The Problem with Derek Anderson (December 27, 2007) posted by Michael Langston Moore

This has been a dream season for Cleveland Browns’ fans. After watching a putrid product on the field for years, Browns’ fans were treated to high scoring, competitive football every weekend this season. The city embraced the “Believeland” moniker, and NFL pundits have openly stated that the Browns are the surprise of the NFL this season.

There’s no bigger of a surprise than quarterback Derek Anderson. A third year player and former sixth round pick, Anderson has been instrumental in pulling the Browns from the ashes.

So there’s no problem, right? Well, not exactly.

While Anderson has big numbers, one cannot know everything there is to know about Anderson’s play just by his stats. Last week, I wrote a blog entry about how the Browns needed to take care of their own business to get into the playoffs. They controlled their own destiny. With a win, they would be invited to the post-season party.

 

 In that blog, I also mentioned that the Bengals posed a serious threat. I stated that Cincinnati has a potent offense, and that Cleveland cannot afford to get behind against the Bengals.

I mentioned that Derek Anderson, in particular, has a penchant for slow starts early in games. Slow starts that put his team in a large hole.

As an example, I mentioned the Arizona Cardinals game, where Anderson threw two interceptions and fumbled a snap--all before the first half. The result? The Browns lost a very winnable game. In last week’s article, I wrote that another “slow start by Anderson could have the Browns down by fourteen or even twenty-one points early in the game.”

Continue reading "The Problem with Derek Anderson (December ..."

Dwight Howard, Daddy! posted by kellex

http://lebasketbawl.blogspot.com/2008/01/dwight-howard-daddy.html

On November 18, 2007, Braylon Joshua Robert Howard was born! On December 23rd the Orlando Sentinel posted a birth announcement for the young Howard, except it didn't list the father? That's right! Dwight had a baby and no one knew about it! He even played a game on November 18th, the same day the baby was born and didn't say a word! That crazy boy! The mother, a former Orlando Magic dancer (word!), now lives in Miami, where she also dances and also no longer sees DH. Another athlete making more babies!

Dwight now belongs to this elite list:

• Dwight Howard - Orlando Magic - 1 child, 1 mother
• Tom Brady - New England Patriots - 1 child, 1 mother
• Matt Leinart - Arizona Cardinals - 1 child, 1 mother
• Marshall Faulk - Former NFL star - 6 children, 3 mothers
  
• Ray Lewis - Baltimore Ravens - 6 children, 4 mothers
  
• Shawn Kemp - Former Seattle Sonic - 7 children, 6 mothers
• Travis Henry - Denver Bronco - 9 children, 9 mothers
• Evander Holyfield - Washed up boxer - 9 children, mothers unknown
  
• Calvin Murphy - Former NBA star - 14 children, 9 mothers

Now, Dwight has a ways to go to catch some of these pros, but Continue reading "Dwight Howard, Daddy!"

D'oh! Romo Looks Downright Lienart-esque In Simpson's Presence posted by Kyle Lawrence

It's been noted numerously the suspicious nature of professional athletes. Perhaps after Sunday's loss, Tony Romo will stop inviting celebrity girlfriends to Texas Stadium when hosting the Philadelphia Eagles. After Carrie Underwood, of American Idol fame, witnessed the Cowboys lose to the lowly Eagles last season, Romo found new depths of suckitude to display for current love interest Jessica Simpson.

The typically outstanding performance we've come to expect from Romo was absent Sunday. In it's place was Romo's worst game of his career netting him a QB rating of, wait for it, 22.2 on 13-of-36 passing for 214 yards and three interceptions.

Much has been said of Romo's Hollywood style ascension to one of the most glamorous positions in all of sports. In fact, it could be argued that somewhere along the line Tony Romo stole the career Matt Leinart was expecting when he left USC for the Arizona Cardinals. Leinart has been accused of spending too much time mugging for cameras and not enough concentrating on his playbook. His limited time on-field this season did little to dispel such statements.

Tony Romo, meanwhile, has appeared absolutely charmed in his brief time as Cowboys' helm-meister. His gridiron triumphs seem reflected in the caliber of beauties being linked with him in tabloids and online. Unfortunately, in their presence he comes off much more like the star struck rookie than the four year backup turned second year starter.  Sunday, Romo appeared to be all thumbs.

And speaking of thumbs, a third quarter injury to his right thumb did nothing to help Romo's game. There would be no late game charge, no two minute drill heroics to save the day as there were in Number Nine's previous clunker this season against the Buffalo Bills, and again last week against the Detroit Lions.

Continue reading "D'oh! Romo Looks Downright Lienart-esque ..."

Cardinals TE Patrick suspended 4 games (AP)

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From Yahoo! Sports

Super Bowl rings presented to Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers received their Super Bowl rings, four months after beating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 for their record sixth NFL championship.The rings were presented at a private ceremony on Tuesday at Heinz Field. The ring's design was kept confidential until then.Each player got a ring with his name and number on it. On Monday, coach Mike Tomlin said he was excited about getting his ring, but that it will mark the end of the 2008 season. Now, he says, it's time to focus on 2009. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Steelers presented with Super Bowl rings (AP)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten their Super Bowl rings, four months after beating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 for the franchise's record sixth championship. The rings were presented at a private ceremony Tuesday night at Heinz Field. The ring's design was kept confidential until then. Each player got a ring with his name and number on it. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Steelers set to receive Super Bowl rings (AP)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting their Super Bowl rings, four months after beating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 for the franchise's record sixth championship. The rings will be presented at a private ceremony Tuesday night at Heinz Field. The ring's design is being kept confidential until then. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Cardinals ink S Wilson for 5 years, $39M (AP)

The Arizona Cardinals took care of their top offseason priority on Thursday by signing two-time Pro Bowl safety Adrian Wilson to a new five-year, $39 million contract, with $18.5 million guaranteed. The deal puts Wilson under contract through the 2013 season. "The main point was we wanted to extend our relationship with a great football player," general manager Rod Graves said after a... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports