Houston got the money in NFL betting odds for just 7 games last year and went over the total just 5 times. Houston is again talking playoffs and there is reason for hope starting with an offense that ranked 4th overall in the NFL and was the top ranked passing unit in the league. Quarterback Matt Schaub and wideout Andre Johnson became a dangerous combination last year looking forward to 2011 Super Bowl odds. Schaub completed nearly 68 percent of his passes for 4,770 yards and 29 touchdowns although there were 15 costly picks as well. Johnson had 1,569 yards receiving and 9 TD's. Bet the Texans football jerseys 40-1 as longshots in NFL predictions to win the 2011 Super Bowl with up to a $250 bonus.
Barbecue judges have to wear name tags. Mine usually says "Ken Hoffman, Houston Chronicle." When other judges aren't Chronicle readers or just don't read my column, they'll sometimes ask, "What do you do for the Chronicle?"
I tell them, "I write the obituaries."
I do this for a couple of reasons.
One, it's hard to explain what I actually do.
Two, I have a joke.
"I've been writing the obituaries for a few years now. It never ceases to amaze me how people in Houston die in alphabetical order."
I really did write obituaries for my first newspaper, a small daily in Central Florida. Starting at a newspaper in Florida was a good learning experience. Mostly, I learned how to gamble all of my paycheck on jai alai.
Jai alai is a betting sport in Florida where players throw a rock-hard ball against a Brian Cushing wall so their opponent can't return it on the first bounce. It's sort of like racquetball with concussions. They show jai alai during the opening credits for Miami Vice.
An older reporter, he was in his 70s and semiretired, and a few of us rookies used to sprint to the jai alai fronton on our lunch breaks to catch the matinees.
One day, I was making everybody wait while I finished an obituary. I was on the phone talking to the deceased's widow, asking her about the dead guy's background. It wasn't the most fun part of my job.
Many times, stories of TV bloopers are embellished. But I heard this one with my own ears.
It was on the 5 p.m. news. An anchorwoman said, "George Strake was in Austin today rallying support among Republican legislators for a proposed bill …"
Then she turned to her partner and asked, "That's interesting, why would a country music superstar be talking to politicians in Austin?"
Whoa! She confused George Strake with George Strait, the country legend who happened to be appearing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo that night.
She wasn't done. After her co-anchor ignored her question, she tried again, "I hope George Strake finishes up in Austin in time to get to the rodeo tonight."
Cut to commercial. She never corrected her mistake, which apparently wasn't her first, since she was gone from the station a few months later.
I told Strake, who heads a remarkably philanthropic Houston family (Strake Jesuit school, Camp Strake Boy Scout facility) this story. He had never heard about the newscaster's blunder.
He was probably too busy rehearsing for his rodeo concert that day.
The former new Houston Texans jerseys starter spent the majority of last season on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Pitts is an eighth-year pro from San Diego State.
The former second-round draft pick, if healthy, could be a good fit for the Bills.
2010年7月22日星期四
The New Orleans Saints re-signed defensive end Bobby McCray
Overall, the Saints football jerseys had a successful offseason. They had several players that could have left as free agents, but the front office made sure to keep many of the key parts that led to a championship.
New Orleans lost defensive end Charles Grant to free agency, but proved that they could win without him when he missed several games due to injury. The team picked up Alex Brown after the Bears cut him. He will be a quick pass rusher that should take over where Grant left off.
The key to the Saints' offseason was bringing back free safety Darren Sharper. He is a veteran leader on and off the field for the Saints defense. He is as important to the defense as quarterback Drew Brees is to the offense.
Offense
The Saints jerseys had one of the best offenses in football led by one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Brees put up astounding numbers last year on his way to winning a Super Bowl championship and seemingly every award under the sun. He is the undisputed leader of this team and is a precise pocket passer that can perform under pressure. He makes other players step up to another level and gets everyone involved on offense.
The wide receivers are not household names, but in this offense have all flourished. Marques Colston is becoming a solid go-to-guy, and posted another season of 1,000 yard campain in 2009. Devery Henderson has breakaway speed and is the best New Orleans receiver at running after the catch. Finally, Robert Meachem gives the Saints the deep threat they need to keep the underneath routes open.
The passing game is the staple of this offense and it makes up for a running game that needs to improve. Reggie Bush is a human highlight film on special teams and when he catches passes in the flats, but as a running back he struggles. Pierre Thomas is the dependable back for the Saints and will have to carry the load. As usual, the Saints will look to pass to set up the run.
Sean Payton is an offensive mastermind and with Brees at the helm, the offense will be dangerous again in 2010.
Defense
The other side of the ball is powered by a scoring defense that was first in scoring touchdowns off of turnovers and second in takeaways.
The main reason for all of the turnovers was an explosive and quick reacting secondary. They bolstered the backfield with the draft and by re-signing Sharper. Defensive coordinator Greg Williams is all set in the secondary, but has his work cut out for him in other areas.
Grant is gone and although he was hurt, he was still a force to be dealt with on the line. Will Smith needs a compliment and the Saints brought in Brown and hope to get help from draft picks. Someone will need to step up if the Saints want to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Scott Fujita left in free agency, but he is not the answer to some of the issues the Saints have at linebacker. Jonathan Vilma is a bright spot, but he can't do it alone. The Saints linebackers are not very quick and have trouble tackling in the open field. They respond well to the blitz schemes that Williams implements, but they were the reason that the defense surrendered so many yards.
If the defense can't pressure the quarterback the secondary will be vulnerable to a balanced offensive team. The Saints defense will be hard pressed to repeat the turnover performance from a year ago and this will be the Achilles' heel of this team.
The New Orleans Saints re-signed defensive end Bobby McCray on Thursday after cutting the playoff starter who helped New Orleans capture its first Super Bowl title last month.
The team signed McCray to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not released.
McCray started all three of the defending champions' playoff games last season, making six tackles and a memorable block that flattened Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner after an interception.
The return of McCray adds more depth to the Saints' defensive line. Earlier this offseason, New Orleans signed former Chicago Bears starting defensive end Alex Brown, along with former Tampa Bay lineman Jimmy Wilkerson, who has the versatility to play on the interior or on the outside of the defensive line.
New Orleans lost defensive end Charles Grant to free agency, but proved that they could win without him when he missed several games due to injury. The team picked up Alex Brown after the Bears cut him. He will be a quick pass rusher that should take over where Grant left off.
The key to the Saints' offseason was bringing back free safety Darren Sharper. He is a veteran leader on and off the field for the Saints defense. He is as important to the defense as quarterback Drew Brees is to the offense.
Offense
The Saints jerseys had one of the best offenses in football led by one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
Brees put up astounding numbers last year on his way to winning a Super Bowl championship and seemingly every award under the sun. He is the undisputed leader of this team and is a precise pocket passer that can perform under pressure. He makes other players step up to another level and gets everyone involved on offense.
The wide receivers are not household names, but in this offense have all flourished. Marques Colston is becoming a solid go-to-guy, and posted another season of 1,000 yard campain in 2009. Devery Henderson has breakaway speed and is the best New Orleans receiver at running after the catch. Finally, Robert Meachem gives the Saints the deep threat they need to keep the underneath routes open.
The passing game is the staple of this offense and it makes up for a running game that needs to improve. Reggie Bush is a human highlight film on special teams and when he catches passes in the flats, but as a running back he struggles. Pierre Thomas is the dependable back for the Saints and will have to carry the load. As usual, the Saints will look to pass to set up the run.
Sean Payton is an offensive mastermind and with Brees at the helm, the offense will be dangerous again in 2010.
Defense
The other side of the ball is powered by a scoring defense that was first in scoring touchdowns off of turnovers and second in takeaways.
The main reason for all of the turnovers was an explosive and quick reacting secondary. They bolstered the backfield with the draft and by re-signing Sharper. Defensive coordinator Greg Williams is all set in the secondary, but has his work cut out for him in other areas.
Grant is gone and although he was hurt, he was still a force to be dealt with on the line. Will Smith needs a compliment and the Saints brought in Brown and hope to get help from draft picks. Someone will need to step up if the Saints want to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Scott Fujita left in free agency, but he is not the answer to some of the issues the Saints have at linebacker. Jonathan Vilma is a bright spot, but he can't do it alone. The Saints linebackers are not very quick and have trouble tackling in the open field. They respond well to the blitz schemes that Williams implements, but they were the reason that the defense surrendered so many yards.
If the defense can't pressure the quarterback the secondary will be vulnerable to a balanced offensive team. The Saints defense will be hard pressed to repeat the turnover performance from a year ago and this will be the Achilles' heel of this team.
The New Orleans Saints re-signed defensive end Bobby McCray on Thursday after cutting the playoff starter who helped New Orleans capture its first Super Bowl title last month.
The team signed McCray to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not released.
McCray started all three of the defending champions' playoff games last season, making six tackles and a memorable block that flattened Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner after an interception.
The return of McCray adds more depth to the Saints' defensive line. Earlier this offseason, New Orleans signed former Chicago Bears starting defensive end Alex Brown, along with former Tampa Bay lineman Jimmy Wilkerson, who has the versatility to play on the interior or on the outside of the defensive line.
2010年7月20日星期二
Matt Tennant is a center in his rookie year with the New Orleans Saints
Even though it's terribly difficult to win two Super Bowls in a row, it might not be all that difficult to win two divisions in a row.
This is especially true regarding the New Orleans Saints who didn't suffer through too many changes during the off-season. The Saints resigned free safety Darren Sharper and running back Pierre Thomas. Those two starters were immensely important to the Saints' Super Bowl run last season. The defense might actually be better with linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar finally getting the start over Scott Fujita. The 25-year old Dunbar is definitely ready to get some things done at the linebacking position. LDE Alex Brown taking over for the ineffective Charles Grant is another plus for the D and both coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees work better than any other coach/QB combo in the league
That plan of action was made public shortly after USC president-elect Max Nikias announced that Pat Haden would replace Mike Garrett as athletic director, one of a number of other moves intended to improve athletic department oversight.
Nikias also said USC would take down murals featuring Bush and former basketball player O.J. Jeremy Shockey Mayo, who also broke rules when he received extra benefits, at the Galen Center, Heritage Hall and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Matt Tennant is a center in his rookie year with the New Orleans Saints jerseys. New Orleans selected Tennant in the fifth round of the 2010 draft (No. 158 overall). Tennant played at Boston College, redshirting his freshman season in 2005 and starting all 14 games in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Tennant, the team captain, allowed one assisted sack in his final 27 starts. With the Saints, he will battle with veteran centers Jonathan Goodwin and Nick Leckey. Tennant recently spoke with staff writer Rachel Whittaker.
This is especially true regarding the New Orleans Saints who didn't suffer through too many changes during the off-season. The Saints resigned free safety Darren Sharper and running back Pierre Thomas. Those two starters were immensely important to the Saints' Super Bowl run last season. The defense might actually be better with linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar finally getting the start over Scott Fujita. The 25-year old Dunbar is definitely ready to get some things done at the linebacking position. LDE Alex Brown taking over for the ineffective Charles Grant is another plus for the D and both coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees work better than any other coach/QB combo in the league
That plan of action was made public shortly after USC president-elect Max Nikias announced that Pat Haden would replace Mike Garrett as athletic director, one of a number of other moves intended to improve athletic department oversight.
Nikias also said USC would take down murals featuring Bush and former basketball player O.J. Jeremy Shockey Mayo, who also broke rules when he received extra benefits, at the Galen Center, Heritage Hall and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Matt Tennant is a center in his rookie year with the New Orleans Saints jerseys. New Orleans selected Tennant in the fifth round of the 2010 draft (No. 158 overall). Tennant played at Boston College, redshirting his freshman season in 2005 and starting all 14 games in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Tennant, the team captain, allowed one assisted sack in his final 27 starts. With the Saints, he will battle with veteran centers Jonathan Goodwin and Nick Leckey. Tennant recently spoke with staff writer Rachel Whittaker.
2010年7月18日星期日
Saints win their first Super Bowl
Since riding and waving in the Disney World parade less than 24 hours after helping the Saints football jerseys win their first Super Bowl, Brees has been on a whirlwind tour of public appearances and speaking engagements.
He hasn't been alone.
Many of his teammates and other members of the Saints' front office and coaching staff have parlayed the championship into new-found fame, pushing the levels of the team's stardom to new heights. Brees and the Saints combined to win four ESPY Awards on Wednesday night and about 20 of his teammates joined him on stage to accept the award for Best Team.
The team's unprecedented success and fame is precisely why the Saints dominate this year's Times-Picayune list of the most powerful/influential people on the south Louisiana sports scene.
For the second year in a row, Saints owner Tom Benson Darren Sharper is No. 1. He has plenty of company at the top as Brees (No. 2), Saints Coach Sean Payton (No. 3) and General Manager Mickey Loomis (No. 6) also joined Benson in the top 10.
The list was selected using a formula that included evaluating a person's capability to effect significant change -- or to prevent significant change -- in sports. Also considered was how the individuals rated versus their peers; how much money they control, generate, or influence; how long people have exercised power; and their long-term impact on a sport or the larger world of sports.
In this market, it doesn't get any bigger than the Saints.
Already the team has lifted the spirits of those fighting the Gulf of Mexico oil spill by visiting the oil-soaked coastline last month for a rally. They've also been vocal advocates on an array of other civic issues.
"If they didn't realize what the team means to the city before the Super Bowl, then I think everybody sees that now, " Brees said. "As a result of the Super Bowl, just the emotion and the connection that we have with our fans is highly publicized and really well covered."
Rounding out the top 10: No. 4 Hornets owner George Shinn; No. 5 Hornets All-Star point guard Chris Paul; No. 7. SMG Regional Vice President Doug Thornton; No. 8. Cox Sports TV Vice President Rod Mickler; No. 9 LSU football coach Les Miles, and No. 10 LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva.
Recognizing the balance
When it comes to the Saints, the message starts from the top.
While winning games is the ultimate goal, Benson, who has turned the franchise he purchased in 1985 for $70 million into a nearly billion-dollar organization, said it is equally critical for those in his organization to take pride in and contribute to the community that supports the team on game days and buys millions of dollars worth of Black and Gold memorabilia.
"It is important that our team recognizes the balance between excellence on the field as well as off the field, " Benson said. "It starts with the people who make up our organization -- Rita Benson LeBlanc and Dennis Lauscha, who oversee our marketing, business and administrative operations; Mickey Loomis, who runs our football operations; Sean Payton, who runs our team on the field; and our four vice presidents, Greg Bensel, Ben Hales, Vicky Neumeyer and Mike Stanfield, who oversee the various departments in our business. Some people use the term 'team effort' lightly, we do not."
Indeed. When the Saints decided to visit the ravaged coastline, nearly the entire organization went, boarding four buses for the 90-minute trek.
They quickly upstaged Gov. Bobby Jindal, stealing the show and putting a smile on the faces of a group of people who have felt like their collective cries for help since the April oil rig explosion have gone unheard.
The Saints' stranglehold as the leading power brokers on the local scene started long before the oil spill, however.
Players such as running back Reggie Bush, former running back Deuce McAllister and Brees have long been fan favorites because of charity work and their ability to impact games.
Several other players also have parlayed on-field success into endorsement deals, while others had their high school jerseys retired and streets named after them in their hometowns.
"We take great pride in bringing in players that Jeremy Shockey recognize the importance not only of dedicating themselves to performing at a top level on the field but also recognizing the importance of the role they play in our community, " Loomis said. "It is important that our team, our entire organization, work together toward the same goal. I am proud to say that this team and organization do that."
Payton, entering his fifth season with the Saints, agreed.
Like many others in the organization that have seen their popularity soar, Payton has risen to the top of the heap in the coaching ranks. With the help of a promotional blitz that has his book on The New York Times best-sellers list, Payton's star is becoming even brighter. He spoke on behalf of the team Wednesday night when the Saints won the ESPY Award for Best Team.
The Saints and Drew Brees cleaned up at the recent ESPYs award show. The Saints team took the award for best team performance stemming from their Super Bowl win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Brees went home with the Best Male Athlete, Best NFL player, and best Championship performance.
Fourth round draft choice defensive tackle Al Woods agreed to a multi-year deal with the Saints for an as of yet un-released amount.
Woods signing marks the first of the Saints 2010 draft class to agree to terms leaving CB Patrick Robinson, OT Charles Brown, TE Jimmy Graham, C Matt Tennant and QB Sean Canfield all still un-signed.
He hasn't been alone.
Many of his teammates and other members of the Saints' front office and coaching staff have parlayed the championship into new-found fame, pushing the levels of the team's stardom to new heights. Brees and the Saints combined to win four ESPY Awards on Wednesday night and about 20 of his teammates joined him on stage to accept the award for Best Team.
The team's unprecedented success and fame is precisely why the Saints dominate this year's Times-Picayune list of the most powerful/influential people on the south Louisiana sports scene.
For the second year in a row, Saints owner Tom Benson Darren Sharper is No. 1. He has plenty of company at the top as Brees (No. 2), Saints Coach Sean Payton (No. 3) and General Manager Mickey Loomis (No. 6) also joined Benson in the top 10.
The list was selected using a formula that included evaluating a person's capability to effect significant change -- or to prevent significant change -- in sports. Also considered was how the individuals rated versus their peers; how much money they control, generate, or influence; how long people have exercised power; and their long-term impact on a sport or the larger world of sports.
In this market, it doesn't get any bigger than the Saints.
Already the team has lifted the spirits of those fighting the Gulf of Mexico oil spill by visiting the oil-soaked coastline last month for a rally. They've also been vocal advocates on an array of other civic issues.
"If they didn't realize what the team means to the city before the Super Bowl, then I think everybody sees that now, " Brees said. "As a result of the Super Bowl, just the emotion and the connection that we have with our fans is highly publicized and really well covered."
Rounding out the top 10: No. 4 Hornets owner George Shinn; No. 5 Hornets All-Star point guard Chris Paul; No. 7. SMG Regional Vice President Doug Thornton; No. 8. Cox Sports TV Vice President Rod Mickler; No. 9 LSU football coach Les Miles, and No. 10 LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva.
Recognizing the balance
When it comes to the Saints, the message starts from the top.
While winning games is the ultimate goal, Benson, who has turned the franchise he purchased in 1985 for $70 million into a nearly billion-dollar organization, said it is equally critical for those in his organization to take pride in and contribute to the community that supports the team on game days and buys millions of dollars worth of Black and Gold memorabilia.
"It is important that our team recognizes the balance between excellence on the field as well as off the field, " Benson said. "It starts with the people who make up our organization -- Rita Benson LeBlanc and Dennis Lauscha, who oversee our marketing, business and administrative operations; Mickey Loomis, who runs our football operations; Sean Payton, who runs our team on the field; and our four vice presidents, Greg Bensel, Ben Hales, Vicky Neumeyer and Mike Stanfield, who oversee the various departments in our business. Some people use the term 'team effort' lightly, we do not."
Indeed. When the Saints decided to visit the ravaged coastline, nearly the entire organization went, boarding four buses for the 90-minute trek.
They quickly upstaged Gov. Bobby Jindal, stealing the show and putting a smile on the faces of a group of people who have felt like their collective cries for help since the April oil rig explosion have gone unheard.
The Saints' stranglehold as the leading power brokers on the local scene started long before the oil spill, however.
Players such as running back Reggie Bush, former running back Deuce McAllister and Brees have long been fan favorites because of charity work and their ability to impact games.
Several other players also have parlayed on-field success into endorsement deals, while others had their high school jerseys retired and streets named after them in their hometowns.
"We take great pride in bringing in players that Jeremy Shockey recognize the importance not only of dedicating themselves to performing at a top level on the field but also recognizing the importance of the role they play in our community, " Loomis said. "It is important that our team, our entire organization, work together toward the same goal. I am proud to say that this team and organization do that."
Payton, entering his fifth season with the Saints, agreed.
Like many others in the organization that have seen their popularity soar, Payton has risen to the top of the heap in the coaching ranks. With the help of a promotional blitz that has his book on The New York Times best-sellers list, Payton's star is becoming even brighter. He spoke on behalf of the team Wednesday night when the Saints won the ESPY Award for Best Team.
The Saints and Drew Brees cleaned up at the recent ESPYs award show. The Saints team took the award for best team performance stemming from their Super Bowl win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Brees went home with the Best Male Athlete, Best NFL player, and best Championship performance.
Fourth round draft choice defensive tackle Al Woods agreed to a multi-year deal with the Saints for an as of yet un-released amount.
Woods signing marks the first of the Saints 2010 draft class to agree to terms leaving CB Patrick Robinson, OT Charles Brown, TE Jimmy Graham, C Matt Tennant and QB Sean Canfield all still un-signed.
2010年7月14日星期三
New Orleans Saints owner has donated
This "first dollar to Beck" arrangement is perfectly legal, and even commonplace, for charities, although it is also not unusual for costs associated with these events to be defrayed by donations of goods, services, and time by the participants. Beck has estimated the cost of the rally at $2 million, and says he will donate the first million himself.
A source close to the rally does confirm to Mediaite that Sarah Palin will Robert Meachem not be receiving a speaking fee for the event, and that the costs associated with the rally are confined to logistics, such as audio/video equipment, bathroom facilities, and the like. The source also points out that the total cost isn't known at this time, but that they're trying to be as transparent as possible.
A source at the charity says that donations through Beck's rally have Reggie Bush just exceeded $2 million, so if Beck's estimate is correct, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation will see some benefit from Beck's rally. How much, and whether the rally lives up to the charity's description of a "non-political, non-partisan rally," remain to be seen. Either way, the SOWF's home page points out that "the viewpoints of our supporters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Foundation."
You can hardly blame a charity for taking money wherever it can get it, especially in this economy. However, given Beck's comments about New Orleans residents who were unable to escape New Orleans (he hates the "scumbags" more than he hated 9/11 victims' families), it is surprising that the New Orleans Saints jerseys would partner with Beck, rather than simply donate directly to the charity. I contacted the Saints for comment, and am awaiting a reply. The Saints staffer I spoke to was unaware of the donation.
Sam Maxwell is a linebacker in his rookie year with the Saints. Maxwell played collegiately at Kentucky, where he set a single-season school record for linebackers with six interceptions in 2009. He racked up 138 tackles with three forced fumbles and 11 passes Marques Colston defended as a four-year letterman with the Wildcats. He is on the active roster after signing with the Saints after rookie minicamp May 7-9. He recently spoke with staff writer Robert Stewart.
Who is your favorite coach from college or high school?
"College, I would have to say Coach (Chuck) Smith, my linebacker coach. High school, it would have to be our D-coordinator, Coach Marvin Justice. And Coach Kenya Fouch is the one that got me into college. Those two are my favorite coaches."
Who is your favorite artist?
"I pretty much like everything, but I would have to go with Playa Fly. He's like an old school rapper. I grew up on him. He's just a lyrical guy."
What is your favorite pregame food?
"Anything that doesn't sit heavy on my stomach while I'm out there. Anything that's going to be gone like that, I'm good with it."
What is your best football memory?
"High school football as a collective thing is my best memory. Some of the guys you grew up with, these guys still have ties together."
A source close to the rally does confirm to Mediaite that Sarah Palin will Robert Meachem not be receiving a speaking fee for the event, and that the costs associated with the rally are confined to logistics, such as audio/video equipment, bathroom facilities, and the like. The source also points out that the total cost isn't known at this time, but that they're trying to be as transparent as possible.
A source at the charity says that donations through Beck's rally have Reggie Bush just exceeded $2 million, so if Beck's estimate is correct, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation will see some benefit from Beck's rally. How much, and whether the rally lives up to the charity's description of a "non-political, non-partisan rally," remain to be seen. Either way, the SOWF's home page points out that "the viewpoints of our supporters do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Foundation."
You can hardly blame a charity for taking money wherever it can get it, especially in this economy. However, given Beck's comments about New Orleans residents who were unable to escape New Orleans (he hates the "scumbags" more than he hated 9/11 victims' families), it is surprising that the New Orleans Saints jerseys would partner with Beck, rather than simply donate directly to the charity. I contacted the Saints for comment, and am awaiting a reply. The Saints staffer I spoke to was unaware of the donation.
Sam Maxwell is a linebacker in his rookie year with the Saints. Maxwell played collegiately at Kentucky, where he set a single-season school record for linebackers with six interceptions in 2009. He racked up 138 tackles with three forced fumbles and 11 passes Marques Colston defended as a four-year letterman with the Wildcats. He is on the active roster after signing with the Saints after rookie minicamp May 7-9. He recently spoke with staff writer Robert Stewart.
Who is your favorite coach from college or high school?
"College, I would have to say Coach (Chuck) Smith, my linebacker coach. High school, it would have to be our D-coordinator, Coach Marvin Justice. And Coach Kenya Fouch is the one that got me into college. Those two are my favorite coaches."
Who is your favorite artist?
"I pretty much like everything, but I would have to go with Playa Fly. He's like an old school rapper. I grew up on him. He's just a lyrical guy."
What is your favorite pregame food?
"Anything that doesn't sit heavy on my stomach while I'm out there. Anything that's going to be gone like that, I'm good with it."
What is your best football memory?
"High school football as a collective thing is my best memory. Some of the guys you grew up with, these guys still have ties together."
2010年7月12日星期一
The Philadelphia Eagles have been extremely
Now that they have handed the reigns over to Kevin Kolb to see if he can gel with DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek, and LeSean McCoy. It's an exciting time for the franchise because we can watch these youngsters grow together.
There is one big albatross which is hanging over this team like a foul-smelling odor and that's Michael Vick. News came out today that he's not allowed to leave the state of PA following the birthday party shooting in Virginia Beach. Probation officials are barring him from leaving the state. This is just the latest media fiasco for the Eagles involving Vick.
Let's not forget that he got a free pass from law enforcement officials who wouldn't charge anybody due to lack of cooperation. In other words, the victim or Vick's cronies aren't talking. There is a theory out there that Marcus Vick was the shooter. Added to that, Vick's lawyer lied to the Eagles and the media when he originally stated that Vick left a half hour before the shooting. The video footage showed that he left a few minutes prior to the altercation.
Now that Vick potentially violated his parole, it could impede his ability to play on the road this season. But, really do you want this guy on your team at this point? He is turning into a massive headache for the franchise.
And, argue all you want, but the "Wild Cat" was a joke last year. Rarely did the Wild Cat produce a big play during the regular season. For the majority of the time, the play would blow up and result in a two or three-yard gain. Ultimately, Vick had 24 rushing attempts for a measley 95 yards last season, good for 4.0 yards a carry. 34 of those yards came on one play, so if you take that away, he had 23 attempts for 61 yards, which amounts to less than 3 yards per attempt! In other words, he was pathetic. He had two rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown though, but clearly the Wild Cat was a bust. The numbers don't lie.
Michael Vick's one huge play came in a blowout loss to Dallas when he tossed a 76-yard TD to J Mac.
The Philadelphia Eagles finally made the long awaited break up with Donovan McNabb and now put the ball in the hands of Kevin Kolb. DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek are weapons indeed but their success relies on the effectiveness of a Quarterback that has never played even half of a full season. Kolb is a huge question mark and is a huge risk in terms of NFL Betting.
There is one big albatross which is hanging over this team like a foul-smelling odor and that's Michael Vick. News came out today that he's not allowed to leave the state of PA following the birthday party shooting in Virginia Beach. Probation officials are barring him from leaving the state. This is just the latest media fiasco for the Eagles involving Vick.
Let's not forget that he got a free pass from law enforcement officials who wouldn't charge anybody due to lack of cooperation. In other words, the victim or Vick's cronies aren't talking. There is a theory out there that Marcus Vick was the shooter. Added to that, Vick's lawyer lied to the Eagles and the media when he originally stated that Vick left a half hour before the shooting. The video footage showed that he left a few minutes prior to the altercation.
Now that Vick potentially violated his parole, it could impede his ability to play on the road this season. But, really do you want this guy on your team at this point? He is turning into a massive headache for the franchise.
And, argue all you want, but the "Wild Cat" was a joke last year. Rarely did the Wild Cat produce a big play during the regular season. For the majority of the time, the play would blow up and result in a two or three-yard gain. Ultimately, Vick had 24 rushing attempts for a measley 95 yards last season, good for 4.0 yards a carry. 34 of those yards came on one play, so if you take that away, he had 23 attempts for 61 yards, which amounts to less than 3 yards per attempt! In other words, he was pathetic. He had two rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown though, but clearly the Wild Cat was a bust. The numbers don't lie.
Michael Vick's one huge play came in a blowout loss to Dallas when he tossed a 76-yard TD to J Mac.
The Philadelphia Eagles finally made the long awaited break up with Donovan McNabb and now put the ball in the hands of Kevin Kolb. DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek are weapons indeed but their success relies on the effectiveness of a Quarterback that has never played even half of a full season. Kolb is a huge question mark and is a huge risk in terms of NFL Betting.
2010年7月8日星期四
AFC South 2010-2011 Houston Texans
After their first winning season in franchise history, the new Houston Texans jerseys were hoping to improve their team enough to finally challenge for the division title. Yet with a very quiet offseason, outside of star linebacker Brian Cushing's suspension, it is likely the Texans don't have enough to compete with the Colts.
Matt Schaub was simply brilliant in 2009, leading the league in completions and yards. This was done without all pro receiving tight end Owen Daniels, who went down during the year with a knee injury. With Daniels' return and wide receiver Andre Johnson, arguably the best one in the game, the Texans should have another strong passing team this year.
On the flip side, the Texans may have gone through the air so much last year because their ground game was pitiful. No running back rushed for more than 450 yards. Steve Slaton suffered a sophomore slump and Arian Foster, Ryan Moats and Chris Brown were all not able to get the job done. Enter Ben Tate, the power back from Auburn. The Texans hope he and Slaton can get the ground game on track behind a young but talented offensive
Cushing's four game suspension will hurt Houston's defense greatly. The defensive rookie of the year led the team in tackles and was a team leader. Cornerback Dunta Robinson moved to Atlanta, but he will be replaced by first round pick Kareem Jackson. Mario Williams has developed into the player the Texans thought he would when they chose him number one overall in the NFL draft. They hope Amobi Okoye and rookie Earl Mitchell will be able to control the middle of the line.
Houston should be an exciting team to watch as long as Schaub stays healthy. Their lack of depth and questionable running game will likely get them only eight wins in 2010.
Currently, the Houston Texans jerseys seem to be interested in Wisconsin tight ends. Starter Owen Daniels has caught more than 200 catches — most for an Houston tight end — and the Texans just drafted Garrett Graham, who could see playing time early this season as Daniels recovers from knee surgery.
But which tight end gets your pick as the best?
Help select the all-time Houston pro football team's running backs (pick 2) at Caller.com. Here are the candidates (Statistics, honors and years played are from time spent only with Houston pro franchises; seasons spent with Houston pro franchises are listed in parentheses).
Matt Schaub was simply brilliant in 2009, leading the league in completions and yards. This was done without all pro receiving tight end Owen Daniels, who went down during the year with a knee injury. With Daniels' return and wide receiver Andre Johnson, arguably the best one in the game, the Texans should have another strong passing team this year.
On the flip side, the Texans may have gone through the air so much last year because their ground game was pitiful. No running back rushed for more than 450 yards. Steve Slaton suffered a sophomore slump and Arian Foster, Ryan Moats and Chris Brown were all not able to get the job done. Enter Ben Tate, the power back from Auburn. The Texans hope he and Slaton can get the ground game on track behind a young but talented offensive
Cushing's four game suspension will hurt Houston's defense greatly. The defensive rookie of the year led the team in tackles and was a team leader. Cornerback Dunta Robinson moved to Atlanta, but he will be replaced by first round pick Kareem Jackson. Mario Williams has developed into the player the Texans thought he would when they chose him number one overall in the NFL draft. They hope Amobi Okoye and rookie Earl Mitchell will be able to control the middle of the line.
Houston should be an exciting team to watch as long as Schaub stays healthy. Their lack of depth and questionable running game will likely get them only eight wins in 2010.
Currently, the Houston Texans jerseys seem to be interested in Wisconsin tight ends. Starter Owen Daniels has caught more than 200 catches — most for an Houston tight end — and the Texans just drafted Garrett Graham, who could see playing time early this season as Daniels recovers from knee surgery.
But which tight end gets your pick as the best?
Help select the all-time Houston pro football team's running backs (pick 2) at Caller.com. Here are the candidates (Statistics, honors and years played are from time spent only with Houston pro franchises; seasons spent with Houston pro franchises are listed in parentheses).
2010年7月6日星期二
The Browns added a lot of pieces to their roster this offseason
The offense is also in need of some playmakers in the passing game. With that in mind, here's a look at the positions the Browns jerseys may have to fill following this season.
- Wide receiver: The Browns football jerseys have several decent wide receiver options in Mohamed Massaquoi, Chansi Stuckey, Brian Robiskie and rookie Carlton Mitchell. But none are true No. 1 options. With so many top receivers likely to be in the next draft, the time is now for Cleveland to go after a good one.
Star-divide
- Defensive end: The team finished 29th in rush defense last season and the line doesn't look much better going into this season. There is talk of Shaun Rogers moving over to end and Ahtyba Rubin handling the nose full time. But even in that scenario, the Browns have average players up front. They include Kenyon Coleman, Robaire Smith, C.J. Mosley and rookie Clifton Geathers. None really scream top starter, let alone playmaker.
- Outside linebacker: Matt Roth wanted out and begrudgingly signed a one-year restricted free agent tender. While Roth has shown some potential, he's not the kind of outside linebacker a team should be hoping wants to stay. A more athletic playmaker at linebacker would greatly improve the 3-4 defense.
Other positions to note are the receivers, where Ben Watson and Josh Cribbs are the highest rated with both getting a 78 overall. Lawrence Vickers was the top running back with a rating of 88 followed by Jerome Harrison who received an 83.
On the defensive side of the ball only three players, besides Rogers, received a rating over 80: D'Qwell Jackson (85), Sheldon Brown (87), and Eric Wright (86)
- Wide receiver: The Browns football jerseys have several decent wide receiver options in Mohamed Massaquoi, Chansi Stuckey, Brian Robiskie and rookie Carlton Mitchell. But none are true No. 1 options. With so many top receivers likely to be in the next draft, the time is now for Cleveland to go after a good one.
Star-divide
- Defensive end: The team finished 29th in rush defense last season and the line doesn't look much better going into this season. There is talk of Shaun Rogers moving over to end and Ahtyba Rubin handling the nose full time. But even in that scenario, the Browns have average players up front. They include Kenyon Coleman, Robaire Smith, C.J. Mosley and rookie Clifton Geathers. None really scream top starter, let alone playmaker.
- Outside linebacker: Matt Roth wanted out and begrudgingly signed a one-year restricted free agent tender. While Roth has shown some potential, he's not the kind of outside linebacker a team should be hoping wants to stay. A more athletic playmaker at linebacker would greatly improve the 3-4 defense.
Other positions to note are the receivers, where Ben Watson and Josh Cribbs are the highest rated with both getting a 78 overall. Lawrence Vickers was the top running back with a rating of 88 followed by Jerome Harrison who received an 83.
On the defensive side of the ball only three players, besides Rogers, received a rating over 80: D'Qwell Jackson (85), Sheldon Brown (87), and Eric Wright (86)
2010年7月4日星期日
Super Bowl
Atlanta Falcons: Pass rush. After racking up 16 1/2 sacks in '08, defensive end John Abraham drew much more attention last year. And with no consistent force opposite him, his total dropped to 5 1/2 in '09. Considering '07 first-round pick Jamaal Anderson has only 2 1/2 sacks in 44 career starts, the Falcons must find another young pass rusher. Two intriguing candidates to watch in camp are Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury Jr.
Baltimore Ravens: Secondary. With Haloti Ngata on the three-man front and Ray Lewis anchoring the linebacker corps, there are few questions about the front seven, especially against the run. The defense, however, must be steadier in pass coverage and force more turnovers. Sure, safety Ed Reed must stay healthy, but the team needs to find some solid players among youngsters and newcomers such as cornerbacks Travis Fisher and Walt Harris and safety Ken Hamlin.
Green Bay Packers: Offensive line. The team's struggles to keep QB Aaron Rodgers upright have been well documented, and there also has been a power drain in the running game. With a healthy tackle Chad Clifton, some shuffling among the interior veterans and the use of a first-round pick on tackle Bryan Bulaga, the correct adjustments seem be in order.
New York Jets: Passing game. Neither Santonio Holmes nor Braylon Edwards were Jets this time last year, and during his Year 3 tight end Dustin Keller will be counted on more as an intermediate threat. LaDainian Tomlinson also will bring his great savvy in backfield receiving situations. It will be interesting to see how these pass-catching threats play off the league's most dominant running game, and how much of a second-year leap Mark Sanchez takes with an improved supporting cast.
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