Tuesday, September 08, 2009
NFL Returns
It's been a long off-season, and a crazy pre-season but this Thursday NFL is back.
Some of the more interesting news this pre-season:
Quarterback Brett Favre is to come out of retirement to play for the Minnesota Vikings. He said his will to win another Super Bowl prompted his decision to join the Minnesota.
The Philadelphia Eagles have signed Michael Vick on a two-year contract. He will be allowed to return in week three of the regular season, after being released from prison for his involvement in a dog fighting ring.
Former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress is almost certain to do some jail time after shooting himself in the leg in a New York nightclub. He faces weapons charges.
Some of the more interesting news this pre-season:
Quarterback Brett Favre is to come out of retirement to play for the Minnesota Vikings. He said his will to win another Super Bowl prompted his decision to join the Minnesota.
The Philadelphia Eagles have signed Michael Vick on a two-year contract. He will be allowed to return in week three of the regular season, after being released from prison for his involvement in a dog fighting ring.
Former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress is almost certain to do some jail time after shooting himself in the leg in a New York nightclub. He faces weapons charges.
Labels: NFL, nfl football, NFL news
Sunday, September 23, 2007
NFL Report
A big weekend of football action...Brett Favre tied Dan Marino's all-time record for career touchdown passes and more:
The New York Giants defence produced a stirring goal-line stand on the final possession of the game and Plaxico Burress caught the go-ahead touchdown to secure a 24-17 victory over the Washington Redskins.
Reuben Droughns had two TDs for New York (1-2), who scored 21 unanswered points after half-time to secure the victory.
The Carolina Panthers recovered from losing quarterback Jake Delhomme through injury to rally behind the running of DeShaun Foster to post a 27-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Matt Hasselbeck tossed a 22-yard touchdown pass to Nate Burleson with just over a minute remaining to lift the Seattle Seahawks to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
It was the 17th career fourth-quarter comeback for Hasselbeck, who completed 24-of-37 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
Burleson's touchdown capped a wild fourth quarter in which there were four lead changes.
The Jacksonville Jaguars used both their running game and the clock to edge out the Denver Broncos 23-14 at Invesco Field.
The Jaguars rushed for 186 yards and took up nearly 39 minutes of the clock to pick up the road win.
Tommy Kelly blocked Phil Dawson's 40-yard game-winning field goal attempt as time expired to preserve the Oakland Raiders' 26-24 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Brett Favre tied Dan Marino's all-time record for career touchdown passes as the surprising Green Bay Packers beat the San Diego Chargers 31-24.
The ageless Favre threw for three scores, giving him 420 in his career to tie Marino's mark.
Favre matched the mark in dramatic fashion, finding Greg Jennings over the middle for a 57-yard score with 2:30 remaining to give the Packers a 24-21 lead.
Linebacker Nick Barnett sealed things by intercepting Philip Rivers and breaking off a 38-yard return to the San Diego two.
Two plays later, Brandon Jackson scored on a one-yard run to make it 31-21 with 59 seconds left.
Joseph Addai rushed for 72 yards and two touchdowns and Peyton Manning threw for 273 yards and one score, leading the Indianapolis Colts to a 30-24 victory over the Houston Texans.
The win left Indianapolis (3-0) in sole possesion of first place in the AFC South.
Tom Brady tied a career high with four touchdown passes as the New England Patriots cruised to a 38-7 victory over the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium.
Acquired from the Oakland Raiders this off-season, Randy Moss hauled in two of Brady's touchdown passes and finished with five receptions for 115 yards.
Tampa Bay held St Louis without a touchdown and kept them winless on the season with a 24-3 victory.
Tampa put together just enough offence, getting a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown runs from Earnest Graham, and took advantage of two misses by Rams placekicker Jeff Wilkins to win their second consecutive game.
The Kansas City Chiefs finally showed some signs of life on offence as they beat the Minnesota Vikings 13-10.
The Pittsburgh Steelers used Allen Rossum's 98-yard kick-off return for a touchdown, a punishing ground attack and more strong defense to post a 37-16 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Donovan McNabb threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns and Brian Westbrook also enjoyed a huge game as the Philadelphia Eagles rolled to a 56-21 victory over the Detroit Lions.
Matt Stover's 46-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Baltimore Ravens to a 26-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Stover's kick allowed the Ravens to survive a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Cardinals led by Kurt Warner after Matt Leinart had been benched.
Chad Pennington shook off an ankle injury on his return to the starting lineup and threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as the New York Jets beat the winless Miami Dolphins 31-28 in an AFC East clash.
The New York Giants defence produced a stirring goal-line stand on the final possession of the game and Plaxico Burress caught the go-ahead touchdown to secure a 24-17 victory over the Washington Redskins.
Reuben Droughns had two TDs for New York (1-2), who scored 21 unanswered points after half-time to secure the victory.
The Carolina Panthers recovered from losing quarterback Jake Delhomme through injury to rally behind the running of DeShaun Foster to post a 27-20 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Matt Hasselbeck tossed a 22-yard touchdown pass to Nate Burleson with just over a minute remaining to lift the Seattle Seahawks to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
It was the 17th career fourth-quarter comeback for Hasselbeck, who completed 24-of-37 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
Burleson's touchdown capped a wild fourth quarter in which there were four lead changes.
The Jacksonville Jaguars used both their running game and the clock to edge out the Denver Broncos 23-14 at Invesco Field.
The Jaguars rushed for 186 yards and took up nearly 39 minutes of the clock to pick up the road win.
Tommy Kelly blocked Phil Dawson's 40-yard game-winning field goal attempt as time expired to preserve the Oakland Raiders' 26-24 victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Brett Favre tied Dan Marino's all-time record for career touchdown passes as the surprising Green Bay Packers beat the San Diego Chargers 31-24.
The ageless Favre threw for three scores, giving him 420 in his career to tie Marino's mark.
Favre matched the mark in dramatic fashion, finding Greg Jennings over the middle for a 57-yard score with 2:30 remaining to give the Packers a 24-21 lead.
Linebacker Nick Barnett sealed things by intercepting Philip Rivers and breaking off a 38-yard return to the San Diego two.
Two plays later, Brandon Jackson scored on a one-yard run to make it 31-21 with 59 seconds left.
Joseph Addai rushed for 72 yards and two touchdowns and Peyton Manning threw for 273 yards and one score, leading the Indianapolis Colts to a 30-24 victory over the Houston Texans.
The win left Indianapolis (3-0) in sole possesion of first place in the AFC South.
Tom Brady tied a career high with four touchdown passes as the New England Patriots cruised to a 38-7 victory over the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium.
Acquired from the Oakland Raiders this off-season, Randy Moss hauled in two of Brady's touchdown passes and finished with five receptions for 115 yards.
Tampa Bay held St Louis without a touchdown and kept them winless on the season with a 24-3 victory.
Tampa put together just enough offence, getting a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown runs from Earnest Graham, and took advantage of two misses by Rams placekicker Jeff Wilkins to win their second consecutive game.
The Kansas City Chiefs finally showed some signs of life on offence as they beat the Minnesota Vikings 13-10.
The Pittsburgh Steelers used Allen Rossum's 98-yard kick-off return for a touchdown, a punishing ground attack and more strong defense to post a 37-16 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Donovan McNabb threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns and Brian Westbrook also enjoyed a huge game as the Philadelphia Eagles rolled to a 56-21 victory over the Detroit Lions.
Matt Stover's 46-yard field goal as time expired lifted the Baltimore Ravens to a 26-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
Stover's kick allowed the Ravens to survive a furious fourth-quarter rally by the Cardinals led by Kurt Warner after Matt Leinart had been benched.
Chad Pennington shook off an ankle injury on his return to the starting lineup and threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as the New York Jets beat the winless Miami Dolphins 31-28 in an AFC East clash.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Week 2 NFL Picks
Here's my picks for some of this weekend's games:
Pittsburgh OVER vs Buffalo, Sunday, September 16, 1:00 PM EST
New Orleans to COVER -3 @ Tampa Bay, Sunday, September 16, 1:00 PM EST
Houston Covers +6 @ Carolina, Sunday, September 16, 1:00 PM EST
Dallas to COVER -3 at Miami, Sunday, September 16, 4:05 PM EST
I might bet my allowance...
Pittsburgh OVER vs Buffalo, Sunday, September 16, 1:00 PM EST
New Orleans to COVER -3 @ Tampa Bay, Sunday, September 16, 1:00 PM EST
Houston Covers +6 @ Carolina, Sunday, September 16, 1:00 PM EST
Dallas to COVER -3 at Miami, Sunday, September 16, 4:05 PM EST
I might bet my allowance...
Pats Vs Chargers & more
Two popular picks to represent the AFC in Super Bowl XLII will engage in a potentially telling early-season test on Sunday night, when the New England Patriots host the San Diego Chargers in a rematch of a 2006 playoff thriller.
I'm taking the Pats to win this one.
It was last Jan. 14th when the Patriots traveled to San Diego as the underdog in an AFC Divisional Playoff, with the Chargers riding a 10-game win streak and sporting an NFL-best 14-2 record entering its first battle of the postseason. But New England shocked San Diego that day, rallying from a 21-13 fourth quarter deficit to win, 24-21, and igniting a much-discussed series of events.
Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson publicly admonished several members of the Patriots for what he viewed as a disrespectful postgame celebration, and more than a month after the season, the San Diego organization used the continued playoff failings of head coach Marty Schottenheimer as an impetus to firing the coach.
Schottenheimer was eventually replaced by Norv Turner, who opened his tenure with the Chargers by defeating the Bears, 14-3, last Sunday.
New England also got off to a winning start last week, humbling the Jets by a 38-14 count, but the victory was overshadowed by a brewing controversy.
The NFL reportedly seized a video tape recorded by a member of the Patriots staff that included footage of the hand signals of the Jets' defensive coaches. On Thursday night, the league handed down a penalty for the violation of NFL policy that included a $500,000 fine for head coach Bill Belichick, a $250,000 fine for the organization, and the loss of either a first-round 2008 Draft pick (if New England reaches the playoffs this year) or a second- and a third-round choice.
I think this is way too harsh.
I'm taking the Pats to win this one.
It was last Jan. 14th when the Patriots traveled to San Diego as the underdog in an AFC Divisional Playoff, with the Chargers riding a 10-game win streak and sporting an NFL-best 14-2 record entering its first battle of the postseason. But New England shocked San Diego that day, rallying from a 21-13 fourth quarter deficit to win, 24-21, and igniting a much-discussed series of events.
Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson publicly admonished several members of the Patriots for what he viewed as a disrespectful postgame celebration, and more than a month after the season, the San Diego organization used the continued playoff failings of head coach Marty Schottenheimer as an impetus to firing the coach.
Schottenheimer was eventually replaced by Norv Turner, who opened his tenure with the Chargers by defeating the Bears, 14-3, last Sunday.
New England also got off to a winning start last week, humbling the Jets by a 38-14 count, but the victory was overshadowed by a brewing controversy.
The NFL reportedly seized a video tape recorded by a member of the Patriots staff that included footage of the hand signals of the Jets' defensive coaches. On Thursday night, the league handed down a penalty for the violation of NFL policy that included a $500,000 fine for head coach Bill Belichick, a $250,000 fine for the organization, and the loss of either a first-round 2008 Draft pick (if New England reaches the playoffs this year) or a second- and a third-round choice.
I think this is way too harsh.
Friday, July 20, 2007
NFL Football Transfer News Headlines
Here's some NFL Football Transfer News Headlines:
CULPEPPER FINALLY LEAVES MIAMI
Miami Dolphins have officially released quarterback Daunte Culpepper. (More)
REDDING AGREES $49 MILLION DEAL
The Detroit Lions have agreed a seven year $49 million contract with Cory Redding. (More)
LIONS RE-SIGN REDDING
Detroit Lions have re-signed defensive tackle Cory Redding to a multi-year contract. (More)
DUO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL PICKS
The San Diego Chargers and Baltimore Ravens each made a selection in the supplemental draft. (More)
RAIDERS SIGN DARIUS
Oakland Raiders bolstered their strong secondary by signing safety Donovin Darius from Jacksonville. (More)
AKAH JOINS BRONCOS
Offensive lineman Emmanuel Akah has joined Denver Broncos from Frankfurt Galaxy. (More)
BEARS SIGN OLSEN
The Chicago Bears have announced the signing of rookie tight end Greg Olsen on a five-year contract. (More)
VASHER SIGNS ON FOR BEARS
The Chicago Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher has signed a five-year contract extension. (More)
FALCONS SWOOP FOR HUFF
Atlanta Falcons have bolstered their linebacking ranks with the signing of Orlando Huff. (More)
BREASTON SIGNS THREE-YEAR DEAL
Arizona Cardinals have signed receiver Steve Breaston to a three-year deal. (More)
McCRAY SIGNS JAGUARS DEAL
Defensive end Bobby McCray has signed his tender offer with the Jacksonville Jaguars. (More)
McNABB BACK IN PRACTICE
Donovan McNabb has returned to practice following his serious knee injury. (More)
NINERS SIGN RAYBURN
The San Francisco 49ers have added depth to their defensive line by signing tackle Sam Rayburn. (More)
CULPEPPER FINALLY LEAVES MIAMI
Miami Dolphins have officially released quarterback Daunte Culpepper. (More)
REDDING AGREES $49 MILLION DEAL
The Detroit Lions have agreed a seven year $49 million contract with Cory Redding. (More)
LIONS RE-SIGN REDDING
Detroit Lions have re-signed defensive tackle Cory Redding to a multi-year contract. (More)
DUO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL PICKS
The San Diego Chargers and Baltimore Ravens each made a selection in the supplemental draft. (More)
RAIDERS SIGN DARIUS
Oakland Raiders bolstered their strong secondary by signing safety Donovin Darius from Jacksonville. (More)
AKAH JOINS BRONCOS
Offensive lineman Emmanuel Akah has joined Denver Broncos from Frankfurt Galaxy. (More)
BEARS SIGN OLSEN
The Chicago Bears have announced the signing of rookie tight end Greg Olsen on a five-year contract. (More)
VASHER SIGNS ON FOR BEARS
The Chicago Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher has signed a five-year contract extension. (More)
FALCONS SWOOP FOR HUFF
Atlanta Falcons have bolstered their linebacking ranks with the signing of Orlando Huff. (More)
BREASTON SIGNS THREE-YEAR DEAL
Arizona Cardinals have signed receiver Steve Breaston to a three-year deal. (More)
McCRAY SIGNS JAGUARS DEAL
Defensive end Bobby McCray has signed his tender offer with the Jacksonville Jaguars. (More)
McNABB BACK IN PRACTICE
Donovan McNabb has returned to practice following his serious knee injury. (More)
NINERS SIGN RAYBURN
The San Francisco 49ers have added depth to their defensive line by signing tackle Sam Rayburn. (More)
Monday, June 25, 2007
Tank Johnson released by the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears decided to cut ties with Johnson just three days after he was stopped by police in Arizona, reportedly for driving while impaired.
Tank had already been suspended for eight games earlier this month by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league's personal conduct policy. He served 60 days in jail on a probation violation earlier this year. When Goodell suspended Johnson, he said in a letter that he would be willing to reduce the ban should Johnson meet certain conditions. One of the conditions was that Johnson have no further involvement with law enforcement.
Johnson, 25, was released from Cook County Jail on May 13 on good behaviour after serving half of his four-month sentence that was handed down on March 15 for violating his probation on a 2005 weapons conviction.
Tank had already been suspended for eight games earlier this month by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league's personal conduct policy. He served 60 days in jail on a probation violation earlier this year. When Goodell suspended Johnson, he said in a letter that he would be willing to reduce the ban should Johnson meet certain conditions. One of the conditions was that Johnson have no further involvement with law enforcement.
Johnson, 25, was released from Cook County Jail on May 13 on good behaviour after serving half of his four-month sentence that was handed down on March 15 for violating his probation on a 2005 weapons conviction.
Labels: chicago bears, NFL, tank johnson
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Tank Johnson received an eight-week suspension
Chicago's Tank Johnson has been banned for eight games for violating the league's personal conduct policy. He was recently released from jail after a probation violation.
Johnson received an eight-week suspension Monday from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violating terms of probation, and he then spoke largely of moving ahead with his career and life now that he finally knows his penalty following weeks of waiting. The suspension can be reduced to six weeks with good behavior, and Johnson will not be paid during the suspension.
Johnson received an eight-week suspension Monday from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for violating terms of probation, and he then spoke largely of moving ahead with his career and life now that he finally knows his penalty following weeks of waiting. The suspension can be reduced to six weeks with good behavior, and Johnson will not be paid during the suspension.
Labels: NFL, NFL news, tank johnson
Thursday, May 24, 2007
NFL No. 1 in Sports World?
Here's an interesting story from the star-telegram.com
NFL flawed and ugly, but it's No. 1 in sports world
"Of all the sports, the NFL continues to amaze in its marketing expertise. How else do you explain building a new billion dollar stadium and charging $900 per ticket for a Super Bowl, while the quality of the product on the field continues to diminish? Fascinating."
That's a bingo for Jim.
Locally, we celebrate this week the coming of a Super Bowl, and rightfully so.
We praise Jerry Jones for delivering on a promise to Arlington voters, and rightfully so.
Meanwhile, Jerry's football team is simply another of the many that is mired in the muck that is the NFL product of today. Blame it on whatever, but start with that combo of salary cap and a loosening of free agency movement.
Still, the NFL product is not close to what it once was, and will never again be there.
Yet, it doesn't matter. Doesn't matter at all in the heart, head and hip pocket of the public, or the almighty TV networks. The money continues to flow like the Trinity River after a good rain. The popularity of the league continues to soar. And nothing else, jock kingdom-wise, even compares. Fascinating, as Jim from Fort Worth noted.
In Vegas, where they will bet on anything, I suggest this new "prop wager" for the sports books:
"Will the Cowboys play in a Super Bowl before Arlington hosts one in 2011?"
Tell me, Cow Sheep, are you willing to put your money where your mouth is? A team that hasn't won a playoff game in more than a decade, a team that hasn't made a Super Bowl appearance since the '95 season, so speak up, Sheepsters. How would you bet?
Then again, does it really matter anymore how good the Cowboys will be next season or beyond? Texas Stadium will still fill up every Sunday, and when the new Boss Hawg Bowl opens in Arlington, fans and sponsors will be shoveling money at Jerry.
That's just the way it is for the NFL product of today. Flawed, and even ugly, but still The One and Only Game, locally and nationally.
By comparison, check out the so-called "competition."
The NBA?
All you need to know about the current status of professional basketball is that, for the first time in forever, two American-born "franchise saviors" are available in the draft next month, which is a good thing.
But then came the tale of the ping-pong balls this week, with a lottery system determining the eventual teams for Kevin Durant and Greg Oden.
One will end up in Portland, and the other in Seattle.
Durant and Oden have now become the "Big Foot" of professional sports. Playing in the Great Northwest, they will be reduced to myths for most of the country.
Another thing about the NBA -- not even those of us who love the game can actually watch the league's current version of the Final Four.
There is boredom in the West, and incompetence in the East.
But I'm sure glad David Stern personally destroyed the NBA's one remaining playoff series for entertainment. It's good to know Stern will enforce a stupid rule. And you are now left with what, Mr. Stern?
The NHL?
Anaheim and Ottawa in the Stanley Cup Finals. Anything else you need to know? (OK, I will watch, but would anyone else like to join me?)
Major League Baseball?
The local view is flawed because of our team. Actually, the game is doing well, nationally, but the shadow of Barry Bonds hangs over baseball, and as long as that's there, the image is smudged.
NASCAR?
I'm hesitant to put this sport in with the others, because even the Sumpin' Blowed (thank you, David Casstevens, for giving me that jewel years ago) crowd will have to admit to slippage in what was once a popularity boom.
Admittedly, however, NASCAR is bigger than the NHL, although I doubt Eddie Gossage will take that as a compliment.
Bottom Line:
We live in an NFL world. Flawed and ugly doesn't matter. The Super Bowl is coming to Arlington. And sorry, but I can't help you score tickets.
Randy Galloway's Galloway & Co. can be heard weekdays 3-6 p.m. on ESPN/103.3 FM.
SUPER COWBOYS?
So what are the Cowboys' chances of playing in Super Bowl XLV at their home stadium? Based on history, zero. A team has never played in its home stadium for a Super Bowl, but four teams have played a Super Bowl in their home state.
Super Bowl XI (Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.)
Oakland 32, Minnesota 14
The Raiders traveled downstate to win their first Super Bowl title before 81 million TV viewers, the largest audience to watch a sporting event at the time.
Super Bowl XIV (Rose Bowl)
Pittsburgh 31, Los Angeles Rams 19
There was no home-field advantage for the Rams, who played their games at Los Angeles Coliseum, about 20 miles away. The Steelers won their fourth Super Bowl behind MVP Terry Bradshaw.
Super Bowl XIX (Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto, Calif.)
San Francisco 38, Miami 16
The 49ers, who played their games at Candlestick Park, did not have to travel far for this rout of the Dolphins. MVP Joe Montana passed for 3 TDs and ran for another.
Super Bowl XXXVII
(Qualcomm Stadium,
San Diego)
Tampa Bay 48, Oakland 21
This time, the Raiders had it handed to them in Southern California as the Bucs' defense intercepted five passes, returning three for touchdowns.
NFL flawed and ugly, but it's No. 1 in sports world
"Of all the sports, the NFL continues to amaze in its marketing expertise. How else do you explain building a new billion dollar stadium and charging $900 per ticket for a Super Bowl, while the quality of the product on the field continues to diminish? Fascinating."
That's a bingo for Jim.
Locally, we celebrate this week the coming of a Super Bowl, and rightfully so.
We praise Jerry Jones for delivering on a promise to Arlington voters, and rightfully so.
Meanwhile, Jerry's football team is simply another of the many that is mired in the muck that is the NFL product of today. Blame it on whatever, but start with that combo of salary cap and a loosening of free agency movement.
Still, the NFL product is not close to what it once was, and will never again be there.
Yet, it doesn't matter. Doesn't matter at all in the heart, head and hip pocket of the public, or the almighty TV networks. The money continues to flow like the Trinity River after a good rain. The popularity of the league continues to soar. And nothing else, jock kingdom-wise, even compares. Fascinating, as Jim from Fort Worth noted.
In Vegas, where they will bet on anything, I suggest this new "prop wager" for the sports books:
"Will the Cowboys play in a Super Bowl before Arlington hosts one in 2011?"
Tell me, Cow Sheep, are you willing to put your money where your mouth is? A team that hasn't won a playoff game in more than a decade, a team that hasn't made a Super Bowl appearance since the '95 season, so speak up, Sheepsters. How would you bet?
Then again, does it really matter anymore how good the Cowboys will be next season or beyond? Texas Stadium will still fill up every Sunday, and when the new Boss Hawg Bowl opens in Arlington, fans and sponsors will be shoveling money at Jerry.
That's just the way it is for the NFL product of today. Flawed, and even ugly, but still The One and Only Game, locally and nationally.
By comparison, check out the so-called "competition."
The NBA?
All you need to know about the current status of professional basketball is that, for the first time in forever, two American-born "franchise saviors" are available in the draft next month, which is a good thing.
But then came the tale of the ping-pong balls this week, with a lottery system determining the eventual teams for Kevin Durant and Greg Oden.
One will end up in Portland, and the other in Seattle.
Durant and Oden have now become the "Big Foot" of professional sports. Playing in the Great Northwest, they will be reduced to myths for most of the country.
Another thing about the NBA -- not even those of us who love the game can actually watch the league's current version of the Final Four.
There is boredom in the West, and incompetence in the East.
But I'm sure glad David Stern personally destroyed the NBA's one remaining playoff series for entertainment. It's good to know Stern will enforce a stupid rule. And you are now left with what, Mr. Stern?
The NHL?
Anaheim and Ottawa in the Stanley Cup Finals. Anything else you need to know? (OK, I will watch, but would anyone else like to join me?)
Major League Baseball?
The local view is flawed because of our team. Actually, the game is doing well, nationally, but the shadow of Barry Bonds hangs over baseball, and as long as that's there, the image is smudged.
NASCAR?
I'm hesitant to put this sport in with the others, because even the Sumpin' Blowed (thank you, David Casstevens, for giving me that jewel years ago) crowd will have to admit to slippage in what was once a popularity boom.
Admittedly, however, NASCAR is bigger than the NHL, although I doubt Eddie Gossage will take that as a compliment.
Bottom Line:
We live in an NFL world. Flawed and ugly doesn't matter. The Super Bowl is coming to Arlington. And sorry, but I can't help you score tickets.
Randy Galloway's Galloway & Co. can be heard weekdays 3-6 p.m. on ESPN/103.3 FM.
SUPER COWBOYS?
So what are the Cowboys' chances of playing in Super Bowl XLV at their home stadium? Based on history, zero. A team has never played in its home stadium for a Super Bowl, but four teams have played a Super Bowl in their home state.
Super Bowl XI (Rose Bowl, Pasadena, Calif.)
Oakland 32, Minnesota 14
The Raiders traveled downstate to win their first Super Bowl title before 81 million TV viewers, the largest audience to watch a sporting event at the time.
Super Bowl XIV (Rose Bowl)
Pittsburgh 31, Los Angeles Rams 19
There was no home-field advantage for the Rams, who played their games at Los Angeles Coliseum, about 20 miles away. The Steelers won their fourth Super Bowl behind MVP Terry Bradshaw.
Super Bowl XIX (Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto, Calif.)
San Francisco 38, Miami 16
The 49ers, who played their games at Candlestick Park, did not have to travel far for this rout of the Dolphins. MVP Joe Montana passed for 3 TDs and ran for another.
Super Bowl XXXVII
(Qualcomm Stadium,
San Diego)
Tampa Bay 48, Oakland 21
This time, the Raiders had it handed to them in Southern California as the Bucs' defense intercepted five passes, returning three for touchdowns.
Labels: 2007 nfl, NFL, NFL news
