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Easy E or Big Ben: The Debate of the Class of 2004

Oct 25

Posted by admin in 2004 Nfl Draft, Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Football, NFL, New York, Pro Sports, QB controversy, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Steelers, Uncategorized, draft, giants, online sports community, pittsburgh, quarterback | 1 Comment

By Matt Valentine

The 2004 NFL deaft will certainly go down as one of the best drafts for Quarterbacks, perhaps in the history of the game.

That draft gave us 3 outstanding QB’s in Eli Manning the Number 1 overall pick, Ben Roethlisberger, and Phillip Rivers. Roethlisberger felt overlooked by the Giants when they chose Rivers with the fourth overall pick and packaged him in a trade to San Diego.

Big Ben vs. Easy E

Big Ben vs. Easy E

This Sunday’s marquee match-up between the 5-1 Steelers and the 5-1 Giants takes us back to a question many have been asking since that 2004 NFL draft: Which QB was the better pick?

It’s really a tough call, even for a Giants fan like myself, both QB’s have excelled at the game since entering the league though it is undeniable that it took Eli Manning more time to mature.

If based on pure stats Big Ben would seem to have the edge on Easy E. In his career thus far Roethlisberger has a better completion percentage (63.2), more yards (12,836), more TD (93), and less interceptions (57) then Eli.

In Eli’s career thus far he has a completion percentage of 55.4 has thrown for 12,774 yards, and has tossed 85 TD’s with 68 INT.Eli also led his team to a Super Bowl win last season against the undefeated Patriots.

In Roethlisberger’s first season he was dominant, going 13-0 and leading his team to a 15-1 record. In his next season he won the Super Bowl.

Manning’s first season was nowhere near as dominant. The Giants went 6-10 that year, with Manning compiling a 1-6 record.

In fact, Roethlisberger holds the edge in every statistical category including wins. Big Ben’s career record stands at 44-17 while Mannings’ stands at 35-26

So, if the game was measured in statistics alone clearly Roethlisberger would have the edge, but there are other factors to take into consideration.

For example, Manning was instrumental in leading the Giants on their playoff run and eventual Super Bowl win. Roethlisberger on the other hand, struggled mightily in his Super Bowl appearance and many would argue that his team won in spite of him not because of him.

Manning played superb in the Super Bowl and throughout his playoff run, leading his team on one of the most classic drives in history culminating with a 17 yard TD strike to Plaxico Burress to seal a 17-14 win over the then undefeated New England Patriots.

Also, Roethlisberger went to a team that was ready to win, and could suffer the occasional rookie mistake. Manning went to a team that was on a down swing and in just four years took them to a Super Bowl.

The debate will continue long after Sunday’s game and can only truly be measured when one of the two ends their football career. However, this Sunday at Heinz Field we get a measure of an answer with the winner taking the crown…at least for the time being.

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Saints McAllister and Smith Caught Doping

Oct 24

Posted by admin in Football, League Policy, NFL, New Orleans, Pro Sports, Saints, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Steroids, Substance abuse, Uncategorized, diuretic, doping, online sports community, violation | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

Normally when we talk about doping these days we’re usually talking about a baseball player, a cyclist, or even a horse. Somehow the players of the NFL always manage to fly under the radar when it comes to the controversial issue of steroids.

I guess every dog has its day. It has recently been reported that the Saints Deuce McAllister and Will Smith are among several players that have violated the NFL’s steroids policy. A FOX affiliate in Denver citing an unnamed source stated that there have been  between six and 10 positive tests in the NFL for a weight-loss diuretic. However, the station only mentioned the names of the two Saints players who are in London this week for a game against the San Diego Chargers.

Saints RB Deuce McAllister has been accused in a doping scandal.

Saints RB Deuce McAllister has been accused in a doping scandal.

ESPN citing two unnamed sources has stated that the number is higher somewhere in the range of 10-15 players.

While the NFL and the players teams have yet to comment on the report, an attorney David Cornwell told The Associated Press he has been hired to handle the appeals of a number of players who are facing possible suspensions.

Cornwell has declined to name any of his clients or how many clients he is representing. He did release a statement saying, “The recent reports about pending appeals by players who are alleged to have used weight loss supplements reflect the most egregious violation of the NFL steroid policy. The foundation of the policy is both a player’s right to appeal and an absolute right to confidentiality. By leaking this story, the ‘source’ is clearly attempting to put their thumb on the scale of justice and harm these men.”

Saints DE Will Smith was the other player named int he doping scandal.

Saints DE Will Smith was the other player named int he doping scandal.

A diuretic is used as a masking agent to dilute the urine in an attempt to excrete lesser amounts of any banned substances.

While major sports like baseball and lesser sports like cycling have been hit hard by steroid scandals the NFL has been able to cruise mainly under the radar. The sheer enormity of the games popularity has basically given the NFL and its players a free pass on what has become a hot button issue in sports.

Though news like this is never good for a player as they can face at minimum a 4 game suspension it should have little affect on the day-to-day buisness of the NFL.

We’ll have to wait and see just how many players are really involved in the doping scandal, and how the league will react once all the evidence is taken under consideration.

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Fantasy Football Start Em: Running Backs

Oct 17

Posted by admin in Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Football, NFL, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, online sports community | 1 Comment

Week 7 is fast approaching and for most leagues this marks the halfway point in thir fantasy season. Hopefully by now you’ve solidified your position as one of the league’s strongest GM’s, but even if you haven’t theres still plenty of time to get back into contention. Maybe this list will help you make the best choices in your lineup calls for week 7.

1. Chris Johnson vs. Kansas City

Kansas City is a pretty dismal team right now. Larry Johnson wants to be traded, Tony Gonzalez wanted to be traded and the team has absolutely no shot of being a contender this season. Which is great news if you’re one of the lucky people who own Chris Johnson this week.The K.C. defense surrenders 182.2 rushing yards a game and Johnson has been averaging 90 total yards a game so far this year. Lendale White is suffering from a shoulder injury at the moment which may give Johnson some more goal-line chances. Look for Johnson to have a nice fantasy week this week.

2. Dominic Rhodes vs. Green Bay

Rhodes disappeared off the fantasy radar for a while when he went to Oakland (as most people do). However, hes back in Indy and both Joseph Addai and Mike Hart are sidelined this week with injuries making Rhodes a very serviceable option. The Packers have been struggling with their rush defense allowing 153 yards per game. Rhodes should get plenty of touches and could find the end zone. A nice start here, especially if you’re an Addai owner.

3. Mewelde Moore vs. Cinncinatti

Moore is most likely available in a number of leagues and can be a nice pick up n’ play this week against a struggling Bengals defense. With Willie Parker sidelined for another week due to injury Moore is once again Pittsburgh top rusher. The Bengals rush defense is giving up 156.8 yards per game so Moore has a chance to go off. He gave a solid performance in his first start and should follow it up nicely with this favorable match up.

4. Thomas Jones vs. Oakland

Ah just when you were about to give up on Jones he comes up with a huge performance. Jones scored three times last week (2 rushing, 1 receiving) surpassing his total from all of last season. This week Jones is facing off against an Oakland defense that’s surrendering 115 rushing yards and 1.6 rushing touchdowns per game. With Oakland’s offense unable to muster much production the Jets offense should have plenty of chances to score and Jones could be the primary beneficiary.

5.  Steve Slaton vs. Detroit

At first glance this may not look like the best match up especially considering what Detroit was able to do to Adrian Peterson last week, but Houston has a much better QB then Minnesota and Schaub should open up the field with his ability to throw the long ball to Andre Johnson. With a deep passing threat established Slaton could find plenty of open holes and could have a nice fantasy day.

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Fantasy Football Start em: Quarterback

Oct 10

Posted by admin in Browns, Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Football, NFL, Pro Sports, Quarterbacks, Secondary, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, defense, fantasy football, giants, online sports community, passing game | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

Week six is approaching and if your fantasy team isn’t looking good thus far you still have plenty of time to get back into playoff contention. With that said, let’s take a look at some week 6 match ups that should be beneficial to fantasy quarterbacks.

1.  Kyle Orton- Chicago Bears

Wow,what a difference a year makes. The Chicago Bears easily had one of the NFL’s most dismal passing attacks last season but all that has changed with Kyle Orton under center. Orton has tossed multiple TD’s n his last two games and should do the same this week against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are surrendering 222 yards and 1.8 passing touchdowns per game. Now that the Bears are finally beginning to utilize the speedy Devin Hester in their passing attack Orton could end up being one of this weeks best fantasy options.

2. Jason Campbell- Washington Redskins

Campbell is QB on the rise. He has posted back to back wins on the road against division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. Now he gets to go up against one of the worst teams in the NFl in the St. Louis Rams whose passing defense ranks 28th in the league allowing 245.8 yards and 2 TD’s per game. Campbell finally looks comfortable in coach Jim Zorn’s offense and with a number of nice options including Santana Moss and Chris Cooley  he should have an explosive day against the woeful rams.

3. Kurt Warner- Arizona Cardinals

Warner came off another nice fantasy performance against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday and looks to return with another strong performance agaisnt a banged up Dallas secondary at home this week.  Terrence Newman is out, Roy Williams is most likely out, and the Dallas pass rush has been very inconsistent thus far this year. Thats all good news for Warner who should post his fourth straight multiple touchdown game in what should be a shootout in the desert.

4.  Brett Favre- New York Jets

After posting a career high 6 TD’s against the Cardinals in his last game Favre and the Jets hope to continue the trend in this weeks game against the Bengals. If you look at the numbers it doesn’t look like a good match up for Favre with Cincy’s D ranking 6th in the league in passing defense. That is a more then deceptive number becuase everyone just dominates Cincy’s D on the ground instead of through the air. The Jets have yet to establish their ground game this year and Favre has had an extra week to heal and work on his timing with his receivers, that should bode well for a strong fanatsy day.

5- Eli Manning- New York Giants

Make no mistake about it the Giants are the nest all around team in the NFL right now. Thanks in large part to their consistent ground game Eli has had ample time to pick opposing secondary’s apart this season and has the Giants passing attacked ranked 6th in the NFL. The Giants face off against the dissapointing Cleveland Browns who have a weak secondary and have yet to play well on either side of the ball. Consider also that Plaxico is back from his one game suspension and that the Giants have one of the deepest receiving corps in the league with the likes of Steve Smith, Amani Toomer, Sinorice Moss, Mario Manningham and last weeks fantasy darling Dominick Hixon and the Browns secondary shouldn’t stand a chance.

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Wildcat Formation Leading Dolphins to Victory

Oct 10

Posted by admin in Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Football, NFL, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, Wildcat, dolphins, formations, gimmick play, online sports community, playbook, ronnie brown | No Comments

By Matt Valentine

Usually reserved for games played on Fridays or Saturdays the wildcat formation has found a home on Sundays.

The wildcat formation a formation popular among high school football coaches and some college coaches (or at least a variation thereof) has found its way to the Miami Dolphins playbook.

Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown taking a direct snap in the Wildcat formation

Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown taking a direct snap in the Wildcat formation

For those of us who enjoy watching football, but dont get too deep into the technical side of the sport here’s a very brief explanation of the Wildcat formation. The Wildcat is a variant of the single-wing formation which was founded by legendary coach Pop Warner in 1907. Basically, in the wildcat formation you have a running back that lines up in a simliar position to a quarterback in shotgun formation. This back will take a direct snap from the center while another back is sent in motion from a slot position just prior to the snap. Furthermore, it calls for an unbalanced, reshuffled line, often with two natural tackles playing on the weak side

The quarterback doesn’t even need to be on the field or can line up as a wideout in this formation. The formation is primiarly a run offense, but can be used to draw defenders in while a TE or WR sneaks out where he can receive a pass from the back.

Now the defense is left with a number of possible options: A. the back can take the direct snap and run the ball, B. the back can take the direct snap and hand off to the other back that is set in motion, or C. the back can take the direct snap roll out and look for a passing option downfield.

So, this leads us to Week 3 in the NFL the Miami Dolphins square off against the New England Patriots.  The Dolphins lined up in the wildcat formation a number of times and guess what….it resulted in five touchdowns all accounted for by Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown, 4 TD’s on the ground and one through the air, when Brown connected with TE Anthony Fasano for a 19 yard TD strike. For once Bill Bellicheck and his famed genius was nowhere to be found. His defense looked lost every single time the Dolphins lined up in the wildcat and it resulted in 38-13 blowout. In total the wildcat formation was employed six times during the Dolphins, Patriots game…I’d day the results speak for themselves.

Ronnie Brown is the key to the wildcat formation success in Miami.

Ronnie Brown is the key to the wildcat formation success in Miami.

The Dolphins would employ the wildcat again in their week 5 match-up against the San Diego Chargers. And while the wildcat would have a limited success this time around (47 net yards gained), it still resulted in a key touchdown that would give the Dolphins the lead and an eventual victory.

The Dolphins head coach Tony Sporano who is in his first year with the team, has stated that the Dolphins are just scratching the surface of how the wildcat can be employed this season. So far, the wildcat has helped lead a team that was 1-15 last year to a 2-2 record this season, with wins over some of the AFC’s best teams.

Now the question becomes will the wildcat catch on elsewhere in the NFL? The Patriots used the formation in their game against the 49ers, and the Dolphins have no plans to stop using the formation, at least until it stops working. Like the spread offense that is sweeping college football and lighting up scoreboards, the wildcat may soon have NFL defensive coordinators scratching their heads and NFL offensive coordinators salivating at the mouth.

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No.1 USC Falls at Oregon State

Sep 26

Posted by admin in BCS, College Sports, College football, Conference, Football, OSU, Pac-10, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, USC, Uncategorized, college, college stars, online sports community | No Comments

Perhaps in the future USC will learn to never schedule a game at Oregon State. That’s because for the second time since 2006 USC’s undefeated record and their national title hopes have been dealt a serious blow by the Oregon State Beavers.

This time it was Jacquizz Rodgers who led the way in the unlikely victory rushing for 186 yards and 2 TD’s en route to Oregon States stunning 27-21 victory over No.1 USC.  It was the first time since 1990 when Michigan State defeated Michigan that a team with a losing record defeated the number one team in the country.

In 2006 it was the number 3 ranked Trojans that lost their shot at a national title when they lost at Reser Stadium 33-31.

For USC the damage done by losing at Oregon State may be irreperable. USC was expected to cruise through its conference schedule with its only true test being the Ohio State game last week. Now for the second straight season the national championship landscape is wide open with any of the top 10 teams capable of moving in postion for a serious run at the BCS Championship game.

The biggest play of the game came late in 4th quarter with USC backed up inside their own 20. USC QB Mark Sanchez’s pass was intercepted by safety Greg Laybourn on the 30 with less then  3 minutes ti play. Laybourn ran the ball back to the USC 2 yard line and set up what would eventually become the game winning touchdown.

At that point the Trojans were trailing by 13 (27-21) and it looked the game was lost. However, the Trojans received a glimmer of hope when their special teams came up with a huge return that put them into Oregon State territory with 2:30 remaining in the game.

Sanchez eventually hit Patrick Turner with a 14-yard scoring pass with 1:19 left, but the clock was the Trojans biggest enemy and it would eventually win the battle. The Trojans attempted an onside kick, but were unable to recover and OSU killed the clock with kneel downs.

The game really came down to one team that was able to make plays, while the other team left too many plays on the field. Rodgers’ just could not be stopped or perhaps found by the USC defense and his 186 rushing yars were the most by a Trojans opponent since Vince Young ran for 200 in the famous BCS national championship game of 2006.

But, it was the mistakes made by USC and a stingy OSU rush defense that helped secure the stunning upset. Joe McNight was held to just 10 yards rushing by the Beaver defense and lost a fumble as well. Along with McNight’s fumble Sanchez’s interception played a key role in turning the tide in OSU’s favor.

For OSU it was the Rodgers’ brothers night that led to the win, with Rodgers older brother James securing six catches for 36 yards and two touchdowns. Lyle Moevao OSU’s QB completed 18 of 26 passes for 167 yards and 2 TD’s.

Sanchez completed 18 of 29 passes for 227 yards and three scores, with the one crucial interception.

The impact if this game will be felt around college football where all of the top teams will be looking to move up in the standings. How far USC will fall remains to be seen, but Penn State is one team that may really benefit from this loss having destroyed OSU earlier in the season at Happy Valley.

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The Jets Are Not Getting Their Money’s Worth

Sep 24

Posted by admin in Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Favre, Football, Free Agents, New York, New York football, Offseason, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, defense, jets, offense, online sports community | No Comments

by Matt Valentine

The NY Jets were the most active team during the off season this year revamping their offensive and defensive units with what many thought would be some key signings. Then just when you thought they couldn’t do much more they added future Hall of Fame QB Brett Fave and instantly turned themselves into a playoff contender. At least, that’s the way most people thought it was going to happen, but after the first three weeks of the season that scenario is looking less and less likely.

The Jets opened the season promisingly enough holding off former Jets QB Chad Pennington and the Miami Dolphins in the final minutes of the fourth quarter to capture a 20-14 victory. Since that game however, the Jets have looked anemic on both sides of the ball in loses to New England in week 2 and San Diego on Monday night.

The loss on Monday night seemed to magnify some of the Jets most glaring weaknesses. For one they had an extremely hard time moving the ball in the first half and though the Jets defense did score the games first points on a pick six by linebacker David Barrett, the offense turned the ball over 3 times in the half, twice on Favre interceptions and once on a Thomas Jones fumble.

Another obvious weakness was the Jets inability to convert on third downs. The Jets were just 1-8 on third downs, while Phillip Rivers and the Chargers were 9-13.

Though Favre’s final stat line looks decent enough ( 30-42, 271, 3TD, 2INT)  it is pretty deceptive. First, Favre should have finished the game with at least 4 INT, he threw the ball directly into the hands of Charges defensive backs Antonio Cromartie, and Clinton Hart ,but neither were able to haul in the pick. Second, Favre racked up most of his passing yards and touchdowns late in the second half when the Chargers had a large lead and went into prevent mode allowing Favre and the Jets to catch passes underneath and drain the game clock.

Favre has struggled to learn the offense and it has showed on the field. He has yet to establish timing with his receivers which has resulted in a number of miscues that have cost the Jets in the first three weeks. Add to that that the Jets supposedly revamped line has not afforded him with the time or protection to make plays down field and you have the makings of a 1-2 record.

The O-line has also not given Thomas Jones the type of running room you would like for the money. If they could give him more space to operate then maybe he could take the pressure off Favre and allow him to settle in, instead of basically placing the entire outcome of the game in his hands.

The Jets defense has struggled as well. The one thing that did become clear Monday night was that without Kris Jenkins manning the middle the Jets could be run on and run on often. Calvin Pace the Jets other defensive off-season acquisition has yet to make himself heard and he better start soon if he wants to earn the paycheck the Jets are handing him each week.

Then for the second week in a row there was questionable play calling by head coach Eric Mangini. With the Jets trailing by just 3 points (14-17) Mangini decided to go for an onside kick in the second quarter. The kick was recovered by the Chargers, who scored on the ensuing drive and all momentum was lost for the Jets.

The one bright spot for the Jets was their special teams. Leon Washington had two nice returns one 94- yarder and one to mid-field which eastablished excellent field position for the Jets.

If the Jets want to go anywhere this year they’re going to need the guys they brought in, in the off-season to play up to their contracts or this 1-2 record may not just be growing pains, but a sign of things to come.

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Fantasy Football Week Two QB Review

Sep 15

Posted by admin in Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, Football, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, online sports community | No Comments

As week two of fantasy football comes to a close there have been a number of surprises and disappointments at the QB position so far this season. Let’s take a look back at some of the best week 2 performances from the NFL’s Quarterbacks.

1. Jay Cutler-Denver Broncos

Jay Cutler is emerging as a true fantasy star this season and Denver (and my fantasy team) are all the better for it. In the last two weeks Cutler has faced what were supposed to be some staunch passing defenses in Oakland and San Diego and has absolutely torched them to the tune of a combined 650 yards, 6 TD and 1 pick. Cutler was dominant in the first half against San Diego tossing three touchdown passes, he had some trouble moving the ball in the third quarter but came back to toss a 4th TD pass in the closing moments of the game and followed it up with a 2pt conversion (both to WR Eddie Royal) sealing a 39-38win over the Chargers.  At this pace Cutler could emerge as a top 5 fantasy QB by years end, I for one am keeping my fingers crossed.

2. Phillip Rivers- Sand Diego Chargers

Though he was outplayed by Cutler, Rivers more then held his own in this week two shootout, especially considering L.T. was sidelined for most of the game with a toe-injury. Rivers threw for 377 yards with 3 TD and 1 INT. He connected with Chris Chambers on on two TD strikes and got a nice assist from Darren Sproles on a check-down that Sproles took to the house. Rivers and the Chargers offense once again got off to a slow start, but heated up in the second half only to lose the game in the final moments. Right now Rivers looks like a solid play week to week.

3. Kurt Warner- Arizona Cardinals

Kurt put a big hurting on the Dolphins defense in week two making them look like fish out of water. He connected on 19 of 24 passes for 361 yards and 3 TD. For the second straight game Warner didn’t committ a turnover and he has clearly cemented himself in the starting role for the time being. I guess Leinart can go back to partying his ass off because if Warner keeps playing like this there’s no chance he’s going to see the field so he might as well go back to doing what he does best. He has another decent matchup against Washington next week and should be in your starting lineup as long as he’s the Cardinals starting QB.

4. Aaron Rodgers- Green Bay Packers

Brett Who? Thats probably what most Packers fans are saying after watching Rodgers the last two weeks, especially if they caught any of the Jets-Pats game. Rodgers has stepped in and led the Green Bay offense to two straight victories and although he played against a terrible Lions defense he is proving himself as a solid fantasy starter week to week, though next week he faces a much stiffer test in the Cowboys D so you may want to look elsewhere. Rodgers threw for 328 yards and 3 TD’s and has a great connection with last years breakout player Greg Jennings who racked up 167 yards receiving. If Rodgers continues his play people like me won’t even have to mention Favre and Rodgers in the same sentence again.

5. Eli Manning- NY Giants

Eli has never really been a fantasy stud, but he certainly looked like one on Sunday. He torched a woeful Rams secondary to the tune of 260 yards and 3 TD’s in leading the Giants to a 41-13 rout. Ever since his Super Bowl run Manning has the type of confidence you want to see in a QB and has demonstrated it on the field. The Giants play a fairly favorable schedule for the next few weeks with Cincinnati, Seattle, Cleveland, and San Francisco on the slate and Eli should be considered a starter for all of thos games if you have him on your roster.

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NFL Reinstates Adam Jones

Aug 29

Posted by admin in Adam Jones, Fantasy Sports, Football, NFL, Pacman, Pro Sports, Roger Goodell, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, Uncategorized, cornerback, online sports community | No Comments

After 17 months of waiting in limbo for commissioner Roger Goodell to make a decision Adam Jones the cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys received word that he would be fully reinstated into the NFL and can fully participate in all team functions.

Jones was suspended into 2007 following a number of run-ins with police, one which resulted in a man being shot and paralyzed at a Las Vegas strip club. In all Jones has been arrested six times and involved in a dozen incidents total that required police involvement since he was drafted by the Titans in the first round of the 2005 draft.

As expected his teammates and friends sent him numerous congratulatory text messages and phone calls. But, no one was happier with the good news then Jones who let out a celebratory shout, followed by a phone call to his mother to let her in on the good news.

When asked what he could do to avoid future incidents Jones stated, “surrounding myself around the right people and staying out of gentlemen’s clubs, having a great relationship with God and spending more time with my family.”

For his part Goodell had stated through a league offical that he would not comment further on the reinstatement.

Jones will most likely play in the nickel and dime packages and could see some work as a return man on special teams. He played in the first  three preseason games, and started the third at left corner in place of injured Pro Bowler Terence newman, rookie Mike Jenkins had started the first two games. During that time Jones made 8 tackles and had one pass deflection. He also looked rusty times overunning some routes and looking unfimiliar in Dallas’ zone schemes.

Jones also had punt returns of 18 and 24 yards during that soan, and Cowboy’s coach Wade Phillips has stated that he may be used in the same position during the regular seasons especially considering the injuries the Cowboys have suffered to return men Austin Miles, and Isiah Stanback.

I for one am all for second chances, but I have to be honest when I say that if Adam Jones was just some run of the mill football player who could easily be replaced there is no chance in hell that he would have been reinstated. Basically I feel that by passing this decision down what the NFL has said is that if you are talented enough then any off the field transgressions no matter how long the list may be will essentially go unpunished. I understand that Jones did serve a lengthy suspension, but we are talking about a player who in just 2 years in the league had 12 run-ins with police. That’s six a year, if I was in trouble that much with the police I think it would be safe to say i wouldn’t be suspended from my job I’d be fired.

Either way, it’s now up to Jones to prove to the rest of us that this “turn around” is sincere and that his desire to play in the NFL outweighs all other things Only then will I believe the NFL made a good decision.

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Boldin Wants Out of Arizona

Aug 21

Posted by admin in Arizona Cardinals, Fantasy, Fantasy Sports, NFL, Pro Sports, Sports, Sports Events, Sports Stars, contract negotiations Drew Rosenhaus, online sports community, rumors, trade talks, wide receivers, wideout | No Comments

Anquan Boldin part of the talented wide receiving duo in the dessert of Arizona stated that he wants out of Arizona. Citing a non- existent relationship with head coach Ken Whisenhunt and contract issues.

For his part Whisenhunt seems to have no idea what Boldin is refferring to saying that, “We’ve been communicating if communicating is talking, that’s what we have been doing at practice. As we go forward, I don’t know. I don’t foresee anything changing. If it does, it’s in his court.”

With training camp rapidly coming to a conclusion the wideout mad eit sound like the last few weeks have been pure hell for him. He opened up training camp by calling out the franchises front office, saying that they reneged on an offer to re-negotiate his contract.

Boldin wants out of Arizona.

Boldin wants out of Arizona.

The situation seems to have evolved from thecsizeable contract the Cards handed to WR Larry Fitzgerald who signed a four-year $40 million, deal after last season, with $30 million guaranteed. Obviously Boldin feels, he is underpaid and under aprreciated by his current team.

He has three years left on the four-year, $22.75 million extension he signed after the 2005 season that keeps him under contract through 2010. He’s making an average of $4 million a year.

Boldin is one of the most talented wideouts in the NFL. He became the fastest player to reach 400 career receptions when he topped the mark just 67 games into his career.In his five NFL seasons Boldin has 413 receptions for 5,458 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Yet, if Boldin is so concerned about what he is being paid then maybe he shouldn’t have signed that contract extension in 2005 that gaves him his current salary rate. And although Boldin has stated that he feels that Fitzgerald earned his contract its fairl obvious that had Fitzgerald not gotten such a sizeable pay increase Boldin would not feel like he was being” mis-treated” bv the team.  It probably doesn’t help the situation that his agent is Drew Rosenhaus either who seems to encourage this type of behavior from his players.

What does Boldin expect to happen? Does he actually believe that the Cardinals are going to trade one of their most valuable offensive players right before the seasons begins? Apparently not, as even Boldin himself was quoted as saying that he doesn’t believe their will be a solution to the standoff.

The Cardinals have also stated that they have little interest in dealing the stud reciever at this time, especially considering he is under contract until the 2010 season.

There are of course a number of teams around the league that could use the services of Boldin. The Philadelhpia Eagles seem to be keenly interested in acquiring a receiver especially considering the injury to their number one wideout Kevin Curtis, which could sideline him for 6-8 weeks.

A player for player trade would be the most likely of possibilties and if the Cardinals decide to change their minds and deal Boldin it could be for an Eagles defensive back like Lito Sheppard or something along those lines.

IN all likely hood Boldin will have to reamin a Cardinal at least for the remainder of this season and try to work out a deal for himself during the offseason.

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