Seven & Out – Week #13

Seven & Out – Week #13

By Michael – Louis Ingram Director of Scouting Services/Associate Editor Football Reporters Online

BASN/FRO



PHILADELPHIA (BASN/FRO) – We devote this issue of 7&Out to the Cincinnati Bengals; the NFL’s most improved team (and Tiger Woods’ unofficial favorite squad).

Cincy’s former Puddy Tats have some serious growl goin’ on, and are poised to win their division; but while Big Cats can maul you (as our favorite Cablinasian found out) a little pussy can REALLY hurt you!

Alright, new shooter comin’ out…



For the first time in NFL history, there are two 12-0 teams in the same season. The INDIANAPOLIS COLTS, who clinched the AFC South last week, improved to 12-0 with a 27-17 win over Tennessee. The NEW ORLEANS SAINTS reached the 12-0 mark for the first time in franchise history with a 33-30 overtime victory at Washington. With the win, New Orleans also clinched the NFC South.




(This is one time when the South should rise, according to the talent of the aforementioned teams).




The Colts have now won 21 consecutive regular-season games, tying the 2006-08 New England Patriots for the longest streak in NFL history.



(But don’t mention that head coach who’s responsible for it. Jim Caldwell is Coach of the Year – or you can get rid of the fucking award – forever).




Minnesota quarterback BRETT FAVRE has now played in 283 consecutive regular-season games, passing Vikings legend JIM MARSHALL for the longest consecutive game streak in NFL history by a non-kicker/punter. New York Giants punter JEFF FEAGLES has played in an NFL-record 348 consecutive regular-season games, including today’s 31-24 win over Dallas.



(And as the League gets a collective hard-on behind this, why isn’t Jim Marshall in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?)




The CINCINNATI BENGALS improved to 9-3 with a 23-13 win over Detroit. The Bengals’ nine victories are an eight-win improvement over last season (1-10-1) through the first 12 games. Cincinnati is tied with the 1963 Oakland Raiders (0-12 in 1962; 8-4 in 1963) and the 1999 Indianapolis Colts (2-10 in 1998; 10-2 in 1999) for the best win improvement through 12 games from one season to the next in NFL history.




(I did! I did see a Puddy Tat!!! Bengals have earned their stripes).




Indianapolis quarterback PEYTON MANNING threw for 270 yards and one touchdown in the Colts’ 27-17 win against Tennessee. Manning has 3,685 passing yards and 25 touchdowns this season. He is the first player all-time to pass for at least 3,500 yards in 12 consecutive seasons and is also the first player in NFL history to throw at least 25 touchdown passes in 12 seasons in a row.




(In or out of Peyton’s Place, Manning is a joy to watch; and Drew Brees couldn’t carry his left testicle).




Tennessee running back CHRIS JOHNSON rushed for 113 yards in a 27-17 loss against Indianapolis. Johnson leads the NFL with 1,509 rushing yards and became only the fifth player in NFL history to rush for 1,500 yards in his team’s first 12 games. He joins Pro Football Hall of Famers JIM BROWN, WALTER PAYTON and O.J. SIMPSON and former Denver running back TERRELL DAVIS as the only players to accomplish the feat.




(Now those are REAL yards – see how many tailbacks show up with 1500 after 14 games and you’ll see what I’m talkin’ about).





San Diego running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON rushed for a touchdown in the Chargers’ 30-23 win against Cleveland. Tomlinson, who has scored 150 total touchdowns (135 rushing, 15 receiving) in 137 career games, is the fastest player in NFL history to reach 150 total TDs. Tomlinson joinedJERRY RICE and EMMITT SMITH as the only players to score 150 career touchdowns...




(In spite of his front office’s efforts to further disrespect him. LT, that’s the way to tell A.J. Smith to kiss dat black azz).




Tomlinson rushed for 64 yards against the Browns and has 12,321 career rushing yards. He passed MARSHALL FAULK (12,279) and Pro Football Hall of Famer JIM BROWN (12,312) to move into eighth place all-time.




(Hopefully L.T. will be moving on to an organization that actually appreciates him).





New England wide receiver RANDY MOSS had 66 receiving yards in the Patriots’ 22-21 loss at Miami. Moss has 1,058 receiving yards this year and joined JERRY RICE (14) as the only players in NFL history to record 10 1,000-yard seasons.




(A modicum of consistency, skill and talent; imagine what numbers he really could’ve put up if Oakland had a team when he played there!)



And as always, once the point is established, roll a seven – you’re gonna crap out!



mike@footballreportersonline.com

Seven & Out – Week #12

Seven & Out – Week #12
By Michael – Louis Ingram
BASN/FRO
 
PHILADELPHIA (BASN/FRO): We interrupt this Seven & Out to throw down on some thanks -and some giving; and a reminder that there is a place for all God’s creatures – right next to the mashed sweet potatoes, collard greens and gravy!!!
 
(Burp – excuse me);
 
Okay, hand me a napkin – new shooter coming out…
 
 
DUELING DUOS:  A record that hadn’t been topped since 1964 was surpassed twice on Sunday.  The Chicago Bears tandem of wide receiver JOHNNY MORRIS (77) and Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end MIKE DITKA (59) combined for 136 catches through the first 10 games of the 1964 season.  In 1995, the Detroit Lions wide receiver duo of HERMAN MOORE (73) and BRETT PERRIMAN (63) equaled that total.
 
(Somewhere Wayne Fontes is smiling; and the police are still looking for Scott Mitchell – for stealing that money that should’ve gone to getting Barry Sanders some real help!)
 
 
 
During the Indianapolis Colts’ 17-15 win against Baltimore in yesterday’s 1:00 PM ET game, wide receiver REGGIE WAYNE (76 catches through 10 games) and DALLAS CLARK (65) combined for eight catches, establishing a record of 141 combined catches through the first 10 games of the season.
 
(Everyone knows he’s good; but no one ever says how great Reggie Wayne really is!)
 
 
Later on Sunday, the New England Patriots wide receiver combo of WES WELKER (79) and RANDY MOSS (63) combined for 20 catches in a 31-14 win over the New York Jets in a 4:15 PM ET contest, giving the pair 142 combined receptions through 10 games to surpass the hours-old record set earlier in the day by Wayne-Clark.
 
 
(If he hasn’t already, Welker should name his first/next kid Randy)
 
 
The most combined receptions by teammates in the first 10 games of a season in NFL history:
 
TEAM
PLAYERS (RECEPTIONS)
COMBINED REC.
2009 New England Patriots
WR Wes Welker (79) & WR Randy Moss (63)
142
2009 Indianapolis Colts
WR Reggie Wayne (76) & TE Dallas Clark (65)
141
1964 Chicago Bears        
WR Johnny Morris (77) & TE Mike Ditka (59)
136
1995 Detroit Lions
WR Herman Moore (73) & WR Brett Perriman (63)
136
2007 Cincinnati Bengals
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (76) & WR Chad Ochocinco (59)
135
1994 Minnesota Vikings
WR Cris Carter (77) & WR Jake Reed (58)
135
 
 
 
MANNING STREAK CONTINUES:  Indianapolis quarterback PEYTON MANNING passed for 299 yards against Baltimore.  Manning, who has 3,171 passing yards this year, has now thrown for at least 3,000 yards in 12 consecutive seasons, the most to start a career in NFL history.
 
 
(The best just keep getting better…)
 
 
SUCCESS ON THE ROAD:  Three teams successfully defended their undefeated road records yesterday to improve to 5-0 away from home: Arizona (21-13 win at St. Louis), Indianapolis (17-15 win at Baltimore) and New Orleans (38-7 win at Tampa Bay). 
 
 
(Give Arizona credit for doing a 180 degree turnabout on road games; they’ve gone from terrible – to terror…)
 
 
With three 5-0 road teams, the 2009 season is now tied for the most ever.  There have been three other seasons in which three teams started 5-0 on the road (1983, 2001, 2007).  All three of this year’s 5-0 road teams are in first place in their respective divisions.
 
(But I see only one of those teams in Miami come February – The Indianapolis Colts)
 
 
DRIVE TIME UPDATE:  Sustaining drives on offense has long been an indicator of NFL success.  This year, the top five NFL offenses in yards per drive have a combined record of 40-10 (.800).  Four of those five teams currently sit atop their respective divisions – Indianapolis, New England, New Orleans, and Dallas.
 
 
The NFL’s two remaining undefeated teams, the Colts (36.9 yards per drive) and Saints (34.7), rank first and third in the category.
 
 
The top NFL offenses in average yards per drive in 2009:
 
TEAM
AVG. YARDS PER DRIVE
RECORD
Indianapolis Colts*  
36.9
10-0
New England Patriots*   
36.2
7-3
New Orleans Saints*  
34.7
10-0
Pittsburgh Steelers
34.2
6-4
Dallas Cowboys*  
34.0
7-3
* Division leader
 
 
 
T-WHOA!:  Buffalo wide receiver TERRELL OWENS posted a season-high 197 receiving yards in the Bills’ 18-15 loss at Jacksonville.  Owens’ 98-yard touchdown reception, the longest in team history, gives him 25 career 50-yard touchdowns from scrimmage (rushing or receiving), tying him with Pro Football Hall of Famer LENNY MOORE for the fourth-most in NFL history.
 
 
(Yet we know scumbags like Skip Bayless constantly lobby against Owens and his inevitable first ballot inclusion into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Again – the man has never committed any criminal offense, but is made a caricature by the likes of invertebrates like Bayless & Ed Werder, who Owens said was a straight up liar; and was not proven to be wrong; one can only imagine the discussion in that smoke-filled room!)
 
 
The players with the most 50-yard touchdowns from scrimmage (rushing or receiving) in NFL history:
 
PLAYER
50-YARD TDs
Jerry Rice
36
Randy Moss*
27
Lance Alworth
27
Terrell Owens*
25
Lenny Moore
25
* Active
 
 
 
 
WHAT A CATCH:  New England wide receiver WES WELKER had 15 catches for 192 yards in the Patriots’ 31-14 win over the New York Jets.  Welker has 302 receptions in his first 40 games with the Patriots and is the first player in NFL history to record 300 catches in the first 40 games with a new team.  The previous record for the most receptions in a player’s first 40 games with a new team was 269 by Denver’s LIONEL TAYLOR. 
 
The players with the most receptions in their first 40 games with a new team (rookies and veterans):
 
PLAYER
TEAM
RECEPTIONS
WR Wes Welker
Patriots
302
WR Lionel Taylor
Broncos
269
WR Anquan Boldin
Cardinals
259
WR Terance Mathis
Falcons
239
RB Marshall Faulk
Rams
228
WR Tom Fears
Rams
228
 
 
 
 
(Here’s the unfairness in it all; some fantasy football asswipe will make a case for Welker as a HOF receiver; but won’t do the research to make a similar argument for Harold Carmichael, Harold Jackson – or Lionel Taylor).
 
 
 
As always, gang – once the point is made, don’t throw a seven – or you will…crap out!
 

Seven & Out – Week #10

Seven & Out – Week #10

By Michael – Louis Ingram-Associate Editor/Director of Scouting Football Reporters Online/ Contributing Writer-Black Athlete.com

 
PHILADELPHIA (BASN/FRO): The teams are approaching the top of the stretch, and as always, it will be not a matter of how one starts; but how one finishes.
Meanwhile, let’s get back to rollin’ those bones. Alright, shooter - the point is 10;
 
The NEW ORLEANS SAINTS defeated the St. Louis Rams 28-23 and improved to 9-0 for the first time in franchise history.  The Saints have scored an NFL-best 331 points, the fourth-most by a team in the first nine games of a season in NFL history.
 
 
(As the legions of fantasy fondlers masturbate at the sound of his name, I can’t find fault with 9-0; however, I can find fault with a contemptible punk like Drew Brees, who had the nerve to say the Old School retired players who helped him become a millionaire didn’t matter. With the overall offensive talent the Saints have, just about any QB could be successful with them now. So point blank – win some games in December, and a playoff game or two, and then we’ll talk. Until then, fuck Drew Brees - and the hobbyhorse he rode in on!)
 
 
Tennessee running back CHRIS JOHNSON rushed for 132 yards in the Titans’ 41-17 win against the Buffalo Bills.   Johnson, who leads the NFL with 1,091 rushing yards and is averaging 6.4 yards per carry, joined Pro Football Hall of Famer JIM BROWN (1963) and Vikings running back ADRIAN PETERSON (2007) as the only players in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and average 6.4 yards per carry in a team’s first nine games of a season.
 
 
(We love Chris Johnson and the way he plays; but we have issues with the mainstream press ignoring Vince Young going 3-0 since reclaiming the starting spot; not, mind you, at the behest of head coach Jeff Fisher, but team owner Bud Adams. Hmmm - maybe the bird flipped by Adams after the victory over Buffalo wasn’t for the Bills’ fans after all).
 
 
San Diego running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns in the Chargers’ 31-23 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. Tomlinson recorded his 145th and 146th career touchdown and surpassed MARCUS ALLEN (145) for the third-most touchdowns all-time (JERRY RICE, 208; EMMITT SMITH, 175).  Tomlinson, who now has 12,145 career rushing yards also moved into 12th place for most rushing yards all-time.
 
 
(And, while Tomlinson is still being unappreciated in San Diego, Andy Reid and the Eagles continue to bitch up in prime time with their spineless approach on offense; I would rather have my defense go first and 10 from the opposition’s one yard line with no points scored than kick a fucking 8 yard field goal! Meanwhile 24 carries and two rushing touchdowns for L.T. and a game where Donovan McNabb threw for 450 yards, a career record – but still loses the fucking game - Lies, damn lies – and statistics; need I say any more?)
 
 
Arizona quarterback KURT WARNER threw two touchdown passes in the Cardinals’ 31-20 victory against the Seattle Seahawks.  Warner, who now has 200 touchdown passes, reached the mark in his 118th career game, becoming the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to accomplish the feat. 
 
 
(While Warner is a good guy, let’s remember that the throw means nothing – without the catch. Give Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston and Ben Patrick some love, too!)
 
 
Minnesota quarterback BRETT FAVRE passed for a season-high 344 yards in his 300th consecutive start (including postseason) in a 27-10 win over the Detroit Lions.  Favre’s 344 yards are the third-most passing yards in a game by a 40-year old quarterback in NFL history.  He trails only Pro Football Hall of Famer WARREN MOON (409 on October 26, 1997) and VINNY TESTAVERDE (355 on September 12, 2004).
 
 
(While Favre continues to rack up accolades, we know it took Testaverde at least a decade before he became a successful pro quarterback, and Moon was a star walking in the door.  As Minnesota seeks to fine-tune their potential for post-season success, they would do well to remember that #4 may make the noise, but #28 does the damage. Forget Adrian Peterson – and you can forget Miami; no matter how much swashbuckling is done).
 
 
Buffalo rookie safety JAIRUS BYRD registered his eighth interception of the season today against Tennessee.  Byrd has an interception in five consecutive games and is one of only two players since 1970 with an interception in five consecutive games in their first season in the NFL.  The other was Kansas City’s ERIC HARRIS in 1980 (six in a row).
 
 
(With all the noise made about young talent on the offensive side of the ball, a lot of defensive talent is taking a back seat due to the lack of publicity. Byrd has already proven to be a skilled ball hawk as a Buffalo Bill {like father, like son, right Gil?} and is a likely free agent prize-in-waiting should he remain healthy in a couple years; and Byrd is my front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Don’t let this one get away, Mr. Wilson!)
 
 
In a 41-17 win over Buffalo, Tennessee Titans head coach JEFF FISHER became the 10th head coach in NFL history to coach 250 career games (regular and postseason) with one team.  The Titans’ victory gives Fisher 136 wins for his career, tying him with Hall of Famer HANK STRAM for 20th all-time.
 
 
(They should subtract the 21 games Vince Young has won; since Fisher never wanted him quarterbacking his team in the first place. Rest assured, if he’s going to win any more games for the Titans, it will be with Young under center, if he knows what’s good for him).
 
 
 
Well, as always – once the point’s established, if you throw a seven, you’re gonna crap out!
 
 

 
mike@footballreportersonline.com
 
 
 
 

Seven & Out – Week #9

Seven & Out – Week #9
By Michael – Louis Ingram-Director of Scouting/ Associate Editor-Football Reporters Online
FRO/BASN
 
PHILADELPHIA (FRO/BASN): The weeks keep tickin’ and some teams take a lickin’; but as we pass the half-way mark with Week 9, the spin is as predictable as the bones hittin’ the back of the crap table.
 
Alright – new shooter comin’ out…
 
 
The INDIANAPOLIS COLTS defeated the Houston Texans 20-17 and have won a franchise-record 17 consecutive regular-season games dating back to 2008.  The Colts are now tied with the 1933-34 Chicago Bears for the third-longest such streak in NFL history.
 
 
(And still no mention of the great job Head Coach Jim Caldwell is doing with a battered secondary; news flash: Black people can coach, too – but don’t call them ‘geniuses’ – that’s too close to acknowledging them as being human; you can use the euphemism you like when you think Black folks wanna be like you – “gifted”).
 
 
New England wide receiver RANDY MOSS had six catches for 147 yards with one touchdown in the Patriots’ 27-17 win over Miami.  Moss, who now has 140 career touchdown receptions, tied Buffalo’s TERRELL OWENS for second-most all-time.  JERRY RICE holds the NFL record with 197 career touchdown receptions.
 
 
(Congratulations to Randy Moss! The man everyone wanted to label as a malcontent has strolled his way into a tie with another cat who drums to a different beat in Terrell Owens. From a drummer’s standpoint, it’s like listening to Art Blakey, then Diamond Williams; and it’s no surprise both men excel in their profession because they do the work – fuck that ‘gifted’ bullshit – and both got there with years to spare on the great Mr. Rice.
 
Now given this magic number, the ticket should already be punched to Canton’s Hall of Fame for both players – but when I hear a bitch – ass like Skip Bayless say Terrell Owens doesn’t belong in the Hall, it sickens me because we know the politics and dehumanization on Black athletes done in the name of “entertainment” by the Mouse and this mealy – mouthed muthafucka. That ain’t entertainment – and it ain’t funny, you scumbag!)
 
 
Tampa Bay cornerback RONDE BARBER registered his 13th career return touchdown on a blocked punt in the Buccaneers’ 38-28 win over the Green Bay Packers.  Barber is now tied for the third-most return touchdowns all-time.  He trails only DEION SANDERS (19) and Pro Football Hall of Famer ROD WOODSON (17) for the most return touchdowns in NFL history.
 
 
(Barber has had a stellar career, and ironic as it was that the Bucs finally won their first game wearing the old “Creamsicle” jerseys, the recognition of their 1979 team and placement of Lee Roy Selmon’s #63 in their Ring of Honor made it evident that we should also see Barber’s #20 in that ring someday – along with Derrick Brooks’ #55, Richard “Batman” Wood’s #57, Ricky Bell’s #42 and Doug Williams’ #12).
 
 
Jacksonville wide receiver TORRY HOLT had four receptions in the Jaguars’ 24-21 win against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Holt, who has 902 career receptions in 166 games, ranks second in NFL history for the fewest number of games to reach 900 catches.  Holt trails only MARVIN HARRISON, who accomplished the feat in 149 games.
 
 
(Think about it – the Saint Louis Rams said this guy couldn’t play anymore…)
 
 
Indianapolis defensive end DWIGHT FREENEY registered 1.5 sacks in the Colts’ win over Houston.  Freeney has recorded a sack in each of the Colts’ first eight games of the season and tied teammate ROBERT MATHIS (eight games, 2005) for the longest such streak since the sack became an official statistic in 1982.
 
 
(With his speed and tenacity to get the quarterback, Freeney is a modern – day version of John Randle, sans excessive eyeblack…)   
 
 
In addition, Freeney has recorded a sack in nine consecutive games overall, tying him with Pro Football Hall of Famer BRUCE SMITH and KEVIN GREENE for the third-longest streak since 1982.
 
 
(The Pro Bowl is calling, Mr. Freeney – are you in?)
 
 
Green Bay running back AHMAN GREEN gained 45 rushing yards on six attempts in the Packers’ 38-28 loss at Tampa Bay.  Green, who now has 8,208 rushing yards with the Packers, surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer JIM TAYLOR (8,207) for the most rushing yards in franchise history.
 
 
(The NFL’s version of the Dark {and I do mean Dark} Knight has cranked out over 8,000 yards of turf justice against defenses; give well deserved props to the Packer organization for giving Green the chance to come back and break the record!)
 
 
New England quarterback TOM BRADY passed for 332 yards in the Patriots’ victory against Miami.  Brady recorded his 27th 300-yard passing game of his career, surpassing DREW BLEDSOE (26) for the most 300-yard games in franchise history.
 
(Given the 18 – 1 ChampionCheat season, it would be a good bet Brady won more of those games than Bledsoe did, so give Brady his due. Now if he would only stop cryin’ like a little beeyotch when someone breathes on him, we could really appreciate his talent!)
 
 
 
As always, gang – once the point’s established, throw a seven – you crap out!
 

 
mike@footballreportersonline.com
 
 

Seven & Out – Week #8

Seven & Out – Week #8
By Michael – Louis Ingram, Associate Editor/Director of Scouting-Football Reporters Online/Black Athlete.com contributing Writer

 
 
PHILADELPHIA (FRO/BASN) Eight is never enough when it comes to the National Football League. It’s time once again to peruse the scandal sheets of statistics and present our take on the week’s activities.
Alright, new shooter comin’ out…
  
·    Miami’s TED GINN had kick-return touchdowns of 101 and 100 yards in the third quarter of the Dolphins’ 30-25 win over the New York Jets.  Ginn is the first player in NFL history with two touchdowns of 100 yards in the same game and is the eighth player in NFL history with two kick-return touchdowns in a game.  Ginn also became the first player to record two KR-TDs in the same quarter since Green Bay’s TRAVIS WILLIAMS in 1967.
 
(Anytime you can get Travis “Roadrunner” Williams, in the mix, I can’t argue with that. Rex Ryan needs to shut the fuck up and remember that offense, defense and special teams get the job done; especially after you got house-called twice for triple-digit yard scores!  Let’s also give Ginn credit for not sulking after losing his starting spot at wide receiver; a great example of a player knowing he has to “ante up” and come through for his teammates…)
 
 
·     In Tennessee’s 30-13 win over Jacksonville, Titans running back CHRIS JOHNSON rushed for touchdowns of 52 and 89 yards (228 rushing yards total) and Jaguars running back MAURICE JONES-DREW rushed for touchdowns of 80 and 79 yards (177 rushing yards total).  The game was the first in NFL history with four rushing touchdowns of at least 50 yards.
 
 
(While I am happy for Johnson & Jones-Drew, the league wasn’t going to go out of its way to showcase a duel between two Black QBs – unless it would be to point out their flaws. Vince Young is now 19-11 as a starter, but the mainstream media and the muthafuckin’ Mouse wants to pretend he never won a fucking game. If somehow Young goes say, 7-2 the rest of the way as a starter, what does that say to Titans’ fans and season ticket holders? It says, “you wuz robbed!”)  
 
 
·     Indianapolis quarterback PEYTON MANNING completed 31 of 48 passes for 347 yards in the Colts’ 18-14 win over San Francisco.  Manning, who now has 4,026 completions in his career, reached the 4,000-completion mark in his 183rd career game, the fastest in NFL history.  Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback DAN MARINO reached 4,000 completions in 193 games.  Manning is one of only four players in NFL history to record 4,000 completions, joining current Vikings quarterback BRETT FAVRE (5,894) and Hall of Famers Marino (4,967) and JOHN ELWAY (4,123). 
 
(Of all the reasons to like Peyton Manning, the one I appreciate most is that he is a throwback to the way the position was meant to be played. Manning is the best in the game today because he doesn’t play for fantasy geeks, and he doesn’t “manage” a game. You would think in an era where successful trends are supposedly copied, teams would want to emulate Manning’s approach and endeavor to have their QBs push to be students of the game, instead of button-pushing fantasy farts…)
 
 
·     Philadelphia wide receiver DE SEAN JACKSON had a 54-yard touchdown reception in the Eagles’ 40-17 win over the New York Giants.  Jackson became just the second player in NFL history with six touchdowns (four receiving, one rushing, one punt return) of at least 50 yards in his team’s first seven games of a season. 
 
(Well, we had this talk last week! The kid can ball…)
 
 
Jackson joins Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver ELROY (CRAZYLEGS) HIRSCH, who had six touchdowns of at least 50 yards in 1951 with the Los Angeles Rams, as the only players to accomplish the feat.
 
(Actually, Mr. Jackson reminds me of another former Philadelphia Eagle receiver, Harold Jackson {who you could make a valid Hall of Fame argument for} good hands, better technique – and great speed.)
 
 
·     San Diego running back LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON rushed for 56 yards in the Chargers’ 24-16 win against Oakland.  Tomlinson, who now has 12,027 rushing yards in his career, reached the 12,000-yard mark in his 132nd game, the fourth-fastest in NFL history behind Pro Football Hall of Famers JIM BROWN (115 games), ERIC DICKERSON (118) and BARRY SANDERS (125).  The NFL’s all-time leading rusher, EMMITT SMITH, accomplished the feat in 133 games and Hall of Famer WALTER PAYTON reached 12,000 yards in his 134th game.
 
(When you think of how much bullshit and disrespect Tomlinson has endured by A.J. Smith and the Chargers’ hierarchy, you have to wonder why he re-signed with them. The fourth fastest ever to 12,000 yards – and his punk-ass GM has the nerve to imply he’s soft.)  
 
 
·     Minnesota quarterback BRETT FAVRE passed for four touchdown passes in the Vikings’ 38-26 win over Green Bay.  Favre threw at least four touchdown passes in a game for the 21st time in his career and tied Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO for the most such games in NFL history.
 
(As in the last Minny/GB matchup, Favre had a clean jersey, and it was target practice all day against the Packers’ secondary…)   
 
Favre returned to Lambeau Field for the first time as a visiting player.  During his 16-year career in Green Bay, Favre won 89 games at Lambeau.  Favre is the first player since 1970 to win 90 games at a stadium as both a home and visiting player.  Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback JOHN ELWAY won 95 games at Mile High Stadium – all as a Bronco – and is the only other quarterback since 1970 to win at least 90 games at one NFL venue.
 
(All that’s well and good – it’s that neutral site game in Florida that better be won if they wish to further embellish on the Legend of Favre...)
 
 
·     Indianapolis rookie head coach JIM CALDWELL improved to 7-0 with an 18-14 win over San Francisco.  Caldwell joined POTSY CLARK of the 1931 Portsmouth Spartans (8-0) as the only rookie head coaches in the past 80 years to start the season 7-0.
 
(Well, talk about happy days, why don’t you? Sounds like Caldwell knows the dice are coming his way! Obviously, the mainstream muckrakers won’t speak well of Caldwell until Indianapolis is the last team standing {undefeated, that is} or Ralph Mouth, Richie Cunningham and the Fonz become beat writers for the Colts!)
 
As always, gang – once the point is established, if you throw a seven – you crap out!
 
 
mike@footballreportersonline.com
 
   

Seven & Out – Week #6

Seven & Out – Week #6
By Michael – Louis Ingram, Associate Editor, Director of Scouting
FRO/BASN
 
PHILADELPHIA (FRO/BASN): Each week, the League confesses seven deadly whims; and we’re here to decipher the sins – from the wins…
But first, a tip of the hat to 7& reader Rob Daniels - who offered a significant aside to the question in last week’s column, “How many of Kurt Warner’s 50 300 yard games did he win?” Daniels said, “31 out of 50.”
You know, Rob – I can roll with that. Thirty – one up and nineteen down means Warner’s passing stats were integral to his team’s overall success, and not filler for some fantasy freak.
The holidays are coming, and I have your address, Rob. Rest assured Rasta Claus will send you something to put under the tree…
 
Today’s Menu:
 
New England quarterback TOM BRADY passed for 380 yards and ties a franchise record with six touchdown passes in the Patriots’ 59-0 win against Tennessee.  Brady threw five touchdowns in the second quarter and became the first quarterback in NFL history with five touchdown passes in a quarter.
 
(In all likelihood, Brady will also be the first QB to get bitch-slapped in the regular season the moment the opportunity presents itself. This ain’t the fuckin’ BCS! New England is up 45 – 0, yet they’re still throwing the ball, and Brady’s still in the game.
 
I’m all for whippin’ dat azz, but if Brady had wanted to show what a real leader looked like, he could’ve just audibled and ran the ball the whole second half. When you add the new pom-pom rule {don’t hurt my Tommy!} it further taints whatever accomplishments Brady had earned thanks to his cheatin’ ass head coach.
 
You’d think Belicheat’d know better by now, after having the Giants beat the shit out of his 18 – 1 ass! Showing up an opponent should have been a lesson learned, but noooooo!
 
Stay tuned, y’all; because what comes around…)   
 
 
Arizona quarterback KURT WARNER threw for 276 yards in the Cardinals’ 27-3 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.  Warner (30,032) surpassed 30,000 career passing yards in his 114th career game, tying Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO for the fewest number of games to accomplish the feat in NFL history.
 
 
(Kudos to Warner for this milestone, but does this make him a Hall of Famer? I’m slightly leaning to yes – but there are at least three who’d better be in Canton before Warner even entertains a thought: try Ken Andersen, Randall Cunningham and Ken Stabler.)
 
 
New Orleans quarterback DREW BREES passed for 369 yards in the Saints’ 48-27 win over the New York Giants.  Brees has passed for 15,310 yards in 53 games since joining the Saints in 2007, becoming the fastest quarterback to reach 15,000 passing yards with a team.  The previous mark was 56 games set by Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (Miami) and MARC BULGER (St. Louis).
 
 
(It seems each week we find at least one bullshit stat – and when it comes to Brees, all of these fantasy foreplay numbers still hide the fact Brees is only 55-51 career as a starting quarterback; oh, and the last time Brees was 5-0 out the gate, the team ended up 8-8 – and out of the playoffs. As Eugene “Mercury” Morris would say, “Call me if you’re in my neighborhood” – come December.)  
 
 
New Orleans had seven different players score a touchdown against the New York Giants to improve to 5-0.  The Saints became the fourth team since 1970 to have seven different players score a rushing or receiving touchdown in a game.  The Seattle Seahawks (10/30/1977 vs. Buffalo Bills), Cincinnati Bengals (12/17/1989 vs. Houston Oilers) and Jacksonville Jaguars (12/23/2007 vs. Oakland) also accomplished the feat.
 
(I’ve a feeling the Saints are gonna need some of those points a couple months from now; especially away from the Dome Depot.)
 
 
Jacksonville wide receiver TORRY HOLT had five receptions for 101 yards in the Jaguars’ 23-20 overtime win against St. Louis.  Holt, who had 12,670 receiving yards in 10 seasons with the Rams, became the first player in NFL history to post 100 yards in his first game against a team for which he had at least 10,000 receiving yards. 
              
 
(Playing well – and winning – is the best revenge…)
 
 
Holt also reached 13,000 receiving yards (13,066) in his 164th career game, becoming the third-fastest to accomplish the feat.  Only JERRY RICE (154) and MARVIN HARRISON (162) reached 13,000 yards in fewer games. 
 
 
(Told you the brother was smooth- next stop, Canton.)
 
 
Minnesota quarterback BRETT FAVRE threw for 278 yards and three touchdowns in the Vikings’ 33-31 victory over Baltimore.  Favre has now passed for at least two touchdowns in 11 consecutive games at the Metrodome (eight with Green Bay, three with Minnesota), tied for the third-longest streak (JIM EVERETT, Anaheim Stadium, 1989-90) with the most consecutive games with multiple TD passes at one stadium. Favre (Lambeau Field, 1994-96) and KURT WARNER (Trans World Dome/Edward Jones Dome, 1999-2000) each had a streak of 12 games, the longest in NFL history.
 
 
(They say it’s better to be lucky than good; well if Minny is 8-0 at midseason, luck won’t have anything to do with it.)
 
 
Pittsburgh quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER led the Steelers to a 27-14 victory over Cleveland.  Roethlisberger has now won all 10 of his starts against the Browns and is only the second player since 1970 to win each of his first 10 regular-season starts against one team.  The last player to start 10-0 against one opponent was Pro Football Hall of Famer JOHN ELWAY (against New England).   
 
 
(Well, it’s a lot easier to lead your team to victory when the referees are as blind as fucking BATS! Even Stevie Wonder could see that was not a first down, but, then again, the Seattle Seahawks know about getting screwed by referees when playing against Roethlisberger and the Steelers. I’m still waiting for his ass to score that touchdown from the “Get Jerome ‘Bus’ Bettis a Ring” Super Bowl, let alone get the “first down” against Cleveland.
 
If I’m a Browns fan, especially after watching the first down farce magnified on the big screen, I’m even more insulted. {Sir, let me confirm your order:  That’s One Royal Screwing, Hold the KY – with a side of Disrespect; you wanna be fried with that?)
 
 
Always remember, gang – once the point is made, roll a seven – you crap out!
 
 
mike@footballreportersonline.com
  

Seven & Out – Week V

Seven & Out – Week V
By Michael – Louis Ingram Associate Editor/Director of Scouting=Football Reporters Online
FRO/BASN
 
PHILADELPHIA (FRO/BASN): The word from On High is out about Week 5 in the NFL; so we come bearing gifts - (or is it gifting Bears?) Either way, here’s seven bowls of porridge for you…
 
Dallas wide receiver MILES AUSTIN had 10 catches for a team-record 250 yards and two touchdowns in the Cowboys’ 26-20 overtime victory at Kansas City.  Austin, who had a 60-yard game-winning TD reception in OT, is the 10th player in NFL history to record at least 10 catches, 250 yards and two touchdowns in a game.  He is the only one of those 10 to record the game-winning score in overtime.
 
(Oh, yeah – and Dallas needed every damn yard in order to avoid a major upset by the Chiefs {nee Dallas Texans!} What I find really interesting is how the accounts of the heroic comeback of the quarterback pales in comparison to that of who actually did the heavy lifting; in this case, Austin – who, like Patrick Crayton & Sam Hurd, spoke glowingly as to how a former teammate helped them become professionals. Some guy named Terrell Owens…)
 
In addition to Austin, Atlanta wide receiver RODDY WHITE had eight catches for a team-record 210 yards and two touchdowns in the Falcons’ 45-10 win at San Francisco.  This marks the second time in NFL history that two receivers each recorded at least 200 receiving yards and two TD catches on the same day (Kansas City’s STEPHONE PAIGE and Houston’s DREW HILL, December 22, 1985). 
 
(I am wondering when the Devil plans to come and knock on Roddy White’s door to either ask for the hands he had grafted on him, or for his soul. While I now say this facetiously, White has come a long way as a receiver.  He still has a lot further to go, however, before being given consideration as one of the league’s elite. For arguments’ sake, let’s say, ohh, Randy Moss, Andre “Soundwave” Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin “Megatron” Johnson, Owens, Brandon Marshall, Reggie Wayne, Vincent Jackson, Steve Smith, Steve Smith {no I didn’t stutter; the Giants ‘ Smith is just as good} Anquan Boldin, Chad Ocho Cinco, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Santana Moss, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Antonio Bryant, Desmond Mason, Donald Driver, Chris Chambers, Dwayne Bowe, Wes Welker, Jericho Cotchery, Lavernaues Coles, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Greg Jennings, Lee Evans and maybe two or three I can’t think of off the top of my head – then we’ll talk!)      
 
 
Arizona quarterback KURT WARNER passed for 302 yards in the Cardinals’ 28-21 victory over Houston.  It marked the 50th career 300-yard passing performance of his career, the fifth-most in NFL history.  Warner, who has now passed for 300 yards in 50 of 113 games (44.2 percent), is the fastest quarterback to reach 50 300-yard games, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (176 games).
 
(Again we have our “so what?” statistic for the week. How many of those damn games did Warner win?)
 
 
Warner has now passed for 13,255 yards as a Cardinal.  He threw for 14,447 yards with the St. Louis Rams and joins Pro Football Hall of Famer FRAN TARKENTON as the only players to pass for at least 13,000 yards with two different teams.
 
(It’s safe to say those yards with the Rams were mostly wins; just as most of those Cardinal/N.Y. Giants yards were mostly losses. In this bastardized fantasy universe of stat masturbation, it only means Warner, a decent player and man by all accounts, has had a lengthy career filled with some worthy accomplishments.)
 
 
Baltimore safety ED REED had a 52-yard interception-return touchdown against Cincinnati, the 12th return TD of his career.  Reed is now tied with RONDE BARBER, DEVIN HESTER and DARREN SHARPER for the most return touchdowns among active players.
 
(Ed Reed is not just a safety; he is the best safety in football. Although fans in Pittsburgh {Troy Polamalu} may disagree, no one player I’ve seen {including my man ex- Eagle Brian “Wolverine” Dawkins} plays every aspect of the position with as much skill as Reed.
Reed also has wide receiver hands, rarely drops the ball when in his neighborhood, and has only been in the game nine seasons, with just about every one of them at Pro Bowl level or better. If he walked away right now, Reed is about as slam-dunk a first vote Hall of Fame selection as any to come down the pike in years.)
 
 
Dallas tight end JASON WITTEN played in his 100th career game and had five catches for 47 yards.  Witten has 457 career receptions, the second-most all-time by a tight end in his first 100 games.  Pro Football Hall of Famer KELLEN WINSLOW had 497 catches in the first 100 games of his career.
 
(An actual testament to both tight ends, given the caliber of receivers they have had as teammates.)
 
Denver wide receiver EDDIE ROYAL had 10 catches for 90 yards in the Broncos’ 20-17 overtime victory over New England.  Royal, who now has 109 receptions in 20 career games, is the third wide receiver in NFL history to reach 100 catches in 20 or fewer games, joining Arizona’s ANQUAN BOLDIN (16 games) and former New England wide receiver TERRY GLENN (20). 
 
(Nice selection by Denver in drafting Royal - a nifty, shifty receiver who runs all the patterns by the numbers, and is an excellent complement to Marshall in attacking opposing defenses.)
 
Philadelphia rookie wide receiver JEREMY MACLIN had six catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles’ 33-14 win over Tampa Bay.  Maclin recorded the first two TDs of his career on receptions of 51 and 40 yards.  He is the fifth rookie since 1970 to have his first two career receiving touchdowns go for at least 40 yards and occur in the same game.
 
(Now if only Philadelphia had put this kind of effort in finding comparable talent when McNabb was at his peak; I still believe Giants got the best receiver in the draft in Hakeem Nicks, but Maclin’s not bad…)
 
 
Cincinnati running back CEDRIC BENSON rushed for 120 yards in the Bengals’ 17-14 win over Baltimore.  Benson is the first running back since Kansas City’s LARRY JOHNSON (120 yards on December 10, 2006) to rush for 100 yards against the Ravens, ending the NFL’s longest current streak (39 games) without allowing a 100-yard rusher.
 
(Cast off by Chicago, Benson has made the most of his opportunity with Cincinnati, running the rock hard, displacing incumbent Rudi Johnson, and making an early statement for Comeback Player of the Year!)
 
And, as always, once the point has been established - if you throw a seven – you crap out!
 
mike@footballreportersonline.com
 

Seven & Out – Week IV

Seven & Out – Week IV
By Michael –Louis Ingram, Scouting Director/Associate Editor-Football Reporters Online
 
PHILADELPHIA (FRO) Each week, the National Football League puts out seven statistical samplings to savor from the week’s games – and here we decide whether it’s worth chewing or choking…
 
New Orleans safety DARREN SHARPER registered his 10th career interception- return touchdown (99 yards) in the Saints’ 24-10 win over the New York Jets.  Sharper joins Pro Football Hall of Famer ROD WOODSON (12) as the only players in NFL history to record at least 10 career INT-TDs.  Sharper, who had a 97-yard INT-TD in Week 2 against Philadelphia, joins DEION SANDERS (1994) as the only players in league annals with two INT-TDs of at least 90 yards in one season. 
 
 
(Here is a clear case of semantics getting in the way of the truth. Cast off as being too old and too slow, Sharper already has five picks and two house calls. While five interceptions would be an exemplary season for most corners, Sharper’s guile and feel for the game were downplayed; in large part because he was a veteran who deserved more money! No doubt Sharper has already hit a bonus objective or two on the road to a Pro Bowl season).
 
 
Jacksonville wide receiver TORRY HOLT had three receptions in the Jaguars’ 37-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans.  Holt, who has 884 career receptions, surpassed wide receiver KEENAN MC CARDELL (883) and moved into 10th place on the all-time receptions list.
 
 
(No real surprise here; another castoff who cast his fate to the free agent winds. If the NFL really gave a shit about players like Torry Holt, they would extol his virtues with more than a couple of lines, instead of going into orgasm over certain selfish, bratty quarterbacks who know to produce more drama than results. While not the best receiver to ever come out of N.C. State (Mike Quick has that distinction) Holt has been one of the most polished receivers ever to strap on in this league; how soon they forget!)
 
 
 
 With 353 passing yards in the Colts’ 34-17 win over Seattle, Indianapolis quarterback PEYTON MANNING recorded his fourth consecutive 300-yard passing game.  Manning is the third player in NFL history to start a season with four consecutive 300-yard passing games.  Only KURT WARNER (2000) and STEVE YOUNG (1998) had longer streaks in NFL history (six consecutive games).
 
 
(Another useless statistic in a league where the fix is in for defenses to surrender gobs of points because of the desire for offense to have a distinct advantage; yards don’t mean shit – unless there are W’s attached to them. For all the accomplishments of the aforementioned passers, and the bullshit fawning over Drew Brees {who is only 55-51 and has only three winning seasons out of the eight he has had in this league} I know Manning won all of his games; can the others say the same?
Peyton Manning is by far the best quarterback in this league; and doesn’t need to throw for 300 yards to win a game. Unlike the others, Manning’s moves are a residue of design and not anal-retentive “game management.”)
 
New York Giants wide receiver STEVE SMITH posted a career-high 11 receptions in the Giants’ 27-16 win over Kansas City.  Smith has 34 receptions through Week 4, the most receptions through the first four games of a season in franchise history.
 
 
(For a team whose pedigree has always been ‘defense first’ and ‘run first,’ this is a big deal. Not only has Smith become Eli Manning’s security blanket, he has shown flashes of brilliance in his pattern–running, making a living over the middle while carving up defenses. Give GM Jerry Reese his due in finding another draft gem!)    
 
 
Chicago quarterback JAY CUTLER registered a 100.4 passer rating in the Bears’ 48-24 win over Detroit.  Cutler is first Bears quarterback since 1970 to have a 100-plus passer rating in three consecutive games (minimum 15 attempts).
 
(Will you STOP already with the horseshit statistics? What the fuck does it mean to have a 100 percent passer rating? Not a damn thing. Ask Terry Bradshaw {71%} Johnny Unitas (78%} or Bart Starr {81%} what they really think of passer ratings – when they’re not having their respective championship hardware polished…)
 
 
New England wide receiver RANDY MOSS posted his first touchdown of the season in the Patriots’ 27-21 win over Baltimore.  Moss has 137 career touchdowns and now ranks sixth all-time for the most career TDs.
 
 
(Not bad for a supposed “malcontent” - I only wish Moss had really pulled his pants down in that TD celebration. You don’t have to like him, but Moss is that cat in the band that knows {and everyone else knows} he can play; and just like Clapton had to genuflect to Hendrix {and he did!}, the league has to grudgingly admit Moss riffs on a whole different level).
 
 
Rookie head coaches JIM CALDWELL of the Indianapolis Colts and JOSH MC DANIELS of the Denver Broncos have led their teams to 4-0 starts.  This is only the second time in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) that two rookie head coaches have guided their teams to 4-0 starts in the same season (2000: AL GROH, NYJ and MIKE MARTZ, StL).
 
(While a good start is important, how you finish matters more. Broncos have an interesting four game gauntlet to handle, while the Colts just keep keepin’ on; and, of course while Mc Genius gives the Belicheat clan moment to pause, Caldwell just wins games.  Like they say-if it ain’t broke…)
 
 
Always remember – once the point is made – if you roll seven, you crap out!
 
mike@footballreportersonline.com