My Combine Experience

article

-1

2010-03-05T14:18:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

339 7818 As far as the combine, the year I went, I was pretty prepared for it.  I talked to a good friend of mine, Tyvon Branch who plays for the Raiders, who was there the year prior to me going, and he schooled me really well on what to expect and what the surroundings would be. <o:p> </o:p> Once I got there I was excited and it was a big step in the combine process meeting all these guys who were ranked either ahead of me or behind me and all of us being in the same place. Seeing the guys you played against and watched play every Saturday all together and with the same purpose in mind was a great experience. It was also exciting to go out there and show my talent for all of the GMs, coaches and scouts all at the same time. <o:p> </o:p> The first couple of days all you do are your medical tests like X-rays, and MRI’s if you had any previous injuries. Then there are the drug tests, urine tests, blood tests and a lot of poking and prodding. <o:p> </o:p> Once all of the medical stuff is out of the way, you meet with the teams coaches and GM’s that might be interested in you. Each team has a different style as far the interviews. Some of them want to learn about you as a person, your college experiences, and what makes you, you. <o:p> </o:p> Other teams are a lot more focused on the football aspect rather then the personal side of you and will ask you what you would do on a certain play or situation or what type of scheme you played in college and felt the most comfortable with. <o:p> </o:p> It didn’t surprise me that teams varied with their questions. Some of them have already looked at the film of you and know what your accolades on the field are and they are more concerned with you as a person, your personality, and what you are generally like as a person. They will also want to learn if you have ever been in trouble, been arrested, and if you have, what you are doing to turn your life around and get it back on the right track. <o:p> </o:p> Once the actual drills started, by that point, we were tired of waiting as it was the third or fourth day of being there and a lot of nerves have built up. When it came time to actually doing the drills, the adrenalin kicked in and was pumping. It was almost just like a game. Your natural ability took over and you wanted to put out your very best. <o:p> </o:p> Once it was finally over, I was excited and I did really well. But for me personally I thought I could have done better in the 40 yard dash. My times were not as good as I thought they would be. But I knew that I would have another chance during my pro day, and I did a lot better and those times were more of what I expected of myself. <o:p> </o:p> Overall though, I did really well at the combine. <o:p> </o:p> My overall experience at the combine was good, just all of the testing was too long, but in general I was really happy with my combine experience. <o:p> </o:p> I met with the Patriots at both the combine and my pro day and was thrilled when they drafted me. <o:p> </o:p>   <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" /> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Generator" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Originator" /> <link href="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Tom\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /><style type="text/css"></style> Darius Butler is a cornerback with the New England Patriots. His blog for <a target="_blank" href="../../../">www.playerpress.com</a> runs at <a href="http://www.dariusbutler28.com/">http://www.dariusbutler28.com/</a><o:p></o:p> 76.97.188.228

2010-03-05T14:18:00-05:00

my-combine-experience

Yes 123.125.66.75, 67.195.113.247, 76.97.188.228, 201.254.110.36, 66.249.67.114, 174.37.205.87, 174.36.241.148, 66.249.68.210, 96.246.186.6, 66.249.67.121, 72.44.61.86, 128.242.241.134, 85.114.136.243, 89.151.116.59, 216.24.142.47, 64.13.147.187, 67.202.63.158, 75.101.170.136, 67.207.201.144, 67.202.56.119, 74.201.117.226, 38.104.134.114, 69.36.233.15, 208.74.66.38, 208.74.66.39, 142.166.170.101, 70.37.70.230, 72.86.106.15, 184.73.30.105, 64.233.172.6, 142.166.170.104, 75.101.232.27, 63.215.202.234, 71.75.184.48, 97.152.250.123, 65.52.25.231, 72.44.48.172, 24.245.21.207, 83.149.199.55, 204.236.236.41, 66.249.67.165, 75.101.139.240, 83.149.199.54, 174.129.90.99, 67.195.115.214, 174.21.230.86, 142.166.170.100, 66.172.194.105, 218.28.29.236, 198.108.18.12, 174.129.141.17, 75.101.238.112, 70.106.53.15, 71.95.178.68, 74.53.141.18, 216.18.20.8, 204.236.198.91, 65.52.26.149, 70.37.70.228, 174.129.107.161, 67.207.201.145, 74.208.8.17, 174.129.89.199, 89.151.116.54, 74.175.89.66, 208.74.66.62, 174.129.155.116, 142.166.170.62, 174.129.151.126, 38.99.96.233, 38.102.64.34, 78.92.247.128, 174.132.78.162, 67.195.112.49, 206.53.153.183, 174.129.93.37, 148.168.40.4, 69.248.176.108, 74.208.125.5, 24.45.139.243, 24.89.196.52, 24.8.224.132, 64.252.90.24, 24.233.118.69, 98.229.210.79, 24.61.248.154, 98.216.70.148, 75.68.60.12, 173.48.189.127, 192.80.65.234, 141.154.28.227, 174.79.162.200, 68.118.176.153, 99.240.233.229, 95.145.176.223, 72.92.194.27, 71.167.139.4, 98.69.159.197, 24.91.99.58, 138.162.8.57, 216.49.152.85, 173.48.130.143, 65.96.226.215, 99.157.197.122, 67.76.89.214, 173.183.149.106, 66.249.67.238, 75.69.210.44, 78.34.229.72, 76.24.61.203, 68.229.77.242, 69.247.139.113, 66.31.116.95, 24.250.55.88, 71.232.208.219, 85.17.226.119, 67.232.253.225, 96.231.10.227, 71.192.95.224, 150.70.84.154, 150.70.84.27, 173.100.156.150, 69.136.55.88, 71.10.245.15, 125.238.169.190, 98.216.102.229, 98.162.200.22, 98.217.156.167, 166.137.139.152, 96.237.56.11, 74.15.235.213, 98.216.103.108, 99.233.161.50, 72.241.148.40, 72.84.4.19, 96.248.59.62, 74.11.17.186, 60.241.180.154, 109.77.51.198, 62.107.115.113, 67.195.112.36, 76.224.222.153, 69.65.77.153, 65.96.129.27, 66.241.170.23, 67.195.115.42, 69.0.8.169, 192.147.57.6, 66.30.36.93, 75.73.4.228, 71.192.250.224, 66.30.85.247, 198.7.231.201, 71.169.164.224, 71.232.38.50, 109.77.83.134, 149.106.192.131, 72.163.0.129, 63.118.15.130, 83.147.179.82, 69.127.166.199, 68.2.70.109, 71.162.67.149, 96.233.184.37, 76.118.238.51, 202.131.30.147, 71.184.89.13, 76.105.91.44, 174.149.59.205, 72.189.218.63, 198.99.190.238, 218.45.228.180, 98.216.106.126, 96.233.17.46, 174.54.108.31, 74.171.11.73, 173.56.254.136, 216.164.60.110, 75.67.155.207, 96.233.82.204, 216.104.15.134, 128.120.173.106, 98.204.74.46, 66.30.73.21, 76.118.104.204, 123.92.198.212, 184.32.37.53, 173.35.96.172, 70.138.15.51, 24.62.235.227, 68.98.170.9, 68.9.73.97, 71.232.8.73, 24.148.56.37, 24.60.82.188, 98.238.167.42, 24.147.71.194, 209.6.110.16, 98.229.161.137, 123.243.239.12, 24.82.143.181, 67.34.176.39, 99.52.202.77, 75.181.27.0, 74.205.158.60, 87.72.124.47, 98.109.168.86, 75.67.166.6, 72.221.93.232, 66.75.247.22, 24.30.179.254, 204.101.14.66, 89.147.81.221, 74.197.29.121, 69.62.173.26, 94.23.15.84, 71.202.4.223, 92.41.165.62, 76.173.49.234, 195.49.24.36, 86.169.50.129, 78.92.250.66, 71.199.174.154, 119.236.31.152, 67.142.171.25, 75.58.118.195, 216.246.158.110, 24.99.239.86, 68.186.249.60, 68.28.104.229, 98.88.38.114, 206.53.147.23, 99.244.253.0, 98.215.147.172, 76.119.127.254, 76.211.180.180, 98.217.235.59, 99.229.78.167, 69.177.230.94, 96.252.97.77, 71.232.115.107, 69.118.200.62, 68.173.99.74, 76.28.56.214, 71.181.62.32, 24.60.6.101, 62.253.56.165, 24.26.208.20, 75.101.195.195, 174.129.67.212, 76.19.115.91, 65.96.200.73, 24.61.63.42, 94.172.20.130, 70.121.56.163, 76.19.182.122, 66.249.67.10, 98.214.161.25, 94.169.160.246, 71.232.152.211, 98.169.186.118, 24.60.12.191, 64.30.3.122, 204.112.151.3, 98.220.136.251, 76.119.20.214, 81.94.206.226, 81.94.194.34, 64.12.117.14, 87.250.252.241, 66.30.236.90, 74.86.152.41, 76.119.199.49, 82.98.146.99, 201.231.30.29, 74.104.1.131, 184.73.226.116, 123.125.66.70, 66.249.67.89, 12.197.32.82, 201.254.105.136, 24.34.102.124, 146.189.98.78, 24.12.96.166, 209.222.219.18, 69.120.205.34, 166.137.6.150, 32.97.110.54, 173.76.167.153, 96.253.55.29, 174.129.139.3, 69.95.35.2, 66.90.11.41, 216.56.81.2, 67.174.4.16, 71.232.11.174, 208.115.138.254, 216.144.184.67, 208.255.194.12, 76.119.223.235, 96.236.118.63, 96.31.207.202, 75.108.156.246, 144.62.223.53, 205.181.240.194, 66.249.68.57, 74.103.219.242, 80.3.185.120, 192.250.175.25, 99.62.74.194, 71.232.97.108, 131.128.72.11, 66.168.10.53, 71.234.156.31, 76.247.168.137, 66.249.68.8, 202.6.154.95, 72.70.152.159, 24.218.184.113, 68.82.233.108, 66.249.68.236, 67.237.95.5, 98.229.69.197, 75.67.249.175, 207.237.102.159, 72.44.42.173, 67.16.94.2, 74.166.176.182, 66.249.67.120, 216.129.119.11, 65.220.49.4, 67.218.116.131, 58.69.89.155, 192.138.214.116, 96.246.117.182, 98.118.164.91, 209.169.113.150, 74.69.41.160, 76.30.63.218, 174.129.237.157, 66.235.124.56

My Combine Experience

No Darius Butler New England Patriots, NFL Scouting Combine, NFL

My Combine Experience

575

athlete

article

2010-02-25T02:25:00-05:00

Playerpress

89 7692   <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">It’s been a cold week for NFL runningbacks. After years of service, both San Diego’s LaDanian Tomlinson and Philadelphia’s Brian Westbrook were unceremoniously cut by their respective teams.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Tomlinson and Westbrook combined for 18,485 yards rushing and 175 touchdowns on the ground, but were shown no appreciation for years of hard work.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">But if you think they had it tough, name the fullbacks that cleared the path for Tomlinson and Westbrook during the prime of their careers.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">If you named more than just Lorenzo Neal with San Diego, you’re doing great. Fullbacks play in the shadows of stars even though the runningbacks follow in the footsteps of their obscure security escort. Only if the fullback becomes synonymous with the halfback do they get a piece of the limelight: Emmitt Smith and Darryl Johnston; Roger Craig and Tom Rathman. Otherwise fullbacks are treated as dispensable and easily replaced.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a fate expected for Mosi Tatupu, a fullback drafted in the eighth round of the 1978 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He was a professional wingman, enabling the runningbacks to cut through the crowd and shine while getting lost among the big uglies.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">But for 13 years, as the Patriots tried over and over to find a star to play the leading role in the backfield, Tatupu kept barreling his way through defenders, doing his best supporting actor year in and year out. Thanks to his toughness and consistency, he developed a following, Mosi’s Mooses, for his play as a fullback, short yardage specialist, and special teamer.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Tatupu’s rookie season was historic as the Patriots set an NFL record with 3,165 yards rushing. He doesn’t deserve all the credit, but he played a role in it. It’s not just a coincidence that eight times during his career with the Pats the team rushed for more than 2,000 yards. To put it in perspective, New England eclipsed 2K three times before Tatupu, and twice after.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">New England did this with a revolving door at running back. Tatupu cleared the way for five different leading rushers (Sam Cunningham, Vegas Ferguson, Tony Collins, Craig James, John Stephens) and at least 26 runningbacks with the Patriots. Being the constant in the backfield helped the fans become attached to Mosi.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">On top of his blocking and short yardage work, Tatupu was a demon on special teams. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1986, the first Patriot selected for special teams.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">But what endeared Tatupu to the fans was his down to earth nature. He was one of them instead of a football player. Tatupu’s blue collar approach to the game was very much like the fans that supported him – he did his job without fanfare and Tatupu did it with a smile.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">About that smile. Tatupu seemingly is known more for that than the “30” he wore or the half circle of hair between his helmet and shoulder pads. Tatupu’s Cheshire Cat-like grin brightened a room. It was a sight to see his pearly whites under the shade of his moustache. If Tatupu preceded Pat Patriot, you’d swear the grin of the minuteman in a three-point stance was modeled after Mosi’s mile-wide smile. Just add a ‘stache and Pat is Mosi’s mirror image with less hair.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">That smile became history as Tatupu passed away on February 24. The Patriots lost a fan favorite. It’s not easy to quantify Tatupu’s value as a player because he doesn’t have eye-popping stats, nor is there a prolific back that owes much of his success to Tatupu.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">But by being effective for 13 years with one team, Mosi made a name for himself as the names he blocked for changed. Tatupu never was a star player. But Mosi Tatupu won’t be forgotten.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Rest, in Peace, Mosi. Always a Patriot.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=139996266">Obituary</a></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><a href="http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=5291539704938">Sign Guestbook</a></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Randolph Charlotin writes a New England Patriots blog at <a href="http://www.randolphc.com">www.randolphc.com</a>. Send any questions or comments to <a href="mailto:talktome@randolphc.com">talktome@randolphc.com</a></div>   76.119.26.252

2010-02-25T02:25:00-05:00

remembering-mosi

Yes 76.119.26.252, 66.249.68.236, 174.37.205.85, 123.125.66.120, 142.166.170.60, 38.99.96.233, 67.195.114.230, 76.97.188.228, 123.125.66.80, 67.202.7.151, 64.13.147.187, 204.236.232.79, 216.24.142.45, 174.129.157.195, 70.37.70.230, 67.202.40.201, 67.202.5.6, 212.92.18.15, 174.37.205.67, 72.13.91.40, 208.74.66.36, 174.133.61.66, 216.129.119.81, 67.195.115.214, 142.166.170.102, 83.149.199.55, 75.101.139.240, 174.129.90.99, 66.249.67.250, 41.184.7.236, 72.44.54.68, 66.249.68.81, 87.250.252.241, 68.84.28.151, 66.235.124.8, 216.18.20.8, 201.22.71.158, 91.184.88.243, 75.101.176.194, 64.13.222.190, 66.249.68.99, 66.249.68.106, 174.129.237.157, 67.218.116.131, 186.137.24.219, 66.249.68.184, 68.122.56.206, 38.98.19.111, 66.249.68.178, 75.146.195.225, 66.249.68.233, 67.218.116.130, 67.195.112.49, 119.63.198.30, 66.249.68.210, 195.113.214.213, 142.166.170.103, 174.129.139.3, 174.129.176.154, 98.217.118.15, 173.171.51.125, 72.83.165.145, 65.10.143.36, 63.215.202.234, 71.168.92.82, 96.51.87.61, 130.126.214.13, 216.165.95.70, 76.205.1.149, 76.24.29.139, 98.182.36.12, 67.195.113.247, 200.79.138.35, 66.249.67.176, 66.249.67.147, 71.232.115.178, 209.221.3.66, 94.169.164.234, 74.70.79.229, 75.101.195.195, 71.232.249.96, 76.119.199.49, 216.129.119.11, 152.135.235.188, 63.118.15.130, 202.6.154.95, 66.249.67.18, 174.25.128.25

Remembering Mosi

No Mosi Tatupu, New England Patriots, LaDanian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook

Remembering Mosi

writer

wire

2010-02-20T22:09:00-05:00

Playerpress

127 7601 There might have been a good reason Randy Moss didn't appear to play as hard sometimes during the season; he had a separated shoulder.   Moss admitted recently to the Boston Herald, that he separated his shoulder week five against the Denver Broncos.   Though Moss didn't use that as an excuse. He was quoted as saying:   ”I think the whole league played through injuries. When it comes to being a professional, we’re not supposed to cry. We’re not supposed to moan, we’re not supposed to feel sorry for ourselves. I never cry about my injuries,” he said.   ”It’s up to the team and medics if I’m going to take a practice off or a game off. Realitically, I think I needed a couple weeks off. but I knew what position we were in and how we were fighting to stay in the playoff hunt. So I stayed in the game, and tried to play. I played through a lot . . . I’ve never had anything serious like that happen. I had to sleep through a lot. I don’t like taking medications. I’m not into meds . . . I played through a lot of pain."   "Gradually, it healed itself up. I was to have more movement toward the end of the season. A lot of players have injuries. I’m not the only one. ” 96.246.112.236

2010-02-20T22:09:00-05:00

7601-patriots-moss-played-with-separated-shoulder

Yes 123.125.66.69, 123.125.66.65, 66.249.68.187, 211.43.152.49, 211.43.152.50, 69.41.230.11, 142.166.170.100, 174.37.205.67, 96.246.112.236, 206.53.157.191, 207.5.228.180, 211.43.152.51, 216.24.142.47, 89.151.116.56, 67.202.63.158, 91.121.89.155, 174.129.104.29, 174.129.70.181, 72.13.91.40, 208.74.66.38, 70.37.87.67, 123.125.66.132, 174.129.77.106, 88.162.35.120, 66.249.85.3, 174.133.61.66, 75.101.147.15, 74.208.125.5, 174.21.234.55, 64.13.147.187, 123.125.66.75, 216.129.119.81, 98.167.132.47, 174.36.241.148, 85.114.136.243, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.95.55, 204.236.198.91, 65.52.22.215, 89.151.116.54, 70.37.70.228, 174.129.107.161, 208.74.66.61, 83.149.199.55, 216.24.142.46, 67.195.112.88, 216.24.142.45, 166.205.138.56, 75.101.197.164, 67.202.11.246, 174.129.42.87, 208.80.193.63, 83.149.199.54, 66.172.20.57, 69.236.88.115, 66.249.67.133, 74.7.56.38, 67.195.37.188, 174.16.157.81, 75.101.249.213, 38.99.96.233, 72.44.49.134, 75.101.170.136, 84.17.129.60, 67.202.32.232, 75.101.187.3, 72.44.48.172, 75.101.190.114, 82.166.235.235, 66.249.68.97, 94.236.24.154, 128.241.112.231, 38.99.97.241, 75.185.144.182, 174.129.187.162, 174.129.129.160, 208.80.193.41, 64.184.179.76, 87.250.252.241, 186.137.25.72, 67.195.114.253, 142.166.170.101, 206.113.142.245, 72.221.122.105, 109.41.38.61, 208.80.193.43, 79.177.7.99, 66.249.68.175, 32.138.2.107, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.251, 216.129.119.11, 208.80.193.42, 142.166.170.60, 67.195.115.214, 66.167.19.58, 142.166.170.104, 67.218.116.131, 65.200.199.106, 208.80.193.27, 67.16.94.2, 66.249.68.236, 66.249.68.81, 208.80.193.32, 67.195.112.49, 208.80.193.40, 67.218.116.130, 66.249.68.172, 142.166.170.103, 99.240.233.229, 72.155.143.136, 209.6.35.228, 24.87.84.23, 189.107.143.90, 94.169.164.234, 76.119.127.254, 67.195.113.247, 71.174.253.10, 99.62.74.194, 121.134.239.26, 128.103.138.2, 99.253.201.154, 208.80.193.35, 85.17.171.225, 66.249.67.16

Patriots' Moss played with Separated Shoulder

No New England Patriots, Randy Moss, NFL

Patriots' Moss played with Separated Shoulder

2379

featured columnist

wire

2010-02-16T11:13:00-05:00

Playerpress

157 7506   <div>Bill Belichick <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/18338/insider-puts-pats-in-lead-of-peppers-pack">reportedly</a> has his New England Patriots at the top of the list of those wanting the potential free agent Julius Peppers. The Carolina Panthers have until February 25th to re-sign him or put the franchise tag on him.</div> 96.246.112.236

2010-02-16T11:13:00-05:00

7506-bill-belichick-wants-julius-peppers-in-new-england

Yes 98.196.7.120, 66.249.68.155, 206.217.70.125, 123.125.66.125, 96.246.112.236, 211.43.152.49, 211.43.152.50, 64.13.147.187, 65.52.22.222, 216.24.142.47, 208.74.66.39, 208.74.66.38, 204.236.198.91, 89.151.116.61, 67.202.7.134, 72.13.91.40, 75.101.147.15, 174.21.243.205, 186.137.25.72, 75.101.232.231, 174.129.218.179, 142.166.170.104, 216.129.119.81, 70.37.70.230, 67.202.10.201, 174.129.155.45, 75.101.185.232, 67.220.192.215, 65.52.22.215, 72.44.49.134, 89.151.116.54, 64.191.203.34, 204.236.232.79, 67.207.201.152, 174.133.61.66, 70.37.70.228, 70.155.202.34, 123.125.66.73, 74.201.117.226, 69.36.233.15, 123.125.66.90, 38.104.134.114, 74.208.125.5, 64.62.134.170, 174.36.228.154, 142.166.170.60, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 83.149.199.54, 83.149.199.55, 72.44.48.172, 66.249.67.206, 38.99.96.233, 75.101.246.69, 76.97.188.228, 12.37.155.14, 71.75.184.48, 66.249.68.184, 75.101.197.164, 85.114.136.243, 24.62.24.161, 24.218.106.242, 38.100.41.66, 68.14.5.153, 75.101.232.109, 174.129.90.99, 216.24.142.46, 64.12.116.12, 67.202.11.246, 64.13.222.190, 70.160.186.159, 66.249.68.187, 68.116.202.113, 184.73.234.215, 69.171.168.159, 66.249.68.214, 142.166.170.103, 38.100.8.50, 87.250.252.241, 144.62.240.2, 67.195.114.253, 67.218.116.131, 216.129.119.11, 66.249.67.118, 166.205.8.184, 67.202.0.31, 142.166.170.100, 67.195.112.88, 67.195.112.44, 66.249.68.251, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.111.237, 174.129.159.143, 72.249.45.161, 66.249.68.236, 75.69.51.219, 76.19.97.72, 67.195.112.49, 68.163.231.214, 66.249.67.250, 72.94.138.50, 66.249.68.81, 67.202.2.164, 24.46.115.163, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.233, 66.249.68.37, 67.218.116.130, 129.230.248.1, 66.249.67.147, 165.112.151.191, 66.249.68.40, 24.63.109.235, 63.215.202.234, 96.252.2.229, 173.48.189.127, 75.69.210.44, 68.229.77.242, 69.247.139.113, 24.218.232.41, 209.6.35.228, 213.153.23.204, 98.109.123.87, 74.11.17.186, 72.84.4.19, 77.97.168.228, 69.0.8.169, 192.147.57.6, 75.36.185.126, 68.2.70.109, 72.189.218.63, 24.62.244.225, 211.95.101.169, 74.171.11.73, 216.246.145.253, 24.177.63.65, 74.244.130.179, 71.232.8.73, 98.216.19.39, 24.62.141.99, 130.126.220.190, 200.79.138.35, 72.30.142.237, 184.1.15.66, 205.210.176.14, 147.205.224.108, 72.95.108.179, 71.181.62.32, 70.188.170.240, 75.67.229.129, 76.225.187.179, 24.128.77.183, 65.161.254.129, 63.118.15.130, 204.102.216.105, 121.134.239.26, 174.39.155.189

Bill Belichick wants Julius Peppers in New England

No New England Patriots, Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers, Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick wants Julius Peppers in New England

writer

article

2010-02-08T09:41:00-05:00

Playerpress

114 7347 It is like that old Aesop's Fable about the dog and the bone.  Or maybe, it was a colt and a bone.  And this time, the bone that the colt had was a perfect season.  But as the colt stood on that bridge at 14-0, he looked in the reflection and saw a colt with another bone.  The colt thought the other bone looked better, dropped the bone he had, and wound up with nothing.   Two teams ended the season at 16-3, but there is no doubt that the New Orleans Saints were the better team.  The Colts quit on the pursuit of history, no team has won every game in a 16 game regular season and gone on to win the Super Bowl.  The Colts told us that they were not interested in that, and instead wanted only to focus on the Super Bowl.  They did not meet the one goal that was important to them.    The Saints were also 13-0, but their first loss came to the Cowboys in week 15, in a game where Dallas dominated, and was not a result of the starters coming out in the 3rd.  The Colts quit in week 16 with a 15-10 lead.  The Cowboys were  up 17-3 at the half, and the Saints scored 2 fourth quarter touchdowns and still had Drew Brees in the game in the final seconds trying to keep the perfect season in tact.    There have been many who defended the Colts call to rest at the end of the regular season.  The Patriot's season ending injury to Wes Welker in a meaningless week 17 game is one example.  Welker was out for their loss to the Ravens.  Another can be made in seeing a less effective Dwight Freeney hobbling in the second half of the Super Bowl.  There were several questions about Freeney's status leading up to the game, he did start and had a sack in the first half, but struggled as the game progressed.    As for me, as a Patriot's fan, I am still glad the team went for it all in 2007, even though they did come up short in Arizona in the Super Bowl against the Giants.   Some where, there is a saying about being better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.  Or the old adage that quitters never win.  Or some fable about a dog and a bone. 76.97.188.228

2010-02-08T09:41:00-05:00

the-collapse-of-the-colts

Yes 74.110.96.156, 66.249.67.142, 38.98.19.66, 66.249.68.204, 174.36.228.154, 174.37.205.85, 186.137.25.72, 123.125.66.90, 75.101.176.194, 142.166.3.122, 75.101.195.195, 75.101.191.46, 123.125.66.72, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.37.188, 79.182.21.80, 174.129.171.1, 76.97.188.228, 67.202.11.49, 216.24.142.47, 204.236.198.91, 65.52.22.222, 89.151.84.35, 70.37.70.230, 91.121.89.155, 64.13.147.187, 174.129.67.212, 174.129.107.161, 64.246.135.98, 67.202.5.6, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.42, 174.129.139.3, 38.99.97.126, 174.21.243.205, 83.149.199.55, 216.24.142.45, 97.66.30.154, 71.133.60.61, 67.195.114.234, 91.121.53.183, 75.101.233.125, 64.12.116.133, 75.101.219.151, 208.186.200.7, 66.249.68.149, 173.25.48.192, 72.44.33.94, 68.61.74.254, 174.127.132.160, 68.108.76.123, 76.5.130.142, 209.20.84.80, 142.166.170.51, 87.250.252.241, 69.148.180.8, 38.99.97.10, 12.144.134.2, 66.249.67.33, 67.218.116.131, 222.232.53.205, 174.129.237.157, 216.129.119.11, 65.78.28.116, 66.249.68.155, 67.195.114.253, 38.100.41.66, 66.249.68.187, 67.16.94.2, 38.100.8.50, 38.99.97.65, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.68.175, 67.195.115.214, 72.249.45.161, 66.249.68.143, 66.249.68.72, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.67.137, 217.14.6.210, 66.249.68.81, 174.127.132.114, 123.125.66.83, 74.170.218.40, 66.249.67.250, 67.195.113.247, 67.195.112.49, 67.218.116.130, 96.224.2.199, 64.203.217.147, 63.215.202.234, 24.61.67.207, 99.233.89.240, 72.155.143.136, 69.115.241.123, 90.196.123.117, 70.181.94.159, 72.189.218.63, 24.62.244.225, 99.69.54.2, 76.102.28.228, 173.30.125.124, 70.106.40.80, 67.253.31.187, 207.46.204.240, 24.92.26.242, 64.30.3.122, 76.90.33.192, 71.174.253.10, 144.62.223.53, 38.111.224.50, 66.249.67.49, 174.25.128.25

The Collapse Of The Colts

No Colts, Saints, Super Bowl, Perfection, Patriots, Welker, Freeney

The Collapse Of The Colts

793

writer

article

2010-02-02T21:31:14-05:00

Playerpress

191 7236 If the regular season wasn’t enough of an indication of the fall of the Patriots, how they were destroyed by the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card game is all the proof needed to confirm that the Patriots Dynasty established during the 2000’s is over. <o:p> </o:p> If the franchise has grasped this reality, they should have no problem moving forward. Past success won’t win games. The first step <st1:place w:st="on">New England</st1:place> needs to take to put the past behind them is trade QB Tom Brady. <o:p> </o:p> I appreciate what Brady gave the Pats for the past 10 years, but he’s 32 years old and will be two years removed from reconstructive knee surgery that clearly affected his play. He’s not the same anymore. Brady’s best years are behind him and it’s best to move him for draft picks while he still has value instead of holding on to Brady for too long. <o:p> </o:p> Yo…fans. Over here. Don’t believe what I just said. I heard head coach Bill Belichick can’t read italics. No one knows why, he just can’t. So I’m using it to talk directly to you.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Belichick tends to do the unexpected in the off-season. Some even say Bill intentionally goes against predictions. If that’s true, hopefully I can use reverse psychology to make him draft an outside linebacker that can rush the passer with the first round pick.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> If there was a year to draft a franchise quarterback, this is the year. Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, or Jimmy Clausen are all possible first round draft picks. One of them is bound to drop to <st1:place w:st="on">New England</st1:place> at 22. I prefer a tall pocket passer that’s able to see over the pass rush and has the fortitude to stand and deliver from the pocket. <o:p> </o:p>  <st1:place w:st="on">New England</st1:place> doesn’t have an excuse for passing on an OLB as there are several prospects to choose from. They like them big (6-5 250) and fast (4.5 in the 40). Hopefully it doesn’t deter the Pats if the player doesn’t measure up. I don’t want to miss out on someone that produces like Dwight Freeney because he’s not tall enough.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The need for a new leader is reflected in some mock drafts. Two of them have Belichick continuing his outside-the-box approach and selecting <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state>’s Tim Tebow. I don’t agree with the player, but the position is right on. <o:p> </o:p> Mock drafts can be my best friends or worst enemies. I’ve seen two mock drafts suggesting Tebow as the pick. More mocks need to predict this in hopes it pushes Belichick towards the obvious need. But other mocks are suggesting players like Eric Norwood, Sergio Kindle (my preferred choice), and Ricky Sapp. Please stop. You’re only making Belichick want to prove you guys wrong even more.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> And hopefully New England doesn’t draft <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Michigan</st1:placename></st1:place>’s Brandon Graham. While he could be the next LaMarr Woodley, the Pats’ lack of success with past Wolverine LBs (Pierre Woods and Shawn Crable have one sack in six combined years) has me spooked.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The transition from Brady to a new franchise cornerstone won’t be easy. But sometimes, in order to take a few steps forward, a team has to take a couple of steps back. The high expectations of competing for titles every year will have to come down for a while. <o:p> </o:p> 4-12, 5-11, and 8-8. Those were the records of a few teams the season before winning the Super Bowl. The Patriots can be right back in the hunt with legitimate contenders by making the right moves this off-season. The offense has room for improvement at third receiver and tight end. The defense is another matter. Four or five starters are locks for next season, tops. Everyone else can be upgraded.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Ending the Brady era won’t go over well with fans, but it’s best for the franchise and Belichick knows it. His decisions don’t always produce immediate results, but Belichick in the long term is always right. <o:p> </o:p> Like trading WR Deion Branch or when Belichick let CB <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Asante</st1:place></st1:country-region> Samuel go as a free agent. Those worked out great! Both decisions came down to money coming first and they hurt the team. Trading DE Richard Seymour and including LB Mike Vrabel in the Matt Cassel trade were other bottom line moves. How NT Vince Wilfork is dealt with likely will be rooted to the Benjamins too.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> It’s going to be a long off-season. Free agency begins March 5th and the NFL Draft is April 22-24. That’s a month and three weeks to find a new home for Brady in the NFC (<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:state> after Brett Favre retires maybe?) and three spring days to draft the next franchise QB. Belichick shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on a quarterback with the Patriots first round pick. <o:p> </o:p> That first round pick should be for an OLB. But I have a feeling the selection will be a D-lineman, especially if Wilfork is traded for draft picks. I can see Belichick snapping up DT Terrance Cody to be a Ted Washington-like nose tackle for the Pats. The only Kindle <st1:place w:st="on">New England</st1:place> gets would download books, not sack quarterbacks.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> It will be the beginning of a new dynasty this off-season. Belichick will get the Patriots turned around. <o:p> </o:p> The need is obvious, Bill. Don’t screw this draft up.   Randolph Charlotin writes a New England Patriots blog at <a href="http://www.randolphc.com">www.randolphc.com</a>. Send any questions or comments to <a href="mailto:talktome@randolphc.com">talktome@randolphc.com</a>. 76.119.26.252

2010-02-02T21:31:14-05:00

rebuilding-a-dynasty-not-really

Yes 76.119.26.252, 66.249.68.204, 123.125.66.130, 174.37.205.67, 142.166.170.21, 74.110.96.156, 66.249.67.142, 123.125.66.126, 190.17.87.27, 75.101.176.194, 174.129.136.47, 38.99.97.126, 76.97.188.228, 204.236.198.91, 174.129.90.99, 65.52.22.222, 89.151.116.52, 174.129.142.69, 208.74.66.42, 174.129.155.116, 72.13.91.40, 70.37.70.230, 75.101.170.136, 67.202.11.49, 85.114.136.243, 75.101.195.195, 83.149.199.55, 174.129.139.3, 67.195.114.42, 174.133.61.66, 64.13.222.190, 72.44.54.68, 75.101.214.102, 201.254.114.252, 75.101.219.131, 72.44.38.12, 24.34.223.53, 68.51.163.51, 71.171.219.67, 75.101.233.125, 204.236.242.141, 72.44.33.94, 75.101.219.151, 142.166.170.51, 24.17.15.210, 174.129.67.212, 128.101.220.185, 138.202.17.122, 38.98.19.111, 67.195.112.85, 74.3.208.154, 75.101.174.137, 202.131.30.146, 72.44.56.37, 204.236.212.231, 67.202.42.161, 142.166.170.102, 72.44.57.92, 69.63.178.246, 99.151.8.204, 174.129.172.253, 98.118.191.196, 63.215.202.234, 67.195.37.188, 67.202.0.47, 67.195.112.114, 203.131.250.162, 174.129.93.177, 204.236.245.5, 174.129.140.41, 75.101.214.118, 174.36.228.154, 142.166.3.122, 75.101.179.97, 142.166.170.103, 204.236.212.138, 174.129.153.52, 67.202.11.26, 38.99.97.241, 67.202.2.164, 75.101.254.111, 174.129.61.74, 87.250.252.241, 174.129.106.64, 174.129.144.34, 119.63.198.40, 204.236.211.119, 75.101.197.161, 174.129.159.143, 67.202.56.227, 67.218.116.131, 68.202.101.144, 66.249.68.80, 72.44.42.173, 186.137.25.72, 174.129.72.66, 216.129.119.11, 204.236.242.36, 75.101.179.141, 75.101.216.126, 174.129.106.91, 174.129.163.50, 174.129.64.213, 174.129.191.9, 67.202.41.44, 174.129.112.194, 204.236.244.231, 66.249.67.44, 174.129.103.67, 142.166.170.100, 75.101.215.253, 67.195.114.234, 174.129.127.87, 174.129.82.216, 72.44.53.29, 72.44.48.77, 174.129.80.172, 173.25.48.192, 174.129.107.185, 174.129.80.215, 67.202.56.158, 75.101.241.159, 75.101.168.14, 75.101.209.28, 173.29.88.235, 174.129.65.79, 67.202.16.163, 75.101.230.83, 67.202.62.167, 75.101.218.170, 75.101.234.148, 67.202.0.31, 67.202.34.132, 204.236.221.147, 67.202.48.58, 67.202.13.67, 38.99.97.10, 174.129.154.179, 174.129.146.92, 174.129.152.208, 174.129.171.75, 76.115.134.56, 66.249.68.149, 75.101.172.6, 204.236.197.86, 67.202.10.125, 72.44.61.170, 75.101.204.87, 174.129.59.49, 67.202.35.83, 75.101.172.174, 66.249.68.155, 174.129.86.87, 66.249.68.121, 204.236.241.141, 76.105.182.95, 84.146.61.222, 67.195.114.253, 66.249.67.167, 67.16.94.2, 66.249.68.187, 38.100.8.50, 38.99.97.65, 67.195.112.88, 61.247.222.46, 74.54.97.61, 94.23.238.27, 129.71.101.175, 206.74.10.244, 24.91.165.74, 66.249.68.251, 205.209.170.10, 72.249.45.161, 123.125.66.121, 66.249.68.72, 66.249.67.214, 66.249.68.236, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.184, 67.195.112.49, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.67.75, 66.249.68.233, 38.99.96.233, 67.218.116.130, 66.249.68.172, 207.46.204.178, 66.249.68.210, 67.195.113.247, 71.174.253.10

Rebuilding a Dynasty (not really)

No Bill Belichick, NFL Draft, Tom Brady, Vince Wilfork, Asante Samuel, Deion Branch, Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel, Sergio Kindle, Ricky Sapp, Eric Norwood, Terrance Cody, Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, Jimmy Clausen, Shawn Crable, Pierre Woods, Tim Tebow

Rebuilding a Dynasty (not really)

writer

wire

2010-01-20T00:22:00-05:00

Playerpress

97 7064  Time to put your two cents in for the Championship games.    AFC: Colts vs. Jets     Yes, I believe in curses.  I lived with the Curse of the Bambino for 35 years.  And it plagued the Red Sox for 86 years.  There must be some kind of curse against the Cubs.  Blame the billygoat or the crazy foul ball in 2003, there must be larger forces at work here.  So here is the latest curse I have discovered.  My own personal Playerpress curse.  I joined in May.  In June, the Lakers won the NBA Championship.  As a fan of the Celtics, this was the worst possible scenario.  Of course, as a baseball fan, I was still looking forward to the World Series.  And the worst possible scenario?  The Yankees won.  Fast forward to this Sunday.  On one hand, there are the Colts, one of the biggest rivals of the Patriots.  Peyton Manning could move one step closer to another Superbowl win and another ring closer to Tom Brady.  On the other hand, the Jets, the divisional rival of the Patriots.   This rivalry has always been heated, but the flames really turned up when Bill Parcells left New England to go to the Jets.  He often referred to the "border wars".  You can still see signs of these border wars as Boston is invaded by New York students.  A Superbowl on top of a World Series?  I am completely torn who to root for in this one.  But I really think the Colts will win.   I am not sure I will be disappointed if the Jets win.  I guess I really have to root for the NFC.     NFC: Saints vs. Vikings     So that brings me to the NFC.  I guess I should start thinking about which team has a better chance against the AFC.  It seems the best two teams are playing for the chance to make it to the Superbowl.  Drew Brees hopes to lead New Orleans to their first Superbowl appearance.  The Superdome has hosted more Superbowls than any other venue, and on Sunday it will host the NFC Championship for the first time.  This is a huge advantage, as the Vikings were 9-0 at home, but only 4-4 on the road.  Still, Brett Favre comes to New Orleans hoping to become the first quarterback to lead two different teams to Superbowl victories.  This could also lead to the first championship for the Vikings, who are 0-4 as a franchise.       The Picks....     My picks are Saints and Colts.  But I have only been half right the entire post season.  I have also been wrong about the Jets every week.  Following that logic, I will be wrong about the Jets and right about the Saints.  But I still pick the Saints and Colts anyway.  Here are the records so far, but feel free to leave your comments even if you are not listed here....     Boltmaster (no picks wildcard week) (1-3) Chargers, Ravens, Cardinals, Vikings MCHomer (3-5,2-2)  Saints, Ravens, Vikings, Chargers Benn Hodapp (1-7,1-3) Jets, Ravens, Cardinals, Cowboys (sorry Benn, no O for all) RandolphC (6-2,2-2) San Diego, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Dallas Flash Greyhound (3-5,1-3) Chargers, Ravens, Saints, Cowgirls Bamababe2k9 (no picks wildcard week) (2-2) Chargers, Colts, Cowboys, Saints Kerri Senno (4-4,2-2) Chargers, Ravens, Vikings, Saints Nolan Thomas (1-7,1-3) Chargers, Colts, Cowboys, Cardinals Yours Truly (4-4,2-2) Chargers, Colts, Cowboys, Saints  Playerpress weekend : 14-22 Playerpress postseason: 25-39   76.97.188.228

2010-01-20T00:22:00-05:00

7064-get-your-championship-picks

Yes 74.99.89.230, 66.249.68.137, 174.36.241.157, 142.166.3.122, 186.137.26.75, 174.37.205.85, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.67.162, 67.195.114.42, 38.99.97.126, 123.125.66.129, 174.129.141.17, 173.9.12.233, 76.97.188.228, 72.230.58.12, 162.84.243.233, 64.12.117.80, 69.160.245.102, 75.5.235.16, 75.101.215.115, 142.166.170.51, 142.166.170.104, 123.125.66.65, 66.249.68.228, 94.23.15.84, 69.248.176.108, 205.188.117.80, 205.188.116.144, 216.220.47.73, 142.166.170.103, 98.207.28.7, 64.13.222.190, 69.86.203.84, 67.218.116.131, 66.209.225.210, 88.191.89.58, 142.166.170.100, 74.110.96.156, 66.249.68.248, 68.81.166.28, 76.119.26.252, 66.249.68.16, 67.218.116.130, 174.127.132.155, 216.129.119.11, 12.5.144.20, 87.250.252.241, 67.202.15.176, 142.166.170.101, 68.37.165.170, 67.242.89.232, 66.249.67.229, 76.28.216.91, 174.127.132.136, 24.34.223.53, 205.156.136.229, 132.235.143.29, 66.249.68.245, 123.125.66.63, 142.166.170.21, 174.37.205.86, 123.125.66.133, 66.92.228.194, 173.31.188.56, 66.249.67.146, 66.249.68.7, 67.195.115.216, 71.235.41.213, 67.163.246.25, 119.63.198.3, 201.254.115.207, 67.195.112.85, 67.195.114.234, 38.99.97.10, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.37.188, 76.195.180.168, 66.249.68.3, 65.55.207.28, 67.195.112.114, 123.125.66.124, 65.55.106.209, 38.100.41.66, 38.100.8.50, 67.16.94.2, 87.231.127.151, 67.195.114.253, 94.23.238.27, 65.55.106.183, 67.195.113.241, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.72, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.112.49, 67.195.113.247, 207.46.195.228, 65.55.110.184

Get Your Championship Picks

No Saints, Colts, Patriots

Get Your Championship Picks

writer

article

2010-01-11T21:55:37-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

161 6944  Tell me if this has happened to you.  Pregame was going just fine.  Had my beverage of choice and some chips.  Kerri Corazon made a really good Chicken Pizza.  Coming up, Ravens and Patriots on HDTV.    Then, I pushed a button on the remote.    In our house, as I imagine it is in most houses, we all have things we can do and things we are not supposed to do.  We have a music room, with a piano and a guitar and other instruments, and if I am there, I know what I can do.  And when I am in the living room, the tech stuff is not my department.    So now the game is starting and the TV is out.  I have no idea what I did, and Kerri is busy troubleshooting it.  And I am thinking, what did I do to the football gods to take away this playoff game from me?  And do you know when this happens, and you feel like 5 minutes is an hour.  It was, no exaggeration, 20 minutes.    Kerri, as I knew she would, fixed it.  In between the choice words that I added in about the TV.  And then I learned something about the football gods.  Maybe they were not cruel.  Maybe they were just saving me from what was more cruel.  By the time the TV situation was fixed, the Ravens were up 14 to 0.  Then Tom Brady threw an interception.  Then Kerri took the remote away, and every other object I might have used to hurt the television.    But this was not unexpected.  With the injury to Wes Welker, I was starting to have my doubts.  With all of the controversy of the Colts quitting in Week 16, exhibit A in favor of the Colts is the injury to Welker in Week 17.  But the Patriots philosophy has always been that football players play football.  And Welker's injury was in the first quarter.  It seems unavoidable.  I am glad that the team I root for, the Pats, go for it.    There was talk before the game about how the Patriots were 5-0 against the Ravens.  New England this season was 8-0 at home.  The Pats had not lost a playoff game at home since 1978.  This stat, was at best, quite flawed.  Did a Houston Oilers victory that happened before many of today's players were born have any bearing on this game?  Also, many of those Patriot teams did not make the playoffs.    The Pats were trailing 33-14 midway through the 4th when they tried to kick a field goal and failed.  I wonder if Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis would blame this loss on the "one man operation of the kicking game".  See my post on <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/coach-speak-101">Coach Speak 101</a> for more details.     Oh well, 32 days until Red Sox Pitchers and Catchers report. 74.99.89.230

2010-01-11T21:55:38-05:00

the-football-gods-must-be-crazy

Yes 74.99.89.230, 66.249.67.229, 123.125.66.32, 123.125.66.23, 66.249.68.143, 67.195.112.159, 142.166.3.122, 174.36.241.157, 67.195.111.172, 174.36.241.149, 174.129.141.17, 166.137.136.43, 142.166.170.102, 74.108.107.201, 174.37.205.76, 123.125.66.54, 209.249.53.145, 98.234.73.198, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.95.55, 38.113.234.181, 75.101.205.169, 64.13.147.189, 174.129.104.29, 217.73.105.205, 65.52.18.116, 70.37.66.245, 89.151.116.59, 67.220.192.215, 216.24.142.45, 216.24.142.46, 208.74.66.36, 75.101.197.164, 38.100.41.94, 64.62.134.170, 83.149.199.55, 89.151.116.54, 67.195.111.28, 173.70.115.137, 66.249.68.89, 89.151.116.56, 174.133.61.66, 65.91.117.73, 98.165.225.9, 89.151.116.61, 94.23.15.84, 76.176.140.55, 76.229.153.13, 4.78.248.3, 216.161.176.100, 72.230.58.12, 64.122.237.122, 137.100.41.254, 115.96.181.137, 173.31.66.183, 67.202.15.176, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.68.135, 80.239.242.82, 95.27.138.33, 205.156.136.229, 190.17.6.211, 12.104.97.211, 24.34.223.53, 66.92.228.194, 207.180.182.61, 66.135.48.204, 72.215.148.50, 98.179.215.251, 38.99.97.126, 66.249.65.109, 128.177.11.193, 75.101.233.125, 219.241.237.125, 65.254.49.74, 142.166.170.101, 174.120.190.34, 75.101.219.151, 97.74.144.147, 76.119.64.146, 72.44.33.94, 12.148.198.147, 66.235.124.58, 209.249.53.180, 148.129.71.53, 66.249.65.119, 209.249.53.216, 202.131.30.147, 67.218.116.131, 87.250.252.241, 216.129.119.11, 72.233.96.152, 198.237.195.10, 68.36.89.172, 67.195.114.243, 38.100.41.112, 142.166.170.103, 66.249.68.137, 71.173.133.182, 209.249.53.79, 75.101.221.72, 202.131.30.146, 67.195.110.180, 67.195.114.42, 142.166.170.104, 38.99.96.226, 66.249.68.140, 67.218.116.130, 66.249.68.248, 66.249.68.245, 38.99.98.34, 65.55.207.138, 66.249.67.218, 66.249.68.149, 76.22.169.192, 71.15.105.119, 74.137.39.128, 202.131.30.150, 66.249.67.142, 66.249.68.204, 119.63.198.54, 65.55.207.97, 217.77.222.128, 67.195.112.85, 66.249.65.114, 123.125.66.57, 65.55.106.234, 94.23.238.27, 87.194.153.134, 122.116.151.242, 69.160.245.108, 38.99.97.110, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.114.234, 67.195.37.188, 66.249.67.214, 71.13.41.31, 65.55.106.114, 38.100.41.66, 67.16.94.2, 38.100.8.50, 208.115.111.246, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.114.253, 65.55.216.32, 67.195.112.88, 208.115.111.248, 72.249.45.161, 123.125.66.86, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.112.49, 66.249.67.33, 66.249.68.37, 66.249.68.66, 207.46.199.16, 65.55.110.100, 66.249.68.172, 67.195.115.214, 38.99.96.233, 207.46.199.55, 207.46.204.177

The (Football) gods Must Be Crazy

No Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Baltimore Ravens

The (Football) gods Must Be Crazy

793

writer

wire

2010-01-11T11:08:00-05:00

Playerpress

64 6949 The first weekend is in the books. Here are the pick results.... <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" id="intro-description"> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; overflow: hidden; font-size: 10px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.5em; width: 468px;" class="description"> MCHomer    (1-3) - Bengals Ravens Eagles Packers Flash Greyhound (2-2) - Bengals Ravens Cowgirls Packers RandolphC (4-0) - Cardinals Jets Ravens Cowboys Benn Hodapp (0-4) - Packers, Eagles, Patriots, Bengals Nolan Thomas (0-4) - Bengals, Eagles, Patriots, Packers Kerri Senno (2-2) - Jets, Eagles, Pats, Cards Yours Truly (2-2) - Bengals, Cowboys, Packers, Ravens <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Overall,  <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;" href="http://playerpress.com/picks" target="_blank">the pool</a> is 11-17, continuing the quality work of the playerpress pickers....</div> <div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Here is the breakdown by game  Bengals 5 Jets 2 Eagles 4 Cowboys 3 Ravens 4 Patriots 3 Packers 5 Cardinals 2     Stay tuned for the divisional weekend.... </div> <div> </div>   </div> </div> 76.97.188.228

2010-01-11T11:08:00-05:00

6949-get-your-picks-results

Yes 186.137.26.25, 66.249.68.143, 123.125.66.23, 123.125.66.34, 142.166.3.122, 67.195.111.172, 174.37.205.86, 24.34.223.53, 74.99.89.230, 66.249.67.229, 174.36.241.149, 74.108.107.201, 75.101.249.213, 67.195.112.159, 201.254.116.82, 76.97.188.228, 66.249.68.89, 94.23.15.84, 76.176.140.55, 142.166.170.102, 68.36.214.178, 67.195.111.28, 87.250.252.241, 74.53.3.132, 80.239.242.82, 95.27.138.33, 67.218.116.131, 142.166.170.100, 66.249.67.162, 38.100.41.112, 216.129.119.11, 119.63.198.7, 202.131.30.148, 67.195.114.42, 142.166.170.103, 66.249.68.137, 67.218.116.130, 66.249.68.248, 66.249.68.140, 66.249.68.245, 142.166.170.21, 123.125.66.121, 66.249.68.7, 71.235.41.213, 68.32.153.191, 67.195.115.216, 38.99.97.10, 76.195.180.168, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.114.234, 123.125.66.61, 66.249.68.155, 38.100.41.66, 38.99.97.241, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.114.253, 67.16.94.2, 94.23.238.27, 65.55.216.10, 65.55.106.184, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.112.49, 67.195.114.230

Get Your Picks RESULTS

No Jets, Cowboys, Patriots, Ravens, Cardinals, Packers

Get Your Picks RESULTS

writer

article

2010-01-10T07:04:00-05:00

Playerpress

113 6939 So far in this "rematch" weekend, the teams that won in Week 17 continue winning.      It started with the Jets beating the Bengals.  <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/cincinnati-playoff-drought-continues-after-24-14-loss-to-jets">JT3 provides a recap</a>.  Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis used up his challenges in the first quarter.  It seemed like the kind of move from a coach who thinks every call against him is the wrong call.  They weren't, and not only were the Bengals out of challenges, but they lost two time outs.  As the Jets advance, someone should let Mark Sanchez that trying to quiet the opponent's crowd might not work.  Next week's opponent is to be determined from today's AFC playoff game.      The Cowboys defeated the Eagles for the third time this season.  <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/eagles-cowboys-playoff-postgame-the-better-team-won">B-Dub wraps up the game</a>.  Dallas owner Jerry Jones won his first playoff game in his billion dollar playground.  Jones invited friends to the playground, he could be seen giving a  high five to former president George W. Bush.  Next week Dallas goes to Minnesota.        Sunday's action begins in New England where the Ravens come to town. My <a href="http://playerpress.com/teams/patriots/patriots-ravens-preview">Patriots vs. Ravens preview</a> is here. Player blog from <a href="http://playerpress.com/teams/patriots/a-whole-new-season">Darius Butler</a> on the Patriots. Player blog from <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/down-to-business">Jared Gaither</a>, Offensive Tackle for the Ravens. My heart is with the Patriots.  My head keeps saying the Ravens.  I'm not sure I can win here.  Or maybe I can't lose?     The weekend wraps up with the Packers in the desert to play the Cardinals. Arizona's Bryant McFadden has a Playerpress blog about <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/our-house">playing at home</a>. Comcast gives a look at the flaws of the <a href="http://www.comcast.net/slideshow/sports-wildcardfatalflaws/8/">Packers</a>, the <a href="http://www.comcast.net/slideshow/sports-wildcardfatalflaws/9/">Cardinals</a>, and the wildcards. The Cardinals showed last year that they could flip the switch once the playoffs started.  The Packers enter the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the NFL.  To me, it is a classic battle of two different strategies, resting players at the end of the season, or going into the playoffs with momentum.  The Packers dismantled the Cardinals in Week 17.  That means absolutely nothing now.  The real dance begins this weekend.     Here are the pick results so far.... MCHomer    (0-2) - Bengals Ravens Eagles Packers Flash Greyhound (1-1) - Bengals Ravens Cowgirls Packers RandolphC (2-0) - Cardinals Jets Ravens Cowboys Benn Hodapp (0-2) - Packers, Eagles, Patriots, Bengals Nolan Thomas (0-2) - Bengals, Eagles, Patriots, Packers Kerri Senno (1-1) - Jets, Eagles, Pats, Cards Yours Truly (1-1) - Bengals, Cowboys, Packers, Ravens <div>Overall, the pool is 5-9, continuing the quality work of the playerpress pickers....</div> 74.99.89.230

2010-01-10T07:04:00-05:00

halfway-through-nfl-wildcard

Yes 142.166.3.122, 123.125.66.18, 123.125.66.35, 174.36.228.154, 67.195.111.172, 174.37.205.87, 66.249.68.143, 67.195.112.159, 200.126.226.16, 66.249.67.229, 24.238.46.30, 66.249.68.89, 174.129.141.17, 142.166.170.100, 173.74.238.211, 142.166.170.102, 74.99.89.230, 66.180.102.74, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.157.195, 64.13.147.189, 65.52.19.122, 211.43.152.50, 174.129.104.29, 89.151.116.54, 67.202.63.158, 70.37.66.169, 70.37.89.166, 216.24.142.45, 38.113.234.180, 208.74.66.62, 216.24.142.47, 174.129.141.109, 208.74.66.38, 38.113.234.181, 75.101.170.136, 67.207.201.151, 72.44.43.230, 72.13.91.40, 67.220.192.215, 174.143.213.49, 174.133.61.66, 94.23.51.159, 74.208.125.5, 75.101.139.240, 83.149.199.55, 64.62.134.170, 72.44.48.172, 209.249.53.145, 67.195.111.28, 87.250.252.241, 94.23.15.84, 4.78.248.3, 119.63.198.4, 67.202.15.176, 67.218.116.131, 95.27.138.33, 74.53.3.132, 142.166.170.103, 216.129.119.11, 66.249.68.131, 38.100.41.112, 67.195.114.243, 75.101.221.72, 67.195.114.42, 67.195.110.180, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.68.248, 67.218.116.130, 142.166.170.104, 66.249.68.245, 65.55.207.123, 66.249.67.248, 65.55.106.231, 65.55.106.230, 71.121.104.195, 98.233.41.203, 205.209.170.18, 123.125.66.69, 67.195.112.85, 87.194.153.134, 67.195.115.216, 122.116.151.242, 65.55.207.70, 38.99.97.110, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.37.188, 66.249.67.174, 67.189.173.225, 68.81.117.234, 98.127.47.174, 66.249.68.149, 67.195.114.234, 65.55.207.71, 217.14.6.210, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.207.29, 65.55.207.75, 62.75.218.97, 67.16.94.2, 38.100.8.50, 208.115.111.246, 67.195.114.253, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.112.88, 123.125.66.130, 208.115.111.248, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.112.49, 66.249.68.233, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.113.247, 207.46.195.228, 66.249.68.57

Halfway Through NFL Wildcard

No Jets, Cowboys, Patriots, Ravens, Cardinals, Packers

Halfway Through NFL Wildcard

793

writer

article

2010-01-08T21:20:14-05:00

Playerpress

135 6920  The postseason begins this weekend, and the Baltimore Ravens go to New England to play the Patriots on Sunday. This weekend features games where one team is named after something that takes flight.  Three games are rematches of Week 17.  This game is the one exception, these two teams met in week 4.  At that time, I wrote <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/afc-east-week-4-review">a review about the AFC East.</a>     On their first meeting:   New England Patriots 27, Baltimore Ravens 21     There were many story lines in this game.  For the Patriots, it included the return of Wes Welker, an important part of their offense.  Obviously, for the Ravens, the game marked the end of their undefeated season.  But the end of the game provided the opportunity for the Ravens to provide post game comments.  Ray Lewis complained about the NFL rules that protect the quarterback, notably the rule that is being called the "Brady Rule".  Former Patriot and TV analyst Rodney Harrison even called out Tom Brady and told him to "take off the skirt".  The thing is, Brady did not make the rule, and did not throw the flag late in Sunday's game.  He did suffer a knee injury in game 1 of the 2008 season that caused him to miss a season in the prime of his career.  It is somewhat surprising that Brady's former teammate would question the toughness of Brady.  The Ravens and Pats have a bit of a history as well.  In 2007, while the Patriots were on their way to an undefeated regular season, the Ravens had won  the game on a defensive stop by Lewis.  But a coach's timeout before the play gave New England a second chance.  Stopping the Ravens undefeated season at 3 games was not quite as dramatic as the late season Ravens attempt to halt the Pats in 2007, but it is clear that these two teams are among the top teams in a talented AFC and the postgame comments show that there is a bit of a rivalry forming.  The Patriots are looking to take out another undefeated team in Denver next week.         Fast forward to the present.  Wes Welker is out for the season, exhibit A in the Colt's defense of rest vs. momentum.  The Patriot philosophy is that these are football players.  They play football.  They lost Welker in a game they eventually lost and still stayed in 3rd place.     New England's Darius Butler writes about "<a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/a-whole-new-season">A Whole New Season</a>".       As a Pat's fan, I still have a bad feeling.  Tom Brady was named <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/breaking-news/story/1413410.html">comeback player of the year</a>, but there are reports that he is banged up.  Randy Moss has been rumored to be injured.   The Pats are at home.   They have not lost a home playoff game since 1978.  Now that stat is flawed, some of the players were not alive when that happened.  But most of those games were the Patriot dynasty from the beginning of the 2000s.  But this is not the same team, especially with changes in the defense.       Last week, the Ravens beat the Raiders, needing the win to separate themselves from the other 9-7 teams in the AFC.  The Pats lost to the Texans, who were also 9-7 but missed the playoffs.  The Ravens will use their running game and try for a better outcome than week 4.     74.99.89.230

2010-01-08T21:20:14-05:00

patriots-ravens-preview

Yes 123.125.66.41, 200.126.226.16, 66.249.68.143, 123.125.66.53, 174.36.241.148, 123.125.66.55, 74.99.89.230, 66.249.67.229, 142.166.3.122, 71.178.245.123, 67.195.112.159, 71.133.60.61, 208.118.60.156, 76.97.188.228, 67.202.11.49, 70.37.66.245, 65.52.19.122, 174.129.193.75, 89.151.116.52, 174.129.142.69, 79.99.6.106, 216.24.142.47, 91.121.89.155, 72.13.91.40, 174.129.141.109, 75.101.170.136, 72.44.43.230, 208.74.66.42, 208.74.66.61, 94.23.51.159, 174.133.61.66, 89.151.116.54, 67.218.99.195, 83.149.199.55, 216.129.119.81, 74.208.125.5, 72.44.48.172, 67.195.111.172, 70.132.142.244, 75.101.232.109, 142.166.170.103, 75.101.174.137, 63.215.202.234, 72.44.33.94, 173.3.30.173, 64.184.179.75, 66.235.124.57, 98.226.170.170, 209.249.53.64, 82.240.123.145, 68.217.66.146, 68.45.22.215, 206.53.147.58, 85.255.64.139, 173.76.199.105, 174.129.222.187, 66.249.68.135, 91.104.181.151, 212.100.250.228, 72.188.198.84, 75.166.51.158, 24.147.64.171, 87.250.252.241, 67.202.15.176, 24.218.69.238, 142.166.170.100, 67.218.116.131, 202.131.30.146, 95.27.138.33, 66.249.65.109, 216.129.119.11, 173.59.236.85, 66.249.68.137, 142.166.170.102, 72.21.145.221, 67.195.114.243, 38.100.41.112, 66.249.67.162, 142.166.170.104, 98.129.144.116, 66.249.67.210, 66.249.68.248, 67.218.116.130, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.68.245, 169.244.143.119, 71.190.252.174, 71.199.224.79, 24.205.170.138, 67.195.115.216, 66.249.68.149, 71.205.132.82, 65.55.216.11, 68.187.206.68, 66.249.68.204, 24.126.161.198, 173.75.178.65, 123.125.66.133, 217.77.222.128, 66.249.65.114, 87.194.153.134, 122.116.151.242, 61.247.222.46, 91.214.248.2, 38.99.97.110, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.106.228, 65.55.216.32, 65.55.207.69, 76.195.180.168, 66.249.68.36, 62.75.218.97, 38.100.41.66, 67.16.94.2, 38.100.8.50, 87.231.127.151, 208.115.111.246, 65.55.207.125, 202.131.30.148, 123.125.66.82, 67.195.114.253, 208.115.111.248, 67.195.112.88, 72.249.45.161, 207.46.195.241, 65.55.110.38, 208.115.111.242, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.112.49, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.233, 207.46.204.234, 202.131.30.150

Patriots / Ravens

No Ray Lewis, Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Darius Butler

Patriots / Ravens Preview

793

writer

article

2010-01-05T15:58:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

360 6861 My first interception return and my first touchdown in the NFL was an exciting play and it felt real good to cross that goal line for the first time. I just wish that we would have won the game.  On the play, I was in man coverage and the ball was tipped in the air and I caught it and just took off down the sideline. <o:p> </o:p> As soon as I caught the ball, my only thought was to get into the end zone. My previous two interceptions, I didn’t have the opportunity to take it to the house. This time, I saw the opportunity to get there and all I was thinking was “don’t get caught”. <o:p> </o:p> Once I got a 10-yard lead and saw an open field in front of me, I knew I was home free and was going to make it to the house. My first NFL touchdown! It is a wonderful experience and I hope there are many more where that came from. I hung onto the ball for my trophy case. The equipment people for the team paint it up real nice with the date and how I scored. It will be a great remembrance of the play for me. <o:p> </o:p> This week we have the Ravens for the first round of the playoffs. My cousin Willis McGahee plays for the Ravens and it is always fun to see him and to play against him, especially in a game of this importance. It also gives the victor family bragging rights until next season.  <o:p> </o:p> The game is at home, so the crowd will be a big help. The Ravens are a good team, they have two good backs, a good tight end, and two good receivers so it will be a good game and we will have to be on our toes. It is the playoffs so we have to step up the intensity and give it our all. We want to keep this thing going all the way the end. <o:p> </o:p> I am very excited to be playing in my first playoff game this weekend and I am one of the few rookies lucky enough to be in the playoffs and contributing to their team every week. <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p>   76.97.188.228

2010-01-05T15:58:00-05:00

a-whole-new-season

Yes 76.97.188.228, 64.191.203.34, 216.24.142.47, 216.24.142.45, 216.24.142.46, 72.44.61.86, 66.249.68.219, 65.52.18.116, 89.151.116.61, 70.37.66.245, 67.202.63.158, 72.44.49.134, 72.13.91.40, 174.37.205.76, 75.101.170.136, 74.201.117.226, 38.104.134.114, 208.74.66.36, 216.39.58.18, 142.166.3.122, 79.99.6.106, 174.129.58.57, 67.202.57.190, 67.195.112.159, 89.151.116.54, 211.115.109.14, 83.149.199.55, 89.151.84.34, 66.249.67.229, 74.215.6.100, 216.23.198.162, 76.1.241.62, 67.195.111.172, 63.215.202.234, 66.249.68.1, 174.133.61.66, 174.129.141.17, 81.18.53.159, 89.151.116.52, 79.125.48.47, 69.248.176.108, 71.255.238.211, 91.121.89.155, 209.176.111.110, 75.101.197.164, 216.121.78.19, 123.125.66.114, 123.125.66.115, 74.99.89.230, 200.126.226.16, 76.172.18.72, 66.249.68.143, 220.181.94.231, 69.120.205.34, 66.249.68.89, 218.28.29.236, 67.218.116.131, 87.250.252.241, 142.166.170.104, 67.195.111.28, 174.133.177.66, 208.118.60.156, 174.127.132.157, 92.241.182.24, 173.9.12.233, 192.251.226.206, 145.100.100.148, 89.74.97.165, 173.3.30.173, 94.23.15.84, 76.247.211.143, 38.99.97.241, 91.110.151.233, 119.63.198.23, 63.116.250.246, 69.58.178.27, 74.53.3.132, 95.27.138.33, 66.249.65.122, 216.129.119.11, 142.166.170.101, 174.129.104.29, 66.249.65.113, 76.3.173.223, 66.249.68.137, 119.63.198.12, 66.249.68.121, 66.249.67.208, 38.100.41.112, 75.101.221.72, 66.249.67.58, 24.218.152.59, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.67.162, 38.100.8.50, 116.125.140.7, 66.249.68.45, 66.249.68.16, 67.218.116.130, 174.127.132.160, 66.249.68.248, 65.55.207.132, 174.100.60.105, 66.249.68.201, 67.195.110.180, 123.125.66.61, 63.118.15.130, 66.249.68.245, 66.249.68.7, 72.67.218.170, 123.125.66.66, 65.55.106.231, 71.252.171.54, 66.249.68.80, 205.209.170.18, 65.55.106.229, 201.254.115.207, 71.62.129.234, 64.12.116.208, 87.194.153.134, 75.101.214.102, 204.236.242.141, 122.116.151.242, 67.195.112.85, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.115.216, 201.254.114.252, 38.99.97.110, 186.137.25.72, 67.195.110.156, 66.249.67.174, 201.254.106.151, 65.55.207.120, 72.223.87.87, 38.100.41.67, 201.254.107.80, 66.249.68.149, 85.25.124.132, 67.195.37.188, 130.126.56.219, 66.249.68.36, 67.165.193.104, 69.58.178.28, 66.249.67.184, 66.249.67.118, 67.195.114.234, 67.195.112.114, 62.75.218.97, 66.249.67.54, 116.125.140.17, 65.78.28.116, 66.249.68.155, 72.249.45.161, 38.100.41.66, 65.55.106.233, 123.125.66.117, 216.129.119.42, 65.55.207.133, 87.231.127.151, 67.16.94.2, 68.188.74.10, 123.125.66.70, 67.195.112.88, 67.195.114.253, 65.55.207.122, 123.125.66.133, 208.115.111.245, 208.115.138.254, 205.166.161.57, 66.249.67.15, 66.249.67.25, 66.249.68.97, 201.254.113.122, 123.125.66.132, 66.249.68.187, 65.55.109.44, 91.205.175.4, 69.63.178.250, 65.52.16.159, 24.91.165.74, 208.115.111.248, 67.195.115.89, 196.35.158.182, 67.195.115.214, 205.209.170.10, 66.249.67.109, 67.195.112.49, 67.195.115.25, 66.249.68.81, 66.249.68.236, 66.249.68.184, 206.83.86.2, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.67.43, 66.249.67.47, 66.249.68.172, 24.89.196.52, 98.229.215.135, 72.86.106.15, 82.158.213.46, 24.233.118.69, 24.61.248.154, 98.216.70.148, 75.68.60.12, 66.31.69.179, 216.236.252.234, 192.80.65.234, 72.192.48.130, 66.249.67.89, 71.192.94.137, 174.79.162.200, 95.145.176.223, 98.69.159.197, 24.91.99.58, 216.49.152.85, 65.96.226.215, 67.76.89.214, 173.183.149.106, 86.146.72.79, 68.199.172.255, 24.31.131.179, 207.5.220.216, 70.185.233.246, 71.192.95.224, 80.197.85.87, 24.218.170.159, 150.70.84.27, 125.238.169.190, 90.231.224.247, 96.237.245.248, 72.84.4.19, 72.241.148.40, 99.233.161.50, 108.12.193.185, 24.91.168.95, 24.131.122.121, 62.107.115.113, 71.174.142.164, 67.195.112.36, 66.31.49.55, 66.30.17.213, 66.241.170.23, 67.242.153.31, 207.46.204.196, 66.30.36.93, 192.147.57.6, 198.7.231.201, 71.232.38.50, 109.77.83.134, 72.163.0.129, 149.106.192.131, 68.2.70.109, 71.162.67.149, 65.93.131.183, 24.62.244.225, 198.99.190.238, 68.170.71.36, 216.246.135.217, 72.189.218.63, 116.125.140.13, 76.118.238.51, 74.236.103.251, 76.102.28.228, 75.67.155.207, 96.233.82.204, 216.104.15.142, 128.120.173.106, 76.118.104.204, 70.138.15.51, 97.157.254.255, 68.9.73.97, 24.62.235.227, 98.118.113.41, 24.60.82.188, 98.229.161.137, 67.34.176.39, 69.177.26.179, 99.52.202.77, 74.205.158.60, 87.72.124.47, 98.109.168.86, 72.221.93.232, 24.62.141.99, 126.244.198.163, 66.75.247.22, 24.30.179.254, 89.147.81.221, 92.41.165.62, 200.79.138.35, 76.173.49.234, 195.49.24.36, 78.92.250.66, 65.175.193.70, 109.76.160.210, 67.195.115.42, 71.233.141.112, 24.63.241.209, 205.228.82.170, 119.236.31.152, 75.58.118.195, 188.221.113.242, 75.68.145.62, 98.88.38.114, 98.215.147.172, 166.137.139.172, 98.217.235.59, 24.29.21.94, 99.229.78.167, 98.220.136.251, 24.34.192.179, 71.181.62.32, 72.64.5.237, 24.60.6.101, 62.253.56.165, 65.96.200.73, 76.19.115.91, 84.90.82.154, 74.104.137.115, 76.19.182.122, 76.119.127.254, 98.214.161.25, 76.119.20.214, 96.238.43.190, 71.233.72.125, 76.127.201.56, 86.182.94.216, 24.34.102.124, 209.222.219.18, 166.137.6.150, 173.48.22.124, 96.253.55.29, 66.90.11.41, 216.144.184.67, 208.255.194.12, 66.152.101.83, 209.212.72.35, 96.31.207.202, 71.232.97.108, 131.128.72.11, 66.168.10.53, 74.75.225.59, 70.188.145.144, 71.234.156.31, 99.178.86.230, 64.134.150.11, 202.6.154.95, 66.30.94.20, 24.218.184.113, 67.237.95.5, 99.16.212.120, 130.226.234.68, 206.213.251.31, 74.166.176.182, 24.233.91.195, 169.244.70.148, 192.138.214.116, 174.25.128.25, 149.152.191.3, 74.69.41.160, 174.39.171.128

A Whole New Season

No Darius Butler, New England Patriots, NFL

A Whole New Season

575

athlete

wire

2010-01-04T21:00:00-05:00

Playerpress

134 6846  I figured Nolan wasn't going to send it this week, so I thought I would. This week is going to be <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/planning-a-wild-weekend">a Wild Weekend.</a>  (link to my article on the Four Wildcard games to open the playoffs )     Point spreads don't matter, because in the playoffs, there is no glory in covering the spread but going home.     I like the Packers, Cowboys, Bengals, and Ravens.     Starting with the Ravens, it is hard to pick against the Patriots as a fan of New England.  But I don't think they will recover from the loss of Wes Welker, and Tom Brady also seems to be banged up.  I think the Bengals will prevail even though the Jets shut them out on Sunday.  The Jets are a 7-7 team that greatly benefitted from drawing the Colts and Bengals for 2 more wins while those teams were thinking about the playoffs.  The Cowboys already won a game where the Eagles should have been trying.  I think they will win for a third time this season.  Finally the Packers, because I like the idea of momentum over rest.     Now come on... get those picks in.   76.97.188.228

2010-01-04T21:00:00-05:00

6846-get-your-picks-in

Yes 142.166.3.122, 123.125.66.40, 174.36.241.155, 66.249.68.219, 66.249.67.229, 67.195.111.172, 200.126.226.16, 76.97.188.228, 72.44.61.86, 216.24.142.46, 216.168.43.104, 89.151.116.61, 65.52.18.116, 70.37.66.169, 67.202.63.158, 38.113.234.181, 38.113.234.180, 64.233.172.6, 174.129.141.109, 79.99.6.106, 75.101.139.240, 12.37.155.14, 75.101.197.164, 72.44.43.230, 72.13.91.40, 174.143.213.49, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.42, 74.208.125.5, 174.133.61.66, 89.151.84.34, 83.149.199.55, 89.151.116.52, 72.44.54.68, 123.125.66.39, 174.129.58.57, 89.151.116.54, 74.53.3.132, 142.166.170.100, 67.195.112.159, 91.121.157.149, 98.196.7.120, 63.215.202.234, 142.166.170.101, 74.99.89.230, 75.101.169.122, 98.234.73.198, 67.195.111.28, 66.249.68.161, 74.108.107.201, 72.30.142.161, 24.10.71.222, 76.119.26.252, 66.249.68.143, 67.189.195.149, 66.249.68.89, 64.12.116.199, 69.248.176.108, 87.250.252.241, 32.175.150.37, 218.28.29.236, 70.132.142.244, 76.1.241.62, 220.181.94.231, 72.215.148.50, 174.133.177.66, 98.210.107.191, 98.215.77.70, 71.133.60.61, 174.127.132.160, 174.127.132.159, 78.47.29.82, 89.248.169.109, 62.197.40.154, 173.9.12.233, 99.58.152.172, 76.191.148.7, 24.62.145.24, 24.197.205.97, 67.218.116.131, 67.202.15.176, 24.34.223.53, 142.166.170.102, 74.6.18.223, 209.249.53.219, 201.254.116.82, 71.125.15.207, 72.230.58.12, 95.27.138.33, 119.63.198.15, 209.249.53.240, 216.129.119.11, 66.249.65.118, 66.249.65.109, 38.100.41.112, 66.249.67.58, 67.195.114.243, 66.249.68.137, 71.142.81.249, 66.249.67.162, 66.249.67.134, 67.195.110.180, 38.100.8.50, 66.249.67.17, 67.195.114.42, 67.218.116.130, 66.249.68.248, 209.191.123.35, 65.55.207.46, 174.127.132.64, 174.36.241.149, 123.125.66.83, 66.249.68.245, 96.32.28.108, 68.183.66.43, 67.195.112.85, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.114.234, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.37.188, 24.185.250.202, 123.125.66.87, 38.99.97.241, 67.16.94.2, 94.23.238.27, 65.55.106.131, 67.195.114.253, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.68.187, 72.249.45.161, 66.249.68.72, 67.195.113.247, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.43, 207.46.204.231

Get Your Picks In

No Ravens, Packers, Cowboys, Bengals

Get Your Picks In

writer

article

2010-01-04T12:57:00-05:00

Playerpress

107 6840  The Regular Season is over and now it is time for the playoffs.  Are you ready for some football? The Colts, who decided to take the last two weeks of the regular season off, will get another week of rest.  Also earning first round byes are the Chargers, Saints, and Vikings.  For the rest of the playoff teams, the action begins right away.  Wildcard weekend will include three rematch games from week 17.       Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals Last season, the Cardinals struggled down the stretch, then turned it on in the playoffs and made it to the Superbowl and lost to the Steelers.  This year, the Cardinals benefitted from the NFC West being in the worst division in the NFL.  Now, while the Steelers are at home, the Cardinals are in a position to make another run.  In week 17, Green Bay won 33-7.  It was clear the Packer's strategy was to keep the momentum going, while the Cardinal's plan was to rest for the playoffs.  Both teams had nothing to play for in week 17, it will be interesting to see which plan works best, momentum or rest.     Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys Another rematch from week 17, but in this case, the teams had more to play for than the match in Arizona.  The Eagles went to Dallas and could have won and knocked the Vikings out of the second seed.  Instead, they were shutout 24-0 and fell to 5th place.    <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/eagles-cowboys-recap-passing-on-the-bye">B-Dub writes a recap of the Cowboys game against Philadelphia.</a>  This same Eagles team battled the Broncos in week 16 and helped put an end to the Denver season.  It seems they did not even show up in Dallas.  With the win, the Cowboys claimed the NFC East crown.  They host Philadelphia, and will try to beat them for a third time this season.     New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals This is the only rematch of week 17 where the location will change.  The Jets played the final game in Giants Stadium, defeating the Bengals.  Kerri Senno writes about how <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/the-jets-pulled-it-off">the Jets pulled it off</a>, but they emerged from a pack of 7-7 teams in the AFC in the final 2 weeks by beating a Colts team that gave up on a perfect season and then a Bengals team that did not care about taking 3rd place from the Patriots.     Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots This is the only wildcard match that is not a repeat from week 17.  Instead, it is a repeat from week 4, where New England won 27-21 and gave the Ravens their first loss of the season.  The Ravens defeated the Oakland Raiders to separate themselves from a crowd of 8-7 teams in the AFC.  Meanwhile the Patriots were playing the Houston Texans.  In that game, they lost Wes Welker for the playoffs and Tom Brady was banged up.  It almost gives some credit to the rest strategy going into the playoffs.  However, I continue to think that if you have a chance at history, you don't give up.  Unless we are talking about the Colts. 74.99.89.230

2010-01-04T12:57:00-05:00

planning-a-wild-weekend

Yes 142.166.3.122, 174.36.241.148, 123.125.66.116, 66.249.68.233, 76.97.188.228, 72.44.61.86, 64.13.147.189, 85.114.136.240, 174.129.27.223, 70.37.66.245, 65.52.18.116, 89.151.116.52, 72.44.49.134, 67.220.192.215, 174.129.141.109, 72.13.91.40, 75.101.170.136, 208.74.66.42, 208.74.66.61, 174.129.142.69, 79.99.6.106, 216.24.142.47, 89.151.116.54, 200.126.226.16, 74.99.89.230, 66.249.67.229, 89.151.116.61, 83.149.199.55, 67.195.112.159, 63.215.202.234, 4.78.248.3, 72.44.54.68, 123.125.66.28, 174.129.58.57, 66.130.26.240, 89.151.116.59, 207.145.253.82, 142.166.170.102, 67.195.111.172, 74.53.3.132, 38.99.98.69, 67.202.4.83, 142.166.170.104, 91.121.157.149, 67.195.111.28, 75.101.190.184, 66.249.68.161, 142.166.170.100, 66.249.68.89, 87.250.252.241, 218.28.29.236, 174.127.132.154, 85.229.76.83, 85.17.138.40, 80.219.156.147, 66.249.68.143, 142.166.170.101, 216.129.119.11, 95.27.138.33, 66.249.65.109, 66.249.65.119, 66.249.65.68, 66.249.68.137, 142.166.170.103, 66.249.67.162, 38.100.41.112, 67.195.114.42, 65.55.218.159, 67.195.110.180, 66.249.68.248, 67.218.116.130, 67.218.116.131, 123.125.66.126, 67.195.115.216, 71.188.3.188, 71.81.74.207, 65.55.106.186, 68.183.66.43, 66.249.68.204, 123.125.66.80, 65.55.207.78, 87.194.153.134, 67.195.112.85, 122.116.151.242, 119.63.198.34, 65.55.106.234, 38.99.97.110, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.114.234, 65.55.106.161, 70.171.29.141, 217.14.6.210, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.37.188, 213.133.110.166, 123.125.66.81, 38.99.97.241, 67.16.94.2, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.114.253, 208.115.111.248, 72.249.45.161, 66.249.68.106, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.236, 208.115.111.245, 207.46.204.188

Planning A Wild Weekend

No Packers, Cardinals, Eagles, Cowboys, Jets, Bengals, Ravens, Patriots

Planning A Wild Weekend

793

writer

article

2010-01-03T19:10:00-05:00

Playerpress

81 6826  Me. I won.  Oh yeah.     After all, it was my idea.  I wrote an article called "<a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/everybody-get-in-the-pool-week-1">Everyone Get In The Pool</a>" suggesting that we have a pool for the NFL season.  And then, thankfully, Playerpress took it over and added a feature in the Community section.  You can go to it by clicking on Community and then going to Picks, or try this<a href="http://playerpress.com/picks"> link here</a>.     After the early afternoon games, my record is 122-111.  Eddie Chinn had a strong 8-1 start today, but remains in second at 117-116, and we have too many picks in common in the late games to take over first.  So I would like to take this opportunity to claim the prize.     First, I would like to thank Nolan Thomas for running the pool, and his constant e-mails "Get those picks in".  Now my e-mails will be back to the boring ads for Rogaine and Viagra and I will no longer have the friendly reminders "There are Thursday games this week."     Second, thanks to all of the other participants.  And congrats to MCHomer, who went 10-6 in his PowerBet but won the tiebreaker which will be explained in further detail in Nolan Thomas's pick 'im recap once the final game is over.  But the real lesson for me is that gambling just does not pay.  11 games over is not really impressive.  Less than 1 game a week.   I guess I can not retire and become a professional gambler.     But I won.  So I guess I should celebrate that.  I told Kerri Corazon.  She did not congratulate me.  She just asked if there was any money involved.  I'm sure there is some kind of prize coming in the mail.  I am going to start waiting at the door for the mailman right now. 76.97.188.228

2010-01-03T19:10:00-05:00

and-the-winner-is-2

Yes 123.125.66.115, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.68.233, 142.166.3.122, 98.234.73.198, 66.249.67.229, 76.97.188.228, 67.195.111.172, 75.203.22.141, 205.188.116.71, 98.193.112.172, 74.99.89.230, 200.126.226.16, 142.166.170.103, 87.250.252.241, 207.241.228.152, 174.129.171.1, 91.121.157.149, 66.92.228.194, 74.108.107.201, 99.63.99.180, 119.63.198.55, 206.51.231.26, 216.54.114.6, 123.125.66.30, 63.224.9.254, 74.53.3.132, 174.37.205.76, 174.37.205.87, 69.248.176.108, 63.215.202.234, 67.195.111.28, 76.1.241.62, 66.135.56.37, 142.166.170.102, 66.249.68.150, 66.249.68.89, 218.28.29.236, 95.143.194.13, 68.39.172.231, 93.217.217.162, 142.166.170.100, 66.249.68.143, 95.27.138.33, 66.249.67.129, 66.249.65.109, 66.249.65.119, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.67.162, 38.100.41.112, 67.195.110.180, 67.195.114.42, 65.55.215.75, 65.55.207.132, 66.249.68.248, 67.218.116.130, 67.218.116.131, 123.125.66.60, 65.55.106.230, 68.183.66.43, 65.55.107.181, 66.249.67.174, 87.194.153.134, 122.116.151.242, 123.125.66.74, 38.99.97.110, 38.99.97.241, 38.99.97.10, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.106.182, 67.195.37.188, 38.100.8.50, 87.231.127.151, 208.115.111.245, 208.115.111.248, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.114.230, 207.46.199.51, 66.249.67.91, 67.195.113.247

And The Winner Is...

No Pool, Powerbet, Playerpress

And The Winner Is...

793

writer

article

2010-01-03T13:45:00-05:00

Playerpress

105 6825  What a difference a week makes. <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/playoffs-begin-week-16">Week 16 </a>had the top teams in the AFC playing each other.   Many playoff hopes were on the line.  Now, in week 17, there are still 7 teams fighting for 2 spots.  5 of those teams are 8-7.  But none of those teams are playing each other.  So it is possible that all 5 could win, and only two will advance.  What if they were playing each other?     How about a scenario where the worst teams were playing each other for the top draft pick, but to increase the incentive, the winner of those games would get the top pick.  And also it could create a system where teams like the Colts could not just quit and rest.  Top seeds could be playing each other, with home field advantage on the line.     First, keeping a 16 game regular season, only schedule the first 14 weeks.  The last two weeks would be subject to open scheduling.  Teams would play 6 games against their own division, 4 games against another division in their conference and  4 games against a division in the other conference.  The two games that are currently played against other teams in the same conference would be replaced by the open schedule games.       Using the Patriots as an example, earlier in the season, they played the Broncos and the Ravens.  Those games would be eliminated, and in these final weeks the Pats would be playing the Chargers and the Bengals.  The first round byes could be determined by record but also how teams fared in the head to head matchups.     Next, the middle tier of teams would help determine the wildcard.  One suggestion would be to not worry which conference they came from, just get the best teams in the playoffs.  Again, the 2008 Pats missed the playoffs with an 11-5 record.  This year, the Giants and Falcons are eliminated with 8-7 records, while the Dolphins and Jaguars, while their chances are slim, they are still alive at 8-7.  In a new system, the middle 16 teams could play each other in week 16, and the 8 winners would face each other in week 17 to determine the four wildcard teams.  For example, the Steelers beat the Ravens last week.  Therefore they could play the Jets this week, and the Broncos would play the Texans, and the winners would make the playoffs, and the losers would be eliminated.     Meanwhile the bottom 8 teams would also play each other.  While there would be no playoffs for these teams, draft order could be determined by the team that does the best over the last two weeks, rather than rewarding the worst teams.  Sure it is a new system that would need to have some things worked out, but it could be better to guarantee week 17 significance. 74.99.89.230

2010-01-03T13:45:00-05:00

give-week-17-significance

Yes 123.125.66.105, 67.195.112.159, 174.37.205.67, 66.249.68.233, 142.166.3.122, 174.37.205.76, 123.125.66.51, 200.126.226.16, 174.129.157.222, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.155.45, 89.151.116.54, 70.37.66.169, 174.129.89.199, 216.24.142.47, 72.44.43.230, 174.129.141.109, 91.121.89.155, 75.101.197.164, 72.13.91.40, 208.74.66.38, 91.121.53.183, 89.151.116.59, 89.151.84.34, 174.129.58.57, 66.249.67.229, 67.195.111.172, 207.241.228.152, 142.166.170.101, 87.250.252.241, 67.195.111.28, 91.121.157.149, 66.249.68.100, 206.51.231.26, 68.32.153.191, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.68.172, 142.166.170.102, 66.249.68.89, 66.249.68.150, 218.28.29.236, 88.198.6.155, 66.90.75.206, 208.75.212.156, 142.166.170.103, 119.63.198.44, 74.6.18.223, 66.249.68.143, 95.27.138.33, 66.249.67.129, 66.249.65.109, 75.101.246.104, 66.249.65.119, 66.249.65.113, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.68.121, 66.249.67.162, 38.100.41.112, 66.249.67.17, 67.195.114.42, 67.195.110.180, 65.55.207.121, 38.100.8.50, 66.235.124.59, 195.131.84.251, 66.249.68.248, 66.249.68.45, 67.218.116.130, 65.55.207.45, 66.249.68.245, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.68.16, 123.125.66.130, 65.55.207.133, 66.249.68.7, 66.249.68.79, 66.249.67.218, 74.99.201.119, 173.75.244.145, 69.59.162.116, 174.52.85.198, 66.249.68.149, 66.249.67.142, 66.249.68.204, 123.125.66.60, 66.249.65.114, 66.249.67.174, 87.194.153.134, 65.55.106.158, 66.249.68.80, 122.116.151.242, 67.195.112.85, 66.235.124.54, 67.195.114.234, 38.99.97.110, 67.195.112.114, 65.55.218.158, 67.195.37.188, 66.249.68.36, 66.249.68.155, 208.115.111.245, 208.115.111.248, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.67.91

Give Week 17 Significance

No Playoffs, draft order, weeks 16 and 17

Give Week 17 Significance

793

writer

article

2010-01-01T21:28:00-05:00

Playerpress

131 6809 <img width="150" height="113" align="left" src="/uploads/Image/LonelySportsRangeredit2.JPG" alt="L.S. Ranger" /> By Lonely Sports Ranger aka Jeff Watson       <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Yes, here’s yet another article about the Indianapolis Colts pathetic effort against the NY Jets snubbing their noses at NFL history. </div>  The 72 Miami Dolphins are pleased.  The 2007 Patriots are pleased as is this Pats fan. I joined Playerpress earlier this week with every intention of lying low, reading as many fellow bloggers as I could before posting anything.   Then I came across one that I just could not let slide: <a href="http://www.playerpress.com/articles/colts-waste-chance-for-perfection">http://www.playerpress.com/articles/colts-waste-chance-for-perfection</a> written by giantyankeeyahooloser or something like that. Mr. Giantyankeeloser had a line in his blog that I just couldn’t shake. I needed to respond. It went as follows:   <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">“This Colts team is, arguably, a better team that the infamous 2007 Patriots team that came so close, but lost the most important game of the season.”. </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Well, I hate to spoil this statement with, well, facts, but lets take a minute and take a look at this Colts team and the 2007 Patriots and see what we find:</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">2009 Colts:</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 1 @ Indy – Colts 14 – Jaguars 12</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 2 @ Miami – Colts 27 – Dolphins 23</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 8 @ Indy – Colts 18 – 49ers 14</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 9 @ Indy – Colts 20 – Texans 17</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 10 @ Indy – Colts 35 – Patriots 34 (stillhaving nightmares, 4th & 2 inside NE 30)</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 11 @ Balt – Colts 17 – Ravens 15</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 15 @ Jax – Colts 35 – Jaguars 31</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">These 7 wins posted by “arguably, a better team than the infamous 2007 Patriots” were by an average 2 points. 7 WINS BY AN AVERAGE 2 POINTS. 4 OF THEM AT HOME. Take a look at the teams they beat in these games. Two will be playoff teams. You could even throw in the week 12 game at Houston, a 35 – 27 Colts win and you would have half the Colts 2009 wins by an average of 4 points, 6 against teams that will not even make the post season. </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Better team than the 2007 Patriots? I’m leaning towards no but let’s take a comparative look at the Pats 2007 regular season:</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 1 @ NYJ – Pats 38 – Jets 14</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 2 @ NE – Pats 38 – Chargers 14</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 3 @ NE – Pats 38 – Bills 7</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 4 @ Cincy Pats 34 – Bengals 13</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 5 @ NE - Pats 34 – Browns 17</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 6 @ Dal – Pats 48 – Cowboys 27</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 7 @ Mia – Pats 49 – Dolphins 28</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 8 @ NE – Pats 52 – Redskins 7</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 9 @ Indy – Pats 24 – Colts 20</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 10 Bye</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 11 @ Buf – Pats 56 – Bills 10</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 12 @ NE – Pats 31 – Eagles 28</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 13 @ Balt – Pats 27 – Ravens 24</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 14 @ NE – Pats 34 – Steelers 13</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 15 @ NE – Pats 20 – Jets 10</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 16 @ NE – Pats 28 – Dolphins 7</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Week 17 @ NYG – Pats 38 – Giants 35</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">So over the 16 regular season games the 2007 Patriots not only won every one but did so by an average 18.37 points per game. So to say this years Colts are arguably a better team than the 2007 Patriots is arguably the most ridicules statement this rookie blogger has ever heard. </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Bottom line is the 07 Patriots or any Patriots team during the Bill Belichick regime, have something the 09 Colts lack…..depth. The Patriots system is one that does not depend on superstars playing every game. It’s all about players doing their job. </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">A good example of this system is the 2008 Patriots. Brady goes down for the season in week 1 and QB Matt Cassel, who has never started a game at any level going back to his pee wee days, leads the Pats to an 11-5 season. If the Colts were to ever lose Manning for the season they would be lucky to finish 8 – 8. Manning is the Colts. There is no depth. </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In the loss to the Jets they pulled Manning and several other starters with 5:36 left in the 3rd quarter. Then the Jets scored the next 19 points and won the game 29 – 15.  Manning and the starters were only out of the game for 20:36 minutes. Enter Curtis Painter. ‘He gained some valuable experience’ said head coach Jim Caldwell. Painter was 4 for 11, 44 yards and 1 pick. What a value. </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">My closing message is this: without Peyton Manning the Colts are the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, 09 NY Giants or insert any mediocre team you choose here.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Thanks to giantyankeefan for this weeks inspiration. Future blogs I am considering are “How overrated is Eli Manning, let me count the ways” and “Hot stove baseball – another look at the greatest comeback in baseball history, the 2004 Red Sox come back from 0 – 3 to defeat Yankees”.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Talk to you next week.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">LS Ranger</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Hiyo Silver    </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><img width="150" height="120" src="/uploads/Image/lonelysportsrangerandsilver.jpg" alt="L.S. Ranger riding off until next week" /></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> </div> 76.97.188.228

2010-01-01T21:28:00-05:00

colts-mediocre-at-best-without-manning-under-center

Yes 173.171.181.161, 66.249.68.233, 66.249.67.229, 67.195.112.159, 123.125.66.45, 67.195.111.172, 208.54.85.69, 174.129.157.222, 85.25.124.4, 96.42.244.97, 200.126.226.16, 65.35.241.234, 123.125.66.55, 68.0.35.18, 142.166.3.122, 76.97.188.228, 72.44.61.86, 64.13.147.189, 174.129.27.223, 67.207.201.152, 65.52.19.122, 89.151.116.61, 70.37.66.245, 72.44.49.134, 64.246.135.98, 67.220.192.215, 75.101.197.164, 216.24.142.47, 72.13.91.40, 208.74.66.39, 208.74.66.62, 89.151.116.54, 4.78.248.3, 89.151.116.59, 71.35.121.170, 72.253.247.227, 174.36.228.154, 174.129.58.57, 89.151.84.34, 24.60.163.70, 96.24.252.39, 66.249.68.100, 142.166.170.101, 74.6.8.89, 69.161.77.200, 91.121.157.149, 62.195.200.161, 142.166.170.103, 87.250.252.241, 209.249.53.198, 173.169.93.166, 204.181.136.76, 72.70.224.162, 72.30.142.161, 24.233.119.85, 66.249.68.208, 75.101.246.233, 69.174.58.44, 75.101.242.10, 66.30.108.65, 142.166.170.100, 67.202.4.83, 63.215.202.234, 66.249.67.17, 75.101.190.184, 76.208.37.185, 66.249.68.143, 66.249.68.89, 66.235.124.54, 218.28.29.236, 71.178.245.123, 66.249.68.66, 208.84.198.26, 98.233.122.77, 76.65.207.92, 99.1.97.45, 119.63.198.4, 75.193.204.176, 67.195.111.28, 67.218.116.131, 65.26.183.211, 95.27.138.33, 142.166.170.102, 66.249.65.111, 66.249.65.119, 66.249.65.109, 66.249.65.68, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.68.121, 38.100.41.112, 66.249.67.162, 65.55.207.24, 66.235.124.55, 66.249.67.136, 66.249.68.248, 67.218.116.130, 67.195.114.42, 123.125.66.82, 65.55.106.138, 66.249.68.245, 123.125.66.83, 66.249.67.218, 162.93.249.11, 205.188.116.79, 65.55.106.186, 65.55.106.231, 66.249.68.204, 87.194.153.134, 66.249.67.174, 122.116.151.242, 38.99.97.110, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.106.209, 98.80.132.80, 66.249.68.155, 71.75.184.48, 38.100.8.50, 208.115.111.245, 66.249.67.133, 67.195.114.253, 65.55.207.77, 67.195.112.88, 208.115.111.248, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.115.214, 207.46.12.24, 67.195.113.247, 207.46.12.65, 65.55.110.26, 65.55.232.13

Colts mediocre at best without Manning under center

No Colts, Patriots, Jets, Dolphins, Manning, Brady, NFL

Colts mediocre at best without Manning under center

1999

writer

article

2009-12-27T21:57:00-05:00

Playerpress

86 6735  The AFC picture became quite clear this week. Last week there were still four playoff spots that had not been clinched in the AFC.  There were 6 teams <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/stuck-in-7th-at-7-7">with a 7-7 record,</a> and those teams were one game out of a Wildcard spot.     The Patriots clinched the AFC East and the Bengals clinched the AFC North.  That means that there are only 2 playoff spots yet to be decided.  The Broncos and Ravens both started the weekend at 8-6, both teams lost, and now they join the group of teams at 8-7.     As for the teams with a 7-7 record, three won and three lost.  The Titans lost to the Chargers, as San Diego continued their 18 game win streak in December and wrapped up 2nd place in the AFC.  The Jaguars lost to the Patriots while New England clinched the AFC East.  The Texans beat the Dolphins in a match-up of 7-7 teams.  The Steelers were one of the winners as they made a statement against the Ravens.  The Jets managed to do something that no other team could do this season, beat the previously undefeated Colts as Peyton Manning watched from the sideline.  Rest ahead of perfection, I guess.     So that means there are five teams trying for two spots. Denver Broncos host the 3-12 Kansas City Chiefs. Baltimore Ravens go to the 5-10 Oakland Raiders. Pittsburgh Steelers at the 7-8  Miami Dolphins. Houston Texans host the 10-5 New England Patriots New York Jets host the 10-5 Cincinnati Bengals   74.98.182.41

2009-12-27T21:57:00-05:00

5-teams-2-spots

Yes 200.126.226.16, 66.249.68.233, 142.166.3.122, 174.37.205.86, 174.36.228.155, 67.195.111.172, 64.233.173.2, 67.195.112.159, 66.249.67.229, 75.101.232.109, 38.99.98.102, 142.166.170.100, 76.97.188.228, 208.74.66.36, 70.37.66.169, 65.52.18.116, 174.129.58.57, 89.151.116.52, 67.202.11.49, 174.129.141.109, 174.129.70.181, 79.99.6.106, 74.208.125.5, 94.23.51.159, 174.133.61.66, 89.151.116.54, 67.218.99.195, 89.151.84.34, 83.149.199.55, 74.98.182.41, 128.241.112.231, 209.249.53.43, 72.30.142.161, 67.195.111.28, 66.249.68.71, 87.250.252.241, 68.32.63.126, 123.125.66.106, 85.25.124.167, 74.6.18.223, 65.35.241.234, 85.25.124.4, 207.241.228.152, 66.249.67.58, 66.249.67.176, 66.249.68.219, 66.249.67.134, 69.59.162.116, 218.28.29.236, 66.249.68.143, 92.1.155.104, 95.27.138.33, 65.55.207.117, 66.249.65.97, 65.55.106.229, 66.249.65.109, 216.129.119.11, 66.249.68.137, 66.249.68.214, 67.195.114.42, 69.115.241.123, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.68.245, 76.24.145.97, 65.55.207.48, 87.194.153.134, 122.116.151.242, 174.129.134.226, 38.99.97.110, 38.99.97.126, 65.55.110.106, 67.195.37.188, 66.249.68.155, 65.55.207.26, 65.55.109.63, 66.249.67.206, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.112.114, 66.249.68.187, 208.115.111.245, 208.115.111.248, 67.195.112.88, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.112.49, 67.195.115.214, 207.46.204.238, 38.99.96.233

5 Teams, 2 Spots

No Broncos, Jets, Steelers, Ravens, Texans

5 Teams, 2 Spots

793

writer

article

2009-12-23T01:40:00-05:00

Playerpress

78 6691 Going into week 16, there are two playoff pictures.The AFC Picture is like the picture your 5 year old brings home. "It's a great picture," you tell your kid. "Do you know what it is?" your child asks. "Of course I do," you answer. "What is it?"  "It's our house." "No dad, it's a monkey."     In the AFC, there are two teams that are definitely in.   The other four spots are up for grabs between 10 teams.  It includes <a href="http://playerpress.com/articles/stuck-in-7th-at-7-7">six teams stuck in 7th place at 7-7</a>.     1 The Colts (14-0) have everything wrapped up.  Home field will be in Indianapolis throughout the playoffs.  But the question remains if the Colts will try for the undefeated season.  This week the Colts play the Jets, one of the teams in the 7-7 pack.     2 The Chargers (11-3) have won 9 in a row, and 17 straight games in the month of December.   They can clinch a bye and the 2nd seed with a win.  They take on the Titans on Christmas night, another one of the teams in the 7-7 pack.     3 The Patriots (9-5) have not yet clinched a playoff spot, but can clinch the AFC East with a win or a Miami loss.  The Pats take on the Jaguars, as you might expect, they are 7-7.  The Dolphins are also 7-7, they are playing the Texans, who are (repeat after me) 7-7.     4 The Bengals (9-5) also have not clinched a playoff, but can clinch the AFC North with a win or a Baltimore loss.  The Bengals play the Kansas City Chiefs who are 3-11.       5 The Ravens (8-6) are currently in place for the top wildcard spot.  This weekend they play the Steelers, who are 7-7.     6  The Broncos (8-6) started the season 6-0.   Now they are clinging to the 6th seed in the playoffs.  They are going to Philadelphia to play the 10-4 Eagles.     7 The 7-7 teams.... they all still have a chance at the playoffs, and they all have games they must win this weekend to keep that hope alive.  Two teams will play each other (the Dolphins and the Texans), the other four will play top seeds in the conference. Miami plays Houston Pittsburgh plays Baltimore New York Jets play Indianapolis Jacksonville plays New England Tennessee plays San Diego     The NFC picture is much clearer than the AFC.  It's as if you would guess it was a house, and it really would be a house.  You would know who was in the house, and who was out.     1 New Orleans (13-1) lost the chance to have two undefeated teams in the Super Bowl with their loss to Dallas.  Can clinch home field throughout with a win over 2-12 Tampa Bay.     2 Minnesota (11-3) missed a big opportunity to catch the Saints by losing to the Panthers.   They hope to rebound in their game against the 5-9 Bears.     3 Philadelphia (10-4) can clinch the NFC East with a win over the Broncos and a Dallas loss.  If it does not happen, it will be decided in a Week 17 head to head match.       4 Arizona (9-5) have won the NFC West.  First, they get to play the Rams twice.  Then there is the fact that the West has three teams that are below .500.  Up next, those 1-13 Rams.     5 Green Bay (9-5) lost a chance to improve their chances with a last second loss to the Steelers.  They have a chance to improve it again playing the 5-9 Seahawks.     6 Dallas (9-5) actually won in December, and at the same time, ended the Saints hopes for an undefeated season.  They play the 4-10 Redskins.  If they win, they could set up the week 17 match with the Eagles for the NFC East crown.     7 New York Giants (8-6) need some help and need to win, starting with the 6-8 Panthers.     Meanwhile, I need to find some room on the fridge for this picture of the monkey. 74.98.182.41

2009-12-23T01:40:00-05:00

the-playoff-picture

Yes 74.98.182.41, 66.249.67.229, 174.37.205.76, 174.36.241.155, 142.166.3.122, 66.249.68.233, 67.195.112.159, 38.99.98.20, 98.234.73.198, 59.97.208.164, 38.99.98.21, 67.202.38.107, 200.24.251.34, 123.125.66.32, 66.249.68.71, 96.35.3.240, 67.195.111.28, 119.63.198.31, 209.50.182.2, 142.166.170.21, 98.196.7.120, 174.37.93.234, 74.86.227.236, 63.215.202.234, 71.133.60.61, 212.227.136.205, 67.195.111.172, 142.166.170.100, 87.250.252.241, 76.124.214.129, 142.166.170.102, 66.235.124.54, 66.249.67.58, 66.249.68.251, 99.61.91.138, 67.164.167.238, 166.216.224.7, 85.25.124.167, 85.25.124.4, 96.27.8.220, 207.241.228.152, 24.131.42.217, 66.249.68.143, 218.28.29.236, 66.247.206.53, 66.249.68.38, 128.197.202.25, 66.249.68.89, 38.99.97.229, 95.27.138.33, 66.249.65.97, 67.195.114.243, 65.55.207.137, 66.249.68.137, 65.55.207.96, 69.115.241.123, 66.249.68.202, 138.47.102.198, 66.249.68.245, 38.99.97.110, 65.55.107.181, 66.249.68.204, 66.249.68.36, 67.195.114.234, 209.202.168.75, 65.55.110.214, 67.195.37.188, 62.75.218.97, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.112.114, 208.115.111.245, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.67.69, 208.115.111.248, 65.55.207.69, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214

The Playoff Picture

No AFC, NFC, playoff picture, 7-7 teams

The Playoff Picture

793

writer

article

2009-12-20T16:32:00-05:00

Playerpress

85 6663  Last year, the Patriots were 11-5 and finished in 7th place. This year, after week 15 there are six teams in the AFC with 7-7 records. Last year, 11 wins was not enough to make the playoffs in the AFC, this year, a team could make it with 9.     Two wildcard teams at 8-6.      First, in order for a 9-7 team to make the playoffs, one of the wildcard teams will have to lose.  The Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos are both 8-6.  If they win their remaining games, than the cluster of teams at 7-7 will not matter.  Denver had a chance to get a step closer, but lost to the Oakland Raiders by one point.  Now Denver will have to go to Philadelphia and play the Eagles, who play well in December and are trying to wrap up the NFC East.  The Ravens improved to 8-6 by taking care of the Bears 31-7.  However, they have to go to Pittsburgh.  The Steelers had a last second win over the Packers and showed that they play with the heart of a champion.  The victory helped erase a questionable coaching decision to try an on-side kick when leading by two points.  Funny, when the Pats played the Colts, the Patriots went for it on fourth down, did not make it, and gave the Colts good field position and it was considered a bad coaching decision.  The on-side kick will not face the same questioning, even though it gave the Packers good field position.  In the end, winning changes everything.     Six teams at 7-7.     That brings us to six more teams in the AFC.  The Steelers, the Super Bowl Champs, joined this group with their win over the Packers.  The other five are the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Miami Dolphins, the New York Jets, the Tennessee Titans, and the Houston Texans.  These teams are all in a bunch, and any team that loses in week 16 will probably be eliminated from any discussion about the playoffs.  As mentioned, the Steelers host the Ravens.  On November 29, the Ravens beat the Steelers 20-17.  The Texans travel to Miami, in what will be like a playoff game in December, one team will join the 8-7 bunch, the other will have their playoff hopes diminish.  The Jets have to travel to take on the undefeated Colts.  The Jaguars go to New England, where the Patriots have not lost at home, and a win will give them the AFC East Championship.  The Titans started the season 0-6, now they host the Chargers, who have won 17 December games in a row.       What to look for in Week 16.     First, in order to make it interesting, start with the Broncos and Ravens both losing.  It seems possible, with the Eagles and Steelers both playing at home and both are good teams with playoff chances on the line.  If that happens, there will be three teams at 8-7.  After the Texans play the Dolphins, another team will join the 8-7 pack.  The other three 7-7 teams face tougher challenges.  The Jets have to beat the 14-0 Colts, the Titans need to beat the Chargers and their 17 December win streak, and the Jaguars have to beat the Patriots, who are 7-0 at home this year.     Looking to Week 17 for potential 8-7 teams.     Denver Broncos host the 3-11 Kansas City Chiefs. Baltimore Ravens go to the 5-9 Oakland Raiders. Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins in what could be a match of 8-7 teams. Houston Texans host the 9-5 New England Patriots New York Jets host the 9-5 Cincinnati Bengals Jacksonville Jaguars go to the 3-11 Cleveland Browns Tennessee Titans go to the 5-9 Seattle Seahawks 76.97.188.228

2009-12-20T16:32:00-05:00

stuck-in-7th-at-7-7

Yes 74.98.182.41, 66.249.67.229, 123.125.66.18, 174.37.205.91, 66.249.68.233, 67.195.112.159, 174.36.241.155, 142.166.3.122, 74.86.229.198, 67.195.111.172, 142.166.170.102, 76.97.188.228, 72.44.61.86, 65.52.19.122, 70.37.66.169, 89.151.84.34, 216.24.142.45, 208.74.66.62, 208.74.66.38, 216.24.142.46, 67.202.5.6, 72.13.91.40, 75.101.197.164, 83.149.199.55, 89.151.116.61, 75.101.232.231, 63.215.202.234, 174.133.61.66, 174.37.205.76, 75.101.242.214, 123.125.66.52, 67.195.111.28, 209.249.53.129, 218.28.29.236, 66.249.68.71, 142.166.170.103, 66.239.212.163, 212.227.136.205, 119.63.198.8, 87.250.252.241, 76.31.86.184, 173.69.167.33, 85.25.124.167, 66.219.58.34, 85.25.124.4, 142.166.170.101, 207.241.228.152, 67.186.117.207, 66.249.67.136, 95.27.138.33, 65.55.207.30, 66.249.68.137, 67.195.110.180, 66.249.67.106, 216.129.119.11, 65.55.207.125, 205.209.170.11, 69.115.241.123, 65.55.106.230, 68.63.112.9, 24.19.237.141, 76.23.11.150, 174.51.241.14, 209.202.168.73, 65.55.106.114, 66.249.68.225, 67.195.112.114, 38.99.97.110, 66.249.68.204, 65.55.110.242, 67.195.114.234, 67.195.37.188, 65.55.107.180, 65.55.109.18, 65.55.207.138, 38.100.8.50, 38.99.97.65, 67.195.112.88, 208.115.111.245, 208.115.111.248, 72.249.45.161, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.68.236, 207.46.204.243

Stuck In 7th At 7-7

No Steelers, Dolphins, Texans, Jets, Jaguars, Titans

Stuck In 7th At 7-7

793

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