Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson revealed that he has been battling an ankle injury for the past three weeks and that he aggravated it Sunday against the New York Giants.
The All-Pro limped off the field in the first quarter after taking a hit and fumbling the ball. He then ran for a 67 yard touchdown on the team's next drive.
"It feels pretty good," Peterson said. "I’ve been fighting with this ankle injury the past three weeks. Going out on Sundays I take a lot of shots in the legs, so it got twisted up on that play and it was pretty painful."
Meanwhile, Vikings coach Brad Childress said there’s only a "small chance" that defensive end Ray Edwards will play Sunday. Edwards injured his left knee last week while making a tackle. Brian Robison will start in his place.
Childress said Pro Bowl nose Williams, who has missed the past two games because of a broken right shoulder, is expected to do some work in practice. Williams has said the plan is for him to play.
For the Eagles, running back Brian Westbrook was limited in practice today with knee and ankle issues. Tight end L.J. Smith (shoulder) also was limited. Defensive end Victor Abiamiri (foot); guard Shane Andrews (back); linebacker Stewart Bradley (rib, groin); and tackle Jon Runyan (knee) did not participate. Andrews will obviously miss the game as will Abiamiri. Bradley and Runyan are expected to go.
Wide receivers Hank Baskett (knee) and Kevin Curtis (calf); safety Brian Dawkins (back) and guard Todd Herremans (shoulder, ankle) were able to participate in all drills.
Meanwhile, the NFL granted the Vikings a 24-hour extension on the television blackout deadline. Minnesota now has until 4:30 p.m. (et) Friday to reach a sellout and allow the game to be shown on local Fox affiliate. The Vikings announced this morning they had 11,000 tickets remaining for Sunday.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Clemons, Dawkins honored by NFL
DEFENSE: DE CHRIS CLEMONS,
- Clemons tied a career-high with two sacks, forced a fumble and had a 73-yard fumble-return touchdown in the Eagles’ 44-6 win over
DEFENSE: S BRIAN DAWKINS,
- Dawkins led a defense that allowed the fewest points (40) in December as the Eagles won three of four games to clinch the final playoff spot in the NFC. Dawkins, who was named to his seventh Pro Bowl, had 36 tackles, one sack, two passes defensed and forced two fumbles which were both returned for touchdowns. During the month, the Eagles allowed an NFC-low 238.5 yards per game. In Week 17 against
On the NBA: Pulling for Chuck
Who is the biggest train wreck in popular culture today?
Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton are always good guesses but, while the meth-pack is always interesting water-cooler fodder, mildly entertaining, and good for a nice wardrobe malfunction every couple of weeks, they have really toned it down in 2008.
That opens quite the void for the human flotsam making their living as TMZ paparazzi.
I just hope Charles Barkley doesn't fill it.
Barkley has always struck me as a guy teetering on the brink.
His basketball resume is without peer. "Sir Charles" retired as one of only four players in NBA history with 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists during his 16 seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets.
Barkley was the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1993 and the best player of the original Olympic Dream Team. He also was selected as one of the NBA's 50 greatest players in 1996 and enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
All that was secondary to his engaging personality, however.
If Barkley wasn't a basketball star, he could have been the world's best stand-up comedian. It was his unmatched wit that made his a star as an NBA analyst on TNT and a go-to-guy for virtually every national talk show when they needed a sound bite on the hot topic of the moment.
Many even speculated Barkley would eventually run for Governor in his home state of Alabama.
But, Chuck has always courted controversy. There was the spitting incident in New Jersey, the throwing of a patron through a window at a Milwaukee bar and his famous "I am not a role model" Nike commercial.
Most recently, Barkley sparred with Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James, telling "King James" to shut up instead of discussing his options when he becomes a free agent in 2010. James responded by calling Barkley "stupid."
Barkley is certainly a lot of things but stupid isn't one them.
That's why I don't understand why Barkley can defend losing millions of dollars on casino gambling by saying he has the money and doesn't plan to stop.
I don't understand why Barkley, by his own admission, carries a registered loaded gun in his car at all times.
And I sure don't understand why Barkley was arrested for driving under the influence in suburban Phoenix early Wednesday morning.
In 2005, Barkley released the book "Who's Afraid of a Large Black Man?", which was a collection of interviews with leading figures in entertainment, business, sports, and government. If he wasn't penning the book, Barkley might have been one of the first people featured.
I hope it always stays that way. Watching a celebrity fall from grace seems to be a cottage industry in America today.
Here's hoping "Sir Charles" starves the feeding frenzy.
MLB Network kicks off New Year's Day
The MLB Network officially kicks off Thursday at 6 p.m. (et) with its Hot Stove Live show. At 7 p.m., they will show Don Larsen’s perfect game in the 1956 World Series against Brooklyn.
There will be commentary from Larsen and Yogi Berra.
Biron sharp as Flyers overcome loss of Gagne to clip Canucks
by Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine
Martin Biron stopped 29 shots, 11 in the third period alone, as the Philadelphia Flyers extended their unbeaten streak in Vancouver to 14 games over nearly 20 years, edging the Canucks, 3-2, at GM Place.
The Flyers have not lost in British Columbia since a 5-3 setback at Pacific Coliseum on January 17, 1989, posting 10 wins and four ties over that span. The club also improved to 7-0-1 at GM Place since its opening prior to the 1995-96 season.
Jeff Carter, Scott Hartnell and Jonathon Kalinski hit the net for the Flyers, who overcame the early loss of forward Simon Gagne to snap a two-game losing streak.
Daniel Sedin and Ryan Kesler tallied for the Canucks, who have lost three of their last four games.
Starter Curtis Sanford allowed two goals on nine shots in 20 minutes of play, then Cory Schneider finished the game strongly, allowing one goal on 20 shots.
Facing a one-goal deficit, the Canucks dominated for stretches of the third period. Biron kept the home team at bay with a half-dozen quality saves in the first 10 minutes.
Hartnell had a clean breakaway with seven minutes remaining, but Schneider managed to get his pad extended to stop the shovel shot from the crease.
Biron then came up with a huge glove save on Steve Bernier with 6 1/2 minutes remaining, stoning the forward from the edge of the crease.
Schneider was pulled for an extra attacker with 1:20 remaining and Mike Knuble was penalized for slashing with 20 seconds left. Despite the 6-on-4 advantage, Philly won several key faceoffs and didn't allow any quality chances as time ran out.
Gagne departed only 15 seconds into the contest with an upper body injury, the victim of a questionable hit from Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa and did not return.
Unbowed, the visitors took a 1-0 lead as Carter upped his league-leading goal total to 27, converting a pass from Matt Carle into a backhander past Sanford at 3:16.
Sedin countered with a power-play wrister with 3:06 left in the first, sneaking a shot off Biron's shoulder and under the crossbar.
Hartnell restored Philly's lead 45 seconds later, unloading a slapshot from the left circle high and inside the right post.
Schneider spelled Sanford to start the second but the move didn't pay off as Kalinski picked up his first career goal 2:36 into the second period, tapping home an errant Josh Gratton pass from the slot.
The Flyers kept up the offensive pressure but couldn't add to their cushion.
Kesler's redirection of an Alex Burrows dish from the left circle brought Vancouver within 3-2 with just over eight minutes left in the frame.
The Phanatic Magazine
Martin Biron stopped 29 shots, 11 in the third period alone, as the Philadelphia Flyers extended their unbeaten streak in Vancouver to 14 games over nearly 20 years, edging the Canucks, 3-2, at GM Place.
The Flyers have not lost in British Columbia since a 5-3 setback at Pacific Coliseum on January 17, 1989, posting 10 wins and four ties over that span. The club also improved to 7-0-1 at GM Place since its opening prior to the 1995-96 season.
Jeff Carter, Scott Hartnell and Jonathon Kalinski hit the net for the Flyers, who overcame the early loss of forward Simon Gagne to snap a two-game losing streak.
Daniel Sedin and Ryan Kesler tallied for the Canucks, who have lost three of their last four games.
Starter Curtis Sanford allowed two goals on nine shots in 20 minutes of play, then Cory Schneider finished the game strongly, allowing one goal on 20 shots.
Facing a one-goal deficit, the Canucks dominated for stretches of the third period. Biron kept the home team at bay with a half-dozen quality saves in the first 10 minutes.
Hartnell had a clean breakaway with seven minutes remaining, but Schneider managed to get his pad extended to stop the shovel shot from the crease.
Biron then came up with a huge glove save on Steve Bernier with 6 1/2 minutes remaining, stoning the forward from the edge of the crease.
Schneider was pulled for an extra attacker with 1:20 remaining and Mike Knuble was penalized for slashing with 20 seconds left. Despite the 6-on-4 advantage, Philly won several key faceoffs and didn't allow any quality chances as time ran out.
Gagne departed only 15 seconds into the contest with an upper body injury, the victim of a questionable hit from Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa and did not return.
Unbowed, the visitors took a 1-0 lead as Carter upped his league-leading goal total to 27, converting a pass from Matt Carle into a backhander past Sanford at 3:16.
Sedin countered with a power-play wrister with 3:06 left in the first, sneaking a shot off Biron's shoulder and under the crossbar.
Hartnell restored Philly's lead 45 seconds later, unloading a slapshot from the left circle high and inside the right post.
Schneider spelled Sanford to start the second but the move didn't pay off as Kalinski picked up his first career goal 2:36 into the second period, tapping home an errant Josh Gratton pass from the slot.
The Flyers kept up the offensive pressure but couldn't add to their cushion.
Kesler's redirection of an Alex Burrows dish from the left circle brought Vancouver within 3-2 with just over eight minutes left in the frame.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Phanatic Magazine NFL Awards
Here is my Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers of
Overall NFL MVP*: Peyton Manning
Offensive MVP: Peyton Manning
Defensive MVP: James Harrison
Coach of the Year: Bill Belichick
Comeback Player of the Year: Kerry Collins
Overall NFL Rookie of the Year**: Matt Ryan
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Matt Ryan
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jerod Mayo
Most Improved Player of the Year: Vinsanthe Shiancoe
Executive of the Year: Tom Dimitroff
Assistant Coach of the Year: Steve Spagnuolo
All-NFL Team
Offense
Quarterback: Peyton Manning
Running back: Adrian Peterson
Running back: Michael Turner
Wide receiver: Andre Johnson
Wide receiver: Steve Smith
Tight end: Jason Witten
Center: Kevin Mawae
Offensive guard: Steve Hutchinson
Offensive guard: Chris Snee
Offensive tackle: Ryan Clady
Offensive tackle: Jammal Brown
Defense
Defensive end: Mario Williams
Defensive end: Justin Tuck
Defensive tackle*: Kevin Williams
Defensive tackle*: Pat Williams
Outside linebacker: James Harrison
Outside linebacker: DeMarcus Ware
Middle linebacker**: Ray Lewis
Cornerback: Cortland Finnegan
Cornerback: Antoine Winfield
Safety: Ed Reed
Safety: Troy Polamalu
Specialists
Placekicker: Stephen Gostkowski
Punter: Mike Scifres
Kickoff returner: Leon Washington
Punt returner: Reggie Bush
Special teams: Brendon Ayanbadejo
All-Rookie Team
Offense
Quarterback: Matt Ryan
Running back: Chris Johnson
Running back: Matt Forte
Wide receiver: DeSean Jackson
Wide receiver: Eddie Royal
Tight end: John Carlson
Center: Jamey Richard
Offensive guard: Carl Nicks
Offensive guard: Mike Pollak
Offensive tackle: Ryan Clady
Offensive tackle: Jake Long
Defense
Defensive lineman: Chris Long
Defensive lineman: Cliff Avril
Defensive lineman: Pat Sims
Defensive lineman: Kendall Langford
Linebacker: Jerod Mayo
Linebacker: Curtis Lofton
Linebacker: Xavier Adibi
Cornerback: Dominique Rogers-Cromartie
Cornerback: Barndon Flowers
Safety: Chris Horton
Safety: Kenny Phillips
Specialists
Placekicker: Dan Carpenter
Punter: Brett Kern
Kickoff returner: Clifton Smith
Punt returner: Clifton Smith
Special teams: Husain Abdullah
All-NFC Team
Offense
Quarterback: Drew Brees
Running back: Adrian Peterson
Running back: Michael Turner
Wide receiver: Steve Smith
Wide receiver: Roddy White
Tight end: Jason Witten
Center: Matt Birk
Offensive guard: Chris Snee
Offensive guard: Steve Hutchinson
Offensive tackle: Jammal Brown
Offensive tackle: David Diehl
Defense
Defensive end: Jared Allen
Defensive end: Justin Tuck
Defensive tackle*: Kevin Williams
Defensive tackle*: Pat Williams
Outside linebacker: Demarcus Ware
Outside linebacker: Karlos Dansby
Middle linebacker**: Jon Beason
Cornerback: Antoine Winfield
Cornerback: Chris Gamble
Safety: Nick Collins
Safety: LaRon Landry
Specialists
Placekicker: Ryan Longwell
Punter: Jeff Feagles
Kickoff returner: Clifton Smith
Punt returner: Reggie Bush
Special teams: Will Allen
Eagles-Vikings tix still available
The Vikings sold more than 6,000 tickets to the NFC Wild Card Playoff matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday since yesterday.
That means more than 13,000 remain. If you want to make the trip prices for this game range from $30-160, and fans are encouraged to visit www.ticketmaster.com (open 24 hours a day) to purchase.
Fans can also call Ticketmaster at (651) 989-5151 or toll free at (800) 745-3000.
Eagles to pick at No. 22, No. 28
The Eagles' exact position in the draft won’t be settled until they are through playing for the season but right now they are slotted to pick 22nd and 28th in April's draft.
Here is the entire list of NFL.com. Remember playoff teams are subject to change. The Super Bowl champion will pick 32nd and the runner-up will pick 31st.
The Detroit Lions, coming off an 0-16 season, will draft first. They will be followed by No. 2 St. Louis (2-14); No. 3 Kansas City (2-14); No. 4 Seattle (4-12); No. 5 Cleveland (4-12); No. 6 Cincinnati (4-11-1); No. 7 Oakland (5-11); No. 8 Jacksonville (5-11); No. 9 Green Bay (6-10); No. 10 San Francisco (7-9): No. 11 Buffalo (7-9); No. 12 Denver (8-8); No. 13 Washington (8-8); No. 14 New Orleans (8-8); No. 15 Houston (8-8); *No. 16 San Diego (8-8); No. 17 New York Jets (9-7); No. 18 Chicago (9-7); No. 19 Tampa Bay (9-7); No. 20 Detroit (from Dallas), *No. 21 Arizona (9-7); No. 22 Philadelphia (9-6-1), No. 23 Minnesota (10-6); No. 24 New England (11-5); No. 25 Atlanta (11-5); No. 26 Miami (11-5); No. 27 Baltimore (11-5); No. 28 Philadelphia (from Carolina); No. 29 Indianapolis (12-4); No. 30 New York Giants (12-4); No. 31 Pittsburgh (12-4); and No. 32 Tennessee (13-3).
NFL scout: Vikings more talented; Eagles will win
The two most vilified members of the Eagles organization -- coach Andy Reid and quarterback Donovan McNabb -- are the reason the Eagles will win in Minnesota, an NFL scout told The Phanatic Magazine Monday night.
"The Vikings are a very talented team that doesn't have a leader on the field or on the sidelines," the scout said.
Asked to compare the teams, the scout gave the edge to the Vikings on offense by a startling 8-3 margin. Only quarterback Donovan McNabb, rookie wide receiver DeSean Jackson and right tackle Jon Runyan were better than their counterparts in Minnesota. McNabb and Runyan were rated significantly better than their peers with the Vikings, Tarvaris Jackson and Ryan Cook.
On defense, it was similar with the Vikings holding the edge at six positions, the Eagles taking just two and three considered even.
The scout also gave Brad Childress' club the edge at punter and placekicker but indicated the Eagles have better coverage teams and a much more accomplished coach.
Here's how he broke it down:
Eagles-Vikings-advantage
QB - McNabb-T.Jackson - Big edge to Eagles
RB - Westbrook-Peterson - Vikings
FB - Klecko-Tahi - Vikings
WR - Curtis-Berrian - Vikings
WR - D. Jackson-Wade - Eagles
TE - Smith/Celek-Shiancoe - Vikings
OC - J.Jackson - Birk - Vikings
LG - Herremans - Hutchinson - Vikings
RG - N.Cole - Hererra - Vikings
LT - Thomas - McKinnie - Vikings
RT - Runyan - Cook - Big edge to Eagles
RDE - T.Cole - Allen - Vikings
DT - Bunkley - K.Williams - Vikings
DT - Patterson - P.Williams - Vikings
LDE - Parker - Edwards - Even
MLB - Bradley - Harris - Eagles
WSL - Jordan - Leber - Vikings
SSL - Gocong - Greenway - Vikings
LCB - Samuel - Winfield - Even
RCB - Brown - Griffin - Eagles
FS - Dawkins - Williams - Even
SS - Mikell - Sharper - Vikings
P - Rocca - Kluwe - Vikings
PK - Akers - Longwell - Vikings
Coaching and special teams - Big edge to Eagles.
Around The Rink
by Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine
To end the calendar year 2008, this edition will solely feature what I imagine could be the New Year's Resolutions/New Year's Needs for all 30 NHL clubs.
Anaheim: Relocation to an area of North America whose fan base is a captive
audience during the Winter months; Look into getting a more representative
sample of celebrity fans other than Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Snoop Dogg.
Atlanta: To find about seven more talented forwards and defenseman to
complement Ilya Kovalchuk; short of that, lighter fluid and a book of matches
for a public bonfire for those hideous third jerseys.
Boston: Not to let the Curse of Gord Kluzak and Cam Neely hit the team when it
is finally giving long-suffering fans a real reason to give a damn again.
Buffalo: Hire a disgraced Sallie Mae executive to teach the franchise how to
creatively stash away enough money to get Chris Drury, Danny Briere, J.P.
Dumont, Dmitri Kalinin and Jay McKee back.
Calgary: Provide an all-expenses paid, one-way vacation to the South Seas for
Iron Mike Keenan after Game 82.
Carolina: Check waiver wire, minor leagues and Europe, then call Paul Holmgren
to see how many more former Philadelphia Flyers team can stock on roster.
Chicago: Bribe Mother Nature with bratwurst and Air Jordans to ensure it's not
50 degrees and drizzly on New Year's Day.
Colorado: Work up courage to quietly take Joe Sakic aside and strongly suggest
that he retire immediately; take Joe's measurements at said meeting for bronze
statue to be placed outside Pepsi Center.
Columbus: Relocation to Winnipeg.
Dallas: Hold a parade of shame for Sean Avery's departure with open
convertibles at Dealey Plaza; assassinate him, label it a "conspiracy" and
blame everyone from the Commies to the CIA.
Detroit: Do everything possible to keep Marian Hossa beyond this season; sign
Chris Chelios to 10-year, $50 million contract which legally binds him to play
until he's 56.
Edmonton: Shift expenditures away from goal-scoring forwards and into Rogaine
for Kevin Lowe.
Florida: In an effort to further draw in fans from all across the entire span
of South Florida, place new arena in middle of Everglades.
Minnesota: Repeat this mantra over and over until it sticks: We are ruining
the league with choking defense. We are ruining our players by teaching how to
play choking defense. We will never win unless we learn to score.
Montreal: Encourage fans to stuff the ballot boxes for the All-Star game
because it's the franchise's birthright to steal the spotlight for their 100th
season.
Los Angeles: Get Tom Cruise to find some "psychiatric help" for team. Players
will be so busy trying to figure out what the hell an operating thetan is that
it'll take the shame away from all the losing.
Nashville: Work on making all the financial shenanigans between the team, city and
league a lot less conspicuous and less able to be dug up by mid-level accidental
investigative reporting.
New Jersey: Corneal and retinal transplants for upper management so they can
see the true wages of winning three Stanley Cups with stifling defense and
goaltending in the masses of empty seats at each home game.
New York Islanders: Lather, rinse. Repeat about 400,000 times or more as
necessary. Use that soap that mechanics or people who stuff newspapers at the
Inquirer have, because the stains ain't coming off too easily.
New York Rangers: Check to make sure rest of 19-year-old prospects are not
doing pot/coke/steroids/other illegal drugs and not stash them on teams in
foreign countries that don't have enough money for medical equipment; remind
selves that they can't win by trying to score exactly two goals a game.
Ottawa: To remember you have to fill the other nine forward spots with people
other than Heatley, Spezza and Alfredsson; remember that they can win 20 games
this season but if six of them are against Toronto all is forgiven.
Philadelphia: To manufacture deals to return R.J. Umberger and Patrick Sharp;
Briere's departure by injury or trade; shiny new head coach; to make
sure the next time the kids get restless and ready to party, to let them know
they can afford to have the girls imported instead of going out and stealing
them from penniless frat guys trying to score with their girlfriends.
Phoenix: For Wayne Gretzky to man up, fall on his sword and admit that nothing
he will ever do can change what is essentially a perpetually just-below-.500
franchise.
Pittsburgh: To teach Sidney Crosby to act more like a man on the ice,
including but not limited to getting him to understand that punching a player
from behind in his groinal region is not a good idea; moreover that someone
will record it live, post it to any video-compatible web site and fan the
flames of hatred for you and the organization.
San Jose: Must beat Ducks. Must beat Red Wings. Must convince Joe Thornton to
shoot more.
St. Louis: Even if they go out and play a bad game, treat 'em all to a viewing
of Paul Blart: Mall Cop and a group hug. Looks like they really need it.
Tampa Bay: Contraction, then hit the beach and the strip clubs.
Toronto: Promise to muzzle and/or punish general manager Brian Burke for every
time after the eighth occasion his remarks get him in trouble with the
Canadian/American/international media/other 29 clubs/owners/NHL
management/commissioner.
Vancouver: Find out if Steve Moore's family put a hex on the team; find better
colors for jerseys; find better jerseys.
Washington: Make enough room on the bandwagon for all the fans who suddenly
want to Rock the Red; protect owner Ted Leonsis from Russian mafia shakedown;
tell fans not to wait until the series is over to hit Jeff Carter in the head
with bottles.
The Phanatic Magazine
To end the calendar year 2008, this edition will solely feature what I imagine could be the New Year's Resolutions/New Year's Needs for all 30 NHL clubs.
Anaheim: Relocation to an area of North America whose fan base is a captive
audience during the Winter months; Look into getting a more representative
sample of celebrity fans other than Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Snoop Dogg.
Atlanta: To find about seven more talented forwards and defenseman to
complement Ilya Kovalchuk; short of that, lighter fluid and a book of matches
for a public bonfire for those hideous third jerseys.
Boston: Not to let the Curse of Gord Kluzak and Cam Neely hit the team when it
is finally giving long-suffering fans a real reason to give a damn again.
Buffalo: Hire a disgraced Sallie Mae executive to teach the franchise how to
creatively stash away enough money to get Chris Drury, Danny Briere, J.P.
Dumont, Dmitri Kalinin and Jay McKee back.
Calgary: Provide an all-expenses paid, one-way vacation to the South Seas for
Iron Mike Keenan after Game 82.
Carolina: Check waiver wire, minor leagues and Europe, then call Paul Holmgren
to see how many more former Philadelphia Flyers team can stock on roster.
Chicago: Bribe Mother Nature with bratwurst and Air Jordans to ensure it's not
50 degrees and drizzly on New Year's Day.
Colorado: Work up courage to quietly take Joe Sakic aside and strongly suggest
that he retire immediately; take Joe's measurements at said meeting for bronze
statue to be placed outside Pepsi Center.
Columbus: Relocation to Winnipeg.
Dallas: Hold a parade of shame for Sean Avery's departure with open
convertibles at Dealey Plaza; assassinate him, label it a "conspiracy" and
blame everyone from the Commies to the CIA.
Detroit: Do everything possible to keep Marian Hossa beyond this season; sign
Chris Chelios to 10-year, $50 million contract which legally binds him to play
until he's 56.
Edmonton: Shift expenditures away from goal-scoring forwards and into Rogaine
for Kevin Lowe.
Florida: In an effort to further draw in fans from all across the entire span
of South Florida, place new arena in middle of Everglades.
Minnesota: Repeat this mantra over and over until it sticks: We are ruining
the league with choking defense. We are ruining our players by teaching how to
play choking defense. We will never win unless we learn to score.
Montreal: Encourage fans to stuff the ballot boxes for the All-Star game
because it's the franchise's birthright to steal the spotlight for their 100th
season.
Los Angeles: Get Tom Cruise to find some "psychiatric help" for team. Players
will be so busy trying to figure out what the hell an operating thetan is that
it'll take the shame away from all the losing.
Nashville: Work on making all the financial shenanigans between the team, city and
league a lot less conspicuous and less able to be dug up by mid-level accidental
investigative reporting.
New Jersey: Corneal and retinal transplants for upper management so they can
see the true wages of winning three Stanley Cups with stifling defense and
goaltending in the masses of empty seats at each home game.
New York Islanders: Lather, rinse. Repeat about 400,000 times or more as
necessary. Use that soap that mechanics or people who stuff newspapers at the
Inquirer have, because the stains ain't coming off too easily.
New York Rangers: Check to make sure rest of 19-year-old prospects are not
doing pot/coke/steroids/other illegal drugs and not stash them on teams in
foreign countries that don't have enough money for medical equipment; remind
selves that they can't win by trying to score exactly two goals a game.
Ottawa: To remember you have to fill the other nine forward spots with people
other than Heatley, Spezza and Alfredsson; remember that they can win 20 games
this season but if six of them are against Toronto all is forgiven.
Philadelphia: To manufacture deals to return R.J. Umberger and Patrick Sharp;
Briere's departure by injury or trade; shiny new head coach; to make
sure the next time the kids get restless and ready to party, to let them know
they can afford to have the girls imported instead of going out and stealing
them from penniless frat guys trying to score with their girlfriends.
Phoenix: For Wayne Gretzky to man up, fall on his sword and admit that nothing
he will ever do can change what is essentially a perpetually just-below-.500
franchise.
Pittsburgh: To teach Sidney Crosby to act more like a man on the ice,
including but not limited to getting him to understand that punching a player
from behind in his groinal region is not a good idea; moreover that someone
will record it live, post it to any video-compatible web site and fan the
flames of hatred for you and the organization.
San Jose: Must beat Ducks. Must beat Red Wings. Must convince Joe Thornton to
shoot more.
St. Louis: Even if they go out and play a bad game, treat 'em all to a viewing
of Paul Blart: Mall Cop and a group hug. Looks like they really need it.
Tampa Bay: Contraction, then hit the beach and the strip clubs.
Toronto: Promise to muzzle and/or punish general manager Brian Burke for every
time after the eighth occasion his remarks get him in trouble with the
Canadian/American/international media/other 29 clubs/owners/NHL
management/commissioner.
Vancouver: Find out if Steve Moore's family put a hex on the team; find better
colors for jerseys; find better jerseys.
Washington: Make enough room on the bandwagon for all the fans who suddenly
want to Rock the Red; protect owner Ted Leonsis from Russian mafia shakedown;
tell fans not to wait until the series is over to hit Jeff Carter in the head
with bottles.
Monday, December 29, 2008
In case you want to go
-Courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have approximately 20,000 tickets remaining for the upcoming
Wild Card Playoff matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday, January 4, at 3:30 p.m. (ct)
Prices for this game range from $30-160, and fans are encouraged to visit
www.ticketmaster.com (open 24 hours a day) to purchase. Fans can also call Ticketmaster at
(651) 989-5151 or toll free at (800) 745-3000.
Sizing up the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings offense finished the season ranked 17th overall while the defense was sixth, the highest since the 1994 season.
The Vikings pass offense, though, was just 25th and the run offense was fifth.
The Vikings pass defense was 18th -- the highest since 2001 -- and the run defense was first for a third consecutive season.
Meanwhile, the Eagles finished the season as one of the league's most balanced teams. The offense was ninth overall, while the defense was third.
Vikings key players:
RB Adrian Peterson - Best pure runner in football.
RB Chester Taylor - One of the better third down backs in football.
FB Nafu Tahi - Good blocker; little threat as an outlet receiver.
LG Steve Hutchinson - Best guard in pro football.
LT Bryant McKinnie - Can struggle with speed rushers.
OC Matt Birk - Six-time Pro Bowler is not quite what he used to be.
RG Anthony Herrera - Road-grader in the running game.
RT Ryan Cook - One of the worst tackles in football; Eagles need to exploit him.
WR Bernard Berrian - Big play machine, averages over 20 yards a catch.
WR Bobby Wade - Good from the slot; not much of a threat on the outside.
WR Sidney Rice - 6-foot-4, red zone threat.
TE Visanthe Shiancoe - One of the most improved players in the NFL; good dual-threat tight end.
TE Jim Kleinsasser - One of the better blocking tight ends in the NFL.
RDE - Jared Allen - One of the top pure pass rushers in football.
DT - Kevin Williams - Best two-day DT in NFL.
NT - Pat Williams - Key to the Vikings No. 1 run defense. Has been out with a broken scapula but says he wants to play. Watch the injury report.
LDE - Ray Edwards - Underrated but banged-up.
DT - Ellis Wyms - Inside pass rusher on nickel downs.
DE - Brian Robison - Good edge pass rusher.
SSL - Chad Greenway - Former first round pick is a very good all-around linebacker.
WSL - Ben Leber - Took over calling the defense after EJ Henderson got hurt. Another good all-around 'backer.
LC - Antoine Winfield - Pro Bowler, best tackling corner in the game. Can be beat on double moves.
RC - Cedric Griffin - Weak link of the Vikings defense.
FS - Madieu Williams - Excels in pass coverage.
SS - Darren Sharper - Veteran centerfielder; can take bad angles.
NB - Benny Sapp - Overaggressive, penalty prone.
Eagles to play Vikings on Sunday
The NFL has released its schedule for the first round of the playoffs and the Minnesota Vikings will play host to the Eagles at 4:30 p.m. (et) next Sunday. Atlanta will play at Arizona at 4:30 p.m. Saturday on NBC and Indianapolis will play San Diego game at 8 p.m. on the same network. CBS will carry the Baltimore at Miami game at 1:00 p.m. next Sunday and Fox will air Eagles-Vikings.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Williams joins MLB Network
Former Phillie Mitch Williams will become an analyst for the Major League Baseball Network, which launches in 50 million homes on January 1.
"The Wild Thing" talked baseball for Comcast SportsNet, WIP 610-AM and The Big Talker 1210-AM last season.Others on the new television network include Barry Larkin, Joe Magrane, and Harold Reynolds.
Williams becomes the second Philly broadcaster to get picked up by MLB.
The late John Marzano worked for mlb.com before his untimely death in April of 2008.Friday, December 26, 2008
Another MMA fighter dead
Multiple media sources are reporting the death of former UFC and EliteXC fighter Justin Eilers. Eilers was shot on Christmas Day during a domestic dispute.
According to Sherdog.com's Loretta Hunt, Eilers was celebrating Christmas in Canyon County, Idaho with relatives and friends, including his ex-girlfriend. There was an ensuing argument and Eilers was asked to leave the residence. He reportedly refused and began throwing objects, including dishes.
James Robert Malec, 48, believed to be Eiler's mother's boyfriend, then pulled a gun and shot Eilers in the chest.
Monty Cox, Eiler's long-time manager, told Hunt that the bullet entered Eiler's lung and exited his body.
Malec has reportedly been charged with second-degree murder.
Eilers career MMA record was 19-7-1. He was last seen in July on SHOWTIME losing the EliteXC heavyweight title match in Stockton, Calif. to Antonio "Giant" Silva. The Boise native had four UFC fights from 2004-2006. He debuted by beating Mike Kyle at UFC 49 but then suffered three straight losses, to Paul Buentello, Andrei Arlovski and Brandon Vera.
According to Sherdog.com's Loretta Hunt, Eilers was celebrating Christmas in Canyon County, Idaho with relatives and friends, including his ex-girlfriend. There was an ensuing argument and Eilers was asked to leave the residence. He reportedly refused and began throwing objects, including dishes.
James Robert Malec, 48, believed to be Eiler's mother's boyfriend, then pulled a gun and shot Eilers in the chest.
Monty Cox, Eiler's long-time manager, told Hunt that the bullet entered Eiler's lung and exited his body.
Malec has reportedly been charged with second-degree murder.
Eilers career MMA record was 19-7-1. He was last seen in July on SHOWTIME losing the EliteXC heavyweight title match in Stockton, Calif. to Antonio "Giant" Silva. The Boise native had four UFC fights from 2004-2006. He debuted by beating Mike Kyle at UFC 49 but then suffered three straight losses, to Paul Buentello, Andrei Arlovski and Brandon Vera.
On Wednesday Dec. 17, former UFC fighter Justin Levens, who was also a member of the Southern California Condors of the International Fight League in 2007, was found dead along with his wife, Sara, from gunshot wounds at a condo in Laguna Niguel, California on Wednesday.
Local police called it a murder/suicide. Both were found by Sara's mother on the bed.
Levens, 28, a protege of Marco Ruas, the coach of the Condors, had a 9-8 pro MMA record including UFC losses to Evan Tanner, who died earlier this year after getting lost in the California desert, and Jorge Santiago in 2006.
Bradley expects to play
Eagles middle linebacker Stewart Bradley told The Phanatic Magazine he expects to play in Sunday's regular season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. The banged-up Bradley is listed as questionable on the injury report with rib and groin injuries.
Status Report | |||
| | Out | | |
| | Friday | DE Victor Abiamiri (foot), G Shawn Andrews (back) | |
| | |||
| | Doubtful | | |
| | Friday | TE L.J. Smith (shoulder) | |
| | |||
| | Questionable | | |
| | Friday | WR Hank Baskett (knee), LB Stewart Bradley (rib, groin), S Brian Dawkins (illness) | |
| | |||
| | Probable | | |
| | Friday | WR Kevin Curtis (calf), S Quintin Demps (quadricep), G Todd Herremans (shoulder, ankle), WR Greg Lewis (knee), T Jon Runyan (knee, ankle), RB Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle) | |
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Don't expect too much help...
..if you are a Birds fan this weekend. The Giants will probably handle the Vikings and the Texans might even beat the Bears but the Raiders over the Bucs?
Even the Eagles locker room doesn't believe that one. "I pray for those guys and the situation they are in," a former Raider told The Phanatic Magazine. "If i know those guys, they have already packed their stuff and are getting ready to mail it in,"
Even the Eagles locker room doesn't believe that one. "I pray for those guys and the situation they are in," a former Raider told The Phanatic Magazine. "If i know those guys, they have already packed their stuff and are getting ready to mail it in,"
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Alvarez back in Atlantic City in January
MMAfighting. com reports that Eddie Alvarez's first opponent of 2009 will be ZST, Rings and UFC veteran Naoyuki Kotani at Extreme Challenge on Jan. 23 at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City.
Alvarez is currently ranked number two in MMAFighting.com's list of the top lightweights in the world.
Kotani has not been able to of late match the success that he attained in the early 90s, however. Kotani first tasted defeat against Rich Clementi at the finals of the ZST 2004 Grand Prix and since then, has only won six out of his next 17 fights.
Kotani debuted for the UFC in 2007 losing twice to Thiago Tavares and Dennis Siver.
Alvarez last fought in Atlantic City on Jan. 25, 2008 when he bested Ross Ebanez in the main event of EliteXC's ShoXC Elite Challenger Series on SHOWTIME at the Trump Taj Mahal.
Alvarez is currently ranked number two in MMAFighting.com's list of the top lightweights in the world.
Alvarez (15-1), a Kensington native, is also scheduled to fight Shinya Aoki at "Dynamite!!" on New Year's Eve in Japan.
After Kotani, Alvarez will then compete in the Bellator Fighting Championship tournament on ESPN Deportes.
Kotani has not been able to of late match the success that he attained in the early 90s, however. Kotani first tasted defeat against Rich Clementi at the finals of the ZST 2004 Grand Prix and since then, has only won six out of his next 17 fights.
Kotani debuted for the UFC in 2007 losing twice to Thiago Tavares and Dennis Siver.
Alvarez last fought in Atlantic City on Jan. 25, 2008 when he bested Ross Ebanez in the main event of EliteXC's ShoXC Elite Challenger Series on SHOWTIME at the Trump Taj Mahal.
Nachman backs off previous reports
Philly TV and Radio gossip Laura Nachman has backed off of previous reports regarding WIP providing fellow CBS station KYW weekend sports updates.
Nachman now says that If the plan to have WIP provide the weekend
updates happens, Ed Benkin and Jeff Asch, who are both
part-timers, will lose hours but will continue working.
Both will write for the KYW web site and Benkin will most
likely continue reporting from Sixers and Eagles games.
Also, Tom Maloney will continue to report on Flyers and Phillies games.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Latest 2009 NFL Mock Draft
courtesy of www.draftinsiders.com
Published by NFL scout Frank Coyle and staff @ Draft Insiders.com
1. Detroit - * Andre Smith OT - Alabama
2. Kansas City - * Matthew Stafford QB - Georgia
3. St. Louis - Michael Oher OT - Mississippi
4. Cincinnati - * Michael Crabtree WR - Texas Tech
5. Seattle - * Taylor Mays S - Southern Cal
6. Oakland - * Vontae Davis CB - Illinois
7. Cleveland - * Jeremy Maclin WR - Missouri
8. Jacksonville - James Laurinaitis LB - Ohio St
9. Green Bay - Brian Orakpo DE - Texas
10. San Francisco - Rey Maualuga LB - Southern Cal
11. San Diego - Eugene Monroe OT - Virginia
12. Buffalo - Aaron Curry LB - Wake Forest
13. Houston - Brian Cushing LB - Southern Cal
14. New Orleans - William Moore FS - Missouri
15. Washington - Michael Johnson DE - Georgia Tech
16. Arizona * Chris Wells RB Ohio St
17. Philadelphia Jason Smith OT Baylor
18. Denver * Percy Harvin WR Florida
19. Chicago Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio St.
20. Minnesota * Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
21. Detroit (Dallas) *Tim Tebow QB Florida
22. NY Jets * Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia
23. Tampa Bay * George Selvie DE South Florida
24. Miami * Everette Brown DE Florida St
25. Atlanta Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest
26. New England Clint Sintim LB Virginia
27. Baltimore * Brandon Spikes LB Florida
28. Indianapolis Alex Mack OC California
29. Pittsburgh Derrick Williams WR Penn St.
30. Phil (Carolina) * Myron Rolle SS Florida St
31. New York Giants * Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland
32. Tennessee * Greg Hardy DE Mississippi
Monday, December 22, 2008
This One Hurt
By Steve Lienert
The Phanatic Magazine
“We got y’all twice this year,” the redneck beckoned, among other things I don’t feel like typing right now. And no one, including yours truly, could do anything about it.
However, I certainly wanted to and my co-workers saw it. One of them had to pull me away from endangering my job, because I wanted a piece of that SOB.
About 25 minutes earlier, I was standing to Brian Dawkins’ right as he faced the media after the 10-3 loss to the Redskins at FedEx Field. Dawkins, to say the least, was despondent.
This is a man that commands respect. Right after the game, a game in which he did everything he could in his power to will his team to victory, Dawkins sat in his uniform at his locker in tears.
He always has the last press conference, but this time he took longer than he ever had to reach the podium.
While he stood there, as composed and as strong as ever, B-Dawk said exactly how he felt. He didn’t care what else has to happen for the Eagles to get in the playoffs. They had a chance to grab the bull by the horns but instead they were gored.
Earlier during the game in the third quarter, Dawkins ran onto the field prior to another second-half possession.
The offense was about to embark on another drive that began inside the Eagles’ 10-yard line, but Dawkins ran up to each player and butted helmets, slapped five and shouted motivation, trying to provide a spark to an otherwise stagnant game.
He’s 35-years old now and maybe he can’t do some of the things he could when he was 25. And that’s one large ‘maybe.’
He’s still the undeniable leader of this team. But his time here is slowly, or perhaps not-so-slowly, dwindling to an end.
Last night in the bowels of FedEx Field, it seemed like Dawkins looked into the lights at the end of his proverbial tunnel, perhaps for the first time.
His time is running short and imagining him in another uniform is too foreign to even consider.
Dawkins is a life-long Eagle – he doesn’t want to go anywhere else. He wants to win here. But after losses like the one in D.C. on Sunday, it’s easy to think that it’s just not gonna happen here while Dawkins is still running out of the tunnel on game day.
This isn’t like when Charles Barkley was traded to the Suns. He bitched and moaned his way out of town. Dawkins would never do that. Not in a million years.
That’s what makes this so heartbreaking. We are watching football greatness defined in almost every way but one and that’s with a Super Bowl championship.
After watching Dawkins’ reaction following the season-imperiling loss to the Redskins yesterday, that’s the only way a player like Dawkins would like to be defined.
A player of his caliber deserves nothing less.
Steve Lienert can be reached at stevelienert@hotmail.com.
(PS. For those expecting parts III and IV of ‘So That’s What That’s Like,’ there’s possible litigation involved, so I’ll have to get back to you on that after it’s over. Sorry about the delay, but that’s all I can really say about that now. Look at it this way: There’s another reason to relive the Phillies World Championship later this month! Thanks for your patience in this trying time.)
Eagles - Cowboys moved to 4:15
The Week 17 Miami Dolphins-New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars-Baltimore Ravens games on Sunday, December 28 will move to 4:15 PM ET on CBS and the Dallas Cowboys-Philadelphia Eagles game will move to 4:15 PM ET on FOX, the NFL announced today. Yesterday, it was announced that the Denver Broncos-San Diego Chargers game will be played at 8:15 PM ET on NBC.
| | 1:00 PM (ET) | FOX |
| NEW ENGLAND AT | 1:00 PM (ET) | CBS |
| | 1:00 PM (ET) | CBS |
| | 12:00 PM (CT) | FOX |
| | 12:00 PM (CT) | FOX |
| | 1:00 PM (ET) | CBS |
| N.Y. GIANTS AT | 12:00 PM (CT) | FOX |
| | 12:00 PM (CT) | FOX |
| | 1:00 PM (ET) | CBS |
| | 1:00 PM (ET) | CBS |
| | 2:15 PM (MT) | FOX |
| | 4:15 PM (ET) | CBS |
| | 4:15 PM (ET) | CBS |
| | 4:15 PM (ET) | FOX |
| | 1:15 PM (PT) | FOX |
| | 5:15 PM (PT) | NBC |
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