Careful Larry... Do Not -Put your Feet in your Mouth!

Chiefs running back Larry Johnson spoke up when talking to Fox Sports News writers this week.

The Chiefs page @ fox sports is quoted here as writing that:

The Chiefs offense is back. The 499 offensive yards against Seattle, which followed a 355-yard day the previous week, are evidence the adjustment period that came with a new head coach, new offensive coordinator and new quarterback is ending.

"That's what happens when you get everybody together," running back Larry Johnson said. "If you get all those weapons together at the same time, we can be unstoppable."
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Now come on Larry, dont get all full of yourself after one home game, a game that you had to win. It was a game filled with blunders that happened to come up with a Chiefs face on them when the dice were rolled.
Larry, we could have lost that game on several occasions, you have seen the film by now! Larry, this team showed great determination, but a massive lack of concentration- now, you have to admit that.
That lack of concentration will not be as tolerable, and even to say, not tolerated, in the Chiefs bid for the Governor's Cup or bowl or whatever its called. Yes, St Louis has lost a few recently, they have had their injuries but they are in no way as decimated as was Seattle.

Please do not get on any high horse thinking that "all those weapons together" will be such an easy option to display two games in a row, in front of a hostile crowd. If anything this game will take even more "monster" concentration if the Chiefs expect to pull out of Missouri with yet another win! Bulger is quite hot, as is Stephen Davis- Trouble ahead.

You have to turn up the tempo and temperature again to get the
Red Warriors on a roll again!


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Is Holmgren on the hot seat? Check this!

Defense sinks to the occasion

By TED MILLER
P-I COLUMNIST

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- None other than Mike Holmgren set up the story line for the Seahawks last week.

The Kansas City game wasn't about backup quarterback Seneca Wallace making his first NFL start. It was, he said, about 21 other guys stepping up and doing their jobs well so the loss of Matt Hasselbeck for at least three weeks wouldn't cripple a season that began with such promise.

Holmgren said the next few games would be "very much a measure of what your team is really like at its core."

After suffering a loony 35-28 defeat to the Chiefs in which they were battered in every statistical category -- except bizarre plays -- it's clear the Seahawks' core is ailing and frustrated.

Particularly on defense.

Remember when the offense struggled early in the season and the optimistic party line was the improved defense would pick up the slack? Remember when the Seahawks gave up just 507 yards combined in their first two games?

Kansas City piled up 499 yards Sunday, slipping below the 500-yard mark only after kneeling to kill the clock on the final two plays.

The Chiefs' 30 first downs doubled the Seahawks. They had nearly a 25-minute advantage in time of possession, their 42:15 with the ball being the franchise's best total since 1997. They produced 11 plays of 15 or more yards and four of 25 or more.

Despite an injured groin, Damon Huard, Trent Green's backup, passed for 312 yards and finished with an eye-popping 124.1 quarterback rating. Larry Johnson ran for 155 yards. The Seahawks secondary made Eddie Kennison look like Marvin Harrison.

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The Chiefs entered the game averaging 294.5 total yards and 99 yards rushing per game, so they are not a dominant offense merely extracting their pound of flesh.

On a day when the defense needed to assert itself, it appeared overmatched and outschemed by a second-tier team.

"They were running and throwing and we didn't get them stopped," understandably grumpy defensive coordinator John Marshall said before hustling out of the locker room.

"I've got to watch the film before you start blaming the scheme or the players. You need to take a look at the film. That's not fair to anybody."

Here's what Marshall will see when he cues up that film, which he might want to save for Halloween, because it might be no less frightening than "The Exorcist":

Marshall will see missed tackles from nearly every Seahawk. He'll see players unable to get off blocks being driven backward. He'll see wide-open receivers on the flanks and over the middle. He'll see the Chiefs repeatedly converting on third-and-long.

He won't see a pass rush. He won't see an interception.

He won't see players making plays.

"I don't know what's going on," said cornerback Kelly Herndon, presenting a frustrated shoulder shrug that typified the postgame reaction.

"We're a fine defense. We get to the ball. But we've got to wrap up and get guys down. ... We haven't been tackling very well and we have to do better on our communication and make sure everybody is being smart and understanding what they need to do."

In terms of talent, this defense is better than last year's bunch, which gave up 316.8 yards per game. It's mostly healthy, certainly more healthy than it was at points in 2005, when it only twice surrendered more than 400 yards.

"It's not that everybody is living on last year but everybody is giving us their best shot," linebacker Lofa Tatupu said.

Even stalwarts such as Tatupu struggled. On a first-and-goal from the Seahawks 9-yard line with less than a minute before the half, Johnson hauled in a dump from Huard over the middle and ran through Tatupu's attempted tackle for a touchdown that gave the Chiefs a 20-14 lead at the break.

On their first possession of the second half, the Chiefs went 88 yards in 13 plays -- 12 of them runs.

The Seahawks yielded four touchdown drives of 74 or more yards.

Asked about his defense after the game, Holmgren twice requested confirmation that his inquisitor was talking about the unit "right now?" Er, yes, when else?

It felt as if he was trying to create a buffer between his real emotions and how he wanted to answer the question.

"I thought we would have played these guys a little bit better," he then replied mildly.

Concerned last week about defensive struggles -- particularly receivers sneaking behind the secondary and making big plays -- Holmgren benched safety Michael Boulware and replaced him with Jordan Babineaux.

It didn't seem to work, particularly when Kennison, after a pump fake from Huard, sneaked by cornerback Marcus Trufant and safety Ken Hamlin on a 51-yard completion that set up the game-winning touchdown.

"We had practiced the pump (throw) and they fell right into our hands," Kennison said.

There's only so much the Seahawks can do as far as personnel changes. And they shouldn't have to resort to that. The talent is there. The present malaise is caused by something else, but no one was willing or able to volunteer potential solutions in the postgame locker room.

Here's a hint: 11 players and the defensive coaching staff will find the problem if they look in the mirror.


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NFL suspends Seahawks' Locklear for one game

By CLARE FARNSWORTH
P-I REPORTER

KIRKLAND -- Seahawks tackle Sean Locklear was suspended for one game today for violating the NFL personal conduct policy.

The suspension stems from a domestic violence charge for assaulting his girlfriend in January. Locklear reached an agreement with prosecutors in July to serve two years of community service.

Because of the suspension, Locklear will not play in Sunday's game against the Chiefs in Kansas City. He cannot rejoin the team until Monday.

With Locklear out, Tom Ashworth will start at right tackle. It will be his first start for the Seahawks, who signed the former starter for the New England Patriots in the offseason.



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The Seattle Post Intelligencer is worried too!

By CLARE FARNSWORTH
P-I REPORTER

Seahawks head into 'House of Horrors'
Seattle revisits its AFC West roots, starting with a visit to Kansas City


KIRKLAND -- Just mention Kansas City to Steve Largent and the Hall of Fame wide receiver laughs.

Not a ha-ha laugh, but one of those uncomfortable laugh-so-you-don't-cry chuckles.

"Kansas City," Largent said this week. "We always had a tough time in Kansas City, even when we were good. We were 12-2 one year (1984) and went into Kansas City and they beat us up pretty good (34-7).

"It's just a really tough place to play."

Especially for the Seahawks. Arrowhead Stadium always has been their own House of Horrors, and that's where they play Sunday to kick off a reunion tour against their old AFC West rivals...

...When you play a team twice a year, for all those years, you get to know your competitors better. Even on a personal level," Largent said. "So in some respects, although it may sound odd, it takes away a little of that animosity feel.

"But it didn't take away any of the intensity. In fact, it might have enhanced it."

Oklahoma City? Well, maybe now I can see the Blazers on the road!!

NBA owners unanimously approved the sale of the SuperSonics on Tuesday to a group headed by Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett, who says he wants to keep the team in Seattle. (yeah! sure!) Bennett's group will take full control of the Sonics next Tuesday when the transaction is completed.
Both Stern and Bennett cited Seattle's ties to the Far East, which remain important to the NBA. Stern said the owners also discussed ways the league could step up its efforts in Asia, particularly in China. The 2008 Olympics are in Beijing. (They eat much Chinese in Tulsa?)

Offense is not the Only Concern for Holmgren and the Seahawks in '06

Mike Holmgren has more than a few Concerns. He usually is an offensive minded coach and he isnt interested too much in the defensive side of the ball. He lets his other staff handle that. This year, he, like all the Seahawk fans, is expressing concern.

Yes, this year Holmgren thinks he has seen enough and wants some answers.

"I'm a little puzzled as to why certain things happen at times during the game," Holmgren said. "I have to find out why that's happening." A recurrent subject of Holmgren's trauma seems to be opposing quarterbacks hitting deep passes against them, all too often, over his secondary.
The Seahawks defense allowed only 43 passes of 20yds or more last year. This year with more than half the season remaining, the secondary has allowed 40 already. They have already matched the number of 30+yd passes as well at 15.

The run defense as well has been vulnerable to the big play. Things are looking good for Chiefs running back Larry Johnson this week. The Seahawks allowed only 34 10+yd runs last runs in their run at the super bowl. Today the number is near drastic, it stands at 49 thus far. Even larger looms the fact that those 20+yd scampers are happening all too frequently as well, 10 to this point, (2per game!) while last yrs club yielded 6 all year long.

All this could, no SHOULD, spell success on both sides of the ball in Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday morning. The safeties are simply unable to cover what they once handed routinely. The linebacking core is also getting a long hard look. Holmgren is not opposed
to making changes as necessary.

Please Mike, wait a week!

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The new look Portland Trailblazers beat the Utah Jazz 114-110 in their exhibition game tonight.

Portland led by as many as nine in the first half, going up 48-39 on a 3-pointer from Travis Outlaw.

The Blazers led 89-76 at the start of the fourth quarter. Captain "Zbo" Randolph took advantage of a mismatch with Utah rookie Paul Millsap, drawing fouls and scoring down low. He finished w/22 and 8 rebounds. He shot12-of-15 from the line.

Seahawks Post Help Wanted Signs!

The Seattle Seahawks are worried about coming to Arrowhead with only Seneca Wallace for a quarterback. Wallace has waited 3.5 yrs to make his first NFL start. Now Mike Holmgren knows there is some "tinkering" to do with the offensive scheme this week.

He and his football team must make adjustments.

Matt Hasselbeck the quarterback who lead the Seahawks to the Superbowl last year has now resigned himself to the facts. He will be missing three to four weeks as the leader of his football team, that's because the magnetic resonance imaging test done on his knee Monday morning showed that he had received a grade-2 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in the Seahawks' 31-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He thinks Seneca will make the proper adjustments.

I think our guys are going to rally around him," Hasselbeck said. "He's a very popular guy in the locker room. He's a very talented quarterback, and everyone knows that.

"As upset as I am at not being out there, I'm excited that he's going to get the chance to play and show what he can do." when asked, speaking of Wallace stepping in.

"I'm going to do everything that I can (to help him), without getting in the way," Hasselbeck said.

Others are more concerned. "I can't imagine a more difficult situation for this kid to make his first start," a scout for one AFC team said Monday. This scout has seen the blitz packages that Kansas City has thrown at opponents in recent weeks. While Wallace sees it differently, "I am not the person that is going to get nervous or uptight about anything," said Wallace. He threw as many passes (25) against the Vikings after taking over for Hasselbeck as he had in his first three seasons with the team!

So, the Seahawks will bring in a few quarterbacks for tryouts today, but they're looking for a veteran to supplement Wallace and No. 3 David Greene.

Wallace though may fit into the stealthful plans of Jared Allen and Tamba Hali. Seneca Wallace is quicker, faster and more elusive. But at 5 feet 11, he often needs all those traits to create a passing lane. Oh Yeah? Bingo. Sack City. Hey linebackers- have fun with the smashmouth game.

Shawn Alexander has not suited up for practice this week. He will not play.

Soooo, Get ready.
Roll on Red Warriors!





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Raef LaFrentz felt an improvement in his left calf last week and knew he was ready to return.

LaFrentz had not taken part in a full practice this season with the Trail Blazers after tearing a muscle in the calf last month. Testing it last week, he still felt pain, but it wasn't the alarming kind.

"It's quite a difference between running and feeling like it's going to pull, and running and just being sore," said LaFrentz, who went through a full practice for the first time Sunday. "Soreness is no big deal, but when you feel ripping and tearing, that's no good."

LaFrentz joins the Blazers at a time they need front-line help. Darius Miles and LaMarcus Aldridge still have not practiced. We need bodies," coach Nate McMillan said. "We were down to 11 players, and Raef, I think, can be a big part of this team. He can help us."

LaFrentz, who is beginning his ninth NBA season, came to Portland in the draft-day trade that sent Theo Ratliff and Sebastian Telfair to Boson. At one time, the 6-foot-11, 245-pound LaFrentz might have been categorized as a prototype power forward in the mold of Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki. "I was when I moved better," LaFrentz said. "But now I'm just going to knock down shots. Hopefully my legs cooperate with that thought."

Knee injuries have made him less mobile than he was when he was drafted out of Kansas by Denver with the No. 3 pick in 1998. He may have found a home though in the Pacific Nortwest~!

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman will be suspended four games for violating the NFL substance abuse policy, sources close to Merriman said. One source said Merriman, last season's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, is appealing the results and that there is "a reason behind this." Of course he replied to all this in spite of the team policy. "Per the collective bargaining agreement, the Chargers aren't allowed to comment on reports or results involving the league's substance abuse policy," Reminded Chargers spokesman Bill Johnston on Sunday night.

The 22-year-old Merriman, last year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, was initially to be suspended last week along with two other players. Ok, I gotta wonder, it makes the victory so much sweeter- Did Merriman have a foreknowledge of this while playing his heart out yesterday afternoon at Arrowhead? Excuse me, while I am ROFL!!!!

There is no mistake.
Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported last night that Merriman's positive test was "definitely for steroids … not one of those supplement deals," said a source with knowledge of Merriman's suspension. Both the initial A sample and backup B sample came back positive."

Eric Allen, a valued contributor for ESPN had a great take on this development. He is quoted here as saying,
"But is it worth what he's now going to go through? This is a kid who presumably wanted to one day be mentioned in the same breath as luminaries like Mike Singletary, Dick Butkus, Ray Lewis and Lawrence Taylor. Now he stands a much better chance of being mentioned in the same breath as Brian Bosworth and Tony Mandarich."

Scathing comments, just burning man!
And oh sooooo true!!!

Damn too bad we don't get them in SD until after the suspension!
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Chargers are in Town, You Up for It?

Well, its nice to be back! I had a tough week with the family at one of those huge "lets get together and love on another family functions", it didnt work! I can only hope the game today will be a battle that brings a smile to this aging heart.

About the Chargers. They want to try to take the crowd out of the action early at Arrowhead. Marty, of "Martyball" fame knows well the tenacity of the Chiefs at home. He remembers that they come out enraged and engaged when that crowd comes to life on Sunday afternoon. Under those circumstances, it bodes well that the Chargers have one of the league’s best Turnover Ratios, at minus-8. (That is to say… Eight more takeaways than giveaways.) They know well too, that you don’t win at a place like Arrowhead if you commit turnovers, and through five games the Bolts’ offense has done a fine job of holding on to the ball, with just two interceptions and zero lost fumbles. They’ll need to keep it that way, if they intend to get out of kansas City with another victory.

Kansas City has been quite effective in limiting the opposition at the run. In the last seventeen games at Arrowhead Stadium no opposing rusher has hit the 100 yard mark against the Chiefs. If we could maintain that streak today it will go a long way collecting a needed win against a division rival who happens to hold down the number one spot.

When the Chargers have the ball, Philip Rivers will lead the NFL’s third ranked offense on to the field. He will be challenged to distribute the ball, and find the man who’s drawn single coverage or has a mismatch, because the Chiefs are going to be predictively effective in limiting the run. Will the Larry Johnson get fired up, will he wear that target proudly on the front of his jersey and spend the day showing it to them proudly, from the rear as he streaks through the defense?

If the Chiefs are unable to get the running game going, it will free the Chargers to bring an enormous amount of pass pressure. Shaun Phillips (6 sacks) and Shawne Merriman (5.5 sacks) are ranked first and second, in the AFC in sacks, and Damon Huard will be fleeing for his life unless the Chiefs can force the Chargers to respect the run.

It has been a long week, lets hope I can get some well needed rest after the Chiefs upset the 5 point favored Chargers on Sunday afternoon.

We need to get those Red Warriors loosed today!



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Sorry Time to Run, Gotta Go!

See You All on Monday Morning. I got a roadtrip to see, lil' Wren!
It's my granddaughter's 1st Birthday!

so,
-Roll on Red Warriors!-
without me!

Injury Updates tell a Tale

More questions for the Steelers?
When Chad Brown walked into the Steelers locker room after being signed yesterday with the injury to starter Joey Porter he found some things hadn't changed. He played in Pittsburgh 10 years ago. Brown had his old defensive coordinator and his old jersey waiting for him.
"I was pleasantly surprised how familiar it seemed... No matter what you do, 10 years later, it's going to be different if you're away from it. I got some work to do, but I think my experience 10 years ago will allow me to help the team much sooner this year." About the latest aquisition Cowher told reporters that, "He knows this defense, and one thing I know he can do is line up as a third-down rusher."

I think he might be a step slower, what ya think?
He made the Pro Bowl team in 1998 and '99. while he played eight seasons with my Seattle Seahawks, they released him after the 2004 season with questions about his pass coverage. Lets see if Damon Huard can exploit that!

Also regards exploitation, starting cornerback Deshea Townsend is now injured as well. After they lost Ricardo Colclough for the season, that could force backup Bryant McFadden to start @RCB against the Kansas City Chiefs. Anthony Smith too, the 2nd round pick from Syracuse, likely will be the sixth defensive back on the field when the Steelers use their dime defense against the Chiefs.

Steelers return man Willie Reid also has been ruled out for the Chiefs' game, after suffering a sprained foot. Sunday, Najeh Davenport will return kickoffs with Santonio Holmes. Tynes might want to test him.

Huard though is undaunted, unchanged, he told the press this week: “Regardless, we’re facing the defending Super Bowl Champion who are 1-3 and whose backs are to the wall. We’re going to get their best shot, period. They’ve lost to three very good football teams, Jacksonville, Cincinnati and San Diego I think are all either or 3-1 or 4-0 so we know this is a good football team and we’re going into a hornet’s nest.”

He prepares well.
He needs help from the Defense this week.

Roll on Red Warriors!


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The more things Change... the more they Don't!

The Portland Oregonian today reports that:

"Blazers forward Zach Randolph was fined by the team for arriving to the Rose Garden more than 30 minutes late for Wednesday's exhibition opener against Seattle. Coach Nate McMillan said he requires players to be at the arena 90 minutes before tipoff, but Randolph arrived 55 minutes before the 7 p.m. start. "It has been taken care of," McMillan said. Randolph, who started and scored 20 points, was tardy last season to five shootarounds the morning of a game."
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Zbo has made pledges to the Coach and to the team to act like a leader this year, to act like the team captain. He shared with everyone his high hopes for this year and the incredible roster changes.

Yeah, we hear you Zach.
Watever you say...
I guess.
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Put the Focus on Rothlesberger Sunday ...a Whole Bunch of it!

Yes, the superbowl quarterback is struggling. Everyone lately is chiming in and climbing on, "whats wrong with these Steelers?"

"It's very obvious; it's Roethlisberger," said Bob Trumpy, the former All Pro Bengal tight end who broadcast the game last weekend for CBS, "He's the guy who's the magic and he's being very careless with the football. He's not protecting the ball. You can't have a quarterback who is careless with the football." adding, "It's all centered on Ben Roethlisberger. You can't look anywhere else. I don't see Pittsburgh as a team making stupid mistakes. I don't see blown coverages or missed blitzes. I just see Roethlisberger playing this year like it was last year and it's not; that happens in this league."

Mike Butler, grew up a Steeler fan, he is a Pittsburgh native who served as a scout and personnel director with the Indianapolis Colts. He too has his opinion. "He [Rothlesberger] seems to be making some bad decisions. It just seems like he's off, something's missing," Butler said. "He's probably rusty; he missed practice time with the receivers, which is big. They have to do that every day, in my opinion, to keep that chemistry. In my opinion, it just takes some time." he adds, "Once you start losing, it compounds itself. Everyone starts pressing and then you don't play as well because you're pressing. I think it just takes a little time in practice."

Well I hope that Chiefs can help to nurture that seed of doubt that has sprung in the minds of so many, on the team, in the press and in the stands. I like this idea. Keep them all questioning, keep them all whispering. Meanwhile. Rothlesberger says his answer is all in the teams' mindset.

"What I'm going to do is what a lot of guys are going to do, we're going to start the season over right now," Ben said. "We're 0-0 and lookin' for our first win," said the All Pro quarterback. "It's going to be good for everybody in terms of getting everybody on the same page." He gets to the point... "There have been times when everything is going right, but there's always one play where it breaks down, one play that's killing us and biting us in the butt."

Doesnt that just sound like the definition of questioning himself? More:

"Guys are rushing wide, trying to keep me in the pocket," Ben said of opposing defenses. "A lot of the big plays from my first two seasons came when I got out of the pocket." He reasons. The problem is, his LT Marvel Smith doesnt see it that way. Smith chimes back with... "That might be true, but I haven't noticed it." It is Smiths' job to protects Ben's blind side and he has different angle on it. "I haven't seen anything specific like that, I mean, it might be an emphasis for somebody, and he's made a lot of plays outside the pocket, but I haven't seen anything like [perimeter players rushing wide] specifically."

Bill Cowher his coach is still scrambling for the answers too. "It's hard to pinpoint; there's so much that goes into it," Cowher said after practice yesterday. "There's the protection, the route, then the actual throwing of the football. He's just got to continue working with receivers to develop the kind of continuity that we [once] had."

Ben admits though, this is his responsibility.
"It starts with me," said the 24-year-old quarterback. "I have to make the adjustments, make the corrections."


My point here is this- things are in a bit of turmoil in Pittsburgh, so say them all.

I say, let Ben think he needs to get outside to make his plays, we got a coupla guys named Jared Allen and Tamba Hali who are licking their chops. That will play right into this defense.

No one, Palmer, Plummer, Smith or Leinhart has made a living scrambling out of the pocket againt this defense. But hey, Ben, you are welcome to try!

Blazers Come Up Short in their Preseason Opener, but Not for Lack of Effort!

Well by all accounts the Portland Trailblazers first preseason home game proved that the youth movement paid off. Oh, yeah, Zach Randolph still took more than his share of the shots, and he still shoots too much from the outside, but he did garner 20 pts in 36 minutes. Zbo also got 7 rebounds to go with his point production. This team did well for its first outing, displaying that overall attitude that Coach Nate McMillan was asking for from the new kids. They showed up to play!
The Seattle SuperSonics defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 99-89 on Wednesday night in the first preseason game for both teams- but those new Blazers, they fought and they hustled. They were just a little more strong on the attitude than the execution!

The Blazers worked hard to build a halftime lead at home 53-45 with the help of a spark from Sergio Rodriguez, known in europe as the "Spanish Chocolate" for all his sweet passes and high assist ratios. The Spanish team leader in the world championships, he played sparingly but well, scoring 6 pts in only 6 minutes. On the downside he showed his youth and inexperience, his team was the victim of two unforced errors. He helped to excite the crowd of over 14,000 that were in attendance at the Rose Garden when he showed his range, hitting consecutive 3 pointers with teamate Jarret Jack, at the close of the half.

Jack was excited, saying "Guys were just out there giving it their all, diving on the ball with no hesitation about it, just putting it all on the line for this team," adding, "It's something this city has been missing the last couple of years." Dan Dickau, a Portland favorite, hit a couple 3's too when he came off the bench scoring 9 total in 20 minutes and dishing 4 assists.

Brandon Roy got his picture in the paper for his debut performance last night. He played 33 minutes, was 3-10 shooting and made 1 of 3 from the line but he made his mark with his pressure defense and outright hustle. Coach Nate McMillan said, "I think he's going to be a player." After the game even Ray Allen said 'the guys got game'.

McMillan was most pleased with the 'in your face' style of play his team showed, using as an example the hometowncrowd giving the team a standing ovation in the second half following a remarkable defensive stop. He is going to expect that kind of effort every night with the youth and the depth the Blazers hold at most positions.


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Well by all accounts the Portland Trailblazers first preseason home game proved that the youth movement paid off. Oh, Zach Randolph still took more than his share of the shots, and still shoots too much from the outside. He garnered 20 pts in 36 minutes. He also got 7 rebounds to go with his point production. This team did well for its first outing, the overall attitude that Coach Nate McMillan was asking for from the new kids, showed up to play!
Oh, the Seattle SuperSonics defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 99-89 on Wednesday night in the first preseason game for both teams, but those new Blazers, they fought and they hustled. They were just a little more strong on the attitude than the execution!

They worked to build a halftime lead at home 53-45 with the help of a spark from Sergio
Rodriguez, known as the "Spanish Chocolate" for his sweet passes and high assist ratios.
The Spanish team leader in the world championships, he did well, scoring 6pts in only 6 minutes. On the downside, showing his youth and inexperience, his team was the victim of his two unforced errors. He did manage to excite the crowd of over 14,000 that were in attendance at the Rose Garden when he showed his range, hitting consecutive 3 pointers with teamate Jarret Jack, at the close of the half.

Jack was excited, saying "Guys were just out there giving it their all, diving on the ball with no hesitation about it, just putting it all on the line for this team," adding, "It's something this city has been missing the last couple of years." Dan Dickau, a Portland favorite, hit a couple 3's too when he came off the bench scoring 9 total in 20 minutes and dishing 4 assists.

Brandon Roy got his picture in the paper for his debut performance last night. He played 33 minutes, was 3-10 shooting and made 1 of 3 from the line but he made his mark with his pressure defense and outright hustle. Coach Nate McMillan said, "I think he's going to be a player." After the game even Ray Allen said 'the guys got game'.

McMillan was most pleased with the in your face style of play his team showed, using as an example the hometowncrowd giving the team a standing ovation in the second half following a remarkable defensive stop. He is going to expect that kind of effort every night with the youth and the depth the Blazers hold at most positions.


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Times are Anxious in Pittsburgh... Hmmm...

No I dont think that Coach Bill Cowher is in danger of losing his job this week. There actually is no reason he should be looking for part-time work at the local Walmart.
Cowher has a way of downplaying rather than overstating. His motives should always be questioned. The local press coverage continues to hold me spellbound!

Polls can be interesting indeed. This one is an ongoing one, published online at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette @ http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06284/728955-66.stm it should be worth keeping an eye on this week.
It asks the following:

What are the Steelers' chances of making the playoffs?

On IR
10% (151)

Doubtful
37% (553)

Questionable
42% (630)

Probable
10% (154)

Total votes: 1,488

Now that does surprise me. Thusfar, 79% of those asked are doubtful/questionable about their hopes for the '06 season. Is it just more headgames designed to get this Steeler team ready for this weeks challenge? I have got to wonder, but I think so. They want to keep the expectations low so that the joy will make them that much higher with a win, ya think?

Coach Bill Cowher has had a little attitude this week, blasting the media. He has made awkward claims of overdramatization against the Sunday Night Football broadcast team pointing out the pregame footage of Ben Rothlesberger caressing his throwing elbow. He points out, no he insists that the Steeler organization is not hiding anything. Ben apparently has a little tennis elbow that in no way affects his ability to throw the football.




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The same paper today, on Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Sportswriter Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cowher said Roethlisberger's elbow was hit during the game, which is why he was icing it down afterward. "Before the game he was fine," Cowher said. "It's another one of the sensationalized stories that sometimes these sideline reporters want to create."
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The poor showing from the running backs collectively left little to highlight. (see this post for yesterday) There is little hope for the struggling Ben is he gets no help from his running game. The was only one small positive taken from the game by Coah Bill Cowher. They were digging pretty deep to acknowedge Najeh Davenports' production. He had two carries for a total of -0- yards. His longest gain from scrimmage was 1 yard. The halfback still garnered praise from his coach in yesterdays press conference.
The article revealed:




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Cowher explained:

Halfback Najeh Davenport, who made his first appearance in a Steelers uniform Sunday and caught a 32-yard pass, might also see more playing time. "We'll look at that as a possibility,'' Cowher said. "I was encouraged. I think he's gotten more comfortable in this offense. I think he can also give you some things in the kicking game. ... So he does give you some versatility. He's got excellent hands, so he could potentiallybe a third-down guy."
**************************************************************************



Finally, The Steelers signed Jovon Johnson to their practice squad. He is a rookie defensive back from Iowa.

Hey Chiefs be careful, as a longtime Bengal fan I have known this type of dramatic down play of "current conditions" from these press conferences. Bill Cowher if he had his way would play us like a grand piano!


Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

The Big 12 is well represented.

Lamarcus Adridge is finding a comfortable fit in Portland Oregon. He looks forward to contributing in about thirty days after rehabing from a shoulder surgery. Lamarcus has demonstrated an attitude of determination and is willing to do the hard work. The Blazers open tonight at 7pm local time against the rival Seattle Sonics to open the 2006 preseason. Rip one Sergio! Aribba!
Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

For my Oregonian Friends, Joey finds a home!

borrowed from
http://dolphins.aolsportsblog.com

Saban: Harrington Enters Week Six as Starter

Posted Oct 10th 2006 3:24AM by Rustin Legendre
Filed under: Dolphins, AFC East

Nick Saban today announced that Joey Harrington, who started in place of Daunte Culpepper and did a very fine job Sunday, will enter week six as the Dolphins starting quarterback against the New York Jets.

I believe this is the correct choice by Coach Saban.

Also, I do not believe it is so much an indictment of Daunte Culpepper as it is an endorsement of Harrington, who played extremely well at times Sunday vs. New England.

Harrington made quick decisions, was accurate and showed great leadership.

If Joey keeps this style of play up, I see no reason whatsoever why he should ever see the bench again this season.

Harrington exuded confidence against the Pats and it seemed like the whole team fed off of it. If Joey and the D show up against the Jets Sunday like they did against the Pats, sans the dumb mistakes and turnovers, I see no reason why the Fins can't go on the road and beat the Jets.
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This is one of the best sites on the net for NFL football, anytime RSS feeds et all!
Visit it then...
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The Steelers are Looking for Answers

The Pittsburgh Steelers, in a desire to find a way out of the doldrums of a 1-3 record, after the team seemed to battle so hard in San Diego, they are questioning themselves. They were fighting head to head tooth and nail when it all suddenly stopped. They lost. Again. Their hometown media wants answers.


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Soul-searching begins after team's flaws exposed again

Tuesday, October 10, 2006
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

SAN DIEGO -- The Steelers made a long trip to sunny California and departed without ever finding daylight. Things instead grew darker for them after they lost their third consecutive game to slip to 1-3.
They have gone from Super Bowl champs to ones looking very much like one-hit wonders and there is only a single solution. "Victories," proclaimed linebacker Clark Haggans. "And us playing Steelers football. That'll get us out."


**************************************************************************

Consistancy, they have none. The Chiefs meet a team who are definitely struggling. In last weeks game against San Diego they used four different running backs to gain a total of 68 yards. The Chiefs defense needs to work to try to match those numbers while playing on the road this week.
About the Chargers game, one offensive lineman, said it all. "We got things going and then, all of a sudden, things weren't going for us," guard Alan Faneca said. "We came out and it didn't feel like we had too many plays in the second half. We had a couple of turnovers and they had some good drives and we couldn't get back in rhythm."
Inconsistancy it is the name of the game in the Steel City this week, and they want their game back.

Coach Herm needs to call again for ball control. Damon Huard needs to get the offense moving early and keep it moving. The Steelers cannot get that consistancy back and thus they cannot fix it if it never gets an opportunity to get going. Their steel defense is even being talked trash about in the news.

**************************************************************************
Again by
Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

This new version of Steelers football doesn't cut it. It features
turnovers, an inconsistent running game and a defense that
looks dominant most of the time, susceptible at the wrong times.
**************************************************************************

The media is after them, but to motivate them. The fans still love them, they will show up en mass to inspire and energize that team on Sunday. There is a word going around that the game will be nationally televised at a special time this week so this is a chance that they dont want to let slip away.
A Bill Cowher-coached team ever started as poorly as 1-4.

Honest, Ben Roethlisberger wants to help. Unfortunately he has been the definition of inconsistacy, he threw for 220 yards against the Chargers, but two of those passes went to the defense. Turnovers. Interceptions have a way of killing any hope for momentum. Ben Roethlisberger has thrown seven interceptions and no touchdowns in his three games back. This is the same guy who set the standard for a rookie passer rating at 98.1
This week, I checked it, he has a 41.67 rating after three games. He is still holding down the the number #32 spot on the QB listings. Again, I say, and Coach Herm would too, if he cannot get that team on the field, he cannot seek momentum, so he cannot improve those numbers.

That spells victory for the Chiefs!

That will be a good.





Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Well there is more than one way to win a ball game!

"We had the fumble, but they ended up crawling and scratching and got it away from me," Dansby said. "Two of their guys were trying to break my fingers. I only had it with my one hand. I was trying to roll my body back over it, but I couldn't." Thats how he described it, it was the play of the game, at least for Karlos Dansby who was the Cardinal linebacker in on the play.

The Chiefs had just broken the huddle inside the Cardinal five yard line near the goal line, they were ready to take the lead in a game they had battled hard for all day, scrapping back. It was a hard fought game in which they trailed by two touchdowns earlier, at the hands of rookie Matt Leinhart. I am sure that Chiefs lined up on that play they wanted a touchdown, for Larry Johnson, who was injured two plays earlier after breaking a major screen pass for over seventy yards and getting his head nearly twisted off and thrown out of bounds.

After Dee Brown came in replace Johnson, he battled, once, twice, then a third time. That's when the ball came loose. Dansby knocked the ball from Brown's hands. Dansby smiled to himself. He grabbed at it hard with his left, thinking the Cardinals had just fallen on the game's biggest turnover, to at least secure an overtime period for the home team!

Not today. Under those scrum piles everyone wants that ball, and there are no rules. The hungriest team wins the war. Kansas City was the hungriest team this day. Karlos Dansby knew it too, he just closed saying, "that's just football, man. Ain't nothing you can do about it."

The Chiefs were not about to let this game slip through anyones fingers. They then settled for a 19-yard field goal by Lawrence Tynes, the games winning field goal. That one play may have spoiled Matt Leinharts rookie debut. Yep, it may have been the biggest play of the biggest day of his pro career.

After it all. It turns out Larry Johnson had a sprained neck, I think he knew that what hurt more was his pride, that he was denied the big yards on endless flights off tackle this day. "I'm a firm believer when a guy gets into a funk, you make sure he gets the ball," his coach Herm Edwards said. "Great players, you've got to give them the ball back because they're going to find a way to make a play, and he did. He made a big-time play."

So for now, you can relax Larry, you gave your team a chance to win with your106 receiving yards today. Hey, you have lived to fight another day! October 15 at 4:15pm eastern time. Then that day you will line up to do it all again, in the angry Steel city, in Pittsburgh.

Congratulations man, you did do it. You took it. In the end you finally won!

Now, get ready.

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

This could be a big day for Jerad Allen

That offensive line has been the target of all the "non-finger pointing" this week in the Arizona Cardinal camp. They have quietly been said to be the reason for the recent "unsuccess" of RB Edgerin James and a big part pf the reason Kurt Warner has been seated. (Of course Warner was the person throwing those untimely, inappropriate passes, that ended up in the arms of the opposition).

The malaise has been there all along- at least since the Cardinals' wasted the number 2 overall pick in the 2001 draft. They took on the 6-6, 366-pound Leonard Davis figuring that they were getting a mammoth LT who could anchor that side and form a foundation of a wall designed to give the QB, whoever he was, time to find those excellent wide receivers. The only thing that Davis has proven over time is that he cant move his feet. He can't handle speed rushers. Paying attention Jerad Allen?

As a result Davis has found himself the foundation of an offensive line that has given up 13 sacks in the first four games, for a total of 89 lost yards. Will the Chiefs fierce pass rush account for even more? I bet they will.

The teams interception totals are just as dreary. Along with the five that Kurt has chucked, rookie Matt Leinhart in his first game threw one last week. He was 6-9 for 54yds with 1 int and 1 sack. He knows pressure already.

On the other side at the right tackle Oliver Ross isnt all that much better. He and center Alex Stepanovich and guards Reggie Wells and Milford Brown all have some NFL experience. Brown though, is in his first Cardinal season, he has at least some excuse. Together they haven't played that much, as a unit. The remaining three spot mentioned have been slowed by injuries in the last couple years. So, yes, it all looks pretty bleak!

Brian Baldinger, one writer for Sports Illustrated has observed:
"They [the cardinals O line} miss a lot of assignments. For example, when linemen double-team a defender, one guy typically is supposed to slip off the block and pick off a linebacker or defensive back at the next level. But the Cardinals constantly take their double-teams to the wrong guy. Physically, they're not bad. But mentally, they're completely out of sync. They get confused, fail to adjust, turn guys loose -- and then watch while Warner gets sacked or James gets stuffed. It's ugly"

I guess it's like EJames said this week, that It's not time to point fingers. He added that it's not like they can go out and make changes at this time of year. So he himself is resigned to just play the "cards" they been dealt. He urges others that it is time to buckle down, to learn the system and they can all ride the horse that brung 'em.

I myself say good luck to them. I do mean it- but please, could you all wait about one more week? We thankya!



Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

On Paper the Chiefs get Alot of Respect!

The Arizona Cardinals wound up work for the week 5 match up against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Cardinals Tempe Training Facility.

Coach Dennis Green is still complimenting us, trying hard not to stir awake the KCD!
“Kansas City is much improved defensively,” he says, “They’ve added two very good corners and a couple of good players. Kansas City is a team that has been good on offense for a while but has improved dramatically on defense.”


He acknowledges his loyal opposition and their head coach. “They’re the only team in the league that will play 8 up in the box! (eight players up close to the line of scrimmage). “They play 8 up and play man coverage. It is kind of a throwback to what guys were playing in the late eighties and they’ve had some success with it. They’ve got two great veteran corners which I think they think enables them to do that.”

When Matt Leinhart gets an interview he pines in too! The popular rookie quarterback is afterall making his first career NFL start Sunday. He admits his concern with the Cardinals offensive line. He acknowlegdges quickly that they will have a difficult task protecting him from that hungry Kansas City defense. Last weeks KCD acted strong- but emaciated, then gorged themselves on that San Francisco ball club!
Leinhart observed:

“The front four are always coming hard and I think that is the biggest difference from college to the pros,” saying that, “I expect them to be coming, shoot, even harder just because it is me; a rookie guy in there. They expect me to make mistakes like that.”

He claims he just has to relax when he is out on the field ...but will he find the time?

“I feel like I can go in and play, and really the key is to not over-do it,” reamining calm he sayid “I can’t try to do too much, and just go out and do what I do.” Then he started to going on about the heat, "You still have to be patient and you still have to see what a defense gives you but at the same time we have to utilize the guys we got.” He knows he has weapons. “We have the best receivers, we have the best running back and we have a very good offensive line. We just have to put the package together because that benefits the talents we have and the skill positions we have.”

Cardinal WR Anquan Boldin is figuring to be problematic for the Chiefs. Boldin figures he could just benefit from the KC heat.
He explained:

“They play a lot of cover 2 and that is just what Herm does,” stated Boldin. “Sometimes they put 8 or 9 in the box and try to get to the quarterback before you can get the ball out so I’m pretty sure we’ll see some of that.”

If the Cards offensive line can give Boldin anytime, things could turn his way early.

“Especially the way I play,” Boldin lives off one on one defenses. “If you’re able to catch the ball and break one tackle, you have a field wide open.”

Earlier this week Herm Edwards gave Kudos to the Cardinals, saying at one point that:

“Leinart is good at placing the ball in areas where the guy is going to catch it,” He was gracious to say “It’ll be interesting. When you think the guy is covered, you’re wrong, because that’s when he’ll catch it on you.”

Timely, infrequent well executed blitzes should disrupt the rookie QB. Our Chiefs team is trying to learn to show false packages this week, and disguise packages so that they alone can dictate the Cardinal rhythm and success! Have fun boys!

Roll on Red Warriors!


Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Dont be Surprised if Paul Allen should line up for welfare soon!

The Microsoft Millionaire is just down on his luck. He did manage to pull his team, the Portland Trailblazers off the market this summer, after not seeing suitable offers. I think. Some say he has different reasons, but more about that at another time.


He did agree to try to balance his budget for at least, this year. He has been trying to get arbitration, to redo his lease structure agreement at the Rose Garden. So, as it is, Paul needs to make more and more cash and very, very fast.
His latest ploy, announced recently is to remove the media from the benches on the sidecourt where they have announced the play for about the last 30 years. He needs to relocate them- further on up, away from the action on the court. Now, I can see how it may get tenuous for broadcasters in the future, to actually make a living describing the court action from an one eigth of a mile up one side of the building!!!

Oh well. Thats not his concern. He has decided to remove the media in order to open up new more attractive and more expensive seating package, behind the Blazer bench!
Oh ...I see!
-Horray for free enterprise!
-God bless Capitalism in America!

I imagine he'll wind up putting thosee seats out for bid, say, on E-bay the day of the game. Dont Ya think? Anyway, ...the latest hold up now seems to be just how to determine to split the exciting mass revenue from the said seats, with the Rose Garden Authority from whom he leases the building.

I have faith he will find a way!
He is a businessman.
Maybe now the Portland media will take it easy on P.A. -Ya' think?
no way, ...NOT!!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Edgerin James Says He Just Needs to Play a Bigger Role.

Talking to Edgerin James about his lack of production he is quick to point out that his inconsistancy stems from not touching the rock often enough. James is listed as having only 88 carries for 272 yds in four games. These numbers would not define a workhorse by any stretch of the imagination. Twenty-two opportunities to pound it per game- for less than seventy yards must feel like semi-retirement!



News is breaking though, the the game plan this week calls for the Cardinals to feature the running game and the short passing game with Rookie QB Matt Leinart. This should break down to more carries for EJames against a Kansas City defense ranked third in the NFL. This is another key matchup to take note of early on. Will the Mitchell and Johnson anchor that defensive front seven?


The local paper the East Valley Tribune online, cites James as saying


“Whenever they call my name, I’m ready,” James said. “If I have to carry it 50 times, I’ll be ready 50 times.”

James is now showing 3.1 yards per carry, that is while while he is being held back. His increased opportunity should get him untracked if you ask him. Historically the Cardinals have had running backs reach 100 yards only seven times in their last 100 games. This weekend EJames could add another brick to that pile.

James’ though has his own personal 100-yard game drought going on, it has now reached seven games in a row, tying the longest of his career. Time for the Chiefs Defense to help set another record!! This year too, James has only 16 catches out of the backfield so you can see why he may want more involvement in this offense. His Coach, Dennis Green is strong while backing up the Cardinals free agent catch. He readily will admit James’ production woes have little to do with James.

“I think he is running his butt off,” Green said. “I think it’s on us, not him.”


In closing, EJames offers:

“I am a fighter; I don’t give up,” stating, “I know good things will happen. Good things always happen for me", and “A lot of people want to point fingers, but there is no need to point fingers because this is what we’ve got. We aren’t going to have a new offensive line, we’re not going to have a new system. This is what we’ve got this year. All the playmakers, we just have to do something extra.”

Yes, lets see what they got come Sunday afternoon ...and feel it Monday morning!



Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

It's my Anniversary!! Soooo...C-ya Tomorrow!!

Meanwhile the Steelers hope to take a few Amps off those Chargers for Us!

Jerome Bettis Still Has Some Hope!
Coach Bill Cowher doesn't want his team worrying about their 1-2 record. He dooesnt need them thinking about how many games that they are behind those undefeated Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. He knows the Steelers havent won since opening day.
He has no intention of giving them time to ponder why they stand in third place in the division. He wants his team to concentrate on the San Diego Chargers. His Steelers face those Chargers who have a share at the top of the AFC West, this week.
Yes, San Diego has the best deffense in the AFC, check that, they now have the best defense in the NFL. Cowher though, is determined, and not worried.

The coach, has been quoted in the AP as saying:
"I don't think anybody is pushing a panic button," he said. "I think there's some sense or urgency in practice. We've got to take that and transfer that onto the field. We knew this first month we would face some pretty good football teams. We're not where we want to be."

Cowher sees a chance this week on the road in San Diego. The Steelers he has to admit are fifth from last, very near the bottom of the league in passing with an average of 172 yards per game. He finds hope in knowing that he faces in San Diego a team that is lower still, third from the bottom. Quarterback Philip Rivers is struggling as a starter, yet they 2-1 thanks to the Charger defense.

That pass defense has let up only 184.3 yds passing per game. The best. They have earned it against Steve McNair of Baltimore, Vince Young of the Tennesse Titans and Brooks and Walter of the Oakland Raiders. Those last two from Oakland sound more like an advertising firm than play like NFL quaterbacks, admittedly. Will Ben Roethlisberger find his way out of the doldrums of that concussion he suffered last summer! Ben, the hero of the first February Superbowl just months ago, now finds himself #31 of the 32 top QBs in the league. He has accumulated a miserable QB rating of 34.3 for all the world to see.

The Kansas City Chiefs can only hope these two beat each other up, with LD driving the ball through the Steel Curtain, unsuccessfully. The Steelers are only letting up 87yds per game rushing as of this week. Meanwhile, LD has made it a habit to run for an even100 though, the top of the pile as far as yds per game. Something tells me, something has to give. Will the Steeler be 1-3 and even angrier when the Chiefs visit in week 6? Maybe they will they be 2-2- having held LD, and Phillip Rivers down all afternoon in California this week? Either way, I vote for a vicious game this week. I want them BOTH battered and bruised, taking it all out on each other, going into week 6. That scenario looks real good for our hometown Chiefs!

And,
Dontcha think that would be nice!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Portland "JailBlazers" change their look in 06!

Coach Nate McMillan said about his Blazers team, at the Century Hotel for all the ears to hear:

"The first thing I want to talk to them about is the perception of the Blazers from the view of the NBA, the NBA players, and after travelling around the world, from the world," McMillan said. "And the perception is not good. I mean, it's worse than I thought it was. I knew the perception was bad, but the feelings of people outside of Portland, there is just absolutely no respect for this team. And a lot of that is due to what we have done off the court. We have to change that".

adding:

"It's still going to take patience," McMillan said. "This organization has been damaged, it really has, as far as things that have happened and some of the things we are going through. So this will not happen overnight. But I've talked to some guys, and I will talk to the team, and tell them we have to change what we do off the floor. The players have to understand we are better than what people are saying . . . if we change our attitude."
**********************************************************************************************
In an attempt to get fans to forget the old moniker developed years ago, embelished in recent weeks with the "justbarely NOT criminal" exploits of the teams captain, "Zbo" in a downtown hotel room.

Blazer Brass have this year decided to give the team a new manageable look, perhaps more appealing to the community!


In fairness, his has been a redesign in the making, it began early this summer with the tumbling tirade of trades of veteran and young players. It began with the signings of Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Alderidge. This team opens camp today!

The Blazer headache twins are yes, still taking up space in the Rose Garden. Darius Miles and the aformentioned team captain Zach Randolph both happen to be the most highly paid, and even more highly overrated problems for the franchise. The new blood, this was brought in to boost the teams reputation as well as the teams production. They are also being counted on to increase ticket sales- immediately, as in, last week!

When it all settles out, hopefully the pieces will fall into a more enjoyable place. These "newbies" just may make going to a Blazer game enjoyable again.

Alas, unfortunately, I still have to be content just to listen to the games "streamed" over the net. So,

From all the way over here in Kansas... Good Luck guys!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Lets see, how do we get a win in at the new U of Phoenix Stadium?

(photo courtesy of EA Sports!)
Kick a little Cardinal butt all over the field- thats how!!



They do it with the help of that Chiefs #1 "defensive receiving" team in the NFL, thats how they do it!!

Honestly, have you seen the little "Cardinal" logo change in recent years? It used to be a sweet little red bird on the side of their helmets, now it is this fierce nasty bird head!

!!Oooo.. Scary huh!!

NOT!!!

Well at least their play hasnt been. Edgerin James since he arrived in town looks like he is taking full advantage of the -relaxed vacation atmosphere that permeates the state of Arizona. He earned last week a total of 41 yards against that tough Atlanta Falcons defense last week. Is he taking advantage of Arizona's number one economy- catering to the elderly and possibly getting some of those "peaceful" medications the retirement homes hand out for candy? E James is the featured back for the Cardinals with 88 carries in four games. His skills have diminshed thusfar in '06, showing only 272 total yards with a 3.1 yard average. The longest run he has made from scrimmage so far is an exhausting 14 yarder.

I think the Chiefs D senses blood in the water!

That brings up Matt Leinart, that guy from USC right? I think he misses the beach or something, ya think? This will be his first pro start, his debut! He did manage to complete 5 of 8 for a grand total of 49yds. Gotta give him credit, that is 62.5%. Well that is respectable if you consider Kurt Warner, who is now sitting mustered 62.6%! Now, this week Matt will have a full week of practice with the number one receivers. The number one and number two guys are both in the top 17 of the NFL individual statistics, compiling 66 catches for over 600 yards, respectable. Will the Chiefs be vulnerable here? I dont think so. The pass defense for the Chiefs is averaging giving up an average of only 130 yards per game!

Oh yeah, Matt did chuck one of those eight passes for an interception against the Falcons. He has earned a QB rating of 40.1 so far in his career.

Another Oh Yeah, time for "another" note to all you DamonHuard haters out there. Damon is #2 in the "entire NFL" after week four, with a rating of 106.9! I have to keep rubbing it in until he gets somebodys respect!

May I be so bold as predict the Chiefs break their road loss string this weekend. LOL. I just did, in writing. Be sure to tune in!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Chiefs host a day long Massacre!

it was a “...must win” -the phrase apparently filled every meeting room and was heard on all the practice fields.

The Kansas City star writes that:

Coach Herm Edwards, who says he never panics, made it clear that an 0-3 start would at least be time to squirm. “They had no excuse for not winning this game,” Edwards said. “They had to win, period. We were going to play all day until we won the football game.”

The shutout... brought a smile to coach Herm Edwards, but he also might have been the only one not truly impressed. “I told you when I took this job that we were going to learn to play defense,” Edwards said. “We’ve got to play even better. That’s just me. I grew up a defensive guy, and I expect that out of them. The expectations are very, very high here.”
_______________________________________________________________________________
How about Chiefs DE Tamba Hali! On San Francisco's initial, futile drive, Hali, scooted around SF RT Kwame Harris and ripped the ball out of Alex Smith's hand. Smith recovered the fumble, the next play SF RB Frank Gore produced his fourth fumble in his first four games and then, the Chiefs recovered.
Kwame Harris said of working on Hali all day, that "He's a good player. Young but certainly coming along quickly,'' Harris said "I think he's going to do good things for them.''
Hali was was a major disruption coming off the edge. Hali managed1.5 sacks and was so a pain in their right side that the 49ers rotated FB Moran Norris, TE Billy Bajema and then 206-pound wide receiver, Arnaz Battle, to battle him. After the game TE Bajema said. "They have two good ends (Jared Allen is the other). They were active and made some plays today..."



Our Defense is #2 in NFL Kansas City 719 total yds! 118.0 rushing yards per game to go with 121.7 passing yards per game. They also can boast giving up only 40 first downs in three games. That is impressive. San Diego may still be the best so far in defense, but not by that many yards. Check it out at ESPN NFL stats. We Chief fans will make note: Kansas Cityis ranked #1 with only 42 catches allowed for a meager 392 total yds. That shows an excellent amount of heat by the defensive front. It includes the idea we are hitting hard in the backfield perhaps making them look over their shoulder, or maybe pause to think twice before they haul one in. (Oh yeah! #2 San Diego 38catches allowing 417yds)

Our O line gets kudos too. San Francisco came to Arrowhead Stadium with 12 sacks. The Chiefs had allowed seven in ONE game. Maybe they were afraid to try to give him time to go deep, or Huard would lose possibly lose his head!~ No more! This time the Chiefs kept quarterback Damon Huard unscathed. They protected him well enough the last three weeks to help him earn the #2 ranking as QB in the entire NFL!!! Hold on to your hats folks... he has a QB rating of 106.9!!!!

The new NFLs #4 rusher this week, Larry Johnson has compiled 74rushes for 295yds. With the bye week he has one game in hand on most of those above him. He is only 93 yards from the top of the heap!!! Number three is L. Tomlinson, the Charger has totalled in 77 rushes, 300yds. He also has a game in hand on those above.

Next weeks opponent is the Arizona Cardinals:
Will they be trouble for the defense? Can they somehow improve?
The Cardinals offense's performance Sunday paved the way for Leinharts debut next week.. The Cardinals just barely managed to move the ball. They rushed for only 31 yards on 25 attempts, gained only 187 total yards and committed four turnovers!

Heck we may get better!!!
here's their numbers:
Edgerrin James 20 rushes 41yds for a 2.10 average gain per carry.
Matt Leinart completed 5/8 passes for 49 yards. A 6.1 yds per completion average.

We may have a whole lotta fun sqeezing those numbers into our defensive schema.

Roll on Red Warriors!!!

Let me know what you think leave me a comment:

Kudos to King Carl, after the antics- its now time for some football.

Hey, Thank you Carl for not standing pat on a defensive line with a weak push up the middle. You, I am sure are promoting a new young turk with size and hopefully some decent leg drive. The veteran moves in the offseason were good. Rest assured. Now, young legs will offer a quick change of pace during these, our struggling times. Hey he has a wrestling background so that is good!
Anyway.
Good luck today Carl.
I know your guys will do the best they can. Hopefully the DE position will shine today. Hali will do well. On the other side, well, lets just say J Allen needs to have a great game. He owes the people of Kansas City for putting up with his foolish "stuff". That man will now have a little negative pressure to perform well. Lets see if it is in him. JA needs some time off- in rehab -and a stiff fine to boot!
Do the right thing.
Please.
You may not hear him but he is crying out for help.
Amen???



For all the others reading my blog today:


here is the story on Willliams published this morning.
http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2006/09/29/kansas_city_promotes_dt_stephen_williams_to_the_53man_roster/

Kansas City Promotes DT Stephen Williams to the 53-Man Roster
Sep 29, 2006, 4:12:15 PM

Kansas City Chiefs President Carl Peterson announced on Friday that the club has agreed to terms of a two-year contract with DT Stephen Williams. As per Chiefs policy, no other terms of the agreement were made available.

Williams (6-2, 306) originally joined the Chiefs as a rookie free agent this season and attended training camp with the club. He was released on September 2nd and added to the practice squad the next day where he spent the first three weeks of the season.

The Oak Park, Illinois native appeared in 17 games in two seasons (2004-05) at Northwest Missouri State, recording 83 tackles (42 solo), 10.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks (-9.0 yards), an interception and two passes defensed. He tallied 31 tackles (23 solo), 3.0 stops for loss, 1.5 sacks (-4.0 yards), three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble as a senior for the Bearcats. He spent two seasons (2000-01) at Indiana, appearing in 21 contests. Williams amassed 31 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and a sack for the Hoosiers.

Williams was an all-state performer at Bolingbrook High School in Bolingbrook, Illinois. He was also the state heavyweight wrestling champion.

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Kansagonian predicts KC over SF 23-20



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