No. 3) loss of Vick piston, as the Eagles quarterback was playing in Washington. Despite difficulties for much of the week six, McNabb has made almost the Redskins again in the fourth quarter, completed 10 of Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
his 11 passes for 88 yards on a drive from 92 yards, including a touchdown pass of eight yards, diminishing the advantage of the Colts to with just over two three minutes. How versa Brady, McNabb home during the week of seven years, he traveled to Chicago to face the Bears.

Klasnic Bolton 2-1 Stoke-on-elle

2010-10-17T08:30:00.001-07:00

Bolton, England (AP) Substitute Ivan Klasnic scored in injury time, before he sent on Saturday, so that Bolton's first win of the season with a 2-1 win against Stoke in the Premier League.
Klasnic has met a long ball from Gretar Steinsson, before the house and the opening of 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
16 meters (m). But while collecting two yellow cards quickly expelled.
Bolton midfielder Lee Chung-Yong ended his goal drought for nine months for the club, the scoring in the last shot 22, Thomas Sorensen from 19 yards to open. Rory Delap tied at 48 with his first goal since January 2009. The ball fell from a corner and volleyed home from six yards hey Delap.
Stoke, who had three wins and a draw in their previous four games in the league would have taken the lead in 15, but both Robert Huth and Abdoulaye Faye could not connect with a corner from Matthew Etherington Inswinging.
Bolton has little chance before the first goal when Lee had a stray bullet hit Faye was created difficult to send his shot past Sorensen. Stoke close game shortly after half-time when Jermaine Pennant 25-yard free-kick struck dipping the tip of the crossbar.
Fabrice Muamba and have it 2-0, but opened his record for the first time the bar, shortly after being welcomed by Davies.
save in stoppage time of Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
the first Sorensen produced an excellent one-stop, the transformation from a drive on a rough side of Martin Petrov.
On the ensuing corner post, Davies missed a good chance that a header sent.

Rooney questions are of front Albion

2010-10-16T04:40:00.001-07:00

Manchester, England (AFP) - All eyes will be on to Wayne Rooney in the episode one week controversy, for Manchester United against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford Saturday. After a disappointing World Cup, the start of the season, Rooney was dogged by poor form and sensational allegations about his private life.
He missed last month to a 3-3 draw at former club Everton after reports that he paid prostitutes for 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
sex while his wife was pregnant with her first child.
United manager Alex Ferguson rested Rooney for a Champions League win in Valencia and a goalless draw against Sunderland because he felt the England international has struggled with injuries.
But Rooney does not apparently agree with this diagnosis, which said this week he has not had injury problems this season, after which speculation about possible cracks in his relationship with Ferguson.
Rooney, who scored only once in the Premier League this season with a move to Real Madrid have been linked to determine and not at all between Ferguson and his star forward on Saturday to focus on the extent of breakage.
Has overshadowed a game that is very important for United, who have a chance to move two points clear of Chelsea clash of heads last week at Aston Villa.
After losing the title for the first time since 2006 showed midfielder Michael Carrick, the desperation of the U.S. Championship at Old Trafford. The England midfielder has won the league in each of his first three seasons and believes United are very much to the disappointment of last season motivated.
Carrick said: At my first league win of Dallas Cowboys jersey
season to win in my first three years, was ruined.
Last year was very disappointing, four in a row when we had a good chance to win.
It would be something that was never finished. It was a coup.
But it is perhaps why no one? S did it because it is very difficult to do. We were devastated that he had failed to do. Ferguson Owen Hargreaves could include, for the first time this season after two years of knee problems.
Hargreaves has a brief appearance as a substitute at Sunderland at the end of last season, but has been reported that the England midfielder he sees as his last attempt at a comeback.
Ferguson can also remember Ryan Giggs to a hamstring injury, but Antonio Valencia has come with an ankle injury in the long run behind.
For West Brom at Old Trafford full of confidence and with a 3-2 victory against Arsenal, after manager Roberto Di Matteo the more reason for optimism.
West Brom much stronger than in his last season in the Premier League and only lost two of their seven games so far.
Di Matteo said: Our victory at Arsenal players are probably a little more faith and confidence in 6 Sanchez Purple AFL50th jersey
their own abilities.
But the attitude was always very good, very positive and strong commitment to the players.
Let America with a positive attitude we have in each game. We know this is a difficult place to go.
United have lost a few points at home, but they were very, very sad because they were the real objectives.

To return, stand on tables and statistical issues

2010-10-15T02:48:00.001-07:00

Last week was the question of what would be the best defensive team this season. Monday was the best offensive team. But when it comes to numbers of Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
equipment, there are many more questions about the 2010-11 season. 1. Then, the Hawks defense transition beef? As reported Monday the Hawks changed their offense under new coach Larry Drew, but it seems that his defense is what needs to be worked. Atlanta rank in the third attack and 14 defense last season. While the Hawks took a few changes in his squad this summer, can be increased slightly to make the transition from defense a priority. Atlanta was the best team in the league last season in the care of the ball, committing only 12.8 sales per 100 possessions. That may change with his new offense. But even if you werent running the ball last season, only five teams have allowed more fast break points (17-100). By any measure, that the worst transition defense was leagues.To get a better job of returning to the defense, the Hawks sacrifice some offensive rebounds, but it's worth it. Connections from points in the second-chance offensive rebounds (1.15) was anyway lower than the average (1.21).
2. Suns top the Warriors in last season recovering futility?
Golden State last season was the worst team in rebounds NBAS past 20 seasons, with only 44.4 percent of available tickets. It ranks last in both attack percentage (20.9) and defense (68.5), rebounds.
With the addition of David Lee (notes) and Lou Amundson have improved the Warriors (they are 50 percent in three preseason games). Meanwhile, former team Amundson may be ready to require that the number 30 spot.
The Sun's place in total recovered percentage last season 14th Place but 10 and 29 of the offensive to defensive. This summer, they lost their two best rebounders (on a per minute): Amundson (11.9 rebounds per 40 minutes) and Amare Stoudemire (Notes) (10.3). Were from Hedo Turkoglu (Notes) version (six rebounds per 40 minutes last season with Toronto) and Hakim Warrick (Notes) (8.1 in Chicago and Milwaukee).
Through four games in the preseason, the Suns have a bounce rate of 47.4 percent, which is not very good, but not so wrong. Eight teams were really bad, including the Knicks, the league took a bit of 42.8 percent of the boards in three games last season.
3. The slower warrior?
Not only the Warriors last year's historically bad on the boards, the faster the team of the past 19 seasons (in relation with the pace of the league). Golden State average 102.7 possessions per 48 minutes, seven more than the average in the league. In fact, six of Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
the 10 teams to more quickly over the last 20 seasons teams of warriors were led by Don Nelson.
Teresa weak correlation between playing slower and success, but not enough to say that the real motivation to slow down for new Warriors coach Keith Smart Teresa of doing things. Based on figures from the Warriors first three games before the season, we do not know what he has not.
Pre-season games because of the increased sales reproduce at a faster pace than the regular season. So far in the preseason, the Warriors have is an average of 104.8 possessions per 48 minutes, faster than last year, he played.
4. Orlando 3s can maybe even more?
The Magic set a record time of three triples in a season last year, connects to 841 (10.3 Game). So he went and signed 3-point specialist Quentin Richardson (notes) with Matt Barnes (notes) to replace.
Teresa possibility that Brandon Bass (sheet music) are more minutes this season, with Rashard Lewis (notes) to see what moves all three. Place two non-shooters on the floor together (both in and Dwight Howard (notes) and Marcin Gortat (notes)), of course, the number of 3 points in magic and are.
However, the addition of Richardson, just behind James Posey (Notes) (70.1 percent) and Keith Bogans (Notes) (65.8 percent) over the bow to shoot, it Magic challenging his own record. In the preseason, the Magic have treated of 29.3 and 11.3 per game to three, the increases over last season.
5. The Knicks have block a few pictures?
In the past six seasons, the Knicks face the futility shot was blocked, an average of just 3.08 blocks per game, 1.69 below the league average. His best blocker at the time Jared Jeffries (notes) that an average jump of 1.12 BPG last season before he was traded to Houston in the period.
But the Knicks have a few shot blockers in their rotation, the central position of Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
a rookie train Mozgova Timofey (notes) and veteran Ronny Turiaf (notes). Mozgova blocked six shots in three preseason games so far and Turiaf fourth in the league two years ago with 2.13 bpp.
Theresa lot more on defense and blocking shots. But it can not hurt the Knicks, finally someone who can defend the rim.

No Burrows, drip effect Canucks

2010-10-14T05:09:00.001-07:00

Of course, after two games is a bit early to start thinking about the fact that the Canucks were assessed a row. Yes, Daniel and Henrik Sedin (Notes) three points and the Canucks only three of four points.
But with only three goals so far Vancouver has no similarity with the NHL club, the second season on Washington goals finished last. Heading into the night of Wednesday game in Anaheim, in Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
the second liner Ryan Kesler (notes) and Raymond Mason (notes), who scored 25 goals last season, not each of the guests.
They had chances, especially on in Monday's 2-1 victory over Florida in the arena of Rogers, but nothing to prove. Raymond has 10 shots on goal in two games, while Kesler oven is not in my head, said Kesler recommend the following practice Tuesday for the failure of his line to date. If you there are two or three goals to score a point or, as a rule not to all the other things you need that helps the team win. I try only to do things and everything else will follow. I think the last game that was more likely than others. I think we are the generation of the race, but at the same time we must start to get pucks to the net, and the bravest chances.That s' away than usual third Jannik Hansen (notes) comes into play. Coach Alain Vigneault is not clearly liked what he Raffi Torres (notes) with Kesler and Raymond, Saturday, season-opening loss saw 01:02 in a shootout in Los Angeles, so I changed to Hansen. He is one of the few players on the team that can skate with ultra-fast Kesler and Raymond have, but doens't correspond to the hands. Hansen is attributable to the net and digging for rebounds. It is a question of trying to adapt the style of the game, said Hansen.
With Mason and Kes have much skill, so it is a matter for them to open and create space. Speed (setting) is not a big deal for me, but is now with his hands and head to a higher rate is a major challenge. Of course, you pay when you are on a score line.
We had our Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
chances yesterday, but not convert. For me it's about as dirty and take to try someone with me to create a space where the party them.Kesler Line juggling a reflection without end Alex Burrows, rehabilitation to available due to continuing shoulder surgery off season.
Burrows is the usual end of Hank and Danny, but his absence has Mikael Samuelsson (notes) are often a player a second unit to review at their line.

One look at capsule Giants and the Phillies in NLC

2010-10-13T00:42:00.000-07:00

A look at the best of seven series of the National League Championship between the San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies: ^ Schedule: (All times Eastern) Game 1, Saturday, at Philadelphia (07.57 clock) Game 2 on Sunday in Philadelphia (20.19) Match 3, Tuesday, October 19 in San Francisco (16.19) Game 4, Wednesday 20 October in San Francisco (7.57) x-Game 5, 21 October in San Francisco (07 h 57), x-Game 6, October 23 in Philadelphia (3:57 clock), x-Game 7, October 24, Philadelphia (07.57 clock). (All games nfl throwback jerseys
on FOX). x-if necessary. ^ Season Series: Split, 3-all. Projected Lineups ^ ^ Giants: CF Andres Torres (Note) (268, 16, 63, 26 SB), 2B Freddy Sanchez (note) (0.292, 7, 47), 1B Aubrey Huff (Note) (0290, 26, 86) , C Buster Posey (Note) (305, 18, 67, after he remembers from the minors May 29), LF Pat Burrell signed (Note) (266, 18, 51, a minor league Treaty 29 May after the publication Tampa Bay and called from Triple A on June 4), SS Juan Uribe (Notes) (0248, 24, 85), RF Cody Ross (Note) (269, 14, 65 in Florida and the Giants) and Jose Guillen (Note ) (0266, 3, 15, after the Royals acquired from August 13), 3B Pablo Sandoval (Note) (268, 13, 63). ^ Phillies CF Shane Victorino (Note) (259, 18, 69, 34 SB), 3B Placido Polanco (Note) (0.298, 6, 52), 2B Chase Utley (Notes) (. 275, 16, 65), 1B Ryan Howard (Note) (276, 31, 108), RF Jayson Werth (Notes) (296, 27, 85), SS Jimmy Rollins (Note) (0.243, 8, 41-88 Games ), LF Raul Ibanez (Notes) (0.275, 16, 83), C Carlos Ruiz (Note) (.302, 8, 53). ^ ^ The projected rotation velocity Giants: Tim Lincecum HR (Notes) (16-10, 3.43, 231 K), RH Matt Cain (Notes) (13-11, 3.14, 177 K), LH Jonathan Sanchez (Notes) ( 13-9, 3.07, 205 K, career high of 193 rounds 1-3), LH Madison Bumgarner (Notes) (7-6, 3.00, 86 K in 18 starts as a rookie). ^ Phillies: RH Roy Halladay (Note) (21 to 10, 2.44, 9 GC), RH Roy Oswalt (Notes) (7-1, 1.74 in 13 games with the Phillies after the trade from Houston, 13 to 13, 2.76 overall), LH Cole Hamels (Note) (11.12, 3.06), RH Joe Blanton (Note) (9-6, 4.82). ^ ^ Lifters Giants: RH Brian Wilson (note) (3-3, 1.81 in the major leagues best kept 48/53) (save 1-0, 0.67, 1), the right Ramon Ramirez (Notes), LH Javier Lopez ( Notes) (4-2, 2.34), LH Jeremy Affeldt (Notes) (4-3, 4.14, 4 saves), Santiago Casilla HR (Notes) (7-2, 1.95, 2 saves), HR Sergio Romo (Note) (5-3, 2.18), LH Barry Zito (note) (9-14, 4.15). ^ Phillies: RH Brad Lidge (note) (1-1, 2.96, 27/32 saves), RH Ryan Madson (letters) (6-2, 2.55, 10.05 saves), RH Jose Contreras (Notes) ( 6-4, 3.34 05/04 saves), LH JC
The two original NL franchise, but the story has little connection between them. I have never reached the playoffs. (The main link between sport in cities could NBAWilt Chamberlain and the Warriors of the Old West to Philadelphia in 1962 and was the Warriors to San Francisco. Oh, and the Eagles beat the 49ers last weekend). Giants and the Phillies were 3-3 against the other this year. Since 2000 they are 36-36 in games in head to head. interesting facts about the Aces: The only player to have beaten at least three home runs in his career than Lincecum Howard, the Phillies bat. Halladay and 0-2 lifetime against the Giants with an ERA of 7.23, the highest for any team, he launched against at least three occasions. Halladay gave Giants lost their first national league, against the Phillies in late April. San Francisco has won two of three in this series of AT & T Park. Oswalt defeated the Giants at the start of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park in mid-August. Phillies have won two of three at home before you lead the Giants for the wildcard. Lincecum and Hamels is not a decision in the Phillies 7-6 in 11 innings this season. Lincecum struck 11, Hamels fanned 10th Burrell gave a standing ovation when he returned to Philadelphia helped for the first time since he won the Phillies the World Series 2008. The cheers turned to boos when he homered in his first at-bat, 17 August. Burrell homered the next game against the Phillies, too. SF Blanton won his only game against them. He did not believe in the division series pitch. Sanchez went 2-0 against the Phillies this season. Fi his manager Charlie Manuel llies Giants manager Bruce Bochy to play your team in the National League All-Star in July. Games 4 and 5 are scheduled for dusk begins in San Francisco, never a good thing for the guys. ^ ^ Great Big Picture: Back to the NLC for the first time since 2002. In the same year, Barry Bonds and the Giants to reach within five trips to the first World Series in San Francisco. Atlanta won the division series 3-1, with all games decided by one point.
Lincecum won the first game, threw a match in two and retired 14 for a 1-0 victory on his debut in the playoffs. The rotation of four men Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez, Bumgarner allowed just three earned runs in 29 innings. Posey was 6 for 16 against the Braves, a good result for the novice. San Francisco (92-70) needed to win once in a season-ending series of three games with a visit to San Diego in the West Division title, which he has on the final day to win. General Manager Brian Sabean poster with acquisitions led all season, so that Burrell and Guillen and give them a second chance. Ross has to come to Florida and even pop and depth in the outfield. The infielder Mike Fontenot fty powerful (white) came to the Chicago Cubs and played in some big games in place of Indianapolis Colts jersey
Freddy Sanchez. There were two new additions to the bullpen and the trade deadline: Ramirez Lopez. Posey was called in late May and the first to ask to first base to get his bat in the lineup. He returned to his normal catcher Bengie Molina to position (grades) was changed to Texas and has thrived in the leading contender for rookie of the year. Bochy had a reputation of sticking with the veterans in the past, but banks CF Aaron Rowand (notes), once frequented by the Phillies, a salaryin out for $ 12,000,000 unproven Torres. Torres underwent emergency appendectomy on 12 September and missed 11 games. Lincecum lost five consecutive starts in August, then back to his best. ^ Phillies: Halladay no-hitter against Cincinnati, made his debut in the playoffs three-game sweep of the division series start. Now the Phillies an opportunity to the first team in the National League to three consecutive pennants Stan Musial and the St. Louis Cardinals in 1942-44 have won. dominant pitcher threw the Reds in the first round. Hamels, MVP of the 2008 season, Phillies World Series, hit a shutout in the clincherHalladay have Hamels and Oswalt combined for 22 strikeouts and two walks against the Reds. balanced program to beat Cincinnati. Phillies have no more than three goals. Utley, as always, is the clutch. Role Lin has been removed from the Leadoff man in the division series, and was one of 11 against the Reds. Philadelphia (97-65) won its fourth consecutive increase in the East Division. Manuals team overcame a seven-game deficit 22nd July 49-19. Injuries have decimated the Phillies early in six of the eight habit much time forcing her on the injured list. An offense that four guys with 30 home runs last year started there was only one this season. Howard led the team with 31 channels, well below its average of 49 1 / 2 in the last four seasons. The starting rotation is the best in the majors. A pen that had problems last year was a force. Top GE was recovering from a bad season and the Phillies 85-2 when leading after eight innings. The Phillies have sold all their home matches this season and set a team record. He won the second World Series title in their history against Tampa Bay in 2008 against the New York Yankees lost in six games last year. ^ To see Ace High. The game of the encounter between Halladay and Lincecum is almost as good as it gets. Howard did well against Lincecum (6 of 19 with three homers and two doubles), but not Utley (2 of 20, 8 strikeouts). Huff Perhaps you can your teammates Giants screening report HalladayHuff against the Phillies ace in 73 cases (258, 0 hours), struck especially during his time in the AHL.
Shear beard. Wilson has fought against the Phillies with an ERA of 6.43 in eight games. He blew a record time in April, one of three double value with two outs in the ninth. Figure of Phillies closer approach only disadvantages Barba really afraid.
Healthy or injured? Rollins has been in and out of Dallas Cowboys jersey
the lineup this year with a variety of injuries. No one knows the effectiveness of the former National League Most Valuable Player will be.
Guillen has delivered several hits for the Giants, but was on the list in the first round because of neck pain on the left.

12 Oct 10 The purpose and must be so, people should be taken and

2010-10-12T04:31:00.001-07:00

This problem in some cultures and seem to beg the obvious question, is a major concern for young single adults in Africa and around the world. The reason is, that means a level of cultural and social development. In some cultures as a young man with one woman every seen calls for the conclusion that you are getting married. Some jump the gun to start calling the men and football jersey
women. This practice has been long enough, even for young single adults, when they go together chemistry or due to start, even for only two occasions, they begin to see themselves as such. Many young single adults in Africa and in some cultures, others are not so far advanced, and to ask questions or frown on the idea or the idea of dating more than one person. Appointment must be understood as the first stage of a relationship between a man and a woman. If for a short period of time usually takes less than a year. It is a time to build friendships and find a reason for someone to marriage and the court to consider, perhaps. It is recommended that when committing after a year that are not in a position or engage your partner in a closer relationship with you, then you should take a break. The purpose of dating is to enable children and young adults to learn socialization and the court can find a partner. The purpose should be and thus the purpose of the quotes are and? Socialization - the ability to acquire social skills, especially that required for the relationship between the sexes.
? In search of a possible marriage partner - while learning social skills to interact with the opposite sex, friendship can develop, which may be a desire or a decision of a deeper relationship with someone. At this point you can move, which developed a greater interest in the emotional attachment to the request, the decision or proposal of San Diego Chargers jersey
marriage can be justified partner. People are encouraged to begin early, but not before 16 At this age children are not even allowed to legally marry.
Therefore, you should leave at this time, the primary goal is the socialization and the goal is to train social skills with the opposite sex is limited. It would be a full two years before a woman can marry legally. It was going to marry a further three years or more before a man legally and perhaps a year more in economic terms, before a person be willing to marry.
Given the above scenario would apply to almost a prison or to request to stay a young man or a woman with a person over the years. If this happens, you will be surprised to know that these young people are more ignorant in the world. It would be bad, he can not really claim to know each other because they lacked the approaches and the prospects for the measure.
My answer to the above question is that this is the best that no one more than one person to do time. In fact, in the preliminary stages of a relationship, is enough to go with a boy or a girl today and tomorrow go to another. This would allow partners to date are what they are - to be reunited only two people known. It is associated with the ill-advised quotes quotes to believe that the partners are husband and wife. That's what will begin to sex before marriage. Sex only in a lawful and legitimate marriage, it is justified, therefore, sex before marriage wrong.
Dating Partners, even accuse each other of Chicago Bears jersey
infidelity. Wow! Dating is a state without commitment and should be treated as such. And you know, this new position would demonstrate the inadequacy of sex before marriage. For if one of several people, before turning to one of them for the parade date and had sex with them, how would you feel?