Nov

30

Week 13 Preview: San Francisco at Carolina

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Frank Gore should have a big day Sunday

At one point the Carolina Panthers and the 49′ers both had promising seasons, but when they meet Sunday at Bank of America Stadium, the game will be fought mostly for pride. The Niners were 2-0, then dropped eight straight before finally pulling out a crazy overtime win last Sunday in Glendale vs the Cardinals. The Panthers were 4-2 after a win on 10/14, but since have lost five in a row, three of the five at home, where they have yet to win this season.

For the Panthers, they should have quarterback Vinny Testaverde back in the fold, as he has been pushed to probable on the injury report. As long as he does not have a relapse like last week when he showed up to practice Saturday with a stiff back, Vinny should get the start over Matt Moore and David Carr. While he has not exactly been great, he’s better than Moore and Carr, so that’s a good thing for the Panthers. Look for Carolina to establish the run against the leagues 24th ranked defense. Despite SF having the leagues worst offense, keeping them off the field will establish their chances of a win.

The 9′ers came alive last week, scoring 37 points in a win. Considering they only had scored 35 points in the four losses previous to Sunday, their 37 points reall came out of nowhere. They are hoping for another big day from Frank Gore, who put up a big game vs the Cards, and Trent Dilfer, who threw the ball well. If Gore can go over 100 yards and Dilfer can avoid the big mistakes, the 9′ers look like they might be able to win their third road game of the year.

Overall, the 49′ers are a team that has been raveged by injuries, as have the Panthers. San Fran is a bit better coming in, and while this game is in the Panthers home park, the Niners will squeak out a close ugly win to improve to 4-8.

Nov

30

Four Men Arrested in the Sean Taylor Murder Case

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Miami-Dade County Police Director Robert Parker talks to reporters during a news conference in Miami, Friday, Nov. 30, 2007. Four suspects, Venjah K. Hunte, 20; Eric Rivera Jr., 17; Jason Scott Mitchell, 17; and Charles Kendrick Lee Wardlow, 18, were arrested Friday in connection with the shooting death of Washington Redskins football player Sean Taylor.

Four people have been arrested in connection with the Sean Taylor death on Tuesday, and while charges against the four men have yet to be filed, it looks like they could be in some serious trouble. The four men are Venjah K. Hunte, 20; Eric Rivera Jr., 17; Jason Scott Mitchell, 17; and Charles Kendrick Lee Wardlow, 18. They were arrested on Friday about 100 miles from Miami. They will be booked into the Lee County Jail and then be returned to Miami.

“They were certainly not looking to go there and kill anyone,” police director Robert Parker said. Reports say that there has already been more than one confession in the case. investigators believe the men knew about Taylor being rich through someone who was bragging about Taylor’s fortune. “We’re looking into whether or not one or more of the individuals had been at the residence before,” Parker said.

Obviously if these men have confessed, it will be a bitter start to what is sure to be a hot-button case for the four men. From the word go the police felt that Taylor had nothing to do with being murdered, and that it was a “random act.” It looks as if that theory is close to being true, as it seems like Taylor did not know these men or as to why they would have been in his home at the time of the shooting.

Nov

30

Dallas the Team to Beat in the NFC After Topping Packers

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Favre hurt in the second quarter

This was to be the game of the year with Tony Romo facing off against his long time idol Brett Favre. The show down between the two QBs, however, only lasted one and a half quarters as Brett Favre was pulled from the game with an apparent injury to his arm.

Both teams came out firing to open the game. Brett Favre was the first to lead his team down the field with a couple quick passes and put the Pack up 3 to on the opening drive. The Cowboys would then answer back with a field goal of their own snatching away the Packers only lead of the game.

About midway through the second quarter, after throwing his second interception of the game Brett Favre was hit by Nate Jones on a blitz and injured his arm he would not come back for the rest of the game. Aaron Rodgers filled in nicely for the injured Favre going18 of 26 for 201 yards and a touchdown pass. Other contributers the Green Bay team would be Ryan Grant who ran for 94 yards on 14 carries and had two TDs and Greg Jennings who had 87 reception yards and 1 TD on five receptions.

Despite their hard play, though, the Packers were unable to keep up with the Cowboys high scoring offense. Tony Romo went 19 of 30 for 309 yards 4 TDs and the lone interception was because Owens bobbled the ball into a defender’s hands. Terrell Owens had over a hundred yards receiving in the first half of the game alone and finished the game with 7 receptions for 156 yards and 1 TD. Other key contributers to the Cowboys offense would be Patrick Crayton 3 receptions for 42 yards and two TDs, and Anthony Fasano with 1 reception for 26 yards and a TD. Jason Witten, who was believed by many to being a key factor in the game did not get his first catch until the Fourth quarter. Witten finished the game with 6 receptions for 67 yards.

Tidbits:
Romo’s four TD passes now give him 33 TDs on the season, surpassing Danny White’s single season record of 30. Brett Favre’s winless record in Dallas is now moved to 0-9. With one more TD pass Terrell Owens can beat the team record set by Frank Clark, they are currently tied at 14. Brett Favre’s first pass interception is his first in a 139 pass attempts. This wins gives the Cowboys a playoff berth, with a Giants loss this week Dallas would clinch the division.

Nov

30

Texans O-lineman Pitts Arrested

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Houston Texans offensive lineman Chester Pitts
First it was offensive lineman Fred Weary, now add a second Houston Texan to the police blotter. According to Lindsay Wise of the Houston Chronicle, Texans offensive lineman Chester Pitts is free on $2,000 bail after being arrested Thursday on charges that he fled in his vehicle after police stopped him for making an illegal turn.

Pitts is scheduled to appear in court on Monday on the felony charge, according to Harris County (TX) records. This began when Officers had set up a traffic sting at a particular intersection in southwest Houston, after residents had complained that drivers were making illegal turns in the area, according to Johanna Abad, spokeswoman for the Houston Police Department.

At about 5 PM Thursday, an officer saw Pitts make an illegal turn in his 2002 BMW, was flagged over and toild why he was pulled over. The officer then walks off for a few minutes to finish issuing a citation to another vehicle when observes Pitts leaving the scene. The officer and a supervisor pursued Pitts in their patrol cars and stopped Pitts less than a mile away. The officers then contacted the District Attorney’s office, which accepted felony evading charges. Pitts was susequently transported to the city jail, where he posted $2,000 bail then was released.

Granted, this seems like a minor offense. But it has to make one wonder: why would Pitts leave the scene? I realize that some drivers have this deep-rooted fear of the police, and as such, human nature tells them to leave. But it is speculative at this point until further details are available, but still - unless you have outstanding warrants or other unresolved issues legally - why bolt?

Nov

30

Quarterbacks Available in 2008

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Derek Anderson, Cleveland BrownsCarolina Panthers quarterback Jake DelhommeDonovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles
While it is true that we are at Week 13 of the NFL season, it is not too late to speculate on which quarterbacks will be available in 2008, be it free agents or draftees. Here’s a list of who is most likely to be available after the 2007 season:

2008 Free Agent QB’s

Rex Grossman, Chicago Bears
Daunte Culpepper, Oakland Raiders
Josh McCown, Oakland Raiders
Quinn Gray, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ken Dorsey, Cleveland Browns
Drew Henson, Minnesota Vikings
Cleo Lemon, Miami Dolphins
Jared Lorenzen, New York Giants
Jamie Martin, New Orleans Saints

Restricted Free Agents (Team can match any offer)

Derek Anderson, Cleveland Browns
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Cincinnati Bengals

May Be Available (Either through release or trade)

Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals
Joey Harrington, Atlanta Falcons
Byron Leftwich, Atlanta Falcons
Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers
Chad Pennington, New York Jets
David Carr, Carolina Panthers
Mark Brunell, Washington Redskins
Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles
J.P. Losman, Buffalo Bills
Matt Cassell, New England Patriots
Chris Simms, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Available In 2008 Draft
Matt Ryan, Boston College
Brian Brohm, Louisville
Andre Woodson, Kentucky
Chad Henne, Michigan
Colt Brennan, Hawaii
John David Booty, USC

Nov

30

Cowboys Knock Out Favre; Beat Packers 37-27

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens (81) throws popcorn in his face after scoring in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers in their NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, in Irving, Texas.

Dallas looked confident and unstoppable in the first quarter and a half Thursday night while putting maximum pressure on Brett Favre, forcing him out of the game in the second quarter with an elbow injury.  The resulting interception on the play led to a Cowboys touchdown giving them a lead they would never lose while holding on to a 37-27 victory over Green Bay at home Thursday night.

While things looked bleak for the Packers after Favre’s injury, Aaron Rodgers came in and played well for the Pack leading them on a touchdown drive late in the first half to close within 10 points of the Cowboys, the halftime score ending 27-17.

The second half began poorly for the home team as Dallas drove down the field but decided to go for it on a 4th and 2 at the Green Bay 38-yard line.  I don’t question the decision to try at that point, but I do question the call of a hand-off to Julius Jones, who proceeded to get stuffed a half-yard shy of the first down.  I would have had Barber in and given him the opportunity or thrown for it, but it turned out not to cause too much damage in the end.

The next Green Bay drive was sparked by a big catch-and-run by Greg Jennings which led to a  Ryan Grant one-yard touchdown run to draw to within 3-points of the Cowboys at 27-24.   Ryan Grant also scored on a quick 62-yard scamper earlier in the first quarter for Green Bay to cut the lead to 17-10 at that point.  Grant had a good night, but Dallas managed to keep him under 100-yards on the evening keeping their streak of not allowing a hundred-yard rusher alive and well.

Regardless of what Chris Collingsworth and Greg Gumbel said, the interference call against Green Bay early in the fourth was a good call, the defender was not turned towards the ball and grabbed and tripped Miles Austin, who was behind the defense and could have caught the pass.  Clearly this was pass interference, and later, he tried to say that the defender had turned earlier but it was a close call, obviously after having read the actual rule.  If the defender was looking back at the ball and their feet had become tangled, that is a no call, but he clearly grabbed and tripped Austin.

Besides that, the Al Harris interception in the end zone of the tipped pass to Terrell Owens was quite possibly the strangest play I’ve seen, but then I do remember stating something about how a football is an oblong object and bounces strangely.  Dallas was the better team, despite letting their guard down somewhat following Favre’s exit, they did what they had to do to win the game.

Green Bay will be tough to beat a second-time, but then any team you’ve played before gives you an advantage the next time, so when these two teams meet again, and they will, it will be an even better game than this time around.

On a statistical note, Romo surpassed, by far,  the single season touchdown pass record for the franchise, throwing for over 300-yards and four touchdowns.  Despite the strange bobble in the end zone, T.O. put up some good numbers and got another TD pass and Patrick Crayton had a big night, pulling down several key receptions and two touchdown grabs.   The most memorable being the 3rd-and-19 grab giving Dallas a much-needed first down that would utlimately lead to a touchdown.

DeMarcus Ware and Gregg Ellis both got some warm handshaking from owner Jerry Jones following the game for their defensive play, one crucial play being a sack by Ware against Rodgers on a big third down in the fourth quarter after the Harris interception.  But second-year cornerback Nate Jones made some great plays also, with several pass defenses and the hit on Favre that put him out of the game.  The two interceptions of Favre in the first half, the first by Ken Hamlin and the other by Terrence Newman were big plays leading to Dallas points.

It was a big win and one that will put the Cowboys in great position to certainly clinch the NFC East division handily and maintain homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.   Congratulations to them and their achievment of an 11-1 record.

Nov

29

Bucs’ DC mum about Cornhuskers’ vacancy

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte KiffinNebraska Cornhuskers
The Nebraska Cornhuskers head coaching job is still vacant and one of the candidates for the position, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, is saying little to either confirm or deny the rumors. Kiffin told Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune, “I don’t really know for sure they are interested in me. Nebraska is a unique place. I grew up there, I played there and I coached there. But I’m a Buccaneer right now. That’s all I know and I’m taking it one day at a time and one week at a time.”

Despite that statement by Kiffin, there some speed bumps in the road: the timing is rather short. Also the fact that on Wednesday, ESPN reported that the Cornhuskers had narrowed its search to two candidates - University of Buffalo head coach and former Cornhuskers quarterback Turner Gill and LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. Nebraska’s athletic director, Tom Osborne has said that he’d prefer to have this resolved “sooner than later”. The problem there - for both the Cornhuskers and Buccaneers - is that Tampa has a 2-game lead in the NFC South and the NFL playoffs do not begin until the weekend of January 5-6, 2008.

But back to Kiffin’s statement. Perhaps it is just me, but when you claim ignorance about the vacancy at Nebraska, then in the same breath wax nostalgic about the school, then use the tired cliche, “one day and week at a time”, that sounds very much like Kiffin has put out feelers, contrary to what he has said thus far. So on that take, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Kiffin accept the Nebraska gig.

Nov

29

Betting Trends & Match-Up Report

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Nov

29

Head Ball Coach Likely to Make Move to Louisiana

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Spurier

My sources have found that Steve Spurier, current head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, will be moving to Louisiana to take the head coaching job at Louisiana State University after Les Miles leaves that position.  Les Miles was given permission by the Tigers to speak with Michigan this week about their vacant head coaching position after rumors have been circulating that he will be heading their way.  LSU, currently ranked 7 in the BCS polls with a 10-2 record, has flourished under Les Miles, but a head coaching change is in line.  Les Miles could be out of LSU soon after the SEC Title Game against the Tennessee Volunteers, scheduled this Saturday at 4 pm, and on his way to Ann Arbour to begin working with the Wolverines. 

Spurrier has a coaching resume and style that could perfectly fit and spur itself into the Tigers’ fast and athletic offense.  For his on the field duties, he’s a member of the College Hall of Fame, a two-time All-American, and he’s a Heisman Trophy Winner (1966).  For his coaching duties with the University of Florida from 1991 to 2000, he’s won six SEC Championships with one National Championship in 1996.   He’s had experience with the Washington Redskins and currently with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Nov

29

Coltsgab.com Editor Stephen Rhodes’ Picks - Week 13

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson
Last Week: 12-4
Season To Date: 75-58-3

A strong week for me, thanks to the vast majority of teams covering the spread. I’ll look to hopefully build on last week with a repeat of Week 12.

Green Bay (+7) at Dallas

I don’t think this will be an offensive shootout despite what the NFL pundits have been saying. Points will be scored, for sure; however, don’t expect a 42-35 game. I think the Green Bay linebacking duo of Barnett and Hawk will have to do with the final outcome of this game. I think the Cowboys running game will dictate who wins this one - in this case, Dallas wins by 3.

San Francisco (+3) at Carolina

The tale of a sucky offense (San Francisco) vs. a mediocre defense (Carolina). All things being equal, expect a low-scoring affair, with the 49ers’ running game making the difference this week. San Francisco not only beats the spread, they win this one outright.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis (-6.5)

Folks, don’t underestimate the Jaguars. While their QB is just OK, their running duo and defense is something to worry about. And because David Garrard is the Jags’ quarterback, the colts will feast on interceptions and provide enough pressure on passing downs to make Peyton’s job easier. Expect Addai to rush for between 90-105 yards and a TD this week. Indy by 7 (if Harrison is out), 10 if Harrison plays.

San Diego (-5.5) at Kansas City

This game will be the beginning of the end for all of the pretenders to the AFC West throne. The Chiefs’ Kolby Smith will look like the one-hit wonder as the Chargers run defense will be more productive, as opposed to Oakland’s last week. Antonio Gates will have a good game, as usual. Even Philip Rivers should be able to produce some decent numbers this week. San Diego wins big.

New York Jets at Miami (-1.5)

Both teams have something in common: both teams have no offense (maybe the Jets have the edge at RB), and both teams’ defense are suspect. So what gives here? Expect a low-scoring, boring game from beginning to end. Dolphins kicker Jay Feely wins this game late with a field goal, allowing Miami the luxury of not becoming trhe only team in NFL history to win all of their games (1972) and also lose all of their games. Miami by 3.

Detroit (+3.5) at Minnesota

I’m still not of the thought of Minnesota getting a wild-card berth this season. I think this will be the game where Detroit rights their listless ship. Kitna will throw for 280+ yards and 2 TD’s Sunday, while surprisingly, the Lions run D limits Vikings RB Chester Taylor’s productivity. Detroit wins by 4.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans (-3.5)

No recent word on if Garcia plays this weekend (I say he doesn’t), but regardless if he or Gradkowski plays, the Saints win this one easily. Why, you ask? Simple - the Saints will stifle what little running game the Bucs have, which in turn will make Tampa’s QB of the week a “running man”. The Bucs’ secondary is facing Drew Brees, not Joey Harrington. New Orleans wins this one by 7.

Seattle (+3) at Philadelphia

Philadelphia’s defense is going to need to step up as I doubt A.J. Feeley is gonna make people forget about Donovan McNabb - at least this week. The Eagles’ Brian Westbrook will do well, but the Seahawks’ secondary will make the difference here as I expect them to pick off Feeley 2 or 3 times. Seattle wins by 3.

Atlanta at St. Louis (-4)

The Falcons should just mail this one in and save the airfares. Holt and Jackson will make a mockery of the Falcons’ defense. The only good thing going for the Falcons this week is that this loss will get them that much closer to that coveted high first-round pick that they’ll sorely need. St. Louis wins by 10 - at least. Can you say Brian Brohm, Atlanta?

Houston (+4) at Tennessee

Nashville, we’ve got a problem. That problem is the tandem of Texans quarterback Matt Schaub and wide receiver Andre Johnson. While true that the Titans run D is decent, the Texans have less of a running game than even the Green Bay Packers (in my opinion). Schaub will embarrass the Titans’ secondary and the game will be decided around mid-3rd quarter. Houston should win this one easily.

Buffalo (+5.5) at Washington

This game will be an emotional one, due to the untimely death of Redskins safety Sean Taylor. How the Redskins will handle that during the game is speculative at this point, but all indicators point towards Buffalo passing the ball more than usual against the Redskins’ secondary. Buffalo’s special teams, I think, will be the deciding factor here as the Bills win a close one.

Cleveland (+1.5) at Arizona

Are you kidding me? Arizona loses to the 49ers yet are installed as a 1.5 point favorite? C’mon now. The Browns will have the boxer’s mentality - meaning that Cleveland RB Jamal Lewis will soften up the Cards’ D-line, then Browns QB Derek Anderson will throw the ball at least 35 times against the suddenly-depleted Cards’ secondary. This game is like Evander Holyfield (in his prime) boxing Butterbean. Cleveland wins this one easily.

Denver (-3.5) at Oakland

Denver is pissed - and Oakland is the whipping boy this week. Yes, Oakland has a running attack, but that’s all they have going for them. Culpepper will be on his back often and the Broncos RB-of-the-week (Henry/Young/whoever) will rack up 100+ yards on the ground and a TD. Cutler will just have to remember to manage the game wisely. Denver wins by 7.

New York Giants (-2) at Chicago

Which Eli will we get this week? If the Chicago Hesters Bears have anything to say about it, they’d prefer last week’s version. But that’s the problem; Manning will rebound from last week’s debacle and do just fine against the Bears’ secondary. But I expect the Giants run defense to pay dividends, making life hell for one Adrian Peterson (no, not the Minnesota version). New York wins this one by 4.

Cincinnati (+9) at Pittsburgh

It isn’t often where field conditions make a difference for a team, yet that may be what’s happening this weekend. That aside, I like the chances of Roethlisberger throwing for 275+ yards and 2 TD’s, with Willie Parker scoring once himself. But at the same time, the Bengals’ Carson Palmer has some weapons, too. Expect a relatively high-scoring game (not 3-0 like last week), with Pittsburgh winning the game late.

New England (-18.5) at Baltimore

Just because the Philadelphia Eagles put a scare into the Patriots last week doesn’t mean that history will repeat itself. Facts are facts - Baltimore has no offense, while New England has one of the best defenses in the NFL. New England has tons of offense while the Ravens’ defense is a shell of its former self. All things being equal (unequal?), New England will win this one like they do most of the other weeks of the season - early and by a bunch.

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