"The force out part of that is not reviewable. Whether he caught the ball inbounds or out is (reviewable), but there was clearly no body part that landed inbounds. There was nothing to review."
- Referee Mike Carey, about the controversial, amazing, fourth-down catch by New York Jets tight end Chris Baker in the end zone in the final minute of the Browns a 20-13 win over the Jets.
"That's why you throw a lot in the offseason, with nobody covering. You pretend it's Champ Bailey covering. You have to throw a perfect throw and run a perfect route."
-Colts quarterback Peyton Manning after carving up the stifling Denver Broncos defense, including Champ Bailey en route to a 34-31 victory. Manning was 32-for-39 for 345 yards passing and three touchdowns.
"Larry is All-Pro, and let's get serious, they've got two All-Pro linemen in front of him. Anytime you can't stop the run, it is going to be a long day for us."
-Seattle linebacker Lofa Tatupu, on Kansas City running back Larry Johnson, who ran for a bruising 39 times in a 35-28 KC win over the Seahawks.
"I wanted the fans to get my first touchdown. I don't care about the football. The memory will last forever. As soon as I knew it was me and him, I knew there was no way he was going to catch me."
-Raiders defensive back Chris Carr, on how during his game-breaking 100-yard interception return for a touchdown he wasn't going to let the Steelers quarterbackBen Roethlisberger catch him.
"I particularly like the play calls of the two interceptions for touchdowns."
- Ravens Coach Brian Billick, responding to how his team responded to him assuming the play-calling duties. The Ravens dismantled the Saints, 35-22 and instead of Reggie Bush breaking the ankles of Baltimore, it was Baltimore that pretty much broke the ankle of the rookie tail back. X-Rays were negative, but so were the stats. Nicca.
"Drew actually came up to me before the game (and) said he was rooting for me. Drew's a really, really class act. He's a very pleasant guy, and I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Drew."
- Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo said of the guy he replaced, Drew Bledsoe. Romo basically had a ball, throwing for 270 and a TD as Dallas stormed back from a 14-point deficit in a 25-point fourth quarter in a 35-14 win over the Carolina Panthers.
"You could've put a middle school team out there today. If you can't stop the run, it's hard to win like that because you can't get off the field, can't give the offense a chance."
- Arizona Cardinals linebacker Calvin Pace said after his team lost to the Green Bay Packers, 31-14.
"I haven't got a whole lot to say. Four interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, you can't overcome that."
- Steelers coach Bill Cowher, after starting Ben Roethlisberger one week after a concussion and losing to the Oakland Raiders 20-13.
"We had some key drops. It was hard to do anything with the football today other than hand it off. It's hard to play catch-up in weather like that. We had some chances but we didn't get it done."
- Bucs coach Jon Gruden after his team could get nothing going in a 17-3 loss against the N.Y. Giants. It was billed the "Barber Bowl" since it was probably the last time retiring Giants running back Tiki Barber would face his evil twin brother Ronde Barber on Tampa's defense.
"So many questions start to come when you don't have 100 yards. People start to wonder, are you getting old or have you lost a step? For me, it's all motivation.
If I lost a step and had a day like this today, I'd hate to see if I was a young man what I would have done today with the kind of holes I ran through."
- LaDainian Tomlinson, who romped for 3 touchdowns and a season-best 183 yards in a 38-24 victory over the hapless St. Louis Rams.
"I feel I just need the opportunity to throw the ball. Just give me the chance to do it. I've felt like all along, this is what I could do. They were kind of scared, not knowing what I was going to do," said Vick.
- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who was 20-of-28 for 291 yards in a 29-27 win at Cincinatti. Vick's passer rating was140.6, the second-highest of his career.
"Right now, the offense is looking to find out where the next big play is coming from, instead of saying we're going to drive the ball down their throat. We're not going to get 40-yard passes every series. We have to go out and go three downs and get a first down. We haven't done that."
- Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook, who rushed 13 times for 38 yards in a 13-3 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"You say, 'How did we pull it off?' He made some key plays. The keys with his legs, the touchdown run is something that we want to see."
- Titans coach Jeff Fisher, talking about his rookie phenom quarterback Vince Young. Young ran for 44 yards and threw for 87 more in a 28-22 win over his hometown Houston Texans.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
RAVENS VS. SAINTS THIS WEEK
NEW ORLEANS -- Whew. A brother took a week off to chill, like my Saints did last week. Turns out the Baltimore Ravens also took a week to lick their wounds after dropping two in a row, including a 23-21 loss to the Carolina Panthers. The team returns with coach Brian Billick assuming play-calling duties.
Won't matter.
New Orleans has the league's best home-field advantage. Score one, 28-21, for the hometeam. Not even Ray Anthony Lewis can stop us.
Speaking of homes, former MVP quarterback Steve McNair knows a thing or two about the bayou. He's from little old Alcorn State in Mississippi. The Ravens (4-2) rank 22nd in the NFL with 18.3 points per game, 29th with 284.5 yards per game and 30th in total first downs with 94. That's not gon' get it down in the Big Easy.
Also, from these parts is Baltimore free safety, Ed Reed
. He was a standout prep star at nearby Destrehan High School. Aside from Ray Lewis, Reed is probably the baddest defensive player on the team and top 5 in the league. His best season was 2004. He picked off a team-high nine passes that he returned for a league-record 358 yards, knocked down 17 passes and accumulated 89 tackles en route to being voted the best defensive player in the league and a second straight Pro Bowl.
STATS:
BALTIMORE has won 4 consecutive games following bye, tying for 2nd longest active streak in NFL (Phi., 7)
In only career game vs. Saints, QB STEVE MC NAIR completed 22 of 33 (66.7 pct.) for 252 yards & 2 TDs (0 INTs).
McNair’s teams are 53-21 (.716) when he has 0 INTs …
Runningback JAMAL LEWIS has 336 rush yds (112 avg.)
Cornerback CHRIS MC ALISTER has 19 career INTs, including 2 in past 3 road games, & needs 1 to join ED REED (23) & Lewis (22) as only players in club history with 20.
Kicker MATT STOVER has made 30 FGs in row – longest active streak in NFL.
BY THE WAY, THIS DUDE IS HAVING A PARTY AT THE GAME.
Friday, October 13, 2006
WHAT'S POPPIN' THIS WEEK
BLEDSOE TO T.O.: 'STAY WIT A PLAYA': After the Cowboys demoralizing loss to the Eagles last week, Terrell Owens, who was fuming mad after the game, said his blowup was not directed to quarterback Drew McQueen Bledsoe , but the receiver's frustration with his lack of production.
" Even after the game, [Bledsoe] sent me a text that said, ' Stay with me, (he'll) play better' for me. You can only respect that," Owens said.
Bledsoe said he is trying to get on the same page with Owens, partly because of the missed practice time.
" I've never had a receiver, at least not one who is worth anything, that was happy with the number of times they touch the ball," Bledsoe said. "That's universal."
I'VE GOT TO SAY THAT LSU WAS OUTCOACHED AGAINST FLORIDA: Les Miles, and I half-way like the guy, but I don't know about his coaching a top 10 college program. He just refuses to be creative on offense and has no element of surprise at all. LSU had no answer for Tim Tebow (but I knew this last week!!!!) Still, they refused to adjust to the kid. I hate to put this out there (well, actually it's been out there for a while, but firelesmiles.com should be updated (It was originally started when he was at Oklahoma State.)
MORE LSU STUFF:
IS IT JAMARCUS' FAULT?: LSU coach Les Miles has defended quarterback JaMarcus Russell , who has played like dirt in the Tigers' two toughest games this season (Auburn & Florida) but looked good against the cupcakes.
Miles said of the three interceptions Russell threw in last week's 23-10 loss at Florida, none were the quarterback's fault.
One interception came in one-on-one coverage. The intended receiver was Brandon LaFell, who had a height advantage on the Florida defensive back.
"You certainly can't blame your quarterback ... on the throw to LaFell," Miles said. "There is no more secure one-on-one pass than an opportunity on the outside threshold of a play. You have a 6-foot-2 [receiver] going against a 5-foot-10 [defensive back]. It is a great jump ball with your guy having the great height. At the very worst it is an incomplete pass. LaFell leaves his feet way early, gives up the pick and gets injured."
Russell also isn't to blame for the second pick which was actually a pretty accurate throw to Dwayne Bowe, Miles said; Bowe seemed to catch the ball but it was hit by a Gators defender. The ball flew skyward due to the big hit.
"The one to Dwayne Bowe hits him in the belly and the [defender's] helmet hits Bowe in the belly. You can't blame your quarterback for that," Miles said.
Miles blamed the third interception on a breakdown in protection, forcing Russell to change his throwing motion on a pass to Bowe, who was open.
Miles, however, did not excuse Russell for a fumbled snap on the 1-yard line that cost LSU an almost certain touchdown.
FORMER SAINT IS POPPIN' OFF AT DA MOUF': Upon the Philadelphia Eagles' visit to New Orleans, the speedy former Saint Donte' Stallworth says it's a good thing he's coming back this weekend.
"I left three things in New Orleans," Stallworth said. "Actually, I should say I need to get three things in New Orleans. One of them is my winter coat, because it's getting cold here. I'm coming back to get some winter clothes. I'm coming back to get some Drago's. And I told (Saints cornerback) Mike McKenzie the other day I left about 400 or 500 yards in the Superdome when I was down there in New Orleans over my career, so I need to come get some of that."
" Even after the game, [Bledsoe] sent me a text that said, ' Stay with me, (he'll) play better' for me. You can only respect that," Owens said.
Bledsoe said he is trying to get on the same page with Owens, partly because of the missed practice time.
" I've never had a receiver, at least not one who is worth anything, that was happy with the number of times they touch the ball," Bledsoe said. "That's universal."
I'VE GOT TO SAY THAT LSU WAS OUTCOACHED AGAINST FLORIDA: Les Miles, and I half-way like the guy, but I don't know about his coaching a top 10 college program. He just refuses to be creative on offense and has no element of surprise at all. LSU had no answer for Tim Tebow (but I knew this last week!!!!) Still, they refused to adjust to the kid. I hate to put this out there (well, actually it's been out there for a while, but firelesmiles.com should be updated (It was originally started when he was at Oklahoma State.)
MORE LSU STUFF:
IS IT JAMARCUS' FAULT?: LSU coach Les Miles has defended quarterback JaMarcus Russell , who has played like dirt in the Tigers' two toughest games this season (Auburn & Florida) but looked good against the cupcakes.
Miles said of the three interceptions Russell threw in last week's 23-10 loss at Florida, none were the quarterback's fault.
One interception came in one-on-one coverage. The intended receiver was Brandon LaFell, who had a height advantage on the Florida defensive back.
"You certainly can't blame your quarterback ... on the throw to LaFell," Miles said. "There is no more secure one-on-one pass than an opportunity on the outside threshold of a play. You have a 6-foot-2 [receiver] going against a 5-foot-10 [defensive back]. It is a great jump ball with your guy having the great height. At the very worst it is an incomplete pass. LaFell leaves his feet way early, gives up the pick and gets injured."
Russell also isn't to blame for the second pick which was actually a pretty accurate throw to Dwayne Bowe, Miles said; Bowe seemed to catch the ball but it was hit by a Gators defender. The ball flew skyward due to the big hit.
"The one to Dwayne Bowe hits him in the belly and the [defender's] helmet hits Bowe in the belly. You can't blame your quarterback for that," Miles said.
Miles blamed the third interception on a breakdown in protection, forcing Russell to change his throwing motion on a pass to Bowe, who was open.
Miles, however, did not excuse Russell for a fumbled snap on the 1-yard line that cost LSU an almost certain touchdown.
FORMER SAINT IS POPPIN' OFF AT DA MOUF': Upon the Philadelphia Eagles' visit to New Orleans, the speedy former Saint Donte' Stallworth says it's a good thing he's coming back this weekend.
"I left three things in New Orleans," Stallworth said. "Actually, I should say I need to get three things in New Orleans. One of them is my winter coat, because it's getting cold here. I'm coming back to get some winter clothes. I'm coming back to get some Drago's. And I told (Saints cornerback) Mike McKenzie the other day I left about 400 or 500 yards in the Superdome when I was down there in New Orleans over my career, so I need to come get some of that."
Thursday, October 12, 2006
CALI'S OWN JAY LUV SAYS ... PICK 'EM
My boy Jay Luv, Cali liver but Louisiana native, sends the luv with this week's NFL picks (If he's wrong I'll talk about him). You be da judge.
ALLLLLLLLRIGHTTTTTTT AFFFFFFFFFROOOOOOO!!!!!!!
BUFF @ DET BY 3
BILLS OFFENSE — OVERALL (30), RUSH (19), PASS (29)
BILLS DEFENSE — OVERALL (15), RUSH (19), PASS (12)
LIONS OFFENSE — OVERALL (17), RUSH (32), PASS (6)
LIONS DEFENSE — OVERALL (28), RUSH (14), PASS (30)
CAR@ BALT. BY 10
PANTHERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (23), RUSH (12), PASS (25)
PANTHERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (18), RUSH (21), PASS (16)
RAVENS OFFENSE — OVERALL (29), RUSH (24), PASS (28)
RAVENS DEFENSE — OVERALL (2), RUSH (3), PASS (3)
CINN BY 17 @ TAMPA
BENGALS OFFENSE — OVERALL (16), RUSH (16), PASS (13)
BENGALS DEFENSE — OVERALL (25), RUSH (27), PASS (15)
BUCS OFFENSE — OVERALL (26), RUSH (28), PASS (19)
BUCS DEFENSE — OVERALL (20), RUSH (30), PASS (7)
HOU. BY 6 @ DALLAS YEEEEAAAAAHHHHHH NIGGGGGGGAAAAAA!! YA HEARD IT HERE FIRST!
TEXANS OFFENSE — OVERALL (28), RUSH (29), PASS (21)
TEXANS DEFENSE — OVERALL (32), RUSH (25), PASS (32)
COWBOYS OFFENSE — OVERALL (5), RUSH (3), PASS (12)
COWBOYS DEFENSE — OVERALL (9), RUSH (5), PASS (20)
N.Y. GIA.@ ATL BY 10
GIANTS OFFENSE — OVERALL (2), RUSH (7), PASS (2)
GIANTS DEFENSE — OVERALL (17), RUSH (9), PASS (27)
FALCONS OFFENSE — OVERALL (8), RUSH (1), PASS (31)
FALCONS DEFENSE — OVERALL (6), RUSH (2), PASS (14)
PHILI @ N.O. BY 3 (A BROTHA CAN DREAM)
EAGLES OFFENSE — OVERALL (1), RUSH (11), PASS (1)
EAGLES DEFENSE — OVERALL (23T), RUSH (16), PASS (26)
SAINTS OFFENSE — OVERALL (7), RUSH (14), PASS (7)
SAINTS DEFENSE — OVERALL (13), RUSH (23), PASS (9)
SEAT. @ ST. LOUIE BY 6
SEAHAWKS OFFENSE — OVERALL (21), RUSH (20), PASS (22)
SEAHAWKS DEFENSE — OVERALL (11), RUSH (7), PASS (23)
RAMS OFFENSE — OVERALL (10), RUSH (17), PASS (8)
RAMS DEFENSE — OVERALL (22), RUSH (20), PASS (19)
TENN. BY 7 @ WASH.
TITANS OFFENSE — OVERALL (27), RUSH (23), PASS (28)
TITANS DEFENSE — OVERALL (30), RUSH (32), PASS (18)
REDSKINS OFFENSE — OVERALL (12), RUSH (6), PASS (17)
REDSKINS DEFENSE — OVERALL (21), RUSH (13), PASS (28)
K.C. @ PITT. BY 3
CHIEFS OFFENSE — OVERALL (18T), RUSH (18), PASS (20)
CHIEFS DEFENSE — OVERALL (4), RUSH (18), PASS (4)
STEELERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (25), RUSH (22), PASS (24)
STEELERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (14), RUSH (10), PASS (22)
MIA. @ N.Y. JETS BY 14
DOLPHINS OFFENSE — OVERALL (24), RUSH (27), PASS (15)
DOLPHINS DEFENSE — OVERALL (5), RUSH (11), PASS (8)
JETS OFFENSE — OVERALL (20), RUSH (25), PASS (14)
JETS DEFENSE — OVERALL (29), RUSH (28), PASS (21)
SAN. DOG BY 17 @ SAN FRAN.
CHARGERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (6), RUSH (2), PASS (26)
CHARGERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (1), RUSH (1), PASS (1)
49ERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (13), RUSH (8), PASS (11)
49ERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (26), RUSH (24), PASS (25)
OKL. @ DENV. BY 21
RAIDERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (32), RUSH (9), PASS (32)
RAIDERS DEFENSE — OVERALL (10), RUSH (29), PASS (2)
BRONCOS OFFENSE — OVERALL (18T), RUSH (4), PASS (30)
BRONCOS DEFENSE — OVERALL (12), RUSH (17), PASS (13)
CHI. BY 7 @ ARIZONA (THE WAKE UP CALL OF THE LEAGUE)
BEARS OFFENSE — OVERALL (4), RUSH (15), PASS (4)
BEARS DEFENSE — OVERALL (3), RUSH (6), PASS (5)
CARDINALS OFFENSE — OVERALL (22), RUSH (31), PASS (10)
CARDINALS DEFENSE — OVERALL (27), RUSH (22), PASS (29)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
SAINTS AND EAGLES, GRRRR
New Orleans Saints face the hottest quarterback and one of the hottest teams in the league Sunday when they go up against the Philadelphia Eagles and Donovan Jamal McNabb. "Jamal" is on an insane pace this season after being poo-poo'd on by Terrell Owens last year. McNabb needs only 5 touchdowns to become the 3rd player in franchise history with 150 ((RON JAWORSKI, 175 & RANDALL CUNNINGHAM, 150). Not only has his leading receiver been different every week, but he's connected on at least two touchdown passes in the first five games. Dude don't eeb' much need the red zone. He's got 6 TDs of more than 30 yards.
NOW, interestingly, Saints head coach Sean Payton used to be QB coach right before old McNabb arrived, but still might know a thing or two about Andy Reid's system. Eagles wideout Donte' Stallworth used to be a Saints as well, so he might know tendencies that the receiving corps of Joe Horn and nem teach that could benefit the Eagles defense. It should be a good one. I'll go out on a limb. Saints 30-Eagles 27.
STORMIN' NORMAN?
Monday, October 09, 2006
NFL WEEK 5
First off, it was a good weekend to be from Louisiana. It was awesome to be a Saints fan. It was painful to be an LSU fan. And it's always good to be a Southern U. fan. But first, are you tired of getting robbed by NFL officials? I mean the zebras are dictating the games more than the players these days. If you think like I do, sign the petition to make NFL referees' statistics public.
Notable quotes from the League of Extraordinary Gentleman:
"Once I turned that corner I was just trying to turn on the jets."
Reggie Bush, after his electrifying 65-yard punt return to give New Orleans a 24-21 lead and win the game.
"This is not a lot of fun. Losing is not a lot of fun. Not that it ever has been, but more so now."
Brett Favre, after a demoralizing 23-20 defeat by the Rams. Favre led the Pack to the St. Louis 11-yard line before fumbling with 44 seconds left.
"I'm not going to sit up here and point a finger, so you guys can create a story. It's not about that."
Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens, after losing to the Eagles 38-24. Owens finished with 3 catches for 45 yards.
"It's disappointing. Some of it was just overrunning things. We were a little too anxious, not tackling well, fundamental things."
Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy, after his team escaped with a 14-13 win over Tennessee. Titans QB Vince Young made his first NFL start.
"We really didn't have any answer for them in the second half. He [Philip Rivers] was throwing the ball very accurately. We couldn't get off the field."
Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher, after his team is shellacked by the Chargers 23-13.
"He'll put his career on the line for this team. You have to admire that in the guy. So when he says he wanted to play, I know he did. I made that decision. I don't know if it was right or not, but it was a decision we had to make."
Miami coach Nick Saban, explaining his decision not to play Duante Culpepper. The Dolphins lost 20-10 to the Patriots, after Dolphins QB Joey Harrington was picked off twice.
"All anybody cares about is that we are 0-5. Right now, we have to suck it up. We have to find a way to win and find a way to break free from this mess that we are under right now."
Lions quarterback Kurt Kitna, after building a 17-3 lead over Minnesota only to lose 26-17.
"I don't see any improvement with what we're doing. We don't make a play, we don't make an adjustment to get momentum back on our side."
Oakland defensive tackle Warren Sapp, after the Raiders lose 34-20 to the 49ers.
"I think we can take it as a positive. I think we moved up a little bit as an offense. That was my first start. Now we can just go from there," Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart, after his first NFL start, a 23-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Leinart was 22-of-35 for 253 yards.
"I don't have any explanation to what happened out there. I know we prepared very hard this week, had a good game plan and everybody was confident — including myself. The bottom fell out of it somehow."
Jets quarterback Chad Pennington, after his team was blanked 41-0 by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"That's why he's in Hawaii every year. He plays with that motor. I thought we really focused on him and he still made plays. That shows you how good he is."
Cleveland quarterback Charlie Frye said about 2-time Pro Bowler Julius Peppers, after the Browns' loss to Carolina 20-12.
"We know that we have great talent on this football team, and what I told the guys before the start of the game was that we are not entitled to be successful because we have good talent. I think that is how we played today. We did not wait for someone else to make the big play."
Giants running back Tiki Barber, who rushed for 123 yards in his team's 19-3 win over Washington.
"It's one of those good problems to have — you give up seven points and guys are going mad," "Hopefully, it won't happen again."
Chicago lineman Tommie Harris, after the Bears almost shut out Buffalo save for a touchdown with 1:07 left in the game. Chicago is the NFC's only unbeaten team.
"I'm not going to sit up here and point a finger, so you guys can create a story," "It's not about that."
Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens , after losing to the Eagles 38-24. Owens finished with 3 catches for 45 yards.
"It's disappointing. Some of it was just overrunning things. We were a little too anxious, not tackling well, fundamental things."
Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy, after his team escaped with a 14-13 win over Tennessee. Titans QB Vince Young made his first NFL start.
"We really didn't have any answer for them in the second half. He [Philip Rivers] was throwing the ball very accurately. We couldn't get off the field."
Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher, after his team is shellacked by the Chargers 23-13.
"He'll put his career on the line for this team. You have to admire that in the guy. So when he says he wanted to play, I know he did. I made that decision. I don't know if it was right or not, but it was a decision we had to make."
Miami coach Nick Saban, explaining his decision not to play Duante Culpepper. The Dolphins lost 20-10 to the Patriots, after Dolphins QB Joey Harrington was picked off twice.
"All anybody cares about is that we are 0-5. Right now, we have to suck it up. We have to find a way to win and find a way to break free from this mess that we are under right now."
Lions quarterback Kurt Kitna, after building a 17-3 lead over Minnesota only to lose 26-17.
"I don't see any improvement with what we're doing. We don't make a play, we don't make an adjustment to get momentum back on our side."
Oakland defensive tackle Warren Sapp, after the Raiders lose 34-20 to the 49ers.
"I think we can take it as a positive. I think we moved up a little bit as an offense. That was my first start. Now we can just go from there," Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart, after his first NFL start, a 23-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Leinart was 22-of-35 for 253 yards.
"I don't have any explanation to what happened out there. I know we prepared very hard this week, had a good game plan and everybody was confident — including myself. The bottom fell out of it somehow."
Jets quarterback Chad Pennington, after his team was blanked 41-0 by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"That's why he's in Hawaii every year. He plays with that motor. I thought we really focused on him and he still made plays. That shows you how good he is."
Cleveland quarterback Charlie Frye said about 2-time Pro Bowler Julius Peppers, after the Browns' loss to Carolina 20-12.
"We know that we have great talent on this football team, and what I told the guys before the start of the game was that we are not entitled to be successful because we have good talent. I think that is how we played today. We did not wait for someone else to make the big play."
Giants running back Tiki Barber, who rushed for 123 yards in his team's 19-3 win over Washington.
"It's one of those good problems to have — you give up seven points and guys are going mad," "Hopefully, it won't happen again."
Chicago lineman Tommie Harris, after the Bears almost shut out Buffalo save for a touchdown with 1:07 left in the game. Chicago is the NFC's only unbeaten team.
Friday, October 06, 2006
MO' COOL STUFF
Alright, this is MO STUFF from the official cool stuff issue of Louisiana Love, check out the wonders of the Internet and all its splendors.
This family has been taking a picture of themselves on the same day EVERY YEAR. It's wild how it shows the aging process in a gradual way and shows what's happening to each of us.
Wonder where single women go to meet dudes? BET.com has gave up the goods. Orange apron, anyone?
IN DA, AHEM, BAAAAATHOOOMMM
Alright, this is the official cool stuff issue of Louisiana Love, check out the wonders of the Internet and all its splendors.
TFor those that don't know, the Male Bathroom is a sacred place of age-old ritual and natural bodily function. Check it out.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
RANKING THE 'D' IN THE NFL
Numbers don't lie, but looking at NFL statistics, it's hard to pin down who has the No. 1 defense. There's just too many statistical categories that a team could thrive in. I mean, what's more important, points scored in game, or first downs given up in a game? How about fumble recoveries or interceptions? Or is it third down conversion rate or punt coverage? It's just too difficult. Take a look at all the teams that rank statistically in one thing or another.
Baltimore Ravens - have given up only 3 points in second half this season.
Broncos - have best red-zone defense in NFL, allowing one TD and four FGs in nine attempts. iDd not allow TD in first 11 quarters of season, tying NFL record by 1942 Chicago Cardinals.
Pittsburgh's - defense ranks fourth in NFL against the run (78.3 yards) and have posted top-five mark in league in four of past five years.
San Diego - leads NFL in fewest yards allowed (184.3). Leader: Shawne Merriman is one of two LBs with four or more sacks and an INT.
Philadelphia Eagles - DE Trent Cole is tied for NFL lead in sacks with five. .. ... All three Eagles wins have been by double-digit margins.
Kansas City Chiefs - Defense has not allowed TD pass in franchise-record 12 consecutive quarters to start season. It ranks third in league, allowing 239.7 yards per game. ...
Washington Redskins - Defense is fifth in NFL, allowing 79.5 yards rushing per game.
Tampa Bay's - defense ranks fifth in NFL, allowing 164.3 yards passing per game. ...
New Orleans' Saints - defense ranks second, allowing 4.9 yards per pass, and seventh by yielding 4.5 yards per play.
Miami's Dophins - Defense is second in AFC with 12 sacks
Detroit Lions - Defense allows 3.0 yards rushing per carry, fourth in NFL.
St. Louis Rams - Defense ranks second in NFL with 6.7 INT percentage (8 INTs in 119 attempts).
Buffalo Bills -Defense is ranked second in (296.8) in AFC.
Chicago Bears = Defense has allowed one TD or less in eight consecutive home games, longest active streak in NFL. The team has allowed NFL-low 29 points and ranks first, yielding 21.6 percent in third-down conversions (11 of 51). .
One strange Offensive fact: Indianapolis Colts WRs Marvin Harrison (413) and Reggie Wayne (358) have most yards in NFL by a receiving duo. Neither have caught a TD pass
IN THE SEC, SWAMP THING
Anonomyous SEC phonecall:
Caller: Tebow.
LSU: Who bow?
If the LSU Tigers are concerned about the hottest college quarterback in the state of Florida, they aint saying publicly. But privately, the Tigers have got to be a little scared of the freshman phenom.
The Florida Gators have been licking their chops since last season's demoralizing loss to LSU at Tiger Stadium. They didn't mope around too long; they did something about it: They recruited a raging bull-of-a-quarterback Tim Tebow. Word out da Swamp is that whenever Tebow enters the game the Florida fans stand up and cheer their homeboy like crazy, and when he is sent to the bench, they boo the mess out of senior QB Chris Leak. Talk about ungrateful.
At Florida high school, Nease High, Tebow finished with 9,772 yards passing. In his final game last December, dude led his team to the state championship, throwing for 237 yards and 4 touchdowns, while rushing for 183 and 2 more touchdowns. Senior Chris Leak is the official starter but everybody knows down there in Gatorland, Tebow is the one they pay to see. The Tigers may have trouble with him; he's a big boy: 6-foot-3, 229 lbs. (Leak is 6 feet, 207 lbs). LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell, at 6-foot-6, 260, is a giant specimen himself, but he can't run like Tebow. Tebow is a threat with the ball, but how much is Florida willing to play him? He's only completed 8 passes (12 attempts) for 116 yards this season, but he's rushed for 193 yards on 32 carries and 2 TDS. That's good for 6 yards a carry. If the No. 9 LSU (4-1) can beat the No. 5 Gators (5-0) the Tigers could inch into a BCS BOWL. If not, the Gators will be half-way to vaulting into the No. 2 spot if it can get by Auburn next week.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
QUARTER FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
NFL quarterbacks and the yards they've thrown after 4 weeks:
1. Peyton Manning - 1112
2. Rex Grossman - 1061 yards
2. Donovan McNabb - 1248 yards
3. Chad Pennington - 1015
5. Drew Brees - 1063
That's the top quarterbacks in the league, according to my brother. I will now dissect each one and tell you why they are not all that. Let's start with Peyton Williams Manning. Yes, his football pedigree is second-to-none and he's from the N.O., but is he all that? Being from Louisiana, I'm partial to the kid, but let's look at the facts. Manning's numbers are down this year compared to the first 4 games of last year. His competition (the Giants, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville and Jets) all have losses. Last year this time he'd already thrown for double the amount of touchdowns (Of course, he also set the record for most TDs in a season, so I'll give me a pass here). Now, he's only got 6 TDs and is on pace to get 24. That's down right mediocre for him! Pretender.
And Rex Grossman is not the real deal either. I can't front on his statistics, but his defense is making him look good (think Trent Dilfer and the SuperBowl-winning Ravens). I mean, the Chicago defense leads the league in stopping opponents on 3rd down (a wicked 21%). They also lead the league in fumble recoveries (7) and are tied for third in generating turnovers. I think it's safe to say that with a defense like that, yeah, you're gonna get some short fields and easy points (first defense to shut out Brett Favre). But how will he respond in December? He's had the best games of his short career the last 2 weeks, but can he continue? Pretender or Contender? Pretender.
Donovan Jamal McNabb is the bomb, and he can downright throw one, too. Dude is the sickest QB out there right now. He leads the League in yards and touchdowns (9) and is on pace to throw 36 touchdowns. All his wins have been blowouts except the collapse against the Giants in Week 2. If I can think of anything negative about him, it's that he can be taken out of games if you get into his head. Terrell Owens proved that last season, as the Eagles limped along the rest of the year after T.O. took shots at McNabb. But overall, dudes a Contender.
James Chadwick Pennington has had 2 surgeries for a bad shoulder, including a severly torn rotator cuff. After a stellar beginning in 2003, the last 2 seasons have seen his star fade in New Jersey. Yeah, he's posted two back-to-back 300 yard-passing games, but the competition was suspect (Tennessee, anyone?). He's off to a decent start with 6 Tds and 2 interceptions, but he's been sacked 10 times already (on pace for 40), and his team has been outrushed 200 yards by opponents. Pretender.
Last but not least, Drew Christopher Brees. This quarterback is like having Latoya Luckett on your arm, at a Destiny's Child concert: Not the best at the party, but a pretty date and a smile. Brees, battling major shoulder surgery in the offseason, is trying to prove himself. Fortunately, so is New Orleans right about now. And for a franchise that needs some good things to happen, he's doing a good job. He only has 4 touchdowns in 4 games (including one desperation pass to Marques Colston in the final minute last week against Carolina). His team's lack of a running game threatens to expose him if Duece McAllister and Reggie Bush don't have a breakout run pretty soon. Brees is showing that he can carve up a defense and has unexpectedly been unsackable except for the 4 downers he got at Green Bay (they almost downed McNabb 5 times on Monday night) but Brees' red zone mechanics are suspect. I'll say .... Contender
THE NFL LEADERS:
1. Peyton Manning - 1112 yards / 140 attempts
2. Drew Bledsoe - 662 / 91 attempts
3. Carson Palmer - 917 yards / 120 attempts
4. Donovan McNabb - 1248 yards / 143 attempts
5. Mark Brunell - 950 yards/118 attempts
SAINTS DUDE: Marques Colston is one of only 10 recievers with 3 touchdown receptions,(joining the ranks of Tory Holt and Santana Moss to name a few).
Monday, October 02, 2006
Louisiana ... Flavor
Okay, okay, you know that the most gangsta of the Flavor of Love girls had to be a Louisiana native, right? Why was "Chocolate," the one tossed off the show for fighting over a bed IN THE FIRST EPISODE of "Flavor of Love 2" from New Orleans? It's New Orleans love, but dag, girl. Actually, she says she was born in Lafayette.
I must confess when I see what Flav has accomplished, I feel "blessed like a mug" ... (remember when people use to finish they sentences with "like a mug"? No matter what it was, it was "like a mug" Example: "Man, I was frontin' like a mug at the party." Anyway, Never mind the fact that Flavor Flav could EASILY be in Hollywood if people would see what I see. Dude would have been the bomb as the Green Goblin in the Spiderman movies. Can you imagine? Every time he'd hop on that flying surfboard he could scream, "GREEEEN GOBLIIIIN!!" just like he does "FLAVOR FLAAAV!!"
NFL WEEK 'FO' MADNESS
Questions for the youg NFL Season:
When will the Atlanta Falcons admit that they miss T.J. Duckett and can't cash it in in the red zone? They cruised past Arizona 32-10, but had 5 field goals.
Will Tom Brady ask for a trade following the season (rumor says he's no longer happy in New England)? Still Pats roll over Cincy, 38-13.
Kansas City shuts down the 49ers 41-0, and Herman Edwards saves his job ... for now.
Rams beat Lions, 41-34. (Somebody finally scored 40 points in Detroit, but it wasn't Detroit).
Any team that has Mike Tice (former Vikings coach) employed as a coordinator is going to get exposed sooner or later. Jags get slapped 36-30 by Redskins.
Who has the better defense: Chicago Bears (37-6 over Seahawks) or Baltimore Ravens (16-13 over San Diego)?
What did Aaron Brooks do to Daunte' Culpepper? Texans whip Dolphins 17-15.
Why does Dallas look SuperBowl bound (3 Pro Bowl receivers, an explosive Julius Jones, and 'The Bledsoe 2.0'? They romp 54-14 over Titans.
Who told Peerless Price that he could still score touchdowns? Dude finally got a TD after a 2-season drought.
How long before Art Shell gets canned? Raiders gave up an 18-point lead Sunday to ... Cleveland?! Raiders lost 24-21.
When will Peyton Manning admit that defenses have found out how to contain him? Colts squeaked by the Jets 31-28 in Sunday's best game.
HIGH SCHOOLS INFO: Okay, I don't usually mess with prep ball but in West Virginia, this dude Paul McCoy, a The 5-foot-9, 170-pound senior, rushed for a state record 658 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in a 64-0 win.
The national record is 619 yards by Ronney Jenkins of Oxnard, Calif., in 1995, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.
There is some confusion though. A national high school records historian in West Virginia says the record is held by John Giannantonio of Netcong, N.J., in 1950. He rushed for 739 yards in a game. Aint that sick?
But this dude McCoy had 29 carries and touchdown runs of 69, 1, 53, 56, 52, 20, 31, 84, 87 and 25 yards. He also had a 77-yard TD run called back because of a penalty.
His touchdowns aren't a record though. Ken Pearson of Hugo, Colo., in 1930, scored 12 TDs in a game.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Saints get nipped by 'Dem Cats', 21-18
Meow.
Just, kidding - ROOOOOOOAAAARRRR!!!
That's what the New Orleans Saints (3-1) found out as they fell hard to the Carolina Panthers (2-2)today in one of those I-pop-you-in-da-jaw-you-slap-me-in-the-eye kind of games. Louisiana homeboy Jake Delhomme overcame a weak game to toss a 4-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Drew Carter with 7:15 left in the fourth quarter for the winning points Sunday, 21-18.
The Saints answered the Panthers with rookie Marques Colston's 86-yard touchdown with 1:15 left in the game, a play that would have made John 'Earl' Madden salivate, but the onside kick wouldn't go.
Statistics:: Steve Smith had 10 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown while Keyshawn Johnson nabbed 6 balls for 63 yards. Last week I said Smith would have a buck-fiddy. Okay I was wrong, maybe dude is mellowing a bit because of his family.
Drew Brees was 28-of-38 for 349 yards and a TD. Colston had 5 132 yards on 5 grabs; Joe Horn had 5 catches for 63 yards.
Rookie Reggie Bush was pretty much shut down: 22 yard on 11 carries AND in the 2nd quarter he coughed up the ball at the Carolina 21. With the fumble and the Saints' missed field goal, they gave away 6 points.
Fantasy Football - or Fiction?
My brother's all into fantasy football. He talks with enthusiasm about people such as Tiki Barber, or Javon Walker. I'm sorry, I'm just into the real stuff. When I mention people like Steve Smith, or Donovan McNabb, these people have actually had good games in real, nonfictional situations. Most people into fantasy football always pull these obscure haven't-done-nothing-lately dudes out of the air. (If you say, well, Chad Morton average 28 yards last week in punt returns, they say 'Well Dante' Hall is the man at punt returns ...'. Please, Dante' Hall has been off the map for 2 years now. Let's deal in real-life sichy-A-tions, okay?
Reggie Bush will get 100 yards on the ground today.
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