Pro Football NYC Merges With Football Reporters Online
For General Release
Brooklyn, NY May 5, 2011
Pro Football NYC, the website created to preface the groundswell of excitement leading up to the 2014 Super Bowl in New York, has been annexed by Football Reporters Online, the long-standing, hard-hitting behind-the scene entity run by Dr Bill Chachkes.
John Fennelly, the founder of PFNYC, said in a statement today that the site would immediately fall under the FRO badge and diligently continue to cover the New York Football Scene.
In addition, Mr. Fennelly said he will no longer be involved in the day-to-day operations of the site, which was founded in March of 2010 and quickly became the fastest-growing NY-based sports site on the net.
Dr. Chachkes will assume the role as CEO and Managing Editor. The FRO staff and their affiliates will begin to migrate the site in next few weeks.
"I have full confidence in Bill and his team, that they will see this site to its fruition," said Fennelly. "He has been covering football for nearly four decades and no one knows the terrain better than he does."
“The Focus of PFNYC will not change, but will be enhanced by the combining of the two staffs into one,” said Dr. Chachkes “ “Even though John will no longer be a day to day contributor, he will continue to be a trusted advisor, and our staff will continue to support and submit written content to John’s “Giants Football Blog” at SNY.tv, and John will continue to broadcast with us on Tuesday evenings when he is able. We will continue to bring Football fans in NYC and across North America the story, and go deeper behind the story.”
Showing posts with label pro football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pro football. Show all posts
Friday, May 06, 2011
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Why the UFL has a better shot at success then prior attempts at Professional Football Leagues.
Welcome to another session of Dr. Football's class called "Viewing Pro Football 421", a 4th year undergraduate class. Today's topic: Will the UFL be successful in todays market?
Sure it's been done before. Another Pro Football League, you laugh. No one can touch the NFL, you say. But what if The UFL isn't trying to "compete" with the NFL, but rather enhance the ability of people to watch live the greatest game ever played?
So you think I'm nuts too don't you?You must think I'm inhaling too much field chalk. But look at it this way: when was the last time you went to an NFL game? Do you remember how much you paid to get in? To buy your kid a pennant (or if you were lucky, a game program!) or a T-shirt? Don't even think about a jersey! Or NFL licensed Baby Booties! Forget it!! (before i obtained a press credential i was paying $70 per ticket, 5 dollars for a game program and 5 dollars for a 32oz. bottle of water. I hear it's $80-$85 now for the cheapest seat in the Meadowlands).
The UFL changes all of that. Tickets for 20 Bucks a game, in quality venues! Affordable prices(for today at least) at the concessions. No Kid, you're not dreaming, this is the real UFL and if you Live in NY it's coming to your house soon.
Ok so it's in the middle of the week, but didn't you say you were football starved? You just can't watch another season of the local college teams. You don't think you can put up with the team in Green and White that can't seam to make up their minds about who the QB is. The team in Blue with the shortage of starters even though they had a great draft and did well in free agency already missing too many players in training camp. Not that I'm saying "don't follow your favorite team anymore," hardly that. I'm just saying open yourself up to the possibility of another pro football league being able to entertain you this fall.
Let's step away from NY for a moment. Did you ever think Las Vegas would get an NFL franchise? For years the NFL wanted no part of the Sodom and Gomorrah that is the gambling culture of Vegas, yet now they allow teams to back state run sports themed lottery tickets(that is for discussion in another article). Give the UFL head honchos credit for jumping all over the Vegas market, as well as Orlando. The Vegas team will attract fans from parts of California, Arizona, and Utah as well. As for Florida, a former co-blogging partner of mine who spent a good deal of time growing up there once told me "you can never have too much football in Florida."
Although Orlando is only 105 minutes from the greater Tampa area, there is a huge void to be filled there and in other parts of the country with the loss of the Arena Football League as we knew it.
Let's sum it up for today shall we: More pro football is good, not bad, as some would suggest. It doesn't "water down" or "short change" the great game, as a few suggest. It gives the fan(and Player and Coach!) more options on more days of the week to watch the game, as well as for you young folks to learn about the game. Why would anyone argue with me about that? Class dismissed, now go watch some football!
Sure it's been done before. Another Pro Football League, you laugh. No one can touch the NFL, you say. But what if The UFL isn't trying to "compete" with the NFL, but rather enhance the ability of people to watch live the greatest game ever played?
So you think I'm nuts too don't you?You must think I'm inhaling too much field chalk. But look at it this way: when was the last time you went to an NFL game? Do you remember how much you paid to get in? To buy your kid a pennant (or if you were lucky, a game program!) or a T-shirt? Don't even think about a jersey! Or NFL licensed Baby Booties! Forget it!! (before i obtained a press credential i was paying $70 per ticket, 5 dollars for a game program and 5 dollars for a 32oz. bottle of water. I hear it's $80-$85 now for the cheapest seat in the Meadowlands).
The UFL changes all of that. Tickets for 20 Bucks a game, in quality venues! Affordable prices(for today at least) at the concessions. No Kid, you're not dreaming, this is the real UFL and if you Live in NY it's coming to your house soon.
Ok so it's in the middle of the week, but didn't you say you were football starved? You just can't watch another season of the local college teams. You don't think you can put up with the team in Green and White that can't seam to make up their minds about who the QB is. The team in Blue with the shortage of starters even though they had a great draft and did well in free agency already missing too many players in training camp. Not that I'm saying "don't follow your favorite team anymore," hardly that. I'm just saying open yourself up to the possibility of another pro football league being able to entertain you this fall.
Let's step away from NY for a moment. Did you ever think Las Vegas would get an NFL franchise? For years the NFL wanted no part of the Sodom and Gomorrah that is the gambling culture of Vegas, yet now they allow teams to back state run sports themed lottery tickets(that is for discussion in another article). Give the UFL head honchos credit for jumping all over the Vegas market, as well as Orlando. The Vegas team will attract fans from parts of California, Arizona, and Utah as well. As for Florida, a former co-blogging partner of mine who spent a good deal of time growing up there once told me "you can never have too much football in Florida."
Although Orlando is only 105 minutes from the greater Tampa area, there is a huge void to be filled there and in other parts of the country with the loss of the Arena Football League as we knew it.
Let's sum it up for today shall we: More pro football is good, not bad, as some would suggest. It doesn't "water down" or "short change" the great game, as a few suggest. It gives the fan(and Player and Coach!) more options on more days of the week to watch the game, as well as for you young folks to learn about the game. Why would anyone argue with me about that? Class dismissed, now go watch some football!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Al Davis, Jim Fassel, and The Oakland Raiders Need For A Head Coach
Jim Fassel says he wants to coach the Oakland Raiders. I think he should hold off on that before he hears my take. To make it work, Mr. Davis, the Manager of the General Partner of the Raiders, needs to really give the head coach power to be...head coach.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
49ers Disorganization Injured QB Alex Smith
I was there in 2005 when Smith was drafted amid some controversy by the 49ers, who were trying to decide between Smith and California Quaterback Aaron Rogers, who's now the starter for Green Bay after being there first round pick, 21 positions behind Smith that year. The talk was that Rogers was not 22 positions worse than Smith, but his equal. It just depended on what system each signal-caller was in.
Smith never got settled with a single offensive approach, and last year was terrible. The 49ers insisted on using a kind of deep passing game that called for fast retreats by the offensive line and seven step drops. The result was a sacked and battered Smith. The 49ers have continued this approach with the hiring of former Rams Head Coach Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. The results have been the same; the 49ers QB was sacked three times in the first game against the Arizona Cardinals, last Sunday.
Fortunately that person was not Smith, but J.T. O'Sullivan, who the 49ers brought over from the Detroit Lions because he was familar with Martz and the system he was going to install. That seemed to spell curtains for Smith even before the injury.
The only question is will the Gold and Scarlet keep Smith next year. Time and performance this year will tell. My early bet is that 49ers Head Coach Mike Nolan will not be back past this year and Smith will have to deal with the whims of yet another groups of coaches.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Oakland Raiders Losing To Broncos 41 to 14; Officiating Terrible
I'm watching this debacle of a Monday Night Football game, which finds the host Oakland Raiders getting hammered by the visiting Denver Broncos 41 to 14 at this point in the game with about a minute left.
But even though the Raiders are losing, I've got to complain about how the officials just let the Broncos defensive backs plain manhandle the Raiders wide receivers -- there should have been at least three pass interference calls.
Tragic.
More terrible still is the overall game plan put together by head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff. They tried to rely on their running game almost exclusively in the first half and even then Kiffin does not seem to know that his prize running back Darren McFadden is an outside speed specialist and not Deuce McAllister of the Saints.
It seems like it's going to be a long year for the Raiders.
But even though the Raiders are losing, I've got to complain about how the officials just let the Broncos defensive backs plain manhandle the Raiders wide receivers -- there should have been at least three pass interference calls.
Tragic.
More terrible still is the overall game plan put together by head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff. They tried to rely on their running game almost exclusively in the first half and even then Kiffin does not seem to know that his prize running back Darren McFadden is an outside speed specialist and not Deuce McAllister of the Saints.
It seems like it's going to be a long year for the Raiders.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
NFL KICKOFF WEEKEND - REDSKINS v. GIANTS TODAY
A bit of a look to the NFL for a bit as today is NFL Kickoff Weekend. More at NFL Business Blog.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR – NFL KICKOFF 2008 WEEKEND
SUPER STARTERS: There are never any guarantees in the NFL, but there are trends. And they start as early as Kickoff Weekend. History indicates that the best way for a team to start its drive towards a possible Super Bowl championship is to win in Week 1.
The 42 Super Bowl winners have a 34-7-1 record in the Kickoff Weekend games of their title seasons. However, as the Super Bowl XLII champion New York Giants proved, a loss on Kickoff Weekend can still lead to a championship season.
Since 1978, when the NFL went to the 16-game schedule, and excluding the abbreviated season of 1982, teams that are victorious on Kickoff Weekend are more than twice as likely to reach the playoffs than losers of an opening game:
Of the 426 teams which won openers…225 went to the playoffs (130 won division titles).
Of the 426 teams which lost openers…99 went to the playoffs (55 won division titles).
In 2007, nine of the 12 playoff teams – Dallas, Green Bay, Indianapolis, New England, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Seattle, Tennessee and Washington – were victorious on Kickoff Weekend.
“Season openers,” says Washington Redskins tight end CHRIS COOLEY, “set a standard for your team.”
KICKOFF WINNERS: The season kicks off on Thursday night when the Super Bowl XLII champion NEW YORK GIANTS host the WASHINGTON REDSKINS. The contest will feature two of the NFL’s most successful teams in season openers. The Giants rank second in history with 46 Kickoff Weekend victories and the Redskins tie for sixth with 37 wins.
The teams with the most wins on Kickoff Weekend:
TEAM
KICKOFF-WEEKEND WINS
Chicago
49
Green Bay
48
New York Giants
46
Detroit
42
St. Louis
38
Pittsburgh
37
Washington
37
-- KICKOFF 2008 WEEKEND --
STREAKING INTO HISTORY: The NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS became the first team in NFL history with a perfect 16-0 regular-season record last year. Dating back to the last three weeks of 2006, New England has won 19 consecutive regular-season games, the longest streak in league annals.
The Patriots, who also have the second-longest such streak in history (18 games, 2003-04), will seek to reach 20 in a row on Sunday when they host Kansas City.
Following are the teams with the longest regular-season winning streaks in NFL history:
TEAM
YEARS
STREAK
New England
2006-07
19*
New England
2003-04
18
Chicago Bears
1933-34
17
Chicago Bears
1941-42
16
Miami Dolphins
1971-73
16
Miami Dolphins
1983-84
16
Pittsburgh Steelers
2004-05
16
*Active streak
MVP QBs: Last season, New England quarterback TOM BRADY was named the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player after setting an NFL record with 50 touchdown passes. Brady, who led New England to Super Bowl XLII, hopes to continue the success of MVP quarterbacks this Sunday. The past 10 QBs to be named the NFL MVP have posted a passer rating of at least 88.5 on Kickoff Weekend the following season.
The past 10 MVP quarterbacks and their performances on Kickoff Weekend the following season:
NAME
TEAM
DATE
ATT.
COMP.
PCT.
YARDS
TD
INT
RATING
Steve Young
SF
9/3/95
27
21
77.8
260
2
0
131.5
Brett Favre
GB
9/1/96
27
20
74.1
247
4
0
141.5
Brett Favre
GB
9/1/97
22
15
68.2
226
2
1
113.1
Brett Favre
GB
9/6/98
32
24
75.0
277
2
0
121.5
Kurt Warner
StL
9/4/00
35
25
71.4
441
3
3
106.5
Kurt Warner
StL
9/8/02
41
32
78.0
315
0
1
88.5
Rich Gannon
Oak.
9/7/03
38
24
63.2
264
2
0
101.2
Peyton Manning
Ind.
9/9/04
29
16
55.2
256
2
1
93.5
Steve McNair
Ten.
9/11/04
14
9
64.3
73
1
0
101.2
Peyton Manning
Ind.
9/11/05
36
21
58.3
254
2
0
98.6
-- KICKOFF 2008 WEEKEND --
THANK DEVIN: Chicago Bears return specialist DEVIN HESTER has scored 14 touchdowns (seven punt-return TDs, four kickoff-return TDs, two receiving TDs and a missed-FG return TD) in his first two NFL seasons. The two-time All Star averages 80.9 yards per touchdown, the highest such mark in NFL history (minimum 10 touchdowns).
The players with the highest yards-per-touchdown average in history (minimum 10 TDs):
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
TDs
YARDS
AVG.
Devin Hester
Chicago
14
1,132
80.9*
Mel Gray
NO, Detroit, Hou./Tenn., Philadelphia
10
781
78.1
Tamarick Vanover
Kansas City, San Diego
11
757
68.8
Dante Hall
Kansas City, St. Louis
21
1,438
68.5*
Deion Sanders
Atlanta, SF, Dallas, Washington, Baltimore
22
1,461
66.4
*Active
Hester’s 11 combined kick-return touchdowns (seven PR-TDs, four KR-TDs) already rank as the third most in history. With another kick-return touchdown, Hester will tie DANTE HALL and ERIC METCALF (12) for second all-time, one behind BRIAN MITCHELL’s NFL mark (13).
The players with the most combined kick-return touchdowns in history:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
YEARS
PR-TDs
KR-TDs
COMBINED TDs
Brian Mitchell
Washington, Philadelphia, NY Giants
1990-03
9
4
13
Dante Hall
Kansas City, St. Louis
2000-07
6
6
12*
Eric Metcalf
Cle., Atl., SD, Ari., Car., Was., GB
1989-02
10
2
12
Devin Hester
Chicago
2006-07
7
4
11*
Three Tied
--
--
--
--
9
*Active
TDs FOR T.O.: Entering his 13th NFL season, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver TERRELL OWENS has 129 receiving touchdowns, the third most in history. With two touchdowns this Sunday against Cleveland, Owens will move past CRIS CARTER (130) into second place all-time in the category. Owens had two touchdowns on Kickoff Weekend last year and has six receiving TDs in his past four openers.
The players with the most receiving touchdowns in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
YEARS
REC. TDs
Jerry Rice
SF, Oak., Sea.
1985-2004
197
Cris Carter
Phi., Min., Mia.
1987-2002
130
Terrell Owens
SF, Phi., Dal.
1996-Present
129*
Randy Moss
Min., Oak., NE
1998-Present
124*
Marvin Harrison
Indianapolis
1996-Present
123*
*Active
WHAT TO LOOK FOR – NFL KICKOFF 2008 WEEKEND
SUPER STARTERS: There are never any guarantees in the NFL, but there are trends. And they start as early as Kickoff Weekend. History indicates that the best way for a team to start its drive towards a possible Super Bowl championship is to win in Week 1.
The 42 Super Bowl winners have a 34-7-1 record in the Kickoff Weekend games of their title seasons. However, as the Super Bowl XLII champion New York Giants proved, a loss on Kickoff Weekend can still lead to a championship season.
Since 1978, when the NFL went to the 16-game schedule, and excluding the abbreviated season of 1982, teams that are victorious on Kickoff Weekend are more than twice as likely to reach the playoffs than losers of an opening game:
Of the 426 teams which won openers…225 went to the playoffs (130 won division titles).
Of the 426 teams which lost openers…99 went to the playoffs (55 won division titles).
In 2007, nine of the 12 playoff teams – Dallas, Green Bay, Indianapolis, New England, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Seattle, Tennessee and Washington – were victorious on Kickoff Weekend.
“Season openers,” says Washington Redskins tight end CHRIS COOLEY, “set a standard for your team.”
KICKOFF WINNERS: The season kicks off on Thursday night when the Super Bowl XLII champion NEW YORK GIANTS host the WASHINGTON REDSKINS. The contest will feature two of the NFL’s most successful teams in season openers. The Giants rank second in history with 46 Kickoff Weekend victories and the Redskins tie for sixth with 37 wins.
The teams with the most wins on Kickoff Weekend:
TEAM
KICKOFF-WEEKEND WINS
Chicago
49
Green Bay
48
New York Giants
46
Detroit
42
St. Louis
38
Pittsburgh
37
Washington
37
-- KICKOFF 2008 WEEKEND --
STREAKING INTO HISTORY: The NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS became the first team in NFL history with a perfect 16-0 regular-season record last year. Dating back to the last three weeks of 2006, New England has won 19 consecutive regular-season games, the longest streak in league annals.
The Patriots, who also have the second-longest such streak in history (18 games, 2003-04), will seek to reach 20 in a row on Sunday when they host Kansas City.
Following are the teams with the longest regular-season winning streaks in NFL history:
TEAM
YEARS
STREAK
New England
2006-07
19*
New England
2003-04
18
Chicago Bears
1933-34
17
Chicago Bears
1941-42
16
Miami Dolphins
1971-73
16
Miami Dolphins
1983-84
16
Pittsburgh Steelers
2004-05
16
*Active streak
MVP QBs: Last season, New England quarterback TOM BRADY was named the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player after setting an NFL record with 50 touchdown passes. Brady, who led New England to Super Bowl XLII, hopes to continue the success of MVP quarterbacks this Sunday. The past 10 QBs to be named the NFL MVP have posted a passer rating of at least 88.5 on Kickoff Weekend the following season.
The past 10 MVP quarterbacks and their performances on Kickoff Weekend the following season:
NAME
TEAM
DATE
ATT.
COMP.
PCT.
YARDS
TD
INT
RATING
Steve Young
SF
9/3/95
27
21
77.8
260
2
0
131.5
Brett Favre
GB
9/1/96
27
20
74.1
247
4
0
141.5
Brett Favre
GB
9/1/97
22
15
68.2
226
2
1
113.1
Brett Favre
GB
9/6/98
32
24
75.0
277
2
0
121.5
Kurt Warner
StL
9/4/00
35
25
71.4
441
3
3
106.5
Kurt Warner
StL
9/8/02
41
32
78.0
315
0
1
88.5
Rich Gannon
Oak.
9/7/03
38
24
63.2
264
2
0
101.2
Peyton Manning
Ind.
9/9/04
29
16
55.2
256
2
1
93.5
Steve McNair
Ten.
9/11/04
14
9
64.3
73
1
0
101.2
Peyton Manning
Ind.
9/11/05
36
21
58.3
254
2
0
98.6
-- KICKOFF 2008 WEEKEND --
THANK DEVIN: Chicago Bears return specialist DEVIN HESTER has scored 14 touchdowns (seven punt-return TDs, four kickoff-return TDs, two receiving TDs and a missed-FG return TD) in his first two NFL seasons. The two-time All Star averages 80.9 yards per touchdown, the highest such mark in NFL history (minimum 10 touchdowns).
The players with the highest yards-per-touchdown average in history (minimum 10 TDs):
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
TDs
YARDS
AVG.
Devin Hester
Chicago
14
1,132
80.9*
Mel Gray
NO, Detroit, Hou./Tenn., Philadelphia
10
781
78.1
Tamarick Vanover
Kansas City, San Diego
11
757
68.8
Dante Hall
Kansas City, St. Louis
21
1,438
68.5*
Deion Sanders
Atlanta, SF, Dallas, Washington, Baltimore
22
1,461
66.4
*Active
Hester’s 11 combined kick-return touchdowns (seven PR-TDs, four KR-TDs) already rank as the third most in history. With another kick-return touchdown, Hester will tie DANTE HALL and ERIC METCALF (12) for second all-time, one behind BRIAN MITCHELL’s NFL mark (13).
The players with the most combined kick-return touchdowns in history:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
YEARS
PR-TDs
KR-TDs
COMBINED TDs
Brian Mitchell
Washington, Philadelphia, NY Giants
1990-03
9
4
13
Dante Hall
Kansas City, St. Louis
2000-07
6
6
12*
Eric Metcalf
Cle., Atl., SD, Ari., Car., Was., GB
1989-02
10
2
12
Devin Hester
Chicago
2006-07
7
4
11*
Three Tied
--
--
--
--
9
*Active
TDs FOR T.O.: Entering his 13th NFL season, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver TERRELL OWENS has 129 receiving touchdowns, the third most in history. With two touchdowns this Sunday against Cleveland, Owens will move past CRIS CARTER (130) into second place all-time in the category. Owens had two touchdowns on Kickoff Weekend last year and has six receiving TDs in his past four openers.
The players with the most receiving touchdowns in NFL history:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
YEARS
REC. TDs
Jerry Rice
SF, Oak., Sea.
1985-2004
197
Cris Carter
Phi., Min., Mia.
1987-2002
130
Terrell Owens
SF, Phi., Dal.
1996-Present
129*
Randy Moss
Min., Oak., NE
1998-Present
124*
Marvin Harrison
Indianapolis
1996-Present
123*
*Active
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Leigh Steinberg's 22nd Super Bowl Party: Scottsdale, AZ - Video
This is the video account of Leigh Steinberg's 22nd Super Bowl Party. This one held at the Botanical Gardens outside Scottsdale, Arizona. The video features an interview with Leigh where he talks about the "Green Initiative" he's started, Ricky Williams, and "Athletes for Obama."
Friday, December 28, 2007
NFL NETWORK GAME RATINGS UP 31 PERCENT - NFLMEDIA.COM
Patriots-Giants Concludes Slate Saturday at 8:00 PM ET
Thursday and Saturday Night Football Tops Cable Ratings
For All Games to Date
Viewership among Men 18-49 up 55 Percent for Season
NFL Network’s Thursday and Saturday Night Football games have scored a ratings touchdown this season… before the eagerly anticipated New England Patriots-New York Giants matchup on Saturday at 8:00 PM ET.
After seven contests this season (including Dallas-Carolina on Saturday night), NFL Network games are averaging a 7.1 coverage area rating – up 31 percent from last season at this point (5.4). In addition, Thursday and Saturday Night Football posted a 48 percent increase in average viewers (4.6 million vs. 3.1 million through seven games last year) and is up 55 percent among Men 18-49 (1.7 million vs. 1.1 million).
Saturday night’s game had a 7.5 coverage area rating, continuing the network’s streak of topping the day’s ad-supported cable ratings for all 15 of its Thursday and Saturday Night Football games since November 2006.
Following is a look at NFL Network season-to-date ratings for Thursday and Saturday Night Football:
Season-to-Date Summary
All seven Thursday and Saturday Night Football games topped daily ad-supported cable ratings.
Average coverage rating of 7.1 is up 31 percent from last year at this point (5.4).
Average of 4.6 million viewers is up 48 percent from last year at this point (3.1 million).
According to Nielsen Media Research December 2007 reporting, NFL Network reaches 43 million U.S. households.
Patriots-Giants is the second of three live games in a four-day span on NFL Network. The 2007 Texas Bowl (Houston vs. TCU) airs at 8:00 PM ET on Friday, Dec. 28 on NFL Network and the 2007 Insight Bowl (Indiana vs. Oklahoma State) at 6:00 PM ET on Monday, December 31.
Thursday and Saturday Night Football Tops Cable Ratings
For All Games to Date
Viewership among Men 18-49 up 55 Percent for Season
NFL Network’s Thursday and Saturday Night Football games have scored a ratings touchdown this season… before the eagerly anticipated New England Patriots-New York Giants matchup on Saturday at 8:00 PM ET.
After seven contests this season (including Dallas-Carolina on Saturday night), NFL Network games are averaging a 7.1 coverage area rating – up 31 percent from last season at this point (5.4). In addition, Thursday and Saturday Night Football posted a 48 percent increase in average viewers (4.6 million vs. 3.1 million through seven games last year) and is up 55 percent among Men 18-49 (1.7 million vs. 1.1 million).
Saturday night’s game had a 7.5 coverage area rating, continuing the network’s streak of topping the day’s ad-supported cable ratings for all 15 of its Thursday and Saturday Night Football games since November 2006.
Following is a look at NFL Network season-to-date ratings for Thursday and Saturday Night Football:
Season-to-Date Summary
All seven Thursday and Saturday Night Football games topped daily ad-supported cable ratings.
Average coverage rating of 7.1 is up 31 percent from last year at this point (5.4).
Average of 4.6 million viewers is up 48 percent from last year at this point (3.1 million).
According to Nielsen Media Research December 2007 reporting, NFL Network reaches 43 million U.S. households.
Patriots-Giants is the second of three live games in a four-day span on NFL Network. The 2007 Texas Bowl (Houston vs. TCU) airs at 8:00 PM ET on Friday, Dec. 28 on NFL Network and the 2007 Insight Bowl (Indiana vs. Oklahoma State) at 6:00 PM ET on Monday, December 31.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Raiders Daute Culpepper Misses Wide Open Wide Receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (15) At End OF Vikings Game
You know, I've always believed that teams have their quarterback's just throw up the ball and hope someone comes down with it on their side at the end of a tight game. But I think it's become habit and so much so that quarterbacks miss wide open receivers on the way to the end zone.
The Oakland Raiders Daute Culpepper missed a wide open Wide Receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (15) while dropping back to throw the hail mary pass.
I just watched a replay of the final play and the obvious was in full view: #15 was 10 yards in front of the next closest Vikings defender. He makes a catch; Raiders win.
But Dante never saw him.
Just another small reason the Raiders have two wins this year.
The Oakland Raiders Daute Culpepper missed a wide open Wide Receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (15) while dropping back to throw the hail mary pass.
I just watched a replay of the final play and the obvious was in full view: #15 was 10 yards in front of the next closest Vikings defender. He makes a catch; Raiders win.
But Dante never saw him.
Just another small reason the Raiders have two wins this year.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Green Bay Packers Beat Minnesota Vikings - Surprising Performance
I must admit how surprised I am that the Mike McCarthy-led Green Bay Packers are doing so well. I'll have to review the growth of the Packers coach.
Running the show
Balance roughs up, blanks border foe
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Nov. 11, 2007
Green Bay - Eleven years ago, when the Green Bay Packers were kicking butt and taking names en route to Super Bowl glory, they spanked the playoff-bound Minnesota Vikings, 38-10, in a display of dominating football at Lambeau Field that still can be remembered vividly for its utter ferocity.
Ever since then, the Vikings always showed up at Lambeau in a foul mood, often played over their heads and generally raised holy hell against anyone wearing dark green and gold.
On Sunday, another Green Bay-Minnesota game was played in the National Football League's smallest city, where the home team once again has realistic Super Bowl aspirations. And this time, with eerie parallels to the game in 1996, the Packers buried the Vikings, 34-0.
As NFC contenders Detroit, the New York Giants and Washington were falling, the Packers responded with easily their finest performance of the season. For the first time, there's breathing space between Green Bay and Dallas, both 8-1, and the rest of the NFC, where just six teams have winning records.
One of the vanquished Vikings, safety Darren Sharper, wasn't around for the championship in 1996 but was the dime back on the Packers' runner-up team in '97. The Packers and Cowboys meet Nov. 29 in Dallas, and Sharper is picking Green Bay.
"Dallas is a beatable team," said Sharper, a Packer until 2004. "We showed that. If they can slow down Marion Barber . . . man, that guy can play.
"If they (the Packers) get home field, I could see it happening. It all comes down to home field. They're going to be tough to stop. When it gets cold, you've got to give them games here as a lock. I could definitely see them 14-2."
His fellow safety, Dwight Smith, started for Tampa Bay in its Super Bowl title drive five years ago.
"The Packers looked like one (Super Bowl team) today because they were able to run the football," Smith said. "That was their Achilles' heel. That's the thing I thought was hindering them from being one of the best teams."
Smith also gives Green Bay the edge over Dallas, which was at home Oct. 21 in a 24-14 victory over Minnesota.
"I don't like Dallas' corners," Smith said. "Their D-line is good but I don't know if it's better than Green Bay's. Green Bay has rush ends, cover corners and linebackers who can run. That's all we had in Tampa."
Masterful coaching. Razor-sharp execution. Superior athleticism. Keener emotion.
The Packers had it all Sunday, extending their winning streak in the series to four games for the first time since 1987 and '88. Unlike predecessors Dennis Green and Mike Tice, Vikings coach Brad Childress can't even get his players up for this bitter border rivalry.
"It was Football 101," Childress said. "The tempo was set in the first half. We were not ready to play, and that is my fault."
What probably hurt the Vikings (3-6) more than anything was the shattering of their supposedly impregnable run defense. Operating behind an offensive line that had been upbraided all last week by Mike McCarthy and his staff, Ryan Grant pounded for 119 yards in 25 carries that drained the life from Minnesota defenders.
"I thought the guard play was very good today," McCarthy said. "The core of our running game is a stretch-and-cut mentality. Offensively, we wanted to establish our run game."
Yet, unlike San Diego a week ago - which tried in vain running LaDainian Tomlinson into the A gaps and awaiting behemoths Pat Williams and Kevin Williams - McCarthy actually came out throwing. Then, when the Vikings were sufficiently softened, he unleashed Grant on wide stretch plays, tosses and draws away from the big boys.
Over the last season and a half, the Vikings had allowed 64.5 yards per game and 2.83 yards per rush. In five games against Minnesota since the arrival of the immovable Pat Williams, the Packers had rushed for infinitesimal averages of 41.0 and 1.92.
Green Bay's rushing output of 120 yards failed to compare to the 233 that Edgar Bennett and Dorsey Levens ripped the Vikings for in the '96 regular-season finale. But it still was the third-highest rushing total against Minnesota in the last 25 games; Dallas had 128 last month, including 96 by Barber.
"Generally, when one team runs that well on another, they are inflicting their will on the other team," Childress said. "I am not used to seeing the ball being run on our defense like that."
The beneficiary of rare offensive balance, Brett Favre annihilated a similar type of Cover-2 scheme that had unsettled him early in the season.
Favre smartly directed scoring drives of 82, 69, 75, 72, 69 and 96 yards, part of a 488-yard onslaught that took up 40 minutes 40 seconds.
Operating almost equally from underneath center and shotgun, Favre overcame some poor throws early and four dropped passes to forge a passer rating of 115.4. The Vikings sorely missed the injured Antoine Winfield, their best cover man.
"He's kind of been MVP," Sharper said, referring to Favre. "He's being more patient, playing a lot smarter, than he was before. He's just being methodical down the field.
"If they don't hurt themselves, they have a good enough defense where they'll be in every game. And they'll make a play eventually because (Greg) Jennings and (Donald) Driver are playmakers. He doesn't have to (force) because he's got playmakers on offense."
On defense, the Packers didn't have to deal with the full force of rookie sensation Adrian Peterson because the Vikings fell behind early and then Peterson went out with a sprained knee late in the third quarter. He finished with 45 yards in 11 carries.
Coordinator Bob Sanders brought safety Atari Bigby into the box on the first five plays before backing off and playing normal defense. His front four proved stout enough so that Sanders never had to compromise the integrity of his scheme by adding a fifth lineman or a ninth player to the box.
"We talked as a team," McCarthy said. "It was time to shut somebody out. Just an excellent effort by our whole defense."
Not only were the Vikings down to their third quarterback in Brooks Bollinger but their most dangerous receiver, Sidney Rice, had to sit out with a hamstring pull. By the time Bollinger was able to complete his first pass to a wide receiver, 2 minutes remained in the third quarter and it was 27-0.
The Vikings were so inept that two fourth-down completions by Bollinger to Robert Ferguson in the final 4 minutes came up short of the marker.
"They're playing with confidence," said Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell, a Packer from 1997-2005. "The guys I still talk to, they love McCarthy. They really buy into his program.
"From the first time we played them (Sept. 30) until today, they definitely believe now that they should be 8-1. They're playing with confidence. They're playing really, really well."
Running the show
Balance roughs up, blanks border foe
By BOB McGINN
bmcginn@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Nov. 11, 2007
Green Bay - Eleven years ago, when the Green Bay Packers were kicking butt and taking names en route to Super Bowl glory, they spanked the playoff-bound Minnesota Vikings, 38-10, in a display of dominating football at Lambeau Field that still can be remembered vividly for its utter ferocity.
Ever since then, the Vikings always showed up at Lambeau in a foul mood, often played over their heads and generally raised holy hell against anyone wearing dark green and gold.
On Sunday, another Green Bay-Minnesota game was played in the National Football League's smallest city, where the home team once again has realistic Super Bowl aspirations. And this time, with eerie parallels to the game in 1996, the Packers buried the Vikings, 34-0.
As NFC contenders Detroit, the New York Giants and Washington were falling, the Packers responded with easily their finest performance of the season. For the first time, there's breathing space between Green Bay and Dallas, both 8-1, and the rest of the NFC, where just six teams have winning records.
One of the vanquished Vikings, safety Darren Sharper, wasn't around for the championship in 1996 but was the dime back on the Packers' runner-up team in '97. The Packers and Cowboys meet Nov. 29 in Dallas, and Sharper is picking Green Bay.
"Dallas is a beatable team," said Sharper, a Packer until 2004. "We showed that. If they can slow down Marion Barber . . . man, that guy can play.
"If they (the Packers) get home field, I could see it happening. It all comes down to home field. They're going to be tough to stop. When it gets cold, you've got to give them games here as a lock. I could definitely see them 14-2."
His fellow safety, Dwight Smith, started for Tampa Bay in its Super Bowl title drive five years ago.
"The Packers looked like one (Super Bowl team) today because they were able to run the football," Smith said. "That was their Achilles' heel. That's the thing I thought was hindering them from being one of the best teams."
Smith also gives Green Bay the edge over Dallas, which was at home Oct. 21 in a 24-14 victory over Minnesota.
"I don't like Dallas' corners," Smith said. "Their D-line is good but I don't know if it's better than Green Bay's. Green Bay has rush ends, cover corners and linebackers who can run. That's all we had in Tampa."
Masterful coaching. Razor-sharp execution. Superior athleticism. Keener emotion.
The Packers had it all Sunday, extending their winning streak in the series to four games for the first time since 1987 and '88. Unlike predecessors Dennis Green and Mike Tice, Vikings coach Brad Childress can't even get his players up for this bitter border rivalry.
"It was Football 101," Childress said. "The tempo was set in the first half. We were not ready to play, and that is my fault."
What probably hurt the Vikings (3-6) more than anything was the shattering of their supposedly impregnable run defense. Operating behind an offensive line that had been upbraided all last week by Mike McCarthy and his staff, Ryan Grant pounded for 119 yards in 25 carries that drained the life from Minnesota defenders.
"I thought the guard play was very good today," McCarthy said. "The core of our running game is a stretch-and-cut mentality. Offensively, we wanted to establish our run game."
Yet, unlike San Diego a week ago - which tried in vain running LaDainian Tomlinson into the A gaps and awaiting behemoths Pat Williams and Kevin Williams - McCarthy actually came out throwing. Then, when the Vikings were sufficiently softened, he unleashed Grant on wide stretch plays, tosses and draws away from the big boys.
Over the last season and a half, the Vikings had allowed 64.5 yards per game and 2.83 yards per rush. In five games against Minnesota since the arrival of the immovable Pat Williams, the Packers had rushed for infinitesimal averages of 41.0 and 1.92.
Green Bay's rushing output of 120 yards failed to compare to the 233 that Edgar Bennett and Dorsey Levens ripped the Vikings for in the '96 regular-season finale. But it still was the third-highest rushing total against Minnesota in the last 25 games; Dallas had 128 last month, including 96 by Barber.
"Generally, when one team runs that well on another, they are inflicting their will on the other team," Childress said. "I am not used to seeing the ball being run on our defense like that."
The beneficiary of rare offensive balance, Brett Favre annihilated a similar type of Cover-2 scheme that had unsettled him early in the season.
Favre smartly directed scoring drives of 82, 69, 75, 72, 69 and 96 yards, part of a 488-yard onslaught that took up 40 minutes 40 seconds.
Operating almost equally from underneath center and shotgun, Favre overcame some poor throws early and four dropped passes to forge a passer rating of 115.4. The Vikings sorely missed the injured Antoine Winfield, their best cover man.
"He's kind of been MVP," Sharper said, referring to Favre. "He's being more patient, playing a lot smarter, than he was before. He's just being methodical down the field.
"If they don't hurt themselves, they have a good enough defense where they'll be in every game. And they'll make a play eventually because (Greg) Jennings and (Donald) Driver are playmakers. He doesn't have to (force) because he's got playmakers on offense."
On defense, the Packers didn't have to deal with the full force of rookie sensation Adrian Peterson because the Vikings fell behind early and then Peterson went out with a sprained knee late in the third quarter. He finished with 45 yards in 11 carries.
Coordinator Bob Sanders brought safety Atari Bigby into the box on the first five plays before backing off and playing normal defense. His front four proved stout enough so that Sanders never had to compromise the integrity of his scheme by adding a fifth lineman or a ninth player to the box.
"We talked as a team," McCarthy said. "It was time to shut somebody out. Just an excellent effort by our whole defense."
Not only were the Vikings down to their third quarterback in Brooks Bollinger but their most dangerous receiver, Sidney Rice, had to sit out with a hamstring pull. By the time Bollinger was able to complete his first pass to a wide receiver, 2 minutes remained in the third quarter and it was 27-0.
The Vikings were so inept that two fourth-down completions by Bollinger to Robert Ferguson in the final 4 minutes came up short of the marker.
"They're playing with confidence," said Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell, a Packer from 1997-2005. "The guys I still talk to, they love McCarthy. They really buy into his program.
"From the first time we played them (Sept. 30) until today, they definitely believe now that they should be 8-1. They're playing with confidence. They're playing really, really well."
Denver Beats Kansas City At K.C. For First Time Since 2002
It seems the K.C. Chiefs are always in the game, but can't seem to be the team that wins when it's close. They had the Broncos, but failed to adjust and lost 27-11.
Broncos knock around Huard; Holmes rushes for 65 yards in 1st start
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Nobody is happier than Denver to see Kansas City's vaunted Arrowhead Stadium advantage melting away.
With backup Selvin Young rushing for 109 yards and Denver scoring two touchdowns 9 seconds apart, the injury-weakened Broncos beat the Chiefs 27-11 Sunday for their first win in Kansas City since 2002. It's the third home loss this year for the Chiefs, who came into the season with an NFL-best 104-36 home record since 1990.
"The Chiefs have been so good over the years taking advantage of their home field, with their crowd, and finding a way to win," said Denver coach Mike Shanahan. "They have the best home record in the National Football League over the last five or six years and it's nice to come out with a win."
The Broncos (4-5) might also have helped a new quarterback era get started for Kansas City (4-5).
Whip-armed Brodie Croyle replaced shaken-up, turnover-prone Damon Huard in the third quarter and the second-year pro could start next week in Indianapolis. Croyle was expected to be the starter this year, but coach Herm Edwards turned to Huard when Croyle played inconsistently in the preseason.
"I haven't decided anything," Edwards said. "I'll think about it Monday and then we'll talk about what we're going to do at quarterback on Tuesday."
In the decisive series in the third quarter, Dre' Bly intercepted Huard and set up a 20-yard touchdown run by Young, who was subbing for the injured Travis Henry.
On Kansas City's next play from scrimmage, defensive end Elvis Dumervil crashed into Huard and knocked the ball loose. Linebacker Nate Webster, in the right place at the right time, scooped it up and dashed 17 yards for another touchdown. The Broncos led 20-8 en route to just their sixth win in their last 21 games overall.
Huard was slow getting up and stayed on the bench with an ice pack on his neck while Croyle finished the game, going 17-for-30 for 162 yards, with one interception.
"I did some good things," said Croyle. "We moved the ball for the most part."
He declined to speculate whether he now owns the job.
"I try not to read into anything," he said. "I just go out there and do what I do."
Dwayne Bowe had nine catches for 105 yards for the Chiefs, who lost consecutive home games for the first time since 2004 and were without Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson. Priest Holmes, a three-time Pro Bowler, had 65 yards on 20 carries in his first start in more than two years.
"I feel great," he said. "I look forward to running that hill tomorrow and doing the things you have to do to build that base and make yourself better."
Holmes also lost 14 yards on a third-and-2 run from the 5. Clearly, the more effective backup running back in this game was Young, who had his first 100-yard effort and first NFL touchdown.
"I want to be a puzzle piece and try to fit with no space in between," Young said. "I want to step up and not be a dropoff at all, no falloff in one of the most important positions on the team. I felt I've put myself in a position to be able to handle it."
The home team had won the last nine games between these old rivals, and it seemed that would continue as the Broncos stumbled around in the first quarter, dropping two interceptions and getting six penalties.
Jason Elam, whose game-ending field goals produced Denver's first three wins, made it 3-0 in the first period with a 44-yarder. Then Dave Rayner, following Derrick Johnson's interception of Jay Cutler's pass, kicked a 38-yard field goal for KC.
Pollard blocked Todd Sauerbrun's punt through the end zone for a safety just a few seconds into the second quarter. Then Elam kicked his 37th career field goal of 50 yards or more when the ball hit the crossbar and tumbled over from exactly 50 yards.
Cutler, whose availability was in question earlier in the week because of a deep bruise on his left leg, was 17-of-29 for 192 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Graham with 10:44 left in the fourth quarter.
"I felt good the whole game," Cutler said. "The offense put up points when we had to. We've got to keep this level of play up. That's the biggest thing."
Broncos knock around Huard; Holmes rushes for 65 yards in 1st start
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Nobody is happier than Denver to see Kansas City's vaunted Arrowhead Stadium advantage melting away.
With backup Selvin Young rushing for 109 yards and Denver scoring two touchdowns 9 seconds apart, the injury-weakened Broncos beat the Chiefs 27-11 Sunday for their first win in Kansas City since 2002. It's the third home loss this year for the Chiefs, who came into the season with an NFL-best 104-36 home record since 1990.
"The Chiefs have been so good over the years taking advantage of their home field, with their crowd, and finding a way to win," said Denver coach Mike Shanahan. "They have the best home record in the National Football League over the last five or six years and it's nice to come out with a win."
The Broncos (4-5) might also have helped a new quarterback era get started for Kansas City (4-5).
Whip-armed Brodie Croyle replaced shaken-up, turnover-prone Damon Huard in the third quarter and the second-year pro could start next week in Indianapolis. Croyle was expected to be the starter this year, but coach Herm Edwards turned to Huard when Croyle played inconsistently in the preseason.
"I haven't decided anything," Edwards said. "I'll think about it Monday and then we'll talk about what we're going to do at quarterback on Tuesday."
In the decisive series in the third quarter, Dre' Bly intercepted Huard and set up a 20-yard touchdown run by Young, who was subbing for the injured Travis Henry.
On Kansas City's next play from scrimmage, defensive end Elvis Dumervil crashed into Huard and knocked the ball loose. Linebacker Nate Webster, in the right place at the right time, scooped it up and dashed 17 yards for another touchdown. The Broncos led 20-8 en route to just their sixth win in their last 21 games overall.
Huard was slow getting up and stayed on the bench with an ice pack on his neck while Croyle finished the game, going 17-for-30 for 162 yards, with one interception.
"I did some good things," said Croyle. "We moved the ball for the most part."
He declined to speculate whether he now owns the job.
"I try not to read into anything," he said. "I just go out there and do what I do."
Dwayne Bowe had nine catches for 105 yards for the Chiefs, who lost consecutive home games for the first time since 2004 and were without Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson. Priest Holmes, a three-time Pro Bowler, had 65 yards on 20 carries in his first start in more than two years.
"I feel great," he said. "I look forward to running that hill tomorrow and doing the things you have to do to build that base and make yourself better."
Holmes also lost 14 yards on a third-and-2 run from the 5. Clearly, the more effective backup running back in this game was Young, who had his first 100-yard effort and first NFL touchdown.
"I want to be a puzzle piece and try to fit with no space in between," Young said. "I want to step up and not be a dropoff at all, no falloff in one of the most important positions on the team. I felt I've put myself in a position to be able to handle it."
The home team had won the last nine games between these old rivals, and it seemed that would continue as the Broncos stumbled around in the first quarter, dropping two interceptions and getting six penalties.
Jason Elam, whose game-ending field goals produced Denver's first three wins, made it 3-0 in the first period with a 44-yarder. Then Dave Rayner, following Derrick Johnson's interception of Jay Cutler's pass, kicked a 38-yard field goal for KC.
Pollard blocked Todd Sauerbrun's punt through the end zone for a safety just a few seconds into the second quarter. Then Elam kicked his 37th career field goal of 50 yards or more when the ball hit the crossbar and tumbled over from exactly 50 yards.
Cutler, whose availability was in question earlier in the week because of a deep bruise on his left leg, was 17-of-29 for 192 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Graham with 10:44 left in the fourth quarter.
"I felt good the whole game," Cutler said. "The offense put up points when we had to. We've got to keep this level of play up. That's the biggest thing."
Rams Get First Win - St. Louis 37, New Orleans 29
St. Louis 37, New Orleans 29
1:00 PM ET, November 11, 2007
Superdome,
New Orleans, LA - ESPN
Bulger, Holt lead surprising Rams past streaking Saints
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Jim Haslett wasn't ready to return to the place where his first head coaching job began with accolades and literally ended in disaster after Hurricane Katrina.
It took about three quarters of, in Haslett's words, "freakin' awesome" football to make the St. Louis defensive coordinator feel a little better about being back in New Orleans.
Five times since 1978, two teams in the same season have started 0-8. Half of those 10 won their ninth game, including the previously 0-8 Rams on Sunday.
His aggressive defense stuffed Drew Brees and the Saints' high-flying offense long enough to get the Rams their first win Sunday, 37-29.
"It really felt strange, being in the dome, period, after everything the dome went through and after everything the city went through," Haslett said.
"To be honest with you, I didn't think I'd ever come back here. I've kind of avoided the city, not the people, but the city," Haslett continued, noting that his wife, Beth, couldn't bring herself to come to the Louisiana Superdome for the game. "I was hoping we wouldn't play the Saints, so I wouldn't have to come back."
It was a surprising performance from the Rams (1-8), who dominated the Saints (4-5), a team that had climbed back into the playoff picture with a four-game winning streak after an 0-4 start.
Marc Bulger finished with 302 yards and short touchdown passes to Isaac Bruce and Drew Bennett. Running back Steven Jackson, recovering from a back injury, rushed for a short touchdown and even threw a 2-yard halfback pass to Randy McMichael for a score.
Torry Holt, meanwhile, had eight catches for 124 yards, torturing the New Orleans secondary with several clutch catches on third-and-long plays.
Of course, Bulger, Holt, Bruce and Jackson all have had big games before. It was probably a matter of time before they'd start clicking again.
The difference was the Rams' blitz-happy, play-making defense, which intercepted Brees twice, thwarted a scoring threat with a third-down sack, forced an intentional grounding penalty and piled on Brees for another drive-ending loss after the quarterback bobbled a high snap.
"To me, the guy that makes the whole thing go is the quarterback," Haslett explained. "We figured we're not going to let the quarterback sit back there and pick us apart. We were going to take some chances, come after him and try to disrupt him."
Haslett guessed that he called blitzes on about 16 of the first 18 plays the Saints ran.
"Defensively, I think they had a plan for us. They executed that plan very well," Brees said. "They did a great job of getting pressure and their offense really helped the defense out by staying on the field."
Brees finished with 272 yards and two touchdowns, but most of it came while New Orleans ran a hurry-up offense in a belated comeback attempt that finally ended when the Saints failed to recover an onside kick with a half-minute remaining.
As a rookie head coach in 2000, Haslett led the Saints to the playoffs and was named coach of the year. He never got back there, though, as the Saints hovered around .500 for the next four seasons. They went 3-13 in 2005, when Katrina forced the team to relocate to a makeshift headquarters in San Antonio and play all home games outside New Orleans.
Sean Payton took over the next season, and like Haslett, took New Orleans to the playoffs and won coach of the year as a rookie coach.
Payton was worried about this game, however. Coaches placed rat traps around the Saints' training headquarters during the past week, a ploy to prevent their players from overlooking what they saw as a "trap game" against a winless but hungry and talented team.
It seemed to work early on, as the Saints scored on their opening possession, capped by Bush's 7-yard touchdown run. But the Rams would score the next 34 points from midway through the first quarter to early in the fourth.
Boos rained down from the Superdome crowd, this time validating the play of Haslett's unit.
"I've seen that before," said Haslett, who used to complain publicly about New Orleans fans booing at the first sign of things going wrong.
"I read in the paper last week they booed the kicker before he kicked a field goal. I remember when they booed our quarterback [Aaron Brooks] before the game started," Haslett continued. "That's how they are ... but they are good fans. They know their football, they live and die with it, so you've got to appreciate that."
1:00 PM ET, November 11, 2007
Superdome,
New Orleans, LA - ESPN
Bulger, Holt lead surprising Rams past streaking Saints
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Jim Haslett wasn't ready to return to the place where his first head coaching job began with accolades and literally ended in disaster after Hurricane Katrina.
It took about three quarters of, in Haslett's words, "freakin' awesome" football to make the St. Louis defensive coordinator feel a little better about being back in New Orleans.
Five times since 1978, two teams in the same season have started 0-8. Half of those 10 won their ninth game, including the previously 0-8 Rams on Sunday.
His aggressive defense stuffed Drew Brees and the Saints' high-flying offense long enough to get the Rams their first win Sunday, 37-29.
"It really felt strange, being in the dome, period, after everything the dome went through and after everything the city went through," Haslett said.
"To be honest with you, I didn't think I'd ever come back here. I've kind of avoided the city, not the people, but the city," Haslett continued, noting that his wife, Beth, couldn't bring herself to come to the Louisiana Superdome for the game. "I was hoping we wouldn't play the Saints, so I wouldn't have to come back."
It was a surprising performance from the Rams (1-8), who dominated the Saints (4-5), a team that had climbed back into the playoff picture with a four-game winning streak after an 0-4 start.
Marc Bulger finished with 302 yards and short touchdown passes to Isaac Bruce and Drew Bennett. Running back Steven Jackson, recovering from a back injury, rushed for a short touchdown and even threw a 2-yard halfback pass to Randy McMichael for a score.
Torry Holt, meanwhile, had eight catches for 124 yards, torturing the New Orleans secondary with several clutch catches on third-and-long plays.
Of course, Bulger, Holt, Bruce and Jackson all have had big games before. It was probably a matter of time before they'd start clicking again.
The difference was the Rams' blitz-happy, play-making defense, which intercepted Brees twice, thwarted a scoring threat with a third-down sack, forced an intentional grounding penalty and piled on Brees for another drive-ending loss after the quarterback bobbled a high snap.
"To me, the guy that makes the whole thing go is the quarterback," Haslett explained. "We figured we're not going to let the quarterback sit back there and pick us apart. We were going to take some chances, come after him and try to disrupt him."
Haslett guessed that he called blitzes on about 16 of the first 18 plays the Saints ran.
"Defensively, I think they had a plan for us. They executed that plan very well," Brees said. "They did a great job of getting pressure and their offense really helped the defense out by staying on the field."
Brees finished with 272 yards and two touchdowns, but most of it came while New Orleans ran a hurry-up offense in a belated comeback attempt that finally ended when the Saints failed to recover an onside kick with a half-minute remaining.
As a rookie head coach in 2000, Haslett led the Saints to the playoffs and was named coach of the year. He never got back there, though, as the Saints hovered around .500 for the next four seasons. They went 3-13 in 2005, when Katrina forced the team to relocate to a makeshift headquarters in San Antonio and play all home games outside New Orleans.
Sean Payton took over the next season, and like Haslett, took New Orleans to the playoffs and won coach of the year as a rookie coach.
Payton was worried about this game, however. Coaches placed rat traps around the Saints' training headquarters during the past week, a ploy to prevent their players from overlooking what they saw as a "trap game" against a winless but hungry and talented team.
It seemed to work early on, as the Saints scored on their opening possession, capped by Bush's 7-yard touchdown run. But the Rams would score the next 34 points from midway through the first quarter to early in the fourth.
Boos rained down from the Superdome crowd, this time validating the play of Haslett's unit.
"I've seen that before," said Haslett, who used to complain publicly about New Orleans fans booing at the first sign of things going wrong.
"I read in the paper last week they booed the kicker before he kicked a field goal. I remember when they booed our quarterback [Aaron Brooks] before the game started," Haslett continued. "That's how they are ... but they are good fans. They know their football, they live and die with it, so you've got to appreciate that."
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
New England Patriots At Indianapolis Colts Game - Tickets And Preview
From NFL Media.com
Click for tickets to the game!
IT’S THE PERFECT MATCHUP:
UNDEFEATED COLTS & PATS CLASH IN HISTORIC GAME
It hasn’t happened in 88 seasons.
But it will this Sunday in Indianapolis. Two teams with records of 7-0 or better will meet for the first time in NFL history – the New England Patriots (8-0) at the Indianapolis Colts (7-0).
“It will be a circus,” says Colts head coach TONY DUNGY.
Wrong, Coach. It’s already a circus! It is hard to recall a regular-season game that was talked and written about two weeks before it was played. But that’s what has happened for Pats-Colts (CBS, 4:15 PM ET).
“A Week Before Showdown with New England, Colts Must Beat Panthers on Short Week,” said the Associated Press on October 25.
Usually, stories about a team’s next opponent don’t start until perhaps the Wednesday before the game. Not this week.
“Don’t Try to Stop Us; It’s Officially Time to Start the Hype Machine,” said the Indianapolis Star this Monday. “Dream Game Finally Here,” blared the Boston Herald the same day.
The matchup has all the attributes of a classic: last season’s Super Bowl winner against the team that has won it three times in the decade…the league’s top two teams in net points…quarterbacks tied for the most wins since realignment in 2002 – TOM BRADY and PEYTON MANNING (67 apiece)…and opponents that have met seven times in the past four years, including three times in the playoffs.
Everybody will be ready. “You play football for competition, the level of intensity,” says Patriots defensive lineman RICHARD SEYMOUR. “When you have a chance to play against the best team in football, you get excited about it.”
As the NFL reaches the mid-point of its season in Week 9, here are some of the key games:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8-0) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-0)
STORYLINE: The Perfect Bowl!
The Dome will be rocking! What can New England do to take some of the decibels out of those voices? What it has done in all eight of its 2007 games -- score on its first drive, the only team in the NFL to do so in every game this year. The Patriots have scored an opponent-deflating 79 points in the first quarter this season, while giving up only seven points in the period.
Of course, that’s a huge hurdle for any opponent, but if anybody can parry such an opening salvo, it’s Indianapolis. Last season in the AFC Championship Game, it went into the half down 21-6 to New England before outgaining the Patriots 311-149 in total yards in the second half during an 18-point comeback for a 38-34 win.
But who knows what will happen Sunday with these two opportunistic teams? They are tied for the league lead in turnover differential with a plus-11.
PATS-COLTS FACTOID
NFL NETWORK TREATS IT LIKE A MID-SEASON SUPER BOWL: NFL Network will broadcast 36-and-a-half hours of coverage surrounding this Sunday’s Patriots-Colts game, a record for the network for a non-Super Bowl game.
One of the key battles will come between New England’s receivers and Indy’s No. 1 NFL pass defense, led by havoc-causing S BOB SANDERS. The Patriots have two receivers in the top five in NFL catches – WES WELKER (tie, No. 2, 56) and RANDY MOSS (No. 4, 47). They have combined with DONTÉ STALLWORTH for a total of 20 TD receptions.
The Colts hope to get WR MARVIN HARRISON (knee) back this week to prevent the Pats from ganging up on REGGIE WAYNE (fourth in the NFL with 668 yards). New England has added to its arsenal with the return of RB LAURENCE MARONEY (75 yards last week). The Colts, on the other hand, have the league’s top TD rusher, JOSEPH ADDAI (7). These guys always seem to have the answers!
Click for tickets to the game!
IT’S THE PERFECT MATCHUP:
UNDEFEATED COLTS & PATS CLASH IN HISTORIC GAME
It hasn’t happened in 88 seasons.
But it will this Sunday in Indianapolis. Two teams with records of 7-0 or better will meet for the first time in NFL history – the New England Patriots (8-0) at the Indianapolis Colts (7-0).
“It will be a circus,” says Colts head coach TONY DUNGY.
Wrong, Coach. It’s already a circus! It is hard to recall a regular-season game that was talked and written about two weeks before it was played. But that’s what has happened for Pats-Colts (CBS, 4:15 PM ET).
“A Week Before Showdown with New England, Colts Must Beat Panthers on Short Week,” said the Associated Press on October 25.
Usually, stories about a team’s next opponent don’t start until perhaps the Wednesday before the game. Not this week.
“Don’t Try to Stop Us; It’s Officially Time to Start the Hype Machine,” said the Indianapolis Star this Monday. “Dream Game Finally Here,” blared the Boston Herald the same day.
The matchup has all the attributes of a classic: last season’s Super Bowl winner against the team that has won it three times in the decade…the league’s top two teams in net points…quarterbacks tied for the most wins since realignment in 2002 – TOM BRADY and PEYTON MANNING (67 apiece)…and opponents that have met seven times in the past four years, including three times in the playoffs.
Everybody will be ready. “You play football for competition, the level of intensity,” says Patriots defensive lineman RICHARD SEYMOUR. “When you have a chance to play against the best team in football, you get excited about it.”
As the NFL reaches the mid-point of its season in Week 9, here are some of the key games:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8-0) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-0)
STORYLINE: The Perfect Bowl!
The Dome will be rocking! What can New England do to take some of the decibels out of those voices? What it has done in all eight of its 2007 games -- score on its first drive, the only team in the NFL to do so in every game this year. The Patriots have scored an opponent-deflating 79 points in the first quarter this season, while giving up only seven points in the period.
Of course, that’s a huge hurdle for any opponent, but if anybody can parry such an opening salvo, it’s Indianapolis. Last season in the AFC Championship Game, it went into the half down 21-6 to New England before outgaining the Patriots 311-149 in total yards in the second half during an 18-point comeback for a 38-34 win.
But who knows what will happen Sunday with these two opportunistic teams? They are tied for the league lead in turnover differential with a plus-11.
PATS-COLTS FACTOID
NFL NETWORK TREATS IT LIKE A MID-SEASON SUPER BOWL: NFL Network will broadcast 36-and-a-half hours of coverage surrounding this Sunday’s Patriots-Colts game, a record for the network for a non-Super Bowl game.
One of the key battles will come between New England’s receivers and Indy’s No. 1 NFL pass defense, led by havoc-causing S BOB SANDERS. The Patriots have two receivers in the top five in NFL catches – WES WELKER (tie, No. 2, 56) and RANDY MOSS (No. 4, 47). They have combined with DONTÉ STALLWORTH for a total of 20 TD receptions.
The Colts hope to get WR MARVIN HARRISON (knee) back this week to prevent the Pats from ganging up on REGGIE WAYNE (fourth in the NFL with 668 yards). New England has added to its arsenal with the return of RB LAURENCE MARONEY (75 yards last week). The Colts, on the other hand, have the league’s top TD rusher, JOSEPH ADDAI (7). These guys always seem to have the answers!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
NFL Injury Report - NFL Injury Report For Thursday October, 12 2007
From NFL Media.com
Following is a list of injured players for Week 6 Games (October 14-15):
(For updated practice information on Oakland, San Diego and Seattle please check NFLmedia.com Friday morning)
CAROLINA PANTHERS at ARIZONA CARDINALS
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB David Carr (back), RB Nick Goings (concussion), CB Ken Lucas (shoulder), LB Dan Morgan (ankle), LB Adam Seward (calf)
Thursday
QB David Carr (back), RB Nick Goings (concussion), LB Adam Seward (calf)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB James Anderson (thigh)
Thursday
CB Ken Lucas (shoulder), LB Dan Morgan (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
LB James Anderson (thigh)
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Anquan Boldin (hip), WR Bryant Johnson (quadricep)
Thursday
WR Anquan Boldin (hip), T Levi Brown (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Levi Brown (ankle)
Thursday
DE Joe Tafoya (hamstring)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Elton Brown (knee), DE Joe Tafoya (hamstring)
Thursday
G Elton Brown (knee), WR Bryant Johnson (quadricep)
CINCINNATI BENGALS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
T Willie Anderson (knee), LB Rashad Jeanty (shin), S Ethan Kilmer (knee), WR Tab Perry (hip)
Thursday
T Willie Anderson (knee), LB Rashad Jeanty (shin), S Ethan Kilmer (knee), WR Tab Perry (hip)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Ahmad Brooks (groin), DE Jonathan Fanene (knee), RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring), LB Caleb Miller (back)
Thursday
LB Ahmad Brooks (groin), DE Jonathan Fanene (knee), S Dexter Jackson (illness), RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring), LB Caleb Miller (back), DE Frostee Rucker (hand)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Dexter Jackson (illness), DE Frostee Rucker (hand), C Alex Stepanovich (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
C Alex Stepanovich (knee)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Eddie Kennison (hamstring), S Greg Wesley (knee)
Thursday
WR Eddie Kennison (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Dimitri Patterson (hamstring)
Thursday
CB Dimitri Patterson (hamstring), S Greg Wesley (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), QB Damon Huard (right shoulder), CB Benny Sapp (ankle), T Kyle Turley (ankle)
Thursday
LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), CB Benny Sapp (ankle), T Kyle Turley (ankle)
HOUSTON TEXANS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
HOUSTON TEXANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Andre Johnson (knee), LB DeMeco Ryans (ankle)
Thursday
K Kris Brown (left foot), WR Andre Johnson (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
K Kris Brown (left foot), DT Travis Johnson (knee), WR Jacoby Jones (shoulder), DE Ndukwe Kalu (hand)
Thursday
DT Travis Johnson (knee), WR Jacoby Jones (shoulder), DE Ndukwe Kalu (hand), LB DeMeco Ryans (ankle)
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
K Josh Scobee (right quadricep)
Thursday
K Josh Scobee (right quadricep)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE George Wrighster (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Chris Naeole (knee)
Thursday
DE Reggie Hayward (hamstring), G Chris Naeole (knee), DE Paul Spicer (thigh), DT Marcus Stroud (ankle), RB Fred Taylor (groin), TE George Wrighster (knee)
MIAMI DOLPHINS at CLEVELAND BROWNS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Trent Green (concussion), WR Derek Hagan (hamstring), DT Vonnie Holliday (ankle), C Samson Satele (neck), S Travares Tillman (knee), DT Rodrique Wright (ankle)
Thursday
QB Trent Green (concussion), DT Vonnie Holliday (ankle), S Travares Tillman (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Jason Taylor (neck)
Thursday
WR Derek Hagan (hamstring), C Samson Satele (neck), DE Jason Taylor (neck), DT Rodrique Wright (ankle)
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Darnell Dinkins (hand), RB Jamal Lewis (foot)
Thursday
TE Darnell Dinkins (hand), RB Jamal Lewis (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Charles Ali (toe), S Gary Baxter (knees), WR Joe Jurevicius (knee), S Brodney Pool (thigh), TE Kellen Winslow (shoulder)
Thursday
S Gary Baxter (knees), WR Joe Jurevicius (knee), S Brodney Pool (thigh), TE Kellen Winslow (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
RB Charles Ali (toe)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS at CHICAGO BEARS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin), LB Ben Leber (ribs), S Dwight Smith (hamstring)
Thursday
QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin), DE Erasmus James (shoulder), LB Ben Leber (ribs), S Dwight Smith (hamstring)
CHICAGO BEARS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Bernard Berrian (toe), DT Tommie Harris (knee), T John Tait (ankle), CB Charles Tillman (ankle), CB Nathan Vasher (groin), DT Darwin Walker (knee)
Thursday
LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (foot), WR Bernard Berrian (toe), LB Lance Briggs (hamstring), DT Tommie Harris (knee), T John Tait (ankle), CB Nathan Vasher (groin), DT Darwin Walker (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Ruben Brown (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
G Ruben Brown (shoulder), CB Charles Tillman (ankle)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at DALLAS COWBOYS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Wesley Britt (team decision), S Mel Mitchell (groin)
Thursday
T Wesley Britt (team decision), S Mel Mitchell (groin)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), CB Randall Gay (thigh), C Dan Koppen (ankle), RB Laurence Maroney (groin), G Steve Neal (shoulder), CB Asante Samuel (foot), WR Donte' Stallworth (knee), LB Adalius Thomas (ankle), WR Kelley Washington (hamstring)
Thursday
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), CB Randall Gay (thigh), C Dan Koppen (ankle), RB Laurence Maroney (groin), G Steve Neal (shoulder), CB Asante Samuel (foot), WR Donte' Stallworth (knee), LB Adalius Thomas (ankle), WR Kelley Washington (hamstring)
DALLAS COWBOYS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
WR Terry Glenn (knee)
Thursday
WR Terry Glenn (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Anthony Henry (ankle)
Thursday
CB Anthony Henry (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
CB Courtney Brown (biceps), RB Oliver Hoyte (neck)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Courtney Brown (biceps), LB Kevin Burnett (thigh), S Keith Davis (shoulder), RB Oliver Hoyte (neck)
Thursday
LB Kevin Burnett (thigh), S Keith Davis (shoulder)
OAKLAND RAIDERS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Practice Report
Thursday Practice not complete
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Josh McCown (toe), DT Gerard Warren (quadricep)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Derrick Burgess (calf), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (foot), RB LaMont Jordan (back)
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Practice Report
Thursday Practice not complete
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
WR Eric Parker (toe), RB Andrew Pinnock (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Vincent Jackson (shoulder), LB Brandon Siler (back), DT Jamal Williams (coaches decision)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at NEW YORK JETS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Brian Dawkins (neck), G Todd Herremans (knee), T Tra Thomas (knee)
Thursday
S Brian Dawkins (neck), WR Greg Lewis (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Greg Lewis (ankle)
Thursday
G Todd Herremans (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Lito Sheppard (knee), TE L.J. Smith (hernia), RB Brian Westbrook (abdomen)
Thursday
CB Lito Sheppard (knee), TE L.J. Smith (hernia), T Tra Thomas (knee), RB Brian Westbrook (abdomen)
NEW YORK JETS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Anthony Clement (thigh), S Erik Coleman (concussion), WR Laveranues Coles (knee), DE Shaun Ellis (foot), WR Justin McCareins (ankle), QB Chad Pennington (ankle), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), S Eric Smith (thigh)
Thursday
T Anthony Clement (thigh), S Erik Coleman (concussion), WR Laveranues Coles (knee), DE Shaun Ellis (foot), WR Justin McCareins (ankle), QB Chad Pennington (ankle), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), S Eric Smith (thigh)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Darian Barnes (thigh), TE Jason Pociask (back)
Thursday
RB Darian Barnes (thigh), TE Jason Pociask (back)
ST. LOUIS RAMS at BALTIMORE RAVENS
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
RB Steven Jackson (groin), WR Dane Looker (thigh), LB Raonall Smith (knee)
Thursday
WR Dante Hall (ankle), RB Steven Jackson (groin), WR Dane Looker (thigh), LB Raonall Smith (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring), WR Dante Hall (ankle), WR Torry Holt (knee)
Thursday
WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Marc Bulger (ribs), S Corey Chavous (pectoral), DE James Hall (pectoral)
Thursday
QB Marc Bulger (ribs), S Corey Chavous (pectoral)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Gus Frerotte (ankle), CB Tye Hill (back), S Todd Johnson (neck)
Thursday
QB Gus Frerotte (ankle), DE James Hall (pectoral), CB Tye Hill (back), WR Torry Holt (knee)
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
DT Trevor Pryce (wrist)
Thursday
DT Trevor Pryce (wrist)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Derrick Mason (illness), T Adam Terry (ankle), TE Daniel Wilcox (toe)
Thursday
C Mike Flynn (knee), QB Steve McNair (back), T Adam Terry (ankle), TE Daniel Wilcox (toe)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Mike Flynn (knee), TE Todd Heap (thigh), T Jonathan Ogden (toe), CB Samari Rolle (illness), LB Gary Stills (knee)
Thursday
TE Todd Heap (thigh), T Jonathan Ogden (toe), CB Samari Rolle (illness)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
WR Derrick Mason (illness), LB Gary Stills (knee)
TENNESSEE TITANS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
TENNESSEE TITANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle), WR Brandon Jones (knee), G Benji Olson (team decision)
Thursday
DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle), WR Brandon Jones (knee)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
RB Michael Pittman (ankle)
Thursday
RB Michael Pittman (ankle)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Brian Kelly (groin)
Thursday
CB Brian Kelly (groin)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Joey Galloway (team decision), LB Barrett Ruud (knee), DE Greg White (shoulder)
Thursday
WR Ike Hilliard (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Ike Hilliard (shoulder)
Thursday
LB Barrett Ruud (knee), DE Greg White (shoulder)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS at GREEN BAY PACKERS
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
G Randy Thomas (triceps)
Thursday
G Randy Thomas (triceps)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Phillip Daniels (shoulder), WR Antwaan Randle El (hamstring), RB Mike Sellers (heel), LB Marcus Washington (hamstring)
Thursday
DE Phillip Daniels (shoulder), WR Antwaan Randle El (hamstring), CB Fred Smoot (illness), LB Marcus Washington (hamstring)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Santana Moss (groin)
Thursday
WR Santana Moss (groin), RB Mike Sellers (heel)
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
CB Will Blackmon (foot), C Scott Wells (eye)
Thursday
CB Will Blackmon (foot), C Scott Wells (eye)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Thursday
RB Vernand Morency (team decision)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Chad Clifton (knee), TE Bubba Franks (knee), CB Al Harris (back), WR Greg Jennings (shoulder), DE Mike Montgomery (knee), RB Vernand Morency (team decision), CB Charles Woodson (foot)
Thursday
T Chad Clifton (knee), TE Bubba Franks (knee), CB Al Harris (back), WR Greg Jennings (shoulder), DE Mike Montgomery (knee), CB Charles Woodson (foot)
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS on Sunday night
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Jason David (forearm), K Olindo Mare (right groin)
Thursday
CB Jason David (forearm)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday K Olindo Mare (right groin)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Practice Report
Thursday Practice not complete
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
WR Deion Branch (foot), T Ray Willis (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Rocky Bernard (groin), WR D.J. Hackett (ankle), TE Marcus Pollard (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Josh Wilson (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Shaun Alexander (wrist)
NEW YORK GIANTS at ATLANTA FALCONS on Monday night
NEW YORK GIANTS
Practice Report
Wednesday Team did not practice
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Thursday
WR Steve Smith (shoulder)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Thursday
WR Plaxico Burress (ankle), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee), RB Derrick Ward (ankle)
ATLANTA FALCONS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
T Todd Weiner (knee)
Thursday
T Todd Weiner (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Keith Brooking (hamstring), TE Alge Crumpler (knee, ankle), LB Stephen Nicholas (ankle)
Thursday
LB Keith Brooking (hamstring), LB Stephen Nicholas (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), TE Dwayne Blakley (pectoral), DT Roderick Coleman (knee), S Chris Crocker (knee), CB Lewis Sanders (shoulder)
Thursday
DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), TE Dwayne Blakley (pectoral), DT Roderick Coleman (knee), S Chris Crocker (knee), TE Alge Crumpler (knee, ankle), QB Byron Leftwich (ankle), CB Lewis Sanders (shoulder)
Following is a list of injured players for Week 6 Games (October 14-15):
(For updated practice information on Oakland, San Diego and Seattle please check NFLmedia.com Friday morning)
CAROLINA PANTHERS at ARIZONA CARDINALS
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB David Carr (back), RB Nick Goings (concussion), CB Ken Lucas (shoulder), LB Dan Morgan (ankle), LB Adam Seward (calf)
Thursday
QB David Carr (back), RB Nick Goings (concussion), LB Adam Seward (calf)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB James Anderson (thigh)
Thursday
CB Ken Lucas (shoulder), LB Dan Morgan (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
LB James Anderson (thigh)
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Anquan Boldin (hip), WR Bryant Johnson (quadricep)
Thursday
WR Anquan Boldin (hip), T Levi Brown (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Levi Brown (ankle)
Thursday
DE Joe Tafoya (hamstring)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Elton Brown (knee), DE Joe Tafoya (hamstring)
Thursday
G Elton Brown (knee), WR Bryant Johnson (quadricep)
CINCINNATI BENGALS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
T Willie Anderson (knee), LB Rashad Jeanty (shin), S Ethan Kilmer (knee), WR Tab Perry (hip)
Thursday
T Willie Anderson (knee), LB Rashad Jeanty (shin), S Ethan Kilmer (knee), WR Tab Perry (hip)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Ahmad Brooks (groin), DE Jonathan Fanene (knee), RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring), LB Caleb Miller (back)
Thursday
LB Ahmad Brooks (groin), DE Jonathan Fanene (knee), S Dexter Jackson (illness), RB Rudi Johnson (hamstring), LB Caleb Miller (back), DE Frostee Rucker (hand)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Dexter Jackson (illness), DE Frostee Rucker (hand), C Alex Stepanovich (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
C Alex Stepanovich (knee)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Eddie Kennison (hamstring), S Greg Wesley (knee)
Thursday
WR Eddie Kennison (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Dimitri Patterson (hamstring)
Thursday
CB Dimitri Patterson (hamstring), S Greg Wesley (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), QB Damon Huard (right shoulder), CB Benny Sapp (ankle), T Kyle Turley (ankle)
Thursday
LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), CB Benny Sapp (ankle), T Kyle Turley (ankle)
HOUSTON TEXANS at JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
HOUSTON TEXANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Andre Johnson (knee), LB DeMeco Ryans (ankle)
Thursday
K Kris Brown (left foot), WR Andre Johnson (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
K Kris Brown (left foot), DT Travis Johnson (knee), WR Jacoby Jones (shoulder), DE Ndukwe Kalu (hand)
Thursday
DT Travis Johnson (knee), WR Jacoby Jones (shoulder), DE Ndukwe Kalu (hand), LB DeMeco Ryans (ankle)
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
K Josh Scobee (right quadricep)
Thursday
K Josh Scobee (right quadricep)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE George Wrighster (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Chris Naeole (knee)
Thursday
DE Reggie Hayward (hamstring), G Chris Naeole (knee), DE Paul Spicer (thigh), DT Marcus Stroud (ankle), RB Fred Taylor (groin), TE George Wrighster (knee)
MIAMI DOLPHINS at CLEVELAND BROWNS
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Trent Green (concussion), WR Derek Hagan (hamstring), DT Vonnie Holliday (ankle), C Samson Satele (neck), S Travares Tillman (knee), DT Rodrique Wright (ankle)
Thursday
QB Trent Green (concussion), DT Vonnie Holliday (ankle), S Travares Tillman (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Jason Taylor (neck)
Thursday
WR Derek Hagan (hamstring), C Samson Satele (neck), DE Jason Taylor (neck), DT Rodrique Wright (ankle)
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
TE Darnell Dinkins (hand), RB Jamal Lewis (foot)
Thursday
TE Darnell Dinkins (hand), RB Jamal Lewis (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Charles Ali (toe), S Gary Baxter (knees), WR Joe Jurevicius (knee), S Brodney Pool (thigh), TE Kellen Winslow (shoulder)
Thursday
S Gary Baxter (knees), WR Joe Jurevicius (knee), S Brodney Pool (thigh), TE Kellen Winslow (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
RB Charles Ali (toe)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS at CHICAGO BEARS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin), LB Ben Leber (ribs), S Dwight Smith (hamstring)
Thursday
QB Tarvaris Jackson (groin), DE Erasmus James (shoulder), LB Ben Leber (ribs), S Dwight Smith (hamstring)
CHICAGO BEARS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Bernard Berrian (toe), DT Tommie Harris (knee), T John Tait (ankle), CB Charles Tillman (ankle), CB Nathan Vasher (groin), DT Darwin Walker (knee)
Thursday
LB Brendon Ayanbadejo (foot), WR Bernard Berrian (toe), LB Lance Briggs (hamstring), DT Tommie Harris (knee), T John Tait (ankle), CB Nathan Vasher (groin), DT Darwin Walker (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
G Ruben Brown (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
G Ruben Brown (shoulder), CB Charles Tillman (ankle)
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at DALLAS COWBOYS
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Wesley Britt (team decision), S Mel Mitchell (groin)
Thursday
T Wesley Britt (team decision), S Mel Mitchell (groin)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), CB Randall Gay (thigh), C Dan Koppen (ankle), RB Laurence Maroney (groin), G Steve Neal (shoulder), CB Asante Samuel (foot), WR Donte' Stallworth (knee), LB Adalius Thomas (ankle), WR Kelley Washington (hamstring)
Thursday
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder), CB Randall Gay (thigh), C Dan Koppen (ankle), RB Laurence Maroney (groin), G Steve Neal (shoulder), CB Asante Samuel (foot), WR Donte' Stallworth (knee), LB Adalius Thomas (ankle), WR Kelley Washington (hamstring)
DALLAS COWBOYS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
WR Terry Glenn (knee)
Thursday
WR Terry Glenn (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Anthony Henry (ankle)
Thursday
CB Anthony Henry (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
CB Courtney Brown (biceps), RB Oliver Hoyte (neck)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Courtney Brown (biceps), LB Kevin Burnett (thigh), S Keith Davis (shoulder), RB Oliver Hoyte (neck)
Thursday
LB Kevin Burnett (thigh), S Keith Davis (shoulder)
OAKLAND RAIDERS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
OAKLAND RAIDERS
Practice Report
Thursday Practice not complete
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Josh McCown (toe), DT Gerard Warren (quadricep)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Derrick Burgess (calf), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (foot), RB LaMont Jordan (back)
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Practice Report
Thursday Practice not complete
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
WR Eric Parker (toe), RB Andrew Pinnock (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Vincent Jackson (shoulder), LB Brandon Siler (back), DT Jamal Williams (coaches decision)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at NEW YORK JETS
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
S Brian Dawkins (neck), G Todd Herremans (knee), T Tra Thomas (knee)
Thursday
S Brian Dawkins (neck), WR Greg Lewis (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Greg Lewis (ankle)
Thursday
G Todd Herremans (knee)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Lito Sheppard (knee), TE L.J. Smith (hernia), RB Brian Westbrook (abdomen)
Thursday
CB Lito Sheppard (knee), TE L.J. Smith (hernia), T Tra Thomas (knee), RB Brian Westbrook (abdomen)
NEW YORK JETS
Practice Report
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Anthony Clement (thigh), S Erik Coleman (concussion), WR Laveranues Coles (knee), DE Shaun Ellis (foot), WR Justin McCareins (ankle), QB Chad Pennington (ankle), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), S Eric Smith (thigh)
Thursday
T Anthony Clement (thigh), S Erik Coleman (concussion), WR Laveranues Coles (knee), DE Shaun Ellis (foot), WR Justin McCareins (ankle), QB Chad Pennington (ankle), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), S Eric Smith (thigh)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Darian Barnes (thigh), TE Jason Pociask (back)
Thursday
RB Darian Barnes (thigh), TE Jason Pociask (back)
ST. LOUIS RAMS at BALTIMORE RAVENS
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
RB Steven Jackson (groin), WR Dane Looker (thigh), LB Raonall Smith (knee)
Thursday
WR Dante Hall (ankle), RB Steven Jackson (groin), WR Dane Looker (thigh), LB Raonall Smith (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring), WR Dante Hall (ankle), WR Torry Holt (knee)
Thursday
WR Isaac Bruce (hamstring)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Marc Bulger (ribs), S Corey Chavous (pectoral), DE James Hall (pectoral)
Thursday
QB Marc Bulger (ribs), S Corey Chavous (pectoral)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
QB Gus Frerotte (ankle), CB Tye Hill (back), S Todd Johnson (neck)
Thursday
QB Gus Frerotte (ankle), DE James Hall (pectoral), CB Tye Hill (back), WR Torry Holt (knee)
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
DT Trevor Pryce (wrist)
Thursday
DT Trevor Pryce (wrist)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Derrick Mason (illness), T Adam Terry (ankle), TE Daniel Wilcox (toe)
Thursday
C Mike Flynn (knee), QB Steve McNair (back), T Adam Terry (ankle), TE Daniel Wilcox (toe)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
C Mike Flynn (knee), TE Todd Heap (thigh), T Jonathan Ogden (toe), CB Samari Rolle (illness), LB Gary Stills (knee)
Thursday
TE Todd Heap (thigh), T Jonathan Ogden (toe), CB Samari Rolle (illness)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday
WR Derrick Mason (illness), LB Gary Stills (knee)
TENNESSEE TITANS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
TENNESSEE TITANS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle), WR Brandon Jones (knee), G Benji Olson (team decision)
Thursday
DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle), WR Brandon Jones (knee)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
RB Michael Pittman (ankle)
Thursday
RB Michael Pittman (ankle)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Brian Kelly (groin)
Thursday
CB Brian Kelly (groin)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Joey Galloway (team decision), LB Barrett Ruud (knee), DE Greg White (shoulder)
Thursday
WR Ike Hilliard (shoulder)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Ike Hilliard (shoulder)
Thursday
LB Barrett Ruud (knee), DE Greg White (shoulder)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS at GREEN BAY PACKERS
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
G Randy Thomas (triceps)
Thursday
G Randy Thomas (triceps)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DE Phillip Daniels (shoulder), WR Antwaan Randle El (hamstring), RB Mike Sellers (heel), LB Marcus Washington (hamstring)
Thursday
DE Phillip Daniels (shoulder), WR Antwaan Randle El (hamstring), CB Fred Smoot (illness), LB Marcus Washington (hamstring)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
WR Santana Moss (groin)
Thursday
WR Santana Moss (groin), RB Mike Sellers (heel)
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
CB Will Blackmon (foot), C Scott Wells (eye)
Thursday
CB Will Blackmon (foot), C Scott Wells (eye)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Thursday
RB Vernand Morency (team decision)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
T Chad Clifton (knee), TE Bubba Franks (knee), CB Al Harris (back), WR Greg Jennings (shoulder), DE Mike Montgomery (knee), RB Vernand Morency (team decision), CB Charles Woodson (foot)
Thursday
T Chad Clifton (knee), TE Bubba Franks (knee), CB Al Harris (back), WR Greg Jennings (shoulder), DE Mike Montgomery (knee), CB Charles Woodson (foot)
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at SEATTLE SEAHAWKS on Sunday night
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Practice Report
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Jason David (forearm), K Olindo Mare (right groin)
Thursday
CB Jason David (forearm)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Thursday K Olindo Mare (right groin)
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Practice Report
Thursday Practice not complete
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
WR Deion Branch (foot), T Ray Willis (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Rocky Bernard (groin), WR D.J. Hackett (ankle), TE Marcus Pollard (knee)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
CB Josh Wilson (ankle)
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
RB Shaun Alexander (wrist)
NEW YORK GIANTS at ATLANTA FALCONS on Monday night
NEW YORK GIANTS
Practice Report
Wednesday Team did not practice
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Thursday
WR Steve Smith (shoulder)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Thursday
WR Plaxico Burress (ankle), DE Osi Umenyiora (knee), RB Derrick Ward (ankle)
ATLANTA FALCONS
Practice Report
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)
Wednesday
T Todd Weiner (knee)
Thursday
T Todd Weiner (knee)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
LB Keith Brooking (hamstring), TE Alge Crumpler (knee, ankle), LB Stephen Nicholas (ankle)
Thursday
LB Keith Brooking (hamstring), LB Stephen Nicholas (ankle)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE
Wednesday
DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), TE Dwayne Blakley (pectoral), DT Roderick Coleman (knee), S Chris Crocker (knee), CB Lewis Sanders (shoulder)
Thursday
DT Jonathan Babineaux (knee), TE Dwayne Blakley (pectoral), DT Roderick Coleman (knee), S Chris Crocker (knee), TE Alge Crumpler (knee, ankle), QB Byron Leftwich (ankle), CB Lewis Sanders (shoulder)
Friday, June 15, 2007
Browns TE Kellen Winslow Dumps Poston's As Agents - Hires Drew Rosenhaus - Profootballtalk.com
This indicates that Winslow's interested in preparing for a larger contract in the not-to-distant future.
WINSLOW MAKES AGENT CHANGE - PROFOOTBALLTALK.COM
Multiple league sources have informed us that Browns tight end Kellen Winslow has hired agent Drew Rosenhaus. Winslow previously was represented by Carl and Kevin Poston.
Carl Poston was summarily suspended by the NFLPA in 2006 due to alleged delays in the resolution of Poston's appeal of a two-year suspension resulting from his admitted failure to read the final draft of a new contract for then-Redskins linebacker LaVar Arrington. The contract allegedly was supposed to pay two separate $6.5 million roster bonuses in 2006, and Poston claimed that the team pulled one of the roster bonuses from the last version of the deal. He said that he didn't notice the omission because he didn't read the contract. A league source tells us that the hearing on the original suspension will be conducted in September.
It's unclear whether Winslow made the change because of Carl Poston's status, or whether there were other factors. We've previously pointed out that Winslow's rookie deal contained a multi-million-dollar bonus tied to minimum playing time, but that it applied to his rookie season only. Most contracts of this nature allow for the payment to be triggered by reaching the 35-percent threshold in any year of the deal. Because Winslow broke a leg while playing special teams in 2004 and did not qualify for the payment, it was forever lost.
The hiring of Rosenhaus could be a sign that Winslow wants a new contract. However, it was only a year ago that the Browns and Winslow resolved the unfortunate "vroom-vroom, smash" incident by taking back some bonus money, adding a year to the deal, and giving him the opportunity to earn back the lost bonus money via incentives.
He currently is signed through 2010, and is due to earn a salary of $2 million in 2007. Rosenhaus will be eligible for no fee unless and until a new contract is negotiated.
But Winslow has bigger issues than his contract. He is recovering from microfracture surgery, and there are indications that he will be limited at the start of training camp. Still, he played well in 2006 and, if his knee allows him to play, he likely will continue to perform at a high level.
Monday, February 12, 2007
San Diego Chargers' GM A.J. Smith's Constant Fucking With Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer Reaches Boling Point - Schott Fired
Yep. That headline sums it all up. "Chargers' GM A.J. Smith's Constant Fucking With Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer Reaches Boling Point - Schott Fired"
It has been known and well-told that San Diego Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith has not worked to get along with Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer. Indeed, A.J. Smith doesn't have the best image with a number of people. In my book, and that of others, this is stupid. The GM's supposed to get along with the coach -- indeed, supply the coach with a steady stream of capable players that the coach can teach his system to and hopefully win a Super Bowl or two.
But A.J. Smith doesnt' see life this way. Indeed, Smith can be considered as one who was openly screwing with the desires and fortunes of Coach Schottenheimer, from not only failing to retain star quarterback Drew Brees, but earlier passing on Michael Vick -- a sure jersey-seller if not star quarterback -- and basically stocking up on look-alike immoblie White QB's A.J. Feeley, Drew Brees, Phillip Rivers, and Eli Manning for a New York minute. You can't fault Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips or Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron for taking head jobs, you know and I know that typical teams at least lift a wallet to retain their most talented teachers.
This is weird.
Everything about it reads hollow. Look at Chargers' President Dean Spanos statement:
"Today I made an extremely difficult decision: Marty Schottenheimer is no longer the head coach of the San Diego Chargers.
"This decision was so hard because Marty has been both a friend and valued coach of our team. But my first obligation is always to do what is in the best interest of our fans and the entire Charger organization. I must take whatever steps are necessary to deliver a Super Bowl trophy to San Diego. Events of the last month have now convinced me that it is not possible for our organization to function at a championship level under the current structure. On the contrary, and in the plainest possible language, we have a dysfunctional situation here. Today I am resolving that situation once and for all.
"My decision means that our organization will be obligated to pay the last year of Marty Schottenheimer's contract and will begin an intense search for a new head coach at this relatively late date, but these are sacrifices that I believe are necessary to give the Chargers the best possible chance to win on the field this season.
"Our fans deserve to know what changed for me over the last month. When I decided to move ahead with Marty Schottenheimer in mid-January, I did so with the expectation that the core of his fine coaching staff would remain intact. Unfortunately, that did not prove to be the case, and the process of dealing with these coaching changes convinced me that we simply could not move forward with such dysfunction between our head coach and general manager. In short, this entire process over the last month convinced me beyond any doubt that I had to act to change this untenable situation and create an environment where everyone at Charger Park would be pulling in the same direction and working at a championship level. I expect exactly that from our entire Charger organization in 2007."
Dean Spanos must be smoking a big one to think the Chargers are going to have "the best possible chance to win on the field this season." In one fell swoop, he took the best-team in the NFL from early 2008 Super Bowl favorite, to possible division cellar foder for the Oakland Raiders, much to the delight of the Raider Nation.
Ohhh!!!!!!!!
Dean and A.J. have taken a big risk and there's no high reward. Keeping their head guy - a renowned teacher -- was the action that had the best upside. Now, that's gone.
I'm going to go out on a limb and state that Spanos decision was one based on emotion, a snap-judgement, and an argument with Marty. It wasn't calculated at all. How could it be? Spanos himself described the climate as a 'dysfunctional situation.' What does that tell you? It explains that at some point in the recent past, someone had a big angry discussion. I'm betting it was Smith and Schott, with Spanos getting in the middle.
Nick Campena laid it out first back in March 6, 2006, when he wrote: "Looking out from shore, it appears the reluctant marriage between Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith and coach Marty Schottenheimer is this close to the rocks – and the surf's up. There's trouble in what not long ago was perceived as a replenishing paradise."
Campena pointed to the Drew Brees matters, and a February 26th article by Jim Trotter of the San Diego Union-Tribune, where Trotter noted Schottenheimer as stating "I think it's important that there always be communication between the coach and the general manager,” he said during a break at the annual NFL Scouting Combine. (of 2006) “I've sought to see that realized, but, quite frankly, there hasn't been as much communication as I would like.. I think we all understand that ours is a very difficult, competitive enterprise, and in my opinion it's important that everybody is aimed in the same direction.”
Is that the case with the Chargers?
“We'll have to maybe wait and see,” he said.
Well, apparently it's not -- the Chargers are apparently torn apart. And the last time this happened, Bobby Ross was the head guy and Bobby Bethard was the GM. The Chargers never smelled a playoff end-zone after that affair.
Some online newhounds -- the people at Profotballtalk.com seem to think that A.J. Smith is the next person to be fired. This corner says "great" but I also state that allowing rumors of hiring Pete Carroll to replace Schottenheimer is wrong-headed. First, there's nothing to state that Carroll will be a great NFL head coach, second, you don't need the Rooney Rule to know their are great Black and Latino head coaches out there.
Indeed, if the Chargers can't find a good Black head coach out of the 131 assistants in the NFL game, they must be totally stupid. I hope I'm wrong.
But now that I think about it, racism is borne of stupidity, so the Chargers shoud be careful.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Steve Sarkisian Or Bobby Petrino - Raiders Latest Coaching Snub Reveals Problems - Part One
It doens't matter who's take you read, this is the result of a larger problem. Read this work by ESPN's By Len Pasquarelli, first. Then, I'll present others. My overall take is that this is the result of a dysfunctional organization that prides itself on playing head games with people and all in an effort to pove that it's important and powerful, from coaches like Art Shell, to heirs of the ownership, and to young, promissing coaches. It's no accident that this has happned for the second straight year.
First Louisville's Bobby Petrino, now USC's Steve Sarkisian. What's vexing is they -- the Oakland Raiders -- bent over backwards for an unproven assistant college coach and pissed off the more NFL-capable Chargers Coach James Lofton in the process.
Here's Len:
Raiders coaching candidate Sarkisian rejects offer
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
In a strange twist that left the Oakland Raiders jilted by their first choice to succeed Art Shell, Southern California quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian on Friday evening rejected the team's offer to become its next head coach.
League sources who confirmed the move by Sarkisian gave no reason for his decision. The Raiders had offered a contract longer than the two-year deal Shell signed but further details were not available.
In a statement late Friday, the Raiders denied Sarkisian had been offered the job, and said he removed his name from consideration. The statement, in part, read: "The Oakland Raiders were not ready to offer the position and wanted to wait until after the weekend as the organization is still doing its due diligence."
In a separate statement, released by the university, Sarkisian said he wanted to stay at USC.
"I thank them for their interest in me," Sarkisian said. "While the job was never offered to me, at this time in my career, I've told them I want to stay at USC. I strongly believe that the Raiders' job is a great opportunity for whomever their next head coach is going to be."
The presumptive front-runner for the Oakland vacancy for much of this week, Sarkisian interviewed on Wednesday with team officials for the second time in two weeks. He then flew back to Los Angeles, but returned to the Bay Area on Thursday for another round of interviews.
In fact, the Raiders even interviewed Southern California offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, who was Sarkisian's choice to be his No. 1 offensive assistant, on Thursday. That prompted speculation that the club was close to finalizing a deal with Sarkisian.
In their statement, the Raiders said that Kiffin had made "no commitment" to join the staff if Sarkisian landed the job.
Sarkisian, 32, served as the Oakland quarterbacks coach in 2004 and, while he has not been a coordinator or head coach, he fit the mold of the kind of coach owner Al Davis has traditionally sought. Davis typically looks for candidates whose expertise is on the offensive side of the ball, and who are young and innovative.
A former Brigham Young quarterback who played three seasons in the CFL (1997-99), Sarkisian has a limited coaching resume. Beyond his two stints at Southern California (2001-2003 and 2005), Sarkisian was on the staff at El Camino (Calf.) Junior College in 2000.
In a related matter, San Diego Chargers wide receivers coach and Hall of Fame member James Lofton, who met earlier this week with Oakland officials, withdrew his name from consideration for the job.
Beyond Sarkisian and Loton, the Raiders have interviewed current Oakland defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel. ESPN.com reported Tuesday that former Arizona Cardinals coach Dennis Green rebuffed overtures from Oakland officials to arrange an interview.
It is not known if Oakland will expand its search now or simply work from the pool of current candidates.
Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Colts Tony Dungy, Bears Lovie Smith Can Be First Black coaches In Super Bowl
I hope this happens, as it would pave the way for major changes in society and for the better. Kids need to see this. They need to know they have a chance. Other kids, not Black, need to see that Blacks can lead on a national stage.
Dungy, Smith have chance to be first black coaches in Super Bowl
DAVE GOLDBERG
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS - Two weeks ago, Lovie Smith made the three-hour trip from Chicago to watch Tony Dungy's Colts take on Herman Edwards' Chiefs in a first-round NFL playoff game.
The night before, the three old friends and their wives dined at P.F. Chang's in downtown Indianapolis in what was as much a symbolic meeting as a gathering of old pals - three black coaches celebrating the arrival of their teams in the NFL playoffs.
"We talked about starting in '96 in Tampa and some of the things we remembered from then," Dungy recalled on Thursday. "How great it is that we are in the playoffs and that at least two of us have a chance to make it to the Super Bowl. You realized it would be awesome if it happened and, hopefully, it will."
It's officially one game from being awesome.
If the Colts beat the New England Patriots on Sunday and Smith's Bears beat the New Orleans Saints, it would put two black coaches in the NFL's marquee game for the first time in its 41 years. Even if just one of them wins, that, too, would be a first.
There were just three black head coaches in the NFL when Dungy started nearly a decade ago in Tampa, with Edwards and Smith on his staff. Back then, 70 percent of the league's players were black - a percentage that still holds.
This year, there were seven black coaches, including Dennis Green in Arizona and Art Shell in Oakland. Both men were fired after the season, although Shell will remain in the Raiders' front office. The others are Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis and Cleveland's Romeo Crennel.
Though he didn't coach this season, Ray Rhodes coached Philadelphia and Green Bay in the 1990s.
Despite the strides, no black head coach has ever taken the final step.
"Of course, it would be special if that happened," Smith said. "I hope for a day when it is unnoticed but that day isn't here. This is the first time, I think, two black men have led their teams to the final four. You have to acknowledge that. I do, we do. I realize the responsibility that comes with that."
So do black players.
"We're making progress slowly," says defensive tackle Anthony McFarland of the Colts, who played for both Dungy and Smith in Tampa Bay.
"I don't think players think of 'black players' and 'white players.' It shows that for Tony and Lovie to come this far that there are at least some organizations that have confidence that black men can be head coaches. I hope it goes beyond that so we don't have to think of their race," he said.
NFL leaders acknowledge that's in the future.
"We still have problems with the front office," said Pittsburgh's Dan Rooney, one of league's senior owners.
An example: When Jerry Reese was promoted to general manager of the New York Giants this week, he became just the third black man in that key position, joining Baltimore's Ozzie Newsome and Houston's Rick Smith.
The push for diversity actually came from outside the NFL five years ago.
Two lawyers, the late Johnny Cochran Jr. and Cyrus Mehri, released a study criticizing the league for ignoring black candidates for head coaching jobs.
Then-commissioner Paul Tagliabue, a staunch advocate of minority hiring, quickly appointed a committee headed by Rooney to study the problem.
From that emerged "the Rooney rule," requiring any team with a coaching vacancy to interview at least one minority candidate before making a decision. Rooney himself is currently considering Minnesota defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin, who is black, and Chicago assistant Ron Rivera, who is Hispanic, for his team's coaching vacancy.
That rule was a huge step forward.
As recently as 1987, when 200 league and team officials convened for their annual March meeting, there was just one black person among them. Two years later, Shell became the first black head coach of the modern era - there hadn't been one since Fritz Pollard in the barnstorming days of the early 1920s.
Few remember Pollard, although Dungy acknowledged him Thursday as "the Jackie Robinson of pro football."
Another positive sign: Some black coaches who have left their original teams have been hired again. Dungy, Shell and Rhodes all got second jobs after being fired, and Green and Edwards (who was with the New York Jets from 2001-2005) voluntarily left one team and were hired by another.
"That the black coaches are being fired and rehired show that they are becoming part of the system now - they're inside the 'old boy network' instead of out of it," Rooney said. "I don't think people look at their race but just that they're just good coaches. It's a big step from where we were."
Still, the NFL's numbers aren't close to the NBA's, another league with a large majority of black players. It currently has 11 black coaches for 30 teams, and there have been 56 in its history.
The NFL started a minority intern program nearly two decades ago for players and college coaches. It, in turn, has brought dozens of black assistant coaches into the league.
But a year ago, when there were nine vacancies, only Shell, who had been working in the league office, was hired.
It's no wonder they end up rooting for each other to succeed.
"Of course, Tony is a good friend," Smith said. "I'm a big Colts fan since they are on the AFC side of the football. But not if we play them in the Super Bowl."
Thursday, January 18, 2007
USC's Steve Sarkisian Gets Second Interview With Oakland Raiders -- Big Raiders Mistake
It's personally vexing to me that Mr. Davis and the Raiders would reach for someone who ultimately will have to deal with much more than just play calling. I think it's a terrible move. I appreciate how much he wants the job but it's not like being a head coach is a simple matter. I do wish the Raiders would take a hard, long look at how their organization works.
Right now, it's still as if decisions are made on a whim, rather than with hard analysis. It seems as if the organization is in real denial regarding what causes its problems, and that's the simple fact that it has no long term plan for anything. It's really an example in how not to run a football organization and the results show up on the field.
Raiders, Sarkisian chat again - First candidate to get a second interview, he might get an offer, too
By Steve Corkran - MEDIANEWS STAFF
Article Last Updated: 01/18/2007 07:49:20 AM PST
USC assistant coach/quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian returned Wednesday for a second interview for the Raiders coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the search process confirmed.
There are strong indications that Sarkisian won't be leaving town without an offer to be the Raiders' next coach.
Sarkisian, 32, met with Raiders managing general partner Al Davis and other team officials throughout the day Wednesday and into the night. The parties are scheduled to pick up today where they left off Wednesday night, with the potential of the interview lasting until Friday some time.
The Raiders didn't release any details regarding Sarkisian's interview, per team policy. Sarkisian could not be reached for comment.
Sarkisian was the first candidate known to have interviewed with the Raiders, 10 days ago and four days after Davis fired Art Shell. He also is the only candidate who has received a second interview.
In between, Davis interviewed former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel, Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and San Diego Chargers wide receivers coach James Lofton.
Former Raiders assistant coach Marc Trestman also interviewed with Davis but not for the coaching vacancy. He was interviewed as a potential successor to Tom Walsh and John Shoop as the offensive coordinator.After his first interview Jan. 8, Sarkisian said: "It went extremely well. Anytime you get an opportunity to interview with a man like Al Davis, it's a great opportunity and one I'll cherish."
He added that his decision on whether to accept the Raiders job, if offered, won't hinge upon anything that happens with current USC coach Pete Carroll and USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, both of whom have been linked to other job openings in the NFL and college.
"I'm going for this job 100 percent," Sarkisian said. "I'm solely focused on this job with the Oakland Raiders."
Several people close to Davis said he is intent upon identifying and hiring a young coaching prospect. Davis also said he wants a "play-caller" as his next coach.
Sarkisian's role at USC does not include calling plays. Kiffin handles that aspect of the offense. Sarkisian works from the sideline and confers with Carroll on what plays might work best in a particular situation.
Sarkisian has worked with Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart and current USC quarterback John David Booty the past two years. He also worked with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer in his first coaching stint at USC.
He coached Rich Gannon, Kerry Collins and Marques Tuiasosopo during his one season as the quarterbacks coach with the Raiders in 2004. Raiders finished eighth in passing that season. This season, the Raiders ranked 31st in passing.
Davis has a long history of hiring little-known and inexperienced coaches to run the Raiders. He hired Pro Football Hall of Fame coach John Madden in 1969, when Madden was in his early 30s. Davis hired current Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden in 1998, when Gruden was only 34. He also hired current Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan in 1988, when Shanahan was only 35.
All three won at least one Super Bowl, though only Madden accomplished the feat with the Raiders. Davis fired Shanahan four games into the'89 season. The Raiders traded Gruden to the Buccaneers after Gruden's fourth season with the Raiders in 2001. Madden retired after a 10-year career from 1969-78.
Right now, it's still as if decisions are made on a whim, rather than with hard analysis. It seems as if the organization is in real denial regarding what causes its problems, and that's the simple fact that it has no long term plan for anything. It's really an example in how not to run a football organization and the results show up on the field.
Raiders, Sarkisian chat again - First candidate to get a second interview, he might get an offer, too
By Steve Corkran - MEDIANEWS STAFF
Article Last Updated: 01/18/2007 07:49:20 AM PST
USC assistant coach/quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian returned Wednesday for a second interview for the Raiders coaching vacancy, a person familiar with the search process confirmed.
There are strong indications that Sarkisian won't be leaving town without an offer to be the Raiders' next coach.
Sarkisian, 32, met with Raiders managing general partner Al Davis and other team officials throughout the day Wednesday and into the night. The parties are scheduled to pick up today where they left off Wednesday night, with the potential of the interview lasting until Friday some time.
The Raiders didn't release any details regarding Sarkisian's interview, per team policy. Sarkisian could not be reached for comment.
Sarkisian was the first candidate known to have interviewed with the Raiders, 10 days ago and four days after Davis fired Art Shell. He also is the only candidate who has received a second interview.
In between, Davis interviewed former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel, Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and San Diego Chargers wide receivers coach James Lofton.
Former Raiders assistant coach Marc Trestman also interviewed with Davis but not for the coaching vacancy. He was interviewed as a potential successor to Tom Walsh and John Shoop as the offensive coordinator.After his first interview Jan. 8, Sarkisian said: "It went extremely well. Anytime you get an opportunity to interview with a man like Al Davis, it's a great opportunity and one I'll cherish."
He added that his decision on whether to accept the Raiders job, if offered, won't hinge upon anything that happens with current USC coach Pete Carroll and USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, both of whom have been linked to other job openings in the NFL and college.
"I'm going for this job 100 percent," Sarkisian said. "I'm solely focused on this job with the Oakland Raiders."
Several people close to Davis said he is intent upon identifying and hiring a young coaching prospect. Davis also said he wants a "play-caller" as his next coach.
Sarkisian's role at USC does not include calling plays. Kiffin handles that aspect of the offense. Sarkisian works from the sideline and confers with Carroll on what plays might work best in a particular situation.
Sarkisian has worked with Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart and current USC quarterback John David Booty the past two years. He also worked with Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer in his first coaching stint at USC.
He coached Rich Gannon, Kerry Collins and Marques Tuiasosopo during his one season as the quarterbacks coach with the Raiders in 2004. Raiders finished eighth in passing that season. This season, the Raiders ranked 31st in passing.
Davis has a long history of hiring little-known and inexperienced coaches to run the Raiders. He hired Pro Football Hall of Fame coach John Madden in 1969, when Madden was in his early 30s. Davis hired current Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden in 1998, when Gruden was only 34. He also hired current Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan in 1988, when Shanahan was only 35.
All three won at least one Super Bowl, though only Madden accomplished the feat with the Raiders. Davis fired Shanahan four games into the'89 season. The Raiders traded Gruden to the Buccaneers after Gruden's fourth season with the Raiders in 2001. Madden retired after a 10-year career from 1969-78.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Vikings Defensive Coordinator Mike Tomlin Favorite For Pittsburgh Steelers Job
Profootballtalk.com - Mike Florio
TOMLIN TO TAKE GRIMM'S GIG?
At a time when pretty much everyone in the league and the media believe that the Steelers will promote offensive line coach Russ Grimm to the position vacated by Coach Chin, don't rule out Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.
Though some in the organization also believe that Grimm will be the guy, the reality is that the decision will be made, in the end, by Steelers chairman Dan Rooney and team president Art Rooney II, who are being very tight-lipped (we're told) about their plans.
Tomlin is regarded by the organization as a great candidate, but his lack of experience is a concern. Due to the Buccaneers' standard refusal to allow assistant coaches under contract to leave for bigger jobs other than head coach, Tomlin was stuck in Tampa until his deal expired, and he has worked as a defensive coordinator for only one year.
The Steelers conducted a second interview of Tomlin on Tuesday, meeting with him for several hours before taking him to a Penguins game at Mellon Arena.
And unless Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was merely looking for filler for his Wednesday item, the fact that he spent a full article getting the locals ready for the changes that would come if Tomlin gets the job could be a strong hint that Grimm might not be the guy who gets the gig.
We've said it before and we'll say it again -- we'd hire Tomlin. In a heartbeat. He instantly energized a Vikings defense that had played soft and loose and weak for most of the past decade. Sure, he's young; so were Bill Cowher and Chuck Noll.
And there's something to be said for learning on the job. Tomlin will improve, and the team that is employing him when he peaks will be a team that is annually in the conversation for the playoffs and the Super Bowl.
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