Nfl Football - Football Betting

2005-11-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

NFL quick hits: Week 9 betting recap
By Shawn Torrey
Mon, Nov 7, 2005

You might remember that we dubbed Week 6 of the schedule, “The Square Affair” when the favorites combined to go 10-3-1 ATS. With that in mind, it’s only fair that we call Week 9, “The Sequel.” --football gambling--

Books have to be feeling the pain as the chalk teams prevailed for the third time in the past four weeks. A quick run back through previous editions of this column shows the favorites bringing home the cash at a mind-boggling 27-13-1 ATS over the past four weeks. --football gambling--

We should mention that the past two Monday Nighters are not included in that total since we changed the publishing time of this piece to Monday mornings. Regardless, without getting nit-picky, that’s one heck of a haul for anyone who would be silly enough to blindly bet the favorites. --football gambling--

Road favorites covered as many as eight games this week depending upon your line, and overall the homers finished just 4-8-1 ATS. There was no distinct advantage for totals players as the under finished with a slight 7-6 edge. --football gambling--

Hang in there underdog bettors, the big payday is coming.
Atlanta 17 at Miami 10 (1 / 40)
Since nobody seems willing to give Vick the credit that he says he deserves, we’ll gladly step to the mic. The noted scrambler stayed home in this one and tossed for a season-high 228 yards. More importantly, the Falcons improved to 5-1 (4-2 ATS) in their last six contests. --football gambling--

The Dolphins dropped the cash for the fourth time in five games. Oakland 23 at Kansas City 27 (-4 ½ / 51 ½). --football gambling--

Why do they kick meaningless extra points when there is no time left remaining on the clock?
Well, as far as we can tell it’s merely to give bettors chest pains. Whether you were on the side or total in this one, we’re willing to bet that you were frantically counting pointspreads in your head as time expired. We’re also guessing that you were again reminded to always get the best number. --football gambling--

Houston 14 at Jacksonville 21 (-13 / 36 ½) --football gambling--
Jacksonville didn’t make life very easy for fans, and bettors alike on Sunday as it took 14 fourth-quarter points to gain victory over the one-win Texans. The slow start had Jags supporters chewing on chalk from the word go. --football gambling--

Tennessee 14 at Cleveland 20 (-3 / 37) --football gambling--
The Browns now have more wins to their credit than eight other teams in the league and the Titans are included in that list. Technically that means that the Browns are the ninth-worst, which isn’t bad considering they lost to the Texans last week. --football gambling--

The under is now an 7-1 when the Browns hit the field, but unexplainably the posted total has actually gotten higher in each of Cleveland’s last three games. Go figure. --football gambling--
Cincinnati 21 at Baltimore 9 (3 / 36) --football gambling--
The Bengals racked up 329 yards on the Ravens, and racked the cash for the fourth time in five road games this season. They pushed in the other.
The under improved to 3-0 in the Bengals’ last three, and 3-0 when they tackle a divisional foe. The Ravens failed to score more than 10 points for the fourth time this year, and the under improved to 6-2 in Baltimore games. --football gambling--

Carolina 34 at Tampa Bay 14 (pk / 37)
Let’s keep it simple. The Bucs finally faced a talented opponent, and they flat-out got their butts kicked. The win was the Panthers fifth in a row (3-2 ATS), and the over has now hit in six straight Carolina games. The Bucs lost for the second straight time since their bye week and are now just 1-5 ATS over their last six games. --football gambling--

San Diego 31 at NY Jets 26 (6 / 41)
Chargers supporters fell victim to the ‘backdoor cover’ after looking like they were going to cover this spread by double-digits. Brooks Bollinger was the unlikely hero for New York bettors, leading a charge that didn’t fall short by much. --football gambling--

The 26 points is the most that the Jets have put up all season. The over has now cashed in three straight Jets contests and this result snapped a four-game under streak, and three-game ATS run for the Bolts. --football gambling--

Detroit 14 at Minnesota 27 (-2 / 38) --football gambling--
The Vikings went to bat for steam bettors who had this line moving fast prior to kick-off, easily collecting the coin with a 13-point win. Oddly enough they did it without their best player and quarterback Culpepper, reinforcing they fact that sometimes things go unexplained in this league. --football gambling--

Minnesota has quietly won and covered three in a row at home and has pulled into a second place tie in the NFC North with the Lions. --football gambling--

NY Giants 24 at San Francisco 6 (11 / 43) --football gambling--
The Giants picked up their first road win of the campaign and improved their current win streak to three. So long as Eli Manning stays far away from San Diego, this team will do just fine.
Seattle 33 at Arizona 19 (5 / 43) --football gambling--
Remind us again why Dennis Green decided to go with Kurt Warner, or was that brilliant idea kept a secret? --football gambling--

The Seahawks are in cruise control and enjoy a 5-2 ATS run, while over bettors are benefiting from a 5-1 streak. --football gambling--
Chicago 20 New Orleans 17 (3 / 34) --football gambling--
Chicago may have been guilty of playing to the level of its competition here, but ultimately couldn’t help but win its fourth in a row against the lowly Saints. New Orleans has recorded just one win since a season-opening victory over Carolina. --football gambling--
The over cashed in a Bears game for just the second time this season- the first since Week 2 of the schedule. --football gambling--

Pittsburgh 20 at Green Bay 10 (3 ½ / 38) --football gambling--
Has anyone seen Favre’s mo-jo? --football gambling--
The Packers had ample opportunity to go up early in this one, but bad teams tend to squander those chances. The Pack did just that and they are a bad team. Green Bay hasn’t cracked the 20-point plateau in three weeks, and the under is 3-0 in those games. --football gambling--

Philadelphia 10 at Washington 17 (3 / 38 ½) --football gambling--
Note to Andy Reid: Umm, you`re allowed to run the ball inside the other team’s five-yard line with less than two minutes left and the game on the line. In fact, some would even say it’s encouraged. --football gambling--

Note to T.O.: Under the safe assumption that you’ll never read this article, I feel compelled to say that you’re an idiot. The Eagles dropped their fourth in a row against the number and matched their season-low points total. The Skins are now 5-2 ATS in their last seven and 3-1 ATS at home. --football gambling--
Share your thoughts on this article in the Covers posting forum.--football gambling--

2005-11-02T06:06:00.000-08:00

Chargers hold on, down Chiefs

By Casey Pearce , Chargers.com
Sunday, October 30, 2005

A career day by tight end Antonio Gates fueled the Chargers’ offense and helped the Bolts earn a 28-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium Sunday afternoon. -NFL Football-

Gates caught 10 passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns as the Chargers evened their record at 4-4 on the season. All figures were career highs for the third-year tight end. -NFL Football-

“We came in with the intention of getting Gates the ball today,” Chargers Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer said. “We were anxious to see what they would try to do [to him in coverage]. But Antonio Gates is growing as an accomplished NFL tight end and receiver. It's fun to watch him progress, because it's obvious he's going places that he's really never been before.' -NFL Football-

Gates caught touchdown passes of 19, 20 and 35 yards, the latter coming midway through the fourth quarter with the Chargers clinging to an eight point lead. On a crucial 3rd-and-four from the Kansas City 35 yard line, quarterback Drew Brees hit Gates on a quick slant. The All Pro tight end slipped a tackle and raced into the end zone to give the Bolts a two-possession lead. -NFL Football-

“He made some great plays today and showed everybody once again or confirmed that he’s the guy,” Brees said. “You can’t say enough about how clutch he was.” -NFL Football-

The Chargers’ defense entered the game ranked second in the NFL against the run. Despite missing three starters including linebackers Steve Foley and Randall Godfrey, the Bolts held Kansas City’s sixth-ranked rushing offense to 95 yards on the day. The Bolts also sacked Chiefs quarterback Trent Green four times and kept him off balance throughout the afternoon. -NFL Football-

“I was very pleased with the way that we played on defense,” Schottenheimer said. “You all know how highly I think of their offensive line as well as their quarterback and running backs. We made some plays at critical times that really pushed us through.” -NFL Football-

After Gates’ first touchdown catch gave the Chargers an early 7-0 lead, running back LaDainian Tomlinson threw his third touchdown pass of the season to make a 14-0 contest. Tomlinson took a pitch from quarterback Drew Brees and darted to the outside. As the Kansas Citydefense converged, the All Pro back found a wide open Eric Parker in the back of the end zone for a 17-yard score. Gates added his second score of the afternoon just before the half to give the Bolts a 21-3 lead at the break. -NFL Football-

Midway through the third quarter, the Chiefs drew closer when tight end Tony Gonzalez caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Green that made it a 21-10 ballgame. Following a Brees interception, Kansas City had a chance to close the gap to four. But with the Chiefs driving at the San Diego 13 yard line, Shawne Merriman sacked Green and forced him to fumble. Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips pounced on the ball to end the threat. -NFL Football-

The Chiefs again drove inside the gold zone on their first possession on the fourth quarter, but key stops by Merriman, defensive end Jacques Cesaire and Stephen Cooper closed the door at the San Diego three yard line and forced Kansas City to settle for a 20-yard Lawrence Tynes field goal that kept it a 21-13 contest. -NFL Football-

Any time a receiver has a performance like that of Gates, it’s generally synonymous with a big day from their quarterback. Such was the case Sunday as Brees completed 25-of-43 passes for a season-high 324 yards and three touchdowns. His clutch throw to Gates for his third score of the day pushed the Chargers’ cushion back to 28-13. -NFL Football-

“We talk so much about finishing games all the time,” defensive end Luis Castillo said. “Whether it’s finishing on offense or defense, we need to make the big plays. Today the defense did and the offense was able to put up a touchdown in the second half to give us just enough room to close it out.” -NFL Football-

With 3:49 remaining, the contest was far from over. Green quickly marched his offense 64 yards in 1:37 and found wide receiver Eddie Kennison for a seven-yard score that again brought the Chiefs within one possession at 28-20. Green had an impressive day in his own right, completing 31-of-43 for 347 yards and two scores. -NFL Football-

The Chargers finally slammed the door when Kassim Osgood fell on the ensuing onsides kick attempt, allowing the Chargers to run the clock out. The recovery capped yet another impressive performance from Osgood, who recorded four special teams tackles to extend his team lead in the category to 15. -NFL Football-

With the passing game clicking, Tomlinson finished with 17 carries for 69 yards. Coming into the day, the Chargers were 0-4 when their workhorse back had less than 100 yards or less than 20 carries. -NFL Football-

“There are going to be times when we’re going to need to throw it 50 times to win. Today was one of the days we needed to throw it a lot,” Brees said. “Even if (Tomlinson) is not getting it every play, he’s still a thought in the minds of the opposing defenders. That makes the rest of us better.” -NFL Football-

The Chargers defense stood firm when it counted the most Sunday. Kansas City scored 20 points despite six trips inside the Chargers’ 20 yard line. The Chiefs also converted just two of 13 third downs. -NFL Football-

“I was very impressed with how we played defensively today,” Schottenheimer said. “We held up when it was important, and you’re going to win a lot of football games when you do that.” -NFL Football-

The Chargers now turn their attention to the 2-5 New York Jets, who enjoyed their bye Sunday. -NFL Football-

Injuries

Offensive tackle Roman Oben left the game with a foot injury and did not return. Safety Terrence Kiel (calf), defensive end DeQuincy Scott (ankle), fullback Andrew Pinnock (shoulder/calf) and Merriman (groin) also reported injuries. -NFL Football-

Notes

Merriman’s two sacks were the most by a Chargers rookie since Chris Mims dropped the quarterback twice against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1992…Keenan McCardell also contributed five catches for 73 yards, and Parker finished with four catches for 63 yards…Gonzalez had seven receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown…Sammy Davis tied Donnie Edwards for the team lead in tackles Sunday. Both players had 11 stops… Castillo was credited with 1.5 sacks on the day, the first of his career…Mike Scifres was his brilliant self, averaging 49.2 yards on six punts…The Chargers were flagged for just four penalties in the win. -NFL Football-

2005-10-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

Quarterback matters of life and depth

By Ira Miller, the San Francisco Chronicle

After Baltimore and Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl two years apart with Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson as their quarterbacks, a theory made the rounds that, perhaps, the quarterback position in today's game was no longer as important as it historically had been. -NFL Football-

You won't find many people who would admit to ever thinking that way. -NFL Football-

In New England, Tom Brady has held the Patriots together through sheer will, just as Steve Young used to compensate for a weakened roster near the end of the 49ers' dynasty in the '90s. Cincinnati has become a threat because Carson Palmer is proving to be the real deal, and the Giants' Eli Manning may have crossed a significant threshold with his late rally to beat Denver last weekend. -NFL Football-

All around the NFL, whether it's Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia or Michael Vick in Atlanta, franchise quarterbacks are the driving force behind their teams. -NFL Football-

Even Pittsburgh, which is a team driven by its running game and defense, has a franchise quarterback — Ben Roethlisberger, the NFL's top-rated passer. -NFL Football-

"It's hard to win if you don't have a quarterback. You have no margin of error," Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher says. -NFL Football-

Teams aren't just satisfied with one anymore, either. -NFL Football-

The need for quarterback depth drove two trade deadline deals, with Tampa Bay getting Tim Rattay from San Francisco, and San Diego, which on the surface wouldn't seem to need another quarterback, getting A.J. Feeley from Miami. -NFL Football-

A common thread linked the teams that shipped out Rattay and Feeley: Both of them were remnants of a previous administration. Mike Nolan, the 49ers' new coach, is going with Alex Smith, the first player chosen in the draft this year. It was former GM Terry Donahue who claimed the team could win behind Rattay, who has a 4-12 record as a starter. At Miami, former GM Rick Spielman gave up a second-round pick for Feeley last year. New boss Nick Saban actually gave away a sixth-round pick with Feeley to get Cleo Lemon from San Diego. -NFL Football-

That explains why Rattay and Feeley were traded. -NFL Football-

Why Tampa Bay and San Diego wanted them is another issue entirely: depth. -NFL Football-

Jon Gruden, with the Bucs at 5-1, wanted another experienced hand after Brian Griese was injured. Gruden is not fond of Chris Simms, the team's interim starter. Simms was drafted by Rich McKay, the former Tampa Bay general manager, against the wishes of Gruden, who hadn't worked him out. Further, Gruden has a distaste for left-handed quarterbacks. -NFL Football-

In San Diego, Chargers general manager A.J. Smith would hardly seem to need Feeley, not with Drew Brees proving his 2004 resurgence was no fluke and with Philip Rivers still waiting in the wings. The Chargers have the salary cap flexibility to retain both of them next year, but Smith isn't even thinking that far ahead. He loves depth, and when he could get a veteran quarterback plus an extra draft pick, the deal was a no-brainer for him. -NFL Football-

The quarterback always was the most important player, but in the present era, with a salary cap that can affect a roster and free agency that can rob a team of players, teams are in transition more than ever. That has only increased the value of a franchise quarterback, because a great one, like Brady, can hold a team together when everything else is falling apart. -NFL Football-

Young, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year, played that role in San Francisco as the dynasty was crumbling around him both on the field and in the front office. He kept the 49ers competitive until his career was ended early in the 1999 season. From the beginning of the 1981 season through the third game of 1999, Young's final game, the 49ers had a winning percentage of .740. Since then, their percentage is .404. -NFL Football-

Few players, and certainly not the great ones, would say outright that they are the catalyst for their team, but Brady inadvertently came close the other day when someone asked him how his temperament had changed and his maturity grown in recent years. -NFL Football-

He says he is "still probably immature in some ways" but adds:

"As a player, I think I'm certainly more aware of what's going on out there, and I have more understanding of what our offense is doing. ... My job is to get everyone else doing the right thing ... so we can be efficient and productive. I have a little more say than I used to." -NFL Football-

Despite the Patriots' slow start, Brady is the constant who gives New England a chance at a third straight title, because he will keep the team competitive. Around him, New England is a shadow of the defending champs. -NFL Football-

The running game, which was so strong last season in Corey Dillon's first year in New England, has fallen off dramatically. Dillon, who ran for 1,635 yards and averaged 4.7 a carry in 2004, is on pace for barely half that (877) and is averaging 3.4 a carry. Meanwhile, Brady, who threw 474 passes last season, is on pace to throw 608. The defense is allowing 40-plus yards a game more often than a year ago. In 2004, New England permitted opponents to score 20 points just six times in 16 games. This year, the Patriots have allowed all six opponents to score at least 20. -NFL Football-

"We've lost some very key players," Brady says. "We lost some guys who are great talents and great leaders." -NFL Football-

But because the Patriots haven't lost their real leader, they will return from the bye week as a team that no one should count out. Presumably, the time off gave coach Bill Belichick a chance to patch some holes on defense. -NFL Football-

Cowher's Steelers are doing it a different way. Roethlisberger is almost a caretaker quarterback, asked to manage games while the Steelers, who average the fewest pass attempts in the NFL, rely on their running game and defense. But he is 17-1 as a regular-season starter. In his five games this year (he missed one because of injury), he has attempted only 100 passes, but nine went for touchdowns and only one was intercepted. His passer rating is 120.7; only Peyton Manning, at 121.1 a year ago, ever did better for a full season. -NFL Football-

If more evidence is needed that the NFL is a quarterback-driven league, you need only point to recent drafts. Starting with the Colts' choice of Peyton Manning in 1998, seven of the last eight No. 1 picks were quarterbacks, including the last five in a row. Prior to that, a quarterback was chosen with the top pick only eight times in 31 years since the NFL's merger with the American Football League created a common draft. -NFL Football-

In a sometimes-trendy and fair-weathered league, styles can be revered one season and forgotten the next. But as long as teams like the Patriots, Colts and Eagles keep winning, the franchise quarterback is a stalwart phenomenon. -NFL Football-

2005-10-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

Chargers, Dolphins swap third-string QBs
By BERNIE WILSON, AP Sports Writer
-- NFL --
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The Chargers took third-string quarterback A.J. Feeley off Miami's hands and gave up on guard Toniu Fonoti in separate deals before the NFL trading deadline on Tuesday. -- NFL --

The Chargers picked up two draft picks in the process. Besides getting Feeley, the Chargers also got a sixth-round pick in 2006 from Miami for third-string quarterback Cleo Lemon, who's never taken a regular-season snap.
-- NFL --
The Chargers sent Fonoti to Minnesota for a seventh-round draft pick in 2006, which will be upgraded to a sixth-rounder if Fonoti dresses for six games or starts three games. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
Feeley started eight games for Miami last year, but was demoted by new coach Nick Saban heading into this season. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
Lemon was on San Diego's practice squad in 2003 and was the fourth-stringer last season. -- NFL --
Feeley has been a bust in Miami. He was obtained from the Philadelphia Eagles on March 3, 2004, for a second-round draft pick. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
He played in 11 games, including eight starts, throwing 11 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions. Playing behind a weak offensive line, he was sacked 23 times. -- NFL --
After naming Gus Frerotte the starter this year, Saban dropped Feeley to third on the depth chart behind Sage Rosenfels.-- NFL --
-- NFL --
The acquisition of Feeley certainly had fans wondering what the Chargers will do with Drew Brees and Philip Rivers after this season. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
After leading San Diego to the playoffs last year, Brees was tagged as the Chargers' ``franchise'' player, earning an $8 million, one-year contract. The Chargers have several options with Brees, including signing him to a long-term deal, franchising him again and keeping him, or franchising him and trading him. -- NFL --
Rivers, in the second year of a six-year contract, played only sparingly as a rookie last year and hasn't taken a snap this year. He was taken with the No. 4 pick overall in the 2004 draft by the New York Giants, then sent to San Diego, along with a handful of picks, for Eli Manning. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
``I don't discuss our football business,'' general manager A.J. Smith said. ``I understand speculation as to, why is A.J. Feeley here and not Cleo Lemon. People should focus on the draft pick rather than the quarterback.
``We stockpile players, bring in the best players. At the end of the year, we make decisions. This gives us injury protection.'' -- NFL --
-- NFL --
Feeley started five games for Philadelphia in 2002 when Donovan McNabb was hurt. -- NFL --
Fonoti was a second-round draft pick in 2002. The Chargers liked his size -- 6-foot-4, 350 pounds -- but Fonoti battled injuries and weight problems. Fonoti missed the last four games with a broken hand, and sat out the entire 2003 season with a foot injury. The Chargers also apparently wearied of Fonoti's work ethic. -- NFL --
He was absent without an excuse from the start of minicamps the last two years. -- NFL --
Although Fonoti was a bust in San Diego, if he can stay healthy he'll fill a need on the Vikings offensive line, which has been inconsistent during the team's 1-4 start. He has started 32 of the 33 games he's played, including the first of the season before breaking his hand in practice Sept. 14. -- NFL --
-- NFL --
He played the following week in a loss to Denver, but had a plate inserted and required further surgery.-- NFL --
-- NFL --The Chargers had planned to determine Fonoti's future at the end of the season, but began shopping him around earlier this month. They later invited his agent, Steve Feldman, to try to broker a deal. -- NFL --

-- NFL --
Smith said ``several situations'' involving Fonoti early in the season hastened the player's exit.
-- NFL --Smith refused to offer specifics, and Feldman didn't return a call seeking comment.
AP Sports Writers Jon Krawczynski in Minneapolis and Steven Wine in Miami contributed to this report.-- NFL --

2005-10-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Houshmandzadeh out for Bengals

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2005) -- Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was inactive against the Jacksonville Jaguars because of a hand injury. - NFL Football -

Houshmandzadeh, the team's second-leading receiver behind Chad Johnson, has 20 catches for 248 yards and a touchdown this season. He injured his hand last week against Houston, when he caught eight passes for 105 yards. - NFL Football -

Kelley Washington was scheduled to start in his place.

Safety Madieu Williams also was inactive because of a shoulder injury.

Starting center Rich Braham (knee) was active, but was not in the starting lineup. He was replaced by Eric Ghiaciuc. - NFL Football -

2005-10-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Advice for Fantasy Football in Week 4
Don’t bail on the Colts and start your guys anytime they play the 49ers

By John McFarland
Associated Press

So you’ve got a crummy quarterback who’s killing you in your fantasy football league, and maybe you even have a few of his lackluster receivers. - NFL Football -

It’s usually an easy fix — just cut them or trade them, right?

But it’s much more complicated for the many fantasy players who find themselves feeling stuck with two-time MVP Peyton Manning or any of his three 1,000-yard receivers.

As amazing as they were in 2004, the core of the Colts’ aerial attack has been a dud so far. Manning hasn’t thrown a touchdown in two weeks. Marvin Harrison has one TD and averages 53 yards a game. Reggie Wayne hasn’t scored. Brandon Stokley hasn’t done squat since catching Manning’s NFL-record 49th TD pass last year. - NFL Football -

So what do you do?

The main thing is not to panic. Yes, last week’s struggle against Cleveland’s 30th-ranked defense was alarming. But the other two games were against stingy defenses, and the upcoming schedule smells like cupcakes: Tennessee, San Francisco, St. Louis and Houston.

On the other hand, if you’re 0-3 and loaded with Colts, shop them around. Trade any receivers, but hold out for a ridiculous offer for Manning — he’s still worth that based on history alone.

In the meantime, here are some players to start in Week 4, some who should stay on the bench and a few long shots who just might pay off. - NFL Football -

Do it
Start banged-up Donovan McNabb against the Chiefs defense that was exposed Monday night, but make sure you have a solid backup. Something about the strangely generic term “sports hernia” makes you wonder how long he’ll last.

—Michael Vick should be an automatic start against the Vikings, if for no other reason than the head-spinning 46-yard TD run he had in overtime to cap a 173-yard rushing game in Minnesota a few years ago.

—If San Francisco’s Tim Rattay and Washington’s Mark Brunell can light up the Cowboys, certainly Oakland’s Kerry Collins can. He’s coming off a 345-yard game, and Randy Moss is for some reason still ticked at Dallas for not drafting him seven years ago.

—With Rattay and Arizona’s Josh McCown as the NFL’s ambassadors to Mexico on Sunday night, we may not get invited back. International incidents aside, both could post big numbers against matador defenses. - NFL Football -

—North of the border, Brett Favre and Jake Delhomme should likewise shred each other’s struggling defenses when the Packers, the Panthers and their one combined win get together Monday night.

Not bad in a time of need
Tampa Bay’s Brian Griese faces a poor Detroit defense that is surely freaked out by NFL rushing leader Cadillac Williams’ freakish start to his NFL career.

Warning! Warning!
Please, in the name of Heath Shuler, don’t start these guys:

—Kansas City’s Trent Green has just one TD so far, and he may not last long against the ever-blitzing Eagles.

—Houston’s David Carr has completed 13 passes to wide receivers, giving them one more reception than Cincinnati’s defenders.
—If by now you’re still even considering starting Detroit’s Joey Harrington, I’m sorry, I just can’t help you. - NFL Football -

Running back who can carry your team
—You never bench Chargers touchdown machine LaDainian Tomlinson, so consider this a one-time public service announcement for jittery overthinkers. Get ahold of yourselves, folks, and start LT against the Patriots and everyone else on the upcoming rugged stretch of schedule.

—Rudi Johnson of the Bengals is averaging 100 yards a game in his last nine games. Houston has been giving up 144 rushing yards a game and appears worse defensively than the 2003 Texans who let Johnson go for 182 yards and two scores. - NFL Football -

—The Giants found out last week they can pile up a lot of yards without involving Tiki Barber. They also learned that they lose (with a lot of yards) when they don’t involve Barber.

—What ever happened to New Orleans’ Deuce McAllister? He’s gaining 3.2 yards a carry and has yet to reach 70 yards. Then again, what ever happened to the Bills’ run defense? McAllister should be sort of fired up for his sort-of home game in San Antonio.

—If you’re not too bitter with Jacksonville’s Fred Taylor for losing yardage in overtime last week and costing you a 100-yard bonus, give him a try against Denver. The Broncos allowed some big runs Monday night before the Chiefs had to pass every down. - NFL Football -

2005-09-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Week 3 NFL Preview

By GERRY DULAC, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bengals (2-0) at Bears (1-1), 1 p.m.

Cincinnati has the top-ranked offense in the NFL and is coming off a 37-8 victory against Minnesota, and much of the credit has to go to QB Carson Palmer. In his past five games, dating to last season, he has thrown 14 touchdowns with a passer rating over 100. The Bengals have started 3-0 just three times in 30 years, and each time (1975, 1988, 1990) they advanced to the playoffs. Like the Bengals, Chicago had five interceptions in last week’s victory against Detroit and has allowed just one touchdown in two weeks.

Prediction: Bengals, 20-13

Browns (1-1) at Colts (2-0), 1 p.m.

Romeo Crennel was 6-0 against Indianapolis when he was defensive coordinator in New England because he limited Peyton Manning to nine touchdowns with 10 interceptions in those games, including playoffs. But he also had Tedy Bruschi, Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel and Ty Law on his defense. Cleveland is coming off a surprise victory in Green Bay – a surprise because quarterback Trent Dilfer had never won in eight previous meetings at Lambeau Field. It will be even more of a surprise if the Browns win in Indy, where the Colts have six in a row.

Prediction: Colts, 30-10

Falcons (1-1) at Bills (1-1), 1 p.m.

There are questions about the quarterback in this game, but for different reasons. The concern with Atlanta’s Michael Vick is his hamstring, injured in last week’s 21-18 loss in Seattle. The concern with Buffalo’s J.P. Losman is his productivity, which has been at issue in each of the first two games. The only team with fewer offensive yards than the Bills (463) is Houston (341), which just fired its offensive coordinator. And the Bills have scored just 24 points in two games, second fewest in the AFC.

Prediction: Falcons, 17-14

Buccaneers (2-0) at Packers (0-2), 1 p.m.

Green Bay has won 12 consecutive home games against Tampa Bay, which, surprisingly, is only the fourth-longest current streak in the NFL (Washington has the longest, 17 in a row against Detroit). But the Pack’s streak could be in jeopardy against the Buccaneers, who are seeking their first 3-0 start since 2000. The Bucs have already received a pair of 100-yard games from rookie RB Carnell Williams, the only back in the league with more rushing yards than Willie Parker. And they’re visiting Green Bay at a nice time of year – when it’s not below freezing.

Prediction: Buccaneers, 21-20

Panthers (1-1) at Dolphins (1-1), 1 p.m.

As much as Carolina was deflated by its opening-week loss to New Orleans, the Panthers got some juice from last week’s victory against the Patriots. But they have to justify that with a victory against Miami, which has been feistier than a junkyard dog the first two weeks of the season. The Dolphins haven’t allowed a quarterback to throw for more than 300 yards in 32 games, the longest streak in the NFL. And they’re trying to win their fourth consecutive home game for the first time since 2002. The Upset Special.

Prediction: Dolphins, 16-14

Saints (1-1) at Vikings (0-2), 1 p.m.

Looking more and more like the first coach to be fired in 2005, Mike Tice has a daunting task in front of him. Not only does he need to find a way for Minnesota to get a victory – the Vikings have lost four in a row and six of the past seven, dating to last season – but he needs to do something about the Vikings offense. Without Randy Moss, the Vikings have seen teams stack the defensive line to stop the run, without worrying about committing an extra player to stop their former receiver. How many more games will it take Tice to figure this out?

Prediction: Vikings, 24-21

Jaguars (1-1) at Jets (1-1), 1 p.m.

After beating one Florida team with a tough defense, New York gets to face another. Jacksonville held the Colts without a touchdown for three quarters before losing, 10-3, a game in which quarterback Byron Leftwich got pounded like a veal cutlet. Leftwich will not have to worry about the same kind of pressure from the Jets – or any other team, for that matter – because the Colts bring the heat. The Jets have had a hard time getting Curtis Martin untracked in both games – he is averaging just 2.5 yards per carry – but the Jaguars haven’t exactly been stingy with their run defense.

Prediction: Jets, 16-14

Raiders (0-2) at Eagles (1-1), 1 p.m.

For now, Oakland is the best 0-2 team in the NFL, which is a lot like being the best-looking “Survivor” to be voted off the island. And, for now, the Raiders better hope Philadelphia doesn’t show the same kind of eastern hospitality it did for the last Bay Area team to visit Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles had a club-record 583 yards offense in last week’s 42-3 home victory against San Francisco, and it could get just as ugly against the Raiders. OK, whose problems would you rather inherit – Randy Moss or Terrell Owens?

Prediction: Eagles, 38-16

Titans (1-1) at Rams (1-1), 1 p.m.

These teams haven’t met since St. Louis beat Tennessee in Super Bowl XXXIV, 23-16, a game in which the Titans were stopped inches from the goal line as time expired. Since then, the fortunes of both teams have turned sour, especially the Titans, who have had to purge their roster of most of their high-priced stars. The Rams are still pretending to be a contender in the NFC West, but, then, just about anyone could contend in the NFC West. You know they’re in trouble when their defense is better than their offense.

Prediction: Titans, 20-17

Cowboys (1-1) at 49ers (1-1), 4:05 p.m.

One week after playing the dirt path to the Eagles’ all-terrain offense, the San Francisco defense can feel as though it accomplished at least one thing in Philadelphia – getting Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens to smile at each other on the field. Never fear, though. In Dallas, the 49ers face a team with which no deficit is ever too large to overcome. After watching the way the Cowboys blew a 13-3 lead to the Redskins, it can only be surmised Roy Williams is the last person you would want to guard your house at night.

Prediction: Cowboys, 28-23

Cardinals (0-2) at Seahawks (1-1), 4 p.m.

Certain rules go with being considered a dark horse playoff team, and the first is that the horse has to display some kind of gallop. But there isn’t even a trot in the Arizona offense, perhaps because Kurt Warner is trying to win through the air (88 passes in two games) and not on the ground. The Cardinals are 0-2 and fading quickly, especially if they don’t end their losing ways to Seattle, which has won four of the past five meetings. This is the second of three consecutive division games for the Cardinals. Giddyup.

Prediction: Seahawks, 23-14

Patriots (1-1) at Steelers (2-0), 4:15 p.m.

Quick, name the only NFL team to beat two teams from the same city and the same team from two cities? It’s the Steelers, who own victories against the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans, who were formerly the Houston Oilers. They also own the longest active regular season winning streak in the NFL (16 games) and are hoping to eclipse the record (18) held by the team they play today, New England. The Patriots, who had their streak ended last year at Heinz Field, haven’t lost back-to-back games since December 2002, an NFL-best span of 35 weeks.

Prediction: Steelers, 23-17

Giants (2-0) at Chargers (0-2), 8:30 p.m.

Eli Manning faces the team which drafted him No. 1 overall in 2004, then traded him hours later to the Giants for their No. 1 pick, Philip Rivers. And so it is that Manning – Eli, not Peyton – goes to San Diego for the first time with the team that leads the NFL in points scored. What’s more, the Giants have allowed just one offensive touchdown in two games and only 51.5 yards rushing per game, second only to Tampa Bay. That is a credit to Tim Lewis, the former Steelers defensive coordinator. But, c’mon. The Chargers can’t be that bad.

Prediction: Chargers, 24-20

Monday

Chiefs (2-0) at Broncos (1-1), 9 p.m.

This is the 14th year in a row Denver has appeared on Monday Night Football, the longest active streak in the NFL. But, if it weren’t for Champ Bailey, the Broncos almost came into prime time 0-2. Bailey’s interception return last week sealed a victory against San Diego, a victory that was much needed after being humiliated a week earlier in Miami. Kansas City may not feature the most feared defense in the league, not by a long shot. But the Chiefs have put up something resembling more than just mild resistance in their first two victories. Denver has won the past three meetings at home.

Prediction: Broncos, 30-27

Last week: 9-7 (.563)

Season record: 19-13 (.593)

2005-09-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Colts nearly shut out Ravens 24-7

BALTIMORE (Sept. 12, 2005) -- An outstanding performance by the Indianapolis defense enabled Peyton Manning to take his time before finding a way to get the offense in working order.

The Colts barely missed their first shutout since 1997, Manning threw two second-half touchdown passes, and Indianapolis cruised past the Baltimore Ravens 24-7.

Manning could generate only three points in the first half, but it didn't matter because Baltimore wouldn't end up scoring until the game's final minute. - NFL Football -

"Our defense had to play well until we figured out the looks they were going to give us," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "We just had to hang in there."

Indianapolis scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to take a 17-0 lead, and the Colts coasted behind a defense that received few headlines last year while Manning threw an NFL-record 49 touchdown passes for an offense that amassed a league-leading 522 points.

"So often, our offense gets a lot of credit," defensive tackle Corey Simon said. "They've done great things, but it's time for the defense to get a name for ourselves and play hard and be just as good as our offense." - NFL Football -

The Ravens lost quarterback Kyle Boller, who hyperextended his right big toe while being sacked by Larry Triplett in the third quarter with the score 17-0. Boller finished 15-for-23 for 141 yards and an interception.

"I've never had any foot problems before. It's concerning because it's my plant foot," Boller said.

Ravens coach Brian Billick said the injury "is more severe than it sounds, but I'll have to defer to the doctors to see how bad it is." - NFL Football -

Boller's replacement, Anthony Wright, completed 19 of 31 passes for 214 yards and two interceptions in his first game since 2003. His 17-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Wilcox with 13 seconds left ruined the Colts' bid for their first shutout since a 41-0 rout of Miami on Dec. 14, 1997.

Manning went 21-for-36 for 254 yards and no interceptions, and Marvin Harrison had six catches for 69 yards. - NFL Football -

"We stuck to our plan and it worked," Manning said. "We just had to keep plugging and plugging, and we got into a little groove in the second half."

The defense, on the other hand, was exceptional from the outset. Cato June returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown with 2:39 left, and the Colts limited Jamal Lewis to 48 yards rushing.

By the middle of the fourth quarter, many of the 70,501 in attendance -- the largest crowd ever to watch a football game in Baltimore -- headed for the exits.

Baltimore's Matt Stover missed field goals of 38, 47 and 45 yards. He missed three all of last season. - NFL Football -

"I look at misses as a turnover and momentum changer," Stover said. "I apologize to the city of Baltimore for the performance."

Stover's second miss, on the Ravens' first possession of the third quarter, came with Indianapolis up 3-0.

The Colts then took advantage of a key penalty during a 63-yard drive that ended in a 28-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Harrison, who got behind Chris McAlister in the right corner of the end zone. The penalty, against Dale Carter for putting a hand to the face of receiver Brandon Stokley, occurred on a third-and-8 from the Indianapolis 39. - NFL Football -

Instead of punting, Indianapolis kept moving.

It was the 83rd time Manning and Harrison have hooked up for a touchdown, two behind Steve Young and Jerry Rice as the most prolific TD duo in NFL history.

On their next series, the Colts covered 71 yards in four plays, going up 17-0 on a 26-yard touchdown pass from Manning to Ben Utecht. It was Utecht's first catch in the pros.

"If we keep doing what we plan on doing, we're going to get our plays," Manning said. "We finally got the shot to Marvin down the right sideline. We got the play to Utecht down the middle."

Held in check by an aggressive Baltimore defense for much of the first half, the Colts took a 3-0 halftime lead on a 20-yard field goal by Mike Vanderjagt with 15 seconds left. The 54-yard drive appeared stopped when Will Demps made an end-zone interception, but Terrell Suggs was offside on the play. - NFL Football -

McAlister also dropped a potential interception on the play before the field goal.

"No sacks, no turnovers," McAlister said. "That's not our type of football."

GAME NOTES:

Lewis said he broke his finger, and Ravens S Ed Reed bruised a leg muscle.

Stover last missed three field goals in one game in 1998.

Colts LB Gary Brackett had two interceptions, equaling his total for the 2004 season.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2005, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

2005-09-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Jerry Rice Ends Legendary NFL Career
Jerry Rice, Holder of 38 NFL Records, Retires From Football After 20-Year Career

DENVER Sep 6, 2005 — The greatest receiver of all time realized he would be no better than the fourth receiver for the Denver Broncos. It was no way for Jerry Rice to end his career, so he called it quits after 20 sensational seasons.

"I never thought I'd ever see this day," Rice said Monday during an emotional news conference at Broncos team headquarters. - NFL Football -

And the NFL may never see anyone like Rice again.
he 42-year-old receiver, a first-round draft pick out of tiny Mississippi Valley State in 1985, leaves the field with 38 NFL records, including the most career receptions (1,549), yards receiving (22,895) and touchdowns receiving (197).

But as much as the numbers, it was the way he did things that made the biggest impression the right way. He was a slave to details, a master of route-running precision, a good guy off the field and a workout junkie both in season and out. - NFL Football -

Revered by fans and his peers, Rice told his short-time teammates in Denver that he was retiring during a short meeting held after his public announcement. The Broncos gave him a standing ovation.

"Not many people that own all the records spend that type of commitment and give that type of commitment in the offseason," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "That's why, in my opinion, he's the greatest player to ever play the game."

Next, it's time for that debate, and nobody can accuse Shanahan of overstating it.

Rice led the 49ers to three Super Bowl titles and helped make Joe Montana and Steve Young look great. He mastered the West Coast offense and made a career of turning short catches into long gains. His work ethic and attention to the little things gave an entire generation of receivers someone to look up to. - NFL Football -

How detail oriented was he?

Shanahan said Rice insisted the right-handed assistant who threw practice passes to the receivers be replaced with a lefty when the 49ers switched from the right-handed Montana to the left-handed Young.

"… I'd see him upstairs. One time, I said, `Jerry, what are you doing?'" recalled Shanahan, who spent three years coaching Rice as San Francisco's offensive coordinator. "He said, `I was looking at film. I'm looking at the top 10 receivers in the AFC and the top 10 receivers in the NFC. I don't want any of these young guys ever to catch me.'" - NFL Football -

EDDIE PELLS
Associated Press

2005-08-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

It's game week again for Spurrier

PETE IACOBELLI

Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. - It's game week again for Steve Spurrier. After two disappointing seasons in the NFL, another one away from coaching and nine, hype-filled months since taking the South Carolina job, the head ball coach (Spurrier's preferred nickname these days) returns to collegefootball when the Gamecocks face Central Florida on Thursday night.

"There's a little bit of excitement and certainly I'm looking forward to it," Spurrier said. "But still, this game's about our players against their players. I know sometimes we coaches get too much in the spotlight of the game."

There's no doubt who will be the focus of this one.

Ever since Spurrier succeeded Lou Holtz in November, South Carolina fans have been giddy with expectations of the "Cock-n-Fire" offense, future Southeastern Conference championships and collegefootball domination, like it was at Florida for 12 seasons under Spurrier.

Gamecock fans have bought a record number of season tickets (62,618) - and that's despite an offseason where the school was hit with an NCAA probation and saw several players dismissed after running afoul of their new coach.

Right tackle Na'Shan Goddard says he can't escape the grocery store around town without someone asking him what it's like to play for Spurrier.

"I've never been around nothing with this much hype," defensive end Orus Lambert said. "It's the first game, so everybody wants to see Coach Spurrier return to the sidelines."

But Spurrier's not so sure what he'll find when he does.

He was walking with four of his offensive linemen, including starting tackles Goddard and Jabari Levey, recently and was pleased with their size and conditioning.

"I said, 'Dang, we've got big, strong, good-looking offensive linemen. How come they're not blocking as well as I hope?'" Spurrier recalled. "I'm trying to figure that out."

There could be a lot of head-scratching this season for Spurrier. His quarterback, sophomore Blake Mitchell, hasn't started a game. He will start first-year tailbacks Mike Davis and Bobby Wallace. The most reliable receiver so far, according to Spurrier, is Kris Clark, a senior who has nine catches in his college career.

"I think our fans are expecting some good things in the future," Spurrier said. "I don't know if they expect a turnaround right away. I do think we have a team that's got a chance to do some good things this year. Now whether or not we achieve that, we've got to wait and see."

Once the game starts, Spurrier says he'll return to his familiar mind-set of running the offense as he has successfully done before.

"How can I get a decent play in there or have the quarterback get a decent play if we catch a deep blitz or something like that?" he said. "Every game, that's what I'm thinking when I'm on the sideline."

Central Florida was 0-11 last season under coach George O'Leary - yes, that George O'Leary - and come in with the nation's longest losing streak at 15 games.

"What we know about them is they had a tough, struggling year last year, but that year is history," Spurrier said.

What is also history, for Gamecock players at least, are South Carolina's struggles of the past few seasons. The team that missed out on bowl games the last three years under Holtz - twice going 5-7 and last year turning down a bid as punishment for a brawl with Clemson - has a new energy and direction.

"We can't wait to get out there," Levey said.'

2005-08-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Madden NFL 06

Updated roster and new play mode notwithstanding, the Game Boy Advance version of Madden NFL 06 is roughly identical to Madden NFL 2005. The controls, interfaces, artificial intelligence, graphics, audio, and pretty much everything else in this latest game are mostly unchanged from the previous one. That's not a complete negative, since last year's game delivered some great football, but you may be disappointed if you were hoping to see significant upgrades to this year's model.
Exient Entertainment, the game's developer, made numerous improvements when it took over development from Budcat Creations last year. The folks at Exient made the AI smarter, put in adjustable difficulty sliders, made the field easier to see by pulling back the camera viewpoint, and made the playbook easier to understand by including diagrams of the receivers' actual routes. Madden NFL 06 also incorporates all those improvements but doesn't bring any fixes or enhancements of its own to the table. In fact, the development team didn't even implement the heavily hyped quarterback-vision-passing feature that was newly added to the console versions of Madden NFL 06. It did add a new play mode, however, called minicamp. Minicamp mode is a set of four minigames involving field goals, passing, running, and tackling, and it can be played with as many as six participants by passing around a single GBA.
Although it may be disappointing to some that the GBA version of Madden NFL 06 doesn't play the same as its console counterparts, there's no denying that it's a solid, well-rounded football game in its own right. Beginners can dive right in and start picking and running plays just by making use of the D pad and the A button. Seasoned players, meanwhile, can take advantage of expert controls that let players reverse plays, call audibles, and spin and dive all over the field. The playbook contains more than 400 different offensive and defensive plays. After picking a play, you can initiate the snap by tapping the A button, or you can change the play on the fly (known as an "audible") by tapping the B button. After the snap, the iconic passing system lets you toss the ball from the quarterback to one of three preset receivers using the GBA's button array. On offense, the GBA's button layout lets you tell your receivers and running backs to sprint, dive, spin, or juke. On defense, you can make your linemen sprint, jump, or leap. Whether an interception or a tackle occurs depends on where the receiver is with respect to the ball and the defender. The CPU seems to play an intelligent game. In particular, it's good about passing to the most open receiver on offense and deflecting long-range passes on defense.
Madden NFL 06 is also a perfect fit for the GBA's "play anywhere" portability. It includes numerous play modes that are designed for short or extended playing sessions, as well as for one or multiple players. The play modes consist of season, practice, two-minute drill, quick play, situation, and minicamp. Players with only a few minutes to kill can get in a few snaps in the two-minute drill, practice, minicamp, and situation modes. The situation mode is a particularly good time-waster because it lets you set up what-if scenarios by adjusting the teams, score, quarter, time left, team of possession, downs, number of time-outs, and yards left to the goal. Players with at least 20 minutes on their hands can dive into the quick play or season modes. The game automatically keeps track of records throughout the season and maintains statistics in roughly 80 categories. Most modes support two-player link play. The new minicamp mode supports up to six players in pass-and-play fashion. All that's missing is a create-a-player feature, which is an odd oversight considering you can trade and release existing players that are already in the game.
The two areas where Madden NFL 06 could have used some sprucing up over last year's game are its graphics and audio. Visually, the game earns a pass, mainly because the skewed field viewpoint and sprite-rendered players work together in adequate fashion to convey a 3D perspective, which is no easy feat on the traditionally 2D GBA. Player bodies are tiny, and some animations are choppy, particularly tackles, but the overall flow of players down the field is relatively smooth. If you ever played Madden NFL '98 on the PlayStation, that's about what this game looks like. On the audio side of things, Madden NFL 06 comes up lacking and actually seems to have taken a step back from last year's game. The persistent crowd noise and player grunts are the same. However, both the variety and frequency of spoken comments from John Madden and Al Michaels have been reduced.
All told, Madden NFL 06 isn't much different from Madden NFL 2005. If you already own the previous game and don't care about the latest rosters, there really isn't a compelling reason to upgrade. However, if up-to-date rosters do matter to you or you don't already have a football game for your GBA, then don't hesitate to pick up Madden NFL 06.

GameSpot

2005-08-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

Raising a prodigy
UT's Okam shining with the Wright guidance.

After a weight-lifting session in July, Rod Wright and Frank Okam took in some film study later that night at Wright's place. - NFL Football -
Wright, the senior All-American, and Okam, the sophomore prodigy, had fallen into a routine of lifting followed by video study sessions of 2004 opponents along with old tapes of Casey Hampton and Shaun Rogers, the Longhorn DT combo from 2000.
Somewhere among the bench presses, the film work and bowling outings with Wright, Okam became good friends with the feather mattress in Wright's living room.
"He's been living with me ever since," Wright said. "He doesn't like the dorm. So there's no getting rid of him now." - NFL Football -
Wright sees a lot of himself in the 6-foot-5-inch, 315-pound Okam, who refers to the senior as "my big brother."
Both were Parade All-Americans in high school. Both are eloquent speakers who take a cerebral approach to a violent game. And both made major contributions as freshmen.
They also received mentoring from older players when they got to Texas.
Wright remembers when he arrived from Houston in 2002 and the amount of football classroom work that was required, from film study to digesting his position's responsibilities in the playbook. - NFL Football -
"I would look up from my desk and see Marcus Tubbs, Miguel McKay and Stevie Lee looking back at me," he said. "They were making sure I was getting everything.
"To have that love and to be taken under another player's wing is real important for a young player."
Since 2000, 17 Longhorns have been selected in the first seven rounds of the NFL draft and five of them have been defensive lineman who have all spent time at tackle in the NFL. Three tackles — Hampton and Rogers in 2001, and Tubbs in 2004 — were picked in the first two rounds. - NFL Football -
Some projected Wright as an early-round pick as a draft-eligible junior, and a solid final year could make him the third Texas defensive tackle taken in the first round in the last six years. Classmate Larry Dibbles, a 2004 All-Big 12 selection, is also a potential first-day pick at tackle.
Nineteen-yearold Okam appears to be the latest in what is fast becoming an assembly line of DT talent for the NFL. He played in every game last season and became a reliable sub for Wright, who battled ankle and wrist injuries at different points of the year.
Okam finished with 22 tackles, two sacks and five passes batted down on his way to Freshman All-America recognition by The Sporting News. - NFL Football -
"He's started up where he left off at the end of last season,"' said Coach Mack Brown.
Nicknamed Nightmare, Okam has solidified his role in a three-tackle rotation with Wright and Dibbles on a line The Sporting News ranked as the nation's No. 2 unit in the preseason.
Defensive tackles coach Mike Tolleson is playing Okam at nose tackle this summer, the most double-teamed of the two tackles spots, though all three of his frontline tackles can play both spots. - NFL Football -
Okam said the biggest challenge he encountered after arriving from Lake Highlands High was the mental workload.
"College football is about adjustments," he said. "I was lucky because I had (Lee), (Dibbles) and (Wright) to follow. I always watched their approach to the game and asked a lot of questions."
Okam's inquisitive nature is no surprise considering he spent part of the summer interning at a law office. His ability to process information quickly and apply it to the football field is one of his best attributes, according to Wright.
Tolleson hesitates to compare Okam to Wright, Dibbles or Longhorns who've moved on to the NFL, but he believes the sophomore has the potential to become an All-American.
"The life of a defensive lineman is one of getting better the more you play," Tolleson said. "It's seeing and feeling. Frank has tremendous instincts already and it's about experimenting with different techniques and repeating success." - NFL Football -
Okam has plenty of football games ahead of him and another two years before he decides on a career as a lawyer or in sports management. And there could be the little matter of the NFL.

Cedric Golden
AMERICAN-STATESMAN

2005-08-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

Rolling Stones team with NFL and ABC

The worlds of music and football will collide this year as the legendary Rolling Stones will partner with the NFL and ABC for a season-long campaign. - NFL Football -
The Rolling Stones will help kick off the 2005 season from their "A Bigger Bang" world tour with footage from their Aug. 31 concert in Detroit as part of "NFL Opening Kickoff 2005" -- a one-hour pregame special on ABC at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 8.
ABC also will feature music and video footage of The Rolling Stones throughout the 2005 season in its Monday Night Football promotional campaigns and in-game highlight and tease packages. The campaign will feature new music from their highly anticipated CD, A Bigger Bang, to be released on Virgin Records on Sept. 6, along with hits from their catalog. - NFL Football -
The release of A Bigger Bang follows the Aug. 21 tour kickoff at Fenway Park in Boston as they once again bring fans electrifying performances and state-of-the-art stage production. For additional ticket information, go to tickemaster.com. - NFL Football -
The Rolling Stones' performance in "NFL Opening Kickoff 2005" is part of a football and music celebration of the NFL's "Road to Forty" season that will look back at the history of the Super Bowl, honor the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and down the road to Super Bowl XL, slated for Feb. 5, 2006 in Detroit on ABC. Other acts will be announced shortly.
- NFL Football -

NFL Enterprises

2005-07-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

Former Nova star exits NFL with big plans

The exuberant P.A. announcer at Western High football field would scream "Awwwwwwtry Den-SON!" whenever Nova's lightning-quick tailback turned the corner, because he and everyone in the bleachers knew no one would catch him.Nova has its own football field now about a punt away from Dolphins headquarters, where Autry Denson resided for two seasons (1999-2000). He's still turning corners at warp speed, having made the transformation from the NFL to successful businessman the same day he retired from the Lions in November 2002.
"I interviewed with them, and the next day I was working with Home Bank Mortgage Corporation," said Denson, a Lauderhill native living in Coconut Creek. - NFL Football -
"From my second year in the league I was doing mortgages in the offseason."The Dolphins have been taking hits recently for stockpiling players with arrest records, but how many current and former Dolphins not only avoid trouble but give back tenfold to the community?Dan Marino, Nick Buoniconti, Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas, Shawn Wooden, Jay Fiedler, Sam Madison, Nat Moore, John Offerdahl, Bryan Cox and Twan Russell are all givers, not takers.It's not likely that Autry Denson would ever be included in the real-life cast of The Longest Yard."From the third grade on ... my mother [Janice Franklin] prepared me for life after football," said Denson, 28, husband and a recent father for the second time. - NFL Football -
"I always knew the NFL was a dream, but it would also give me a head start for whatever I would do for the rest of my life."Denson, who went on to become Notre Dame's all-time leading rusher after high school, was drafted by the Bucs in the seventh round of the 1999 draft. A training camp casualty, the hometown Dolphins signed him.Forever fighting size stereotypes, the 5-foot-10 rookie never really got a shot to strut his stuff, losing carries to underachieving higher draft picks such as J.J. Johnson, Cecil Collins and Karim Abdul-Jabbar. We all know where Cecil The Diesel ended up -- derailed and in jail. - NFL Football -
In his lone start in a Dolphins uniform in the 1999 season finale against the Redskins, Denson gained 80 yards and caught three passes for 26 yards.But in 2000, aging star Thurman Thomas was brought in and Lamar Smith enjoyed a breakout season, while Denson was relegated to kick-return specialist, where he ranked third in the AFC with a 24.8-yard average."I had to always overcome obstacles of 'he's too small or too slow.' Whatever, I broke records at Nova and Notre Dame and it would've been the same in the NFL," Denson said. "The window of opportunity is so much smaller in the NFL. You may outplay them on the field, but you can't outplay money."Instead of hanging on, Denson hopped off, deciding to use his degree in management information systems. He also gave motivational speeches and career-day talks at Broward schools. - NFL Football -
Earlier this month, Denson was named president and CEO of Prime Time High School Sports, a subsidiary of American-Way Business Development Corporation."Young athletes want to speak with someone they identify with and who truly understands their situation and their dreams," said Donnie Platten, president of American-Way. "Autry is someone who can communicate from experience with these young athletes, their parents and with college coaches."Among Denson's duties will be targeting high school athletes (and non-athletes) and help market them to college recruiters for potential scholarships."There's free money out there being wasted," Denson said. "Not everyone can play D-I ball. - NFL Football -
I offer one-stop shopping, but the bottom line is I just want to help kids."In Denson's spare time he's a youth football coach in Coconut Creek. He'll soon be joining forces with Russell -- a St. Thomas Aquinas graduate who played linebacker in the NFL for seven years, including three seasons with the Dolphins (2000-02).Russell has been tackling literacy programs for children through his Russell Life Skills and Reading Foundation."We're opening our fourth center, in Hollywood next year, and are hoping to open No. 5 in Lauderhill and call it the Denson Reading Room," said Russell, also in the mortgage business. "Whatever A.D. touches he's successful at. It's his passion and not about ego, but about helping these kids."Instead of touchdowns, Awwwwwwwtry Den-SON is touching lives. - NFL Football -
Ticconi departsAfter nearly a 10-year relationship, Dolphins director of operations Rhett Ticconi resigned to tackle new ventures.

Harvey Fialkov Sun-Sentinel

2005-07-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Big 33 Football Classic: A tradition at risk

The Big 33 Football Classic prides itself in compiling the top high school football talent in Pennsylvania and Ohio for its annual game.
The list of alumni reads like an NFL Encyclopedia. From Joe Namath, Joe Montana and Dan Marino in the early years of the game to more recent stars such as Ty Law, LaVar Arrington and Ben Roethlisberger.
What would the game be without the top of the talent pool?
Because of recent NCAA legislation, Big 33 game director Mickey Minnich is finding out this year.
The NCAA recently passed legislation that allows universities to pay for summer school for incoming freshmen. Most universities start summer school the third week of June. Any player taking part in an all-star game after enrolling would be in violation of NCAA rules.
As such, this year's Big 33 will be played Saturday at Hersheypark Stadium without some of the top players from Pennsylvania and Ohio. Since the original 34-player Pennsylvania team was announced in the winter, head coach Bob Palko said five players have turned down the opportunity to play because their colleges wanted to enroll them in summer school.
Those five are Notre Dame recruits Steve Quinn, Derrell Hand and Mike Turkovich, Virginia recruit Mikell Simpson and West Virginia recruit Steve Slaton. West Virginia recruits Carmen Connolly of Seton-LaSalle and Ed Collington of Penn Hills will play because they are not attending summer school.
Ohio head coach Steve Channell had six players from his original roster who cannot play for the same reason. They are highly touted Ohio State recruits Jamario O'Neal, Fred Lenix and Alex Boone, Minnesota recruits Dominic Jones and Alex Daniels and West Virginia recruit Ryan Brinson.
Pitt and Penn State did not enroll any of their players in summer school out of respect for the Big 33 tradition. But they plan on enrolling the majority of their recruits in future years, which is why Minnich is moving the game from the third weekend of July to the third weekend of June, starting next year.
This year's game could not be rescheduled in time.
"This has all happened so fast," Palko said. "It's not anyone's fault. There's so much that goes into the game. There just wasn't enough time to change the date this year.
"It's unfortunate. Mikell told me, 'I grew up all my life wanting to play in the game, and now I can't play.' I've had other kids tell me that they would be deducted points if they missed class for a week, and that all the work they had done in school would go down the drain. The kids have been put in a bind."
Palko had a hard time filling out the five spots vacated on his roster. He was told by several college coaches in the winter not to choose their recruits because they were going to enroll in summer school. That included Connecticut coach Randy Edsall and Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer.
"It's been tough," Palko said last week when asked about filling out the roster. "You call a kid now, and he says no. You can't blame them. They made other commitments, or maybe they're mad that they weren't selected in the first place."
Minnich, who has worked for the Big 33 full time since 1985, said he is doing his best to ensure that the game has a future, but he admitted if the NCAA keeps making changes all-star games could become obsolete.
"It just seems like the window for high school all-star games is getting smaller," he said. "There's a possibility down the road that there wouldn't be a game. I never would have said that a year ago. But now I think there is that possibility. There could be a time when there are no high school all-star games, period. There could be a time when they'll have these kids report to college right after high school graduation.
"I'm not a pessimist, but I'm worried. If the NCAA shuts this [June] window further, we would have to look at playing in December or January. We're in our 48th year, and it's such a tradition in Pennsylvania. And it's growing stronger in Ohio."
Minnich said he has tried to speak with representatives from the NCAA, but his pleas have fallen on deaf ears. He understands that the NCAA did not set out to hurt high school all-star games, and that the Big 33 is merely an innocent victim.
But he would still like someone from the NCAA to listen to him about the importance of high school football, not only in Pennsylvania, but across the country.
"A lot of this revolves around graduation rates and getting the kids into school earlier," Minnich said. "From what I understand this is something the [college] presidents and coaches both want.
"But we would still love to have an audience with the NCAA to discuss how their rulings affect us. High school coaches do so much to promote their players for colleges. We would like for them to look at the big picture. The colleges have Friday night football now, Thursday night football. The winds of change are really blowing. We have a lot at stake."
The new academic legislation is just one of the recent NCAA rules changes that has presented problems for the Big 33. For the past several years, high school seniors have been allowed to graduate in December and enroll in college in January.
That has meant some of the top players from Pennsylvania and Ohio not taking part in the Big 33. Last year, Penn State linebacker recruit Dan Connor of Strath Haven High School did not play. Gateway's Justin King, also a Penn State recruit, will not take part in this week's game.
Jim Cordle, a highly touted offensive lineman from Lancaster, Ohio, will not play for Ohio this year for the same reason. He is attending Ohio State.
"I think the high school kids still understand the tradition and the history of our game," Minnich said. "A lot of the juniors we talk to now don't want to see anything happen to the game because they're dying to play in it. Of course, we'd like to have Justin King and Dan Connor play in our game. But the Big 33 is about more than one player."
Other complications are clouding the future of the Big 33. Pennsylvania's playing partner for future games is in doubt because of a potential conflict with a North-South all-star game in Ohio that also is the third week of June.
Minnich said he is hopeful Ohio, Pennsylvania's opponent for the past 12 years, can continue to be the opponent. Ohio officials met last week to discuss future participation in the Big 33.
Channell, a member of the Ohio high school football coaches association, attended a meeting with Big 33 officials earlier this month but declined to say whether Ohio would be a participant in the game next season.
"We're currently evaluating that situation," said Channell, who will be the association's president next season. "We're working on it is about all I can say right now."
If Ohio does not want to jeopardize its North-South game, Minnich said New Jersey and Wisconsin are two states that would love to step in and fill the void. He has had preliminary discussions with representatives from both states.
All of this has made Minnich a busy man in recent months. He is meeting with Gov. Ed Rendell next week and has reached out to professional teams for help and guidance.
Minnich knows the future is uncertain, but he said he will do everything in his power to make sure the Big 33 Football Classic remains the summer tradition it has been since 1958.
"I'm confident," Minnich said. "We're problem solvers. We look at the hand that's dealt to us. We have to stay strong. We'll find a way. If you're persistent, you'll find a way."

Ray Fittipaldo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

2005-07-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

RB's motivation simpleLumsden playing for himself

Let it be clear: The big Canadian kid is going to Seattle in two weeks to try to make the NFL Seahawks for one person.
Jesse Lumsden is not going for his ex-CFL star father Neil.
He's not going for his old McMaster Marauders teammates. He's not going as a representative of Canadian university sports, his hometown of Burlington, or for Canada.
He's going for himself. - NFL Football -
"I don't feel I'm representing Canada," Lumsden said at the Forest City Football Camp, where he was a guest instructor last week. "I want to do my country proud but I've always felt I'm representing myself and that my focus is to make the team, nothing else."

Coaches and supporters of the Western Mustangs are happy they don't have to see him again, this big, fast and supremely canny running back. Nobody in recent Western football history did as much to sting them so hard. - NFL Football -
En route to winning top university gridder in the nation last fall, Lumsden victimized the Mustangs as readily as anyone in mounting national records for career touchdowns (47), season touchdowns (21) and season rushing yards (1,816).
In fact, over the years, nobody ripped into Western with a more decisive impact. Lumsden led the worst spanking endured by Western in 43 years two seasons ago at Mac's Homecoming.
He ran for 288 yards and five touchdowns during the 64-35 pounding. It isn't just his speed and power, it's his ability to size up his blockers' progress beyond the first block and instantly follow a shifting route that will take him farthest. - NFL Football -
"It seems I did well in the bigger games and Western was always a big game," he said. "The game I remember most was in my second year. We were up 21-0 and they came back and we won (38-37) on the last play of the game. It was a terrific football game."
Lumsden's speed and his power are what led Seattle to bring the undrafted Canadian in but it will be that seemingly innate ability to stretch each play to its best possible conclusion that can put him a notch or two above others. - NFL Football -
There's no question about his pace. The six-foot-2 1/2 , 226-pounder was grabbed by the Seahawks after passing the No. 1 litmus test of pro ball, his time over 40 yards. His was between 4.45 and 4.50 seconds. The top-ranked rookie running back at the NFL's combine, Auburn's Robbie Brown, was timed in 4.44.
Lumsden, 22, has given himself every chance of making it by becoming bigger yet leaner and got through the first cut while working at tailback and returning kicks. He's been preparing under a personal trainer in Arizona, former Canadian bobsledder Ian Danney.
It has increased his speed and power for the next test. The gloves come off, so to speak, when the pads go on when rookies report July 26. - NFL Football -"
That's for three weeks," Lumsden said. "Then we go to Kirkland (Wash.) for a week and a half and an intrasquad scrimmage. Then it's on to New Orleans for a preseason game."
Lumsden is told of an old Fats Domino hit, Walkin' to New Orleans, and says yes, he'd walk if he had to.
A word Lumsden uses to describe his first pro experience is "intense." Several former Mustangs know all about it. Jamie Bone, John Priestner, Steve Samways, Tim Tindale and Tyrone Williams all went through it with various NFL teams, Tindale making it with Buffalo Bills and Williams with the Dallas Cowboys. - NFL Football -
You get the feeling Lumsden's bountiful athleticism will propel him onto the Seattle roster in some role. At the same time, it would be interesting to see him on the larger CFL field.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats' draft pick is almost the archetypical CFL slotback.

By JIM KERNAGHAN -- London Free Press

2005-07-06T10:16:00.000-07:00

Numbers don't lie: UK playing catch-up

A Top 21 countdown designed to show the arithmophobic that numbers can be fun:
21. The number (according to my unofficial count) of Kentucky high school products on the rosters of out-of-state college football teams from BCS conferences: 28.
(Cincinnati has seven Kentuckians; Wake Forest five; Michigan four; Purdue three; Tennessee, Indiana and Northwestern have two each; Alabama, Notre Dame and Texas Tech one).
20. The number of Kentucky high-school football products that will enter fall camp at BCS schools listed as the starting quarterback: Four Ð Andre Woodson (North Hardin) at Kentucky; Brian Brohm (Trinity) at Louisville; Blake Powers (Meade County) at Indiana; Dustin Grutza (Mason County) at Cincinnati.
19. The number of Kentucky high-school products listed first-team on the depth chart (source: Phil Steele's College Football Preview) at the University of Kentucky: Seven.
18. The number of Kentucky high-school products listed first-team on the depth chart (source: Phil Steele's College Football Preview) at the University of Louisville: Four.
17. The number of Florida high-school products listed first team on the depth chart (source: Phil Steele's College Football Preview) at the University of Louisville: Eight.
16. The number of Florida high-school products listed first on the depth chart (source: Phil Steele's College Football Preview) at the University of Kentucky: One.
15. The number of former University of Louisville players listed on NFL rosters going into training camp (source: The Sporting News Pro Football preview): 18.
14. The number of former University of Kentucky players listed on NFL rosters going into training camp (source: The Sporting News Pro Football preview): 8.
13. An equation that helps explain why the University of Louisville has been consistently kicking the butt of the University of Kentucky at football: eighteen minus eight.
12. The number of football games won by the University of Kentucky in four seasons since Hal Mumme resigned amidst an NCAA investigation: 15 (with 31 losses).
11. The number of football games won by Hal Mumme in two seasons (at Division I-AA Southeast Louisiana) since he resigned at Kentucky amidst an NCAA investigation: 12 (with 11 losses).
10. The odds I'm laying that Mumme will be able to maintain a cordial, professional relationship with the media covering his new team at New Mexico State: nil.
9. The number of football games won by the University of Kentucky since Guy Morriss left UK for Baylor: Six (6-17).
9. (tie) The number of football games won by Guy Morriss since he went to Baylor from the University of Kentucky: Six (6-17).
7. Number of quality wins (in my opinion) recorded by the University of Kentucky since Guy Morriss left UK for Baylor: Zero.
6. Number of quality wins (in my opinion) recorded by Guy Morriss since he went to Baylor from the University of Kentucky: Two (victories over Colorado in 2003 and Texas A&M in 2004).
5. Sixty: As you read this, the exact number of days before Kentucky and Louisville kick it off in Commonwealth Stadium.
4. Since 1951, the number of seasons when the University of Kentucky has won eight or more football games in a season: Three.
3. Since 1999, the number of seasons when the University of Louisville has won eight or more football games in a season: Four.
(And, yes, that is explained in large part by U of L playing a much softer schedule; but it's also true that the Louisville of the Jurich era consistently makes better "football decisions" than Kentucky).
2. The ranking for Rich Brooks out of 12 SEC head football coaches according to The Sporting News SEC Preview: 12th.
(Not to descend into psycho-babble, but one hopes poor Brooks generates his self-esteem internally; the external reinforcement he's getting this summer is brutal).
1. The number of people hungrier than even Rich Brooks to see the Kentucky football coach use 2005 to prove the Multitude of Rich Brooks skeptics wrong: One.

Mark Story

HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST

2005-06-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

NFL Network to air 55 games in 25 days

NEW YORK -- NFL Network will televise 55 games during the NFL's four-week preseason -- all but the 11 televised nationally by the NFL's four network partners (ABC, CBS, ESPN and FOX).

NFL Network will use the television feeds of local broadcasters and make use of both sets of announcers. For example, if Oakland is playing at San Francisco, NFL Network will use the announcers from the 49ers (home team) for the first half, and then switch to the Raiders' (away team) crew for the second half.

In addition to 55 preseason games, NFL Network will present NFL Total Access: No Huddle, a live look-in show that whips around to NFL preseason games in progress. Seven No Huddle shows will air during the preseason featuring action from four to nine games taking place simultaneously.

Of the 55 games NFL Network will carry nationally during the preseason, six will air live. NFL Network's live games each carry an interesting storyline.

Oakland at San Francisco (Saturday, Aug. 13, at 10 p.m. ET)
Fans get their first glimpse of Randy Moss wearing the Raiders silver and black, plus the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, Alex Smith, takes his first snap as a pro. Also, 49ers new head coach Mike Nolan makes his NFL head coaching debut.

Cleveland at Detroit (Saturday, Aug. 20, at 1 p.m. ET)
Two of the premier rookie wide receivers -- Cleveland's Braylon Edwards and Detroit's Mike Williams -- are featured, plus a look at first-year Browns coach Romeo Crennel.

St. Louis at San Diego (Sunday, Aug. 21, at 4 p.m. ET)
A look at Rams rookie right tackle Alex Barron, plus San Diego's young talent -- including 2004 top pick Phillip Rivers and this year's first-rounders Shawne Merriman and Luis Castillo -- looks to impress.

Tennessee at San Francisco (Friday, Aug. 26, at 10 p.m. ET)
Top rookies are on display in Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones and new offensive coordinator Norm Chow along with 49ers quarterback Alex Smith and running back Frank Gore.

San Francisco at San Diego (Thursday, Sept. 1, at 10 p.m. ET)
The preseason winds down as Smith and Nolan get their last tune-up against the Chargers and their All-Pros Drew Brees, LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates.

Denver at Arizona (Friday, Sept. 2, at 10 p.m. ET)
A look at two rookie running backs, Maurice Clarett (Denver) and J.J. Arrington (Arizona), in addition to Cardinals top pick Antrel Rolle and free-agent acquisition Kurt Warner.

2005-06-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

All-star game puts Cornick's focus on football

Chris Cornick has spent the better part of the last 10 years playing baseball in his summers. This summer, it's football to which he's turned his focus. Cornick will play for the East squad in the Sunshine Classic all-star football game 7 p.m. Thursday at The College of New Jersey. It is the first he's played since the fall and the last time he'll suit up before resuming his career in college. "It's been a while since I played football," said Cornick, who graduated last week from West Windsor-Plainsboro South. "I had been playing baseball. This kind of snuck up on me. "The first day, we didn't do too much. It was mostly organizational. Then I had graduation and missed the next day and I came back and they said, OK, let's hit. We didn't do many drills, we just went into game situations and the first couple plays were rusty, but it comes back to you." Cornick is looking at his selection to the all-star game as an honor and blessing. The safety will continue playing at Catholic University this fall, and the Sunshine Classic is a way of preparing him for the next level. "It's definitely good to get a jump start," Cornick said. "I've been lifting since baseball ended. That's OK, but nothing can prepare you for (football) like getting on the field. Even though it's only two weeks, I think I'll have a head start over some people." Cornick is already seeing a bit of the jump in speed that comes with the college level. He's seen it on the East squad that features players from Princeton High like quarterback Vinny Giacalone, lineman T.R. Johnson and receiver Vance Slocum and West Windsor-Plainsboro North's Jeff Torralba, who could see time on offense and defense. "I think it's a big help to see the speed," Cornick said. "And it's a little bit of a wake-up call. When I came in, I thought I've played against these teams, I know them. But when everyone is big, and everyone is fast, it makes a difference. When you're playing against a good running back (in the high school season), maybe the line wasn't that good. Now everybody's good. I think it's good prep for me." Cornick is the lone Pirates representative in the Sunshine Classic. He hopes to hold up the tradition of strong WW-P South players to participate. "I was really surprised," Cornick said. "Coach approached me over the spring and asked me if the athletic director had talked to you. It's quite an honor. It's good to play with a lot of these kids. It's prepping me for playing in the fall. It's nice to get to know them." Cornick is getting to know his new teammates on the East squad that will take on the West on Thursday in a new format. The Sunshine Classic formerly pitted Skyland Conference all-stars against Mercer County all-stars. The game now features high school seniors only from teams in Delaware Valley's chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Route 1 is a very rough dividing line (PHS and WW-P North and South are on the same East team). "Me and Jeff Torralba played way back when we were little," Cornick said. "It's nice to be on the field playing with him rather than competing against him. I knew a couple others from other sports, but not as well. Some of the other kids I'm getting to know better. "I think we look pretty good," he added. "We went live for the first time the other day. We scrimmaged most of practice. It was the first time we have everyone there with graduations and all." The East all-stars hope it will come together even more in the two days before kicking off Thursday. Last year, the Mercer all-star team's defense scored a 15-0 shutout of the Skyland all-stars. Cornick is part of an East group of eight defensive backs that will try to shut down the West team. They'll rotate in by series for the East team. "Even though they hinder us, we're doing things we would do in a real game," said Cormick, noting all-star rules that limit blitzing and defensive formations. "We're still trying to make plays to stop the offense. "We did a little scrimmaging on Wednesday. In that, the defense was way ahead. Friday, offense brought it together more. The defense wasn't as focused. We weren't as fired up. It's bound to happen. We'll get it out of the way then." Cormick understands that the game is a fun way to finish his scholastic career, and though there will be plenty of games to come in college, he's looking to wrap up his high school years with a win. "We definitely want to go out and win," he said. "What it all boils down to is we're all athletes and we have a certain desire to win. We're all seniors. We want to go out and win. We have kids from Florence who haven't lost in two years on our team. We want to go out on a high note. The coaches are making it fun, but we also want to win. We're pretty focused on that. "Our coaches there, are treating it as fun. But the defense coordinator is pretty focused about us stopping them. They want us to win." Cormick already feels like he's won just by making it into the Sunshine Classic. It's a lot different from his past baseball-filled summers, but it's the next move in preparing for college football. "I started playing all-stars baseball at 9," Cormick said. "Every year since then I've played in the summer. Last year I played Junior Legion. The earlier football start helped me pick up time to get ready."

©PACKETONLINE News Classifieds Entertainment Business - Princeton and Central New Jersey 2005

Nfl Football - Football Betting

EDDIE PELLSAssociated Press

It's game week again for Spurrier

EDDIE PELLS
Associated Press