PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia-based Banner Promotions has announced the signing of 2012 Olympic Bronze Medal winner Taras Shelestyuk to a promotional contract.
Shelestyuk of Sumy, Ukraine will compete as a junior middleweight and won his bronze medal in London. He also captured the 2011 world amateur championship in the 152 pound weight division.
In addition Shelestyuk won the the Bronze medal in the 2010 European championship and is also a three-time Ukrainian champion.
The 27 year-old stands 5-foot-10 and had an impressive amateur record of 195-15.
“We are very excited to add Taras to our roster”, said Arthur Pelullo, CEO of Banner Promotions. "We have big plans for Taras and we feel he will become a world champion”
Shelestyuk’s manager Vadim Kornilov added: ”We definitely have a future star. Banner Promotions is planning to move Taras very fast and get as many fights as we can get him. Fans should keep an eye on him because he will be the next star”
Shelestyuk will make his professional debut on March 29 on the undercard of an ESPN's Friday Night Fights event in Verona, New York
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
St. John's tops St. Joe's at the buzzer
PHILADELPHIA - The Saint Joseph's men's basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 63-61 loss to St. John's at the buzzer to end the season in the 2013 NIT First Round at Hagan Arena.
After Ronald Roberts hit two free throws to tie it at 61-61 with 5.7 seconds remaining, St. John's Sir'Dominic Pointer raced down the court and hit a fadeaway jumper from the left side as time expired to give the Red Storm the win. St. John's (17-15) moves on to face the Norfolk State-Virginia winner in the NIT Second Round.
Trailing 60-56 with 46 seconds remaining, senior Carl Jones drove the lane for a layup to bring SJU to within two points. Langston Galloway then forced a St. John's turnover at :34 and attempted a three-pointer. Teammate Halil Kanacevic grabbed the rebound and attempted a tip-in twice, and then was fouled on his third shot. Kanacevic made one of two free throws at :16 to pull the Hawks to within 60-59.
After a quick SJU foul, St. John's Jamal Branch made one of two free throws at :14, to up the Red Storm lead to 61-59. The Hawks called timeout and got the ball into Roberts, who was fouled and would tie the game.
Saint Joseph's made 5-of-8 three pointers in the first half to own a 32-26 lead at halftime.
Early in the second half, Saint Joseph's led by as much as 12 points and held a 51-40 lead with 11:03 to play. The Hawks then went cold, making just 1-of-14 from the field over the next six minutes. A layup by Jones at 5:50 ended that streak and gave SJU a 56-51 lead.
St. John's would go on a 9-0 run, ending in a dunk by Chris Obekpa, to give the visitors a 60-56 edge with 2:03 remaining.
"I think that the numbers tell the story. We shot 30 percent in the second half and they shot 55 percent," said Saint Joseph's coach Phil Martelli. "I liked the quality of shots that we had. I'm not sure we were as confident. I think that we could've been more aggressive off the dribble. But saying that, I think their shot-blocking got into our heads a little bit and we didn't finish enough plays in and around the rim."
Jones scored a game-high 21 points in his final contest as a Hawk and finishes his career with 1,845 points, which ranks third on the SJU all-time list. Galloway scored 16 points and Kanacevic had a game-high 12 rebounds.
JaKarr Sampson led the Red Storm with 16 points, while Pointer finished with 15 and Phil Greene IV had 10.
After Ronald Roberts hit two free throws to tie it at 61-61 with 5.7 seconds remaining, St. John's Sir'Dominic Pointer raced down the court and hit a fadeaway jumper from the left side as time expired to give the Red Storm the win. St. John's (17-15) moves on to face the Norfolk State-Virginia winner in the NIT Second Round.
Trailing 60-56 with 46 seconds remaining, senior Carl Jones drove the lane for a layup to bring SJU to within two points. Langston Galloway then forced a St. John's turnover at :34 and attempted a three-pointer. Teammate Halil Kanacevic grabbed the rebound and attempted a tip-in twice, and then was fouled on his third shot. Kanacevic made one of two free throws at :16 to pull the Hawks to within 60-59.
After a quick SJU foul, St. John's Jamal Branch made one of two free throws at :14, to up the Red Storm lead to 61-59. The Hawks called timeout and got the ball into Roberts, who was fouled and would tie the game.
Saint Joseph's made 5-of-8 three pointers in the first half to own a 32-26 lead at halftime.
Early in the second half, Saint Joseph's led by as much as 12 points and held a 51-40 lead with 11:03 to play. The Hawks then went cold, making just 1-of-14 from the field over the next six minutes. A layup by Jones at 5:50 ended that streak and gave SJU a 56-51 lead.
St. John's would go on a 9-0 run, ending in a dunk by Chris Obekpa, to give the visitors a 60-56 edge with 2:03 remaining.
"I think that the numbers tell the story. We shot 30 percent in the second half and they shot 55 percent," said Saint Joseph's coach Phil Martelli. "I liked the quality of shots that we had. I'm not sure we were as confident. I think that we could've been more aggressive off the dribble. But saying that, I think their shot-blocking got into our heads a little bit and we didn't finish enough plays in and around the rim."
Jones scored a game-high 21 points in his final contest as a Hawk and finishes his career with 1,845 points, which ranks third on the SJU all-time list. Galloway scored 16 points and Kanacevic had a game-high 12 rebounds.
JaKarr Sampson led the Red Storm with 16 points, while Pointer finished with 15 and Phil Greene IV had 10.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Flyers ink college free agent Flanagan
Bob McKenzie from TSN of Canada reported late on Tuesday that the Flyers agreed to terms with St. Lawrence forward Kyle Flanagan on a one-year contract for next season.
After signing his amateur tryout contract, Flanagan is expected to report to the Adirondack Phantoms on Friday.
The 24-year-old native of Canton, New York -- home city of the program -- totaled 15 goals and 47 points in 32 games for the Saints this season.
He departs college having racked up 46 goals and 101 assists over 134 games in four seasons with the Saints of the ECAC.
After signing his amateur tryout contract, Flanagan is expected to report to the Adirondack Phantoms on Friday.
The 24-year-old native of Canton, New York -- home city of the program -- totaled 15 goals and 47 points in 32 games for the Saints this season.
He departs college having racked up 46 goals and 101 assists over 134 games in four seasons with the Saints of the ECAC.
NFL Mock Draft version 3.0
By John McMullen
PHILADELPHIA - The first week of free agency is like tea leaves for the NFL Draft.
Now you just have to read them.
Since most NFL personnel people fancy themselves as 007-type covert agents handling delicate state secrets, the key is never to listen to your favorite NFL team. Instead, watch what it does and its thought process as the draft approaches will start to come into focus.
The first flurry of signings is just about over and most of the big ticket items have been lugged out of the showroom. So, with the first week of free agency in the rearview, needs have certainly changed around the league and priorities have been skewed.
Here are the results as The Sports Network rolls out its latest mock draft:
1. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M - With Alex Smith and his
new caddy, Chase Daniel, officially on board for Andy Reid the only real
options here are trading down with a team enamored by West Virginia
quarterback Geno Smith or selecting Joeckel, the Aggies' left tackle who
projects as a Matt Kalil-like stalwart from day one.
Previous Pick: Joeckel
2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State - Some think Gus
Bradley and Co. are ready to give up on Blaine Gabbert, the No. 10 overall
pick in 2011, and select Smith. Others think high-rising Florida defensive
tackle Sharrif Floyd is an option. To me it's always been about the pass
rush with the Jags and Werner, although he has been falling on most draft
boards after a poor 40 time, remains the likeliest pick, edging out fellow
edge rushers like the rising Dion Jordan.
Previous Pick: Werner, DE, Florida State
3. Oakland Raiders - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia - Neither Carson Palmer or
Terrelle Pryor are the answers in the Bay Area and the Raiders always love
making the big splash so this is where Smith comes off the board.
Previous Pick: Floyd
4. Philadelphia Eagles - Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon - The Eagles have been a
bargain-conscious, high-volume buyer on the free agent market, especially on
defense where they need lots of help. Since they are moving to a 3-4 under new
head coach Chip Kelly and neither Trent Cole or Brandon Graham look well-
suited to take their hands off the ground, Philadelphia needs players on the
edge. The Eagles brought in Connor Barwin from Houston to handle one side and
Jordan, an old Kelly acolyte from Nike University, will be brought in to
handle the other.
Previous Pick: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
5. Detroit Lions - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan - With Cliff Avril now in
the Pacific Northwest with the ascending Seahawks, Detroit could be in the
market for his replacement but most of the pass rushers have been pointing
straight down in recent weeks and Fisher is one of the elite talents in this
draft. Since veteran Jeff Backus is retiring and Riley Reiff is a right
tackle, Fisher fits well in the Motor City.
Previous Pick: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
6. Cleveland Browns - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama - New Browns defensive
coordinator Ray Horton ran the 3-4 in Arizona, and Cleveland has been active
in free agency fortifying the front seven, inking edge pass rusher Paul Kruger
from Baltimore as well as ex-Raiders defensive tackle Desmond Bryant and
former Cardinal linebacker Quentin Groves. Milliner is the kind of player who
could team with Joe Haden to give Horton two top-tier corners and the ability
to get exotic with his defensive play-calling.
Previous Pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
7. Arizona Cardinals - Matt Barkley, QB, USC - Kevin Kolb is gone and it's
hard to believe new coach Bruce Arians will go into the season with free agent
signee Drew Stanton as his starting quarterback. Arians likes Stanton from
their time in Indy together but also remember the new Cards coach did wonders
with rookie Andrew Luck last year. While there are no signal-callers with that
kind of upside this time around, Barkley is the most NFL-ready in this year's
group. His arm strength has to be a concern, however.
Previous Pick: Smith
8. Buffalo Bills - Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse - With Ryan Fitzpatrick gone and
Tarvaris Jackson as the only in-house option at quarterback, panic sets in
here and new coach Doug Marrone reaches for his old college quarterback, Ryan
Nassib. The former Syracuse star has the big arm and may have a bright future
in a few years but shouldn't be in the conversation this early.
Previous Pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
9. New York Jets - Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia - Jones played in a 4-3 at
Georgia, but 3-4 teams like him also. The Jets are desperate for talent and
with Calvin Pace and Bart Scott jettisoned, Rex Ryan get lucky here when Jones
drops into his lap.
Previous Pick: Jones
10. Tennessee Titans - Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida - Floyd has been racing up
most draft boards thanks to his athleticism but he'll fall a bit in the final
weeks since his production at Florida didn't always match his skill level.
That's a good thing for Tennessee, which needs help on the interior.
Previous Pick: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
11. San Diego Chargers - Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama - The Chargers' offensive
line is in shambles and they could go left tackle Lane Johnson or Warmack,
perhaps the best pure football player in this year's draft. Warmack, is far
quicker than his body indicates and excels at getting to the second level and
walling off linebackers, just ask Manti Te'o. He is a perfect choice for San
Diego, which lost guard Louis Vasquez to AFC-West rival Denver during free
agency.
Previous Pick: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
12. Miami Dolphins - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma - Miami is a perfect example
of how free agency can change things. The Dolphins were penciled in at wide
receiver by just about everyone but they signed Mike Wallace to a huge money
deal and also brought in Brandon Gibson to help outside the numbers.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins lost left tackle Jake Long to St. Louis. Johnson, a
former high school quarterback, understands the passing game and mirrors well.
He will need to continue to add strength, however, but has a nice ceiling as a
player.
Previous Pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California
13. Tampa Bay Bucs - Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State - The Bucs have been the
lead horse in the Darrelle Revis trade race so cornerback is obviously a
priority. If they pull off the Revis trade, which is looking less and less
likely by the day, this pick likely changes. For now, focus on Rhodes, who
has settled in as the second best corner in the 2013 draft.
Previous Pick: Milliner
14. Carolina Panthers - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah - The Panthers need
to sure up their run defense and heart issues at the combine will likely send
Lotulelei, a likely top five pick before Indianapolis, sprawling out of the
top 10. During his medical evaluation at the combine it was found that
Lotulelei's left ventricle was pumping at below normal levels. He has been
cleared for a full workout at Utah's pro day on March 20 and, though, and this
seems like a sensible landing spot. Star is a strong, physical player who fits
in playing multiple techniques and should develop into a solid player early in
his career.
Previous Pick: Lotulelei
15. New Orleans Saints - Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU - The Saints are another team
switching to a 3-4 and need the long, rangy edge pass rusher. That describes
Ansah, a player with top of the draft athleticism, to a tee.
Previous Pick: Ansah
16. St. Louis Rams - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee - The Rams shored up
left tackle with the signing of Long but lost Danny Amendola, making receiver
even more of a need pick. Cal's Keenan Allen is the most NFL-ready pass
catcher but Patterson has the biggest upside among this year's group of
receivers, a raw, rangy big- play threat who needs to focus more and stop
rounding off his routes.
Previous Pick: Johnson
17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri - The Steelers need
to get younger in the front seven and Richardson is a versatile athlete who
could create havoc as an inside pass rusher or occupy blockers as an end in
the 3-4 alignment.
Previous Pick: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
18. Dallas Cowboys - Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina - The 'Boys are
hamstrung by salary cap woes so getting help here is paramount. Cooper is one
of the most athletic guards to come along in years and will be an immediate
upgrade on Dallas' porous offensive line.
Previous Pick: Richardson
19. New York Giants - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas - The signing of former Oakland
tight end Brandon Myers probably takes a Tyler Eifert or Zach Ertz off the
table but the loss of Kenny Phillips to NFC-East rival Philadelphia opens up
safety and Vaccaro is the best on the board, a player who has the ideal
combination of size and athleticism to roam from sideline to sideline in
coverage.
Previous Pick: Jordan
20. Chicago Bears - D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama - The Bears addressed a pair of
holes by signing left tackle Jermon Bushrod and tight end Martellus Bennett
but more needs to be done on the offensive line in order to protect Jay
Cutler. It may be a bit of a reach here for Fluker, but he's the best tackle
left on the board and could push the under whelming J'Marcus Webb for the
right tackle slot.
Previous Pick - Fluker
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Matt Elam, S, Florida - The re- signing of defensive
end Michael Johnson and middle linebacker Rey Maualuga helps solidify the
front seven for Cincinnati, making safety the biggest position of need. Elam
is far safer than Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International, the flavor of the
week.
Previous Pick: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins) - Tavon Austin, WR, West
Virginia - The Rams continue carpet-bombing the receiver spot taking Austin, a
natural slot receiver and the heir apparent to Amendola. If you add Patterson,
Austin to tight end Jared Cook, who was signed in free agency, Sam Bradford
would finally have the weapons he needs.
Previous Pick: Austin
23. Minnesota Vikings - Johnathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State - The Greg
Jennings signing makes receiver less of an issue. The release of Antoine
Winfield, however, makes cornerback a priority and Banks projects as a starter
early is his career. He could team with Chris Cook and Josh Robinson in
Minnesota to give the Vikings three solid young corners, something you need in
a division where Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Cutler play quarterback.
Previous Pick: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
24. Indianapolis Colts - Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU - Chuck Pagano needs
to continue to build up his 3-4 defense in Indy and missed out on Kruger in
free agency so taking a shot here on a player like Mingo, who once had a top
10 grade, would be a prudent decision.
Previous Pick: Banks
25. Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle) - Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame - This is
Minnesota's pick acquired in the Percy Harvin deal. The Vikings let their
middle linebacker in 2012, the pedestrian Jasper Brinkley, walk to Arizona so
they need a mike. Minny general manager Rick Spielman has already hit big on
Notre Dame prospects in back-to-back years (tight end Kyle Rudolph and safety
Harrison Smith) so, while Te'o's personal problems are an issue, Spielman
should make the leap. Te'o is a prototypical 4-3 mike at least when Warmack
isn't on the opposition.
Previous Pick: None, just acquired selection
26. Green Bay Packers - Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford - It's pretty clear Mike
McCarthy would like to throw the ball 60 times a game and we all know how
good Rodgers is, so forget about solving the running back woes by taking
Alabama's Eddie Lacy, a true bell-cow back. The Pack wanted to keep backup
tight end Tom Crabtree on the cheap but couldn't do so. Meanwhile, Jermichael
Finley will get another chance to develop some consistency and having Ertz
around to push him would be ideal.
Previous Pick: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
27. Houston Texans - Keenan Allen, WR, California - Even before they released
veteran Kevin Walter the Texans badly needed a complement to Andre Johnson.
Allen is the best pure receiver on the board, a player with the size and
ball skills to flourish in South Texas.
Previous Pick: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
28. Denver Broncos - Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame - Giving Peyton Manning a
slot receiver like Wes Welker when he already has Demaryius Thomas and Eric
Decker on the outside is kind of scary. Add Eifert to that mix and the Broncos
might sport the first offense to be ruled illegal because it's going to be
unfair. Eifert is a difference maker at tight end, a player who already high
points the football better than just about anyone on the pro level.
Previous Pick: Eifert
29. New England Patriots - Robert Woods, WR, USC - Although the Pats brought
in the speedy Donald James as a replacement for Brandon Lloyd, they still need
help outside the numbers and Woods projects as the type of route-runner to
really excel in the intermediate zones for Tom Brady.
Previous Pick: Vaccaro
30. Atlanta Falcons - Datone Jones, DE, UCLA - The Falcons convinced Tony
Gonzalez to play one more season and signed running back Steven Jackson,
clearing up the offensive side of the ball. They need a replacement for
veteran defensive end John Abraham, however, and Jones is a nice prospect with
long arms, a lively body and a good first step.
Previous Pick: Jones
31. San Francisco 49ers - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington - Craig Dahl is
probably not the ideal replacement for Dashon Goldson but it's an adequate
one, keeping cornerback as the Niners primary need. Trufant is a solid gamble
this late.
Previous Pick: Trufant
32. Baltimore Ravens - Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU - With Ray Lewis retiring and
Dannell Ellerbe exiting to Miami, Baltimore badly needs an inside linebacker
and Minter is the type of solid tackler who can hit the ground running in the
NFL.
Previous Pick: Te'o
ROUND TWO:
33. Jacksonville Jaguars - Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
34. San Francisco 49ers (from Kansas City) - Sylvester Williams, DT, North
Carolina
35. Philadelphia Eagles - EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
36. Detroit Lions - DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
37. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) - Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
38. Arizona Cardinals - Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
39. New York Jets - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
40. Tennessee Titans - Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky
41. Buffalo Bills - Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall
42. Miami Dolphins - Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State
43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
44. Carolina Panthers - Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State
45. San Diego Chargers - Justin Pugh, OG, Syracuse
46. St. Louis Rams - Eric Reid, S, LSU
47. Dallas Cowboys - Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
48. Pittsburgh Steelers - John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
49. New York Giants - Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State
50. Chicago Bears - Phillip Thomas, S, Fresno State
51. Washington Redskins - Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech
52. Minnesota Vikings - Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State
53. Cincinnati Bengals - Khaseem Greene, LB, Rutgers
54. Miami Dolphins (from Indianapolis) - Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State
55. Green Bay Packers - Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
56. Seattle Seahawks - Chase Thomas, LB Stanford
57. Houston Texans - Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor
58. Denver Broncos - Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
59. New England Patriots - Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
60. Atlanta Falcons - Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU
61. San Francisco 49ers - Giovanni Bernard, RB, North Carolina
62. Baltimore Ravens - Nico Johnson, ILB, Alabama
Notes:
-Cleveland exercised its second round pick in last year's supplemental draft.
-New Orleans forfeited its second round pick due to the Bountygate scandal.
PHILADELPHIA - The first week of free agency is like tea leaves for the NFL Draft.
Now you just have to read them.
Since most NFL personnel people fancy themselves as 007-type covert agents handling delicate state secrets, the key is never to listen to your favorite NFL team. Instead, watch what it does and its thought process as the draft approaches will start to come into focus.
The first flurry of signings is just about over and most of the big ticket items have been lugged out of the showroom. So, with the first week of free agency in the rearview, needs have certainly changed around the league and priorities have been skewed.
Here are the results as The Sports Network rolls out its latest mock draft:
1. Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M - With Alex Smith and his
new caddy, Chase Daniel, officially on board for Andy Reid the only real
options here are trading down with a team enamored by West Virginia
quarterback Geno Smith or selecting Joeckel, the Aggies' left tackle who
projects as a Matt Kalil-like stalwart from day one.
Previous Pick: Joeckel
2. Jacksonville Jaguars - Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State - Some think Gus
Bradley and Co. are ready to give up on Blaine Gabbert, the No. 10 overall
pick in 2011, and select Smith. Others think high-rising Florida defensive
tackle Sharrif Floyd is an option. To me it's always been about the pass
rush with the Jags and Werner, although he has been falling on most draft
boards after a poor 40 time, remains the likeliest pick, edging out fellow
edge rushers like the rising Dion Jordan.
Previous Pick: Werner, DE, Florida State
3. Oakland Raiders - Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia - Neither Carson Palmer or
Terrelle Pryor are the answers in the Bay Area and the Raiders always love
making the big splash so this is where Smith comes off the board.
Previous Pick: Floyd
4. Philadelphia Eagles - Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon - The Eagles have been a
bargain-conscious, high-volume buyer on the free agent market, especially on
defense where they need lots of help. Since they are moving to a 3-4 under new
head coach Chip Kelly and neither Trent Cole or Brandon Graham look well-
suited to take their hands off the ground, Philadelphia needs players on the
edge. The Eagles brought in Connor Barwin from Houston to handle one side and
Jordan, an old Kelly acolyte from Nike University, will be brought in to
handle the other.
Previous Pick: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
5. Detroit Lions - Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan - With Cliff Avril now in
the Pacific Northwest with the ascending Seahawks, Detroit could be in the
market for his replacement but most of the pass rushers have been pointing
straight down in recent weeks and Fisher is one of the elite talents in this
draft. Since veteran Jeff Backus is retiring and Riley Reiff is a right
tackle, Fisher fits well in the Motor City.
Previous Pick: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
6. Cleveland Browns - Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama - New Browns defensive
coordinator Ray Horton ran the 3-4 in Arizona, and Cleveland has been active
in free agency fortifying the front seven, inking edge pass rusher Paul Kruger
from Baltimore as well as ex-Raiders defensive tackle Desmond Bryant and
former Cardinal linebacker Quentin Groves. Milliner is the kind of player who
could team with Joe Haden to give Horton two top-tier corners and the ability
to get exotic with his defensive play-calling.
Previous Pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU
7. Arizona Cardinals - Matt Barkley, QB, USC - Kevin Kolb is gone and it's
hard to believe new coach Bruce Arians will go into the season with free agent
signee Drew Stanton as his starting quarterback. Arians likes Stanton from
their time in Indy together but also remember the new Cards coach did wonders
with rookie Andrew Luck last year. While there are no signal-callers with that
kind of upside this time around, Barkley is the most NFL-ready in this year's
group. His arm strength has to be a concern, however.
Previous Pick: Smith
8. Buffalo Bills - Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse - With Ryan Fitzpatrick gone and
Tarvaris Jackson as the only in-house option at quarterback, panic sets in
here and new coach Doug Marrone reaches for his old college quarterback, Ryan
Nassib. The former Syracuse star has the big arm and may have a bright future
in a few years but shouldn't be in the conversation this early.
Previous Pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
9. New York Jets - Jarvis Jones, DE/OLB, Georgia - Jones played in a 4-3 at
Georgia, but 3-4 teams like him also. The Jets are desperate for talent and
with Calvin Pace and Bart Scott jettisoned, Rex Ryan get lucky here when Jones
drops into his lap.
Previous Pick: Jones
10. Tennessee Titans - Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida - Floyd has been racing up
most draft boards thanks to his athleticism but he'll fall a bit in the final
weeks since his production at Florida didn't always match his skill level.
That's a good thing for Tennessee, which needs help on the interior.
Previous Pick: Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama
11. San Diego Chargers - Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama - The Chargers' offensive
line is in shambles and they could go left tackle Lane Johnson or Warmack,
perhaps the best pure football player in this year's draft. Warmack, is far
quicker than his body indicates and excels at getting to the second level and
walling off linebackers, just ask Manti Te'o. He is a perfect choice for San
Diego, which lost guard Louis Vasquez to AFC-West rival Denver during free
agency.
Previous Pick: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
12. Miami Dolphins - Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma - Miami is a perfect example
of how free agency can change things. The Dolphins were penciled in at wide
receiver by just about everyone but they signed Mike Wallace to a huge money
deal and also brought in Brandon Gibson to help outside the numbers.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins lost left tackle Jake Long to St. Louis. Johnson, a
former high school quarterback, understands the passing game and mirrors well.
He will need to continue to add strength, however, but has a nice ceiling as a
player.
Previous Pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California
13. Tampa Bay Bucs - Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State - The Bucs have been the
lead horse in the Darrelle Revis trade race so cornerback is obviously a
priority. If they pull off the Revis trade, which is looking less and less
likely by the day, this pick likely changes. For now, focus on Rhodes, who
has settled in as the second best corner in the 2013 draft.
Previous Pick: Milliner
14. Carolina Panthers - Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah - The Panthers need
to sure up their run defense and heart issues at the combine will likely send
Lotulelei, a likely top five pick before Indianapolis, sprawling out of the
top 10. During his medical evaluation at the combine it was found that
Lotulelei's left ventricle was pumping at below normal levels. He has been
cleared for a full workout at Utah's pro day on March 20 and, though, and this
seems like a sensible landing spot. Star is a strong, physical player who fits
in playing multiple techniques and should develop into a solid player early in
his career.
Previous Pick: Lotulelei
15. New Orleans Saints - Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU - The Saints are another team
switching to a 3-4 and need the long, rangy edge pass rusher. That describes
Ansah, a player with top of the draft athleticism, to a tee.
Previous Pick: Ansah
16. St. Louis Rams - Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee - The Rams shored up
left tackle with the signing of Long but lost Danny Amendola, making receiver
even more of a need pick. Cal's Keenan Allen is the most NFL-ready pass
catcher but Patterson has the biggest upside among this year's group of
receivers, a raw, rangy big- play threat who needs to focus more and stop
rounding off his routes.
Previous Pick: Johnson
17. Pittsburgh Steelers - Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri - The Steelers need
to get younger in the front seven and Richardson is a versatile athlete who
could create havoc as an inside pass rusher or occupy blockers as an end in
the 3-4 alignment.
Previous Pick: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
18. Dallas Cowboys - Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina - The 'Boys are
hamstrung by salary cap woes so getting help here is paramount. Cooper is one
of the most athletic guards to come along in years and will be an immediate
upgrade on Dallas' porous offensive line.
Previous Pick: Richardson
19. New York Giants - Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas - The signing of former Oakland
tight end Brandon Myers probably takes a Tyler Eifert or Zach Ertz off the
table but the loss of Kenny Phillips to NFC-East rival Philadelphia opens up
safety and Vaccaro is the best on the board, a player who has the ideal
combination of size and athleticism to roam from sideline to sideline in
coverage.
Previous Pick: Jordan
20. Chicago Bears - D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama - The Bears addressed a pair of
holes by signing left tackle Jermon Bushrod and tight end Martellus Bennett
but more needs to be done on the offensive line in order to protect Jay
Cutler. It may be a bit of a reach here for Fluker, but he's the best tackle
left on the board and could push the under whelming J'Marcus Webb for the
right tackle slot.
Previous Pick - Fluker
21. Cincinnati Bengals - Matt Elam, S, Florida - The re- signing of defensive
end Michael Johnson and middle linebacker Rey Maualuga helps solidify the
front seven for Cincinnati, making safety the biggest position of need. Elam
is far safer than Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International, the flavor of the
week.
Previous Pick: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins) - Tavon Austin, WR, West
Virginia - The Rams continue carpet-bombing the receiver spot taking Austin, a
natural slot receiver and the heir apparent to Amendola. If you add Patterson,
Austin to tight end Jared Cook, who was signed in free agency, Sam Bradford
would finally have the weapons he needs.
Previous Pick: Austin
23. Minnesota Vikings - Johnathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State - The Greg
Jennings signing makes receiver less of an issue. The release of Antoine
Winfield, however, makes cornerback a priority and Banks projects as a starter
early is his career. He could team with Chris Cook and Josh Robinson in
Minnesota to give the Vikings three solid young corners, something you need in
a division where Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Cutler play quarterback.
Previous Pick: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
24. Indianapolis Colts - Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU - Chuck Pagano needs
to continue to build up his 3-4 defense in Indy and missed out on Kruger in
free agency so taking a shot here on a player like Mingo, who once had a top
10 grade, would be a prudent decision.
Previous Pick: Banks
25. Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle) - Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame - This is
Minnesota's pick acquired in the Percy Harvin deal. The Vikings let their
middle linebacker in 2012, the pedestrian Jasper Brinkley, walk to Arizona so
they need a mike. Minny general manager Rick Spielman has already hit big on
Notre Dame prospects in back-to-back years (tight end Kyle Rudolph and safety
Harrison Smith) so, while Te'o's personal problems are an issue, Spielman
should make the leap. Te'o is a prototypical 4-3 mike at least when Warmack
isn't on the opposition.
Previous Pick: None, just acquired selection
26. Green Bay Packers - Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford - It's pretty clear Mike
McCarthy would like to throw the ball 60 times a game and we all know how
good Rodgers is, so forget about solving the running back woes by taking
Alabama's Eddie Lacy, a true bell-cow back. The Pack wanted to keep backup
tight end Tom Crabtree on the cheap but couldn't do so. Meanwhile, Jermichael
Finley will get another chance to develop some consistency and having Ertz
around to push him would be ideal.
Previous Pick: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
27. Houston Texans - Keenan Allen, WR, California - Even before they released
veteran Kevin Walter the Texans badly needed a complement to Andre Johnson.
Allen is the best pure receiver on the board, a player with the size and
ball skills to flourish in South Texas.
Previous Pick: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
28. Denver Broncos - Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame - Giving Peyton Manning a
slot receiver like Wes Welker when he already has Demaryius Thomas and Eric
Decker on the outside is kind of scary. Add Eifert to that mix and the Broncos
might sport the first offense to be ruled illegal because it's going to be
unfair. Eifert is a difference maker at tight end, a player who already high
points the football better than just about anyone on the pro level.
Previous Pick: Eifert
29. New England Patriots - Robert Woods, WR, USC - Although the Pats brought
in the speedy Donald James as a replacement for Brandon Lloyd, they still need
help outside the numbers and Woods projects as the type of route-runner to
really excel in the intermediate zones for Tom Brady.
Previous Pick: Vaccaro
30. Atlanta Falcons - Datone Jones, DE, UCLA - The Falcons convinced Tony
Gonzalez to play one more season and signed running back Steven Jackson,
clearing up the offensive side of the ball. They need a replacement for
veteran defensive end John Abraham, however, and Jones is a nice prospect with
long arms, a lively body and a good first step.
Previous Pick: Jones
31. San Francisco 49ers - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington - Craig Dahl is
probably not the ideal replacement for Dashon Goldson but it's an adequate
one, keeping cornerback as the Niners primary need. Trufant is a solid gamble
this late.
Previous Pick: Trufant
32. Baltimore Ravens - Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU - With Ray Lewis retiring and
Dannell Ellerbe exiting to Miami, Baltimore badly needs an inside linebacker
and Minter is the type of solid tackler who can hit the ground running in the
NFL.
Previous Pick: Te'o
ROUND TWO:
33. Jacksonville Jaguars - Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
34. San Francisco 49ers (from Kansas City) - Sylvester Williams, DT, North
Carolina
35. Philadelphia Eagles - EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State
36. Detroit Lions - DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
37. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) - Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
38. Arizona Cardinals - Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
39. New York Jets - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
40. Tennessee Titans - Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky
41. Buffalo Bills - Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall
42. Miami Dolphins - Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State
43. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
44. Carolina Panthers - Tank Carradine, DE, Florida State
45. San Diego Chargers - Justin Pugh, OG, Syracuse
46. St. Louis Rams - Eric Reid, S, LSU
47. Dallas Cowboys - Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
48. Pittsburgh Steelers - John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
49. New York Giants - Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State
50. Chicago Bears - Phillip Thomas, S, Fresno State
51. Washington Redskins - Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech
52. Minnesota Vikings - Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State
53. Cincinnati Bengals - Khaseem Greene, LB, Rutgers
54. Miami Dolphins (from Indianapolis) - Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State
55. Green Bay Packers - Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
56. Seattle Seahawks - Chase Thomas, LB Stanford
57. Houston Texans - Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor
58. Denver Broncos - Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
59. New England Patriots - Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
60. Atlanta Falcons - Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU
61. San Francisco 49ers - Giovanni Bernard, RB, North Carolina
62. Baltimore Ravens - Nico Johnson, ILB, Alabama
Notes:
-Cleveland exercised its second round pick in last year's supplemental draft.
-New Orleans forfeited its second round pick due to the Bountygate scandal.
Philly's biggest flop: Bynum to have surgery
PHILADELPHIA - Andrew Bynum will not play a single game for the Philadelphia 76ers this season.
While that sentiment had seemingly been a forgone conclusion, it became official when the team announced the 7-foot center will undergo arthroscopic surgery on both knees Tuesday.
"After many months of rehabilitation and consulting with numerous doctors, Andrew and the doctors treating him determined that this is the best course of action at this point," Sixers general manager Tony DiLeo said. "We will continue to monitor and evaluate his status moving forward."
Bynum, who becomes a free agent in the offseason, will have loose bodies cleaned out from within the knees in order to alleviate pain and swelling that has persisted since he underwent a radical yet non-surgical procedure called Orthokine therapy in the offseason.
The 25-year-old Bynum had several setbacks in his recovery and will not play for a Sixers club that traded away several key players in order to make him the centerpiece of the franchise despite his history of knee problems.
Bynum missed only six games in a shortened campaign last season that saw him average career highs of 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds, but he has played a full season just once in his seven-year career after being selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 10th overall pick in the 2005 draft.
Philadelphia shipped out former guard Andre Iguodala as well as rookie Moe Harkless and second-year player Nikola Vucevic to acquire Bynum and Jason Richardson, who also had season-ending knee surgery last month.
Philadelphia came into Monday's action in the basement of the Atlantic Division with a 25-40 record after reaching the postseason four of the previous five years.
While that sentiment had seemingly been a forgone conclusion, it became official when the team announced the 7-foot center will undergo arthroscopic surgery on both knees Tuesday.
"After many months of rehabilitation and consulting with numerous doctors, Andrew and the doctors treating him determined that this is the best course of action at this point," Sixers general manager Tony DiLeo said. "We will continue to monitor and evaluate his status moving forward."
Bynum, who becomes a free agent in the offseason, will have loose bodies cleaned out from within the knees in order to alleviate pain and swelling that has persisted since he underwent a radical yet non-surgical procedure called Orthokine therapy in the offseason.
The 25-year-old Bynum had several setbacks in his recovery and will not play for a Sixers club that traded away several key players in order to make him the centerpiece of the franchise despite his history of knee problems.
Bynum missed only six games in a shortened campaign last season that saw him average career highs of 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds, but he has played a full season just once in his seven-year career after being selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 10th overall pick in the 2005 draft.
Philadelphia shipped out former guard Andre Iguodala as well as rookie Moe Harkless and second-year player Nikola Vucevic to acquire Bynum and Jason Richardson, who also had season-ending knee surgery last month.
Philadelphia came into Monday's action in the basement of the Atlantic Division with a 25-40 record after reaching the postseason four of the previous five years.
Monday, March 18, 2013
This Is The Week That Is
Phanatic Hockey Editor
Heading into tonight's tilt in Tampa against the Lightning, the Flyers are staring at yet another scheduling quirk of this truncated season -- one which may benefit them less than their shotgun start which featured seven games in the first 11 days.
For the first -- and only -- time this year, the club finds itself with six whole days off before a primetime meeting next Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Those who believed that Ilya Bryzgalov had his finger on the pulse of the clubhouse last week when he said the Flyers' season would be finished if they couldn't muster some promising results in the home-and-home with the Devils, may be surprised to learn that their playoff hopes hinge not on what they've done, but on what those around them will do.
In search of the eighth and final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia has played the same number of games (29) than seventh-place New Jersey, two more games than the eight seed Hurricanes and 10th-seed Rangers, as many as Southeast-leading Winnipeg and one more than the ninth-ranked New York Islanders.
Oh yeah, the Bolts are in 12th place, just two points back.
While the Orange and Black may be subject to untold stress and strain by head coach Peter Laviolette in an as-yet-to-be determined number of practice sessions during this gap, the teams vying for playoff standing will have their mettle tested in actual game action.
The Devils host the Rangers, play at Carolina and host Florida in the next four days. After Monday's game against the Hurricanes, the Blueshirts play at Jersey then welcome the Panthers and Capitals. Winnipeg may have the easiest path, with a four-game homestand featuring Boston, Washington (twice) and Tampa Bay, and the Islanders benefit from the same as the Jets, hosting the Senators, Canadiens, Penguins and Panthers.
I find it hard to believe, even in a condensed season such as this, that two games which were 20 from the end of the schedule arrived with such predetermined meaning. Ten games out, definitely.
But I also find it hard to believe that all the teams fighting for the final playoff berths will tank at the same time this week, leaving the Flyers with the unenviable task of having to win virtually every game from here on out to ensure a sixth straight crack at the postseason. This is the Devil's arithmetic which will burn our team night after night as the points are handed out elsewhere.
After the resumption of play in the Steel City, the Flyers have four more contests before the April 3 trade deadline, a reckoning which may not hold much in the cards for the organization if the on-ice product continues its maddening inconsistency. The gauntlet includes games with the Rangers, Islanders, Boston and Washington and then a home date with Montreal after the deadline passes.
There will be no videos to boost morale, proclaiming "it gets better."
And let's not forget this one, later this evening at Tampa Bay Times Forum, before the break. It is a must-win as well against a Lightning club two points back in the standings and who embarrassed them, 5-1, in their last visit to the Gulf Coast in late January.
If you ground your teeth in your sleep over what the Flyers did (and more often did not do) while the games piled one on top of another like stacks of free weights, it's not going to be any easier scanning the internet or watching the highlight shows every night while they're resting this week.
Cue the old-school Tom Petty song...
* * *
“I’ve seen some good meetings with 'Homer' in the past in the room,” Simon Gagne said to the Courier Post on Friday. “He’s honest and he was right on. This was a good one. I think the message went through and we all understand what we have to do now. Not that we didn’t understand what we had to do before, but sometimes you need those little meetings to get the truth in your face a little bit to get to the next step.”
In another time and place, Paul Holmgren's angry, closed-door tirade to his underachieving troops last Thursday might have had the desired effect. Thirty years ago in Holmgren's prime, it was play-for-pay, be happy with what you get and be lucky you're not cut, traded or demoted lifestyle whether you were a veteran or rookie. A life out of hockey meant one of Regular Joe drudgery, actually having to work for your paycheck back in whatever small town you came from.
But it's 2013, and three-quarters of the team is making more than he is. A gesture of motivation in that vein might be more likely to be seen as one made in frustration or desperation. Still, a key veteran came to his boss' boss' defense:
“The best players have to be the best players,” Kimmo Timonen said in the same publication. “It’s not just tonight’s game. It’s for the majority of the games. That’s why you get paid the big bucks. Whoever makes a lot of money, they’ve got to be the best players … including myself.”
It's not likely that Claude Giroux is going to stare into those cold, Nordic eyes and see the daggers coming and dodge the Hellfire despite his public proclamation on Friday of being intimidated. Holmgren is 57. Is there any reason that finely-tuned athletes in the prime of their lives, who could fall upon the erstwhile AARP member with quickness and pound him into pulp, should feel the heat? I mean, other than basic respect for the chain of command.
The lack of a savvy veteran presence, one who really should be the leader both on and off the ice, highlights another totally-under-the-radar reason a player like Chris Pronger is so valuable. It's easily cliche and easily mocked to talk about what goes on "in the room," but Pronger is a guy who could put the fear into Giroux and others by translating the message if Holmgren can't do it.
Still, if they don't like it, or if their value is attractive to another team, they'll be traded somewhere else, make their money, play in an atmosphere that may be less comical and more successful, and possibly win a Stanley Cup.
In effect, the effort was comical. Setting aside Laviolette's role in this year's underachievement, Holmgren was a man raging at nothing short of his own failure. You can't just shake a stick at mistakes and hope they'll be scared straight. We can only hope he realizes he holds more power to fix things than what that meeting showed.
It's ultimately up to the man in charge, whose job we know is safe. A lot can happen in six days and perhaps a lot should happen. But it has to be the right moves if any are coming.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Holmstrom gets extension
On Sunday, RDS of Canada reported that the Flyers extended the contract of minor-leaguer Ben Holmstrom for one year at $600,000.
His two-way contract will pay him $285,000 in the AHL.
Holmstrom hasn't played since mid-December, and won't be back this season after suffering a total ACL tear in his right knee.
Before the setback, the 25-year-old UMass-Lowell product had two goals and eight points in 22 games.
His two-way contract will pay him $285,000 in the AHL.
Holmstrom hasn't played since mid-December, and won't be back this season after suffering a total ACL tear in his right knee.
Before the setback, the 25-year-old UMass-Lowell product had two goals and eight points in 22 games.
Soul set opening day roster
PHILADELPHIA – The American Conference Philadelphia Soul have
announced their final team roster for the 2013 season. The 35-man
roster was trimmed down to 24 (20 active and four inactive) after a
two-week training camp at the Philadelphia Eagles’ NovaCare Complex in
South Philadelphia.
The
Soul will begin their quest for the ArenaBowl XXVI Championship on
Friday, March 23 at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, with a re-match of
ArenaBowl XXV against the Arizona Rattlers where kickoff is at 9 p.m.
ET on the CBS Sports Network.
PHILADELPHIA SOUL 2013 REGULAR SEASON ROSTER
NO.
|
POS
|
PLAYER
|
HGT
|
WGT
|
DOB
|
COLLEGE
|
1
|
WR
|
Larry Brackins
|
6'4
|
221
|
11/5/1982
|
Pearl River C.C.
|
3
|
K
|
Carlos Martinez
|
5'8
|
180
|
6/4/1980
|
Buena Vista
|
4
|
FB
|
Derrick Ross
|
6'0
|
240
|
12/29/1984
|
Tarleton
|
5
|
QB
|
Dan Raudabaugh
|
6'3
|
230
|
3/30/1987
|
Miami (OH)
|
6
|
LB
|
Brandon Perkins
|
6'0
|
240
|
3/1/1984
|
Kansas
|
7
|
DB
|
Rayshaun Kizer
|
5'10
|
190
|
2/3/1985
|
Walsh
|
8
|
DL
|
Dustin Barno
|
6'3
|
275
|
4/15/1980
|
East Stroudsburg
|
10
|
QB
|
Steven Gachette
|
6’1
|
195
|
7/28/1988
|
Southwest Baptist
|
11
|
WR
|
Tiger Jones
|
5'11
|
195
|
5/21/1982
|
Louisville
|
12
|
DL
|
Bryan Robinson
|
6'3
|
285
|
1/25/1986
|
Wesley
|
15
|
WR/KR
|
Alvance Robinson
|
5’9
|
170
|
5/13/1983
|
Alabama State
|
18
|
LB
|
Joe Goosby
|
6'1
|
235
|
9/6/1986
|
Tulane
|
19
|
WR
|
Ryan McDaniel
|
6’3
|
198
|
9/8/1988
|
Samford
|
22
|
DB
|
David Richardson
|
6’2
|
205
|
3/7/1989
|
Cal Poly State
|
23
|
DB
|
LaRico Stevenson
|
5’10
|
210
|
8/22/1984
|
West Georgia
|
25
|
DB
|
James Romain
|
5’11
|
170
|
8/6/1987
|
Delaware State
|
55
|
C
|
Brennen Carvalho
|
6'1
|
310
|
12/8/1986
|
Portland State
|
72
|
OL/DL
|
Sioeli Fakalata
|
6’3
|
340
|
4/8/1988
|
New Mexico
|
78
|
OL
|
Christian Johnson
|
6'4
|
330
|
10/17/1986
|
Kentucky
|
81
|
WR
|
Andrae Thurman
|
5’10
|
180
|
10/25/1980
|
Southern Oregon
|
92
|
LB/DL
|
Calvin Fance
|
6’1
|
245
|
10/3/1987
|
Angelo State
|
95
|
OL
|
Jason Jones
|
6’4
|
340
|
9/4/1981
|
Idaho
|
98
|
DL
|
Ko Quaye
|
6’1
|
310
|
5/11/1987
|
South Dakota
|
99
|
DL
|
Morkeith Brown
|
6’5
|
255
|
2/21/1985
|
Temple
|
“We
had a very good camp and we are pleased with the team we have put
together,” said Soul head coach Clint Dolezel. “We had to make some
very tough final cuts and that is usually a sign that you have put the
team together the right way. We are looking forward to getting this
season started and getting back to the ArenaBowl.”
Saturday, March 16, 2013
McInerney keeps Revs out in the cold
By John McMullen
CHESTER, Pa - Jack McInerney's goal in the 76th minute, his fourth career marker against New England, proved to be the difference as the Union stayed unbeaten against the Revolution.
The Revs have never beaten Philadelphia in MLS play, falling to 0-5-3 all-time against the Union, who began play in the 2010 season.
Bobby Shuttleworth's first turn as the Revolution's goalkeeper in 2013 didn't change New England's luck against the Philadelphia Union at a very chilly PPL Park.
A game time temperature of 36 degrees along with a stiff breeze off the Delaware Riverfront and persistent light rain and snow greeted the Revs, who never warmed up offensively during the setback.
"We are disappointed," said New England team manager Jay Heaps. "We gave up the goal in the end. It's a tough way to lose a game. I thought we played well enough to earn a point."
Dangerous Union striker Sebastian Le Toux lofted a perfect set piece off a corner kick into the area and McInerney headed toward the net. Shuttleworth did well to fend it off but couldn't corral the rebound and McInerney was able to deposit it from point blank range.
"The conditions were tough out there," Union team manger John Hackworth said. "I'm so proud of our guys who found a way to win. Jack just finds a way it's great to see him get a second straight game-winner."
The Union dominated possession throughout and really began pressing in the second half. Philadelphia didn't muster a single corner kick in the opening 45 minutes of play but generated four in short order before the Revolution finally wilted on the last attempt.
The Rev's best chance to even it came in stoppage time when Jerry Bengtson, coming on the winning tally in Chicago during the season opener, ripped a shot from the center of the box that flew over the top left corner of the goal.
New England finished with 11 attempts on goal, six which found the target compared to nine attempts on goal by Philadelphia and three on net. The Union, however, were the far busier team.
CHESTER, Pa - Jack McInerney's goal in the 76th minute, his fourth career marker against New England, proved to be the difference as the Union stayed unbeaten against the Revolution.
The Revs have never beaten Philadelphia in MLS play, falling to 0-5-3 all-time against the Union, who began play in the 2010 season.
Bobby Shuttleworth's first turn as the Revolution's goalkeeper in 2013 didn't change New England's luck against the Philadelphia Union at a very chilly PPL Park.
A game time temperature of 36 degrees along with a stiff breeze off the Delaware Riverfront and persistent light rain and snow greeted the Revs, who never warmed up offensively during the setback.
"We are disappointed," said New England team manager Jay Heaps. "We gave up the goal in the end. It's a tough way to lose a game. I thought we played well enough to earn a point."
Dangerous Union striker Sebastian Le Toux lofted a perfect set piece off a corner kick into the area and McInerney headed toward the net. Shuttleworth did well to fend it off but couldn't corral the rebound and McInerney was able to deposit it from point blank range.
"The conditions were tough out there," Union team manger John Hackworth said. "I'm so proud of our guys who found a way to win. Jack just finds a way it's great to see him get a second straight game-winner."
The Union dominated possession throughout and really began pressing in the second half. Philadelphia didn't muster a single corner kick in the opening 45 minutes of play but generated four in short order before the Revolution finally wilted on the last attempt.
The Rev's best chance to even it came in stoppage time when Jerry Bengtson, coming on the winning tally in Chicago during the season opener, ripped a shot from the center of the box that flew over the top left corner of the goal.
New England finished with 11 attempts on goal, six which found the target compared to nine attempts on goal by Philadelphia and three on net. The Union, however, were the far busier team.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Bryzgalov and Flyers respond with backs to the wall, edge Devils in SO
Phanatic Hockey Editor
Ilya Bryzgalov played like he believed his prophecy about the season being over if the Flyers lost both games of this back-to-back series with the Devils.
He made 27 saves in regulation, many of the superstar kind, then stopped 2-of-3 chances in the shootout, leading Philadelphia past New Jersey, 2-1, on Friday night.
Bryzgalov could team up with Rodney Dangerfield after this key victory, as those in charge of selecting the game's best players gave him no respect. He didn't even figure in the Three Stars selection.
Nonetheless, it didn't stop his trademark humor from surfacing. When asked if Paul Holmgren's speech, reportedly done behind closed doors on Thursday with hockey stick in hand, spurred he and his teammates to play better, he quipped: "It's not because somebody walk in and say to you, if you not start playing better, we're going to kill you."
Matt Read and Claude Giroux beat Johan Hedberg with the hosts' first two shootout chances, and though Ilya Kovalchuk buried his opportunity, Bryzgalov shut the door on David Clarkson and induced a miss from Patrik Elias to end the contest.
Max Talbot picked up the lone goal in regulation for the Orange and Black, who had lost four of their last five coming in. The Flyers also happened to register their first-ever shootout victory against their tormentors from up the Turnpike, having lost their first seven attempts since 2005.
Clarkson tallied and Hedberg stopped 21 shots in defeat, as the visitors couldn't drive the dagger home despite winning by a 5-2 count in Newark in the opener on Wednesday.
After posting three out of a possible four points in this double dip, Devils head coach Peter DeBoer seemed satisfied: "It was, I thought, a really gritty effort on the road in a tough building against a desperate team. I really liked our game. We did everything but win it."
After passing the first test of the contest by killing off 92 seconds of a 5-on-3 power play thanks to consecutive minors to Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek at the 10:34 mark of the first period -- during which Bryzgalov came up huge with four saves and his defenders blocked three more shots -- the Flyers emerged with a 1-0 lead.
Read skated over the blue line from the right wing before feeding ahead to Simon Gagne on the left side. He drew two defenders down as he cut to the net while also luring Hedberg out of position and slid the puck under Andy Greene's stick to Talbot, waiting at a sharp angle on the right side for an easy score with 4:39 left in the first.
"We had a 3-on-2 and [Read] made a great play to [Gagne]," Talbot said. "[Gagne] took the goalie with him and gave the puck to me back door and I shot it and put it in."
The Devils knotted the game after surviving their own shorthanded situation, as Bryce Salvador's floater from the left point was deftly deflected in front by Clarkson and the puck hit the back of the net just inside the near post with 6:09 gone in the second.
For Clarkson, who started the season hot and led the club in goals, it was his first in 14 games, dating back to a February 15 tally at home against Philadelphia.
A power play for the hosts in the first 15 seconds of the third period thanks to a high-sticking call to Marek Zidlicky turned into a penalty-killing clinic by New Jersey, and an interference call to Anton Volchenkov with 6:48 remaining failed to prod the Orange and Black into deciding this one in regulation.
Scott Hartnell also took a stupid slashing penalty with 8:51 on the clock, but his teammates bailed him out despite several close calls.
The Flyers then dodged a bigger, faster bullet late in the contest, as Brayden Schenn left his feet to go up high on Devils defenseman Peter Harrold in his own zone with 1:42 remaining.
"I was just kind of in a vulnerable position. I didn't think it was that bad. It didn't tickle but I've been hit like that before," said Harrold, a BC product.
Luke Schenn nearly was the cause of the winning goal with 14 seconds left when a point drive caromed off his body, but the puck rolled just to the outside of the right post before Kovalchuk realized where it landed.
Bryzgalov loomed large again, making a huge save on Steve Bernier in front with under three minutes left in overtime, then with 1:46 to play, made two quick pad saves on Elias off a right-circle draw and one while lying on his back in the crease against Zidlicky.
"'Zid' was trying to play a little golf there," said Elias. "Trying to chip it right into his bellybutton."
Thanks to a snaking rush by Giroux and Voracek, Hartnell then had a chance from the left circle muted by a diving Hedberg with seconds to go.
Notes: Danny Briere, who registered the only Flyers miss in the shootout, hasn't scored in 12 games, since tallying twice at Uniondale in a 7-0 win against the Islanders on February 18...The Flyers improved to 1-3-0 this season against the Devils, with one more meeting scheduled for April 18 in Philadelphia...The Orange and Black head to Tampa for a Monday showdown before six straight days off...Philly's next home game won't be until March 26 when the New York Rangers come to South Broad Street...Kovalchuk, who led the Devils in scoring against the Flyers with six points (2G, 4A) in the first three matchups, was held off the scoresheet...Clarkson was the Third Star, Talbot picked up Second Star and Giroux earned First Star...Devils center Andrei Loktionov was a no-show after the second period with an undisclosed injury, which was classified only as a "tweak."
Eagles trade for WR Benn
PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles continued to remake their team under new head coach Chip Kelly by acquiring lengthy fourth-year receiver Arrelious Benn from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Eagles also picked up a 2013 seventh round draft pick in the deal and sent a 2013 sixth-rounder back to the Bucs, along with a conditional choice in the 2014 draft.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Benn was originally a second round pick by Tampa Bay in the 2010 draft after a stellar college career at the University of Illinois.
In his three seasons in Central Florida Benn tallied 59 receptions for 862 yards and five touchdowns. His best year came in 2011, when he caught 30 passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns.
Benn suffered an MCL sprain during training camp in 2012, however, and only caught four balls in eight games.
The Eagles also picked up a 2013 seventh round draft pick in the deal and sent a 2013 sixth-rounder back to the Bucs, along with a conditional choice in the 2014 draft.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Benn was originally a second round pick by Tampa Bay in the 2010 draft after a stellar college career at the University of Illinois.
In his three seasons in Central Florida Benn tallied 59 receptions for 862 yards and five touchdowns. His best year came in 2011, when he caught 30 passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns.
Benn suffered an MCL sprain during training camp in 2012, however, and only caught four balls in eight games.
Eagles exit Lehigh
PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles will move their training camp home this summer, holding practices at both the NovaCare Complex as well as Lincoln Financial Field after staging the team’s annual preseason practices at Lehigh University for the last 17 years.
The new camo plan will include a number of free, public practices at Lincoln Financial Field along with private practices (invitation only) at the NovaCare Complex. The full Training Camp schedule will be released later this spring.
The Eagles become the 21st NFL team to move practices to their own facilities as the demands of practice make it more and more difficult to replicate what the teams have at their practice facilities.
The decision was a very difficult one for the entire organization, noted team president Don Smolenski.
“There are so many people at Lehigh University who went above and beyond to accommodate us and to make Training Camp a special place for fans to travel each summer to get an up-close look at the team," Smolenski said. "We especially want to thank and recognize Joe Sterrett, Dean of Athletics, who opened the doors for us 17 years ago and has been supportive every step of the way and Mary Kay Baker, Director of Conference and Special Housing Services, who was there for us on a daily basis to make sure everything ran smoothly. It’s people like them who made this such a difficult decision for us.
“The city of Bethlehem has been part of our lives every summer for the past 17 years.”
But, efficient access to all the facilities at the NovaCare Complex - from the training room which is equipped with everything from a hydrotherapy pool and access to an MRI machine, weight rooms with state of the art equipment, an indoor practice venue, video and computer equipment that utilizes network infrastructure - has become a necessity for the team.
“The interaction with our fans during the Training Camp period remains a huge priority," Smolenski said. "As such, we are currently planning to utilize the opportunities available to us at Lincoln Financial Field to have a number of open practices (which will be free) available to all of our fans. We’ll announce those specific plans in the coming weeks.”
This will be the first time that Eagles' Training Camp has been in Philadelphia since 1943 when practice was held at St. Joseph’s University.
“I’m excited that Eagles' Training Camp is returning to Philadelphia,” said Mayor Michael Nutter. “I’m looking forward to visiting Lincoln Financial Field with other Eagles fans to give Coach (Chip) Kelly and the team a warm welcome to the city!”
Lehigh had been home to Eagles' Training Camp since 1996. Other venues include West Chester University (1980-95), Widener University (1973-79), Albright College (1968-72) and in Hershey, Pa. (1951-67).
“Lehigh University has enjoyed hosting the Eagles' Training Camp for the past 17 seasons on our campus and on our athletic fields,” said Lehigh’s Sterrett. “We realize the Eagles are embarking upon a new era for their team and we wish Coach Kelly and the team all the best in the upcoming season.”
But the Eagles are not saying goodbye to Lehigh.
“The Eagles and Lehigh University recognize that their long standing relationship is changing but not ending,” added Smolenski, “and both parties have expressed a desire to explore community programs in the future.”
The new camo plan will include a number of free, public practices at Lincoln Financial Field along with private practices (invitation only) at the NovaCare Complex. The full Training Camp schedule will be released later this spring.
The Eagles become the 21st NFL team to move practices to their own facilities as the demands of practice make it more and more difficult to replicate what the teams have at their practice facilities.
The decision was a very difficult one for the entire organization, noted team president Don Smolenski.
“There are so many people at Lehigh University who went above and beyond to accommodate us and to make Training Camp a special place for fans to travel each summer to get an up-close look at the team," Smolenski said. "We especially want to thank and recognize Joe Sterrett, Dean of Athletics, who opened the doors for us 17 years ago and has been supportive every step of the way and Mary Kay Baker, Director of Conference and Special Housing Services, who was there for us on a daily basis to make sure everything ran smoothly. It’s people like them who made this such a difficult decision for us.
“The city of Bethlehem has been part of our lives every summer for the past 17 years.”
But, efficient access to all the facilities at the NovaCare Complex - from the training room which is equipped with everything from a hydrotherapy pool and access to an MRI machine, weight rooms with state of the art equipment, an indoor practice venue, video and computer equipment that utilizes network infrastructure - has become a necessity for the team.
“The interaction with our fans during the Training Camp period remains a huge priority," Smolenski said. "As such, we are currently planning to utilize the opportunities available to us at Lincoln Financial Field to have a number of open practices (which will be free) available to all of our fans. We’ll announce those specific plans in the coming weeks.”
This will be the first time that Eagles' Training Camp has been in Philadelphia since 1943 when practice was held at St. Joseph’s University.
“I’m excited that Eagles' Training Camp is returning to Philadelphia,” said Mayor Michael Nutter. “I’m looking forward to visiting Lincoln Financial Field with other Eagles fans to give Coach (Chip) Kelly and the team a warm welcome to the city!”
Lehigh had been home to Eagles' Training Camp since 1996. Other venues include West Chester University (1980-95), Widener University (1973-79), Albright College (1968-72) and in Hershey, Pa. (1951-67).
“Lehigh University has enjoyed hosting the Eagles' Training Camp for the past 17 seasons on our campus and on our athletic fields,” said Lehigh’s Sterrett. “We realize the Eagles are embarking upon a new era for their team and we wish Coach Kelly and the team all the best in the upcoming season.”
But the Eagles are not saying goodbye to Lehigh.
“The Eagles and Lehigh University recognize that their long standing relationship is changing but not ending,” added Smolenski, “and both parties have expressed a desire to explore community programs in the future.”
Local boy makes good: Princeton D-man signed by Senators
Though born in Colorado, Michael Sdao chose to take the college route in the Ivy League and play for the Princeton Tigers.
Following a senior season in which he totaled eight goals and 15 points in 31 games, the Princeton defenseman was signed to a one-year, entry-level contract by the Senators, according to the Ottawa Citizen on Friday.
Sdao, 23, completes his collegiate career with 26 goals and 28 assists in 119 games over four years. He will report to the club's AHL affiliate in Binghamton for the remainder of the season.
The Tigers completed their 2013 schedule with back-to-back losses to Cornell in the opening round of the ECAC playoffs.
Following a senior season in which he totaled eight goals and 15 points in 31 games, the Princeton defenseman was signed to a one-year, entry-level contract by the Senators, according to the Ottawa Citizen on Friday.
Sdao, 23, completes his collegiate career with 26 goals and 28 assists in 119 games over four years. He will report to the club's AHL affiliate in Binghamton for the remainder of the season.
The Tigers completed their 2013 schedule with back-to-back losses to Cornell in the opening round of the ECAC playoffs.
Eagles bring in LB Barwin
PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles continued to revamp their defensive corps on Thursday, singing linebacker Connor Barwin to a six-year deal.
The 26-year-old totaled 44 tackles and three sacks in 16 games for the Houston Texans a season ago.
In four years with the franchise, the Cincinnati product and Michigan native has compiled 109 tackles and 19 sacks -- second on the franchise list -- in 49 appearances.
Earlier in the day, the Birds announced the signings of cornerback Cary Williams and safety Kenny Phillips.
The 26-year-old totaled 44 tackles and three sacks in 16 games for the Houston Texans a season ago.
In four years with the franchise, the Cincinnati product and Michigan native has compiled 109 tackles and 19 sacks -- second on the franchise list -- in 49 appearances.
Earlier in the day, the Birds announced the signings of cornerback Cary Williams and safety Kenny Phillips.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Soul trade for DL Quaye
PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Soul have acquired defensive lineman Ko Quaye from the Chicago Rush. In return for Quaye, the Soul sent the No. 4 pick in the claim order to Chicago.
Quaye played the 2012 season with the Tampa Bay Storm. Before his AFL experience, he spent time with the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and Cleveland Browns. Quaye will join DL Dustin Barno (6’3, 275, East Stroudsburg), DL Bryan Robinson (6’3, 290, Wesley), DL Lawon Scott (6’1, 305, Mississippi), and OL/DL Jason Townson (6’4, 325, Tennessee St.).
Quaye played the 2012 season with the Tampa Bay Storm. Before his AFL experience, he spent time with the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and Cleveland Browns. Quaye will join DL Dustin Barno (6’3, 275, East Stroudsburg), DL Bryan Robinson (6’3, 290, Wesley), DL Lawon Scott (6’1, 305, Mississippi), and OL/DL Jason Townson (6’4, 325, Tennessee St.).
Birds continue rebuilding secondary
The Philadelphia Eagles continued to revamp their embattled secondary on
Thursday, signing former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Cary Williams to a three-year
deal, and ex-New York Giants safety Kenny Phillips to a one-year contract.
Williams started all 16 games for the Super Bowl-champion Ravens in 2012, recording 67 tackles, four interceptions and 17 passes defended. Originally a seventh-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2008, Williams, 28, joined the Ravens in 2009 and earned a starting role in 2011.
"New team...New opportunities! Ready to fly with the Eagles," read Williams' tweet upon completion of the deal.
Phillips, meanwhile, played five season in North Jersey and proved to be a playmaker in the secondary, albeit an injury-prone one at times.
The University of Miami product amassed 263 total tackles with eight interceptions and 26 passes defended with Big Blue. Originally a first-round selection of the Giants in 2008, Phillips, 26, starred during the team's Super Bowl championship season in 2011, with a career-high four interceptions and 72 tackles.
Williams started all 16 games for the Super Bowl-champion Ravens in 2012, recording 67 tackles, four interceptions and 17 passes defended. Originally a seventh-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2008, Williams, 28, joined the Ravens in 2009 and earned a starting role in 2011.
"New team...New opportunities! Ready to fly with the Eagles," read Williams' tweet upon completion of the deal.
Phillips, meanwhile, played five season in North Jersey and proved to be a playmaker in the secondary, albeit an injury-prone one at times.
The University of Miami product amassed 263 total tackles with eight interceptions and 26 passes defended with Big Blue. Originally a first-round selection of the Giants in 2008, Phillips, 26, starred during the team's Super Bowl championship season in 2011, with a career-high four interceptions and 72 tackles.
Union Hire Tommy Wilson as Academy Director
Chester, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union have hired Rangers FC Academy Technical Director and Reserve Team Coach and former Head of Coaching and Education for the Scottish Football Association (SFA), Tommy Wilson, as Philadelphia Union Academy Director.
Wilson’s duties will include overseeing, directing and developing the Philadelphia Union Youth Development Program in elements of curriculum, programing and coaching. Additionally, he will work with the Philadelphia Union first team and reserve team to ensure authentic continuity exists from youth levels through first team in style of play, culture and teaching. While developing existing relationships with local youth soccer clubs, Wilson will also focus on efforts to uphold and cultivate YSC and Philadelphia Union Youth Academy’s continued positive presence in the community by communicating with media, public relations, community relations and website departments to generate positive publicity regarding youth programs.
“From our beginnings four years ago, we have been building and assembling a foundation to create one of the best youth development academies in the world. Having Tommy join our team to continue our work and commitment to developing exceptional young talent is very exciting for us,” Philadelphia Union CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz said. “We believe deeply in the talent that exists in our area and youth development is our future. Therefore, it is crucial to have people with Tommy's experience and skill to lead our development model".
Prior to being Academy Technical Director and Reserve Team Coach for Rangers FC in Scotland, and during his time at the SFA, Wilson was also head coach for the U19 and U20 Scottish National Teams where he helped Scotland’s sides achieve unprecedented success. Wilson led the Scotland U-19 National Team to the Finals of the 2006 U-19 European Football Championship in Poland, which earned the team a spot in the 2007 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Canada.
Wilson also had an extensive professional playing career, as he spent time on various Scottish professional teams since starting his career in 1978, including stints with Queen’s Park FC, Dunfermline FC, Heart of Midlothian FC and Kilmarnock FC. Most notably, Wilson made 287 appearances for St. Mirren and was a member of the Scottish Cup-winning team in 1987. He also represented his country on the national level, appearing in UEFA competitions as a member of the Scotland U-21 National Team.
"I am very pleased and indeed honored to be offered this opportunity. I have had seven great years at Rangers FC, but the offer to join Philadelphia Union to develop a world-class youth development program was an opportunity that was too good to turn down. I am excited at the prospect of joining MLS, which is a very promising and progressive league, and look forward to working under John Hackworth and Nick Sakiewicz, who along with partner Richie Graham of YSC, are truly committed to youth development and the task of building world-class players in the United States."
Wilson’s duties will include overseeing, directing and developing the Philadelphia Union Youth Development Program in elements of curriculum, programing and coaching. Additionally, he will work with the Philadelphia Union first team and reserve team to ensure authentic continuity exists from youth levels through first team in style of play, culture and teaching. While developing existing relationships with local youth soccer clubs, Wilson will also focus on efforts to uphold and cultivate YSC and Philadelphia Union Youth Academy’s continued positive presence in the community by communicating with media, public relations, community relations and website departments to generate positive publicity regarding youth programs.
“From our beginnings four years ago, we have been building and assembling a foundation to create one of the best youth development academies in the world. Having Tommy join our team to continue our work and commitment to developing exceptional young talent is very exciting for us,” Philadelphia Union CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz said. “We believe deeply in the talent that exists in our area and youth development is our future. Therefore, it is crucial to have people with Tommy's experience and skill to lead our development model".
Prior to being Academy Technical Director and Reserve Team Coach for Rangers FC in Scotland, and during his time at the SFA, Wilson was also head coach for the U19 and U20 Scottish National Teams where he helped Scotland’s sides achieve unprecedented success. Wilson led the Scotland U-19 National Team to the Finals of the 2006 U-19 European Football Championship in Poland, which earned the team a spot in the 2007 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Canada.
Wilson also had an extensive professional playing career, as he spent time on various Scottish professional teams since starting his career in 1978, including stints with Queen’s Park FC, Dunfermline FC, Heart of Midlothian FC and Kilmarnock FC. Most notably, Wilson made 287 appearances for St. Mirren and was a member of the Scottish Cup-winning team in 1987. He also represented his country on the national level, appearing in UEFA competitions as a member of the Scotland U-21 National Team.
"I am very pleased and indeed honored to be offered this opportunity. I have had seven great years at Rangers FC, but the offer to join Philadelphia Union to develop a world-class youth development program was an opportunity that was too good to turn down. I am excited at the prospect of joining MLS, which is a very promising and progressive league, and look forward to working under John Hackworth and Nick Sakiewicz, who along with partner Richie Graham of YSC, are truly committed to youth development and the task of building world-class players in the United States."
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