Deion Branch... is also available?

Please SOMEONE make sure that Carl Peterson gets a view of this blog or another one like it!! It's Deion Branch!!
C'mon Dude!! This is an "All-Pro NFL Reciever" he is as of yet, NOT signed, previous to our last preseason game of the '06 season!
Dont you all think that SOMEBODY is asleep at the switch here?
Patriots owner Robert Kraft remains "optimistic", he's so hoping that wide receiver Deion Branch will rejoin his team by Friday. "We'll know the answer to that within three days," Kraft said earlier this week prior to the 'Kickoff Gala' at Gillette Stadium.
True he is saying all the right things... "Like all the fans, I appreciate and think Deion is very special. But we have to let things work their way out and we'll see what happens come Friday." Apparently, the team has given Branch till then, for negotiating with other teams.
!!!Hello Carl!!! Drop the quarter in the phone... THIS time!

Honest we'll forgive over time that little Donte Stallworth slip et al. earlier this week. Tell us, there is no way this one can go under your radar... right Carl?? You do know about all this happening in the next 48hrs, RIGHT?

Perhaps the Patriots are just getting swept up in the fact they have compiled such dominant numbers in the preseason to date. In the first two games they won shall we say, handily? Lets see, points for 71, hmm 71? Maybe they can afford to make a few changes... cut a few bucks. The defense has yielded a total of 3 pts! In two games... Well, maybe we outta just take that fat contract off your hands,.

Of course, we have to get Carl on the phone!!
Maybe you could call him? PLEASE!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

I guess Im sorta glad...

The Saints will be without Dante Stallworth when they come into town for our season opener. I just wonder why we didnt make a play for him? All that was reuired was a linebacker and I thought we had too many of them! Thats what the reports say anyway.
It would be a sin to have to waive one of our guys next week and not get a thing for him. We are rich in fairly good LBs! Still this morning, we are massively short in pass recievers. Are things getting so tight that Carl Peterson wont chip in a quarter to make a call? I dont understand. Help me.

Here is the article from the Times-Picayune in New Orleans:

Saints trade Stallworth to Eagles
Monday, 3:15 p.m.

From staff reports
Two days after another poor showing from its first team defense, the Saints traded starting wide receiver Donte Stallworth to the Philadelphia Eagles for linebacker Mark Simoneau and an undisclosed draft pick, league sources said Monday.

Stallworth, a former first-round pick from Tennessee, was coming off his best season as Saint, catching 70 passes for 945 yards.

The Saints also cut four players Monday, including longtime special-teams ace Fred McAfee. Quarterback Jason Fife, cornerback Joey Thomas and tight end Tim Euhus were the other three players released by the team. On Friday, the Saints picked up defensive tackle Antwan Lake off waivers from the Atlanta Falcons.


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Michael, Michael, Michael!!! Reggie who?

Life could get real interesting when the Saints come marching in. Thursday, my prayer is that the home team comes out with both barrels pointed dead on "Reggie Bush"!


The first running back chosen out of the draft will hopefully be a little out of kilter when he suits up against our newly inspired D-line. If not- it could be a long night for the linebacking crew. It appears though he has been stopped in his two previous games, yes, he had a couple breakaway runs but aparently his end numbers dont reflect any consistant performance. ---Yet. With the right amount of pressure... well maybe we can keep his string manageable.

Actually, the matchup Im looking forward to is Michael Bennett vs. the Saints "D". This guy has the ability to run with some attitude, much like Larry Johnson, he may want to make a statement. If our team chooses to fan the embers it may make that second half running game more consistant in the fun factor. It will not take much after being seen last week, wallowing in the apathetic. What a miserable offense Dee Brown demonstrated for the home crowd, well, anyway... whatever.
Okay Michael, well, I'll be watching for it all dude... give 'em hell!!

Once again Im throwing out my kudos to Ryan Sims for last weeks grunt. Hey dude I havent seen alot of other people chiming in on my evaluation of your game against the Rams. Hey, I saw it all bro. Do it again this week and you'll go a long way to shuttin' the mouths of those who are whole lot mouthier than you! I did my part for your agenda, I asked them all to watch the reply of your game on Sunday afternoon. I havent heard much, or read anything. Alas, I guess this blog doesnt have the readership, sorry. Maybe you heard from those people personally, hope so. Anyway, Smack 'em once, HARD, for me Man!!!

A word before I go, to Crap' hey dude you didnt show us anything. ----As for another notable cut on Monday, Nick Reid, the popular linebacker from Kansas and the Big 12’s defensive player of the year. I got a feeling coach Edwards will make it possible you could return with the Chiefs practice squad next week.

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Whos gonna make the Cut?

Tell you what this guy is gonna make it.


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NOW! That's some Football !!!! Damn, that's Nice!!!!!!!

Wow is right! That was one hell of a game! The starting drive that featured the Chiefs first string held some good surprises about this offense. They also solidified my gut feeling that there is little to nothing wrong with the Chiefs starting line up.
Vanilla. Thats what we got for two weeks now. Vanilla on offense, Vanilla defense. It was all a hoax. The NFL can be one big headgame for its observers and a few participants too! Vanilla, we showed little to nothing of our offense the first two games- on the road. You have to hand it to Coach Herm. He continues to downplay his offense and "express concern" for the weapons that are loaded in the barrel for the home opener. Watchout Cincinati.
Even todays national media recaps focus on the hopelessness for the second team on offense, and defense! ESPN, FoxSports, et al each have the quotes of Coach Herm saying, 'well things went well in the first half but...' Even Jason Whitlock had little to say but concern. Even after his Ty Law campaign came to fruitity. Jason hasnt uttered a word since, except to downplay the success'- and highlight the problems!
No mention, whatsoever, about John Pollard and his "killer" performance, delivering the voracious hit that broke any hope of the Rams. Even after his interception that stalled the previous drive. Ummm, I'm not sure, but he played with the second unit, right? How about Ryan Sims, the man played his career game in his minutes at nose tackle and left tackle. Nothing said. He gave excellent pressure most of the time. He disrupted the offense on a number of occasions, only so that Wilkerson could get the stats/tackles. Well, I watched you Ryan, you got kudos coming from me. A most fine performance son! Someone will notice when they see the films today!
No, either I saw a different game or the headgames are proliferating all over the media today. Kyle Turley- well done man, well done. LJ no need to comment, the man is a bull, everyone knows that. Trent Green, quietly the most amazing story, again. Check his stats. Mackenzie Smith, keep that guy! Wilkerson too, epic performance. Now you all tell how this D-line is the number one concern on this team. Lets hear it from all the naysayers!
Now, Korn Robinson, someone call this guy. He is an excellent posession reciever- we need another one. The only thing he does better than catch a football is toss down a few drinks. However, he has lost two good jobs now- in a very short career. CarlP, tell him three strikes and he is out- but sign him. No Worry dude, I'll take him to all his meetings, thats what A.A. is for, have him email me.! Smile.

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I think its time for a little Blood on the Mud tomorrow ...it is Gonna Rain!

...Time to kick some ass in their home opener on Saturday.


As if the pitiful showing of the first two disasterous preseason games doesnt make them already extremely uncomfortable. Even if ELIZABETH MERRILL, who writes for the Kansas City Star, today decides to concentrate on the quarterback Trent Greens "sense of order in a time of unrest." -and reports how

"Green bristled at a question Thursday that suggested that the national media are calling the
Chiefs a bust." “That’s pretty funny,” he said, “because we haven’t even started. We haven’t
even started the season. That doesn’t faze me one way or the other.”

The good captain is quietly trying to stop the murmuring, trying to still the rolling waves of doubt. All the while the rest of the league is talking about the demise of the Chiefs- before the season has even kicked off!

ie: Fox Sports:
John Czarnecki / FOXSports.com

-10 things to watch heading into the season-

Kansas City looks like a descending team.

Herman Edwards bolted the New York Jets because he knew the personnel cupboard was bare, but his Chiefs have looked below average this summer. Every fantasy-league junkie wants to pick Larry Johnson No. 1, but he will miss Willie Roaf's blocking and the mad genius of Al Saunders. Now, Saunders and Johnson weren't the best of buddies, but talented offensive line coach Mike Solari can't know the passing game like Saunders and he's calling the plays. The Chiefs won't win by running Johnson every down and for some reason the defense seems devoid of a pass rush.
********************************************************
EEEEWWWWW, jeesh that one hurt! ...from HERE!
I dunno, I know this team has alot to prove, to themselves and to each other- and it needs to start doing it SATURDAY! They cant wait till AFTER the Rams steal a victory in Chieftown. They cant wait for a phonecall tomorrow morning from Willie Roaf saying he is ready to return. The rubber is gonna have to start to meet the road! This is their new coachs' premiere game of the season in front of a friendly crowd. So, alot of new faces gotta splatter some blood on the faces of the guy on the other side of the line! ...This is their first home game of 'o6... its... Time to make a statement!

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Lamarcus is Eager to get - Restarted!

LaMarcus had a great attitude after the outpatient surgery yesterday. He was reportedly anxious to get back to Portland and resume his training. Perhaps he was a little too optmistic at this point in his recovery, ...ya think!
The doctors who performed the surgery in Los Angeles described a pecil size incision that was used to reattach a small tear on a shoulder tendon, where they used a suture to reattach it to the bone. While they were "in there" they also cleaned up a little bursitis, it is not announced whether it was injury related. Could be this injury is a little older than we think?
Anyway, in two weeks he is scheduled to have his sutures removed, and then he will have to live with his arm in a sling for three weeks. Six weeks is the optimistic date that he should experience a full range of motion. I dont know what he would be able to do in the interim for training? ?Treadmill work! Oh! Boy!
Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

LaMarcus makes the news, bad news.

Now, even MORE bad news for the Blazers.
Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge will undergo surgery to repair a small ligament tear in his right shoulder on Wednesday, according to the team.
Most thought that he wasn't going to play much this season, he was supposed to spend most of the year "bulking up" he has been training with a personal trainer for weeks. The front court was indeed crowded, true, however- now he can't be lifting weights and working his offensive schemes either!
The reports stress that the ligament tear is small but, more than a few sports pundants are saying Aldridge is not expected to have the full range of motion back in his shoulder by the time training camp opens.

Doesn't sound like such a big deal. But with the Zach news...

Oh! Heres more on that!...
Apparently Zach and a friend left a local 'establishment' checked into a downtown hotel and took two women who may be identifed as strippers with them. The room was in Zachs' name of course, the ladies were procured to provide a woman on woman sex show for the two paying gents. Apparently, this is not illegal in Portland Oregon... Just two women trying to make a living.
Then when one showed up later at the emergency room, it all broke loose!
Details will be provided in the event of an arrest warrant and DA prosecution.
Some much for the peace of river city.

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Just so the Kansas City fans dont get all 'Johnson County ' on us!

In Johnson County, a well to do suburb, outside of Kansas City folks have a reputation for, uh, sorta lookin down their noses at the rest of the world. I ran across this article that may help 'lower their nose's' as regards those recent Portland Jalblazers posts.


It seems that the local hero, the Kansas City Chiefs very own elite running back- Priest Holmes and his 'families' got in a little headline in the San Antonio News.
Note the following:


Mother of NFL Star's Child Arrested
************************************
LAST UPDATE: 8/22/2006 3:44:29 PM
Posted By: Laura Berryhill
This story is available on your cell phone at mobile.woai.com.

"An NFL star and San Antonio native ended up in the middle of fight between two women in his life this weekend.
A mother of one of Kansas City Chief Running Back Priest Holmes' children showed up at the home of another woman who also has a child with Holmes.
Jennifer Sanchez claims that Holmes is the father of her 2-year-old daughter. Sanchez went to the home of Stephanie Hale, who has at least one child by Holmes
Sheriff's deputies said Sanchez the started a fight with Hale, while her daughter sat in the car. According to the deputy's report, Sanchez drove to the home because she was looking for Holmes."

adding,

"...According to the Sheriff's report, Sanchez allegedly keyed Hale's car and punched Hale in the face. Hale then grabbed Sanchez, and they fought each other on the ground. Both were injured during the fight."
"...Deputies said Priest Holmes then showed up and checked on both women."
"...Sanchez was arrested, and Holmes left with the 2-year-old girl."
"...Jennifer Sanchez is facing assault and criminal mischief charge."


-Holmes played football locally in San Antonio, at Marshall High School and was the NFL's offensive player of the year some 4 years ago. They did mention his neck injury, that still bothers him from last year it is keeping him on the sidelines so far this season. If doctors do not clear him, he's expected to retire.

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Seems like the Last Time, seems like the Very Last Time!

I tell you, I sincerely think this is a generational issue. This idea that world owes me and I am gonna take it!! There are so many of todays atheletes entering professional careers with this "Gawd, I'm Good!" attitude. It seems to come on, irrevocably, at just about the same time the first check gets deposited in the bank!

This latest case involves ...again, Portlands only 'all-star'(?) power forward. Zach Randolph, the guy many thought was all set up to be packaged this summer with that other spoiled thug, Darius Miles, and traded for some future 6th round draft choice- just to be rid of them! Then sensing success, Portland put together a college draft that was the talk of the NBA. They made a few other trades instead, these "other trades" began to turn heads all over the country.

Then, things got mercilessly quiet out of the main office about two weeks ago. Things seemed so peaceful, so serene. Everyone has been awaiting the '06 fall camp with new hope and excitement. We got reports that instead of trading Zach- he was made certain promises. This new team was now going to be built around him, featuring him. He went immediately into an off season training regimine that quickly put him the best shape of his career to date.
Well the bubble may have burst this morning. The aura, might be soiled and faded.

It was reported in the Portland Oregonian this morning. For all the world to see.

"Complaint involving Randolph investigated"

Tuesday, August 22, 2006
MAXINE BERNSTEIN

The Portland Police Bureau acknowledged Monday that it is investigating a sexual assault complaint that was made on Aug. 14 involving Trail Blazers forward Zach Randolph.
"It's possible he's a witness; it's possible he's a suspect," said Sgt. Brian Schmautz, Portland police spokesman. "We're still working through the information in the complaint and investigating."

more ...

"The investigation apparently stems from a complaint by one of two women who were with Randolph and another man in a hotel room in downtown Portland. The room at the Hotel Vintage Plaza was rented by Randolph.
A 9-1-1 call from a local hospital on the evening of Aug. 14, when the woman arrived to seek medical attention, alerted police to the complaint. The woman arrived at the hospital some days after the alleged assault. Police declined to say when the assault allegedly occurred.
Schmautz said Randolph has obtained a lawyer and has not been interviewed.
"We're hoping to get information from him," Schmautz said.
Police have not presented a case to prosecutors.
Last week, the Police Bureau refused to confirm that an investigation involving Randolph was under way, saying that not all potential witnesses had been contacted or interviewed, and that it was premature to say Randolph was involved in an investigation because of potential harm to his reputation should the complaint be unfounded. On Monday, police said they simply were reporting that he was named in a sexual assault complaint, but that they're not identifying him as a suspect.

(His new attorney went right to work:)
"Until such time that the police have completed the investigation and it has been reviewed by the district attorney's office for a determination of whether any person may be subject to criminal prosecution, such premature comments seriously risk biasing the investigation and damaging perhaps irreparably the good name of Mr. Randolph."

----Randolph, 25, has played five seasons for the Blazers, leading the team in scoring the past three seasons. Before the 2004 season, Randolph was given the largest contract in team history -- $84 million over six seasons.

-The Blazers released a statement Monday afternoon, saying: "Since this matter is under investigation, out of respect for the legal process, we simply can't comment at this time. Once we have all the facts, we will act accordingly."

This blogger just cant explain it, I guess the NBA karma just wont let it go.
I would ask:
Is this the last time?,
Is this the very last time, I have to use the Portland Jailblazers anti-nymn?
Please let it be so, do something!


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Im Hungry! Anyone have an Easy Opener!

The Cincinati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and QB Carson Palmer neither one can decide who's making the decisions. The two contradicted each other when asked for a date releasing Palmer from rehab on his knee.

Marvin Lewis said the return would be up to Palmer. "There's nothing medically, one way or another, that's going to make a difference this week, next week, or two weeks from now." Coach Lewis said. "When he's ready, he's got to be the biggest judge of that." Does that mean he will be ready for the KC game or not? May he possibly save his starting QB for the home opener?

It had been 29 years since the Bengals scored as many points in a preseason game as they did Friday night against the Buffalo Bills. The Bengals also are 2-0 in the preseason for the first time since 2002. They don't play Game No. 3 for another week, and, it will be at home. Anthony Wright the 2nd team QB has been performing solidly. This week, Wright continued show he can be consistant, he was 9-19-0-99 with a touchdown pass. He added that performance to the last weeks, when he was 9 of 16 passes for 101 yards, w/ one touchdown, no interceptions and a 96.1 passer rating in Cincinnati's preseason opener against the Redskins. A game where e also ran once for seven yards on third down, good for a first down.

So, the next opponent, August 28 might say alot about the projected return of Carson Palmer. if it is only because it is the first home game of this undefeated preseason. They will host the Green Bay Packers.

Will Palmer "need" to take at least a few snaps before the season opener? Can they afford to wait still another week before they begin to test his knee? Afterall they too have been without the services of two offensive lineman both tackles. Besides Palmer, the first-team offense was without left tackle Levi Jones (ankle) and right tackle Willie Anderson (hamstring). Do they want to possibly leave him vulnerable in his first game back on the road!

Does he really have to be ready for the season opener in KC? Maybe they should just rest him one more game to be safe, for the home opener, against the rival Cleveland Browns. -We here in the heartland can only hope!- Palmer has deferred to the coach, saying, "Once I'm comfortable and confident in my knee, he'll make the final call. He's the head coach."

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Well, what about the Blazers? ....the Chiefs suck!

Well things are pretty quiet in P-town regards Trailblazer news. I did manage to find a writer out of New York who was talking up the potential of a Darius Miles trade from the Blazers.
This guy Martin Johnson writes for the New York Sun, whatever that is!

http://www.nysun.com/article/38062?page_no=1

He got pretty extensive about the "benefits" of aquiring the BlazerbadBoy.
His opening was

"When I first heard the rumors that the Knicks were pursuing Portland small forward Darius Miles, I cringed. This had all the hallmarks of a bad Isiah Thomas move. Then I looked closer at Miles's numbers and began to reconsider."

...Hey at least he is talking about it! Then I thought he stepped on his own tail, with things like...

"The downside of Miles is crystal clear. At 25,his bad attitude has already cost him his job with both Cleveland and the Los Angeles Clippers. Now the Blazers, a year after they gave him a far bigger contract than he deserved, can't wait to rid themselves of him. In addition, he will have trouble spacing the floor properly because he's a three who can't shoot the three. In six seasons, Miles is a 16.8% — yes 16.8% — shooter from behind the arc.

he goes on...

"He's not too good on free throws, either, nailing only 58.6% from the line. He's clashed with every coach he's played for in the NBA and is due $34 million between now and the spring of 2010."

then he finally rounds the corner, speculating that this may be an offer the Knicks cant refuse...!

" ...what do the Knicks have to lose? A trade would involve Quentin Richardson, Maurice Taylor, or someone else at the end of the bench. Channing Frye, whom the Blazers should have little room for, is the only untouchable on the Knicks roster. The Chicago Bulls, a team most pundits project to win 50 games next season, will likely exercise their option to switch draft picks with New York next spring, and the Knicks will only have a mid-level exception to offer free agents until 2009, so the window to add new talent to this team is very, very narrow."

excellent point... gimme more dude, talk me into it!

"Lastly, this is a different type of acquisition for the Knicks. When the Knicks added the contracts of Anfernee Hardaway, Malik Rose, Antonio Davis, Jalen Rose, and Taylor to their payroll, they were serving as a dumping ground for other team's unwanted, overpaid, past-their-prime players. To lump Miles into that category, you have to believe that he peaked at age 22.Very few NBA players, barring major injury, peak so young. If the Knicks win the gamble, they get a productive player who could help them get deep into the playoffs."

NOW your talkin' ...more! more! MORE! (re: bartering for Chris Webber)

"Webber at his worst has been a better player than Miles at his best, but he would be a bad pickup for two simple reasons: age and position. Webber will turn 34 in March and has two years and $42 million remaining on his contract. With Webber's bad knees, these figure to be his final two seasons, ...Webber is a talented and likeable player, but the Knicks need focus on something higher than the eighth seed of the Eastern Conference. In taking a gamble on Miles, they would have higher ground in mind. By taking on the twilight of Webber's career, they would be treating the first round of the playoffs as if it were the Finals."

Talked me into it, its a gamble, you may be stealing our next all-star (remember that young center we gave up to the Indiana Pacers... what was his name?) anyway we would consider it, just to help you out. Build bridges thats our byline!

Sincerely, Your friends in the west,
Give us a call on Monday, we'll talk!

The number is: (503) 234-9291.!!! (Psst! Dont pass it around!)


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Push, push, PUSH!

NBA rookies have the most to learn. For Lamarcus Aldridge the education is well underway.

Portland Trailblazers strength and conditioning coach, Bob Medina was just in Dallas, where he was working with Aldridge. Blazers video guy Kaleb Canales, was also on hand to help Medina out. "I went down to Dallas just as a follow up to summer league," said Medina. "I wanted to get a feel for where he's at, and to get him acclaimated to our training system before he arrives in Portland in September. We're committed to this, and wanted him to know what we expect of him. The great thing about Aldridge is he is so willing to do whatever it takes. He wants to be coached, wants to work hard, and wants to be great." Medina and Canales spent three full days with Aldridge and raved about the rookie's worth ethic and desire to head into this season physically fit.

Aldridge hasn't done much strength training, I went down there to show Aldridge how to train the NBA way, and got the ball rolling on getting some weight on his already-impressive frame." He already possesses the desire and attitude to improve, the team is sold on this professionalism. "Everyday we went to workout Aldridge was there early. said Medina. He did absolutely everything we asked of him, and wants badly to improve. He was so appreciative that we took the time and traveled to Dallas to get a jump start on his conditioning."LaMarcus felt as if people were already questioning his strength.

Medina sees a challenge, and is taking it upon himself to add muscle to the rookie. Aldridge learnedhow physical the NBA will be because he competed at the Las Vegas Summer League. He was continually was asked if he's ready to take the pounding he'll see on a nightly basis in the regular season.

"We're going to work putting weight on him, mainly upper-body strength," Medina said. "I didn't have to sell him on this, and he's totally bought in.

"After summer league ,...I sent him suppliments and a blender," said Medina. "I know it sounds funny to have to buy a millionaire a blender, but a lot of guys just aren't up to speed on nutrition, and what it takes to get their bodies ready to accept muscle. It's my job to show them everything. Now he has everything he needs, and I'll continue to educate him."

Daily workouts continue, in the weight room, on the track and on the court. The goal of Medina, and his staff, is to build healthy habits, and once again, to educate these young players on the importance of taking care of their physical condition. It's all about preparation, starting right now.



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17-0 (it says it all!)

They lost!




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Rookie pic in His New Uni !!!

LaMarcus Aldridge got in his rookie photo at:

http://www.nba.com/gallery/20060814/060814_3.html

The NBA is posing all those rookies in pretty awkward positions and snapping their pictures. LaMarcus Aldridge got off pretty light compared to some of the other guys, only having to pose as "the bad boy"LaMarcus the bad boy and another not so flattering, "the happy-go-lucky giant", it too can be seen at the same site.


They do still look better than the ususal "senior pics". Thanks too for --- sports@oregonlive.com. -- who provided the link.

Anyway a little something to remind everyone of the Big12 power!


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Ya Think We are in for a Long Night? ....AGAIN!

What Tiki Barber et al had to say in an article by PAUL SCHWARTZ for the NY POST this morning.

Headline:

Tiki Barber will make his preseason debut tonight when the Giants face the Chiefs at the Meadowlands.



Two areas are of prime interest for Coach Tom Coughlin: The Giants did not run the ball well (2.3-yard average) and were not effective in stopping the run (5.3-yard average allowed). The presence of Barber likely will spark the ground game, and on defense, figure tackles William Joseph and Fred Robbins will be watched closely; neither did an adequate job last week. All 11 starters are expected to play. The gang's all here for this one, with every starter expected to play at least through the first quarter. With the unit intact, the Giants want to see signs of progress in the brief time their stars will be in the game.

"I don't know if you need to be hitting on all cylinders in a preseason game, because as evidenced in many teams' cases the preseason means nothing," Barber said. "It's just a tune-up to see what we need to work on."
Healthy Barber was held out of the opener, Shockey sat out after experiencing a concussion a week earlier, and Snee was on the shelf with a knee injury. With the unit intact, the Giants want to see signs of progress in the brief time their stars will be in the game. Barber said, "See what we're really made of right now. It will be a good test. The second preseason game is where you start game-planning a little bit instead of just basically having a practice, which is what it was last week."

"When you get all your guys, especially two guys who are such a big part of this offense, get them back, that's gonna help us out," Manning said. ....This vision that keeps dancing around the head of Plaxico Burress, an exciting vision he's anxious to transport from his mind to the football field. What the towering receiver envisions is dominance from the Giants offense, a systematic bludgeoning of the opposing defense, a forceful display he'd like to see unveiled tonight in a preseason meeting with the Chiefs at Giants Stadium. "For the first time, all 11 of our guys will be on the football field," Burress said. "We can run it, we can throw it, we can do all the things we want to do; we just got to focus on what we want to do. We can pitch and catch and run and do all exciting things, but we got to go do it and stop talking about it.

Barber said, "Like I told [Jeremy] Shockey, it can be fun, we can go out and pretty much do what we want to do, give defenses headaches, but we have to go out and play as one, jell as a unit and stay on the football field. Stop killing ourselves. We go out and do that - the sky's the limit for this offense. "The gang's all here for this one, with every starter expected to play at least through the first quarter. Healthy Barber was held out of the opener, Shockey sat out after experiencing a concussion a week earlier, and Snee was on the shelf with a knee injury. With the unit intact, the Giants want to see signs of progress in the brief time their stars will be in the game.

The Giants never came close to reaching those heights in their preseason opener, a 17-16 victory in Baltimore. Playing without three starters (Shockey, Tiki Barber and Chris Snee), the offense went three-and-out on its first possession and did the same on its second, which included an Eli Manning delay of game penalty. It was only after the Ravens substituted for their starting defense that the Giants were able to sustain a seven-play, 80-yard drive, fueled by a 43-yard completion to Burress. Brandon Jacobs completed the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.

Last week:
"We wanted to come out and show a lot better than we did," Amani Toomer said. "I think we have a lot to prove, because we have a lot on paper, but on paper is not going to help us move the ball or win games during the season. You want to go out there and perform and get used to performing successfully, because it's a habit, everything you do on the field is a habit, so you don't want to get into bad habits, going out there and not executing the way you want to."

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They Wrap it up in River Falls! ...After the Game!

Well the moving trucks are waiting, just one game tomorrow in NY. The team will fly one more time to the 'Great North Training Facility' in River Falls, after the game, just to spend the night and pack their things in
the morning. While they're playing in Thursday in New York the movers will pack up the weight room and coaches offices. Coming home again to the 'warm' confines of Kansas City by the weekend. Coach Herm will probably try to spend his first day hunting down Willie Roaf I would imagine. Ben Maller, foxsports rumor collector at http://www.benmaller.com/#nba_rumors_notes reports that,


"One reason Willie Roaf has spoken with very few of the Chiefs players and coaches is that he doesn’t want anyone to talk him out of his decision to retire. Roaf still hasn’t talked with Edwards. Edwards said he would like to talk to Roaf next week, when the Chiefs have broken camp and will practice in Kansas City. “Training camp is over with all of a sudden,” Edwards said. “Sometimes guys decide to change their mind. And if he doesn’t, that’s fine. Kyle Turley is doing a great job, and (Kevin) Sampson has done a great job for the first game. “I haven’t talked to him. Until I hear it from his lips … that’s a conversation I need to have.”

Well if Willie has been waiting for the workouts to be over with, to avoid the pounding he doesnt really need at this point in his careeer, if he could come back with the application of a couple of kid gloves... this is the time to have Coach make his pitch. Herm may be willing to do everything in his power to assure Willie that all demands are off. Im sure that Willie would be offered ALOT of time to sit in the film room and study opponents. Im sure that he could require an oversized loungechair to assist in any workouts, say... 2-3xs a week? Okay not quite that many! Willie, we would basically appreciate, it if you would reconsider. Okay?

Okay well, back to the game. Tamba Hali will apparently make his professional football debut in Kansas City against the area rival St Louis Rams. That's my guess, because he will not play again in this weeks game, with the whole bruised ribs thing. (he must have had a good agent too!) Coach says Damon Huard 'may' play on Thursday night depending on his foot injury. Herm Edwards reports of Huard, “It’s interesting. He practiced today and we’ll see what tomorrow brings. If he can go – if he can move because I don’t want to put a quarterback in there with a bad foot because (Giants) bring a lot of pressure – he’ll play. But you want a quarterback who can be mobile." I guess that leaves Smoker from Michigan State to fill the shoes that Casey Printers left so empty last week.

One gets the impression that all things being equal, Herm would like to see this kid Croyle pitch it. It has been said, (in the Ben Maller piece) "When he watches Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle play, coach Herm Edwards is reminded of Chad Pennington, his quarterback with the New York Jets. Edwards and the Jets went to the playoffs in two of the three seasons they were quarterbacked by Pennington. “I see the similarities,” Edwards said. “Croyle is a smart guy and probably has a stronger arm. He’s got some moxie. That’s something you’ve got to have to play quarterback. He has a good presence in the huddle.”

So it may be interesting to watch the game on Thursday, with the starters going into the second quarter, but I wouldnt expect anyone to 'win one for the gipper' ya know? Seems like low expectations are reasonable expectations to Herm Edwards at this point in the season. In other words we may get racked again!

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Thursdays in New York!

Arent memories made of these? Smell the fresh laid smog, the pollutants wafting through the air! On a good day, you can see the top of the Empire State Building! Oh yeah, then there is the... Meadowlands! I think it was built on a dump site in New Jersey? Correct me if Im wrong. That was way after we killed the indian braves, old people, women and children. -But, I digress.

These guys for some reason are ALWAYS pumped when the Chiefs come to town. Maybe back some time ago Lamar Hunt stiffed Wellington Mara on lunch. I dont know. They OWN us there in Giant Stadium. We have lost virtually every game we ever played there, and we have only won three in total- anywhere!

The stage is set though, our new coach is the New York Jets old coach. Ya think the local press will be having a field day with that! They will all be keeping more than one eye on this game just to rub it in a little. The NY fans from our conference too will be watching, those Jets fans, its on national television! Thishere, my friends would be a great time open up the much discussed, overly ballyhoo'ed smashmouth defense. Let the safties blitz in a few packages too. Tamba Hali should play, I dont know.
I know we've got to apply some heat. Burn them, for the coach, if not just for team pride.

Coach Tom Coughlin has just announced that Tiki Barber will play Thursday night against the Chiefs. Michael Strahan will play too both in their first action of the year. Lets hope they are each just a step off in their timing. Mathias Kiwanuka the rookie DE out of Boston College who dominated in his twenty plays last week- He will see more action on Thursday. Hopefully, Kyle Turley and his speed will help negate him.
Warning you though Kyle, be real quick, this kid is 6'5 265 with foot speed and a spin move that wont quit.

It could be over quickly, unfortunately, we could be chalking up another game to experience.
Coach Herb Edwards knows the potential problems that await us, saying "It kind of kind of interesting to watch New York (Giants) play. They did a lot of things on defense (last week) as far as blitzing, so we have to be prepared for that offensively. We’re going into the second game of the season and these guys brought a lot of pressure and a lot of different fronts. We have to be able to deal with that, so we’re going to have a quick study to prepare.

Then again, this could just be the game that Larry Johnson busts it all loose. He remembers that Kiki Barber stole his thunder last year in the big city. He knows that Barber set a single game rushing record for the Giants that day, ....against us!!! If all that cant get your defense fired up, if it cant light a fire under Larry Johnson for a few more horsepower. I dont know what it would take. Come on boys, for the coach for the team for Kansas City, head 'em up and move 'em outta there.
The whole country would be watching, the whole country would be talking. -on NATIONAL tv.
Hey,
Leaders??? Chew on that, lemme know Thursday!!

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Will the Seahawks Avoid being the 2006 'Mediocre Losers'?

History has not bode well for those who lose the Super Bowl. In recent years over 80% of those teams that came out on the short end of the final score fell absolutely shorter the following season. Seattle wants to avoid that tag. Starting off the new season they have got an attitude. Pissed. They feel the Super Bowl officials had just too much effect on the outcome of that game. Perhaps even more than the Steelers in that game.
That game that could have changed their lives.

There has been an unmistakeable trend though, throughout in the league the past seven years- as many people are aware. 80% of the Super Bowl recent runners-up have morphed into small time also rans the next season — for a variety of reasons.

Care to refresh your memories?

In 1999, the upstart Atlanta Falcons started their next season 0-4. Once RB Jamal Anderson went down in the season opener the rushing attack turned futile, despite the fact that the team had a solid core.

In 2000, the Tennesst Titans almost overcame the odds. After coming within a few feet of possibly winning the Super Bowl against the Rams, they finished 13-3, then fell, at home, to the Ravens in the first playoff game .

The 2001 NY Giants, following their Blowout Bowl against the Ravens had a tough, experienced defense in place. They even developed some nice offensive pieces to go with them then faded down the stretch to a 7-9 record.

The '02 St. Louis Rams fell just short in their Super Bowl XXXVI. While they did maintain that explosive offensive the team and then dropped their first five and four more of six down the stretch, finishing 7-9, missing the playoffs.

In 2003 the Oakland Raiders were thought to win their division the year after they got Super Bowl slammed, but their swiss cheese defense led to only a 4-12 season.

The Carolina Panthers in 2004 lost, but just barely, to the New England Patriots. Despite a few key injuries in the next season and after they had fallen to a 1-7 start they finished well, but achieved only a 7-9 season.

Then in 2005 those New England Patriots helped precipitate the Philadelphia Eagles slide into a year. The following season, assisted by Terrell Owens with his outbursts and resulting team resentments. With all the attitudes and with additional injuries, they achieved only a 6-10 record. Previously this team had accomplished four straight division titles!

In all. Six out of seven teams, falling below the .500 mark. Only one winning team survived, then lost its home playoff game. Will the Seahawks overcome all the recent history or will they will fall from the sky- flat on their faces?
Oh yeah, Coach Holgen was openly disappointed when the team lost their preseason home opener to the Cowboys, by the score of 13-3. The one bright spot being Josh Brown and his 40yd FG. He was .500 for the night!

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Honestly the dang Houston mascot could have ran for a first down against us last night! Hey, we did manage to keep their opponents punter on the sidelines for most of the night! It was ugly
Half of their rushing yards-173 (not really) must have been by the Texans quarterbacks, 30yds in 8 attempts! It wouldn't have been too bad BUT it was, any and EVERY Texan quarterback , Honest it was everyone, 1 thu 3!!!
I saw exactly, one DE turn the bootman back, all night!
Sad, sad sad.
At halftime, Head Coach Herm Edwards said about the first half: “Obviously we have to contain the boot play. A couple times we didn’t do that and that’s a problem. They had a couple runs, but that’s what they were hitting us with, the boot. We know it’s coming, so we’ve got to do better... so we’ll see... ....They didnt.

Tell you what, the Texans sure STOPPED Chiefs backup QB Casey Printers, whata miserable night! That poor man fell down when he was supposed to run, got sacked when he was supposed to pass, pushed it out when he shoulda pulled it in... and basically sucked when he should have blown!
Bad, bad, bad.

Texan #1 pick Williams "showed up and sucked" in his debut- with only 1 tackle assist to show for it.. If the Houston Texans hope to justify spending their No. 1 pick on Mario Williams, he'll have to contribute more than he did Saturday night. Williams assisted on only one tackle in a quarter of play. He was shuffled all around on the defensive line. He looked tentative and was even stood up on a couple of plays.

Meanwhile our guy, Mister Kyle Turley played as expected- he held up his end! The rest of the Oline did pretty as well, except when called on to protect Printers. I swear the guy had both feet in the soup all night, literally, until that last drive.
Backup RB Dee Brown looked pretty good for his short time in there. Now please let's see Bennett next week!
On the brighter side The DTs starters were the stars of the game. The subs worked hard too, I gotta give kudos to Krumrie, for the most part they were the stoppers- at times they made a push two yds into the backfield! Nice. Nice. Nice.
The DBs and Safety situation was impressive for the most part. second team LBs Grigsby, et al shined. The second team had some monster hits, "Vicious" a couple times. Very very nice. Then again, so did Samie Parker, who got the crackback of the game, a killer. Great job.

Hey, will you all get together and watch the replay of the game at noon today? Wanna?
The Chiefs will be fer' sure!.

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Battle has fought his last , in KC red.Tonight is a New Game!

Julian Battle, his last battle was to become consistant in the defensive backfield. He lost. The four year veteran who had just rehabed the achilles tendon tear that he aquired last year, has been sent riding off into the sunset. Still a hero in his own eyes tho', perhaps just over that next hill he will find a new range to roam, with another team. Oh, he was/is brilliant at times, just not enough times, according to Coach Herm Edwards.

Coach has built better plans for this new Chiefs backfield. Two players have been brought up as perhaps keys to this game tonight . Both rookie safeties Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page have become the talk of training camp. With their acrobatic timing and fierce hitting these two have dare we say, dominated. I dont know what all that says about our recievers, but these two are expected to play in perhaps all but the first series of tonights game at Houston. It should be a relatively easy test, with what the offense for the Texans is packing.
Herm Edwards wants to see consistancy- if you are playing against an All-Pro or an also-ran. If you are ahead by thirty or behind by three, his motto is the same: Do it once, then show me you can do it again, and again, and again, and then I’ll believe you can play. ----Battle couldn't.

Of Bernard Pollard, it is said he has shown a tremendous hunger for physical play, something this team is believed to have lacked in the secondary in recent years. He has the mindset of a linebacker. It has been said in the KC Star that, “Bernard Pollard is looking forward to this game,” Defensive cocordinator Gunther Cunningham said. “He’s like a caged lion out there. You can’t really hit people on your own team like he likes to hit people. I hope he gets a couple of those opportunities.” Pollard was the Chiefs’ second-round pick, so the immediate expectations for him were higher. The rookie is qouted as saying that his goal tonight is show that he can do more than just hit. “If I’m going to play, I need to do a lot more than that,” he said. “I want to show my coach and my teammates I can be an all-round safety.”
That is a Good Attitude!

While Jarrad Page has been working alongside Pollard he has been notso quietly noted as the defensive playmaker of this years spring training. He has been a real rover, all over the field... to intercept or break up any passes that come his way. "I’ve never seen a safety have seven interceptions (in training camp) like Jarrad Page has had,” Cunningham said. “The things he has are range and instinct. I think it’s probably his baseball background. He plays it like a center fielder. He really breaks on deep balls.” Page may be that gem that Edwards has been searching for, he was was a seventh-round pick, the second safety drafted by the Chiefs. Today with Battle gone there is a hole in the defensive backfield and Page wants a starting safety spot. "All I can do is just go play and try to take advantage of the situation I’m in.” Well, he could go a along way toward earning that spot tonight. Watch him.

Coach Edwards held afternoon practice simulating a game as much as possible. A full team practice in pads. He took everyone through gametime scenarios like the offense coming on the field after kickoffs. Then he called for the punt team after all third downs. He brought in the field goal unit. As well, he opened up the playbook and ran through all of the various personnel packages- with pertainent changes for the many different sets. Edwards even had the players line up on the sideline to simulate the National Anthem!
Edwards, smells the popcorn! So do I!
This should be a fun game.

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Tomorrow is Big for Turley

He hasnt hit anyone in two years with a whistle. His cleats havent hit foriegn turf in last 24 months. His weight is growing slowly as he bulks up to take on All-Pro NFL lineman again!
In last weeks practice he took on Erasmus James, when they practiced against the Vikings last week. The Chiefs were impressed with Turley’s play against the former No. 1 draft pick. But practice is conducted at a certain speed, below that of a game. That’s what makes the game Saturday even larger, this a big step for Turley.He has been quoted as saying “It’s a game situation, so that’s good,” their first preseason game for Coach Herm Edwards, adding that “Minnesota was a practice. The game takes a different mentality. Everything is a little bit faster. People will be moving around much quicker.
Kyle Turley is looking forward to playing against this year’s overall No. 1 draft pick, Houston’s Mario Williams. He thinks it will be a good test for him. He feels he is ready to face a premier talent like Williams in Saturday night’s game against the Texans in Houston. However Williams will have to change to the right side to get a shot at him.
Weight continues to challenge Turley because he has lost several pounds since he battled his back issues. He says he’s up to about 280 pounds, which is still light for an offensive tackle. Turley said he’s comfortable playing at the lighter weight.
By comparison, Roaf is 320 pounds. RT Kevin Sampson is 312. Time will tell if he can handle the bull rush of those NFL lineman. Jared Allen, the premier DE of the Chiefs says “He (Turley)told me he’s always played kind of on the light side, or not too much heavier than he is now." that usually Turley makes up for it just because he’s a good athlete, with an evil intent to get the job done.

Well will all get our first chance to see "tenacity" unveiled this weekend!


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HoHum! Blazer introductions today...

Well he didnt exactly get a trumpet blaring welcome to town. No parade. No 24 gun salute. He did get a job.

The Portland Trailblazers will finally introduce Jamaal Magloire, the former All-Star center they acquired last week in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, the town will meet him at a 2:30 p.m. news conference at a Middle School in North Portland.
They front office will to continue prepare for the 2006-07 season,just,quietly. Many had speculated that this last aquisition, Magliore, would be quickly trussed up, perhaps as soon as he got here. in a nice bow, as a sweet package with that disgruntled Darius Miles, along with maybe a future draft pick! Packaged, in bright wrappings and beautiful ribbons and shipped, to someplace like the northern clims, to Minnesota, perhaps for Kevin Garnett! Maybe to that other team, that one off Times Square... east of there. But no, no big deal. No deal at all!

They say they will get back to us, ...if there is any further development. !OhBoy!

Have Pritchard and Patterson pulled the last string? Is the magic gone that pulled out seven trades in this off season, restructuring the foundation of this blazer team? Many had hoped for just ONE more deal. To be rid of the one cancer that would keep fresh the memory of last years malaise. Brian Skinner, the backup center shipped out has been saying some very nasty things aabout his former teammates. The lethargy that overcame the clubhouse. The melancholy of the walk through practices. This despite the unceasing efforts of Coach Nate McMillan, a.k.a. "Sarge" to his players.
Just one more trade. Maybe it could all go away! To only be brought up in the lore and prose all those ribald coffee shops and barstools of NW Portland.
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Smell the Popcorn? It must be time!

“When the lights come on and you smell the popcorn and you see the people in the stands you play football.“
— Coach Herm Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs
on Saturday night’s preseason opener at Houston.


Toughness.
It's said it is Coach Herm Edward’s credo. Toughness.
Coach wanted Ty Law because he is tough – mentally as well as physically, unyielding.
Training camp is where you see the tough guys. Coach said. "Lots of guys can look great in shorts", he says. "Put the pads on, turn up the heat in the Wisconsin farmland, feed them cafeteria food and make them sleep in dormitory beds. We’ll see how tough they are".
There is improvement at every position defensively,
there a few standouts this week.

Despite the reports by my beloved ESPN on draft day, who said that Bernard Pollard was a reach in the second round. He is showing strong and it looks like they’re wrong. Strong Safety Bernard at 6'2 223 from Purdue seems to pulled into camp with his hat turned around waiting for a fight. During his first week of camp. Pollard has lived up to his nickname “Bonecrusher”. Friday night in the scrimmage he blitzed RB McKezie Smith and turned his head, and everyone elses. Pollard brings to this defense hitting and voracious speed. He can drop back with the best, and he can bring that speed not seen too often from the safety position.

Another SS standout rookie, this one from UCLA Jarrad Page is 6'2 220. He too hass been taking turns in the first team defensive drills. He has made very positive impressions on the coaches and gained the respect of his teamates in this first week. He too turned heads when he made an impressive play when blitzing and destroying one running play after turning back the attempted block of the fullback.

The newest addition DT Shane Burton 9yr veteran with four NFL clubs has met up again with his old coach from the Jets. Edwards had him in New York during the 2001 season.
“He’s a very, very tough guy, smart guy,” Edwards said of Burton. “He plays well with his hands. The year I was with him he had about six batted balls. It was kind of amazing. He does a great job of getting his hands up and knocking balls down". It is no coincidence then that the next morning in practice, Burton knocked down a QB Damon Huard pass attempt stopping a key drive. You could see the excitement. “I used to
be a scout,” yelled Edwards jumping in the air, as He unnabashedly turned to face members of the Chiefs personnel department standing on the sidelines. He was having fun!

Earlier this week first-round draft pick DE Tamba Hali hurt his ribs and left the PM practice prematurely. “He got kicked in the ribs,” Edwards explained after practice. “He got the wind knocked out of him, that’s all. He’ll be fine.” Now this morning he reports that the strained rib injury will keep him from playing in Houston on Saturday to open the regular season. It has now been said what happened was that TE Tony Gonzalez gave him a little knee when he landed on the prospect Hali during a blocking assignment. OOPS! That was NOT a big play Tony!!!

LaMarcus Alderidge is making new friends!

Rookie LA is getting comfortable in the River City. He spent some time with Brandon Roy at the "Nautilus Fit Jam '06" in Vancouver Washington. It looks like they made a few new friends NFL Cheerleaders the "Seagals" from Paul Allen's other team, the Seattle Seahawks. (photo was taken by Nick Hernandez of OregonLive), Roy and Aldridge were more than willing to oblige the ladies with autographs.
The big controversy over the weekend was the proclamation from team officials who were quoted as saying that the team this year will be built around, and will be featuring, Zach Randolph. This is being found interesting in that the major moves in the trades for veterans in this off season have been at the power forward/center position. Raef LaFrenz, Magliore, and Alderidge are big contracts to sit in the pines all winter. Moves will be pending there is no secret of that. Packaging some of the clutter with the disgruntled Darius Miles and his monster contract can ease the scrum. Only after the fall camp and after if it all comes together will the questions be quieted. Only then, possibly.



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Yes, Camp has Thump but it is Shaking too!

Coach Herm Edwards has really gotten this team beating on each other for a spot. Longtime veterans and regular starters may be taken aback, but if they do, they cant for too long. It now may be time for them to step up.
Every one was concerned for months, will or will not Carl Peterson make some moves in the off season to make the changes needed to get this team to turn the corner? Everyone all spring was speculating that they need this, they need that, just one tweak here, maybe one there. Yes, sure the "retirement" of Willie Roaf has presented another new obstacle to overcome.
There are important quesions and interesting speculations. I dont know, tell me, am I going off on some tangent here or do I see that change is not just a tweeking here and there or a fine tuning, isnt this getting close to a what may be a major overhaul?
How many new numbers may take the field in the fall? It looks like GM Carl Peterson and Coach Edwards have been given a green light at least to some degree to actually rebuild this team. Now, I know it is being done slowly, like I said, I may be imagining it- but there are alot of new faces. Alot of veterans have been added, those who have played into thier prime or just past but they are journeyman who just happen to have the "strengths" to challenge quite a few of those hopeful, comfortable veterans from last year.
Willie Bennett is a good example. Even though it is said that he will play only when the Chiefs feel a need to rest Johnson, Bennett will play more with the Chiefs than he would have with the Saints, okay. They say again and again that there will only be so much work for Bennett. Bennett’s playing time with the Chiefs will not be as productive as Holmes, but similarities between the two are intriguing. They are almost identical in size: Bennett is 5-feet-9 and 207 pounds, Holmes is 5-9 and 213.
One key difference here- Holmes doesn’t have Bennett’s speed. Coach Herm says of Michael Bennett, “He’s different than all the guys we have,” Edwards said. “He’s a speed guy. He can break a big run. We’re going to have to put a package in for him when Larry needs a blow.”
Notice that? Put in a package for him. Not just 'insert him' into the play that was always made for Holmes. No, a package actually made for him, Michael Bennett. Is he any less of threat to "Larry's team" than Priest was? I dont know. They seem very happy with the hands that still hold the record 80 yrds reception by a Minnesota RB. They seem to think his 4.25 breakaway speed that has produced an 85yd record scamper, will offset any loss of power comparisons with Priest Holmes. I risk blasphemy here. Is Bennett a step up from last years running back duo? Just a question.

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"Thump and Heavy Trembling!"

Thats how contributor "formerDB" analyzed the action recent training camp action. His article is posted on "The Chiefs Coalition" --http://www.chiefscoalition.com-- it is my latest discovery for websites regarding the Kansas City Chiefs. Their writer penned an intruiging tale for all of us, who couldnt be there. Duh!(see Friday entry!)

In 11-on-11, "formerDB" wrote how when Derrick Johnson on a blitz, "Wanna know what happened? Let's just put it this way. That thump and heavy trembling you felt on the ground last night was Jason Dunn falling hard on his ass after D.J. crashed into his chest during the blitz. D.J. didn't even think about going around the block, he went right through Dunn, creating a new Interstate 89 (Dunn's number). The thump was Dunn hitting the ground. The tremble was his helmet rolling on the grass."

Please visit that site. He also describes another matchup later involving Will Svitek against DT Ryan Sims. During one running play through the middle, yes, Svitek did win the leverage battle and took Sims back outta the hole but other defenders stopped the play for little to no gain filling the hole again in the flash of a moment.

Coach Herm Edwards reports, after Kyle Turley displayed a fine performance,"I think Kyle Turley keeps getting better and better every time he plays," Edwards said. "He's a good acquisition for us." OT Kyle Turley’s two-year absence from the game could have left him a bit rusty, it wouldn’t be noticed during the 11-on-11 drill with Minnesota. Turley was back to his old self, he took on the Vikings and their former 2005 first-round draft pick DE Erasmus James from the first play. Turley displayed solid pass protection all night and Mister James aint no sponge-bob!

I guess the Saturday intersquad practice too, was intense. Tamba Hali is developing an array of techniques and displaying them to teammates such as Kevin Sampson. It is reported in one instance that Hali explodes off the line, coming in low, very low, that he has an ability once he establishes leverage to come up hard under the pads in an effort to gain control and deposit his potential foe in the first available heap! Sampson apparently did try to regain balance when Hali slapped him with a right hand and opened a direct alley to the quarterback. Amazing? Dramatic? It all does get the mind pondering the possibilities of this club this fall.

Hey! Its not All Sports, life is Good!

Saturday, after noting my discontent, my wife and counselor, convinced me to just put things down. Stop stressing. She said, "Lets go see the kids!"

Well we did. My grandchildren from both Nebraska and western Kansas got together for a special visit and created marvelous memories. The type that always make life worthwhile. My two small grandchildren never get to see one another. They were now to be babysat by two mysterious "old people," who appeared from somewhere- to love them insufferably! We got to babysit for them both while their respective parents attended the largest rodeo in Kansas, the Phillipsburg rodeo.

We were warned by the parents, just told to be patient with the children, that they no doubt the would be miserable from all the 110 degree heat. The children afterall were almost strangers. We were urged to just keep one year old Roy from persecuting and disrupting the young life of his lil' girl cousin... "Wren"! She had just turned 10 months old.

The two had a great time together though- sharing and comparing all 'strangers' of that age do. Speaking easily together, they used that impromptu language that was known only to them! Hey, we got the videos to prove it!

Yes. Those kids each do love to be spoiled for sure.

It is totally amazing now infants develop, you can almost see their little wheels turning in their minds, that little shine in their eyes while they make new discoveries daily. Their toothy grins become month by month more wide and wonderous.
Those two surely re-energized us, while thet were exhausting us!

Sometimes I swear though, life is all about the twinkle in those eyes!
A child is an Amazing thing!
Thank you Lord.

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No coverage of the scrimmage, stay tuned

Well my car decided to breakdown just prior to Mankato. Write more later. Peace!
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Friday the First Scrimmage!

The Chiefs will get their first time in uniform tomorrow! Things are getting exciting, we will actually get to see how this team works together against an opponent. The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to bring the two teams together to break the doldrums of two a day workouts for each squad. The outcome wont really be important (Sure!) but to actually suit up and see how the chemistry of the team develops in a game type situation should be pretty interesting if not dramatic!
Larry will get his reps with the pigskin! Fantasy football leagues around the country are making him the premier their running back of the season. All he did was total 1,627 yards and 17 touchdowns in nine starts. That projects to an astounding 2,892 total yards and 30 scores over 16 starts. Coach Herm Edwards his biggest supporters and has plans to feature the running attack.
The defensive line will get their first test. It will strive to answer the questions that may tip the scales between a good football team and a great one for 2006. There will be alot of tinkering with that line this preseason. Coach wants them to get used to platooning fresh players in and out of the game as circumstances call for it but also to keep fresh legs in front of the oppostion. This is all designed to create a defense that will be that more difficult to plan for.
All in all this scrimmage will tell the coaches alot about what may be needed for positive change and, importantly, what they can count on!
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Chiefs vs Seahawks in February?

Alot of the Kansas City fanbase already has the SuperBowl for 06' penciled in, it is early. The talk is all about the building rivalry between runningbacks Larry Johnson and Shaun Alexander. Additioally, All Pro quarterbacks Trent Green and Matt Hasselback both spark interesting comparisons on the barstools and down at the local farm supply.

Trent Green has more than 4,000 yards in three straight seasons. He threw only 17 TD passes, his lowest since his first year in Kansas City. Injuries on the offensive line last year limited Tony Gonzalez, making him a blocker. This year, if Samie Parker can become the long awaited deep threat and if Gonzalez can get to route running, things could improve. Now, if only Eddie Kennison would live up to his own billing, this may be a better year. Oh yeah, Johnsons'legs have to hold out too!

Matt Hasselbeck tossed multiple touchdowns in eight games last year, he threw a touchdown pass in all but one. He made up for it accounting for multiple touchdowns in eight games. In the playoff weeks, he came away with nine connections! They lost Steve Hutchinson on the offensive line, so Hasselbeck will get hit alot. With Darrell Jackson and now Nate Burleson the Seahawks will move the ball. That leaves the massive TE Joe Jurevicius to take the pressure off, in the red zone. He is hungry.

Even matchups make for interesting speculation. Now, lets look at the defenses.

Seattle is projected by one analysis as having a linebacking core ranked at number 4.
Behind the Steelers, Chargers and Bears. Their defensive line is ranked number 2. Some project them to have the best four DT rotation in the league with Chuck Darby and Rocky Bernard to start, then Craig Terrill and Marcus Tubbs off the bench. On the the end, they have Bryce Fisher, who had nine sacks and Grant Wistrom- who played better than expected against the run. Second-round draft pick Darryl Tapp should help the pass rush. The bottom line is, even without the additions, running backs averaged just 3.47 yards per against the Seahawks, third in the league. Now linebackers, Seattle free agent aquisition Julian Peterson is called the definition of team player. The former 49er was asked last year to move back and play strong safey, he did. Lofa Tatupu has already shown great instincts, he played like a veteran his rookie season. Another of last years rookie crop, LeRoy Hill may move over and replace D.D. Lewis. Hill is more versatile, he can blitz and drop back into coverage. The Seahawks now have depth. Linebackers D.D. Lewis, Kevin Bentley, Niko Koutouvides and Isaiah Kacyvenski have been starters.


Herm Edwards will bring his cover two scheme with him to the chiefs asking linebackers to drop back into coverage. One problem. Gunther Cunningham has built a defensive squad that attacks the line of scrimmage! For some, like Derrick Johnson, who had a great rookie season, this should be no problem. He has a quick step and a quicker mind... read and go! Kawika Mitchell however is an attack dog and may have a hard time with his reads it could slow his game. Kendrell Bell has yet to display his strengths in a Chiefs uniform. Coverage was not his strong suit in Pittsburgh. Keyaron Fox though will be an added help off the bench. The Chiefs were ranked 20 at the linebacker position.
One bright spot is that they received a ranking of 12 for their defensive line. Jared Allen had a phenominal season last year, showing not only an inate ability to rush the passer but held his own against the run, and dropped into pass coverage too! Not bad for a guy from Idaho State. Rookie Tamba Hali has shown promise in the preseason he will press Eric Hicks for the other starting end position. Lionel Dalton is one of the most effective tackles in the league, but Ryan Sims has yet live up to the hype but came to camp more lean and focused. It should all make for an interesting season.

Heat! it is affecting all the training camps for most every NFL football team from California to New York, from North Dakota to Miami.
Another day of sweltering heat over 98 dgrees most of the day has required adjustments at River Falls Wisconsin. That heat however didn’t stop the Chiefs they held their third straight day of two-a-day practice sessions. They have been working a light two hour session in full pads in the mornings then go with shirts, shorts and helmets at the afternoon sessions. The club followed their standard schedule on Monday ammending it slightly holding a full-padded practice at 9:00 AM and a spiders (shorts and flap-jackets) practice at 3:45 PM.
He knows it is important to take care of boys today to have them healthy for tommorrow.
If you've got weather reports for your team workouts, drop me a line.